Few days later..

Days glided by within the grand walls of the palace, each one resembling the other — calm on the surface, yet laced with an unspoken tension.

The household moved in its usual rhythm: temple bells chiming at dawn, maids hurrying through the corridors, and the faint scent of sandalwood weaving through the air. Everything appeared perfectly in order, yet a quiet heaviness lingered beneath the grandeur.

Aarohi carried herself with her usual grace, her smile soft but distant. Between her and her Maa Sa lay a silence that neither dared to break. Their conversations were limited to formal courtesies, their eyes meeting rarely, as though afraid to reopen old wounds.

She spent her days in prayer, reading, exchausting study sessions with guruji, light conversations with Kaveri Kaki..

Evenings found her by the window, diary resting on her lap, watching the fading sun dip behind the domes.

Life within the palace moved forward, poised and polished ....

But today is not like usual days..

Today was different — the palace, usually calm in its grandeur, now stirred with quiet urgency.

From the very first light of dawn, footsteps echoed through the marble halls, the air thick with the scent of fresh flowers and polish. Every corner seemed to shimmer with new care; curtains were replaced, silver trays gleamed brighter, and the maids moved swiftly, their voices hushed but eager.

The courtyard bustled with servants, some sweeping the marble floor, others arranging garlands of jasmine along the pillars. Even the chandeliers were being cleaned till they caught the sunlight like scattered jewels. The still palace had awakened — not to routine, but to preparation.

Something was coming — or rather, someone. Though no one said a word, an air of expectation lingered in every corridor. From the kitchens to the royal chambers, everyone worked as if the very walls awaited an honored presence.

At the dining table whole Rajvansh family gathered and sat on their respected seats..

Aarohi was there too, small, shy, head bowed in order to not attain any attention, though thousands of thoughts were there in her head, about the happenings in the palace but she choose to remain scilent.

Just when, Rajshree intrupted asking about what's going on in the palace why this much hustle...

Ye sb kya aur kis liye ho raha hai Mahal mai?koi aane wala hai kya said she in a calm yet firm voice..

To which Uday responded..

Jii maa sa! Bhot hi khas mehaman aane wale han aaj isiliye ye sb taiyariyan chal rahi han..he said steadily..

Aacha! kon aane wala hai she asked..

Maa sa! Vo humare purane dost han Veerendra Rathore, humare business partner bhi hua karte the ek time par,yaad hoga apko, vo kafi time baad humse aaj milne aa rhe hai ..Uday replied

Aacha! Veerendra aa rha hai usse toh hume bhi milna hai,bhot time ho gya usse mile..she said.

Jii Maa sa! bilkul vo keh hi rhe the pori family se milne ke liye hum ap sbse milayenge unhen.. Uday replied

Silence had fallen over the dining hall once again—until Uday’s voice cut through, and the room came alive again.

He turned towards Aarohi and said in a sharp, firm voice that could even dagger into a steal

Aarohi! He called out..

Aarohi turned her head towards Uday, her breath hitched, her fingers trembling, thinking of what had she done now that her father called her name in front of everyone..

Jii! She said her voice cracking with fear

Tumne suna na jo humne abhi kha ki humare dost aa rhe hai.. he asked

She just nod her head in acceptance

Hn toh aaj aap pora din apne room mai hi rahengi, hum guruji ko upar apke room mai hi bhej denge, hum ni chahte ap niche aaye .. he demanded

Aarohi went still at the words of her baba sa, she wanted to say something –anything to defend, to oppose but nothing came out , her words died in her throat..

All she could manage is  to lower her eyes and bow down her head in aggrement...

The room sank into silence once more, but this time it was heavier, more suffocating. The air seemed to thicken around the diners, and even the faint clatter of cutlery was swallowed by the weight of unspoken thoughts.

Aarohi sat quietly, her hands resting limply on her lap, yet her mind replayed her father’s words over and over. Each syllable pressed upon her chest, leaving a hollow ache that she could neither shake nor voice. Her usual composure wavered, and a shadow of melancholy clouded her eyes.

Around her, the hall felt distant, as if she were no longer part of it. Every glance, every whisper of movement reminded her of the gap between her and the warmth she once knew, leaving her alone with the heavy echo of disappointment.

Her father didn't wanted her even here.When he's going to introduce his family to his freind and asking her to stay in room— am I not the member of family(thought she)...

After sometime she stood up to leave—her plate remained untouched,her appetite died...

She rushed towards her room,her footsteps echoing,her anklets jingling as she run,her steps uneven, her eyes blurred from tears,with each stride the noice of the hall fainting in her ears the only voice left was her father's word—those harsh word that still lingers in her heart.

---

In her room..

She entered her room with slow, restrained steps...

The morning light that streamed through the windows felt harsher now, too bright for the heaviness she carried.

She paused at the doorway, her fingers tightening around the handle for a moment before she let it go.

The silence of the room greeted her—calm, indifferent, almost mocking.

She walked in, her heart sinking with every step, and the door closed softly behind her, shutting out the world that had just shut her out.

She sank on the floor, knees closed to her chest,tears now flowing freely,each word of her father clinging to her heart—is she this indifferent,is she this big of a burden to them, that they can't even let her seen by the world ...

She kept sobbing for what felt like decades. After sometime when her tears had just begun to dry when a sudden knock echoed through the stillness of her room. She froze, wiping her cheeks in haste, forcing the tremor in her breath to still. The door stood between her and the world she wasn’t ready to face—yet the voice that followed left her no choice.

“Guruji…” she whispered under her breath, straightening her dupatta, trying to gather the pieces of herself she had just lost moments ago. The redness in her eyes betrayed her, but she lifted her chin anyway, masking her pain behind a frail smile as she turned toward the door.

Her hand hesitated on the latch for a moment, the weight of her sorrow still heavy on her chest. But she drew a quiet breath and opened the door.

Guruji stood there, his eyes calm yet observant, the kind that saw far beyond appearances. “Ap thik toh han, bitiya?" he asked softly.

She lowered her gaze at once, her voice a fragile whisper. “Jii,Guruji!..bs thoda sa thak gye han..."!

He nodded slowly, not pressing further, though the silence between them said he understood more than she wished him to.

Trying to steady herself, she stepped aside respectfully. “Aaiye, Guruji.”

As he entered, she straightened her posture, forcing a quiet composure to settle over her. The tears that had once stained her cheeks were now replaced by a serene calm—one she wore like armor.

Then they sat on the study table and begin with studies....

---

In the living room...

The living room gleamed under the soft rays of the morning sun, filtering through the tall arched windows. The air still carried the faint aroma of breakfast—fresh parathas and spiced tea lingering in the silence that followed the meal.

Uday sat on the grand sofa, his posture composed yet slightly restless, a newspaper open in his hands though his eyes barely moved across the lines. The rhythmic clinking of utensils echoed faintly from the kitchen, where Maa Sa and Dadi were occupied with the last-minute preparations, their voices occasionally blending in quiet murmurs of instruction.

The cushions were fluffed, the silver tray of sweets already placed on the center table, and every corner of the hall seemed touched up to perfection. The calm, however, didn’t last long...

Soon, the muffled sound of footsteps and a deep, familiar voice drifted in from the courtyard. The guard at the gate called out a respectful greeting—Veerendra Rathore had arrived.

Uday instantly straightened, folding the newspaper and setting it aside, a faint smile breaking across his otherwise stern face as he turned toward the main door.

At the door way was standing a Veerendra — a man in around his forties, carrying a quit authority,his posture straight shoulders broad, and every gesture spoke of discipline and breeding. Streaks of silver traced through his otherwise jet-black hair, giving his presence a dignified edge rather than age. A neatly trimmed beard framed his strong jawline, and his sharp eyes—calm yet piercing—seemed to observe everything without ever revealing what he thought.

He wore a crisp, cream-colored kurta paired with a finely embroidered waistcoat, the kind that hinted at old royalty rather than showy wealth. A simple gold ring rested on his finger, and the faint scent of sandalwood surrounded him—subtle, commanding, unmistakably noble. His voice, when he spoke, carried a weight that made people listen—not because he demanded it, but because silence seemed the only fitting response.

Uday hurriedly went to receive Veerendra,both smiled at each other, carrying the same warmth, then they hugged each other — "like two school freind's met after long time."

They went inside,there footsteps echoing on the marble,and sat on the sofa beside each other..

Aur Uday kaise ho! Said Veerendra in his firm voice..

Hum thik hai ap bataiye itne samay ke baad apko humari yaad aayi hai! Uday replied

Kya karu yrr kaam mai thoda busy tha! Veerendra said

Aacha koi ni aaram se ruk ke jaiyega! Uday intended..

Nhi yrr hume nikalna hai kaam hai kuch,acha ye sab chodo bhabhi aur maa sa se toh milvao hume... Veerendra asked..

Uday called Milakshi and Rajshree who were busy with the last minute preparation in the kitchen..

Within moments, Rajshree and Milakshi emerged — their hands still damp from the kitchen work, their dupattas adjusted quickly in mild haste yet both carried a sense of authority. The fragrance of freshly cooked dishes followed them as they entered the hall, their faces glowing with a mix of grace and hospitality.

The servants, sensing the arrival of an important guest, quietly took their places near the walls, waiting for further orders.

The hall, moments ago silent, now filled with the polite warmth of greetings and the rustle of silks.

As soon as they both entered Veerendra stood up and greeted both of them a small smile lingered on his lips and they reciprocated the greetings with the same warmth...

All of them sat on couch, echos of there laughter and chatting filling up the hall...

Kaise ho Veerendra beta! Said Rajshree

Main thik hu Maa sa! Ap bataiye kesi han asked Veerendra..

Hum bhi thik han beta! Rajshree replied...

Then they all got emerged in other talk, some about politics,some about past memories and stuff like that....

After chatting for a while both of them excesued themselves to foresee further preparations and with that went towards the kitchen,their footsteps echoing in the hall....

Uday and Veerendra were all alone now so they started chatting —about their lives,past, memories, business and what not??

Suddenly Veerendra said something that left Uday startled ...

Uday hume apse kuchh baat karni hai.. said Veerendra

Jii! Boliye .. replied Uday

Vo hum kafi time se soch rahe the ki apki beti bhi ab jawan hai aur humara beta bhi.. Veerendra said

Hn ye toh hai bacche kitni jaldi bade ho jate hai na .Uday said..

Hn toh isiliye hum ye soch rahe the ki kyu na dono ki shadi kara di jaye,hum apne bete Vihaan ke liye apki beti Aarohi ka hath mangte hai... Veerendra said so casually as if it was nothing..

For a moment, time itself seemed to halt. Uday’s smile froze midway, the words sinking like a silent thunder inside the grand hall. His eyes flickered—shock, disbelief, then something unreadable. The air around them thickened, every gaze in the room waiting for his response.

And then, just as quickly, his lips curved into a faint smirk.

“Veerendra… tumne soch bhi kaise liya,” he said softly, his voice calm but heavy with layered meaning. “Par… haan, kyun nahi?”

That smirk lingered — a blend of pride, plan, and something only he understood.

And with that both stood and hugged each other declaring themselves as — future Samdhiji!!!!

Just then, Milakshi entered from the kitchen doorway, her tone warm and inviting.

“Arre, aap dono toh bachpan jaise mil baithe… chaliye, khana lag gaya hai.”

The two men shared a look and walked toward the dining hall, with Milakshi following gracefully behind, her face composed and unreadable. As they settled at the long carved table, Uday exchanged a knowing glance with his wife.

“Humne,”Veerendra began softly, “Aarohi ka rishta apne bete Vihaan ke liye maang liya hai.”

For a moment, even the clinking of silver spoons paused. Rajshree’s gaze lifted from her plate, sharp yet elegant. Uday looked at her briefly — a silent exchange, one that spoke volumes.

Then, Milakshi broke the stillness with a gentle smile. “Ye toh bahut acchi baat hai,” she said calmly. “Hum poori tarah se raazi hain.”

Rajshree inclined her head slightly, her voice composed.

“Rishta toh dono gharon ka samman jodta hai,” she said, the words carrying both grace and gravity. “Agar Uday khush hai, toh mujhe koi aitraaz nahi.” Uday's faint smirk returned as Veerendra’s wife folded her hands gratefully.

The aroma of food filled the room, and the meal began — sweet, cordial, and yet, beneath every polite word, an unspoken unease simmered quietly.

Veerendra filled the scilence once again and showed his gratitude towards them and said "dhanyavad humari baat ka maan rakhne ke liye".

He added" par hum soch rahe the ye shadi jaldi ho jaye, kyuki hume London jana hai kuchh kaam se toh usse phle ye shadi ho jaye toh accha hoga".

Uday replied casually" jb ap bole hume koi aapatti nhi hai,kb karni hai shadi".

Veerendra said" 2 din baad engagement kar dete han aur uske 2 din baad shadi"..

Milakshi was about to say something —to oppose maybe cause how could it be possible to arrange everything in this short period.

But she stopped midway as Uday gave her a knowing glare ..

Then Uday replied" jii manzur hai humen,ap shadi ki taiyari kijiye"....

The lunch table was filled with laughter and warmth once again....

The air that had earlier been heavy with tension now carried the aroma of peace. Veerendra finally took leave, blessing everyone before departing. The clatter of dishes faded as the household returned to its rhythm.

Guruji too were gone long ago and Aarohi was as usual in her room..

Milakshi glanced at Uday once the guests were gone. Her tone was gentle but thoughtful, “Aarohi ko toh ab tak kuchh pata hi nahi…”

Uday leaned back in his chair, his voice firm yet calm, “Haan, subah bata denge unhe. Tum bas shaadi ki taiyariyaan shuru karo—char din baad sab kuch khatam karna hai, shaan se.”

Milakshi nodded, a faint smile on her lips, half relief and half worry. Outside, the afternoon sun began to soften, painting the palace in shades of gold — as if the walls themselves knew a new chapter was about to begin.

And thus, the day ended — in silence, preparation, and an unspoken destiny awaiting Aarohi.

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