A LOVING PRIEST

Mandyra: Close friend

Shirley discarded her thoughts,sadness and questions because she learnt a lot from her mum and perceived that she had a mission to fulfill,perhaps to elevate the poor Saloni and change everyone's view towards her

She quickly fetched the water and after all the chores while she was squatting in the native kitchen preparing food for her cousins whom she had not still seen because they were still asleep. A young girl of her age tiptoed towards her and sat near the fire, Shirley who was now in Saloni's body had her memory and from that knew that,that was her close friend mandyra the only one who understood her plight and was kind towards her.

'Saloni'....

'Mandyra'

They greeted each other.

'It's been a long time since I visited,I have been busy lately because of the announcement about the prince marriage

'What announcement is that Shirley who's now Saloni had never heard of such

'Ohh,your aunt didn't inform you,well the king is very sick and has a little time on earth now, so as the maharaja [ Indian prince], Bahubali has to get married so he can fully have the mandate to be the next ruler or else there would be disputation and war among others who wanted the throne too'.

' Hmmm, sounds interesting so what's the purpose for preparation 'Saloni said after listening to her friend's gist

''Well a special week is forthcoming ",mandyra said while giggling

" special week? " Saloni inquired more curious

"Yes,after each family has submitted the names of all their young maidens"

Mandyra talked more

"Right now they are building a house large enough for a thousand maiden if we are up to the number,in the house each maiden has her own apartment with no servant,,,, uggggh stressful for the lazy maidens," she said

"Hahaha"Shirley laughed she liked the cool behaviour of her friend

" Continue"she said

"Well on the first day, the prince would visit each apartment with his guards to check on their hygiene,if they could keep a home neatly with or without maids,It would be tiring for the handsome young prince but it would be worth it,after then those who have satisfied his standards would then be qualified for the next day,the failures would go home immediately

" The second day,would be a test on how much knowledge you've gained because the prince was educated by the most knowledgeable master ghandi,,,,more disqualification,, the next day would be different talent shows based on a good wife and mother like knitting,braiding,so many Saloni..."

The fourth day.....medicine preparation

"Medicine? Why medicine?..Saloni asked

" Based on the Prince view,he needs a wife who's good at that too more like a pure wife who can protect her family against bad luck and jealous eyes.....On the fifth day,COOKING,the most common activity in such a competition

After which on the sixth day everyone would rest from the fatigue of the week and prepare themselves to know who would be the lucky bride.

On that day too, all the maidens who scaled through the competitions would have 3 servants assigned to each of them to prepare them in every way for the final and main day ,,who knows who would be the bride

On the last day each maiden would be bathed with any expensive fragrance of their choice,they'd receive new opulent dresses and jewelleries and would have their hair styled and make up on

Awwwn,the chosen bride would indeed be lucky,all would be pretty on that day I bet the prince would be confused whom to choose and after the bridal rituals,in the evening the wedding party which would be held in the bride's home which would be decorated beautifully too "" Mandyra explained all the procedures finally.

"Hmm,interesting but why all the long procedures it has never been so" Shirley asked

"Everyone wonders so,but who are we to raise the question,I think the Handsome Prince is disciplined and as said by all he only wants one wife quite unusual among the royals maybe that's why he would go through the procedures so they'll be no regrets later on"mandyra said

" I'll be going now before your aunt comes and punish you because of me,stay well,be cheerful no matter what, here is my little meal I brought for you,I'm practicing from now,please let it taste good to my chef "mandyra added with humour

" Thank you so much Mandy I appreciate your visit, you've always been kind to me"Shirley said sincerely

"C'mon no need for that,what are friends for,take care of yourself ,my dear Saloni"

'