Chapter 11: chapter 11

Chandravardhana was analyzing Rudrani's words. He was trying to figure out to whom she had sent the signal. He was sure that something was wrong. Chandrvardhana was engrossed in his thoughts when a king's messenger informed him that the king had ordered them to return to the palace immediately. The message from the king reduced Chandravardhana's worries for convincing Anantsen to return to Udaipur.After a while, Anantsen returned. When he told the reason for his early return, Chandravardhana understood why Rudrani whistled in the cuckoo's voice.The next day, Anantsen and Chandravardhana took leave from Balabhadra and Vasumitra and left for Udaipur.On the way, Anantsen kept remembering Urvashi's worried face. It was the first time when Urvashi was anxious. Both were sad to get separated. Anantsen had promised to Urvashi and himself that he would return soon without knowing what destiny had in store for him.Here Urvashi's family came to know about the gossip about Urvashi in the village. As soon as the annual festival of Kumbharwada was over, the family members started interrogating her. Innumerable questions, many allegations, but Urvashi tried to maintain herself calm. She was reminded of their etiquette, culture, societal norms and blamed for bringing disgrace to the family and the village.'You are the daughter of the village head. Village girls follow you as their ideal. How can you forget your values? Didn't you think of family values before falling in love? What don't you have? God has given you with both hands. You are beautiful, educated, and an expert in warfare. No one in Kumbharwada can compete with you. How could you imagine loving a poor potter?'Urvashi tried to remember how she fell in love with Anantsen but couldn't. She only could remember that they had met like strangers. Once their eyes met, a wave arose in her heart and took her away with it. She had the heart before also, but now she knows it beats for someone else too.She just said, ' We celebrate the holy love story of Sri Radha and Krishna, but when I felt the same, you are blaming me for forgetting family values and bringing disrespect to my family? What kind of family value is it that worships love but prevents it from being loved?'Urvashi's questions left everyone unanswered. Only her mother said, 'Even their love was not successful, neither will yours.'On the other hand, when Anantsen reached the palace, he was shocked to know that his parents had fixed his marriage with a princess of the Matsyapura royal family without his consent. When he refused to marry the princess, he too was reminded of family values, duties, sacrifice, societal norms and family culture. But Anantsen remained firm on his decision to marry Urvashi.Many years ago, Agyatpur lost a battle with Matsyapura. At that time, the princess of Agyatpur was married to the prince of Matsyapura as a treaty of war. Since then, there has been an unwritten agreement between the two states that the two families will always have a marital relationship to keep the political relationship strong.Anantsen believed that if a king is not happy in his personal life, he will never be able to keep his people happy. Moreover, a marriage can never be a political treaty. But the king had determined that Anantsen would have to marry the princess of Matsyapura. Otherwise, he would not be able to become the king.Anantsen chose his love and left Udaipur.(Continued .............. )