32. The honeymoon

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The next day, early in the morning, the Pratap palace was bathed in the soft golden light of the rising sun. The air was cool and filled with the scent of blooming flowers from the garden. The family gathered in the grand dining hall for breakfast.

The long, polished wooden table was adorned with silverware and an array of traditional Rajasthani dishes, carefully prepared by the kitchen staff.

Shivansh, dressed in a crisp white kurta, was seated beside Kashi, who wore a delicate pink saree that complemented her serene beauty. Dada Hukum, Bhairav, and Aloka sat at the head of the table, with Akshita and Anita on either side. The atmosphere was peaceful, but there was an underlying tension, especially after the previous night's conversation in Aloka's room.

As they began their meal, Shivansh cleared his throat and addressed his parents. "Baba sa, Maa sa, I wanted to let you know that I'll be leaving for my annual tour of Rajasthan tomorrow. As you know, I go every year to oversee the estates and meet with our people." said Shivansh, his voice calm and respectful.

Dada Hukum nodded his head, acknowledging the importance of Shivansh's duty. "Yes, Shivansh, I'm aware. It's a tradition and a responsibility that you've always upheld with dedication." said Dada Hukum.

Bhairav, who had been quietly listening, suddenly spoke up with a thoughtful expression. "Shiv, this time, I think you should take Kashi with you. It would be a good opportunity for you both to spend some time together, away from the palace and its responsibilities." said Bhairav.

Kashi looked up at Bhairav, surprised but touched by his suggestion. Shivansh glanced at her, noticing the flicker of uncertainty in her eyes. Before he could respond, Aloka, who had been watching the exchange with a critical eye, interjected with a mocking tone.

"Take Kashi? Bhairav, have you forgotten that she is the daughter-in-law of this house, not a daughter? She has duties here, and it's not proper for her to be gallivanting across Rajasthan like a young bride on her honeymoon." said Aloka with a smirk.

The words hung in the air, sharp and cutting. Kashi lowered her gaze, feeling a mix of embarrassment and confusion. Shivansh's jaw tightened, and he was about to speak when Dada Hukum raised his hand, silencing everyone.

He turned to Aloka, his voice firm but laced with a gentle authority. "Didi, Kashi may be the daughter-in-law of this house, but she is also our daughter. And as her husband, it is Shivansh's right and responsibility to spend time with her, to strengthen their bond as a married couple. They have not had much time together since their wedding. This trip will be good for them, and it is important for their future." said Dada Hukum, his eyes softening as he looked at Kashi.

Aloka's face softened, though her pride was clearly stung by Dada Hukum's words. She knew better than to challenge him directly, especially in front of the family. "If that is what you believe is best, Bhai sa, then so be it.

But remember, Shivansh, Kashi is your wife, and she has her own responsibilities here as well. Don't let this trip distract her from what she is expected to do." said Aloka, her voice calmer but still tinged with her usual sternness.

Shivansh gave a respectful nod to Aloka, understanding the layers of her concern, even if he did not fully agree with her perspective. He turned to Dada Hukum, gratitude evident in his eyes.

"Thank you, Dada Hukum. I appreciate your understanding and support. Kashi and I will make the most of this trip, and I'll ensure everything is well taken care of here before we leave." said Shivansh.

Kashi, who had remained quiet during the discussion, felt a surge of warmth towards Shivansh. She was touched by his consideration and Dada Hukum's protective stance. She finally spoke, her voice soft but clear.

"Dada Hukum, I will make sure that all my duties are fulfilled before we go. And I am grateful for this opportunity to accompany Shivansh ji. It means a lot to me." said Kashi, offering a polite smile to Aloka.

Aloka simply nodded, not wanting to drag the matter further. She took a sip of her tea, her expression inscrutable.

The breakfast continued with light conversation, but the atmosphere had shifted. There was a sense of anticipation, especially for Shivansh and Kashi. The idea of traveling together, away from the familiar walls of the palace, brought a mix of excitement and nervousness. For Kashi, it was an opportunity to learn more about her new life, her husband, and perhaps even herself.

As they finished their meal, Bhairav leaned over to Shivansh, his voice low but affectionate. "Take care of her, Shiv. These trips can be demanding, but they can also be beautiful. Make sure she sees the Rajasthan you love so much." said Bhairav with a knowing smile.

Shivansh nodded, his heart swelling with the support of his family. "I will, Baba sa. I promise." said Shivansh.

In the room, Kashi was packing her suits and saree for the trip. She looked at Shivansh. " Shivansh ji, what was the need to take me with you? No one will be there. I would be bored." said Kashi while pouting like a cute baby.

Shivansh smiled. He came to Kashi and held her waist and pulled her closer. She was shocked and kept her hand on the chest of Shivansh. " Kashi, if I would have told everyone that I want to take you for the honeymoon then they would have teased you a lot. " said Shivansh.

Kashi blushed. " Oh." said Kashi. Shivansh slowly kissed the cheeks of his sweet little wife. " Come on, let me help you." said Shivansh. After that he got another suitcase and kept it on the floor of the closet.

Kashi sat down while looking at the shoes she would be taking with her. Shivansh was keeping his shirts, pants, watches and some broches. When he saw a diary kept there. He picked it and saw 'Kashi's diary' written on it.

Shivansh hid it in that diary in the pocket of his coat and decided to have it later. " Kashi, can you get my tea?" he asked. Kashi nodded. " Yeah sure Shivansh ji." said Kashi and then went out of the room. Shivansh sat down on the coach in the room

Shivansh opened the diary carefully, feeling a mix of curiosity and tenderness. As he flipped through the pages, he couldn't help but smile at Kashi's neat handwriting. The diary seemed to be filled with her thoughts, dreams, and wishes—an insight into the world she carried within her heart. His eyes fell on a page titled "My Bucket List." and he began reading.

" I've always dreamed of soaring high above the golden sands of Rajasthan, feeling the cool breeze on my face as I take in the breathtaking view of the desert. I want to share this magical experience with my husband, as we float together in the sky."

Shivansh turned the page to see more bout his wife's bucket list. " There's something so romantic about the rain. I want to dance freely with my husband, letting the raindrops wash away our worries. Just us, the rain, and the rhythm of our hearts."

Shivansh continued to read more about the "I want to release countless lanterns into the air, watching them rise and illuminate the night sky. It would be like sending our wishes and dreams to the heavens, with my husband by my side."

" Exploring Rajasthan from the back of a camel and an elephant has always been a childhood dream of mine. I want to experience this with my future husband, feeling like royalty as we traverse the beautiful landscapes together."

"I've always wanted a secret hideaway where me and my partner and I can escape from the world, even if just for a little while. Building a treehouse together would be the perfect project—something we create with our own hands. "

"I've always been fascinated by the idea of creating something from clay. I want to try my hand at pottery, making something special with my life partner. It doesn't have to be perfect; it just has to be ours."

Shivansh slowly closed the diary and kept it in the drawer with a smile on his face. .

Kashi returned to the room with a tray holding a teapot, two cups, and a small bowl of sugar cubes. She placed the tray on the table beside the couch where Shivansh was seated and then sat down next to him. Her delicate hands moved gracefully as she poured the tea into one of the cups.

Kashi glanced at Shivansh, a gentle smile on her lips. "Shivansh ji, how many cubes of sugar would you like?" she asked. Shivansh looked at her, his eyes softening with affection. "Nothing," he replied, his voice low and teasing.

" Nothing, bass ek sip le lena."

" Nothing, just take a sip and then give it to me."

Kashi blinked, momentarily taken aback by his request. A soft blush colored her cheeks as she realized what he meant. She hesitated for a moment but then nodded, a shy smile forming as she picked up the cup.

She brought the cup to her lips, taking a small sip of the warm tea. The moment felt intimate, filled with an unspoken understanding between them. Kashi then handed the cup to Shivansh, her heart fluttering as his fingers brushed against hers.

Shivansh took the cup from her, his gaze never leaving her face. He brought the cup to his lips, taking a slow sip as if savoring not just the tea, but the connection they were sharing.

As he lowered the cup, Shivansh looked at Kashi, his expression tender. "Perfect, even more sweeter than sugar." he said softly, making her blush even more.

Kashi looked down, her fingers nervously playing with the edge of her saree. "I'm glad you liked it, Shivansh ji." she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper.

Shivansh smiled at her reaction, feeling a warmth spread through him. He had read her diary, her bucket list filled with dreams and wishes. Each entry had revealed a part of her heart, and he was determined to make those dreams come true.

In his mind, he silently vowed, "Kashi, I promise I'll fulfill every wish on your list. I'll make sure you experience all those magical moments, with me by your side." he said in his mind.

Setting the cup down, Shivansh reached out and gently took her hand in his. Kashi looked up at him, her eyes wide with curiosity and affection.

"Kashi, I know we haven't had much time together since our wedding, but I want you to know that I'm here for you. I want to understand you, to share your dreams, and to make them a reality. We're going on this trip together, and I hope it will be the start of many beautiful memories." said Shivansh.

Kashi's eyes shimmered with unshed tears, touched by his words. She squeezed his hand gently. "Shivansh ji, I feel so blessed to have you in my life. I'm looking forward to this journey with you." said Kashi.

Shivansh leaned in, pressing a soft kiss to her forehead. "And I'm looking forward to making every moment special for you, Kashi." said Kashi.

They sat there in silence for a while, the bond between them growing stronger with each passing moment. The world outside could wait, for now, they had each other.

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