After finishing dinner Samudra lazily sat down. Tanisi sat down to have her dinner. Samudra kept staring at her. Tanisi wasn't noticing Samudra. The scene of Samudra playing with Vishwa's daughter was rerunning in Tanisi's mind. She smiled remembering him spoiling her. Samudra too smiled seeing her. Suddenly she choked on her food and started coughing. Samudra immediately went to the kitchen and got her a tumbler of water.
Samudra: "Where were you lost? You even forgot to chew food and breathe? What were you smiling at?"
Tanisi: "Nothing my Lord. Was remembering Pragati's baby. She is adorable.." Tanisi gushed.
Samudra: "The way you looked at the child made me jealous of her."
Tanisi was surprised to hear this. Was he admitting it so openly?
Samudra: "I do so much to get your attention. All the baby had to do was get into your arms.. Or may be I too should try that.."
Tanisi blushed furiously. Unable to face him she looked away.
Tani
Tanisi and Samudra and his body guards left for the capital leaving behind the army contigent for protection of Naksha and the new born. Pragati and her child too stayed back to give company to the new mother.The journey back was quick and smooth. Samudra was very happy to see Tanisi riding her horse deftly. It was his spare horse which he had lent to Tanisi. Samudra was now confident that Tanisi was trained enough to take care of herself. He wanted to continue her lessons in warfare so that she would become an expert in combat.After reaching the Royal Palace, Vishwa set out to make arrangements for the arrival of Naksha.Tanisi went back to her chamber and was pleased to be at a familiar place which felt like home.The rainy season was already over and the sun was shining warmly. Moderners were now enthusiastic to settle down doing work that they enjoyed.She noticed the absence of Bhavya and Padma. Atul had mastered the art of making jewellery
Samudra's eyes softened as he reluctantly let go of her. She hurried downstairs as though her life depended on that. Samudra laughed lightly at her reaction. But in their hearts they both cherished this moment.Tanisi happily went towards the arena and started with her sword practice. After a while, she was completely exhausted and was sweating profusely. Wiping her sweat off with her uttareeya, she fanned herself with it for sometime and then went to pick up her bow to practice archery. This training was giving her a good feeling. She felt home again and her memory drifted back to when she had first met Samudra here. How she had mastered hitting the bulls eye and how she had challenged him and subsequently learnt from him too. This elated her spirits and she started training with gusto.Meanwhile, Samudra took Shourya along with him for a walk in his gardens. He had wanted to meet him alone and in person. Bhavya had excused herself to meet the moderners in the Old Pal
Samudra was now in a fix. He had to keep Tanisi away from the wedding. He had known of Shyamala's intention of making Tanisi a maid-servant for her would-be husband who was known for his fetish for women. But now it would hurt Tanisi's pride if he prohibited her from attending the wedding. And with Bhavya getting married Tanisi would naturally question him why she shouldn't attend the wedding. And if she attends then King Amartya would surely notice her and ask her as his maid servant which Samudra would have to fulfil as dowry. He knew Shyamala had particularly kept this demand that he fulfil the people part of dowry which meant that any demands for men/women is to be fulfilled by Nishantha as Krita desha was too small a kingdom for that.Samudra now saw how calculative Shyamala was and was actually thanking his stars for not making her his wife. But he had to think of a way to keep Tanisi away from the wedding.He came back to his chambers but hunger and sleep eluded
Samudra quietly entered Tanisi's chambers behind her. She showed him in and made him sit and knelt down before him and said, "My Lord. I don't myself know why Atul behaved like that. He was always polite and decent with me. It probably was an accident. He came and knocked on my door.. Many a times he does that and then hides. When I try finding him he scares me. He didn't mean to kiss me... Word is that he and Varidhi love each other and would marry soon. Please believe me there is nothing between me and him..."Samudra was silent. He saw her efforts to convince him. It was now clear to him that she loved him. What he thought of her mattered to her. But he had to use this situation to both of their advantage. He said with a threateningly low voice, "Is there nothing going on between the two of you, I need proof... You would set out tomorrow evening to Naksha's place and take care of her till Prapta returns. Pragati has to return to Vishwa. I don't care what he thinks about yo
Tanisi went back to her hut and stayed there. Padma was still around. She had heard of Tanisi being driven out of the Capital and was relieved that she wouldn't enjoy proximity with the Emperor. Padma ensured everyone in the camp knew about this. Everyone around behaved as though Tanisi didn't exist. And behind her back commented on every aspect of hers. Some couldn't believe she did anything bad and refrained from everything. Naksha was noticing all this secretly and she became very protective of Tanisi. Pradyumna had come down with Tanisi for protecting her. Padma was furious at him. They had innumerable fights as Pradyumna wasn't supposed to reveal that he was on Emperor's duty. To the onlookers he was Tanisi's friend and hence protected her.A fortnight since Tanisi came to Naksha Vishwa came down with a message for Naksha regarding Tanisi. She had been informed of the ploy and asked to play along. But she was also rerfrained from revealing anything to Tanisi who unfortun
Samudra reached Tanisi's hut followed by her. She was quiet, and did not utter a word. She went ahead and opened the door ushering him in. Samudra found her body language distant. She behaved as though he was a stranger. He sighed and sat down at the place shown to him by her.She gave him a little water to drink. All through this time he kept observing her and didn't like the changes he saw in her. He asked, "How have you been Tanisi?"Tanisi: "I am doing good Your Highness.."Samudra: "You don't want to talk about your ordeal isn't it? I know that people have been treating you very badly. The rumour has spread everywhere. But I hope you haven't lost your trust in me.."Tanisi: "Please don't worry about me your Highness, I know my place.."Samudra: "And where is that?"Tanisi looked at him and couldn't answer. It was as though her tongue was not in her control. She opened her mouth and closed it a few times trying to say something but the w
Samudra entered the hut, washing his hands and feet sat down while Tanisi got busy preparing food. Samudra had nothing to do hence he kept watching Tanisi who initially fumbled due to his attention but slowly became engrossed. It was a lovely scene to lose oneself. Soon the aroma of delicious food filled the hut. Samudra’s mouth started watering given that he was starving.Quickly Tanisi spread the dishes and beckoned him for dinner. He ate to his hearts content and Tanisi was satisfied to see things slowly back to normal. The moment was peaceful, but little did they know the storm that was brewing.After having food Samudra lazily lied down on Tanisi’s bed lost in his thoughts. He was exhausted emotionally. The days spent in her absence were a punishment for him. He wanted her to be around him always. He was getting concerned as it appeared, he
Tanisi came across the news that Atul had moved out and bought a place of his own. She was astonished. She had expected him to be punished for misbehaving with her. But it looked as though she had suffered while his business had flourished indicating that he never received any punishment. This left her angry. As usual, the next day she went to Samudra’s chambers to handle the accounts. But instead of diligently working as she always did, she sat cross legged with her arms folded with eyes spitting fire. Samudra who was in a better mood came into his chamber. He sat opposite to her on the table and was about to start his work when he saw her angry. His eyes softened for a moment before turning mischievous. Samudra: “My lady, you seem angry. What happened?” Tanisi: “Tell me is it fair if a person who is in fact a victim is punished while the perpetrator is not only unpunished
Tanisi snuggled up to him. Samudra was extremely happy, but was still not willing to let go of punishing Tanisi. He kept thinking and suddenly a wicked idea propped up into his head.He loosened his embrace and looked into her eyes by lifting her chin up with his index finger and said, " My Love, what a wonderful day today is. I got to play naughty around you early morning, got into an adventure, and now got a love confession. Hmmm... Very good. However, as you said nobody should misuse power. Hence, you too cannot forego your punishment. You dared to defy me again, forgetting I am the Emperor of the Land. How dare you ignore me? You should have praised my efforts, instead you thanked God; you should have followed me back to check if I was hurt or if I needed anything, you didn't. On top of it, you joined hands with Naksha to make me feel envious and stood cuddling Bahu?! I think I have been too lenient towards you. Before I fell in love with you, Naksha didn't dare to play a
Tanisi, opened and closed her mouth few times. Words forsake her. She was not able to think coherently due to the panic that rose in her earlier and now the embarrassment of pouring her heart out. Samudra: "Calm down Tanisi. Tell me what you wanted to talk about." Tanisi suddenly felt as though her thoughts had strung together. She spoke. Tanisi: "I wanted to talk about two things. First about Pradyumna and Naksha." Samudra was so disappointed, his face said it all. He had hoped she would speak about what he wanted to hear so desperately. But he quickly regained his composure and looked keenly at her as though saying go ahead. Tanisi: "I think Pradyumna likes Naksha. I don't know how it is in your society. But you asked her to move on which I suppose indicates she can remarry. Am I correct?" Samudra: "Yes, you are correct and that is what I meant. I saw Pradyumna's smile being warm towards her. I realized he probably loves her. Naksha
Samudra went back to his Palace and took a bathe to clean the sweat and dirt off. He summoned the Royal doctor who told him Tanisi was now fine with a smug smile on his face. Samudra still had a stern expression on his face. He came down to look where she was. He now had the doctor's permission to break his abstinence. He wanted a reward for his daring act for the day from his beloved wife. He came near the discussion hall to find Naksha dressing Pradyumna and Tanisi... wait, what!? Tanisi was cuddling Bahu and kissing the child's chubby cheeks!! Samudra was now enraged. Tanisi and Naksha had their back towards Samudra, but Pradyumna was facing him and he saw the emperor. He slightly bowed his head upon seeing Samudra who acknowledged it and then with a smirk winked at the handsome husband of Tanisi. Samudra understood there was something fishy and soon realized that this was a deliberate attempt to make him jealous. He smiled a victorious smile and once agai
After Padma's incident, Tanisi felt very confused. She didn't know how relevant her feud was with Samudra. But she also felt she shouldn't be lenient towards him. The way she ended up marrying him was not ethical. She wanted to ensure Samudra doesn't twist laws to suit him and wanted this to be a lesson for him. She continued to maintain distance with him but respectfully. Samudra noticed that she had gone back to her original ways, but was still aloof from him. He didn't force her. Slowly Tanisi resumed her war practices. She started to learn more about spying from Naksha as well. During this time Pradyumna was elevated in levels in Samudra's army. He started to frequent the Palace along with Balabhadra the commander-in-chief of Samudra's army. Samudra missed Shourya greatly. He once joked with Tanisi, that he should probably annexe Kritadesha so that he can have Shourya back as his army's commander-in-chief. Tanisi retorted, "Just because you got me through
Samudra:"If you don't want me to punish them I won't force you Padma, but you should atleast reveal the names of the people who did that." Kumuda was now too distraught she kneeled down on her knees and said, "Please my Lord I don't want to relive my ordeal. Can we please stop this here?" She was breathing heavily and was behaving as though her life depended on it. Samudra looked at Tanisi and asked Naksha to come out from her place. Both of them had a shocked expression on their faces. Kumuda looked around and was puzzled as to why Naksha was hidden. Naksha: "What did you say your name was again? I couldn't remember sorry." Kumuda: "Who are you and why should I say my name to you?" Tanisi: "Even I forgot your name. Can you say your name again. Offlate my memory seems to be playing tricks on me." Kumuda: "Kumuda.. My name is Kumuda." Naksha was now enraged. She walked towards her and stood staring at her face. Kum
After breakfast, Samudra took Tanisi to meet Naksha who told them about Bhavabhooti's murder. He was fed up of the hatred he received everywhere he went. Everyone knew how he had tried to trick the Emperor. He had been to a Kaingitya mask maker to get a mask and change his identity to eke out a living. Kaingitya guards had recognised him as the spy from Nishantha. Afraid that their current ruler would be lenient to him, they had hacked him to death. The gruesome details of the incident disturbed Tanisi. She said, "If this is the case, then Padma also must have found it very difficult" Naksha: "Your heart still goes out for her Tanisi? What are you made up of? She put you through so much and yet you are thinking of how she would survive? Well strange news is there is no news about her whereabouts at all!" Suddenly Samudra looked at her as though she had provided him with the solution for a great problem. Samudra: "Naksha, do you know if Bhavabhoo
She regained her composure and was now ashamed at her behavior. She lowered her head and breaking free from his embrace, she dressed his wound. Samudra looked at her lovingly. She caught sight of this and didn't know how to react. She got up and simply left the place. Samudra sat down. He then decided to take his horse "Ativega"(Ati - too, Vega - Fast) out with him for sometime. He shared a very strong bond with his horse and always felt consoled in its presence. He changed his clothes and went downstairs. He heard Tanisi's voice, she was playing with Naksha's child Bhadrabahu. Bahu could now walk and he loved playing blindfold. Samudra walked upto the place where they were playing. The child noticed him and ran to him. Samudra picked him up and caressed him. Tanisi who was blindfolded kept calling Bahu's name. Samudra was reminded of the time when he had rescued her. She was blindfolded then too. A smile crept up on his lips at the naughtiness he had exhibited towards her.&
Tanisi was tied down by Samudra. He wouldn't let her out of sight. He wasn't going to let her go anywhere. Tanisi's poisoning was wreaking havoc. At one point she could think clearly and see that the said events had a long timeline and that Samudra genuinely loved her. But most of the times her thoughts were a chaos and she remembered the past more clearly when compared to recent events making her hate herself.Samudra had seen her mood swings. The Royal Doctor had prescribed another medicine to help her heal quickly. This was prepared and sent by the doctor himself instead of allowing the royal chefs to prepare it.Kumuda was kept under watch without her knowledge. She still sent medicines thinking that Tanisi was consuming it. In some days Naksha requested Tanisi and Samudra to give her audience.Even though Tanisi had toned her attacks down, the relation between her and Samudra had greatly soured. The doctor had told Samudra in private that, she w
Samudra went to his chambers. He found Tanisi relaxing on the swing. He smiled gently at her and asked how she felt now. She looked at him sadly and said, she doesn't feel very well. Just then Naksha asked for his permission to enter. Samudra: "Naksha, what would I do without you! Thanks for bringing this issue to my notice before Tanisi could have been hurt more." Naksha: "Samrat, my intention was to make you scold your heavenly beautiful wife!! But I was shocked to see what she has gone through. Tanisi, I am sorry for having bullied you!" Samrat: "Well I have a task for you, after announcing that, I request our Samrajni(Empress) to punish you for bullying her." Tanisi laughed heartily at their banter which instantly lightened her mood. Samudra: "Naksha, I have a doubt that Kumuda is someone I know. Her story seems too farfetched to be true. For one, Padmanabha (Royal cook) has a particular timetable. For him to find her j