CHAPTER 18: Aayat

Gallan kardi ae chakwein jaise munda sitara,
Par yeh ladki hai pataka, bum hai yeh Sahara,
Mainu kehndi ae mainu de de tu dil di safai,
Main kehnda ae pehle karle tu thodi si karwai,
Tere jaisi na koi hai, tu hai asli maal,
Tu bhi lagti hai kamaal, main bhi lagda kamaal,
Jab mil baithte hain dono lagta kamaal kamaal!

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I got off my bike, it was almost 2 am and the outside was dark and almost scary. But I didn’t felt ounce of scare because of the man following me to ensure I have reached home safely.

I feel a tingling feeling in my stomach whenever I think about him. And the nickname. Gosh the feeling that gives me is just out of the world and I cannot describe it in mere words.

Thinking about all these stuff my heart was telling me that I am falling in love but my brain it was screaming at me that I have gone absolutely crazy.

I sighed and slightly shook my head to shake off all the thoughts as I entered the palace.

The guards looked at me as if they were trying to find me since hours and a guard even rushed inside. Maybe to call my father and brothers?

Why are they all awake at this hour?

I walked inside the door that opened to the living room of the palace, the lights were all turned on and everyone was there. Aaliya was looking extremely happy, Veer Bhai sa and Dev Bhai sa were looking a bit anxious but delighted grins were pasted on their faces, Aditya Bhai sa and Lakshay Bhai sa looked extremely proud and as if they couldn’t control their joy but on the other hand baba sa was pacing all around the room nervously biting his fingernails.

The entire scene looked kind of weird to me. It wasn’t anything usual and why is Aaliya here? And why is everyone buzzing in the room with mixed expressions?

I stepped closer to Aaliya and tapped on her back before whispering lowly “What happed here Aalu? It feels like everyone has been struck by a hurricane of emotions.” I stepped back a little bit as she suddenly turned around and squealed loudly that I had to cover my ears to grant them some dear life.

“Ahhhh! Aarya you are here. Oh my god I can’t believe it. My best friend who first turned out to be a princess is now a press celebrity. Would you mind to pinch me?”

I pinched her really hard on her waist that she arched back a little and shouted “Ouch! You jerkasaurs.” I chuckled at her antics and cooed her mockingly

“Aww my baby got hurt! Let me see where is the boo boo.” I pretended to lift her shirt to check for injuries and she slapped my hand away. We both looked at each other for a few moments and then burst out laughing.

Soon as we got out of our own little word I saw baba sa and Bhai sa looking at me like they had seen a ghost. A really beautiful one as yeah I am self-obsessed. Come on a bit of self-love wouldn’t harm anyone. Would it?

Baba sa stopped pacing and walked towards me as fast as he could. Looking at him I left as if he was crying for me? Was he scared to lose me?

He embraced me tightly in his arms and I felt that familiar comforting fatherly warmth spread over me again. I also hugged him back and after a brief moment he stepped back a little after placing a kiss on my forehead. Veer Bhai sa came and stroked my hair gently while Devansh Bhai sa kissed my forehead.

“We are proud of you baccha! We didn’t knew our sister had this much of potential.” Veer Bhai sa said and I smiled as I remembered the earlier stunt I had played.

As they both stepped back and my over excited other two brothers – Aditya Bhai sa and Lakshay Bhai sa – ran towards me and twirled me in their arms. I laughed as my legs swayed in the air and then they gently place me back on the ground. “Sis I told you to show everyone who Aaranya Singh Rajput is. But I didn’t thought that you would had taken it this seriously. I am proud of you” I chuckle softly at their antics as all of them continue showering their love on me.

“Baba sa” Veer Bhai sa’s sudden strong and firm voice made everyone look at him almost instantly as he looked up from his phone. Baba sa nodded his head motioning him to speak, “Baba sa the sales and the recognition of the press has gone beyond expectations and in just a few hours the entire stock of subscriptions are purchased” He spoke in a low tone entirely filled with disbelief and utter shock as it was the act of revolution for the company.

“It calls for celebration Veer, for the press and for our little princess’s achievement” Baba sa spoke his voice soft and low while everyone else nodded and soon the entire palace was again bustling with energy and excitement as we all made our way towards our rooms to get some sleep.

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The entire palace was bustling with people to celebrate the company's and Aaranya's success. Veer and Rajendra were talking with the guests, while the rest three brothers were busy checking the preparations for the event.

"Aditya kya kar raha hai! Sab ke hisse ka khana kha kar jaayega kya." Lakshay shouted at Aditya as he was moving from one buffet to another piling his plate with all kinds of food.

(Aditya what are you doing? Are you going to eat everyone's food?)

"Chup karo na Bhai sa, main bas khana chakh raha hu." He whined and made up a really lame excuse to cover up his nuisance.

(Shut up Bhai sa I was just tasting the food.)

"Bilkul" Lakshay sarcastically replied while rolling his eyes as he went towards Yuvraj who was giving his car keys to the valet.

Yuvraj entered past the palace gate, all the guards bowed to show respect to him and he replied with a slight nod of his head as he walked by.

All the girl's attention suddenly turned towards him, as they were drooling.

The black kurta was fitted enough to show off the outline of his abs. Which were absolutely drool-worthy.

His hair was slick back with gel and the strong cologne with muskmelon fragrance that surrounded him made him even more attractive.

His eyes searched only for another pair of blue doe eyes, when Lakshay came and took him in a brotherly side hug.

Soon, they both got involved in other preparations, conversations, and meeting other royals and media.

"Baba sa mai keh raha hu na Aaru aur Raj ki shadi karwa dete hai." Devansh said while grinning and the rest also went into thought as if really considering it.

Yuvraj's cheeks flushed in a light shade of pink and warmth rise up to the back of his neck but suddenly his expression darkened and jaw clenched as he turned towards Devansh.

"Dev Bhai call me Yuvi, Yuv, Yuvraj or anything you want but never Raj. Only one person gets to call me that." He said in a low but firm tone, making it clear for everyone to listen but not to draw any unwanted attention.

Devansh gulped slightly knowing he had hit a nerve and just nodded not pressing the matter any longer.

Soon the chatter turned lighter and the conversations flowed effortlessly as earlier.

As Aaranya descended from the stairs, every head turned, every whisper hushed.

She looked mesmerising, draped in the wine coloured fabric. The borders of her saree traced along her curves, embracing her silhouette with ease. The intricate detailing with small rhinestones glowed under the warm lights of the hall.

Her long, silky hair left open cascaded down her back, leaving some strands to tease her face with the cool air. Little butterflies and moons made up of diamonds shone on her earrings and necklace.

She walked down along with Aaliya, who looked serene in her white sharara layered with plazos. Silver jewellery, along with light makeup, highlighted her natural features.

Yuvraj looked completely in awe, his mouth slightly opened as he was adoring his Anya, his little fox looking so glorious.

Her waist was partially visible under the netted fabric, emphasing on her milky, soft skin. His hands ached to glide over her waist, but he controlled his urges as he couldn't afford to make her uncomfortable when they had already come too far with each other again.

Veer stepped forward, helping her down towards the podium after placing a soft, lingering kiss on. Her forehead shows all the love and care he has stored in his heart just for her.

"Pranam sabhi ko, Aap sab jaante hi honge hamari Rajkumari ne is rajya ka naam kal apni jaan par khel kar roshan kiya hai. Aap sabhi ke pyaar aur duaon ke kaaran woh aaj hamare sath sahi salamat hai. Dhanyawad sabhi ka aur aaj ki shayam aap sabke liye." Veer stepped up on the podium with Aaranya beside him, and he cleared his throat, gaining everyone's attention and spoke with immense pride laced in his voice.

(Greetings everyone, as you all know, yesterday our princess has made us all proud by risking her own life. It wouldn't have been possible if your love and wishes for her weren't there. Thank you, and today's evening is all yours.)

The crowd chanted their name, applauded and hooted while they returned back to the family.

Aaranya was standing in a corner with a glass of cold drink in her hands as she was admiring the entire place, feeling grateful.

Yuvraj stepped beside her and stood quietly admiring her.

"Kunwar sa kya kar rahe hai aap?" Aaranya asked curiously as she noticed him looking at her like she was the most precious thing in the whole world.

(Kunwar sa what are you doing?)

"Ham aapke liye kuch laaye hai" Yuvraj got out of his trance of thoughts and spoke gently, cutting through the silence.

(I have brought something for you.)

"Sacchii!" Aaranya's eyes gleamed with curiosity and excitement as she squealed cheerfully.

(Really!)

Yuvraj chuckled lowly at her antics, the sound rich and warm as he revealed a small jewellery box from his pocket and handed it to her. She opened it, and an anklet with intricate peacock feathers traced on it was placed on the soft velvet. She looked at the anklets and then at Yuvraj with a small, genuine smile tucked in her face.

He softly placed his hand forward, asking for permission. "Mai pehnau?"

(Shall I make you wear it?)

Aaranya nodded without a second thought, and Yuvraj kneeled down in front of her, placing her feet on his thighs.

She tried to pull her feet away, traditional thoughts of an ancient mind set creeping into her mind.

"Kunwar sa, you are the soon-to-be king, and you shouldn't kneel down in front of anyone." She said while trying to make him stand up.

But he wasn't convinced as he kept his grip firm on her feet, not letting her go. "Anya, even if I am the soon-to-be king, you are still every fibre that makes up my heart and soul. Even if you agree or not, I am yours and entirely yours. Kneeling down in front of you doesn't feel like a sin; instead, it feels like my unwavering devotion towards you." He said while looking at her reassuringly, his voice soft yet firm, clearing all the lingering thoughts from Aaranya's mind.

Tears pricked in her eyes from the overwhelming weight of his words and gestures, but she blinked them away, not wanting to waste the moment as she smiled.

Yuvraj clasped the anklets around her feet, his fingers brushing on her leg for an extra second, sending crazy sparks through her.

The touch felt like fireworks, yet strangely nice. She tried to pull away her leg, unable to bear the weight of more doubts towards her feelings for him, but Yuvraj was firm on his love, devotion and touch as he placed a delicate kiss on the ankle, making her blush go deeper and went towards the others after passing her one of his charming smiles.

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