“Yes, Bhai-sa,” Kunwar-sa replied.
Just then, an elderly man approached.
“Guruji,” Kunwar-sa exclaimed, bending to touch his feet. I followed suit.
“May God bless you with a child soon,” Guruji said.
I smiled, but noticed confusion flickering across Kunwar-sa’s face.
“Are you certain, Guruji?” he asked.
Guruji laughed and embraced him.
“Why wouldn’t I be? Every married couple deserves that blessing.”
Ranaji, Prince Ranvijay, Nandani, and Princess Aishwarya also touched his feet.
But when King Abhinandan and Queen Trisha approached, Guruji’s expression stiffened briefly.
“God bless you,” he muttered.
Queen Trisha stepped forward.
“Aap humse bhale hi rusht rahein, Pitaji, hum sadeiv aapke sneh ke abhilashi rahenge.”“You may remain upset with me for as long as you wish, but I will always seek your love.” Her eyes glistened with tears as she spoke.
He gently patted her head.“God bless you, my child.”
Suddenly, their twins ran toward him.
“Naanaji65!” one of them squealed.
His face lit up instantly.
Princess Rudraja leaned forward eagerly, squealing. He lifted her, too, but she grabbed his long white beard and tugged hard.
“Ow!” A brief wince crossed his face, quickly softened by a fond smile.
“Rudraja!” Ranaji scolded, freeing the beard.“You’re so spoiled.”
She dramatically lowered her gaze and muttered,“taaaattaaa,” resting her head on Guruji’s shoulder.
Ranaji tried taking her back, but she resisted.
“She’s angry with you now,” Guruji chuckled.
Eventually, Nandani took her from his arms.
“Let us all go for dinner,” King Abhinandan said.
?????
In the dining hall, baajots66were arranged, with a curtain dividing the women’s space.
“I’ll eat with my wife,” Kunwar Agastya announced, moving toward me.
“There is no extra table for you, Agastya,” Nandani teased.
“That’s fine,” he said casually.“I’ll eat from Suman’s plate.”
