Chapter 62: Meenakshi

Chapter 62: Meenakshi

** Some where in border area of Jaunpur kingdom and Bengal kingdom **

Under the scorching sun, Princess Meenakshi's caravan from the Vijayanagar Empire entered the Jaunpur Kingdom. As they crossed the border, the landscape began to drastically change.

The air was alive with the hum of activity as farmers tended to their crops with happiness, their faces radiant with the promise of a bountiful harvest. Princess Meenakshi, a 19-year-old girl wrapped in the disguise of a trader, watched in fascination as they passed by, marveling at the transformations taking place.

The Maratha chieftain, Omkar Bhosle, Chief of the Security Guard of the caravan, looked at the princess with a bewildered expression. "What happened, Your Highness? Something caught your interest," he inquired.

Turning to him, the princess replied, "Omkar Ji, just look at those people. Have you ever seen farmers in any area so happy?"

Omkar felt more troubled by the princess's question. "No, Princess. Even in the Gajapati Kingdom and bengal region, we didn't see anyone work with such a happy face. Perhaps something major has happened to this kingdom."

The princess smiled as she ventured further inside the territory, her curiosity piqued by the sight of the joyful farmers.

As Princess Meenakshi's caravan traversed the bustling streets of jaunpur kingdom, they garnered curious glances from the local populace. Disguised as merchants, they blended seamlessly into the crowd, their true identities concealed beneath layers of disguise.

In the bustling market square, amid the fragrant aroma of spices and the lively chatter of vendors, a disturbing scene unfolded before Princess Meenakshi and her group. Two burly villagers mercilessly beat a middle-aged man, their faces contorted with rage. Each blow he endured echoed through the marketplace, drawing gasps and murmurs from horrified onlookers.

The commotion attracted the attention of few guards patrolling nearby, prompting whispers among the crowd. "Look, the police have arrived," one bystander remarked. "But they're from the zamindar's faction. Will they listen to police?" another questioned.

Omkar Bhosle whispered urgently to the princess, "Your Highness, something doesn't feel right. We should leave this place."

Princess Meenakshi gestured for him to wait and replied calmly, "Let's wait a moment. If anything goes wrong, I am confident we can handle it."

As the guards approached, the assailants halted their attack, eyeing the approaching figures with caution. The apparent leader of the guards demanded, "What's happening here? Who dares to cause a commotion in public?"

A fat man stepped forward arrogantly, claiming responsibility. "I did. This man borrowed money from our lord and didn't paid," he asserted.

The bruised man retorted, "I've paid triple the amount, but he insists I owe interest."

The fat man retorted, "You shouldn't have borrowed money if you couldn't pay it back on time." He gestured to his hired companions, "Why did you all stop ? Beat him. We must teach him a lesson."

Hearing this, the guards sheathed their swords. "Do you dare to continue your recklessness while we are still present?" one of them warned. The hired men grew panicked, sensing the gravity of the situation.

But the fat man remained defiant. "You know who we are. I have the support of the local zamindar," he boasted, jabbing a finger toward the guard in charge. "Don't even dare to show me your authority."

'Crack'

In response, the guard swiftly twisted the fat man's finger, causing him to cry out in disbelief. "How dare you mock the police! Your petty noble has no jurisdiction over us. We have the authority of imperial decree to maintain security," the guard asserted sternly.

Ramya responded with a grin, "Isn't it obvious? It's me."

Amira pouted, "Don't be silly. He loves me more."

Ramya teased her, "Oh really? Has he ever kissed you?"

Amira felt a twinge of annoyance and retorted, "Yes, I've kissed him plenty of times."

Ramya pressed further, "Well, how does it feel then?"

Blushing at the thought, Amira replied, "Oh, stop it please," attempting to change the subject, "You know, once Aditya couldn't stop talking about how smooth my legs are after I let him feel them."

Ramya couldn't help but chuckle. "Just legs? Do you know what he did to me after he kissed me?"

Amira protested as she turned to other side, "Why would I want to know?"

Ramya teased, "Ah, you're just jealous."

Admitting her jealousy, Amira lowered her head in embarrassment, "Yes didi, I can't help but feel jealous. You have such a beautiful bosom."

Feeling a pang of guilt, Ramya reassured her, "Hey, Amira, don't underestimate yourself. You're just as wonderful as me. With time these pairs will also grow" She then hugged her after ruffling her hair to lighten the mood.

Grateful for the reassurance, Amira confessed as she turned back, "Thank you didi. Honestly, I was jealous of the attention Aditya gave you, but now that I know you, I can't help but respect you."

Ramya affectionately tousled her hair, "Silly girl, I already knew he loved you. But I couldn't help to fall for him and I love you too."

Amira's eyes sparkled with gratitude as she asked solemnly, "Didi, you have a big heart like your big chest, but what will we do if Aditya falls for someone else and leaves us?"

Ramya furrowed in thought, "What do you mean?"

Amira replied, "Aditya is a prince he can be with anyone and his personality is like a magnet. Wherever he goes, he wins everyone over. But what if someone else starts to like him and bewitch him away from us?" She hugged Ramya tightly, as if pouring out her inner thoughts, and continued, "I know you very well and can share him with you, but I can't trust the other person. What if she traps Aditya to take the wrong path"

Moved by Amira's words, Ramya replied, "Don't worry, choti (little one). We'll make sure Aditya feels so loved that he won't think of anyone else." She pinched Amira's cheeks and continued, "Do you think our prince would be so ignorant? If he really dares to leave us, won't we be there for each other?

Amira hesitated for a moment before playfully asking, "If you don't mind, can I touch them?" gesturing at Ramya's bosom.

Amused, Ramya teased back, "Sure, but my hands won't be empty either."

Ramya tickled Amira as Amira laughed and begged, "Stop, stop! No, stop! Okay, I won't touch."

In the midst of their playful banter, Amira and Ramya eventually drifted off to sleep, blissfully unaware of the events unfolding around them. Little did they know, the intruder they had discussed was indeed en route to Rewari from Jaunpur, their path destined to intersect in a matter of few weeks.