Chp.13 Getting into the Palace
Armaan and Abhimanyu were driving silently and Armaan was lost thinking about the riverside girl again. They passed a bullock cart and Armaan wondered about the poor villagers, they still used the bullock cart as a means of transport. What vast difference the village was in comparison to the city! He really wished that he could do something for them. He decided to give it some thought when he was free. They moved further into the village to check the other two locations.
Ridhima was sitting in the bullock cart as it moved out of the village and towards the palace. She was thinking about the prince, his to-be bride, the palace and somehow, she didn't know why but also about the man she had saved yesterday. She still couldn't forget him. She wondered where he was and what was he doing right now, how was his health? But then she put him out of her mind and began thinking about the prince. Princess Muskan was really lucky, she was getting married with the prince, she thought. She was getting extremely eager to get to the palace and see the prince. Oh freak! She thought. She had to think up a plan to enter the palace that was her first priority. She had to think up something to say, something that would act to her advantage, something sordid. She put everything else out of her mind and began formulating a plan. Suddenly, a Porsche passed the cart. She turned to look at it and her stomach did a somersault. It was Abhimanyu and his friend. The man looked quite healthy and in perfect shape. The wound must've healed, she thought. But who were they and what were they doing here? Why did they come to village every day? She hadn't ever seen them in the village before. They didn't belong to the village at any chance. They didn't notice her and the car passed away, leaving her lost in thought.
***
Armaan and Abhimanyu reached the village soon. It was almost afternoon by then. They went and checked both the locations. Then they compared them with the previous 6 locations and came to the conclusion that the first 2 locations on the west side were the best. The first location had a comparatively higher advantage over the other so they decided to finalize it. They also discussed the layout of the school, the garden, the playground for the children. After the discussion, they had a light lunch that Nikita had packed for them. They had spent the whole day there and it was almost evening but there had been no sign of the riverside girl throughout. They also went and checked the shack, but it was deserted. Bad luck, thought Armaan. They checked a few other places with hardly any luck. Since it was growing dark and they had finished their work, they decided to return to the palace.
***
After a few hours of traveling in the scorching sun, Ridhima reached the palace. It was a huge palace, with an equally huge entrance. There were guards standing at the gate. Time to get into action, she thought. As expected, the guard stopped her and asked, "Who are you and why do you want to go in?
She braced herself and replied, "I come from the Gehgoli village and have been called to the palace as a nurse for Badi Rani Sahiba."
He eyed her suspiciously and said, "I hope you are telling the truth or else you'll be inviting unnecessary trouble for yourself. You may go."
"Thank you sir, I promise there won't be any trouble," she replied and entered through the vast gates. She walked towards the palace and thought, "step one accomplished."
The palace was magnificent and was decorated with elaborate curtains and hangings. It was a breath taking sight. She reached the main door of the palace and was stopped by the guards there. She repeated the same story and convinced the guards easily. But she was not allowed to enter. The guard sent for someone called Bhanumati, whom Ridhima learnt later, was the head servant. Step 2 was accomplished, but step 3 would be difficult, she assumed. Ridhima had to wait for a while before Bhanumati arrived. She looked like some actress out of a 60's movie the dressing sense, the style of walking, talking, everything. "What is it?" she asked Ridhima furiously.
"I have been called as a nurse for Badi Rani Sahiba," she replied politely.
"What's your name?" she barked.
"Ridhima," replied Ridhima. Bhanumati gave a mordant laugh.
What was so funny about her name, Ridhima wondered.
"Where do you hail from?" she queried.
"Gehgoli village," replied Ridhima.
"Gehgoli? The munshi didn't mention about you," said Bhanumati.
Ridhima's most dreaded question was finally here. She knew that this reply of her's was important. If she got away with it, she would be victorious, but if she failed, she would be kicked out of here, never to be seen again. She weighed her options, she didn't have many. If she lost, no seeing kunwarji, but if she won, she would get to be a part of all the celebrations of kunwarji's wedding ceremony. The gains were definitely more. She decided to take the risk. "That's because CR herself has appointed me," she replied.
"Do you think I'm a fool?" sneered Bhanumati.
"Well, of course not, you know, CR had appointed me when last month she had visited the village," replied Ridhima coolly.
"So why didn't you come then? Why now? Why should I believe you? You could be lying," her questions seemed to be unending.
Ridhima had had enough. "I wish to meet choti Rani Sahiba," she interrupted.
"Why do you need to meet CR when I am here?" said Bhanumati. It was her habit to give people below her a hard time and didn't want to take it easy with Ridhima either. Ridhima was bugged up of these silly questions, so she once again said, "I wish to meet choti Rani Sahiba," loud and clear.
Bhanumati was astounded at the courage of this girl and she was in no mood to give up, she repeated her question too. This woman was testing her patience, thought Ridhima. "That's because CR shall inform me of my duties," said Ridhima sweetly.
"I can do that too, you think you are someone special that you should be given special royal treatment?" she asked.
"Listen lady mind your tongue, any more questions and CR might think that your presence in this palace is absolutely unnecessary. You also know how easily substitutes are available. You never know..."said Ridhima coolly.
This had been enough to scare the hell out of her but she still didn't waver, "You threatening me girl?" she asked, her eyes narrowing.
"No! What authority do I have to threaten you? Just kinda warning, as a well-wisher you know. Imagine if CR realizes that Badi Rani Sahiba's health was affected just because her nurse was held back for unnecessary silly interrogation, who shall save you from her wrath," replied Ridhima coolly, she enjoyed watching that look of terror on her face.
Bhanumati flinched, she decided that playing games with Ridhima at this moment would not affect Ridhima, rather it might damage her own reputation beyond repair in front of all the working staff present there. She decided that once this girl got into the palace, she would definitely be working under her she could take her revenge then. She said sharply, "CR is busy at the moment, but still you can go and meet her, but remember, don't take too long. Gauri shall escort you to CR's room."
Then she turned to a girl beside her and said, "Take her to CR's room, then leave her there and get back to work without wasting any time."
"Yes ma'am," replied Gauri meekly and left with Ridhima.
"Is there any circus show going on here?" Bhanumati asked the other servants who had gathered there.
"Get back to work all of you."
***
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