Holding the offering basket in her hands, Dhananjayi entered the temple.
The temple walls were adorned with intricate gold carvings. The floor was made of rare, precious stone. Inside, a small raised sanctum stood at the center, approached by a flight of steps.
Dhananjayi was observing all this when Swapneeli gently held her hand and urged her to look ahead.
As she did, her eyes fell upon the idol of the Ten-Armed Goddess.
The Goddess wore a magnificent crown studded with eight kinds of precious stones—diamonds, sapphires, rubies, emeralds, and many more. The royal family had adorned Her with exquisite golden ornaments.
Swapneeli whispered,
"Doesn't Mother look beautiful?"
Dhananjayi replied softly,
"That's exactly what I'm seeing."
Swapneeli glanced around, searching for the prince—but he was nowhere to be seen.
A large number of devotees had gathered in the temple. After a while, an announcement was made—the Rajmata was about to arrive.
Hearing this, hope lit up Swapneeli's heart.
Rajmata Dhriti entered the temple with her family. The crowd parted on both sides, creating a clear path as they walked toward the idol.
And then—Swapneeli saw him.
Advitiya.
Now she had to somehow let him know that she was here—but how?
---
The worship began.
The royal priest initiated the rituals. Rijuma and Rakthima had personally prepared the sacred offerings. Rakthima instructed the newlywed bride, Rupkatha,
"Daughter, take the plates of offerings one by one and place them there."
Rupkatha disliked doing any work. She often wondered why her father had married her into this family. Since arriving, she had not been able to rest peacefully even for a moment. Despite having countless attendants, she was made to work and follow rituals every day.
Reluctantly, she lifted the heavy trays.
But suddenly—
One of the bowls of sweet pudding slipped from her hands.
Before it could fall, Dhananjayi rushed forward, ignoring the guards, and caught it just in time.
Rijuma took the bowl from her and said,
"Thank you so much."
Pulling her veil lower, Dhananjayi folded her hands and said,
"It was my duty."
Rajmata Dhriti turned to Rupkatha and said sternly,
"Where was your mind, child?"
Rupkatha lowered her head.
"Forgive me, Rajmata. I don't know how it slipped…"
Dhriti said,
"This could have caused a great mishap during the Goddess's worship."
Rupkatha apologized again.
King Shekharendu intervened,
"Mother, let it be. This woman saved us from disruption in the ritual. Let us not delay further."
---
The worship resumed.
King Shekharendu turned to the disguised Dhananjayi and said,
"O bride, we are grateful to you."
Dhananjayi replied calmly,
"It is everyone's duty. I only helped when it was needed."
Shekharendu smiled,
"Still, tell me—what do you wish for?"
Before she could answer, Swapneeli quickly spoke,
"She is my elder sister. We were hoping to offer our prayers from the front."
Shekharendu nodded.
"Of course."
The guards cleared the way, and the two sisters stepped forward to offer prayers.
But Swapneeli's focus was far from devotion—her eyes were fixed on Advitiya.
---
The temple echoed with drums and music.
Dancers arrived and began performing in the central hall while the sacred rituals continued. Rupkatha and Swarnendu sat near the sacred fire, offering oblations.
The entire gathering resounded with chants praising the Goddess and the royal family.
Dhananjayi watched everything quietly from behind her veil.
---
Rajmata Dhriti called Advitiya forward.
Seeing him, Swapneeli instinctively moved toward him—but Dhananjayi grabbed her hand and whispered,
"What are you doing?"
Swapneeli realized she could not act freely while her sister was watching.
But she thought,
How long will we even stay here? The worship will end soon… I must speak to him somehow.
---
As the rituals continued, the atmosphere became even more vibrant with music, chants, and devotion.
Then—
Seizing the moment, Swapneeli deliberately collided with Advitiya.
Advitiya said politely,
"Forgive me, I didn't realize you were behind me."
The basket in Swapneeli's hands almost fell, but Advitiya caught it and handed it back.
In that brief moment, Swapneeli lifted her veil slightly, revealing her face.
Advitiya was startled.
Taking advantage of his surprise, she discreetly slipped a letter into his hand and walked away.
---
After the rituals ended, food was being served to the devotees.
Everyone sat down to eat, including Swapneeli and Dhananjayi.
Dhananjayi said,
"Once we're done, we'll leave. The palanquin, horses, and soldiers are all waiting."
Swapneeli nodded silently.
Her mind was elsewhere—
Advitiya didn't respond… does that mean he doesn't like me?
Just then, a voice interrupted her thoughts—
"Mother, may I serve you food?"
Looking up, Swapneeli froze.
It was Advitiya—disguised.
He smiled at her.
As he served food onto her plate, he secretly slipped a letter into her hand.
---
(To be continued…)
---