“Gautami”, the King addressed her in his deep voice, “I will pardon you but on one condition.  You must promise me that this mistake will never be repeated again.” 

“I promise, Maharaj!” 

“Alright!  You may leave!”  Gautami thanked the King and made her way to Padmini’s chambers, surprised that the King had left her unpunished.

Here, Padmini was waiting for Gautami to return.  As soon as she saw her, she asked Gautami as to why the King wanted to see her.  

“Oh! It’s nothing, O Princess!  He just wanted to inquire if you were fine!”

“No!” disagreed Padmini, “That is not possible!  It was only yesterday he called you for that purpose.  He does not inquire about me with you daily.  The truth is something else!  Please, Gautami!  Tell me what’s the matter.  Do not hide anything from me!” 

Realising that it was now futile to hide the facts from Padmini, Gautami told her everything.  Although Padmini was distressed to know that the King did not want her to come out of her chambers till his guests were in the palace for obvious reasons, she was highly impressed to see that Gautami could go to any extreme to ensure her happiness such as to even keep her job at stake like she had done today. 

Padmini hugged the kind-hearted maid, “I am glad to learn that apart from my mother and uncle (Maanavendra), there are others who have so much love and care for me!  Thank you, Gautami!”  Gautami responded with a smile and thanked the lord for all had ended well.

Later during the night, Maanavendra paid a visit to Padmini.  He patiently listened while she narrated to him all that had happened that day.  She showered many praises on Gautami, which the grand old minister acknowledged.   

After Padmini had told him everything, he smiled at her benignly and said, “I will tell you something, dear.  Please listen.”  As Padmini listened intently, Maanavendra continued, “After those guests had left, I had met the King for some work.  I found him to be very irritated and on inquiry I learnt as to how Gautami had disobeyed him. 

Your father was so furious at her that he wanted to terminate her services.  I knew as to how close you were with Gautami, Padmini.  Therefore, I pleaded him to change his mind.  I supported my pleas by telling him that Gautami was a poor girl and she would be left to her fate if she were thrown out from her job. 

When this did not have the desired effect on your father, I further told him that Gautami was in close proximity with you and that you will be disheartened if she is shown the door. 

This made your father think for a few moments and made up his mind to first know the reason from Gautami for going against his wishes and then decide in this matter.  Later he apprised me that he had met Gautami and forgave her. 

He did not tell me as to what reason Gautami gave to go against his orders, which I have now learnt, from you.” 

The generous minister paused and then continued, “Padmini, I am telling you this just to show that somewhere in the corner of his heart, the King has some love and affection for you.  He has not dismissed Gautami from her job only because I told him as to how close she was to you. 

I am sure that when Gautami told your father that she disobeyed him so as not to hurt you, he must have understood her point and forgave her.” 

“I am glad to hear this, uncle.  Thanks for all that you have done for me!”  Padmini clasped the hands of the minister who smiled at her fervidly. 

Later, when Padmini apprised Gautami that it was due to her uncle that made her father change his mind, she went to Maanavendra and thanked him effusively for his help. 

A few days passed by.  One day Padmini came to meet Maanavendra.  She had a piece of paper in her hand that was neatly rolled up. 

Maanavendra made her sit beside him and said observing the little Princess minutely, “Padmini, I find that you are very excited today.  Any good news?  What is that paper in your hand?”   Padmini smiled and gave the paper to him which contained the drawing of a vase. 

“This is wonderful!  Whoever did it is truly a great artist!” 

“Really?”  asked Padmini with a mischievous smile on her lips.

  “Of course!  See this drawing!  It has been done to perfection!” 

“Then that great artist is me, uncle!”  Padmini admitted with pride.

“What!” exclaimed Maanevendra, “You have done this!  So mean of you, Padmini!  You never told me that you could draw so well!” 

“I had drawn the picture of my mother when she was alive.  Although she liked it, I did not and therefore did not show it to anyone.  But I am myself impressed by this drawing of mine and therefore felt like showing it to you.”  said the Princess elated that her uncle had appreciated her drawing.

“From where did you draw it?  I do not recollect seeing this vase anywhere in our palace.”  Maanavendra said thoughtfully. 

“It is my imagination, uncle!”

“That’s wonderful, dear!  I am at a loss of words to extol this beautiful piece of drawing!  Well done!”  complimented the minister.

Padmini thanked him and, then, spoke her mind, “Uncle, is it possible to make an exact vase like this?  Since father’s birthday is due, I plan to present such a vase to him. 

Actually, mother used to offer him some gifts on his every birthday.  Now since she is no more, I want to continue from where she left.” 

“That is a very noble thought on your part, Padmini.  Leave this to me!  I shall employ the palace carpenter, Vivek, who will do this work exquisitely and in a record time.   Just give this paper to me and rest assured!”  asserted Maanavendra.

“Thank you so much, uncle!” 

“You’re welcome, dear!  Your father is going to have a pleasant surprise on his birthday!” 

“I hope so, uncle!”  Padmini left his apartments relieved and happy. 

Padmini passed the next few days in anticipation of the vase that Maanavendra had promised to make as she had drawn.  She used to meet him daily and inquire about it’s progress.

 Seeing her anxiety, Maanavendra  took her to Vivek’s place to show her that the work on her vase was going on at a very brisk space. One day, he came to see Padmini alongwith Vivek.

                        (To Continue)