Capítulo 62: Meenakshi

** Some where in border area of Jaunpur kingdom and Bengal kingdom **

Under the scorching sun, Princess Meenakshi's caravan from the Vijayanagar Empire entered the Jaunpur Kingdom. As they crossed the border, the landscape began to drastically change.

The air was alive with the hum of activity as farmers tended to their crops with happiness, their faces radiant with the promise of a bountiful harvest. Princess Meenakshi, a 19-year-old girl wrapped in the disguise of a trader, watched in fascination as they passed by, marveling at the transformations taking place.

The Maratha chieftain, Omkar Bhosle, Chief of the Security Guard of the caravan, looked at the princess with a bewildered expression. "What happened, Your Highness? Something caught your interest," he inquired.

Turning to him, the princess replied, "Omkar Ji, just look at those people. Have you ever seen farmers in any area so happy?"

Omkar felt more troubled by the princess's question. "No, Princess. Even in the Gajapati Kingdom and bengal region, we didn't see anyone work with such a happy face. Perhaps something major has happened to this kingdom."

The princess smiled as she ventured further inside the territory, her curiosity piqued by the sight of the joyful farmers.

As Princess Meenakshi's caravan traversed the bustling streets of jaunpur kingdom, they garnered curious glances from the local populace. Disguised as merchants, they blended seamlessly into the crowd, their true identities concealed beneath layers of disguise.

In the bustling market square, amid the fragrant aroma of spices and the lively chatter of vendors, a disturbing scene unfolded before Princess Meenakshi and her group. Two burly villagers mercilessly beat a middle-aged man, their faces contorted with rage. Each blow he endured echoed through the marketplace, drawing gasps and murmurs from horrified onlookers.

The commotion attracted the attention of few guards patrolling nearby, prompting whispers among the crowd. "Look, the police have arrived," one bystander remarked. "But they're from the zamindar's faction. Will they listen to police?" another questioned.

Omkar Bhosle whispered urgently to the princess, "Your Highness, something doesn't feel right. We should leave this place."

Princess Meenakshi gestured for him to wait and replied calmly, "Let's wait a moment. If anything goes wrong, I am confident we can handle it."

As the guards approached, the assailants halted their attack, eyeing the approaching figures with caution. The apparent leader of the guards demanded, "What's happening here? Who dares to cause a commotion in public?"

A fat man stepped forward arrogantly, claiming responsibility. "I did. This man borrowed money from our lord and didn't paid," he asserted.

The bruised man retorted, "I've paid triple the amount, but he insists I owe interest."

The fat man retorted, "You shouldn't have borrowed money if you couldn't pay it back on time." He gestured to his hired companions, "Why did you all stop ? Beat him. We must teach him a lesson."

Hearing this, the guards sheathed their swords. "Do you dare to continue your recklessness while we are still present?" one of them warned. The hired men grew panicked, sensing the gravity of the situation.

But the fat man remained defiant. "You know who we are. I have the support of the local zamindar," he boasted, jabbing a finger toward the guard in charge. "Don't even dare to show me your authority."

'Crack'

In response, the guard swiftly twisted the fat man's finger, causing him to cry out in disbelief. "How dare you mock the police! Your petty noble has no jurisdiction over us. We have the authority of imperial decree to maintain security," the guard asserted sternly.

The fat man, writhing in pain, begged for mercy, but the police continued to thrash him black and blue, as his men attempted to retreat. The guard in charge ordered his subordinates, "Seize them. We will take them to jail on charges of extortion, public outrage, and mocking imperial degree. Make sure to report the zamindar to higher ups." and he kicks the fallen fat man and continues," I will personally ensure that the sarpanch (village chief who settles justice) sends you all to the mines. you dare police.. huh!"

The murmurs of police swift action spread through the crowd, eliciting praise for the display of justice and solidarity with the poor man. Onlookers voiced their support, applauding the efforts of the authorities to uphold law and order.

Turning to the beaten man, he yelled, "You fool! Next time, apply for a loan from the Niwas Kalyan (residence welfare ) office!" With relentless force, the police continued to subdue the fat man as he pleaded for mercy, dragging him away along with his men.

As Princess Meenakshi watched the scene unfold before her, a mixture of admiration and curiosity stirred within her. She couldn't help but wonder about the implications of such swift and decisive action on the part of the police. Was justice truly being served, or were there deeper complexities at play. The sight was very rare where the authorities dared to take action against unjust nobles.

With the crowd dispersed, they decided to pause at a bustling roadside market, delighting in the array of fruits and spices available in various flavours and types.

A nearby merchant greeted them warmly, "Welcome, travellers! What brings you to our humble market?"

Princess Meenakshi responded with a smile, "We are merchants from distant lands, seeking provisions for our journey. Your market offers such a wide variety of items. Do you grow all these supplies yourselves?"

The merchant beamed with pride, "Ah, you flatter me, dear lady! Thanks to the new reforms, supplies are more accessible. There are no tariffs on imports from neighbouring kingdoms or cities, and prices have dropped significantly." he suggested, "Why don't you try some for yourself?" Meenakshi couldn't help but be charmed by his infectious energy.

Meenakshi's eyes sparkled with anticipation as she sampled the spices, impressed by their quality and affordability. However, as the trader began to weigh the spices, she couldn't help but notice some differences in the quality of measurements as compared to her previous counterpart . She voiced her concerns, "Are you sure the measurements are accurate? I seem to be receiving more than I've paid for."

The merchant smirked confidently, "We are not dishonest. The new standardized weights have simplified our lives. With the influx of customers, our business has flourished. And if you benefit from our generosity, surely you'll return to us."

Meenakshi nodded in understanding, "I'm glad to hear of your success. Surely, the ruler here must be benevolent, and security seems tight and comfortable."

The merchant chuckled in response. "Our ruler? what a joke." he continued, "It wasn't always like this as the new laws are recently introduced. The changes you see are all thanks to our connection with the empire. With the newly appointed police forces, conducting business has become much easier."

Leaning forward, he whispered, "Truth be told, I've heard from one of my suppliers that in the capital, they even pay bards to spread news and accept commissions to promote business. Thanks to that, we've gained insight into who's behind all this."

Meenakshi, her curiosity piqued, asked, "So who is behind all this, then?"

The merchant replied, "It's the rumoured lost prince of Hemu, Prince Aditya."

This revelation left a deep impression on Meenakshi's mind. Already en route to meet him as part of her father's delegation, she couldn't help but feel hopeful that their empire might have a chance to make an alliance through the prince.

Meenakshi listened intently as she learned about the transformation brought about by the imperial prince's reforms. The establishment of police forces had quelled lawlessness, and the newly established jails ensured wrongdoers were held accountable. She also learned of the newfound power of the sarpanch to prevail justice with the help of police, was previously limited due to the influence of criminals who had the back support of nobles.

As the sun began to set, Princess Meenakshi and her guards bid farewell to the market, their hearts filled with newfound knowledge and admiration for the resilience of the people of Jaunpur. They continued on their journey, eager to explore more of the wonders that lay ahead.

** Night time at Purana Qila, Delhi, Raamya's room **

Amira and Ramya lay in bed, engaging in light hearted chatter before drifting off to sleep. After exchanging pleasantries about their day, they playfully turned the conversation toward Aditya.

Amira quipped, "Didi (big sister), who do you think Aditya likes more?"

Ramya responded with a grin, "Isn't it obvious? It's me."

Amira pouted, "Don't be silly. He loves me more."

Ramya teased her, "Oh really? Has he ever kissed you?"

Amira felt a twinge of annoyance and retorted, "Yes, I've kissed him plenty of times."

Ramya pressed further, "Well, how does it feel then?"

Blushing at the thought, Amira replied, "Oh, stop it please," attempting to change the subject, "You know, once Aditya couldn't stop talking about how smooth my legs are after I let him feel them."

Ramya couldn't help but chuckle. "Just legs? Do you know what he did to me after he kissed me?"

Amira protested as she turned to other side, "Why would I want to know?"

Ramya teased, "Ah, you're just jealous."

Admitting her jealousy, Amira lowered her head in embarrassment, "Yes didi, I can't help but feel jealous. You have such a beautiful bosom."

Feeling a pang of guilt, Ramya reassured her, "Hey, Amira, don't underestimate yourself. You're just as wonderful as me. With time these pairs will also grow" She then hugged her after ruffling her hair to lighten the mood.

Grateful for the reassurance, Amira confessed as she turned back, "Thank you didi. Honestly, I was jealous of the attention Aditya gave you, but now that I know you, I can't help but respect you."

Ramya affectionately tousled her hair, "Silly girl, I already knew he loved you. But I couldn't help to fall for him and I love you too."

Amira's eyes sparkled with gratitude as she asked solemnly, "Didi, you have a big heart like your big chest, but what will we do if Aditya falls for someone else and leaves us?"

Ramya furrowed in thought, "What do you mean?"

Amira replied, "Aditya is a prince he can be with anyone and his personality is like a magnet. Wherever he goes, he wins everyone over. But what if someone else starts to like him and bewitch him away from us?" She hugged Ramya tightly, as if pouring out her inner thoughts, and continued, "I know you very well and can share him with you, but I can't trust the other person. What if she traps Aditya to take the wrong path"

Moved by Amira's words, Ramya replied, "Don't worry, choti (little one). We'll make sure Aditya feels so loved that he won't think of anyone else." She pinched Amira's cheeks and continued, "Do you think our prince would be so ignorant? If he really dares to leave us, won't we be there for each other?

Amira hesitated for a moment before playfully asking, "If you don't mind, can I touch them?" gesturing at Ramya's bosom.

Amused, Ramya teased back, "Sure, but my hands won't be empty either."

Ramya tickled Amira as Amira laughed and begged, "Stop, stop! No, stop! Okay, I won't touch."

In the midst of their playful banter, Amira and Ramya eventually drifted off to sleep, blissfully unaware of the events unfolding around them. Little did they know, the intruder they had discussed was indeed en route to Rewari from Jaunpur, their path destined to intersect in a matter of few weeks.