The day went by quickly with Meenavathi waiting for further plans from the unknown enemy and Saudamini waiting for a chance to speak with Yuvraj. On one hand, Yuvraj was busy with the preparations for war as well as the women defence training which will be completely opened after Anamika's delivery. While on the other hand, Anamika already started to recruit young girls, mostly below the age of twelve since they will be unmarried, for training basic warm up exercise till her delivery.
Like that one week had gone by and Saudamini couldn't even get a chance to see Yuvraj. Later she got to know that Yuvraj always stays in Anamika's chamber and only comes to his chamber for official works. She couldn't help but feel jealous of Anamika as the latter is getting everything which the former had ever dreamed of. She couldn't go and cry in front of her mother as the only thing she will get is scoldings. So Saudamini decided to take a step in her own way.
Since it is only one month for delivery, Anamika thought of executing her plan to trap Meenavathi as early as possible. Although the master plan would have to wait till the babies are born, she can implement the small plans which will make the ultimate ending smoother. So she sent a message through Kamala and Mohini, the kitchen maid which will reach Meenavathi in the end. Mohini reached Meenavathi's chamber and greeted her, "Pranam(Greetings) Ranisa".
Meenavathi was annoyed at her because she didn't get any information for about a week and now she is greeting her. "Did you get me any valuable information?", Meenavathi asked her without acknowledging her greeting. Mohini was already living a dreadful life full of fear and guilt, as she thinks that she is trapped between two of the traitors who wants to harm her kingdom and the royals. But as a commoner, all she wishes for is the problem to end, whichever side may be successful which doesn't matter to her. She just wants her daughter to be cured and live a normal life together.
Mohini replied, "Yes Ranisa. I have got a message for you". This caught Meenavathi's attention immediately and she looked at Mohini expectantly. Mohini continued, "They said that their master will not come out of their hiding but they have planned their next step. That is they will target the heir of the kingdom".
Meenavathi's happiness knew no bounds and she is happy with their new target instead of Ranisa as it will only help her in achieving her goal of getting her daughter married to Yuvraj. Although she had already planned something similar as that is the only option left for Yuvraj getting married again, she couldn't involve in any of her plans directly. Everyone including Ranasa are already suspicious of her in the poisoning matter, so now this new people will do her job perfectly without involving her.
Meenavathi replied, "Okay that's a perfect idea but how will they implement it. Moreover I can't involve in any of it as even Ranisa is suspecting me. And when will they do it?". Mohini replied, "Actually, the only thing they asked of you is to make bahuranisa come out of her chamber. As you know that she will not step out unless necessary. And the first attempt will be tomorrow. If it is missed then the next opportunity will be available only after delivery".
Meenavathi nodded at her and dismissed Mohini. She was thinking of ways to make Anamika come out of her chamber and what better way than using her dear friend's name. In the garden, Saudamini was taking a stroll as she wanted to meet yuvraj and it would be better if she stays outside otherwise she will miss the opportunity as always.
There she saw a swing in the corner which is tied to a tree and the shade makes the environment more calm. She liked it in an instant and went towards the swing and started touching the chains and feeling it. When she was about to sit on it, a stern voice stopped her. Saudamini turned around and her breath hitched seeing him standing closer to her.
Pratap was going towards Anamika's chamber to keep a check on her and that's when he saw a figure, more precisely a woman near the swing. Seeing her actions, he could easily say that she wanted to sit on it. So he went near the swing and stopped her before she sits on it.
"You shouldn't sit on this swing. It's not for common use. This swing belongs to a particular person so it's forbidden for you", Pratap said sternly looking at the woman before him. Saudamini who was engrossed in admiring him, got out of her trance due to his words.
She replied, "I thought that it can be used by the royal family. That's why I was about to sit. Sorry Yuvraj". Pratap replied, "It's okay. Don't repeat it". Saying so he was about to go when Saudamini interrupted him and said, "Yuvraj! Since we are meeting for the first time, I want to introduce myself and-".
She was stopped by Pratap who showed his hands to stop and said, "I know who is getting inside this palace and who goes out. As the security is under my control, I know who are all staying inside the palace. So no need for introduction. You can leave, even I have urgent works".
Saudamini thought of starting a new friendship with him since he don't remember her from their childhood days. But he stopped that as well. She turned to go back to her chamber while controlling her tears as it would be embarrassing if the maids or guards see her like this. Pratap also left from there.
Ranisa (Pratap's mother) came to see Saudamini and found her crying. On further interrogation, Saudamini narrated the happenings. Immediately Ranisa knew the reason behind Yuvraj's behavior, as the swing was a gift to Anamika from him. But she refrained from saying this to Saudamini and thought that she should do something so that her son doesn't go totally out of her hand.
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Hi guys,
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Thanks,
SM.