Rewari Kingdom, Inner pace of bawal, night of 13th March 1557

  As the sun dipped below the horizon, Prince Aditya and Princess Meenakshi rode back to the fort city of Bawal. Aditya was struck by how the city had transformed overnight. The festival decorations had breathed new life into the streets, lifting the atmosphere and easing the tension that had hung over the city.

  The air was thick with the fragrant aroma of incense and blooming flowers. The streets were alive with vendors selling fruits, diyas (traditional mps), and sweets. Despite the festive ambiance, an undercurrent of fear remained; the recent purge had left its mark, and the people still watched the procession with wary eyes.

  Aditya, sensing their unease, felt a pang of grief for their suffering, though he held no remorse for the harsh measures taken. As they made their way to the inner pace, he was even more surprised by the sight before him. The pace was abze with the light of torches and diyas, and saffron banners and flower garnds adorned the walls, transforming the space into a vibrant celebration of Maha Shivratri.

  He instructed his newly appointed royal guard, Rudra to escort Meenakshi to her quarters and proceeded straight to the royal dining room. He had been hungry since morning, having had only an apple in his rush earlier.

  As he entered the royal dining room, the aroma of a freshly prepared meal greeted him. He took his pce at the table, after ordering the meal. Just as he began to rex, his butler, Hari Singh, approached him with urgency.

  "Your Highness, I have something urgent to report," Hari Singh said, catching Aditya's attention.

  Startled, Aditya replied, "Ah, Hari Singh, you're here. I had some matters to discuss with you as well. But please, tell me what's urgent."

  Hari Singh continued politely, "There is a grand ceremony arranged for Maha Shivratri at the Shri Siva Temple within the pace grounds. Given the recent tension among the civilians, Princess Arundhati has organized a grand event where not only delegations but also interested devotees can participate as an audience."

  Aditya's curiosity was piqued. Just then, the royal chef entered, bringing the freshly prepared meal and setting it before the prince. The rich aroma of the food did little to distract Aditya from his thoughts.

  "So, I'm expected to attend?" Aditya asked, looking up from his meal with interest.

  ""Yes, Your Highness," Hari Singh confirmed. "You are an important guest. The delegates will observe the arti (devotional offering of light), while the devotees will remain up all night, breaking their fast in the morning."

  Aditya gnced at the sumptuous meal before him and then back at Hari Singh. "I assume I am not required to fast?"

  Hari Singh nodded in agreement. "That is correct, Your Highness."

  A sigh of relief escaped Aditya. While he had never experienced such a midnight arti in his previous life, he was gd to find that fasting was not mandatory much like in his previous life.

  Taking a bite of his meal, Aditya inquired about Bheem and the new butler assigned to him. Hari Singh provided updates, ensuring Aditya was well-informed of the test developments.

  Settling Hari Singh, when Aditya tried to eat again, he remembered Meenakshi had not eaten anything yet. Somehow, he couldn't take the next bite. He washed his hands, left the rest of his pte untouched, and decided to take a stroll outside.

  The cool evening air was refreshing as he wandered through the pace gardens, reflecting on the day's events. As he approached the serene garden pool, he spotted Princess Meenakshi sitting alone on a marble bench, her gaze fixed on the tranquil water. The gentle flicker of mps around the garden cast a soft glow on her thoughtful face.

  Aditya approached quietly. "Princess Meenakshi," he greeted softly, "I see you've chosen to stay in the garden. Is everything alright?"

  Meenakshi looked up, slightly surprised by his presence. She straightened her posture and replied, "Prince Aditya, it's a pleasant surprise to see you here. " gesturing at the surrounding she added," sitting here to enjoy the beauty of nature. It helps to think me straight."

  Seeing her smile, Aditya continued, "You seem deep in thought. Is something on your mind?"

  Meenakshi's gaze fell, and she expressed her concern. "I've been thinking about this festival. In the South, we practise Shravan Shivratri on the 14th night of the new moon during the month of Shravana (July-August). This Maha Shivratri, however, is different. It is celebrated on the 13th or 14th night of the new moon in the month of Phalguna (February-March)."

  Aditya, sensing her anxiety, replied reassuringly, "Oh, that's a minor difference."

  He then asked, "So, what's troubling you?"

  Meenakshi expined, "This is my first time participating in this festival, and I'm a bit worried because I've never done it before."

  Aditya smiled and said, "I think you might be overthinking it, Princess. From what I know, you'll primarily need to follow the priest's lead during the chanting of mantras and the abhisheka of the Shiv Ling."

  She nodded thoughtfully, taking a deep breath. Looking at Aditya, she asked, "You seem very knowledgeable, Prince. Can you expin the significance of these rituals?"

  Aditya found it somewhat surprising that a princess from a prominent empire, who knew so many dialects, was unfamiliar with this festival. He considered that it might be a subtle test to gauge his knowledge. Determined not to diminish his standing, he began expining, "According to the Shiv Puran, Lord Shiva married Goddess Parvati on this day. This night is also marked by his cosmic dance of Tandava, which symbolizes the cycle of creation, preservation, and destruction in our culture. That's how we understand it here in the North."

  As Meenakshi nodded in acknowledgment, Aditya continued, "On the other hand, Shravan Shivratri is celebrated because, on this day, Lord Shiva consumed the poison that emerged from the churning of the ocean. His sacrifice to save the world from the poison represents his protective nature and selfless love for creation."

  Meenakshi smiled and completed, "Indeed, that's how we view it as well."

  After some casual conversation, Meenakshi mentioned that she would also be participating in the dance ceremony just like other princess. Aditya's interest was piqued, and he assured her with a reassuring smile, "I'm sure you'll do well. "

  Meenakshi, grateful, requested his presence at the event for encouragement and support. Although Aditya found the request a bit unusual, he agreed without giving it much thought.

  Soon after, Akriti arrived to find Meenakshi for the festival preparations. They left the garden together, heading back to her quarters, while Aditya made his way to the temple complex.