Leaving behind the horrific stench of the palace and Prabhasha's fierce, vengeful avatar, Snigdha reached Rupanjan's favorite hideout at the edge of the forest, her heart thumping wildly. Rupanjan was standing under an ancient Peepal tree, waiting for her. As soon as he saw her, he stepped forward with a wide smile, but seeing the suppressed terror on her face, he became concerned.
Taking Snigdha's hands in his, Rupanjan asked tenderly, "What happened, Snigdha? Why does your face look so pale? Is there any danger at the palace?"
Snigdha took a long breath and rested her head on Rupanjan's chest. In a trembling voice, she said, "Do you know, Rupanjan? A strange and terrifying incident happened inside our palace today. A massive tiger was lying dead in our garden. Such a foul smell was coming from its body that the whole palace felt like hell. Father and Mother Arohi are away—is someone plotting to throw that rotting beast into our palace during this opportunity? I am so scared."
Rupanjan was startled and said, "What are you saying! A dead tiger got inside despite the palace's foolproof security? This is no ordinary conspiracy, Snigdha. Someone surely wants to frighten you or is signaling an ill omen. Is it because King Aditya is away that the enemies are rearing their heads?"
Snigdha gave a faint smile and said, "I'm thinking the same. Prafulla has charged at the guards with a whip. Even Prabhasha showed such a temper today that I was shocked. Let's leave those wretched matters; I don't want to bother my head with them anymore today. I just want to spend some peaceful time with you."
Rupanjan realized that Snigdha's mind was very restless. He planted a gentle kiss on her forehead and put his hand on her shoulder. The spring afternoon was slowly transforming into a magical twilight. Rupanjan began to hum a sweet love song in a soft voice—
"With your touch, my life is blessed today,
Flowers bloom in my heart's bower, my shyness fades away.
I'll build a nest with you, I'll never let you go,
My whole life will pass, just to feel your love's glow."
While singing, Rupanjan wrapped his arm around Snigdha's waist and began to sway with her in a light rhythm. Snigdha closed her eyes and rested her head on his shoulder. The scent of wild flowers from the surrounding forest and the enchanting melody of Rupanjan's voice took her to another world. Rupanjan began to spin her around, as if they were a Prince and Princess from a dreamland. Even the rustling of the wind seemed to keep pace with their magical dance.
Snigdha whispered, "Rupanjan, if only this moment could stop right here! I don't want any palace, I don't want any royal luxury—I just want to remain in your arms like this."
Rupanjan held her even more closely and said, "I want the same, Snigdha. I could spend a thousand years just looking into your enchanting eyes. This five-year-long love of ours is my only strength."
In this way, lost in stories of love and playful banter, they didn't even realize when evening had descended. The forest birds began returning to their nests, and the chirping of crickets could be heard in the distance. Regaining her senses, Snigdha said, "Oh! It's quite late. If I don't return now, Prafulla and Prabhasha will worry. Especially with the mood Prabhasha is in today, she won't let me off easily."
Rupanjan said with a somber face, "You have to go. But I will keep every moment spent with you tucked away in my heart. Return safely, Princess."
Snigdha started back toward the palace through the dark path. A strange peace reigned in her heart, but she did not know that a terrifying storm was waiting for her inside the palace. She had no inkling that Prabhasha's suspicion and the fire of jealousy were about to burn her nest of love to ashes.