CHAPTER 41: "THE PLAYFUL KING AND HIS SHY QUEEN"

Many of my loyal readers requested me to continue the story, so I'm updating this chapter just for them. Tbh, I was genuinely upset and had almost made the decision to discontinue my book. But your love and support made me change my mind. Thank you to those who stood by me and encouraged me to keep going.

This time I won't ask for votes or comments because it truly hurts when my expectations are not met. I hope those who care about the story and appreciate my efforts will continue to support it in their own way. Once again thank you to those who convinced me to keep going, it means alot. This update is for you ❤️

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It was now evening, and the golden rays of the setting sun poured through the corridors of the grand Singhania Mansion. Kashi stepped out of the room provided for her mother, a feeling of contentment washing over her. Her mother was being cared for with such dedication,two trained nurses attending to her every need. It was all because of him. Her Veer ji.

A soft smile played on her lips as she thought about him. But where was he? She hadn't seen him since lunch. It had only been a few hours, yet she already missed him. This realization made her heart flutter, and she felt a growing desire to see him.

Her feet unconsciously carried her towards their shared room. The path to the room had become etched in her memory, each step familiar and comforting. As she walked, her thoughts turned to Shalini's words from earlier in the day. "All Vishu needs is your true love and companionship."

Kashi's smile faltered slightly as a wave of longing swept over her. She loved him deeply, more than words could ever express. He had become her safe haven, her strength, and her anchor in this stormy sea of life. But despite the depth of her feelings, she hadn't yet told him.

Her mind wandered back to her younger years. Unlike other girls who spent their teenage days dreaming of romance and the perfect man, Kashi's life had been starkly different. Her days had been consumed by her studies, a desperate attempt to escape her father's abusive words and fulfill her dreams of getting into a prestigious college.

But just as she had reached the cusp of that dream, life had dealt her another cruel hand. Her mother's illness had shattered everything, forcing her to abandon her aspirations and stay by her side. After all she couldn't have left her mother in the hands of her cruel father, who barely cared for them.

Kashi had faced it all with quiet strength, her spirit bruised but never broken. She had learnt to survive, to smile through the pain, and to carry the weight of the world on her slender shoulders. Romantic fantasies? The idea of a protector? A dream of being cherished? Those were luxuries she had never allowed herself to entertain. They belonged to a world far removed from hers.

And then he entered her life, her Veer ji. He wasn't just a man, he was a force. He didn't just bring hope, he became it. His presence was like a blazing fire in her cold, desolate world. He loved her not as the world loved, with conditions and expectations but truly, deeply, unconditionally without any hesitation. For the first time, Kashi felt seen. She felt valued, cherished in a way she hadn't thought possible.

She wanted to give that love back to him, to tell him what he meant to her, but....how?

How do women confess love to their man?

The innocent question swirled in her mind, leaving her feeling uncertain and nervous. Should she just tell him directly, as simply as saying, "I love you"? But could she really look into his piercing eyes and tell him, "I love you, Veer ji"? The thought alone made her cheeks burn.

Or Maybe she could write him a letter. But how would she deliver it? The thought of him reading it in her absence felt too distant, too impersonal. So she quickly shrugged the idea.

Maybe she could do something special for him. Her lips curved into a soft smile at the thought. A surprise, something thoughtful that would show how much she cared for him without needing to say the words outright. But what?

Kashi sighed softly, her brows furrowing in thought. She didn't have any siblings or close friends she could turn to for advice. Romance was an alien concept to her, she hadn't even read love stories or watched romantic movies. Every idea seemed inadequate, and her inexperience only made her feel more unsure.

Could she ever express what he truly meant to her? And when she did, would it be enough to convey the love that had grown so deeply within her heart? Her steps slowed as she approached their room, lost in the innocent dilemma of her heart. She knew she loved him. Yet the thought of pouring out her feelings left her both excited and terrified.

As she reached the room, her musings were interrupted by the sound of voices and bustling activity. Pushing the door slightly, she found Shalini inside, instructing a group of workers who were carrying numerous shopping bags and boxes.

"Aree Kashi beta, come" Shalini called, spotting her standing at the doorway. "We have been waiting for you."

Kashi stepped inside, her eyes widening at the sheer number of bags almost filling half the room. Shalini smiled warmly and gestured towards the array of items. "Kashi beta i know under what circumstances you and Vishu got married. Vishu told me you didn't even get the proper chance to get dresses for yourself. So, I went ahead and brought all types of outfits you will need from everyday wear to comfy clothes, innerwear, footwear, jewelry, and makeup. You can check if something is missing and tell me, beta, I'll get that too."

Kashi was little suprised and overwhelmed by Shalini's gesture. "Maa, you didn't need to do so much. This is all too much," she said, her gaze sweeping across the mountain of shopping bags.

"So what?" Shalini replied instantly, her tone firm yet affectionate. "My daughter deserves the best. And you know, Kashi, I really enjoyed shopping for you, my child. Being the mother of three boys is no fun when it comes to shopping."

Kashi smiled at Shalini's lighthearted comment, easing her hesitation. "Thank you so much, Maa," Kashi said, her voice filled with gratitude.

Shalini wagged a finger at her. "Kashi, now I'll scold you if you say 'thank you' one more time. Can't a mother do this for her daughter?"

Kashi gave her a sweet nod, her eyes glistening with emotion. "Ji, Maa," (Yes, Mother) she said softly, her heart brimming with warmth.

Shalini smiled warmly at her sweet daughter and then turned to the workers. "Arrange all these clothes in the dressing room carefully," she instructed.

As the workers busied themselves, Shalini and Kashi sat down to discuss the upcoming coronation ceremony and reception party. Shalini explained to her about the ceremony and all about the responsibilities she has to take on as the queen of Bundelkhand. Kashi listened intently, nodding in understanding, though the thought of such grandeur made her feel nervous.

Once the workers finished arranging the items in the closet, they left along with Shalini, who said before departing, "Kashi beta, check the arrangements once and let me know if anything needs to be adjusted."

Kashi nodded with a warm smile. "Ji, Maa. I'll take a look and let you know," she replied softly.

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After Shalini left, Kashi walked into the dressing room, and her breath caught in her throat. One whole side of the dressing room was now dedicated entirely to her, while the other side showcased Vishwanath's luxurious collection of items.

Her side was adorned with racks of exquisite gowns in various colors, heavily embroidered sarees that sparkled with intricate craftsmanship and soft silk Kanchipuram sarees paired with intricately designed blouses. Next to them were rows of beautifully tailored salwar kameez sets and opulent lehengas shimmering with gold threads. Alongside these were sections of casual yet elegant clothes, from soft cotton kurtis to designer western wear that exuded sophistication.

A separate row displayed silky night suits in shades of ivory, blush pink, and lavender, each piece more delicate and beautiful than the last. The sheer effort and thought put into every detail left Kashi in awe.

An entire drawer was devoted to innerwear, with neatly folded satin, lace, and cotton pieces in a variety of styles and colors. On the side, there was beautiful shelf filled with footwear. There were high heels, stilettos, platform heels, sneakers, bellies, traditional juttis and much more neatly arranged in separate rows, each category placed accordingly. Her footwear shelf was adjoined to Vishwanath's shoe rack, making the entire setup look even more lavish just like a showroom.

Kashi stood there, overwhelmed by the sheer extravagance. She couldn't believe all of this now belonged to her. How could I have so many things? she thought. Even if I count all the clothes and shoes I've owned since childhood, they wouldn't match what's in this room. Her eyes filled with emotion as she realized how much her Shalini maa and Veer ji had done for her, making her feel so loved and cherished.

Shaking herself out of her thoughts, Kashi decided to look for some comfy slippers. Her feet ached slightly from wearing the same juttis for what felt like forever now, and she hoped to find something more relaxing. She scanned the footwear shelf but didn't spot any comfortable slippers at first. Maybe Shalini Maa forgot to bring them, she thought with a small sigh.

Just as she was about to leave, her eyes caught something on the upper part of the shelf, slightly higher up. Curiosity piqued, she tiptoed to get a better look. The top shelf was filled with an assortment of flip-flops and slippers in various designs. A soft smile spread across her face as she finally found what she desperately needed.

She reached up to grab the pair of soft fur slippers but realized it was too high. Stretching on her toes, she tried again, only to fail. Frustrated, she muttered, "Yeh inhone itna upar kyun rakh diya hai? Mera haath bhi nahi pahunch raha." (Why did they keep it so high? My hand can't even reach it.)

Determined, she tried once more, but the result was the same. Annoyed, she crossed her arms and said, "Yeh sab Veer ji ki wajah se ho raha hai. Agar woh khud itne lambe na hote, toh itne unche shelves bhi nahi banvate. Khud toh aaram se unka haath pahunch jata hoga." (This is all because of Veer ji. If he weren't so tall himself, he wouldn't have had such high shelves made. His hand must be able to reach them easily, after all.)

As she huffed in frustration, a deep, amused voice behind her startled her. "Ab isme meri kya galti, Kashi agar mein lamba hoon toh?" (So how is it my fault, Kashi, if I'm tall?)

Kashi turned around quickly, her cheeks flushing as she saw Vishwanath standing there, arms crossed, a teasing smile playing on his lips.

"Veer....ji....mera....voh matlab nahi tha," (Veer....ji....I....I didn't mean it that way) Kashi stammered, her voice trembling slightly under his intense gaze.

Vishwanath moved closer, his presence commanding yet gentle, his eyes never leaving hers. Kashi instinctively took a step back, her heart racing, until her back collided with the shoe shelf behind her. She gasped softly, her breath hitching as the proximity between them grew. The tension in the air thickened, and their faces were now just inches apart. Kashi's eyes fluttered shut, her pulse hammering in her chest. It felt as if time had slowed, each heartbeat echoing in the silence that surrounded them.

Just when the tension seemed unbearable, Vishwanath suddenly raised his arm and, with a swift motion, grabbed the fur flip-flops she had been eyeing. "Yeh lo. Tumhare slippers," (Here you go. Your slippers) he said, his voice low and velvety.

Kashi opened her eyes, still feeling the warmth of his presence and took the slippers from him, stepping slightly to the side, trying to break the charged moment. Her fingers brushed against his, sending a tiny shock through her, and she couldn't help but look away, her cheeks flushed.

Vishwanath watched her closely, a playful smile tugging at the corner of his lips. "Toh tum kuch keh rahi thi, Kashi?" (So you were saying something, Kashi?)

Kashi, still processing the closeness between them, cleared her throat. "Nahi, Veer ji....mera voh matlab nahi tha. Mein bas keh rahi thi ki yeh shelves bohot unche hain, mera haath nahi jaa raha uppar tak. Pata nahi yeh sab itni uppar kyun rakh diya. Aap toh lambe ho, apko itna farak nahi padega, apka haath toh aaram se pahunch jata hoga, par mera kya?" (No, Veer ji....I didn't mean it like that. I was just saying that these shelves are really high, and I can't reach the top. I don't know why they've placed everything so high. You're tall, so it wouldn't make a difference to you, your hand reaches easily but what about me?) She pouted slightly, her innocence making her look even more adorable.

Vishwanath chuckled softly, unable to resist her charm. "Toh tumhe kisne kaha ki tumhara haath waha tak pahunch na chahiye?" (So, who told you that your hand should reach that far?) he asked, amusement dancing in his eyes.

Kashi looked at him, her brow furrowing in confusion. "Ji, kya matlab?" (what do you mean?)

Vishwanath leaned closer, a teasing glint in his eyes. "Mera matlab hai, tum shelf ko neeche le aao na." (What I mean is that you can bring the shelf down)

Kashi blinked, utterly perplexed. "Par woh kaise ho sakta hai, Veer ji?" (But how can that be possible, Veer ji?)

Instead of answering immediately, Vishwanath moved towards a drawer across the room, his movements smooth and purposeful. He pulled out a small remote control, walking back towards her. "Come here," he instructed softly.

Kashi's curiosity was piqued, and she stepped closer, still unsure of what he was about to do. Vishwanath pressed a button on the remote, and to her amazement, the entire shoe rack began to move. Slowly but steadily, the shelves rotated, bringing the top row of shoes down to a more accessible height. With each press of the button, the next shelf moved down while the one below it shifted up, the rotation smooth and almost mesmerizing.

(GIF credit: Google- Just to give you all an idea)

Kashi's eyes widened in disbelief. She had never seen anything like it before. The modern convenience was mind-blowing. Her excitement bubbled over just like a child discovering a new toy. "Wow, Veer ji. Yeh toh bohot kamal ki cheez hai" (Wow, Veer ji. This is really an amazing thing) she exclaimed, her voice filled with genuine wonder. "Mujhe bhi bataye na, yeh kaise work karta hai?" (Please tell me too, how does this work?)

Vishwanath smiled, pleased by her excitement. "Yeh ek rotating shoe rack hai Kashi. Agar tumhe agla row dekhna ho toh forward button dabana hai, aur agar pichla row wapas lana ho toh back button dabana hai," (This is a rotating shoe rack, Kashi. If you want to see the next row, you need to press the forward button, and if you want to bring the previous row back, press the back button) he explained gently.

Kashi's face lit up even more as she eagerly nodded, absorbing every detail. "Yeh toh bohot accha hai" (This is really great) she said, stepping closer to try it herself. She pressed the button forward, and with a soft whir, the next row of shoes moved into view. She pressed it again, giggling like a child seeing something new for the first time.

Vishwanath stood back, watching her joyfully, his heart swelling with affection for her. She deserves the world, he thought, admiring the way she found happiness in the simplest of things. The weight of their past, the struggles, the misunderstandings, seemed to melt away in moments like these where it was just them, together, sharing a quiet joy.

"Veer ji," Kashi said, turning to him with wide, innocent eyes, "aapki duniya mein sab cheeze kitni jaadui hain," (Everything in your world is so magical) she murmured, her voice soft and full of wonder.

Vishwanath smiled warmly and leaned closer, his gaze tender. "Meri nahi, Kashi," (Not mine, Kashi) he said, his voice low and affectionate, "humari duniya mein. Jo mera hai, abb tumhara bhi hai." (In our world. What is mine, is now yours too.)

Kashi felt her cheeks warm at his words and quickly turned her face away, trying to hide her blush. "Aap kaha the, Veer ji?" (Where were you, Veer ji?) she asked hesitantly, hoping to change the subject.

Vishwanath raised an eyebrow, a teasing glint in his eyes. "Kyun, tum mujhe miss kar rahi thi kya?" (Why, were you missing me?) he asked, a playful smirk tugging at his lips.

Kashi pouted, her lips forming a soft curve of protest. "Aap mujhe har baat par chedte kyu hai, Veer ji? Jaiye, mujhe aapse baat hi nahi karni hai," (Why do you tease me about everything, Veer ji? Go, I don't want to talk to you) she huffed, crossing her arms and turning her face away dramatically.

Vishwanath chuckled at her adorable reaction and stepped closer, gently placing a hand under her chin to turn her face back towards him. "Arey, meri pyaari Kashi toh mujhse naraz ho gayi," (Oho, my dear Kashi is upset with me) he said, his voice laced with mock seriousness. "Accha, I'm sorry," (ok, I'm sorry) he added, his lips curving into a soft smile.

Kashi narrowed her eyes, her pout still in place but her resolve weakening. "Aap rehne dijiye Veer ji, mujhe pta hai aap phir se chedenge mujhe," (Forget it, Veer ji, I know you will tease me again) she said, her voice laced with mock annoyance.

Vishwanath grinned mischievously. "Woh toh hai. Tumhare reactions jo itne cute hote hain, wifey," (That's true. After all your reactions are just so cute, wifey) he teased, making her eyes widen.

"Veer ji" Kashi exclaimed, her cheeks turning an even deeper shade of red. She quickly turned on her heel and walked out of the dressing room, leaving behind a chuckling Vishwanath, who stood there, shaking his head fondly.

"Meri sharmili wifey," (My shy wifey) he muttered to himself, his smile growing as he watched her retreating figure.

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