Sab Nagran Ma, Har Aagan Ma
Prem hai Tumra, Har har Maan Ma
Ta Ra Re Ra Ta Rare Ra...
Daya ho Tumri, Mahabali Hai
Desh ma sukhi ki, pawan chali hai
Chan Chanan Chanan Chan
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Author’s POV
Yuvraj was out in the palace’s court room where all the people, ministers and guests were gathered for his coronation ceremony.
His father, Ranvijay Pratap Singh Raghuvanshi, was on the throne for the last time before he went to the podium.
“Namaskar. Jai Ram ki… Hame bahot accha laga aap sabko yaha mere bade bete aur apne pyaare Yuvraj ke rajyaabhishek mai aaye.” He greeted all the guests, his voice commanding.
(Greetings. Hail, lord ram… I am really grateful that you all are here for my elder son and your beloved Yuvraj’s coronation.)
The crowd applauded and settled down while Yuvraj was asked to come forward for an oath in front of the sacred fire, addressing his folks before the rajyabhishek.
He stepped forward in his stark red kurta with a slight embroidery, a shawl over it commanding attention, but not as much as his velvety voice could.
"Main, Yuvraj Aaranya Raghuvanshi, ishwar aur is pavitra agni ko saakshi maankar, yeh shapath leta hoon ki apne Praja Ke Liye Jaise ek pita apni santaan ki raksha karta hai, waise hi main apni praja ki raksha karoonga. Praja ka sukh hi mera sukh hai, aur unka kalyan hi mera sabse bada kartavya hai. Main vachan deta hoon ki main kabhi apni shakti ka durupayog nahi karoonga. Mere liye koi bada ya chhota nahi hoga. Nyaya ki talwar hamesha adharma aur anyaya ke khilaaf uthegi.” He spoke with a firm determination in his voice, meaning each word truly by heart.
(I, Prince Yuvraj Aaranya Raghuvanshi, swear by God and this sacred fire as witnesses, that I will protect my subjects just as a father protects his children. The happiness of my subjects is my happiness, and their welfare is my greatest duty. I promise that I will never misuse my power. No one will be too big or small for me. The sword of justice will always be raised against righteousness and injustice.)
Just then, Aaranya entered the courtroom fully dressed in the look of the to-be queen.
She was adorned in the Rajputana poshak with borla and sheeshphool on her head, while a nath decorated her nose. Chandbali earrings shone against her ear, and an aad necklace and a rani haar fell over her chest. A hathphool delicately adorned her mehendi-clad hands along with her wedding chooda. Her anklets chimed softly as she walked in slowly.
The crowd, along with Yuvraj, went silent. He was mesmerised by the beauty in front of him.
“Anya, meri jaan… kya kamal lag rahi ho.” He said a bit too loudly in a gathering, unable to control his thoughts anymore.
(Anya, my love… You are looking breathtaking.)
Shyness, along with slight embarrassment, bloomed on her cheeks as she was escorted by Priyanka towards Yuvraj.
Yuvraj suddenly realised the place he was standing, and he was between an oath. He didn’t get ashamed. Not ever for praising his soul's essence.
He glanced at the crowd of people once again before continuing.
“Yeh dharti meri mata hai aur main iska sevak hoon. Is raaj-gaadi ko main ahankaar ke liye nahi, balki seva ke liye swikaar karta hoon. Jab tak mere shareer mein praan hain, main is rashtra ki maryada aur samman ki raksha karoonga. Jo praja ke hit mein hai, wahi mere liye sahi hai. Main satya aur dhairya ke maarg par chaloonga.
Ram Ram!”
(This land is my mother, and I am its servant. I accept this throne not for show but to serve. Till I have my breath, I will serve and protect this land. Whatever benefits my people are for me. I will walk on the path of truth and patience. Hail, lord.)
All the folks of the town burst into applause, satisfied with the vision of their king.
Yuvraj and Aaranya were escorted to the throne where they sat beside each other, their shoulders slightly brushing against.
A minister came with a crown and sword, while another came with a delicate tiara adorned with priceless gems.
Ranvijay and Priyanka stepped forward.
Priyanka placed the crown on Aaranya’s head and blessed her while she smiled. “Khush raho beta.” She said before stepping back.
(Stay happy.)
Next, Ranvijay went forward and placed the crown and handed the sword to Yuvraj “Make me prouder than I already am, son.” He said before they both walked down.
Yuvraj and Aaranya sat there while people praised and clapped.
He stood up suddenly and knelt.
His grandfather stepped forward, “Beta ab tum raja ban gaye ho, ab srif devi maa kea age jhukna hai aur kisi ke aage nahi.” He said sternly.
(Son, now you are the king, and you would only bend in front of the goddess.)
Yuvraj gave a small knowing smile before speaking, “Haa mai bhi devi ke age hi jhuk raha hu aur aashirwad le raha hu.” He said as he bent down and touched his forehead on Aaranya’s feet.
(Yes, I am also bending in front of the goddess and taking her blessings.)
Aarnaya’s eyes welled up with an overwhelming feeling and slight confusion along with sudden realisation. She stood up while Yuvraj also got up and hugged him tightly.
The people were still in shock, some praising him, some in disagreement. But he didn’t care.
A while later, the guests had already returned. A bhandara was set up in different regions of the city for all the people.
Yuvraj and Aaranya were sent to different temples to seek blessings and then distribute gifts among people.
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Yuvraj’s POV
In the car,
I knew all this was mine to inherit one day. But having said that, being responsible for the duties feels so nice.
I am the king of Udaipur now, and the queen of my heart is now the queen of Udaipur too.
“Rani sa”, I said, trying to get her attention from her phone.
(My highness.)
“Hmm? Kon?” She said, slightly startled.
(Hmm? Who?)
“Of course you, my queen, who else?” I replied in a tone smooth as silk as I moved my hand to her thigh, making her slightly stiff, and then she instantly relaxed.
“Ji Rana sa.” She said with a small smile, and I returned it to her.
(Yes, my lord.)
“Raj time kitni jaldi jaldi beet raha hai na…” She said while looking out of the window, still dressed in the gorgeous outfit and looking serene.
(Raj, the time is passing so quickly.)
I looked at the steering for a second before focusing back on the road. My thoughts had turned.
Time did fly away this fast.
One day, we were kids and playing. Next, I realised I was in love with her, and then she disappeared.
Now we are married and ruling the throne.
Time did revolve so soon and too beautifully.
“Haan Anya…” I replied while pressing the brakes as the car halted with a slight screech in front of out kuldevi’s mandir.
(Yes, Anya)
I jogged around the front of the car to open the door for her and gave her my hand as she got out.
The sunlight fell across her face, making her serenity glow even more beautifully.
We walked inside the temple.
Pandit ji instructed us through a small puja for purity and happiness.
“Bahot pyara joda hai tum dono ka. Hamesha khush raho baccho.” He said while blessing both of them.
(You make a very beautiful couple. Be happy.)
They touched his feet and left with polite smiles.
I gave a pleasant amount of donation to the temple before walking out towards the back, where a small slum was located.
They took out baskets of gifts for kids and groceries for the people.
“Jai Shree Krishna, Hukum sa. Radhe radhe hukum rani sa.” The kids greeted in a small poetic chorus while they gathered around looking at the colourful wrapped boxes.
Anya knelt in front of a girl, “Yeh lo baby” She said while giving her a box.
(Take this, kiddo.)
The girl hugged her happily, despite the girl's appearance and dirt on her; Aaranya didn’t care; she was already too lost in the beauty of these kids' happy smiles.
Little time passed by as they finally distributed all the gifts and items among the people.
“Kisi ko kuch bhi chahiye ho kabhi toh mahal aa jana,” I announced in a commanding yet soft and kind tone.
(If anyone needs anything, just come to the palace.)
The people hailed both of us once again happily.
As we were making our way back to their car, an old lady stopped us “Beta itna kar diya tu ne ek hi din mai. Tera shukriya kaise karu mai.” She said while joining her hands and tears flowing, “Mera pota itne dino se bimar tha main a use sahi se khana de pa rhi thi na hi kuch. Shukriya beta… bahot bahot.” She said, now almost crying.
(Son, you have done so much in just a day. How should I thank you.)(My grandson was unwell for so many days, and I wasn’t even able to give him proper food. Thank you… a lot.)
Aaranya gently rubbed her back while I pushed her joined hands down gently “Amma ese na kaho. Apna beta hi samajh lo mujhe.” I said while taking out a bundle of cash.
(Aunty, don’t say that. Consider me like your own son.)
“Yeh lo ilaj karwa lena uska aur fir mere se milwane bhi lana.” I added.
(Take this and get him treated, after that bring him to meet me.)
“Khush raho dono. Bhagwan kare tumhari Jodi hamesha khush rahe aur tumhe rajkumari ki prapti ho” She said, blessing us.
(Stay happy, both of you. May god always keep you both in peace, and you get blessed with a little princess too.)
Anya hugged her once more before we left.
In the car, I couldn’t help but think that life with a baby girl, along with my lady, would be such a blessing.
“Kya soch rahe hai, Yuvraj?” She asked
(What are you thinking, Yuvraj?)
“Baccha”, I muttered without realising, and then I clapped my hand over my face as the realisation struck.
(Kid)
“Mai bhi…” She replied while unknowingly soothing my awkwardness.
(Me too…)
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Author’s POV
Aaliya was sitting inside her cabin while her phone rang.
It was Yudhveer
“Kya hua, Sarkar? Aaj hamari yaad aa gayi aapko?” She said, a bit annoyed, while he bit back a laugh.
(What happened, minister? You finally remembered me today?)
“Areyy maaf kar dijiye na Aaliya ji… kal kaam mai bahot busy tha.” He replied, voice softer than ever and filled with love and affection.
(Please forgive me, Aaliya… yesterday I was very busy.)
“Har baar ka ho gaya hai aapki. Aapko toh meri yaad bhi nahi aati hogi.” She spoke into the call, her insecurity finally showing.
(It's now your habit to say that. You don’t even miss me.)
“Shh! Shant meri billo esa thodi na hai. Aapki yaad mai hi toh kuch kaam kar nahi paa raha hu. Kuch bhi karne jaata hu toh aapki muskurahat, aapki billi aankhe aur aapki baate yaad aa jaati hai.” He said softly, his voice a carrass to her.
(Shh! Quiet my cat, nothing is like that. I can’t do any work properly in your memories. Whenever I try to do something, your smile, your eyes and your voice rush back to my mind.)
She smiled.
“Itni yaad aati hai toh jaiye na mujhe apne sath.” She spoke in a whisper.
(If you miss me so much, then take me with you.)
He replied softly, “Le jaunga… jald apni dulhania bana kar aapko.”
(I will bring you here soon… as my bride.)
She blushed while he began teasing her, “Achha ab meri billo laal ho gayi hogi. Haina??”
(Ohh, now my cat must be blushing. Right??)
“Hushh!! Chup ho jaiye aap.” She scolded while still red like a cherry.
(Shh!! Shut up.)
“Aaliya ji… I was thinking. What do you want for your birthday?” He asked softly, his voice slightly confused.
She thought for a while until a mischievous idea popped into her head.
“You!” She said, making him a bit confused, while she added, “shirtless and tied in a pink ribbon.” She completed while leaving Yudhveer stunned.
Blush climbed up to the back of his neck while he failed to hide his shy smile.
“Arey… kya…” He fumbled with his words while Aaliya started laughing.
(Ah… what…)
“Aww ab mere Sarkar blush karne lage.” She said while he stared into the phone with a smile.
(Aww, now the minister is blushing.)
They talked for a few more minutes with love and banter rolling.
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This book is also on Wattpad and Inkitt.
Spoilers and updates for this chapter and the next chapter are on my Instagram handle 'khushiiwrts'
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