The knocking on the door had by now turned into pounding. Exasperated, he got up and walked towards the door.
He opened the door and Kritika dashed in. She hugged Vijay screaming ‘Congratulations’ and then ran to Jane. She hugged her tight, shouting, “I'm so happy! Congratulations! Show me the ring, show me the ring.”
“You are the most annoying sister ever! Do you know that? I had to hurry through my proposal because of you. You were listening at the door, weren’t you, shameless creature?” Vijay threw a throw pillow at her.
“Of course, I was. I wouldn’t have missed it for anything in the world,” said Kritika, dodging the pillow and flashing a wicked grin at them.
Jane giggled.
“Wait… Vijay, don’t you want to meet the original lovers who were in a way the reason you met again? And you both should thank father for setting this all up expertly.”
“Daniel and great-aunt Devika are here? How did that happen?” Vijay asked.
“It wouldn’t have happened if father hadn’t thrown a full-blown tantrum in front of grandma. He emotionally blackmailed her into spilling all the beans the other day. I had seen her leaving Jane’s room on the day of the party. And he had doubts of his own about her being involved in Daniel’s case. We both worked together.”
“You both kept me in the dark even though I shared everything with you! Don’t I have the best family ever?” Vijay was grinning wide.
“Relax, bro! You got the best surprise ever!”
When they entered the salon, all faces lit up and Rudra Dev got up along with Daniel.
“Jane, do I see a ring? Did he propose? That is my boy! He is a man of action!” Rudra Dev said, his grin mirroring the one on his son’s face.
“Daniel, Devika, I'm so happy to meet you.” Vijay hugged Daniel and then touched Devika’s feet who blessed him.
They all sat down. Peter brought in a plate of Indian sweets to celebrate the family reunion and the betrothal.
“Tell me Daniel, is Peter really your friend’s son?” Jane asked wanting to fit in the last piece of the puzzle.
“No. It was Rudra Dev who I met yesterday. He said he wanted to meet me alone before he met Devika. And that he wished for Devika to return to the palace and take her rightful position in the family. The mention of Indrani’s name was enough for me to trust him. But Peter is indeed the caretaker here.”
Vijay’s eyes met his father’s and he mouthed a ‘thank you’ to him. He would thank him properly later, but the moment demanded that he just say it to him.
“So, when are we going to hear the wedding bells?” Devika asked, directing her question to Vijay and Jane who were sitting together on a three-seater couch.
They both looked at each other and smiled. Vijay spoke, “We haven’t decided.”
“Amma insisted that I should push for a May wedding. She even found out an auspicious time after a consultation with our family astrologer. May 16th is what he suggests. Would that be too early?”
Vijay muttered, “Too late.” He would have been happy if they were to wed today.
His objection was vetoed by the rest of the group. Even the bride-to-be!
“It is just a month away. I have dreamed of this day all my life. I almost can’t believe my dream is coming true,” Jane whispered when he had finally managed to pull her away from the chattering group that had become busy pondering over guest lists, wedding planners, flowers and the likes.
“It is our dream, Janet. I'm the happiest man alive on earth today.”
He cupped her face and slowly rubbed his lips over her lips cherishing their softness. He then kissed her, fully intending to make her a very happy woman.
Chapter 26
Sravanapura, May 16, 2009
At the first light of dawn, Jane woke up to a universe of music. A lively band of birds was performing in the garden of the apartment complex on the grounds of the Sravanapura Palace, the current residence of Devika and Daniel. The notes sounded like a wedding song, reminding her of her soon to be husband. Were they celebrating a wedding too?
Jane picked her phone and there was a message from Vijay.
“Good morning, love. They have scheduled a lot of rituals for me to perform. Right now, I am covered in an oil that smells of sandalwood and turmeric. You would die laughing if you see me now.
Will be out of reach the whole morning. But if you really need to talk, send me a note via anyone at the palace. And be cool, okay? Everything will turn out fine. Can’t wait for the moment when you will become mine forever.”
Jane smiled. She was not worried. And she was eager to be his forever.
Vijay’s family and extended family had welcomed her into their home and hearts during the official betrothal ceremony in London. They already treated her as one of the family. Her family had gone all out too and the supposedly small ceremony had become a grand function, on par with a wedding. And she had worn a white wedding gown to fulfil the wishes of her family of seeing her in one. Vijay had looked handsome in a three-piece suit. The media had celebrated their love story and her channel had secured the official rights to broadcast the engagement ceremony. She had become a celebrity overnight. The paparazzi had begun camping in front of their home. It was only after reaching Sravanapura that she had finally felt free to breathe. The twenty-four-hour security retinue blocked the entry of media or any guest without permission into the palace grounds.
Devika and Daniel were now officially residing at Sravanapura and were playing hosts for the bridal party. The last few weeks had been unbelievably hectic. Every minute of her day had been packed with meetings with planners, stylists, and interviews with the media scheduled almost every day. She met Vijay rarely as his time was equally in demand for the various activities. Most of their conversations were through messages. They were not allowed to meet in private like they wished to though Vijay at times sneaked in during the night to steal a kiss and more.
The mehndi on her hands was a scarlet red bordering on blackish maroon. The patterns reminded her of perfect and intricate filigree work.
“My brother loves you immensely. Here is the proof,” Kritika had declared when she had seen the colour the henna paste had left on her hand and feet.
Jane didn’t need any proof though. One look at Vijay’s face was enough to convince her that she was the love of his life.
The Sravanapura Palace framed by the windows in her room looked festive with fairy lights adorning every pillar and tower. With the scenic ranges of the Western Ghats in the background, it seemed like a star shining in the picturesque dawn.
The house was slowly stirring into life. She heard the sounds of footsteps passing her door, muffled commands in low voices and the chatter of bands of servants. Jane kneeled down near her bed to pray to the creator for a blissful start to her new life. Her prayers turned out to be words of gratitude than any new request. She thanked the creator for the many blessings he had showered on her. She was blissfully happy by the time she finished her prayer and sauntered dreamily into the washroom to start her day.
Leaning over the sink, she turned on the faucet and splashed her face with warm water. She rubbed a mild aloe cleanser slowly in circles over her face as she contemplated what would be a momentous day in her life. By the time she came out of the bathroom after a leisurely bath, she could hear impatient knocks on her door.
When she opened the door, her mother barged in along with Susan, Devika, the palace beautician and a few other relatives. It was time for her to get transformed into a bride. They made her turn, twist and sit for a series of seemingly never-ending grooming routines.
The lessons to wear and manage a sari with Kritika had paid off well. She felt confident that she could carry her red and gold, silk bridal sari like a true princess. Elaborate necklaces, hair ornaments, earrings, bangles and even a tiny nose ring were pinned in place by steady hands. Many strings of jasmines along with beautiful hair ornaments adorned her plaited hair. Once they finished, they guide
d her towards the full-length mirror where she was allowed to see a glimpse of the beautifully decked bride for a few seconds. Before she could even register how strange yet lovely she looked, she was being ushered out and into a limousine that would take her to the palace’s wedding hall.
A bunch of flower girls welcomed her and led her to the mandapa, the stage where the wedding would be held. Kritika received her and led her to her seat next to Vijay, facing the sacred fire that would be the heavenly witness to their union.
Vijay sat to her left dressed in a golden silk achkan. He wore a richly bejewelled turban made of silk and gold threaded lace that matched it, looking truly royal. His whispered words of admiration upped her confidence and the panic in her heart vanished. He urged her on with a warm smile as the officiating brahmins began the pooja. Thanks to the many Sanskrit lessons she had taken at the university, she was able to follow the instructions without any difficulty, much to the surprise of the priests who were initially translating the instructions for her. She did the rituals praying for their love to last till eternity. Kritika had already explained to her the various rituals and ceremonies in great detail.
The rituals had begun with Vijay performing the Ganapati pooja, invoking Lord Ganesha for an auspicious beginning. She performed the Gowri pooja invoking Goddess Parvati, sincerely praying to the Goddess to help her begin her new life auspiciously.
Soon it was time for the kanyadan, where her father gave her away to Vijay, followed by the exchange of garlands made of jasmines. Next came the mangalya dharana or the tying of the nuptial knot. The most important part of the ceremony was the saptapadi, the seven steps around the holy fire. The ritual required them to complete seven actual circuits around the sacred fire or Agni, which was considered the witness to the vows they made to each other.
During the saptapadi, the couple made seven promises to each other for a happy and prosperous life. Once they completed the saptapadi, they were bound together by an unseen bond by the power of these vows.
Jane had hearted the vows when she had heard them. Each vow addressed one important aspect of their relationship like their mutual love, responsibilities, nurturing each other and the importance of remaining faithful to each other. Her favourite vow was the final one where they promised each other true and everlasting companionship. Her husband was to be her best friend for life.
Once they completed the seven steps, she was seated on Vijay’s left, implying she had now become closer to his heart. The crowd cheered and blessed them by showering them with rose petals and the blessed rice.
According to Hinduism, once the marriage was solemnized the two souls were joined for seven lifetimes. Would seven lifetimes be enough for them? Perhaps not, because she would never tire of seeing the glitter of love in his eyes, Jane thought. Vijay looked at her just then and smiled as though his thoughts were similarly engaged.
From then on, Vijay stood by her side as they met and greeted the many guests and posed for photos with the dignitaries. Time seemed to plod like a snail, in slow motion.
A visit to the family temple followed and then there was lunch. A high tea had been arranged for some dignitaries before the formal wedding reception. Each occasion required a change of costume. Yet, the entire day pulsed with the joy of their togetherness, a heady mix of something intimate and wonderful, because Vijay was beside her.
Later that night, they were seated in the palace hall waiting for the guests to leave after the wedding reception. None of them seemed to be in the mood to leave though.
“I have been mentally undressing and kissing you since long. It is sheer torture,” Vijay whispered in her ears. She chuckled. His warm fingers discreetly stroked the bare skin at her waist left uncovered by the sari. Heat zinged right to her core and she trembled slightly. Jane gazed at him, their eyes locked and remained in place until someone cleared their throat audibly near them. It was Kritika.
“I know the party is taking longer to wind up than expected. But now that the main dignitaries have left, I think you can say your goodbyes and leave. No one expects you to stay, you know,” she said with a wink.
“Thank you, dear sister! That is the wisest thing you’ve said today.”
With that, Vijay and Jane stood up and they set out to say their goodbyes as politely as possible. Vijay’s eagerness increased once they exited the hall. When they reached his door, he scooped her up in his arms and crossed the threshold.
“Welcome to my world, wife.” He put her down at the centre of the room. Jane took in the aesthetically decorated room and stopped at the inviting four-poster bed. Vijay’s hands snaked around her waist and pulled her close. She tilted her face, offering her lips for a kiss. Vijay obliged with a lingering kiss. She kissed him back with all the love she felt.
“Janet.” He nuzzled her neck. She loved it when he called her Janet, especially in a voice that had turned husky with passion. She pressed her face into his neck.
“God, how I love you!” he whispered hoarsely as his mouth captured hers again. His fingers fumbled with the pins holding her sari in place and she surrendered herself completely to him.
Their lovemaking was tender, to begin with. He lingered over her, teasing her, tormenting her with caresses and kisses. But it turned passionate soon, both of them striving to pacify the hunger they had kept bridled inside all through the past weeks. He said her name repeatedly and made her come alive under him. Their togetherness held a new meaning as they were now bound by sacred vows forever. Before long, they were lying sated in each other’s arms having shared the gifts of pleasure that only love could give.
Vijay closed his eyes, cuddling her. Jane rested on his arm, making it her pillow. She ran her fingers over his stomach, letting them wander lower. She felt his breath catch. She laid her cheeks on his chest and listened to the steady beat of his heart.
“Janet.” He pulled her closer and she could feel the evidence that her touch had stirred him to life again. “Go to sleep, darling. I know you are exhausted. We have a lifetime ahead of us to celebrate our togetherness,” he said pulling her tighter to him.
She kissed the hollow at his throat as if she hadn’t understood him. She heard him swear.
“Don’t say I didn’t warn you,” he mumbled hoarsely, his fingers raking her hair. He rolled her over onto her back, pressed her into the pillows, his body covering hers in a quick and smooth motion.
“I won’t,” she said and closed her eyes, inviting him again into her world.
The night turned into a celebration of their love. He could evoke a stormy, tumultuous passion inside her with a mere kiss. And she loved every one of them. Her love for him was rooted in her soul, and she would never tire of his kisses.
Nothing would satisfy her craving for him. Ever.
The End
Acknowledgement
This book began as a short story, but it was not destined to remain one for long. I am grateful to the creative spirit who persisted to pester me till I gave it this shape.
I am blessed with a wonderful family who supports me in every way. Thank you, Venugopala Kasaragod for being my pillar of support. Thank you my dear Akshaj for being my stress buster and for boosting my spirits by assuring me I am the best mom in the world even when I was feeling like a complete failure.
I have always been fascinated by Indian royalty. You can find the wide-eyed wonder of a tiny girl, who visited the Mysore Palace first time during her school days, reflected in the pages of this book. I owe a lot to my parents who took me with them wherever they went and told me stories and answered my never-ending questions. Especially my father, Dr. K. Kunhikannan. I am grateful to my mother, Panchali, who has been the voice of reason in our family. Thanks to my siblings Dr. Mini and Dr. Sunil Kannada to whom I can turn to for guidance any time.
I was initially apprehensive about writing a foreign character, that too of a native English speaker. So, I made her an Indophile, someone who loves everything about India. Also, love is universal, isn’
t it? Soon, she took on the shades of a particular Indophile friend of mine. Thank you, Jean Spraker, I have not known another Indophile like you. I hope you like Jane.
I read through multiple books about Indian royals while researching this book, the main ones being ‘A Princess Remembers’ by Maharani Gayatri Devi, ‘The Ivory Throne’ by Manu Pillai, ‘The White Mughals’ by William Dalrymple and ‘Pataudi, the Nawab of Cricket’ edited by Suresh Menon. I am thankful to these authors for giving me a rough framework to create the Sravanapura Royals, a fictional royal family bearing the legacy of a 500-year-old dynasty in South India, with a modern outlook towards life.
I am thankful to the creators of many Vlogs on YouTube which chronicled the lives of Oxford students. I am particularly thankful to Simon Clark whose video about the Oxford graduation ceremony gave me new insights to the story I had created, prompting me to change certain key scenes.
A doctor friend is always a boon. Thank you, Dr. Amrita Basu Misra for clarifying my many doubts. You are a gem.
This novel owes a lot to a group of writers I am part of. The idea to convert my short story into a novel came from there. Special thanks to Saiswaroopa Iyer for being my first beta reader and Adite Banerjie for being my accountability partner for the daily writing goals. Sudesna Ghosh, Ruchi Singh, Vandana Shankar, Reet Singh, Paromita Goswami, Esha Gupta and Devika Fernando, thanks for the encouraging words and support you people gave.
Having a good editor means a lot to any writer. Thank you, Nikita Jhanglani for editing my book insightfully and on time.
Thank you, Aathira Jim for being my 2 am friend. Thank you Sruti Sagaram for the feedback on the short story.
I designed the cover photo but I have two wonderful photographers to thank for the photos used. Photo of the girl is by Roksolana Zasiadko and seemed exactly like the Jane in my mind. The photo of the palace is by Paul Morris. Both photos are from Unsplash.
A Royal Affair Page 13
