Yatee : Rise of an Empress

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"Sripad Bhauji, Narayan Bhauji, you here ?"

"Yes Vahini Saheb." said the panting Narayan.

"We have a great news to tell you both... Not one actually, two great news."

"And what are those?" questioned Manibhadra Appa.

"Appa, we conquered Chandanpur yesterday. Yesternight Raje (Chandrashekhar) and he was saying a woman who helped him to defeat Pankaj Kumar killed him. We also rescued all our men from prison, including Madhavrao and Jayapalrao. And the second good news is Sripad is going to be a father now!! So we had brought Mohini vahini to her natal home. Appa, and this letter was sent to you by Raje."

"That's indeed a glorious day to celebrate. I will go to Mohini's home to congratulate her. Yatee, my child, give both of them some water and sweets." Appa said and left for Mohini's house.

"Come in, Bhauji. And have these sweets." Yatee welcomed the two ministers of her kingdom.

"Congratulations Sripad Bhauji !! How are Mohini vahini and Kaki Saheb (his mother)?"

"They are absolutely fine. And before I forget, take this box. Raje has sent this for you."

"For me ? Okay, I'll see to that later. And by the way, who is that man standing outside our wada ? Call him also in."

"Vahini Saheb, he is Sadashiv. He has been sent by Raje for the protection of Mohini vahini and You. From now on, he will be here from afternoon to next morning. The next morning till late afternoon, one of us will relieve him so that he can update Raje about his work. In this way, you will always be protected." Narayan explained.

"What was the need of this protection Bhauji ? I am safe here with Appa. Even Matoshri will return in a day or two. And also, Pitashri will return once he has regained his strength from Kolhapur. I am alright here. And speaking to Mohinibai, she will always be safe with her father and Appa." Yatee was convincing them to take away that guard as she feared that the taunts she gets from the villagers might reach Chandrashekhar.

"Sorry Vahini Saheb. But we have stict orders. Sadashiv, come in. And whatever may be the circumstances, you will never ever leave the side of Vahini Saheb." Sripad said and he got up with Narayan for leaving.

"As you say so, Senapati." A timid voice of the new man Sadashiv spoke.

"Now we take your leave Vahini Saheb. And don't forget to check the things in that box. See you soon." Sripad and Narayan bid her goodbye.

After they had left, Yatee retired to her room upstairs. She was followed by Sadashiv. She opened that box. It contained a letter, rather not so long and informal letter along with another small box containing medicinal powder for her wounds. She opened the letter and started to read it -

"To,
Yateebai,

It was very glad to see a powerful, smart and very swift warrior in you. I hope that this was the result of eight long years of training. After you left from Pankaj Kumar's room, I was declared as the King. Currently, I am seeing the public affairs of Pankaj Kumar. He has done a lot of problems and frauds. So it might take some time for us to completely undertake this kingdom. Till then, for approximately next six - eight months, I hope you won't mind staying with Appa Saheb. Your father and my beloved Kaka Saheb, Madhavrao will be sent to Giripur as soon as he restores his health. Till then, take care of yourself and Mohinibai. Congratulate her even on my behalf as due to heavy work load, I'm unable to visit her.

Yours,
Chandrashekhar."

She just held that letter close to her heart. She remembered yesternight's scene. She was in front of those blue eyes about whom she dreamt always. But due to utter darkness, she was only able to see his eyes and his hand. Along with being a good warrior, Yatee was also a good artist. She had mastered painting and was also good at poetry. Everyday, she drew something or the other. This time, she had a huge topic to draw. Her husband. She only saw his eyes more prominantly yesternight. The deep blue eyes, showering love, respect, affection and care upon her. She immediately grabbed the box sent by Chandrashekhar, along with her drawing material and went deep inside the forest, near the Mahadev temple. The forest and the temple were just like her second house.

Unaware of her motive of going into forest, Sadashiv, her new bodyguard, followed her briskly. He called the fast pacing lady to slow down a bit for him -

"Bai Saheb, excuse me, Bai Saheb. (Addressing Yatee)"

"What happened Sadashiv Rao ? And why are you following me ?"

"That's my exact duty to follow you wherever you go."

"Alright. Come along."

Soon both of them were sitting besides the lake. Sadashiv went to sit inside the temple giving Yatee some me-time and also observing her from afar.

Soon she started to draw those deep blue eyes. She was so lost in those that she didn't even remembered about the lunch. Sadashiv decided to remind her about the same.

"Bai Saheb, excuse me ?"

"Yes Sadashiv Rao. What do you want from me now ?"

"No. I don't want anything. I just wanted to remind you about the lunch. I mean, I am a little hungry. You must also be hungry, right?"

"Actually, even I'm hungry. But I wanted to finish this picture. So what shall we do ?"

"I have an idea. We will consume some fruits. So you acn draw here peacefully 'till I collect fruits."

"That's nice. Now, don't disturb me. You get it?"

"Yes, Bai Saheb."

Soon Sadashiv vanished into deeper forest. Yatee wondered why she felt so friendly with that unknown man. She addressed unknown men as brother, uncle or at the most, Bhauji. But she felt that Sadashiv was none of the above man. But still, she felt safe besides him. May be, Swami sent him here, that's why I'm feeling safe. She spoke to herself. Suddenly, Sadashiv appeared from forest.

"Have some bananas and berries, Bai Saheb."

"How com you knew that I liked berries. Especially, Aavale (sour gooseberries). Simply amazing, Sadashiv Rao. I'm impressed."

"I'm glad to hear that. Now you enjoy fruits along with your drawings. I'll wait for you in the temple."

' I'll wait for you in the temple. This sounds familiar to me. But why ?' Yatee was fighting with her own thoughts for this answer.

Soon she finished her paintings and she remembered about the box given by Chandrashekhar. She had brought it along with her. She opened it and read letter given by her husband again and again. She was overwhelmed with joy every time she read it. Suddenly, Sadashiv cane and broke the chain of her thoughts.

"Bai Saheb, let's head towards house ? Appa Saheb must be waiting for us."

"Okay... Let's go. Help me with gathering my belongings. You pick up my sketches. I will take this box and my sword together."

"As you say so, Bai Saheb." saying so, Sadashiv followed her with a fast pace matching with hers.

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Another update !!
What do you all think, who is this Sadashiv ?
Why he is always in between Yatee and her thoughts ?
How come he knows what Yatee likes ?
Is he really sent by Chandrashekhar ?

Answers to many such in next update.

Till then, stay safe, take care and lots of love 💕