Dhananjayi and Swapneeli began their journey back to their kingdom.
Swapneeli carefully kept Advitiya's letter with her. She was certain that after seeing her beauty, Advitiya would surely come to her. Now she only longed to return to her chamber and read the words of the man she loved.
Through letters, the bond between Swapneeli and Advitiya grew stronger.
One day, a letter arrived—Advitiya would meet her at the Radha-Ballav temple.
That very night, when the entire kingdom of Sumedh was deep in sleep, Princess Swapneeli quietly slipped out. Evading the guards and soldiers, she made her way beyond the palace, into the dark forest leading to the temple.
Though the darkness frightened her, the thought of meeting Advitiya erased all fear.
As she neared the temple, suddenly—a figure leapt before her.
Swapneeli froze in terror.
"Who… who are you?"
The man was cloaked entirely in black.
Suddenly, she remembered—the same figure had appeared once before, when they had first come to this temple. Back then too, he had tried to abduct her.
Was she about to be kidnapped now?
Trembling, she pleaded,
"Please don't take me away… let me go…"
She clasped her hands, shaking in fear, silently praying and remembering her sister.
If only Didi were here… no danger would come near me…
Closing her eyes, she began to cry.
Moments passed.
She realized—the man hadn't touched her.
Had he left?
Slowly opening her eyes, she saw—he was still there.
Then he removed the cloth from his face.
A sudden glow of joy lit up her face.
It was Advitiya.
Smiling, he said,
"Princess, you seem terribly frightened."
With a hint of complaint in her voice, she replied,
"You appeared like that out of nowhere—wouldn't anyone be scared?"
Advitiya stepped closer.
"What is there to fear? I am here."
Swapneeli smiled.
Advitiya asked,
"Now tell me, Princess—why did you wish to meet me?"
Swapneeli replied softly,
"For no reason… just like that."
Advitiya leaned slightly closer.
"Is that so?"
Swapneeli smiled shyly.
"Then you tell me—why do you think I called you?"
Advitiya said gently,
"You do realize that our kingdoms are enemies."
Swapneeli nodded.
"I know… but can this enmity never end? Can it not be resolved?"
Advitiya replied,
"It can be resolved—but neither side wishes to bow down. Pride stands in the way."
Swapneeli slowly reached out and touched his hand.
"Prince… if I ever marry, it will be you. Since childhood, I have dreamt of a husband like you—brave, fearless, and noble. That day, at the lake… your voice entered the temple of my heart. I have treasured it ever since. I decided then—if I marry, it will be you alone. Even if you were a commoner, I would still choose you."
Advitiya listened, then said,
"I understand everything, Princess. But will your family accept this?"
Swapneeli replied confidently,
"That responsibility is yours. You must find a way to take me to your kingdom."
Advitiya smiled slightly.
"That will require some thought. But you too must do something."
Swapneeli asked eagerly,
"What must I do?"
Advitiya paused.
"I will tell you later. For now, let me escort you back."
He took her on his horse and safely escorted her part of the way.
From then on, they continued meeting secretly, hidden from everyone.
---
Later, Riddhim entered Advitiya's chamber.
"Brother, did you call me?"
He noticed Advitiya deep in thought, a map spread out before him.
Stepping closer, Riddhim realized—it was a map of the Sumedh kingdom.
Surprised, he asked,
"Brother… what is all this? This is Sumedh's map!"
Advitiya gestured for silence.
"I see a crack in the fortress of Sumedh… and soon, that kingdom will belong to Durgavati."
Riddhim asked,
"How is that possible?"
Advitiya smiled coldly.
"Princess Swapneeli of Sumedh has drowned in the river of my love. That is why we meet again and again. Listen carefully—no one must know about this. At the right time, I will speak of this to Father."
Riddhim asked,
"About your marriage?"
Advitiya laughed softly.
"To make the princess of Amravart bow at my feet. First, we will attack Sumedh—silently. King Marg will never realize how the fire of Durgavati entered through the cracks of his fortress."
---
Meanwhile, in the kingdom of Sumedh, the Nabanna festival was being celebrated.
Farmers rejoiced as the new harvest filled their granaries. Homes were filled with the aroma of freshly prepared sweets—rice cakes and kheer.
On this day, the king himself would buy new rice from every farmer.
In Dhananjayi's home, her mother had lovingly prepared pithas and kheer.
Dhananjayi brought those delicacies to the palace, wanting to share them with her sister.
Swapneeli was delighted to see them. But just as she was about to eat—
Queen Bhargavi knocked the plate from her hand.
"Dhananjayi, do not feed my daughter food prepared by your mother."
Angered, Swapneeli protested,
"Mother, do not behave like this. My elder mother prepared this with her own hands. Food should never be disrespected—especially on a day like today."
Bhargavi scoffed,
"You seem to care a lot for your 'elder mother'."
Swapneeli replied firmly,
"She is my mother too."
Picking up the fallen food, she said to Dhananjayi,
"Come, Didi. Let's go to the garden and eat together."
Bhargavi watched them leave with burning anger.
---
That evening, King Marg joined the farmers' celebration. Fires were lit, and people danced around them in joy.
Meanwhile, Advitiya was planning his attack.
Disguised as a soldier, he secretly entered Swapneeli's chamber that night.
At first startled, Swapneeli soon smiled in admiration.
"You are quite clever!"
Advitiya replied,
"How else could one fall in love with the daughter of his enemy?"
Swapneeli smiled shyly.
"That is true."
---
At the same time, six spies had entered the kingdom along with Advitiya. Some were disguised as soldiers within the palace itself.
That very night—
Fires broke out.
Fields burned. Granaries burned. Homes of farmers were engulfed in flames.
A dark shadow fell upon the kingdom.
All the crops were reduced to ashes.
And soon… the royal treasury began to feel the strain.
---
(To be continued…)
---