"What kind of girl is she? Who faints at her own wedding like this?"

"I think it's because this wedding is happening against her will. Don't you know, Rajkumar Sahdev kidnapped her? Maybe that's why she's so distressed."

"But still. The girl seems so disoriented. Which princess behaves like that?"

"The one with a pure heart and innocent mind." It was Rajkumari Draupadi who interrupted the conversation of two queens from neighbouring Kingdom.
"Rajkumari Vijaya has been through a lot lately. She has to accustomed herself with a lot of changes these days. Maybe that made her a little bit nervous and stressed. There's nothing to worry about. Her family is always here to support her." Draupadi added with a polite and confident smile.

The queens shared a glance before one of them said, "We can understand. But this incident should not have happened at such an auspicious time, don't you think?"

"You're right. We should have been more careful at taking care of our new family member. But there's nothing to worry about. Just like bhrata Sahdev saved her this time, he will always be there for her." Draupadi replied and moved away after biding them.

************

Nakul glanced at Sahdev to find him sitting on the couch with a gloomy expression. He could see his brother's disappointment, irritation and anger. And why not? He was mortified and humiliated because of Vijaya at none other than their wedding day. Even now, Yudhisthir, Bheem and Arjun were trying to smooth out the situation outside.

While Vijaya was falling, Sahdev had reacted quickly before she hit the ground and caught her in his arms. Devika and Draupadi had rushed to the Mandap to find Vijaya had fainted. She was quickly taken inside and everyone remained tense until the Vaiyd said that she fainted out of stress and there's nothing to worry about as she would be fine in a while.

However, this incident had created quite a ruckus. Kidnapping a Rajkumari was not against Dharma, but forcing her in an unwanted marriage was. And Vijaya seemed clearly unhappy and unwilling to marry Sahdev. The priests who were conducting the ceremony seemed despondent and reluctant to proceed. Rajguru Cetaka had requested an audience with Yudhisthir. The guests were whispering their multiple opinions and concerns. And at this moment, Nakul was cursing himself for suggesting a wedding of grandeur. Who knew Vijaya would be so stressed and scared by all this?!

"Sahdev ---" Nakul started to say something only to get interrupted by him.

"Do you remember what you said this morning?" Sahdev met his eyes sharply. Nakul remembered well and so he couldn't hold his brother's gaze.

"You said to stop looking at her like a victim whom I need to protect. You said there's no such a thing as compatibility. You said to look at her as a woman instead of a poor weak girl." Sahdev repeated calmly.

"Sahdev---"

"No." He interrupted again. "You were wrong. She is a poor weak girl that I need to protect. The woman in my life have never been this much fragile. Neither our mother nor my sister-in-laws. And maybe I would have chosen someone a little more confident and courageous for myself given the opportunity. Not a victim I need to protect and worry about at each and every step. Because that's what Vijaya is. A victim of her own insecurities and fear."

Sahdev turned to leave the chamber after saying so, only to stop seeing Karna standing there. He couldn't hold his eldest brother's gaze as he saw displeasure and disapproval clearly in them.

"So? Is this what you think about the woman you're marrying?" Karna stated in a cold voice. Sahdev didn't reply or defend himself. His stubborn eyes remained elsewhere.
"A poor weak victim that needs protection. Not a confident, courageous one like you would have preferred."

"Jyesth, Sahdev didn't mean ----" Nakul tried to intervene as he could clearly see the anger behind Karna's calmness. But he stopped as Karna raised a hand gesturing while his gaze remained fixed on Sahdev.
"Call Yudhisthir. Now."

Nakul gave a concerned look at his twin before leaving the chamber to do as his brother ordered.

"Who do you think you are Sahdev? And exactly what protection have you provided to that poor weak victim?" Karna asked calmly. Sahdev remained silent only.
"I have never talked or met Rajkumari Vijaya personally. But even I can understand how much traumatic experiences she has faced. And you? Instead of helping her in overcoming those fears, you're judging her!"

"She isn't alone here. Mata and bhabishrees' have given her constant support and guidance. Indraprasth has welcomed her warmly. She has been given enough time to cope. Is it too wrong to expect that she at least fulfill the rituals of our marriage properly without creating a scene?" Sahdev replied in a defensive tone.

"No. Absolutely not. It is not too much to ask. But excuse her for not getting the proper upbringing and freedom that she was entitled to, for not forgetting that she was abused just a few weeks before, for getting blamed and accused for the actions she had no control over. Excuse her a little!" Karna said in agitation.
"We all have fears and insecurities inside us Sahdev. You, me, everyone. The difference is some of them are removed with time and courage, and some remain for longer. All you need to do is to have some patience and show some support."

"Support! When have I not been supportive? Even though I never intended to marry a girl like her, I brought her here. So, I could support and protect her. I also do have my own insecurities and fear regarding this marriage. But I am showing courage and being supportive to her. Neither my hands shook while holding hers during Panigrahanam, nor did I stumble once."

"Sahdev!?" The surprised voice of Yudhisthir rang through the chamber drawing their attention to the two men standing at the doorway. The other one occupying him was Vasudev Krishna.

"Sahdev, I know you do have some doubts regarding this marriage. But do not blame Vijaya for something that she can't control." Yudhisthir said coming closer to his youngest brother.

"I'm not blaming her bhrata. It is my destiny. I accept it as such. I'm just reminded what responsibility I have taken upon myself." Sahdev replied gloomily.

"And he is neither ready nor willing to take that responsibility." Karna stated stiffly.

"If you think so Jyesth, who am I to defy the truth!" Sahdev replied in defeat.

Yudhisthir looked concerned and Karna's displeasure was clear in his face, while Krishna held no expression on his face. Sahdev left the chamber giving a last glance to them.

"What have happened to him?!" Yudhisthir whispered to particularly no one.

"He is feeling pressurized and helpless." Krishna spoke this time.
"Bikalp. Rajkumar Sahdev ko pratit hota hai ki koyi bikalp nehi hai unke paas. Ki unse bikalp hi chinn liya gaya hai. Aur yeahi unke hatasa ka karan bhi hai.
(Option. Rajkumar Sahdev thinks he doesn't have any option. That he was deprived of options. And that is the cause of his frustration too.)"

"So, what is the option then Vasudev?"

**†*******†**

"What are you saying Arya?!" Devika gasped as Yudhisthir told her the decision that had been taken.

"This is for the best Davika. This is the only option we have left." Yudhisthir replied.

"But Arya, how can this be! What about the customs and traditions?!"

"Those are not more important than the happiness of the two. And we are not breaking any custom."

"What will everyone say? What will Vijaya think? What if she thinks we are insulting or disregarding her?"

"Everything will be fine Davika. Don't worry. Just prepare for it." Yudhisthir said with finality and left to attend the wedding that was soon to be resumed.

******

"The wedding is completed. Take the blessings of your elders." The priest announced.

Sahdev and Vijaya got up and went to Rajmata Kunti at first.
After the little incident, the wedding resumed as Vijaya was feeling fine. But her nervousness and guilt increased only. What had she done! She was severely mortified and scared to face anyone. Even Devika and Valandhara's assurance wasn't enough to reduce her uncontrollable sobs. It was only after Rajmata Kunti herself consoled the naive girl that she calmed down and listened to their wise words.
This time after coming outside she couldn't up her head at all to face anyone and she didn't have the courage to look at Sahdev. Needless to say, the atmosphere wasn't as light and joyous as before. Everyone tried to appear normal while the underlined tension hang heavily in the air.

And now after taking the blessings of everyone silently, Vijaya was taken inside by Devika again while Yudhisthir called all the family members for a private conversation.

On the other hand, Devika sat with Vijaya and fidgeted thinking how to tell her this. Was there really a way to inform her about this gently?!

"Maharani, we have packed all the belongings of Rajkumari Vijaya as you ordered." A dasi informed Devika, successfully breaking the heavy silence that had engulfed them.

Vijaya upped her lowered head and shifted her eyes from the dasi to Maharani Devika. Why had she ordered to pack her things? Devika noticed the questioning look of Vijaya and finally opened her mouth after taking a deep breath.

"You're going to Dwarka with Gopala."

Vijaya's eyes widened with surprise and dread.

"Vijaya, please listen to me before reaching any conclusion." Devika hurried to explain.
"Whatever happened today at the Mandap, one thing is clear after that. And that is, you're not yet prepared to accept all the sudden changes that occurred. Vijaya, we know you have been through a lot and we all are ready to support and guide you. But it is only time which can really heal your wounds. You've lost everything and gained a whole new life. It's not easy to accept and cope with everything. And pressurizing you into a new relationship, isn't going to make it any easier."

Vijaya's eyes seemed unfocused as Devika continued.
"We are only giving you time to heal and accept everything. If you stay here, you won't be able to relax and feel uncomfortable. You'll be nervous and scared about making mistakes. And the stress won't be good for your health. We only want to see you happy and glowing Vijaya. That's why this decision was taken to send you away for sometime. And you already know and trust Gopala. He will take good care of you. So, we thought it best to send you at Dwarka only."

Devika completed and waited anxiously to see Vijaya's reaction. Surprisingly, she didn't reacted at all and sat just like before with unfocused eyes.

"Vijaya?" Devika called slowly after some moments.

"Do Deva---I mean Arya, know about this?" She asked finally. Devika shifted her eyes elsewhere as she heard the question.

"Bhrata Sahdev is your husband now. And any decision regarding you cannot be taken without his consent." She replied after a moment.

"And what about my consent? Do I not get to have any say?" Vijaya asked in a whisper.

"Of course, you do have right to say otherwise." Devika replied instantly.

"But my things are already packed Maharani." Vijaya said with a sad smile while meeting her eyes with her watery ones. Devika stared at her for a few moments before standing up and coming closer to her.

"If you don't want to go, then you won't have to. And those are not the words of Indraprasth's Maharani, but the promise of your Jiji." Devika said keeping an assuring hand on her shoulder.

A lone tear slipped from Vijaya's eyes as she stared at Devika. But she quickly wiped the tear and took a deep breath for steeling herself.

"No. I will go. I will leave Indraprasth." She said nodding her head with determination. "Can I request you to do something for me?"

Devika's heart was burning for her. Vijaya was such a soft-spoken, childish and innocent girl. No one can help but get fond of her easily. If it was upto herself, she would never let Vijaya leave. But at these situations, she didn't know what was right or wrong exactly.

"Anything. Anything you want Dhitika."

****††****

"Rajkumar, pardon me. But Maharani is here to meet you." The guard informed Sahdev. He nodded signalling him to grant Devika entry.

After the wedding was completed, Sahdev went out for a stroll taking his horse. He didn't need to attend the family meeting that Yudhisthir held to inform everyone about Vijaya's departure. He already had enough discussion to last him a lifetime. When Yudhisthir came to him with this suggestion, he didn't know what to think at first. Sending his new bride to another kingdom right after their marriage, sounded wrong. He didn't want to do any injustice to her. But was it right to keep her around just so no injustice would fall upon her? They both needed time to compose themselves. Ultimately, what would become of this relationship if they were unable to sort out their own feelings? 

Sahdev knew he needed some space. And Vijaya? She needed to find herself first. She needed to come out of her shell. Maybe then they could have a somewhat normal relation. He only hoped Dwarka would be good for her. He trusted his cousin and his family to take proper care of her. Besides, Vijaya seemed rather close to Vasudev as they knew each other for a long time.

And now, after spending quite some time outside the palace, Sahdev returned and retired to his chamber, not wishing to face anyone. He had not been there to bid farewell to Vijaya. What could he have possibly said to her? He knew it was wrong. He should have been there assuring her. But he just couldn't bring himself to do it.

"Where have you been when she left?!" Devika asked the question unsurprisingly as soon as she entered.

"I needed some fresh air." Sahdev replied solemnly.

"Or you were hiding from her." Devika commented with a frown.

"It must be something important since you came here at this hour." Sahdev said instead.

"Yes. She left. But before leaving, she gave something to me. She wanted me to hand over that to you." Devika replied after staring at him for long moments. "Apparently she knew you won't be there to bid her. And she was relieved."

Sahdev seemed unfazed by her words and took the scroll Devika held out for him. It was a letter. From his wife.

"Thank you." He said politely dismissing Devika. She looked at him sadly before turning to leave but Sahdev's voice stopped her.

"Bhabi Maa?"

It was rare that Sahdev called her that. Only a few times had she heard him calling her that.

"I tried to do right by her. I swear."

Devika again turned to face him.

"I know bhrata Sahdev. I know you weren't wrong. Nor was she. I just wish things were different." Devika said softly.

As Devika left, Sahdev sat in the silence of his chamber staring at the letter in his hand. It was proving to be difficult to open the letter for him. He dreaded what might he find in it.

Outside the sky had darkened and darkness fell around him. Still he sat. Sat with the unopened letter. Sat until it was almost the time of brahmamuhrut.

And finally standing up, he put the letter in a secured box.

Still unopened.

**************

Hello lovely readers!!!

I know you must be feeling very disappointed/ angry at Sahdev. But not every love story starts with an eye lock and immediate attraction, right?

The thing is Sahdev would have done the same thing if it was anyone at Vijaya's place. And Vijaya has faced harassment, past revelation, people's criticism, sudden changes all at once. And when a soft naive heart is hurt, it takes time to adjust.

Well, now I know you are waiting for more exciting things to come and you want to see other couples more than SahJaya.

It'll all come at due chapters. No need to give me reminders lovelies. 🙂

As this book is not based on any single character or couple, everyone will shine at their own time. 😉

Happy reading and stay tuned!