The chirruping birds, the light rustling of leaves, and the movement of the attendees here and there, all marked the arrival of a new day, the ‘Rajyabhishek of Maharani Katha Mrityunjay Rathore’.
In Rajmata’s chamber, attendees prepared the things for all the rituals.
On the couch sat the center of attention—the new Queen of Vajrajanapur, whose intelligence was a new topic for people in the kingdom nowadays.
She was the sole queen who was able to prove the Rajguru wrong because she proved that ‘brains do come with beauty’.
Katha sat looking at the attendees, following her mother-in-law’s orders and preparing everything with perfection.
The guest ladies were present in the chamber to be a part of the rituals.
Whilst this was happening in the west wing, someone in the North wing, who didn’t sleep the entire night, was waiting eagerly to meet his beloved wife.
He sighed, knowing that he still had to wait for five hours to meet his wife. It was strange how he felt her absence, and it’s only been ten days since they were married.
He was lost in her thoughts, not aware that he wasn’t the only one wanting to feel the bodily warmth of his partner. She was waiting too.
But their wait was going to be over soon… Wasn’t it???
In the West Wing,
The priestesses who came to perform the purification rituals told Rajmata, “It’s time to start the rituals, Rajmata.”
Rajmata said, “Let’s start with the rituals, Katha.”
Katha nodded and stood up. The priestesses gave her a piece of cotton cloth, and Katha went inside the bathing area to change into it.
She removed her jewelry, blouse, and lehenga. Then, wore the cotton cloth and tied it around her chest, which reached her mid-thighs.
She allowed the attendees and Rajmata to enter the bathing area, and along with them came two priestesses.
The attendees bought a huge bowl and kept it on the ground, a stool was also kept in the bowl.
A priestess said, “Maharani-sa, please sit on this stool.”
Katha nodded, walked near the stool, sat on it, and put her feet in the bowl.
The other priestess said,
“Now, we will first bathe you with milk, apply turmeric, and then again bathe you with milk, and then we will bathe you with water. After that, the attendees will help you get the royal bath and then help you get ready for the day. For now, we will have to open your hair as well.”
Katha nodded, and a priestess opened her braid, making her long, thick hair touch the bowl’s bottom. Both the priestesses brought forward the huge bowl of milk and poured it slowly on Katha’s head. It soothed her entire body as the milk felt perfect.
While pouring the milk, the priestess said, “Maharani-sa, do you know why milk is used for the purification process?”
Katha nodded and said,
“Milk holds a sacred significance for multiple reasons. Firstly, the concept of Kamadhenu, a divine cow that fulfills all wishes. This celestial cow symbolizes purity, abundance, and the divine, making its milk inherently pure and sacred. Additionally, milk is a powerful symbol of motherhood, embodying nourishment, care, and divine feminine energy. The act of breastfeeding and the nurturing qualities associated with milk contribute to its perception as a pure substance.
Furthermore, the association with non-violence is significant, as milk is derived from cows without harm in the extraction process. Lastly, the natural and unprocessed nature of milk, especially when obtained directly from cows, adds to its perceived purity, as it is considered a simple and wholesome product of nature. Thus, it is used for the purification process as it holds the position of the purest substance.”
The priestesses, Rajmata, and all the guest ladies were impressed by the answer, and whilst Katha answered the question, the priestess was done pouring the milk.
Two bowls filled with turmeric paste were brought forward, and the priestesses started to apply it to Katha’s arms, legs, and feet. The turmeric paste was cold, unlike the lukewarm milk.
She felt a little timid when the priestess started applying the paste on her thighs, with several attendees and guests standing there along with Rajmata, Katha was feeling a bit more timid.
The paste was applied to her upper thighs, and she let out a sigh of relief when the priestess was done. The other priestess applied the paste to Katha’s neck and collarbone region.
The milk was slowly poured and rubbed against Katha’s skin, and cleansed properly. After cleaning the paste, the priestesses again poured milk on Katha’s head. The cotton cloth she wore now became transparent.
The priestesses poured the water on her and then left the bathing area. Katha stood up from her seat and stepped inside the pool. She dipped inside it thrice.
Then, sat on the edge of the pool and asked the attendees, “Except for Devika, leave everyone. I will call you all when it is time to get ready.”
All the attendees left, and Katha sighed heavily. “Help me now, Devika.”
After laughing a little, Devika asked, “Let’s clean you properly now, shall we?”
Katha nodded and removed the cotton cloth, revealing her naked self.
“Why did you ask all the attendees to leave? It would have been easier.”, said Devika to which Katha replied while playfully squinting her eyes,
“Tell me something, Devika, when was the last time I took the help of any attendee to clean myself properly? It has always been you. So, now help me clean.”
Devika smiled and gave one bowl of turmeric paste to Katha whilst she sat behind her to cleanse her back. Katha applied the paste to her breasts, stomach, and navel as well.
Glancing a bit down, she said, “I need your help… here as well.”
Devika nodded understanding, and after Katha was done removing the paste, Devika brought the sugar syrup.
Katha leaned backward a bit and widened her legs. “All the best, Katha.”
Katha gave a playful glare to Devika, who ignored it and applied the syrup. Katha controlled herself from screaming, and after what felt like an eternity, all the pubic hair was removed, and Katha let out a sigh of relief.
“I hate this thing.”, Katha said, and Devika laughed a little, saying, “Then why use it?”,
Katha sighed and said, “My husband hasn’t seen me naked, at least his first time seeing his wife naked should be memorable… in a good way.”
She shrugged her shoulders, and Devika couldn’t help but laugh at her way of saying things.
After one last dip in the pool, Katha felt good. She felt as if all the stress had been lifted from her body. She wore a new piece of cotton cloth that Devika gave her.
She moved towards the dressing area along with Devika and picked up the rich red attire. Katha wore the lehenga and the blouse, and after drying her hair, she said,
“Go and call Maa-sa, Devika.”
Devika nodded and, after a few minutes, came back to the dressing area with Rajmata.
“Look at you, Katha, you are glowing more than before. Indeed, milk bath does have a different kind of effect on the skin.”
Katha smiled fully and said, “Remember, Maa-sa, you said that I am your daughter.”
Rajmata nodded, and Katha continued,
“Well, I heard from some attendees that in Vajrajanapur, there is a tradition where on the daughter’s wedding, her mother helps her get ready. You may not have had a daughter before, Maa-sa, but now you have me. Will you get me ready for today? I know it’s not a wedding, but it is a big day.”
The Rajmata smiled and, while keeping her hand on Katha’s head, said,
“As much as I would love to help you get ready, my dear. I can’t. I am a widow, and it will bring misfortune to you if I help you get ready for the day since you are a married woman.”
Katha stood up from her seat, stood near Rajmata, and said,
“So what, Maa-sa? Getting your daughter ready doesn’t bring misfortune to her. It’s all a myth. Misfortune comes when a broken heart curses the person, and you are happy with my coronation. How will this bring me misfortune? It will just bring me one thing: Good fortune. Please, Maa-sa, I request you.”
Before Rajmata could say anything, the priestesses came in and exclaimed,
“It would be a bad omen if a widow helped you get ready, Maharani-sa. It can even bring misfortune to Maharaj, you may become a wi-“
Before the priestess could continue, Katha shouted at her,
“HOW DARE YOU? Do you have any idea what you’re saying? Don’t you know that you will be considered a traitor for saying such words about a royal lady, MAHARAJ’S MOTHER? Leave all that aside, you said bad words about Maharaj himself, if I go and tell him that A PRIESTESS, who is considered a noble and educated lady is saying such words about him and his mother, he will not think twice before punishing you, and I am certain that you are aware of the punishment that will be announced against you.”
The priestesses were scared listening to Katha. Her loud voice was enough to bring other guest ladies in the dressing area to see what was happening.
“We’re sorry, Maharani-sa, but we were just telling you so that no misfortune comes your way.”
This time Katha spoke calmly, standing directly in front of the Priestesses,
“You don’t have to apologize. If you don’t want any misfortune to come my way, then bless me that any misfortune that comes my way goes away before it ever reaches me.”
“Maharani-sa, it is the nature of human life to have fortunes and misfortunes in its way in equal amounts.”
Katha nodded and said, “Then, bless me to have the courage and strength to fight the misfortune that dares to come my way.”
The priestesses smiled a little and blessed Katha, “We bless you, Maharani-sa, that if any misfortunes come your way, you will have the courage to fight and get rid of them.”
Katha touched the feet of both the priestesses, and Rajmata said, “Katha, come on, get ready now.”
Katha nodded and sat in front of the mirror. Rajmata came forward and started helping Katha wear the jewelry one by one. She wore a huge necklace, earrings, a nose ring, a maang teeka, and a headpiece.
Rajmata tied her hair in a braid. At last, she covered Katha’s head with a heavy dupatta.
Everyone looked at Katha with awe as she looked so beautiful, prettier than any angel in heaven.
Katha stood up when an attendee came inside and said,
“Rajmata, Raj Guru Prakashanand says that it is time for the Rajyabhishek. Please come to the courtroom with Maharani-sa.”
Rajmata nodded and moved out of the chamber with Katha, and they made their way to the courtroom.
As soon as they reached the courtroom, the announcement was made,
“VAJRAJANAPUR KI MAHARANI— MAHARAJ MRITYUNJAY RATHORE KI MAANYA JEEWAN SANGINI— KUNDANGARH KI RAJKUMARI— MAHARANI KATHA MRITYUNJAY RATHORE SABHA MEIN PADHAAR RAHI HAIN!!!”
“THE MAHARANI OF VAJRAJANAPUR— THE ESTEEMED LIFE COMPANION OF MAHARAJ MRITYUNJAY RATHORE— THE PRINCESS OF KUNDANGARH— MAHARANI KATHA MRITYUNJAY RATHORE, IS ENTERING THE COURT!!!”
Everyone bowed down, and Katha greeted them in return by joining her hands. She looked around the courtroom, lavishly decorated with golden curtains, huge chandeliers, a red carpet, and numerous other things.
Her gaze fell on her brother, Guruji, and Daksh. All of them stood there with pride and happiness evident on their faces. Her Guruji, her teacher who taught her life every lesson, was feeling the proudest because today, his teachings had brought Katha to such a respectful place.
Katha walked toward them and touched her Guruji’s feet first. He blessed her, “Stay happy, prosperous, and strong in all races of your life.”
Katha smiled and walked in front of her brother, who hugged her and said, “I wish that you conquer what no queen could. I am proud of you, bacche.”
She nodded and looked at Daksh, who said, “Well, since they have already said what I wanted to say, let me say something no one did till now… I think.”, Katha raised her eyebrows and he continued in a hushed tone, “Have healthy babies and great married life… If you know what I mean.”
Abhay tried hard to control his laughter, and Daksh gave his great-grandfather a tight-lipped smile after he received a glare.
Katha tried to hide her smile as she felt like dying from embarrassment. She looked up and saw Ratan, who smiled at her and joined his hands to greet her. She did too, and he said, “I don’t know what to say, Bhabhi-sa, but I guess, Congratulations.”
Katha smiled and said, “Thank you, Devarji-sa”. She looked at Rajmata, who smiled and said, “Come on, it’s time for Hawan.”
Katha nodded and moved toward the hawan kund. She saw Mrityunjay standing there with a wide smile on his face. A smile automatically formed on Katha’s face, and she stood beside him. They both sat down facing the holy fire, and Mrityunjay whispered in her ear,
“You look more beautiful than ever, Katha.”
She tried to hide the redness that rushed to her cheeks. Mrityunjay chuckled a little, and then they both focused on the priest who chanted mantras and guided the couple with the rituals to be performed in the hawan.
After several hours, the hawan was over. Katha and Mrityunjay stood up, and he guided her to the throne.
They sat down together, and everyone said out loud,
“All hail Maharani Katha and Maharaj Mrityunjay Rathore.”
Rajmata came forward and took the crown from the plate covered with red silk cloth. She placed it on Katha’s head, and Rajguru Prakshanand announced,
“VAJRAJANAPUR KI NAYI MAHARANI, MAHARANI KATHA MRITYUNJAY RATHORE”
“NEW QUEEN OF VAJRAJANAPUR, MAHARANI KATHA MRITYUNJAY RATHORE”
Everyone hailed their name, and Mrityunjay smiled, looking at Katha, who smiled in return.
Mrityunjay said, “Everyone, please be seated.”
As soon as everyone sat, Mrityunjay’s demeanor changed from a loving husband to a dominant King.
“Since Maharani Katha has officially been crowned as the Maharani. It’s time to officially provide Maharani with all the rights that come with being a Queen.”
After seeing everyone nod, he continued,
“Firstly, Maharani Katha will be given the Royal stamp of Vajrajanapur. With the authority of this stamp, the Maharani will be able to authorize matters that need royal confirmation. Her stamp will have an impact equal to mine whenever I am not available in the kingdom due to any matter, be it war or others.
Secondly, there was a discussion that happened between RajGuru Dhananand, RajGuru Prakashanand, Kunwar Ratan, Rana Abhay, Maharani Katha, and me. The discussion was about trading matters, the problem that occurred within Kundangarh and Vajrajanapur due to pest attacks on crops in Kundangarh. We’ve concluded that, based on the suggestion that Maharani Katha gave to solve the matter, a Joint agricultural task force will be formed. The task force would consist of seasoned agricultural experts, scientists, and researchers from both Kundangarh and Vajrajanapur, and other Kingdoms as well, only if necessary. They would work under Mahrani Katha, as she would be the head. Every aspect that is related to the task force will be analyzed by Maharani Katha, these aspects include assembling the task force, money management, trading discussions, and other things that Maharani sees fit. Anyone having any kind of issues with Maharani being the head of the task force can leave.”
Katha snapped her head in Mrityunjay’s direction, who spoke with authority. She didn’t expect Mrityunjay to say something like that.
The ministers murmured as many of them didn’t like the thought of working under a woman. Others who didn’t object were those who were considered sensible people, as they were old but not male-dominated.
They had witnessed Katha’s intelligence and didn’t object to the decision. They nodded, accepting the decision, and those who wanted to object didn’t as they were aware that if they did, their Maharaj would not think twice before replacing them with someone more sensible.
With everyone’s confirmation, the decision was finalised and sealed with Mrityunjay’s stamp. Everyone then proceeded to have lunch. After lunch, Mrityunjay took Katha to the palace’s entrance, where the common folks of the kingdom blessed Katha with all their heart.
The farmers were told about the suggestion that Katha gave regarding helping the farmers with their crop production. They all were happy from the depths of their hearts as they thought they were blessed to have a Queen like Katha who thought about them.
Even Katha felt happy to get such love from the people of Vajrajanapur. After greeting everyone and distributing gold coins, Katha came inside the palace with Mrityunjay.
She was feeling very happy because she had received so much love from the people. Looking around, she noticed that there was no one around except for some soldiers, her, and Mrityunjay. Everyone had left since it was already evening and the sun was about to set.
They reached the floor where their chamber was located. The walk was silent as neither Mrityunjay nor Katha said anything.
Mrityunjay stopped and said to Katha, “I hope you enjoyed your day.”
Katha smiled and nodded. He stood facing her and started walking backward while Katha walked matching his steps.
She giggled, not understanding Mrityunjay’s behavior, and he smiled in return.
Her smile vanished when she suddenly saw a crow flying at a fast speed with an arrow stuck in its beak in their direction.
“MRITYUNJAY!!!”
A scream left Katha’s mouth, but before Mrityunjay could be alerted, the crow stabbed Mrityunjay in his shoulder, and he fell in a sudden moment, unconscious.
