66.Yuvraj Sa Ri Bindani.

Yuvraj Sa Ri Bindani- Wife of Yuvraj Sa.

Readers, ASSEMBLE!!!!

You have to do a lot of comments😙

Make sure to read the author's note at the end thoroughly. Please, till the end. 😁

They reached Jodhpur a couple of hours before midday. They decided to have their brunch together so they drive to one of the best restaurants nearby. It was Rathore's property so their privacy was safe.

After being done from there, Rathores returned to Suryagarh Palace, so that they can take a rest for few hours and then can prepare for the homecoming of the newlywed couple.

And on the other hand, Kumawats, Nagars, Gaurav and Dia along with the bride and groom went to Nagar Villa.

Vasudha looked at the silent roads.

If their marriage would have been a public affair, then the whole city would be decked up beautifully.

But no issues, they had a great time back in Udaipur without thinking about the chaotic world.

🔅🔅🔅

After reaching Nagar Villa, they moved to their assigned rooms to take much-needed rest.

And again both of our beloved persons were staying in different rooms.

After the clock hit 2 in the afternoon, all members started preparing for the farewell.

Akshit forced Raina to sleep more because he knew that she didn't have a blink of sleep in flight. He doubted if she had good sleep last night considering her horrible sleeping patterns.

Finally, Raina started getting ready. She was feeling much better after taking a rest.

Dia was helping her with that. Raina wore a beautiful red coloured Rajputi Poshak (Rajputi Dress). It was more comfortable as compared to the lehenga. Golden thread embroidery was making it look authentic. Raina wore her Mathapatti after braiding her hair.

No matter how much she despised Aad (choker necklace), she has to wear it because of traditions along with Chandrahaar. Rajwadi Bali adorning her ears. Bangles cladding her wrist. And lightweight Rajputi Nath in her nose. She was emitting that Royalty aura.

Dia took the Chunari Or Uparna (veil) of Raina and put it on her head slightly covering her face, Raina held the shawl of Adhiraj which was still tied on the other end.

On the other hand, Adhiraj was wearing a white coloured Jodhpuri Achkan with thread patterns embroidered on it. And a red and grey Pagdi on his head.

By that time they were ready, Rohan and Adhvan along with few other cousins reached Nagar Villa to take the couple to the palace. They were being showered by all the hospitality of the world.

🔅🔆VIDAI🔆🔅

Raina came down and was ushered to the small temple in the villa where Adhiraj was already present. Taking the shawl tied to her veil, he put it around his neck.

They both prayed to God.

Gaurav made Adhiraj wear a gold chain and pinned a Sarpench (brooch) on his Pagdi as a gesture of respect and blessing.

Dia made Raina seat and spread a velvet cloth on her lap. After placing things like Durva grass, turmeric, coins, etc on it she tied it into a bundle and gave it to Raina. It symbolises that the daughter is going to enter the house of her husband with prosperity.

After that, both were fed with sweets.

It was the time of farewell. Raina moved towards the door. Avnisha was standing with a plate full of rice. Taking steps forward Raina threw rice back over her head three times.

Mrs Nagar was catching rice by spreading the free end of her saree from behind.

It means that even when the Goddess Lakshmi of the house is going away, she is blessing them with prosperity and wealth.

They stood on the porch of the villa. No one was crying because they were habitual of the physical distance now and there was nothing like the emotional distance between us. It was not like Raina couldn't meet them. But of course, it was a bit emotional. Dia was an altogether different case

Raina hugged her seeing her controlling her sob, "Dia! Why are you crying?"

"At my marriage, we decided that you will come to Pune after six months of your business venture in Jodhpur. But you are going to be with him now.", she sniffed pointing at Adhiraj like a child.

Raina chuckled, she couldn't help but tearing up seeing her friend.

Akshit made a face and said, "Don't cry now. Both of your makeup will be ruined. You both will not be besties anymore, you will be ghosties. Children would scare away in nig-"

"Shut up!!", Dia and Raina screeched in unison.

He closed his mouth and showed his hand in surrender.

Raina hugged everyone one by one, getting blessings and bits of advice in return.

"I will be always here, just a word.", Akshit whispered in her ear while hugging her.

Raina smiled at him, "I know monkey."

Raina took Narendra Singh Kumawat off guard when she hugged him. He was not expecting her to do that, because whenever they talked, a wall of awkwardness was always there.

Narendra Singh wrapped his hand around her in a protective way. They broke apart, no words were exchanged between them. He patted her head lovingly and kissed her forehead.

"Bhai sa, let's go before someone steals your shoes again.", a cousin of Adhiraj commented.

"Jiji sa, take care of your footwear. Who knows when someone will go all Ga Ga over them.", Shirisha snapped almost quickly with a sweet smile on her lips.

Everyone laughed.

Akshit took Raina's hand guided her to the car, after making sure she was settled comfortably, he closed the door. Going on the other side, he hugged Adhiraj and muttered, "Take care of her. I know you will."

Adhiraj nodded his head. Soon, the car drove away and Raina weaved at the family left behind.

Raina and Adhiraj were alone in the car, of course with a driver. Raina squirmed on her seat trying to adjust her dress.

"What happened?", Adhiraj asked.

"Nothing.", Raina muttered tucking the dupatta on her waist nicely.

Her eyes met his, she frowned, "Why are your eyes red?"

He leaned back and sighed, "Tired."

"But you slept through all the journey.", She said.

"So? Didn't you too?", He looked at her.

She shook her head in denial.

"Nope. I don't know how you slept in your kurta but my saree and jewellery were not comfortable enough to sleep like a log.", she said last part accusing him.

"And you are getting jealous because I slept?", he asked with amused eyes.

"No, I am angry that you slept. Leaving me alone to endure all teasings.", Raina huffed.

"Brace yourself, Raina. That was just an example. You are going to see much more.", he placed his hand on her shoulder.

"Very helpful.", she muttered looking away.

His deep chuckle resonated in the car making her smile too.

🔅🔆GRIHPRAVESH🔆🔅

The car stopped at the other end of Suryagarh palace. This entrance was close to the temple. Adya came and opened the gate so that Raina can get down comfortably.

They escorted the couple to the entrance. Where Vasudha was standing.

The couple touched her feet in greeting, she blessed them with happiness.

She took a Red String which is called Moli and measured the length of the right shoulder and left waist of Raina, same happened with the groom.

That's a ritual which is being followed since ancient times.

Adya came with Aarti. Vasudha put Tilak on their forehead and did Aarti, followed by stuffing sweets in their mouth.

After that, the ritual was followed by every lady.

Vasudha took a sword and placed it on one shoulder of Raina and then the other, she did the same thing with Adhiraj. It means cutting all the evil powers from the newlywed couple.

Vasudha took a plate full of Alta (red liquid colour).

And told Raina about further ritual. Raina dip her palms in it and pressed her hands on the wall beside the threshold, printing her handprints on it.

"Now come inside.", Vasudha said.

"No, not so easy. Bhai sa, we want Neg. You can't enter without it.", Adya stood in front along with her female cousins.

"Maa sa did that sword ritual but no use, evil is standing there.", Adhvan muttered to Rohan who coughed, hiding his laugh.

Adhiraj gave them money easily so they gave them a place to walk inside after a series of squealings.

They placed a pot filled with rice in front of her. Raina kicked it slowly with her right foot. And the rice spilt inside the house.

It means that the newly wedded bride is coming with all the prosperity and the spilt rice inside the house indicates that the house will be filled with wealth and happiness.

After that, a big plate with Alta was placed in front of her. Raina stepped inside it, letting the red colour taint her feet.

A long yellow cloth was sprawled on the floor. Raina walked on it, marking her footprints on the cloth. This ritual shows the auspicious footprints of Goddess Lakshmi.

After that, seven bronze plates were laid in a row with few edibles in them. Adhiraj displaced the plates with his sword, stating that he will displace all the problems in their life like this.

Raina bent down to pick each plate swiftly without making any noise. This states that the bride will always maintain her calm in difficult times resulting in the peace of the family.

It is said that how much less noise is made, the bride is that patient. It's a kind of test by which relatives can see the qualities of the bride.

There were many more rituals to test the bride but Vasudha dismissed them because all of them were tired. She preferred the ones with real meanings.

They were going to enter the temple but again Adya came with her girl gang asking for money.

"You just took the money.", Adhiraj raised his eyebrows.

"It is ritual, you have to give us many in many rituals.", Adya smirked.

Adhiraj took out his wallet without any fuss. Seeing that Adya whined, "Bhai sa, please fight with us at least. It's no fun getting the Neg so easily."

Adhiraj rolled his eyes, "Why should I fight when I can give easily?"

Vasudha took his wallet and gave him limited cash, "Now manage all the Neg in these only and beware you have to spend them at many places so spend wisely Mr CEO."

"Maa sa, why are you making me bargain?", Adhiraj frowned.

"Because it's fun.", Vasudha winked.

After a small banter, Adya and the girls got money.

Vasudha guided the couple inside and then made them seat before God Ganpati. After worshipping him, Vasudha applied Sindoor on Raina's hair partition along with all ladies.

It means the married women are sharing their blessings with her.

Adya came and untied the knot of Gathjoda, which she tied last night. The things which were inside the knot were placed in front of God along with the small bundle which Dia gave to Raina at the time of Vidai.

🔅🔆JUA JUI GAMES🔆🔅

Adhiraj and Raina were seating opposite each other. A vessel kept in front of them. A red string called Kalai was tied in the hands of both bride and groom with a miniature bundle containing turmeric, rose petal, one silver anklet bell etc. This Kalai is tied on their hands on the day of Peethi Dastoor.

They had to untie each other's string of hand. Here Raina can use both of her hands but Yuvraj got to do that with only one hand.

Raina easily untangled the knot but it took time and concentration for our prince to do that.

Once it was done, Vasudha let it fall in the milk along with few coins, Areca nut, and many things. And then she took one ring and dropped it in the vessel.

They had to find the ring.

"Bai sa, whoever wins these games have the upper hand in married life. Beware.", one aunty giggled.

And of course, this fact was completely wrong. These games were played to make the bride comfortable with the groom and vice versa.

Because in earlier times, arranged marriages were almost different from today's ones. Today, the couple get to court each other but earlier to strangers were tied, who hadn't seen each other even once.

The game started. It was a problem for them because strings and those things were proving to be a hurdle in finding the ring.

Raina was focused when he lifted his hand with a smirk. Raina's veil was down but she could see his proud and victorious smirk.

Raina huffed.

Clappings echoed, Vasudha again dropped the ring.

Raina was moving her hand in speed, catching whatever was coming in her hand. She again caught a handful of items and was going to drop them when she saw the yellow sparkling loop type object. It was the ring.

"Yayyy!! Bhabhi sa won.", Adhvan cheered for her loudly.

Raina raised her eyebrows proudly but soon realised that he couldn't see it. Too bad.

The third round started. Now it was about the pride of both individual, both were trying hard. Raina felt the end of the ring so she hooked her fingertip inside just to feel the tension from another side.

Adhiraj too frowned, he tried to pull it but Raina glared at him. He was going to leave the ring for her but after focusing a bit he could make out her doe shaped eyes staring, correction, glaring at him.

Oh, so now it is going to be that way? Okay, then.

He thought and pulled the ring with more power to tease her.

Not so soon Yuvraj sa.

She thought and pulled harder.

And this pulling and pushing resulted in the spilling of milk, their hands were still under the milk. Adhiraj pulled his hand above the vessel thinking that Raina will leave the ring.

But Raina being Raina, she didn't. And both were holding the ring looking at each other.

Again correction.

She was glaring at him.

Vasudha smiled, "Keep holding on to each other just like this."

They broke away from their trance listening to her.

"Raina, made Adhiraj wear the ring. Your fingers are already full.", Maheshwari said.

Raina nodded and pushed the ring in his finger. Adhiraj smiled seeing his hand.

After that few more games happened.

🔅🔆DEVAR-BHABHI🔆🔅

Adhvan came for other rituals, he had one branch of Neem in his hand and someone had given Raina one branch too. They both had to hit lightly with that stick. Usually, it's fun and played to establish friendship between brother-in-law and sister-in-law.

Adhvan looked towards Adhiraj who was staring back dead in his eyes. Adhvan gulped and looked at the stick in his hand.

Raina smiled seeing his hesitation. She initiated the ritual, hitting him slowly, "What happened Kunwar sa? Scared?"

"Yes! Of your Yuvraj sa.", he teased back touching her with the stick.

"Tch tch!!", Raina smirked hitting him.

"Bhabhi sa!", Adhvan whined.

And that continued for a while where Adhvan got some perfect hits.

Raina sat on the couch afterwards, now a younger brother in law had to seat close to the bride. This ritual says that the relationship between the bride and her brother in law is of mother and son.

"Kunwar sa, why are you hesitating? Seat on her lap.", Adhvan was being teased mercilessly but Raina was smiling seeing his comical face.

At last, he settled himself on the armrest of the couch and rested his hand on Raina's shoulder, keeping his half weight on her.

"See, I am seating here. Now give me my Neg. For the past one hour, only girls are getting the money. Nobody thinks about us.", Adhvan said dramatically.

Vasudha forwarded a bundle of palm-size towards Raina. Raina gave it to Adhvan.

"Bhabhi sa. You are the best.", Adhvan side hugged her.

"You can call her Bhabhi Maa now.", some woman said.

"Nope, it makes her sound old. We are good with Bhabhi Sa. What's say?", Adhvan winked at Raina.

Raina gave each cousin of Adhiraj small gifts as a token of blessing to initiate the new relationship.

Elder men were not there. Only youngsters with aunties were present in the Temple.

🔅🔆BAI SA GHOOMAR🔆🔅

(A/N: Do play this song.)

Folk music flowed in the room for the auspicious Ghoomar of the bride.

🎵O Mhari Ghoomar Chhe Nakhrali Ye Maa.

O Mhari Ghoomar Chhe Nakhrali Ye Maa.

Ghoomar Ramva Mein Jaasyan.

O Baisa Ghumar Ramwwa Mein Jaasyan. 🎵

Adya and the girls surrounded Raina twirling beautifully with delicate hand movements, doing a beautiful Ghoomar step.

🎵O Mhaane Ramta Ne Laadu Peda Bhave Mhaari Maa.

O Mhaane Ramta Ne Laadu Peda Bhave Mhaari Maa.

Ghoomar Ramva Mein Jaasyan.

O Baisa Ghoomar Ramwwa Mein Jaasyan.

O Raja Ji Ghoomar Ramwva Mein Jaasyan.🎵

Raina was not comfortable dancing but the group of girls around her gave her courage and she had to it because it was a ritual. Taking a deep breath she also twirled slowly along with them matching their steps.

🎵Ratan Jadat Mhari Rakhdi,

Moti Dul Dul Jaaye.

Ratan Jadat Mhari Rakhdi,

Moti Dul Dul Jaaye.

Moti Dul Dul Jaaye,

Ji Koi Heera Gir Gir Jaaye.

Moti Dul Dul Jaaye,

Ji Koi Heera Gir Gir Jaaye.🎵

Vasudha and the ladies also synchronised their steps with the music and folklore.

🎵O Mhari Ghoomar Chhe Nakhrali Ye Maa.

Ghoomar Ramva Mein Jaasyan.

O Baisa Ghoomar Ramva Mein Jaasyan.

O Mhaane Ramta Nae Laadu Peda Bhawe Mhaari Maa.

Ghoomar Ramva Mein Jaasyan.

O Baisa Ghumar Ramwwa Mein Jaasyan.

O Raja Ji Ghomar Ramwwa Mein Jaasyan.🎵

Their dance spirit subsided slowly as the music ended but the boys were still doing God knows which dance singing their own song.

🔅🔆MUHDIKHAI🔆🔅

Raina again sat on the couch with her veil down. It was time for her Muh Dikhai now. It was the tradition where the elder relatives see the face of the bride and give gifts as blessings.

Men were also called inside by then.

Vasudha and Uday Singh went first for the ritual. Vasudha lifted her veil and pinned it on her head perfectly with care. Uday Singh kissed her head and gave her a jewellery box. Raina smiled taking it saying Thank You.

After that many elders came for her Muh Dikhai.

🔅🔅🔅

"Almost every ritual is done. Just one is left.", Maheshwari said.

"Which one Bua sa?", Vasudha asked trying to remember which ritual the elder Sisodiya lady was talking about.

"Pehli Rasoi Rani sa.", Maheshwari answered.

Pehli Rasoi was the ritual when the bride cooks for the first time in her new home. But it happens on the other day of her arrival.

"But it was supposed to happen tomorrow morning. Right?", Vasudha reminded her.

"Few of family members have an early morning flight. It will be better to do that at dinner only.", Maheshwari stated a fact which pushed Vasudha into deep thoughts.

"Only if your daughter in law is okay with it.", Maheshwari said with her lip pressed tightly. She was not okay with the overwhelming love Rathores were showing on Raina. According to her, they should maintain a strict image in front of her to keep her in check.

Vasudha looked at Raina, who nodded in agreement seeing no other option. But she was dreading cooking alone for almost 30 to 40 person after a long day.

"Okay, as you wish Bua sa. My daughter will do it.", Vasudha smiled, deliberately replacing daughter in law with daughter in her speech.

"Without servants, she has to do all work by herself only.", Maheshwari reminded because they have to offer it to Goddess first so it was to be made by family only.

Adya smiled and winked at her mother, "I will show Bhabhi sa our private kitchen."

Vasudha reciprocated the smile seeing the twinkle in her daughter's eyes, she nodded knowing that Adya will manage to help Raina somehow.

They reached the kitchen, well it was not unknown to Raina. She had cooked here before too and she often enjoyed her midnight coffees here.

"Thank you. I will manage now.", Raina smiled at the girls.

"Okay, now tell us how can we help?",Malvika, the other girl asked excitedly.

"Help? No, not needed.", Raina shook her head, no matter how tempting it was sounding at that moment.

"My dear Raina Bhabhi sa, Dadi sa was correct on her place. But we know that you are tired. We are not servants, we are family. Right?", Adya smiled holding her shoulder.

Raina smiled at her with her eyes filled with emotions.

"Stop this emotional moment and let's get done with this as soon as possible.", one girl said as a matter of fact.

Raina nodded and stepped inside the kitchen.

"Okey, so tell me fast, what should I cook?"

"Kheer?", someone said.

"Kheer is so cliche.", Malvika nodded in denial. She was thinking of ways to impress Maheshwari.

"What about Ghevar?", Raina asked.

"Amazing.", they agreed almost instantly.

They helped her making the batter of the Ghevar, Sugar syrup and Malai Rabdi.

But when it came to frying the Ghevar, Raina told them to stay aside because it was dangerous for the amateurs.

You have to pour the batter little by little in the vessel filled with hot oil. It may cause accidents. Raina wore gloves and proceeded with frying them.

When it was fried enough, she delicately put them on the plate and told the girls to pour sugar syrup evenly, dipping them in sugar syrup might make them extra sweet.

And then she put the Malai Rabdi as the topping along with dry fruits and silver leaves.

She was satisfied to see the porous fried disc-shaped sweet.

After that, she called Vasudha. Vasudha smiled in an apologetic way seeing her sweating. But Raina diverted the topic by asking how her Ghevar was looking. Vasudha gave her a thumbs up.

Along with Vasudha, she went to the temple to keep her first sweet dish cooked in the home as a wife in front of Goddess Parvati because she is worshipped as Goddess Annapurna who make sure that her child sleeps after having food. She is the deity of food offerings.

After that, the dinner was presented at the dining table. The dinner room was hustling with people.

Raina sat beside Adhiraj, who glanced at her and focused back on the uncles who were talking something.

Along with the lavish food, the sweet dish cooked by Raina was also served.

Adhiraj looked at Ghevar and then back at her. Raina was lowkey fretting because she wasn't sure about the taste, she didn't taste it neither let any girl touch the Ghevar because the first untouched part was meant for goddess.

Family members eagerly tasted it seeing something different in sweet because anywhere they used to eat Kheer.

(Author has nothing against Kheer.)

They praised the Ghevar, making her sigh in relief. Even Maheshwari smiled at her in appreciation.

Finally, she started eating her food. She was expecting something from Adhiraj but didn't get anything else other than the miniature smile playing on his lips while he was scooping a piece of Ghevar to relish the taste again. And it was enough for her.

After dinner, elders gave her small gifts again for the ritual of Pehli Rasoi.

So many gifts in a day!!

But more than gifts, Raina craved rest at the end of the day. Her legs were feeling numb by then.

Finally, God showed some mercy when Vasudha told Adya to escort Raina to her room.

Raina was so tired that she didn't notice the mischievous glances and she nearly turned to the corridor of her old room when Adya pulled her back.

"Raina, where are you going?", she asked in an amused voice.

"Adya. At night humans tend to take a rest in their bedroom. I am no exception."Raina said in a bored tone, her eyes hooded with sleep.

Adya laughed, "My sweet sister in law. Your room is now on the other side and you have to share it with my handsome brother. And as we are talking about taking a rest, then let me remind you. It's your first night and humans tend to do all things other than taking a rest on their first night."

Adya smirked.

Raina's sleepy eyes were now wide open. She opened her mouth to say something but closed after few seconds. She felt warmth creeping her neck, ears and cheeks.

"Happy Realisation now comes fast.", Adya tapped her hot cheeks and pulled her.

When they reached there, they saw Rohan and Adhvan standing at the door of Adhiraj's room.

Adhvan saw his sister and whined, "Jiji sa, see we are not getting money."

"Bhai sa, our Neg please.", Adya demanded.

"Bhai sa, at least show some mercy on me. I got Neg only once from Bhabhi sa. These girls got it too many times.", Adhvan said in a crying tone pointing at Adya ignoring her furious glare

"Yes, Adhiraj. Hurry up.", Rohan who was standing aside, decided to irritate his best friend.

"Rohan? You too?", Adhiraj asked.

"Of course man. Everyone is getting rich, I also want to be looting your money.", Rohan said dramatically making Raina laugh.

"See, I have this much cash left from whatever money Maa sa gave me that time. Take it or leave it.", Adhiraj showed some cash.

"Hukum, we are very tired. Kindly gives us money so we can go and sleep peacefully.", Rohan forwarded his hand to take money but Adya stopped him and said, "No way we are taking so much less money."

Adhiraj shrugged.

Turning to Raina he said "Alright, Raina you go to your room and sleep. I will take some other room."

Raina looked at him confused, he was serious or he was kidding?

But he wished her night and started walking in another direction, "Good night."

Adya was bewildered but she stopped him by holding his wrist,"Wh- okay. Wait. We will adjust."

She agreed making a face.

"Are you sure? These are very less.", Adhiraj smirked.

"I never knew you were such a mingy person.", Rohan narrowed his eyes.

"Adya wanted to fight, Right?", Adhiraj pointed to his sister who was regretting her statement.

"Okey, give us our money first.", Adya pouted.

Adhiraj handover the cash to them and stepped inside his room. They pushed Raina behind him.

"All the best.", Adya said and went away.

"Have an adventurous night.", Rohan winked.

Adhiraj shut the door on his face and turned to look at his wife. Raina was looking at the painting hanging on the wall with great interest. But her minds was going to that day when she passed out in the same seating area and magically woke up on his bed, sleeping soundly.

He smiled seeing her like that.

Once he promised to himself.

"One day, you will be walking in this room fussing about different things. You will be the one who will have more ownership over my things, even more than me. And it is a promise."

And he fulfilled his promise.

Was he feeling proud?

Of course, is that even a question?

Holding her hand, he pulled her towards the bedroom.

"Welcome to our room, Raina," he whispered.

They crossed the study room when Adhiraj asked, "You have been to the study room only. Right?"

Raina said in a tired voice, "No, I have been there that day when you were drying my hair with the towel. I woke up on the bed. I often think how I ended up there and I-"

She stopped blabbering, finally registering her own words.

"I don't know what is there to think about that. And to think often? Well...", he looked at her with amusement all over his face.

Raina cleared her throat and diverted the topic, "I want to change my dress."

She looked at her dress and jewellery.

"Of course, but let me change first. I will take ten minutes only.", he touched her shoulder.

"Sure.", she nodded.

Raina looked around the room when Adhiraj went inside the bathroom.

Rose petals were scattered on the tables with aromatic candles giving a romantic aura to the dimly lit room.

But the bed was clean and organised to her relief. They didn't do anything to bed because Adhiraj wouldn't like it.

Raina felt like running away but decided otherwise.

She sat on the bed and took out her choker necklace, followed by her all jewellery. She finally took a breath of relief. That necklace was feeling like someone was strangling her. But still, she was feeling hot.

She stood up and took off her veil. She was still modest because upper of Rajputi Poshak was not like any blouse. It was covering her waist perfectly, it was more like a t-shirt.

After that, she puffed all the candles and switched on the air conditioner. Seeing the balcony in view she remembered the breathtaking view of that evening.

Adhiraj was seeming to take some time so she moved to the balcony for fresh air.

It was dark but the moonlight was enough for her. She smiled seating on the lounger, the cool air of desert hitting her face.

She was lost in the view when Adhiraj came there.

"Raina!", he called her.

She stood up immediately from her place and looked at him.

"Oh! Did you come out? I will go and freshen up.", smiled passing past him.

"Wait!", he held her wrist in a firm grip.

"We got married yesterday and getting time now, finally. Stay a bit.", he said and pulled her beside him.

He stood in front of her who was looking at her right with an innocent look on her face.

"Mrs Raina Adhiraj Singh Rathore.", he whispered out.

"Isn't it too long?", Raina chuckled clasping her palms at her front.

"Maybe but nothing can be more suitable with your name, at least for me.", he said making her lower her eyes.

And I can't afford to let anything else suit your name as well.

Only he knew how he bit back those words.

"Am I privileged enough to at least get a hug from my wife?"

Raina looked at him, She took a very small step towards him covering the half of distance between them, with a shy smile playing on her lips.

Adhiraj gave in and covered the remaining distance between them with ease. He rested his hand leisurely on her each side of her waist whereas her head was resting on his chest along with her palms.

She inhaled a long breath, moving her arms around his neck. She pushed herself more into him, closing her eyes. His hands too snaked around her waist, pulling her flush against him, he moved his head down to rest it on the crook of her neck.

Raina smiled, this physical proximity was feeling a lot comfortable to her. Why?

Because now she was his wife, by all means.

Yes, he considered her as his wife after that accidental and forced marriage. But it was never a marriage for her, it was just an accident. An accident she had buried in past. With a handful of issues, she never get reminded to look at him in that way.

But all those long and soul to soul conversations with him did crumble her walls.

Love was knocking at her door and she decided to welcome it with glee. Life is not going to easy, she knew. She had a full-fledged war to fight, but being lenient towards herself was not seemingly an issue.

After last night, she sees herself as his wife now. The one with whom she is tied spiritually and legally, emotionally too.

Keeping her fear and insecurities aside, she wanted to give this a chance with all heart, if not only that she was ready to put the extra effort on her part too.

Her thoughts stopped when Adhiraj traced the crook of her neck with his sharp nose. She squirmed in his arms with her eyes open now. He placed a lingering kiss on her visible shoulder blade followed by few feather-soft kisses leaving Raina breathing hard.

He chuckled, "Relax Raina, I am entitled to have at least that many quality moments with you. Ain't I?"

She nodded her head with her cheeks flaring up.

His one hand moved to her head, he traced the long braid. His fingers stopping at the last end of her hair where the rubber band was coiled tightly. He pulled it slowly, his finger swiftly freeing her hair from those turns of the braid.

"I love your hair.", he said as he once again touched her scalp and let his finger flowing down, feeling the soft texture of her long locks.

She smiled with her eyes closed sleepily, she was feeling at peace and fatigue added to her condition.

She muttered, "Let me go otherwise I will fall asleep here, in your arms."

He smiled pulling away, "Sounds tempting."

She shook her head and moved inside the room. She was going for a long hot shower to make her body at ease.

In the bathroom, she was wiping whatever makeup was still intact on her face when she saw her reflection. Her face was devoid of any smile but her brown orbs were twinkling with some unknown gratification.

She smiled enhancing her features more with happiness.

Adhiraj picked up the fallen hairpin from the ground. Keeping it encaged in his fist he looked forward, his eyes darting on the outlines of trees visible in the moonlight.

In childhood, he used to read Adya bedtime stories. A damsel in distress suffering, a prince charming arriving, him saving her, they getting married, and living happily ever after.

But guess what, life is no fairy tale.

He sure was a prince but the woman back in the room was not a distressed damsel, she was a fighter preparing to slaughter down her enemies.

And

There is no happily ever after.

As he said, "It's not going to be peaches and cream, it's going to be roses and thorns."

And he was waiting to be torn by the thorns just to get a whiff of the intoxicating smell of that sinful Rose.

And that flowers will bloom in The Queen's Realm.

His Queen, his Lioness.

And here we are at the end of The Crowned Prince after 13 months.

I am feeling very happy, like really happy.

The feeling is emotional, blissful and whatnot.

Thank you for supporting me.

The story will continue in THE QUEEN'S REALM.

Make sure to spam my book with #rr comments if you will read TCP again 🌝

And can I expect some beautiful reviews from your side? Like, how was the journey till now so that I can show them to my parents to bluff my skills. 😂🤦🏻‍♀️

Plz, make sure to share this book with your friends , add this book in your favorite reading list.

And yes, if anyone is interested, they can make fanclub of me too. 😂😂

Just kidding.

See you soon. 😘

Signing out

Aarushi Singh Sikarwar... 🔅🔆