She was the eldest princess of the kingdom. Her childhood days were spent making garlands with her mother, singing praises to her lord, lighting the lamps and reading the religious books. At times, she would play house. At nine, she started her lessons. Unlike her brothers, who went to Gurukul, her Gurukul was at home. Because, unlike politics and war, her subjects were sewing. Cooking, calculations of groceries and at times defence. Unlike many of her sisters, who loved their swords, she preferred the sewing lessons. She waited patiently at the jharokha as her brothers and father finished their meals before she could have hers. Politics and discussions never caught her attention. At fourteen, her father had declared the wedding. Arriving at the new home, called the royal palace, married to the crown prince, things didn't change much. This was a test of all she had learned.
Each action was scrutinised. After all, she was the future queen. Some she passed, others she failed. On the first night of their marriage, he had made it clear. Her duty was the household. His was the politics. He had no time for love. After a few months of marriage into her first pregnancy, when she had started to fall in love with his care, reality hit in the form of his second wife. She realised she was never going to rule his heart. Alliances were important. She found solace in her children instead.
As her son became a crown prince, the mother realised two things. One, she should have been more attentive in defence classes. Two, power knew no relation. Only hunger. Her son was at stake. The worried mother had sent him into battles. He had come back with bruises that ached her heart. The country was in danger. With trembling hands, she had done the last tilak to her husband. Hugged her son before Saka. As expected, she had led the ladies to a fire altar. No tears or fear. As she faced the fire, she smiled. Finally. Freedom. You wonder why she doesn't have a name. Because no history mentions the thousands like her. But this untold story deserves mention. More than ones who won wars.
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