Happy Readingđ đ
Isha's POV
The soft glow of the morning sun filtered through the curtains, but I barely noticed it as I rolled over in bed, trying to hold on to the remnants of sleep. I opened one eye lazily, squinting at the empty spot next to me. Ishika's side of the bed was already neatly made.
I groaned, burying my face into the pillow. Of course, she was an early bird. Even after a late night, she always found the energy to wake up and start her day with yoga or some other routine that I could never understand.
Forcing myself to sit up, I rubbed the sleep from my eyes and glanced around the bedroom. The faint chirping of birds drew my attention to the balcony. I pushed the curtain aside and spotted Ishika in the balcony doing her yoga, effortlessly transitioning into a yoga pose. She looked so peaceful, as if she hadn't spent half the night talking with me.
She stood gracefully in the morning sunlight, her arms stretched above her head as she balanced on one foot. Yoga. Of course. She had this knack for starting her day with something productive, and today was no exception.
"Good morning, Yogi," I called out groggily, stretching as I stand in front of balcony door.
Ishika turned to me with a wide smile. "Good morning, Sleeping Beauty. Took you long enough."
Rolling my eyes, I swung my feet off the bed and reached for the glass of water on the bedside table. "How can you even function this early? We even talk till midnight!"
"Palace mornings hit differently," she teased, gathering her mat. "Now, hurry up and freshen up. We have to dress up for the day."
I sighed, dragging myself out of bed. I wasn't a morning person-not even close. I shuffled to the washroom, determined to freshen up and at least look awake.
By the time I finished my bath and stepped back into the room, the faint scent of soap clinging to my skin, Ishika was already inside. She stood by the bed, neatly laying out a pair of traditional suits-both embroidered with intricate designs. The colors were vibrant yet elegant, the fabric clearly expensive.
"Where did these come from?" I asked, running my fingers over the delicate material.
Ishika looked up, a knowing smile on her face. "Your would be mother in law send them but they are beautiful look at them."
I raised an eyebrow. "yes they are i will wear that red one. okay?"
She laughed, folding one of the dupattas. "okay. But look at the white one-they're beautiful. They have that royal touch to them, don't you think?"
I nodded slowly, though part of me was still groggy and unready for the day. The suits were beautiful-too beautiful, almost, for a casual morning. But I didn't want to argue. Ishika seemed happy enough to wear hers, and I didn't have the energy to resist.
With a resigned sigh, I grabbed my suit and retreated to the washroom once more. The cool fabric felt strange against my fingers, a reminder of how much my life had changed recently.
By the time I emerged again, fully dressed, Ishika was waiting. She gave me an approving nod. "See? You look amazing. Now let's get downstairs before someone comes to check on us."
I glanced at my reflection in the mirror, adjusting the dupatta slightly. Ishika wasn't wrong-the suit fit perfectly, and the traditional design added an air of sophistication I didn't think I could pull off.
Together, we left the room, the day ahead feeling both exciting and daunting.
As Ishika and I left the room, the intricate layout of the house quickly became a challenge. Every hallway seemed to stretch endlessly, and every turn felt identical. I glanced at Ishika, who was just as puzzled as I was.
"Where are the staircase?" I asked, trying to keep my voice calm despite the growing frustration.
"I thought we passed them earlier," she replied, looking around. "But now I'm not so sure."
But then came the hard part-finding our way downstairs in this enormous palace.
"I think the staircase is this way," Ishika said, leading the way with confidence that quickly faded when we hit a dead end.
"No, no, we came from there yesterday," I said, turning in the opposite direction.
"Are you sure?"
"No. But what choice do we have?"
We wandered aimlessly for a few minutes, the silence of the house amplifying the awkwardness of our predicament. Just as I was about to suggest retracing our steps, we spotted a man dressed in a crisp black uniform walking briskly in the opposite direction.
"That must be the butler," Ishika whispered, relief evident in her voice.
Without hesitation, I called out, "Excuse me!"
The butler paused mid-step and turned to face us with a polite smile. "Yes, ma'am? How can I assist you?"
"Uh, we're trying to find the living area," I explained, feeling slightly embarrassed. "And... well, the stairs to get there."
"Ah, I see," the butler replied, his tone gentle. "It can be a bit confusing for newcomers. Please, allow me to escort you."
"Oh, no, that's fine!" Ishika interjected quickly. "You can just tell us the directions, and we'll manage."
The butler nodded, understanding our hesitation. "As you wish. From here, take the second hallway to your left, then descend the grand staircase. Everyone is currently gathered in the garden, which you can access through the living area."
"Thank you so much," I said, offering a grateful smile.
"Not at all, ma'am. Enjoy your morning." With that, he continued on his way, leaving us to navigate the rest.
Following his instructions, we eventually found the grand staircase and descended into the opulent living area. Sunlight poured in through the large windows, leading us toward the garden entrance.
The moment we stepped outside, the sight before us was almost overwhelming. Everyone was there-Shivansh's parents seated elegantly on cushioned chairs, his grandmother chatting with mummy and choti maa. His uncle talking to papa stood near a table laden with refreshments, while a couple of butler mingled nearby.
And then there was Shivansh, standing near the fountain, his hands casually in his pockets, exuding the same quiet authority that always managed to leave me slightly unnerved.
As Ishika and I approached, the chatter quieted slightly, and a few heads turned in our direction.
"Good morning everyone," I said, my voice steady despite the sudden weight of all the gazes on us.
Shivansh's mother i mean maa smiled warmly. "Good morning, dear. Did you both sleep well?"
"Yes, thank you," Ishika replied politely, while I nodded in agreement.
With the morning greetings exchanged, the family returned to their conversations, and I took a deep breath, trying to shake off the lingering awkwardness. It was going to be a long day, but at least I wasn't alone in navigating it.
The garden was abuzz with activity as the family gathered around to enjoy the crisp morning air. Shivansh's mother, grandmother, and aunt had decided to have breakfast outdoors, and the butler had been instructed to arrange everything on the patio under the canopy of trees. The gentle rustling of leaves and the distant chirping of birds created a serene atmosphere, though a subtle tension lingered in the air.
The breakfast table was a picture of serenity in the garden, with sunlight dappling through the trees and the faint aroma of fresh flowers mingling with the rich smells of food. Plates clinked, soft laughter floated in the air, and for a moment, I almost forgot the strangeness of being here, in a palace, surrounded by people who seemed worlds apart from me.
That's when Shivansh joined us.
He walked in with his usual composed demeanor, his gaze sweeping over the table before taking a seat opposite me. There was something about him-his quiet confidence, the way he seemed untouchable-that made it impossible to look away. But I quickly busied myself with my plate, not wanting him to catch me staring.
We had barely started eating when a butler approached the table and leaned toward dadi sa, speaking softly.
"Rajmata, Yuvraj, Maharani, and the princesses have arrived," he said, his voice polite but urgent.
The reaction was immediate. The once calm and relaxed atmosphere of the table shifted. Gagisa's face lit up with excitement, and the others followed suit, their expressions turning bright and energetic. Even the elders sat straighter, their smiles growing.
Everyone seemed thrilled-except Shivansh and his usual partners in crime, the male trio. Shivansh's expression barely changed, and I noticed avi bhaiya nad dhruv bhaiya exchange a glance that screamed mischief.
I, on the other hand, was thoroughly confused. Who were these people? Why had their arrival caused such a stir? I couldn't ask, of course. That would only make me seem more out of place than I already felt. Instead, I turned my attention to my plate, pretending to be completely engrossed in my breakfast.
But inside, my mind was racing. Rajmata? Maharani? Yuvraj? Princesses? What kind of royal soap opera was I suddenly a part of?
Then shivansh chote papa cleared his throat and continued, "Do obe think instructed the staff to prepare the living area and clean two additional rooms for their stay."
"Good," Dadi sa replied, her tone brisk yet warm. "Make sure everything is perfect. And have someone inform me the moment they are settled."
"Jii rajmata. " The butler bowed and was about to leave when he paused and turned back toward us. Bow his head and left.
The table fell silent for a moment before bursting into excited murmurs. Dadi saa's smile widened, and even Maa seemed thrilled by the news.
"My daughter?" Dadi saa said, almost to herself, before standing abruptly. "Come, Abhi Let us go meet them."
"Of course," Shivansh father agreed, rising gracefully from his seat.
"Vikram, devika." Dadu sa said, standing up as well. "Come with us! We'll introduce you to my daughter and her husband."
The energy in the garden was electric as they all got up to greet the newcomers. Chairs scraped against the stone floor, and the soft chatter turned into excited whispers.
I stayed seated, watching the scene unfold. Everyone looked genuinely happy-beaming smiles, sparkling eyes, and an almost childlike eagerness in their movements. Everyone, that is, except the trio.
Shivansh leaned back in his chair, his expression unreadable. Avi smirked as if he were privy to some inside joke, while the third crossed his arms, looking thoroughly unimpressed.
I sat frozen in my seat, unsure of what to do. Part of me wanted to follow the group and satisfy my curiosity about this mysterious "daughter" and the rest of the royal entourage. But another part of me-the sensible part-knew better than to wander into situations I didn't understand.
Instead, I quietly observed, letting the excitement wash over me. My mind, however, wandered off on its own tangent. What is the purpose of all this? Of their lives? It was a strange thought to have, but it bubbled up unbidden. There was so much pomp and ceremony, so much expectation and formality in everything they did. I couldn't help but wonder if it ever got exhausting.
Before I could dwell on it further, I heard someone clear their throat behind me. I turned to see a Shivansh waiting patiently.
When did he came here.
( Listen the song which is in starting and don't forget to vote and comment.)
His voice was neutral as usual. "Isha come with me, I want to talk to you about something."
I nodded, and I quickly finished my food, faster than I thought possible. My eyes darted around, trying to spot shivansh I was searching for. It didn't take long-I saw him near the swing area, the very one we had visited yesterday.
The garden looked different in the daylight. The warm noon sun bathed the lush greenery, and the soft hum of birdsong filled the air. It was peaceful, but my thoughts were anything but. I had come here after breakfast, needing some fresh air to clear my head, but now Shivansh stood in front of me, his expression serious.
"You asked me to meet you here," I said, breaking the silence. "What's going on?"
Shivansh stood with his hands in his pockets, his broad shoulders tense. He looked over my shoulder for a moment before his gaze locked onto mine. "Isha," he began, his voice low and measured, "you need to stay away from my cousin."
I blinked, taken aback by the sudden statement. "What? Why?"
He sighed, stepping closer. The sunlight caught the sharp angles of his face, making him look even more intense. "She's...not someone you can trust. Whatever she does or says, ignore her. Don't let her get to you."
His words left me more confused. "Why are you telling me this now? Did something happen?"
Shivansh's jaw tightened, and I could see the flicker of irritation-or maybe worry-in his eyes. "It doesn't matter if something happened," he said. "What matters is that I know how she is, and I don't want you getting hurt because of her."
I crossed my arms, feeling a strange mix of curiosity and frustration. "You're being really vague, Shivansh. If there's something I need to know, just tell me."
"Isha," he said, his tone softening but still firm, "I'm saying this for your own good. You're an emotional person-you care too much, and people like her will take advantage of that. She's manipulative, and she'll say things just to get a reaction out of you. Don't give her that satisfaction."
I stared at him, trying to read between the lines of what he wasn't saying. There was something personal here, something deeper than just a warning. But the concern in his voice, the way he was looking at me as if he was trying to shield me from something, made me stop questioning him.
"Okay," I said quietly, nodding. "I'll stay away."
His shoulders relaxed slightly, as if my agreement had lifted a weight off him. "Good. Just remember-you're stronger than you think, Isha. Don't let her or anyone else make you doubt that."
A faint smile tugged at my lips. "You think I'm strong?"
He smirked, a rare softness in his expression. "You're stronger than you give yourself credit for."
I felt my cheeks warm under his gaze and quickly looked away. The moment stretched into a comfortable silence as we sat down on the wooden bench under the shade of the tall trees. The aroma of blooming flowers filled the air, mingling with the earthy scent of the garden.
Every now and then, I'd glance at Shivansh, only to find him already looking at me. His gaze would quickly dart away, but the faint amusement on his face betrayed him. I wasn't any better. I kept stealing glances too, my heart racing every time our eyes met.
Suddenly, a loud throat-clearing sounds jolted us out of whatever dreamland we were in. Startled, we both turned toward the source of the noise.
Standing a few feet away was Ishika, arms crossed over her chest, a grin spreading across her face. Arjun stood beside her, barely suppressing his laughter, while Dhruv bhaiya and Avi bhaiya looked ready to burst into teasing remarks.
"Oh, don't mind us," Ishika said, her voice dripping with mock sweetness. "We were just wondering what you two were so busy staring at."
"I wasn't staring," I blurted out, my cheeks burning.
"Right," Arjun drawled, grinning. "You weren't staring. And jiju wasn't staring at you either. It was just a coincidence, right?"
"Exactly," I said, even though my voice faltered.
Dhruv bhaiya chuckled. "Sure, sure. Just a coincidence that the two of you have been sitting here for, what, ten minutes? Staring at each other like the rest of the world doesn't exist."
"It's not like that!" I said, though even I knew how unconvincing I sounded.
Avi bhaiya smirked. "Really? Because from where we're standing, it looked like we were interrupting something very...important."
Shivansh, who had been silent until now, finally spoke, his tone calm but with a hint of sarcasm. "Do you all have nothing better to do?"
"Oh, we do," Ishika said with a grin. "But this is so much more entertaining. Besides, when else do we get to see you all flustered, Shivansh?"
"I'm not flustered," Shivansh said sharply, though the faint color rising up his neck said otherwise.
"Of course not," Arjun teased. "You're just...thinking very hard about something while looking into Isha's eyes for five minutes straight."
"Stop it," I said, laughing nervously. "You're all being ridiculous."
"Ridiculous?" Ishika repeated, raising an eyebrow. "You two looked like you were in some Bollywood movie, complete with a dreamy garden scene and everything."
Shivansh sighed, standing up. "Enough. If you're all done with your nonsense, we're going inside." He turned to me, his voice softer now. "Let's go isha and avi and dgeuv i will see you both in office."
I notice avi and dhruv bhai reaction, hoe there eyes widen and mouth hang in shock but they recover and start teasing again.
I nodded, standing up as well. As we walked toward the living room, the sound of their laughter and teasing comments followed us. But when I glanced at Shivansh, I noticed the faintest smile tugging at his lips, and despite my embarrassment, I couldn't help but smile back.
Then what i see next left me shock.
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