“Ji, Bhai-sa, you called for me?” I asked, standing before Rudra Bhai-sa. He lifted his gaze from the paper.
I immediately plastered a smile on my face. I needed to forget about caring, worrying, and thinking about her.
“Yes, Agastya, I spoke with Badi-maa, Daadi-sa, and Rani-maa, and they suggested we have the baby shower. Even the royal priest believes holding it in two days is ideal,” he explained.“So, I want you to take care of the arrangements. I’ll send out the invitations, and you can handle the decorations, menu, and hosting preparations.”
A broad smile spread across my face.
“Celebration?” I asked, kneeling before him, and he nodded.
“Celebration!”
I loved celebrations, so I immediately lunged at him for a hug. He leaned back and patted my back.
“By the way, what happened in Mehrangarh?” he asked, nudging me away.
I gulped, shaking my head.“Nothing. It seems…normal,” I lied, sitting beside him as I plucked grapes from the basket.
“Strange. Are you sure?” he asked, and I nodded, meeting his gaze.
“Also, Mehrangarh seems pretty foolish.” I chuckled, and he patted my back.
“You’re a prince now. Act accordingly in front of others and behind the scenes,” he scolded, only making me smile wider.
I loved Rudra and Ranvijay Bhai-sa’s care for me.
“Ranaji.” Suddenly, her voice caught my attention, and I looked up to see her bringing a platter, followed by a few more attendants.
My smile faded as she knelt by the table, serving lunch.
“Have you eaten yet?” Bhai-sa asked, and I shook my head, gazing at him.
“Suman, make one for Agastya as well,” he instructed.
She replied,“Ji, Ranaji.”
“I… don’t want to, Bhai-sa. Actually…” I cleared my throat.“I need to work on something,” I said, trying to avoid looking at her.
A strange ache built in my chest as I watched her.
Bhai-sa stopped me and said,“No, eat first.”
I gulped, unknowingly being pulled by her presence. Faded marks and two bangles marked her wrist. She didn’t look at me.
“And how is Rashmika?” Bhai-sa’s voice broke my thoughts.
I briefly closed my eyes and replied,“She’s good,” while looking at him.
“I heard you didn’t attend the Gangaur pooja21with her,” he said, and I smiled, shaking my head.
“I wanted to, I really did, but I couldn’t return from the temple on time.” It was a half-truth.
“Oh! Why don’t you invite her to Nandani’s baby shower? That way, you’ll spend more time together. Because, no matter what, she will be your wife,” he said, staring into my eyes. His words held authority.
“Of course, my wife,” I laughed abruptly, looking away from him.
Suman placed sliced onions and a bowl of jaggery on my plate. My heart sank. Hundreds of people inhabited the palace, and nobody knew what I liked to eat.
“Thank you,” I muttered, pulling it closer to me, and Rudra Bhai-sa began speaking.
