Never before on the day of Holi in Raigad had one felt stained even before the colours were thrown. People everywhere gossiped. “How did Yu...
Never before on the day of Holi in Raigad had one felt stained even before the colours were thrown. People everywhere gossiped. “How did Yuvraj dare to do such a thing? In broad daylight, he had the temerity to pick up a married woman, throw her on his horse and bring her here!”
“Well, nothing surprising about it. It is an age-old tradition for Maharajas, isn’t it? To pick up whomsoever they fancy and despoil her.”
The celebrations subsided as the day drew to a close. As the sun was setting in the western sky, Shivaji sat in his chamber, his face faintly creased with anxiety. Despite his agitation, he maintained a calm demeanour. After deliberating for a while, Maharaj said to one of the guards in attendance, “Ask Shambhu Raje to present himself immediately.”
Trayambakrao and Niwasrao sat in a corner of the room. Their drama continued. The way they wept and made themselves look like meek victimswas truly worthy of applause. Anyone would have believed them! Now they turned to see Sambhaji entering.
He walked in with firm but slow steps, touching the emerald necklace he wore. How handsome he looked, with his fair complexion, broad forehead, arched eyebrows, and lively, shining eyes!
