Kingdom of Jaisalmer ~ Reincarnation

Part 5 ~ Haldi and Mehendi ceremony

Vandita's pov

I woke up early today, before sunrise, and decided to visit the Gurukul to seek Guruji's blessings for my marriage and check on his health. With only a week left, the final wedding preparations were in full swing. Excitement and nervousness grew stronger with each passing moment.

After bathing, my attendants helped me dress and braid my hair. As I gazed at my reflection, lost in thought, Maa sa entered my room. I greeted her with a smile.

"Where are you going so early, my love?" she asked.

Dismissing the attendants for privacy, I replied, "I'm visiting Guruji for his blessings, Maa sa"

She smiled warmly. "That's a wonderful thought. You should definitely go."

I nodded. "Ji, I'll take my leave now."

She walked me to the entrance as I mounted my horse. With two soldiers accompanying me, we set off.

After four hours, we reached the Gurukul, where I found Guruji teaching his students. I approached him, bowed, and touched his feet for blessings.

He smiled. "Vandita, my child, how are you?"

"Hum theek hain, Guruji. Aasha hai aap bhi swast honge"   (I am fine, Guruji. Hope you are in good health too)

"Zyada samay nahi hua aapko gaye hue parantu aisa lagta hai kitne saalo ke baad mil rahi hain, Vandita" he said fondly.         (It hasn't been long since you left, but it feels like we are meeting after many years, Vandita)

I smiled. "Yeh to aapka badappan hai, Guruji.....Radhika theek se to apni shiksha grehen kar rahi hai na?"        (This is your kindness, Guruji... Radhika is receiving her education properly, right?)

"Radhika ko apna mann kathor aur aankhein tez karne ki aavyashakta hai, aur wo poori tarah se mehnat bhi kar rahi hain....shaastra mein wo nipun hain, shastra mein unko mehnat karni hogi" he replied with a smile. I nodded with a smile too.       (Radhika needs to strengthen her mind and sharpen her vision, and she is putting in her full effort... She is proficient in scriptures, but she needs to work hard in weaponry.)

Then, gathering courage, I asked, "Guruji, may I speak with you for a few minutes?"

He nodded, leading me to his chamber. "What's troubling you, my child?"

Hesitantly, I said, "As you know, my alliance with Prince Ranvijay is fixed. I came for your blessings, but I must confess... I feel anxious, though I don't know why."

Guruji smiled gently. "Prince Ranvijay is a skilled warrior, and a noble person. I met him once and saw why he is respected. But about your anxiety, I just want to say that stay alert. Danger often lurks unseen until it's close, like an arrow flying towards its target. Be cautious and trust yourself."

"So, I should stay vigilant?" I asked.

He nodded. "And remember, you and Ranvijay will overcome any challenge together. Just have faith in each other."

I listened carefully as he added, "Hold on to those close to your heart, Vandita. With faith and courage, you can face anything."

After meeting Guruji, I rode back to Neergarh, his words echoing in my mind the entire journey.

I decided not to dwell on my thoughts and instead focused on the marriage. On my way back to the palace, I passed a nearby village and was startled by the sound of terrified screams. Concerned, I decided to investigate.