Princess Marianetta
Princess Marianetta couldn't forget the look on Harinder's face as he cried when she revealed her thoughts about the land he had successfully prospered.
She kept turning in her bed, restless, and suddenly, she wondered why she had gone to great lengths to make sure that his potential was known and seen by all. Perhaps, it was due to his humble background or his sincerity in fulfilling his given tasks. She had known, from the start, that he was a man of much wisdom and courage.
She had seen a fleeting sign of despair cross his face when she first saw him. He wanted a place in the Kingdom, to be accepted as one of the subjects, and she knew that her grandfather, the Maharaja, had given him an almost impossible task to accomplish.
She had been a little surprised with the King's proposition. It was a barren land that the King had so graciously offered the peasant to reap and sow. None of the other subjects wanted to cultivate that piece of land.
She was excited that Harinder had triumphed in a most arduous feat. The King was a hard man to please and known for his brazen authority over his subjects. A proud and stern ruler.
Her heart melted as she thought about the peasant that night. She had a sudden urge to go back to see him.
She couldn't wait to tell her grandfather how he had succeeded in cultivating a barren land.
The land would bring him a small fortune with the fruits of his labor. She was happy that the King would now have to accept Harinder into the Kingdom, and more importantly, present the land to him. Harinder would soon be a landowner in the Kingdom. He had worked hard for it and was a deserving victor.
The next morning, she told her aides that she wanted to visit Harinder. She wanted to see if everything was in order before she presented her report to the King within the next two days.
Her heart skipped a beat as she was speaking to her aide. The aide noticed how the princess blushed when she mentioned the peasant's name.
The aide was concerned. She knew the King would be furious if he found out that the princess had lost her heart to the peasant. The signs were all there when she spoke of him. It would never do for a princess to marry a commoner in Hintrupate.
As the princess and her aides left for Harinder's land, they noticed that along the way, the grounds were wet and muddy. Their footsteps left deep imprints on the ground. The princess thought about how the footprints would disappear soon enough. It was just like the thunderstorm that wreaked havoc of some kind the night before. It lasted long enough to make a presence, then disappeared after leaving lasting impressions, like the wet and muddied grounds they walked on just then.
She wondered if Harinder's crops were affected in any way. She hoped not. It would be devastating if anything untoward happened, and the crops were destroyed as a result. She summoned the two aides to fasten their steps. She wanted to see if everything was alright at his place as soon as possible.
When they reached his place, the princess and her aides were overcome with great sadness. Some of his crops had been uprooted and lay strewn all over the land. He had barely two days before he presented himself to the King.
They looked for him and saw him crouched, replanting some of the crops that still had the roots dangling from the plant. He was so busy with his task that he didn't see the princess and her aides watching him.
"Come, ladies, let us help the poor man. Pick up whatever crops can be salvaged and replant them just as he is doing. Gather the eggplants and put them in a basket. We can show it to the King when we meet him next."
The princess's heart softened at the sight of the peasant. However, he looked like nothing deterred him. He was working on the far corner of the land and still didn't see or hear the three women.
They kept to the opposite side and worked fast at gathering the eggplants and replanting the good crops.
When he finally saw them after more than an hour of working on the land, he had the shock of his life. Sad and distressed, no words could he utter to the princess when he stood before her, except to bow his head, fold his arms across his chest, and look beaten because of the damage. Harinder felt utterly defeated.
The teary-eyed princess felt sorry when she looked at his downcast face.
"Don't worry Harinder. Even though there is much damage to the crops, it is proof enough of what you have accomplished here. Look, we have gathered most of the eggplants that were scattered. We shall show it as proof to the King. He will understand that you were helpless against the turbulent weather, an unkind act of God who feels no compassion for one who had worked so meticulously."
Harinder had no words to express his gratitude to the kind princess. Her words calmed his restless spirit.
He hadn't slept a wink during the night. He could hear the winds howling and the rain falling heavily, he knew his crops would get damaged for sure. He hoped that the damage wouldn't be too extensive, however, at first light, when he ran outside to see what had transpired, he saw that most of the crops were uprooted.
He couldn't cry when he saw the devastation. He had expected it. With a heavy heart, he got to work. He started to replant the ones with the roots still intact.
It was almost afternoon, and he hadn't eaten anything from the time he started working that morning. The princess and her aides had gone back to replanting the crops. She had a beautiful heart he couldn't deny. Plus, it was good to know that in any given situation, she would personally lend a hand.
The princess and her aides had done quite a bit of work, and Harinder saw that a lot of the unwanted crops had been cleared off the land, and two baskets of eggplants stood at the corner filled to the brim.
He suddenly felt hungry. He walked up to the princess and said, "Your Highness, may I speak with you or one of your aides."
"You can speak to me, Harinder," the princess answered kindly.
"It is almost time for lunch now, and I would like to request Your Highness' permission to cook some of the eggplants from the basket over there, as I have not yet had the time to cook a meal today. Your Highness and the memsahibs have not eaten as well. Please do not trouble yourself, Your Highness with any more of these menial tasks. Most of the fallen crops have been cleared. May I request that Your Highness rest, and if you so desire, have some of the eggplant rice that I plan to cook? Please forgive me if I have made a mistake in inviting Your Highness to join me in my humble meal. I shall be honored to humbly serve you, Your Highness."
The princess looked ecstatic. She would love to eat some of the food prepared by Harinder. "Yes, I would like that very much, Harinder. Go and prepare a banquet with the eggplants. I have not eaten a meal prepared in such a manner, and so, it will be a new palate for me to taste."
Harinder ran to get three eggplants and cooked them with some rice. He added some salt and spices and hoped that it would please the princess.
The food smelled delicious from where the princess and her aides sat waiting to be served. Harinder ran to the only banana tree that grew near the well. From the time he had arrived at the shack, it had not flowered or produced any fruit. Harinder waited impatiently for the day when he could pluck a banana and eat it.
He cut three banana leaves, washed the leaves, and took the food to his royal guests. They were seated in a row and seeing them seated that way brought a smile to Harinder's face.
Three beautiful ladies in a row, a sudden thought occurred to him, waiting to feast on a meal he cooked. He was a little nervous. Would they enjoy the meal? It wasn't a rich serving like what they usually ate at the palace every day!
He placed the food before them and watched from a distance as the princess ate. She seemed to be enjoying the simple meal and finished every bit of the rice on the leaf.
She saw Harinder watching her. When she had finished, she stood up to leave. She knew Harinder would be famished, and he wouldn't eat in their presence.
"Thank you, Harinder. I have never enjoyed a meal as much as this. I shall leave now and return in the morning to see how things have fared here."
She and her aides then left.
She walked a distance before she turned back to look at Harinder. He was still standing with his arms folded, looking at them as they walked away.
Princess Marianetta felt a sudden longing in her heart. She didn't want to leave Harinder's land. She wanted to stay and help as much as she could. She wanted to talk to him and learn his thoughts. She wanted to know about his family and the life he lived before. She wanted to be able to speak to him on equal terms. She was in a way devastated that she came from nobility while he, a mere commoner. She was afraid of the distinction between them.
Her aide held her by her arm and hurried her back to the palace. "Come, Your Highness. It won't do if you encourage such feelings in you. He is but a commoner, and the King would surely put him to death if he found out you liked him in such a manner. I can see the same in his face. It is best if you don't harbor a love for the peasant. Come, let's get back to the palace before dark, my darling princess."
The princess let the tears flow freely this time. She knew what her aide said to be true. She hated her life, she said in her heart. If she couldn't be free to love, what good is it to live a rich life? She didn't want to think of another man who would be as pompous as the King, who would be made to marry her. Why even forced! She wanted the simple love that only Harinder could give. Wasn't happiness a reason to love? A happy, carefree life is what she had yearned for since before. She was tired of living in restriction.
That night was a night of revelations. Not one of the knightly princes who had visited the palace had touched her the way Harinder had. Her heart yearned for his love. What could she do to beget it?
She decided to spend the whole day on the land the next day. She wanted to be close to Harinder and help him in any way she could. She wanted the King to acknowledge that he was a faithful man, true to his word, and wise.
Wasn't wisdom the way to a happy heart?
She had seen the look he had for her. It held so much promise and the princess was equally beguiled with him.
Princess Marianetta had a secret counselor she always confided in. And she would visit him to tell him of her love soon.
The next day, Marianetta left for Harinder's land early. She left a note for her aides not to look for her. She wanted to spend some private moments with Harinder.
Harinder was up early that morning. He knew the princess would visit and wanted to make sure that every debris had been cleared off the land and the fallen plants replanted.
He stood at the entrance to the land as the sun was rising against the majestic Himavans.
He looked at the land he had prospered, and it was good. The orange hues spread across the skies, casting a myriad of colors on the rays that befell on the cultivated land. His crops looked like they were in union with the wind as they swayed in absolute submission to the beauty of the heavens.
There was a myriad of beauty within that fold. The beauty of the colored skies, the beauty of the land so prospered, and the beauty of a man who had risen above calamities and trials.
Princess Marianetta stood looking at Harinder when she arrived. She was a little afraid that she had come alone. "Wouldn't he be surprised?" she thought, to see me without my aides.
"But, this day is not for everyone. This day, I belong to me, and I shall do as I please."
There was a gust of cold wind, and Harinder felt someone's stare from behind. He turned around to see the princess standing alone a short distance away.
He couldn't contain his surprise. "Princess, what has happened? Where are your aides? Has something happened on the way here?"
"Oh no, Harinder. Nothing like that. I came alone to see if I could help you. I wanted this day to be spent with you. Would you mind if I helped you without my aides?"
Harinder felt a little overwhelmed. What?
But he didn't show his feelings to the princess. "What is she thinking? Has she gone out of her mind? She, a princess, out here alone, helping me clear debris? How could this be so?" Harinder, however, did let his questioning thoughts be visible.
He answered sheepishly, "No, not at all Your Highness. I would never be brave enough to go against your wishes. However, I have finished clearing up the whole land. Would Your Highness tell me what you think of the place now?"
Princess Marianetta replied, "Oh yes, it looks splendid. And I am sure the King would be very pleased with you. He will surely send his men to inspect your work here. I shall stand by you, Harinder. I shall tell him of your tenacity to withstand any obstacles that come your way."
Harinder bowed his head and thanked the princess.
He suddenly felt courageous enough to ask if she had eaten. He would walk to the village nearby to get some milk and bread. They could have it once he's back.
"Your Highness, may I leave your presence for a while. I will run down to the village to get some milk and bread. If it befits you, Your Highness, we shall have a simple breakfast after."
But the princess wanted to follow Harinder to the village. "I will follow you, Harinder. No one will recognize me in these clothes that I am wearing, not without my finery or crown." Harinder didn't reply but bowed and shook his head in acknowledgment.
"You should not show me up as the princess too. There is no need for you to address me as, Your Highness, nor bow in reverence. We should be more of an acquaintance, why even a friend to each other would be perfect."
Harinder simply nodded. Now how was he to pretend? He felt afraid all of a sudden. What if the King's men came around the village as they did sometimes when he chanced meeting them there? It all seemed a little daunting to him. For another, what was he going to tell the storekeeper's wife when she questioned him who he was with. He was sure nothing got past her!
Harinder regretted his question to the princess. Anyway, he meekly agreed to do as she wanted.
They left for the village store. Every time he walked a step behind her, the princess would wait up for him and take his side. She was intent on walking next to him. After a while,
Harinder got used to the idea of walking next to the princess without reservation.
Princess Marianetta started a conversation with Harinder. She knew he was petrified to be seen with her alone. She wanted to dispel his fear of her.
"Harinder, don't be afraid to speak to me like a friend. Don't you want to be a friend to me? I would love to speak to you like one and talk about your previous life and what had transpired in the mountains. Do tell me about the Himavans, Harinder."
Harinder relaxed a little after that. The princess was a kind soul, and he did feel a tenderness for her in his simple heart.
"The mountain is a hard place to live in. But we were the mountain tribes, used to living in rugged terrains amidst harsh weather. I was the only son in a family of six. My father was a hunter, and he was often away for long periods. My mother used to look after us until my sisters got married. Their families lived with us in the same house. When I was old enough, my father took me hunting. Once, we caught a wild boar that lasted us a whole winter. Those were good times in the mountains.
Unfortunately, when my father was out hunting alone one day, he was attacked by some wild animals. I found him after three days of him going missing. I looked for him everywhere and finally found him lying face down on a ledge, sprawled and bloodied. It was a gory sight.
I didn't take his body back home. I buried him under some rocks. It would have been too traumatic if my family had seen his body. I told no one that he was dead. I prayed for him and went back home with a heavy heart.
Then, after three months of his demise, a great avalanche shook the mountains. It trapped us between rocks and rubble, and after three long weeks of being without food and water, my family members died one by one.
I managed to escape and climb out of the rubble to make my way to this Kingdom. So, that is my story, Your Highness. A hard past if I should say so."
The princess listened quietly when Harinder related his story. What a hard life he had led, she thought sadly. However, he has done well for himself here in the Kingdom. She vowed to do all she could to see that he lived a good life.
She was glad that he was able to share his story with her. He talked as if to a friend. Then Marianetta did the strangest thing. She confided in him. Not usually one who talks about her past, she told Harinder about her adoption into the royal family.
"Since you were so open to me about your family, I shall tell you something that might shock you about me, Harinder.
I was left to die in the jungles when I was born. Luckily, the Crown Prince, Abuvaya was passing the jungle trail on a hunting trip and heard my cries.
They stopped and the prince took me back to the palace. Prince Abuvaya then obtained the Maharaja's permission to adopt me. I think I was a very lucky child to have been adopted by my father, the Crown Prince, Abuvaya. I was born a Christian, hence why my name is Marianetta. My grandfather, the Maharaja of Hintrupate, however, consented only after my father agreed to let me embrace the Hindu religion. The highest Hindu scholars and philosophers of the land taught me to read the Hindu scriptures. My father let me keep my name as my heritage upon obtaining the Maharaja's approval. And so, I became an heiress to the Kingdom. I lived a charmed life, and I love my father very much."
Then with a laugh, Princess Marianetta said, "My father adores me."
Harinder had no doubts about that. Princess Marianetta was a lovely person. She was as kind as she was beautiful.
They were walking back to Harinder's land by this time. As luck would have it, the storekeeper's wife wasn't around when Harinder went to buy the milk and bread, nor did he see any of the King's soldiers scouting around the village that day.
He breathed a sigh of relief. He couldn't imagine what the King would do if he found out that Harinder was spending time with the princess alone.
However, he had such a wonderful time talking to the princess about his past and telling her about himself. The princess too didn't mind that he talked so much. And she in return had related her past to him.
The princess on the other hand was glad that Harinder had relaxed in her presence and treated her now as a friend.
They saw a squirrel scuttle up a tree on the way. The princess suddenly felt as carefree as a child and ran after it. Harinder laughed at her antics and they both shared a light moment then.
"Let's sit under the tree and have our meal, Harinder. Then we can feed some crumbs to the squirrel."
Harinder agreed and he cleared the spot where the princess was to be seated. He would sit a little distance away from her.
However, the princess refused to eat if Harinder didn't sit right opposite her. "Why do you sit so far, Harinder? We are more than friends now, aren't we? When two people share a meal, they must surely be more than friends," she teased.
Harinder smiled. He then moved a little closer. However, It wouldn't do to show disrespect to the princess, he thought quickly.
He broke a portion of the bread for the princess. She took it and was, however, intent on tearing it into tiny bits and pieces to throw them to the squirrel. Then out of nowhere, two crows suddenly cawed, and scooped down below and flew away with the breadcrumbs they managed to peck off the ground.
Harinder and Marianetta laughed aloud. It was so funny to see that the squirrel had lost out to the cunning crows. It would have augured well for the squirrel if it was aware of the dangers it faced. Hunger had always necessitated a fight for survival.
They finished their meal in silence after that. A shared moment of joy between them they knew would spoil if either one said anything more.
Harinder got up first. Princess Marianetta put out her hand to have him help her up. Harinder wasn't sure if he could touch her outstretched hand, but shivering a little, he pulled her up.
They looked at each other tenderly then.
Marianetta then put her hand in his and they walked the rest of the way in silence. It was purely magical when they touched, that the friendship they shared soon turned them into lovers.
When they reached Harinder's land, Harinder didn't want to let go of the princess's hand. Instead, he said, "Look at the Himavans, princess. Look at its majestic sprawling splendor.
Even though its peak meets the sky, they would never be able to rival in height. They would always seek to touch the clouds. A feat through the centuries they have never surpassed."
Marianetta thought that it was a wise Harinder who spoke in parables. She knew what he meant.
He was a peasant with big dreams. No matter how he tried, he could never be in union with her. She was of royalty, while he was a mere commoner. It was wishful thinking on his part if he ever wanted to be more to her.
But, Marianetta wasn't easily swayed. She had a bit of her father's stubborn trait. She had lost her heart to a commoner, and she learned that she had met one who was as wise as he was ambitious.
For surely, he would be able to turn the tides of misfortune if he was ever confronted with it. There is no lack in one who is endowed with steadfast tenaciousness, they are best known for their resolve to rise.
They stood looking at the Himavan, their hands clasped in each other. Both with different thoughts running in their minds.
While Harinder thought of his love for the princess as impossible, Marianetta thought about how she could win his affection and get the king to approve of an inevitable union. Yes, inevitable, because Marianetta had made up her mind to wed Harinder. Not only was he handsome, but he also had a tender heart which was reflected in his eyes when he stared at her.
With the afternoon upon them, Marianetta knew that it was time for her to go. Harinder could sense her growing a little quiet and solemn.
So he asked, "Is everything alright? Why do you look downcast, princess?
Marianetta looked at him then. How could she tell him that she had the most amazing day with him? How could she relay her love for a man she wasn't sure would accept her to be his? He was more concerned about her status and very likely his too. As humble as he was, he was a proud man and stood by his righteousness.
Anyway, Harinder turned his eyes away, his thoughts in a muddle. She told him that it was time for her to go and that she would see him in the King's courtyard the next day.
Harinder saw the tears glisten in her beautiful eyes. They were holding hands and he kissed the palm of her hands to bid adieu. He wanted to tell her that he couldn't wait to see her the next day, but words failed him.
Marianetta stood on tiptoe and kissed his lips. She didn't think she would be as brave as that, but it was an impulsive act to show him how much he meant to her.
"I will walk you back to the palace, princess. It is dangerous for you to venture alone and soon, the evening sun will be upon us." Harinder said as he caught his breath at her sudden show of affection.
They walked in companionable silence; the road ahead seemed too short all of a sudden. They wished that the day wouldn't end, but it did end with them knowing that they did not own the hours of the day. Time never stopped in its tracks for anyone. They now hoped that the road ahead would never see an ending so that they could keep walking for as long as they could, holding hands and relishing special moments in each other's company.
However, those were wishful thoughts meant for the two lovers.
Harinder saw the palace from a distance. It had taken them nearly two hours to get there. He left Marianetta a little away from the entrance to the palace and walked quickly back to his land.
It was going to be a formidable meeting with the Maharaja the next day so he wanted to get an early night. He would have to leave for the palace at the first break of light.