CHAPTER 30
The helicopter descended toward a wide mountain meadow surrounded by snow-covered peaks.
From above, Yamini could see saffron banners moving in the wind and large ceremonial tents arranged carefully across the open ground. People already filled the meadow below.
They were waiting.
Yamini’s stomach tightened.
Bharat was seated across from her, looking out of the window with a calmness she did not feel.
The helicopter descended smoothly.
When the doors opened, sounds rushed in. The sounds of the drums and voices as the crowd prepared for the welcome.
Bharat Jogra stepped out first.
The drums grew louder, and voices rose in sound as the people recognized the Jogra maharaja.
Yamini watched as Bharat stood still. He did not wave or acknowledge the crowd. He simply stood, the black and gold ceremonial pheran against the white of the mountains behind him.
For a brief moment, she had a strange feeling that he was bracing himself from the noise and the crowd.
Then she realized it couldn’t be true. He was used to it all.
Bharat Jogra was born into royalty. His father was a maharaja, and Rani Suchitra belonged to a royal house as well. Bharat grew up with ceremonial events he had to participate in.
Yamini recalled attending a few such events held at the Rewa Palace during her childhood. She had thoroughly enjoyed them, dancing and laughing to the drumbeats and trumpets. She even had vague memories of seeing Rani Suchitra’s sons from a distance as they participated in those events.
She had enjoyed those events because she was simply a spectator.
Now, she was a part of the main event.
With a nervous flutter, she stepped out.
She stood next to Bharat Jogra, but he didn’t look at her or touch her. He remained standing regally, while the crowd welcomed them with celebratory sounds a few feet away.
The royal guards spread outward to ensure safety.
Bharat’s three brothers stepped down from the other helicopter, followed by Sanjana and Mira. As soon as Rani Suchitra emerged, the cheers from the crowd and sounds of drums turned deafening.
Yamini could see how much the people of Jogra adored Rani Suchitra. Yamini had witnessed similar adoration from the people of Rewa.
Bharat Jogra gave his mother a nod of acknowledgment and then walked toward the dais. Yamini followed along with Rani Suchitra and others.
The dais was raised and wide, the carved wooden chairs arranged across it. Yamini sat next to Bharat at the center, while his brothers sat on both sides. Sanjana sat next to Ram.
Rani Suchitra didn’t take her seat. She stepped forward on the dais.
The crowd fell quiet along with the drums, the final beat hanging in the mountain air for a moment before it was gone.
Rani Suchitra looked at the people, hundreds of faces turned upward.
When she spoke, her voice carried without effort.
“People of Jogra,” she said. “For generations, the House of Jogra has remained tied to these mountains and the people who call them home.”
Her gaze moved across the gathering.
“Today, our family stands before you united to share an important event.”
The crowd waited in anticipation.
“In the sanctity of our ancient Jogra temple, before the sacred fire and priestly witness, my son Maharaja Bharat Singh Jogra was married.”
Yamini’s breath caught.
“I present to you Maharani Yamini Singh Jogra,” Rani Suchitra announced, turning slightly to look at Yamini. “Wife of the maharaja. And the daughter of this valley now.”
Yamini’s heart thudded as she stood and bowed to the crowd with palms pressed together, seeking their blessings.
The sound of drums began. All at once, full and enormous, and over them a sound from the crowd.
As the cheers rose around her, Yamini realized there was no stepping backward anymore.