The Shekhawat Family
Ranveer Singh Shekhawat (35)
Sonakshi Ranveer Singh Shekhawat (33)
Vihaan Singh Shekhawat (27)
Amrita Singh Shekhawat (21)
Sonakshi's POV
"Are the plates ready?" I asked the maid.
"Ji, Ranisa," she replied.
I sighed in relief. "Good. Now quickly check on all the prasads (offerings). If anything is short, ask the chef to prepare more. Understood?"
She nodded and hurried off. I turned to another maid, giving instructions about the decorations. The palace had to look flawless today, anything less would be an insult.
When I entered the living room, I spotted Daye Ma, (the head maid).
"Daye Ma, have all the 101 shivlings been prepared?" I asked, glancing at the neatly packed return gifts for the guests.
"Yes, Ranisa. Everything is ready. Don't panic," she said gently.
"How can I not?" I let out a shaky breath. "Today is such a big day. So many guests are coming!"
She placed a comforting hand on my shoulder. "Ranisa, please don't stress. It will harm the baby. Remember, this pooja is being done for the baby itself! It's only 9:30 a.m. The rituals begin at noon. There's still time."
Her words made my chest tighten. Tears pricked my eyes. "I just... I don't want anything bad to happen today. It's Mahashivratri... and Ranveer has organized such a grand pooja. I can't take any risk by angering the Gods and lo—"
"Shh!" Daye Ma cut me off firmly. "Why are you even thinking like this? You should be thankful to Lord Shiva for blessing you with a child after 18 years of patience. This baby is His gift. Don't cry, Ranisa. Go get ready, rest a little, I'll take care of everything."
I nodded weakly. "Alright. But do check on Amrita. She's outside in the garden, supervising the decorations."
With that, I went upstairs, straight into my washroom to freshen up.
11:00 a.m.
I checked my reflection in the mirror. The heavy saree sparkled under the golden light, though my heart wished I could've worn something lighter. But today was too important—so many eyes would be on me. I couldn't give anyone a chance to whisper against my Ranveer ji.
My gaze fell on my stomach. I gently placed my hand over it. "Two months already... when will you start showing, little one?" I whispered.
A sudden knock startled me.
"Come in!"
Daye Ma entered, panic all over her face.
"What happened?" I asked, my heart skipping.
"Rajkumari Amrita is not in the house!"
My eyes widened. "What? Did you check everywhere?"
"Yes! I searched the whole palace."
I pressed my temples. "Daye Ma... didn't you check on her earlier—"
"I did! She was in the garden. I told her to get ready. After that... she vanished."
I took a deep breath and stepped out of my room, only to find guests already arriving.
"Oh, God! If Ranveer finds out, he'll kill me," I thought anxiously.
At that moment, I saw Vihaan coming toward me with his friend Raj.
"How are you, Bhabhi?" Raj greeted politely, bending to touch my feet.
I forced a smile, but both men noticed my unease.
"What's wrong?" Vihaan asked.
Before I could answer, a servant hurried over. "Yuvraj, Ranisa—Rajkumari Amrita has gone to the village."
"What? Why?" Vihaan demanded.
"A woman from the village came crying. She said the villagers were about to burn her daughter alive. So... the princess left with her."
My blood ran cold.
"Vihaan, Raj no one must know about this. Please. Bring her back before Ranveer finds out," I pleaded.
They both nodded and rushed out. My heart hammered as I turned back to greet the guests, hiding the storm inside me.
Ranveer's POV
From morning itself, I'd been drowned in responsibilities. I hadn't even checked on Sonakshi or Amrita. All I prayed for was that today's pooja would proceed without incident.
As more guests arrived, I noticed a servant rushing upstairs, whispering something to Sonakshi. Her face immediately turned pale. Daye Ma, Vihaan, and Raj were soon huddled together, exchanging nervous glances. Moments later, Vihaan and Raj started toward the exit, their faces stiff.
I raised an eyebrow. "Where are you two going?"
"Oh... woh, Bhabhi asked us to bring... lotus! Yes, lotus flowers," Raj stammered.
"We already have plenty," I said flatly.
"No, no! Bhabhi wants fresh ones. From the lake," Vihaan quickly added.
I folded my arms. "Fine. I'll send a servant."
Vihaan shook his head. "Bhabhi said only family—the blood of Shekhawats—can bring them."
I hummed. "Then you go, Vihaan. Raj will stay here."
Both froze.
"Why not Raj?" Vihaan asked nervously.
"Because he is our guest. Raj Singh Rajput." My eyes narrowed on him.
Vihaan gulped and hurried away. I turned to Raj, grabbing him by the collar. "Now, tell me what are you hiding?"
He squirmed, gasping. "N-nothing, Bhaiya. I swear—N... Nani!"
I glanced at the entrance. The Rajput family had just arrived. I released him immediately, masking my suspicion with a smile.
"I'm so glad you all came," I greeted warmly. Sonakshi appeared at my side, her smile stretched thin.
"Many, many congratulations," Kakisa said, blessing us both with gifts.
"Where is Vihaan?" she asked.
"Bazar gaya hai," Sonakshi answered quickly.
"Phool lene gaya hai," I said at the same time.
We exchanged an awkward laugh.
"And your sister Amrita? I heard she has returned from abroad?" Kakisa asked.
"She's getting ready," Sonakshi cut in before I could react.
After greeting Kakisa, I turned to my friend Rajendra, the second eldest son of the Rajput family.
"Where is Abhiraj?" I asked casually, though my eyes kept scanning the crowd.
Rajendra gave a small chuckle. "Oh, he's on his way. We all came in different cars, so he should be here any moment."
I simply nodded, humming in response, but my mind kept circling back to Sonakshi's nervous glances. Something wasn't right. The moment I caught Sonakshi alone, I grabbed her arm tightly, pulling her to the back of the palace.
"Sonakshi, where is Amrita?" I asked, my voice low but deadly calm.
"She... she's getting rea—"
"No more lies!" I tightened my grip, "Where the hell is Amrita?"
She winced in pain.
"Bhaiya!"
The voice froze me. I turned.
From the back gate, Amrita walked in her eyes blazing with defiance. Beside her stood Vihaan.
And walking just a step behind them was Abhiraj!!!
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