Chapter 9: chapter 9

When could love be hidden?Gradually, people started noting the changes in Urvashi. Anantsen was an outsider and would return after completing his course. That's why discussing him was not worthy for the people of Kumbharwada. Urvashi was their village girl, or for being just a girl, her behavioural changes were the subject of discussion in the village.Those who knew both Urvashi and Anantsen could easily understand the reason for the change in them. When you want to hide something, eyes always cheat you. So did Urvashi and Anantsen's eyes, who always looked for each other and got caught. While Rudrani was worried about the consequences of Urvashi, Vasumitra was anxious for the crown prince and the kingdom. If the public violates the rules, the King judges him. But if a crown prince breaches the rules, anarchy will spread in the country.In a country where love is a crime, Urvashi, being a girl, has committed the crime of falling in love. But no one wants to believe that love doesn't happen as per plan. It just happens. Love first starts from the eyes, and then it awakens the heart. Then it's all the game of the heart, in which the body gets maligned.Although going for trysts was very risky for Urvashi, but she ignored all the risks to meet her love.Urvashi and Anantsen did Gandharva marriage (marriage without parents knowledge or sanction) and took their love one step further. Both knew very well that despite being recognized in the scriptures, society does not accept Gandharva marriage. But everything is fair in love. Urvashi knew very well that though her father is a liberal person, being the village head, he would not accept her love under pressure from the villagers. But if an offer can be sent to him by Anantsen's parents, he may consider it. Accordingly, they have decided that Anantsen will take a break from his classes and bring his parents to Urvashi's parents with a proposal for his and Urvashi's marriage.But destiny had something else in store for them.It was the winter season. Preparations for the annual festival were in full swing in Kumbharwada. It is a festival celebrating the divine love of Radha and Sri Krishna. The festival is celebrated on a full moon day and continues for four to five days. It attracts a large number of people not only from Agyatpur but also from the neighbouring countries also. During this festival, a fair is also held outside the temple.On the day of worship, the entire village gathered at the temple. The worship was going on with great pomp. Urvashi was in the temple at the time of prayer. But as soon as the prayer was over, she left the temple. No one knew where Urvashi had gone. People started gossiping about her.(Continued ....................)