Beast and his Fair Maiden

The Wedding

The Wedding was a joyous occasion, atleast it gave the appearance of being a joyous occasion, and why not? the king was getting married.

Jwala did not think her backyard could look soo beautiful and magnificent, It was draped with beautiful roses and lilies, the wedding area was decorated with red and gold drapes, there was where the Mandap was set, there the holy fire was already burning, waiting for them , it was there where they will give each other marriage vows .

Jwala could not help tearing up, this was exactly what she had wanted her wedding to look like, only if the groom had loved her and she loved him in return.

She felt a squeeze in their connection hands, she had almost forgot she was still holding hands with Agni .

She could feel people's eyes on them, they had not seen their Maharaj in all his glory and they had definitely not seen him holding anybody's hand.

Why was she crying? would it be bad so bad to marry him? why was her face soo sad? well this is what he wanted! Why the hell was he asking such ridiculous questions to himself! good that she was crying she deserved it!

Agni tightened his grip on her hand, and took her towards the Mandap, where according to the customs of Jwalana they would give each other wedding vows, above the holy fire, making it as their witness

Agni could see that her head was still bowed, damnit if she was going to make it difficult for herself then let her!

"I will always respect my husband "

"I will always trust my wife's wisdom"

"I will love him, forsaking all other"

"I will love my wife, and there would be no other woman for me"

"I will always think about him, before myself"

"I will always think of her before anybody else , as my love for her will increase day by day"

"My wife will have equal rights in my life and she will be my queen, Queen of Jwalana"

People were chanting blessings on them, and showered them with flowers as they said their vows ,and this was how Jwala and Agni married each other .

After the wedding Agni again held Jwala's hand, as the crossed the backyard to sit on their destined seat, as the King and Queen of Jwalana.

The festivities were in full swing, people were dancing and singing, there was food and wine making rounds, everybody was happy, except one person

"Smile! you look as if someone has sentenced you to death! " Agni said through gritted teeth, this girl was driving him crazy.

"Have you not? "

"My Queen! Smile! "

Jwala bared all her teeth towards him

"This look like a snarl, rather than a smile! "

"That is just your effect , it seems Maharaj! "

"Time for the dance of the King and Queen" someone hollered from the crowd

Great now she will also have to dance with him! She was already holding herself by a thread, she did not wanted his filthy hands on her!

Agni took her hand in his, as they went towards the crowd, they parted way for them, making a circle around them.

They looked at each other, first time, after the wedding

She was beautiful , stop it Agni the girl has given very high opinions on you! She is nothing but a vile b***h, who need to be taught a lesson.

He held her by her waist, he felt her flinch at his touch, dammit!

Jwala, what, what have you done to deserve this!? This demonically, horifically cruel man, how dare he touch her like this! She loathed him

However it seemed that people were unaware of the tension between them, as they were happily chanting and hollering at them.

However it seemed two people were unhappy more than Jwala and Agni, they were Sambit and Neela

Sambit who had already on his seventh glass of wine and Neela who had attended , but had not stayed for the entire wedding.

As they finished their dance, people clapped for them. Her mother seemed most pleased with the turn of events, it seemed getting a Maharaj as the son-in-law had put her in a perpetual jolly mood, she was herself enjoying the feast tremendously, while graciously accepts people's well wishes for the happy couple.

"My Queen" Agni said mockingly beside Jwala "It seems your mother is very happy with the match, show some enthusiasm, afterall you are married to a King! "

"Enthusiasm for what Maharaj? being corerced into this marriage or having to deal with you? "

"You-"

"It seems you have forgotten to invite us brother! " There was a commotion at the entrance of the backyard, as three very handsome and very beautiful people stood there.