As the official ceremonies and hustle-bustle of Rupnagar's decorated royal court gradually settled down, clearing away the festive commotion, the newly crowned King Rupanjan took Princess Prabhasa's hand with immense affection and led her behind a high balcony of the royal palace.
Pressing Prabhasa's silky, soft hand between both of his palms, Rupanjan fixed his deep, wise gaze upon her. In a coy tone filled with supreme satisfaction, Rupanjan asked, "Prabha... now that I have been crowned as the supreme ruler and 'King' of this vast Rupnagar Empire today—are you truly happy in your heart? You don't hold any discontent or hesitation in your mind, do you?"
Prabhasa raised her charming, lotus-like eyes toward Rupanjan. An unblemished, divine, and innocent smile blossomed across her face.
With intense earnestness and profound emotion, Prabha said, "Don't you dare show off such vanity! Do you think I loved you for the height of your position or your power? Whether you are an ordinary man dispossessed of a kingdom, a daily-wage poor farmer, or the supreme, mighty King of a massive empire—that external identity holds no value to me! I have loved you deeply for that true, honest, and noble form residing within your soul. Whether you are rich or poor, I haven't the slightest need to see or think about it!"
Hearing such ultimate purity of character, sacred love, and humble words from Prabhasa's lips, Rupanjan's chest swelled with immense joy and gratification. Gazing intently at Prabha, he experienced a profound sense of inner fulfillment.
However, from the far end of the royal court, Princess Snigdha was covertly watching this scene! Seeing Rupanjan holding Prabha's hand and speaking with such deep, private emotion in the shadows, Snigdha burned with envy.
Gnashng her teeth in jealousy, she muttered under her breath, "What is this! What is Rupanjan whispering so softly in Prabha's ear, that lowly stepmother's daughter? Why is he showering Prabha with so much warmth, care, and affection? What kind of beauty or virtue does Prabha even possess that Rupanjan is staring at her so intently?"
Observing Snigdha staring so deeply at Rupanjan and Prabha, the cunning zamindar's son Jishnu, standing nearby, felt a sense of unease.
Approaching Snigdha, Jishnu urged her, saying, "Snigdha! What are you staring at over there with your mouth open? Come, let's complete the final preparations for our auspicious wedding the day after tomorrow! Let's return to Junagadh!"
With a violent jerk, Snigdha snapped at Jishnu and said in a fierce tone, "Have you gone completely mad, Jishnu? How many times must I tell you that I will not get married right now! I am telling you, don't mess with my mind right now! Get away from here!"—Saying this, Snigdha practically shoved Jishnu aside and headed toward the dining hall alone.
Reaching the dining hall, she completely abandoned her royal dignity and piled plate after plate of food like a monster, devouring it all gluttonously. After finishing her meal and wiping her mouth, she reappeared before Jishnu.
Flicking her wrist with utter contempt, Snigdha said, "Look, Jishnu! I have finished eating with great pleasure. I am returning to Junagadh now. Whatever you do sitting here is up to you, I don't give a damn!"
Utterly flabbergasted, Jishnu said, "What do you mean where are you going, Snigdha? Going to Junagadh alone? And what am I supposed to do here? Are you forgetting that our grand, auspicious wedding is fixed for tomorrow itself? All arrangements and preparations are finalized at the royal palace! What on earth are you saying all of a sudden? How can you say 'I won't get married' now?"