11. Raghav's words!

Happy reading ✨

A week after

One of Siya's assistants, a concern etched on her face, offered, "Rani sa, laiye, hum madad kar dete hain..." ("Your Highness, let us help you...") Her voice, though well-meaning, carried a note of urgency that suggested the gravity of Siya’s condition.

Siya, however, waved off the offer with a subtle but firm gesture. "Nahin Reshma, ham kar lenge. Aap jayiye. Aur ha, mahel mein koi mandir hai?" ("No, Reshma, we will manage. Please go, and is there a temple in the palace?") she inquired, her voice steady despite the lingering discomfort. She adjusted her maang tikka carefully, the delicate ornament catching the light, and gathered her pallu with a grace that hinted at her royal composure.

In the fleeting moments of this exchange, Siya’s resilience was evident. Her rapid recovery from the head injury was remarkable, but her fractured leg—still tender and marred by the glass shards from her frantic escape—served as a stark reminder of the ordeal she had endured. This week had brought significant changes, transforming her not only physically but also intellectually. As she delved into the complexities of Rajput culture and history, she understood the importance of her newfound knowledge. Each detail she learned became a tool, helping her navigate the intricacies of her new reality and fortify her resolve for the challenges ahead.

This week, Siya came to a profound realization: being a queen was far from easy. She observed Raghav, who, despite his grueling schedule, worked tirelessly day and night. Attending numerous functions and managing the myriad responsibilities of his business, he never wavered in his dedication to his kingdom and its people.

Even amidst this whirlwind of duties, Raghav remained steadfastly by her side. From administering her medicine to overseeing her meals and every aspect of her care, he took on each task personally. His unwavering commitment and meticulous attention to detail bore fruit; as the doctor noted, Siya's health improved almost magically.

Siya understood that her role as queen was not a mere accident of fate but a responsibility she had to embrace fully. Making mistakes was no longer an option in her view; she had accepted her destiny and committed herself to her new role. Over the past week, she had immersed herself in learning about Rajput culture, gaining valuable insights into her responsibilities.

Amidst this, her trust in Raghav had deepened profoundly. His unwavering care and protective nature had shown her that she could trust him completely. Despite his own cautious demeanor and reluctance to trust others, Raghav’s actions spoke volumes. His dedication to her well-being, even in the face of his own extensive duties, reinforced her belief in his reliability. She was determined to do everything in her power to support him and the kingdom, knowing that causing him distress or disappointment was unthinkable.

However, her fractured leg had temporarily confined her to a wheelchair, limiting her mobility. Despite this, Siya’s spirit remained unbroken as she navigated her new reality with resilience and resolve.

Over the past seven days, Siya had adapted to her new circumstances by continuing her online jobs through her mobile device, managing her income and striving for independence. Although she was not entirely self-sufficient, her skills allowed her to maintain a semblance of control over her life. However, she found herself grappling with confusion and uncertainty about her role and Raghav’s expectations.

Siya was still puzzled by his words from that day, unsure of what he truly wanted from her. Did he want her to live in the palace while adhering strictly to her duties as queen, or was there a deeper expectation she hadn’t grasped? Despite her dedication, she felt a disconnect between her duties and her personal desires.

As she reflected on Raghav’s care and occasional anger, it became clear that perhaps he didn’t want her to leave the palace or relinquish her role. Instead, he seemed to want her to focus on her responsibilities as Rani sa of Rajasthan, taking care of the kingdom and its people. It dawned on her that her place in the palace was not just a matter of personal choice but a significant part of her duty. The palace, with all its complexities, might indeed be where she was meant to be, fulfilling her role with the utmost commitment.

"Ji, Rani sa," Reshma replied with a respectful nod.

Siya inquired, "Theek, vahan le chalogi hume?" ("Alright, will you take us there?")

Reshma responded, "Jo hukum... Hukum, Rani sa." ("As you command... Command, Your Highness.")

Siya smiled at Reshma's prompt adherence to her wishes. As Reshma began to move her wheelchair, Siya added, "Rahane do, ham kar lenge." ("Let it be, we will manage.") Her tone was one of quiet determination, reflecting her resolve to handle things herself despite her current limitations.

Today, for the first time, Siya was stepping outside not just her room but Raghav's room as well. Following the doctor's announcement that she could walk slowly and explore the surroundings, she was granted permission to get some fresh air. To ensure her safety and security, Raghav had arranged for a special assistant to accompany her. Though he had strict reservations about trusting anyone, the urgency of Siya’s condition necessitated extra caution, and he had issued stern warnings to the assistants assigned to her care.

Finally able to sit in a wheelchair and be wheeled outside, Siya had a specific request. She asked her assistant to provide her with traditional Rajasthani attire, complete with all the jewelry typically worn by a Rani sa or bride. This gesture was not just about feeling regal but also about embracing her role fully, even in her current state. The rich fabrics and intricate ornaments symbolized a connection to her new identity and responsibilities, making her feel more integrated into the life of Rajasthan's royalty.

Siya was now ready to venture downstairs to the temple, adorned in a stunning red Rajasthani libas. Her attire was complete with a choker around her neck and a nathani (nose ring) adding a touch of elegance. The rakhdi, a specific type of maang tikka used in Rajasthan, rested delicately on her hairline, a symbol of her status as a bride. Her hands were adorned with chuda (traditional bangles), and various other traditional ornaments complemented her regal appearance. This ensemble not only honored her new role but also allowed her to fully embrace the cultural heritage of Rajasthan as she made her way to the temple.

Siya had always loved traditional jewelry since childhood but had never had the opportunity to wear it. Now, as Rani sa, she embraced the chance to adorn herself with every piece of jewelry she could. She meticulously chose each ornament, reveling in the opportunity to showcase the intricate designs that had long been a dream.

Despite having spent so many days in the palace, Siya had not yet ventured outside her room. Today marked a significant departure from her routine, as she prepared to step out and visit the temple, fully embracing her new role and the cultural significance of her attire.

A Rajasthani Rajput palace is an opulent structure characterized by grand architecture and intricate craftsmanship. It features towering walls, ornate gates, and richly carved sandstone or marble facades. Inside, the palace boasts lavishly decorated rooms with frescoes, mirror work, and marble inlays, along with grand halls and serene courtyards with fountains. Architectural elements like jharokhas, chhatris, and jalis enhance its regal appearance, while the interiors are adorned with rich textiles, traditional artifacts, and elaborate decorations.

As Siya arrived at the home temple, she joined her hands in front of Goddess Kali, her mind occupied with a whirlwind of thoughts. Her eyes fell upon the vermillion placed on the altar, and memories of her conversation with Raghav flooded back. Raghav's last statement, that marriage was only a mistake, had lingered in her mind, causing her to reflect deeply throughout the day and night. The sight of the vermillion, a symbol of marital commitment, made her ponder the significance of their union and the implications of his words.

_________

Hello everyone,

I’m really sorry,

but this is all I could write for now. I had hoped to update a long chapter when I had more time, but unfortunately, I’m unable to do so at the moment. I understand that many of you are eagerly waiting, and I genuinely appreciate your patience. With three books in progress, each of which means a lot to me, it’s challenging to manage everything.Some of you have reached out, feeling like I'm prioritizing other books, and I want you to know that this isn’t the case. Each story is a part of me, and I’m doing my best to balance them all.Today, I need to focus on shifting to my college hostel, so I won’t be able to write more. Thank you for your understanding and support.

Love you all!