“Before marriage?” she asked, and I shook my head.
“No, it's just a bit of love,” I explained, and Nandani placed her hand on Princess Aishwarya's shoulder.“You know, Aishwarya, I found them sleeping together in Agastya's bedroom,”
Her eyes grew even wider, and I glared at Nandani.
“Please, Nandani, don’t start. Have you forgotten the times when you used to sneak into Ranaji’s chamber before marriage and ask him to take you?” I asked, and she chuckled.“Ah, I seem to have forgotten that.”
And just like that, laughing and teasing, we walked toward the lavishly decorated celebration hall. I looked at Rani-maa Abhishree and Daadi-sa with Queen Trisha. Walking toward them, Nandani hugged everyone one by one, followed by Princess Aishwarya, who also greeted them.
I couldn’t believe how much Princess Aishwarya had changed. When she had arrived at the palace for the first time, she had been much more reserved, quiet, and shy. But now, she no longer hesitated to greet or talk to people.
I stepped forward and bent to touch Daadi-sa's feet once they were done.
“God bless you,” she said, placing her hand on my head and holding my shoulders.“Kitni sundar lag rahi ho, Suman. Phoote bhaag Bhan Singh ke ki heera haath se gawa betha.”“How beautiful you look, Suman. Poor Bhan Singh’s fate; he lost a gem like you.” I blinked at the ground, feeling the heat rush to my cheeks.
She held my chin up with a smile.“Parantu tum chintit na hona. Jab tak hum tumhaare liye ek accha var na khoj lenge tak hum apna deh nahi tyaagenge,”“But don’t you worry. I shall not die until I find you a groom.” she said, and Nandani chuckled from behind.
Daadi-sa frowned at her and asked,“Why are you laughing?”
I just smiled and moved to Rani-maa Abhishree, and bent to touch her feet. She stopped me midway and pulled me into a warm hug.
“How is my second daughter doing?” she asked, and I smiled.
“I’m good, Rani-maa. How are you?” I asked, holding her hands in mine. She used to look so beautiful; she still was, but her face had lost its charm after King Ranvardhan’s demise. However, she seemed to do fine.
“I’m just getting better day by day. Trisha and the kids don’t leave me alone even for a moment. Honestly, they tire me sometimes,” she said, letting out a tiring sigh, making me chuckle.
“Daadi-sa, there’s no need for you to look for Suman's groom anymore; she has already found him.” I heard Nandani telling Daadi-sa and rolled my eyes before meeting Queen Trisha. She hugged me and took Princess Rudraja from my hands.
“How are you, Rani-sa?” I asked, and she gave a warm smile.
“Hum theek hain, Suman, aap bataaiye?”“I’m good, Suman, how about you?” she asked, but before I could reply, I heard Daadi-sa’s voice.
“What? Who? Why am I the last person to know about everything?” I heard her asking, frustrated.
Nandani winked at me with a grin. I shook my head slowly.
It was the princess’s birthday. I wanted to avoid any events.
“Who is it, Suman?” Rani-maa asked, placing her finger on my chin, making me look at her.
“Bata doon, Suman?”“Should I tell, Suman?” Nandani teased, and I sighed in exasperation before looking at Rani-maa.
“I hate her, Rani-maa,” I groaned.
She chuckled and hugged me while Nandani spilt everything to them.
“Well, well, apparently, my dear Devar-sa, Kunwar Agastya Dev Singh and my dearest friend, Sumanika, are getting married,”
“What??” Daadi-sa blurted out in shock, and I looked at Rani-maa, who seemed equally stunned, their eyes and mouths wide open.
“Ji, Daadi-sa, Jiji is right,” Princess Aishwarya added.
Daadi-sa immediately looked at me, and I shook my head.
“I can’t believe this, Nandani. We still have to talk,” I tried to intone, but Daadi-sa hugged me tightly.
“Oh, my goodness, I’m so happy. I always knew that man had something for you since the day I saw him sitting between us and teasing you with Rudraja,” she said, and I closed my eyes in embarrassment.
