Author's P.O.V..

The chamber glowed in soft golden light, its walls carved with delicate lotous patterns and lined with silent drapes that fluttered gently in the evening breeze.

The scent of sandalwood lingered in the air, mixing with the faint fragrance of jasmine garlands strung across the windows. It was simple compared to the grand hall s of pali, yet elegant in its own way a Princess's chamber touched by both royalty and warmth.

At the center, seated before a polished mirror framed with pearls, was Princess Sia, with Sunaina and some other dasiya. Her reflection shimmered back at her, fragile yet radiant.

She wore a deep emerald green lehenga, embroidered with threads of gold, the fabric flowing like liquid silk around her. It was the color of tradition, the color of mehendi nights rich, regal, yet alive.

Her hair had been braided into a crown like plait, adorned with fresh white flowers that spilled gently along with braid, their petals gleaming against her locks.

She wore floral jewelry a bracelet of rose on her wrist, matching earrings, and cluster resting against her braid. The simplicity suited her. Heavy jewels were never her taste, and tonight, she looked every bit the royal bride without the weight of gold.

Sunaina leaned closer, adjusting the flowers resting on her shoulder. Her eyes softened as she stepped back to admire her princess. " Kitni Sundar lag rahi hain aap, Rajkumari," she whispered with pride. " May God protect you from every evil eye."

One of the dashi said, " ye toh kuch bhi nahi, kal dekhna shadi ke jode mein."

Suddenly.

The heavy doors creaked open, and in swept chhavi pratap singh, the younger sister of the groom.....with her dashi. Draped in a richly embroidered lehenga that glittered under the light, her sharp eyes scanned the room before fixing on Sia. There was always a certain disdain in her gaze, a quiet taunt that lingered whenever she spoke to Sia.

Her lips curved into a faint smirk. " So simple, even today, Bhabhi-sa? Could you not at least think of our family's honor if not your own? A bride should look nothing less than a jewel, and yet...." she let her words trail off, dripping with mockery.

Sia's reflection met Chhavi's gaze in the mirror for a moment, steady and calm.  Slowly, she rose to her feet, the green of her lehenga flowing around her like rippling water.

Her face remained composed, her eyes carrying the serenity of someone who did not need to defend herself, yet her voice was gentle steel.

" Looking simple does not diminish  honor, chhavi," she said softly, every word measured. " In truth, simplicity is the most beautiful adornment a woman can wear."

Her tone was neither defensive nor harsh it carried the quiet authority of someone who believed every word she spoke.

The chamber fell still for a heartbeat, the weight of her calmness, silencing the bite in Chhavi's taunt.

" Absolutely right, Sia." A voice came from behind Chhavi. Everyone in the chamber turned at once.

It was Arthasv Pratap Singh, King of Pratapgarh... Sia's soon to be husband. The kind of man who walked in a room with authority and warmth. He was powerful, kind, calm and strong. Tall frame, features good. He entered the chamber in a regal green sherwani, threads of gold embroidery glinting under the light. His smile was practiced, confident, as his gaze lingered on Sia.

The dasiya and Sunaina immediately bowed their heads in respect as he stepped forward. The air shifted, heavier with his presence.

" But Bhai-sa," Chhavi said quickly, turning to him with a sweet smile, " we are not common people. We are royals. Our honor lies in our grandeur. Shouldn't that be maintained?"

Arthasv's expression did not waver. His eyes, however, flickered toward Sia as he spoke. " Chhavi, our true honor does not come from jewels or silks.

It comes from our deeds. And Sia..." he paused, his voice carrying weight, " Sia is already the pride of Pali through her noble heart and pure thoughts."

His words were smooth, flattering the kind spoken by a man who knew the art of politics. He held Sia in his gaze, waiting for a reaction.

Sia met his eyes calmly. Her face revealed nothing no excitement, no warmth, only the polite serenity of a princess fulfilling her duty. She gave him a faint smile, a small nod of acknowledgement. Nothing more.

" As you say, Bhai-sa," Chhavi murmured, bowing her head. Her eyes, however, held their same sharpness as she glanced once more at Sia, before excusing herself. " I shall take my leave. You may bring Bhabhi sa with you."

With that, she left the chamber, her silks sweeping across the floor, leaving behind a trace of her disdain. The room grew quieter.

As Chhavi swept out of the chamber, silence followed in her wake. The air seemed to still, until Arthasv stepped closer to Sia. His smile softened as he reached for her hands, holding them gently between his own.

" Today you look breathtaking, my soon to be Rani sa," he said, his voice low and warm.

Sia met his gaze calmly. She knew this about him...he was kind, and in his way, he did love her. He had accepted her even after knowing the truth of her fragile time, and that spoke of a rare heart.

Yet her own heart, stubborn and aching, could not return that love. Still, she tried to convince herself that perhaps... perhaps, one day, she might.

" Thank you," she replied softly, offering him a faint smile. " You look well too."

Arthasv studied her for a moment, then sighed, his thumb brushing against her hand. " I know this marriage does not bring you the joy it should. But I promise you this one day you will love me. And until then, I'll treasure you Sia."

Sia's smile deepened only a little, polite yet touched by his words. Inside, her heart resisted, quiet and uncertain. But she nodded gently, choosing hope over despair. " I too hope for the same."

" Come," Arthasv said with a small smile, straightening as he offered his arm. " Everyone is waiting for us."

He guided her out of the chamber, their hands still entiwined. The corridors glowed with lights, and the distant sound of dhol and women's laughter, echoed ahead, carrying them toward the Mehndi ceremony that awaited.

____

The two of them walked together into the grand Mehndi venue the royal peacock courtyard of pali palace, glittering under light and perfumed with roses and sandalwood.

The entire palace shimmered with gold drapes, peacock feather motifs, and strings of jasmine. As soon as they entered, everyone rose, bowing their heads respectfully.

" Ah, here arrives the heart of today's celebration!" Samrath, Sia's elder brother, exclaimed warmly as he came forward. He embraced Sia, his eyes glistening with pride. " You look breathtaking Sia."

Samrath the Crown prince of pali, a very intelligent , cheerful and kind man, who cherish his people and family. He owned the top jwellery business.

Sia smiled, her heart softening at his words. She loved him so much, same for him, for him Sia's is more precious than the kingdom itself. " Of course I do...after all, I'm your sister," she teased gently, her chuckle melting into his embrace.

Samrath then turned to Arthasv and clasped him in a brotherly hug. " Tommorow my sister will be yours. I trust you'll keep her safe and cherished, Raja sa."

Arthasv inclined his head with a steady promise. " Her well being is now my responsibility."

The warmth between them hung in the air, drawing approving smiles. Soon, Arthasv's parents, Aannad and Mahima Pratap Singh stepped forward, blessing the couple. " Our daughter in law looks divine." they said and Sia bowed her head respectfully.

The function began. The sound of dhol echoed, women sang folk songs, and laughter danced through the air. Sia's parents, king Vikram and Queen Kausalya, came forward to bless her.

" Humesha khus rho, " Vikram said, her mother embraced her tightly, while Revati, Sia's affectionate sister -in- law and a celebrated jewellery designer, stepped in with sparkling excitement.

" My nanad's mehndi must outshine all others!" Revati announced playfully, her eyes twinkling. Turning to the mehndi artist, she added firmly. " And don't forget to add her groom's name in the design."

" Ji, Rani sa," the artist bowed and began working delicately on Sia's hands, painting intricate vines and flowers that climbed across her palms.

Around her, women chattered, the groom too had a touch of mehndi applied, and the courtyard filled with lighthearted cheer.

But Sia's mind drifted elsewhere. Her calm smile hid the storm within. She sat quietly, eyes lowered until Sunaina, leaned close." Princess, what are you thinking about?"

Sia lifted her gaze, her lips curving in a mischievous smile. " About running away from the wedding."

Sunaina's eyes widened in horror. " Kya!" she blurted out too loudly. Heads turned at once.

Sia quickly whispered with mock sterness. " Shh! Hum mjak kar rahe the Su. Do you want everyone to panic?"

Revati frowned from across the cushion. "  Kya hua Sunaina?"

" K-kuch nahi, Rani sa" Sunaina stammered, flustered, before glaring softly at Sia. Under her breath, she muttered " one day, your jokes will be the death of me, princess."

Sia stifled her laughter, her eyes glimmering with mischief. Just then, a sharp voice sliced through the cheer. " Ye kya Kiya tumne?"

It was chhavi, her tone laced with venom. Everyone's attention snapped toward her as she stormed toward the mehndi artist. " How could you be so careless? Instead of writing my brother's initial, you've written another letter entirely!"

Gasps rippled across the gathering. Sia's gaze dropped to her hand. Where the artist had carefully written the letter, Y stood bold and clear.

" Y-ye kya hai?" Sia murmured, softly, surprise flickering in her eyes.

" Ye kya kar diya, " kausalya said, Revati looked with a stunned looked.

The mehndi artist folded her hands desperately. " Forgive me, Rajkumari. It was a mistake, I don't know how... perhaps i forget the name."

" A mistake?" Chhavi snapped. " Who makes such a mistake with a bride's mehndi? "

" Chhavi, jane do. It must have been a mistake. " Sia said quietly, trying to diffuse the tension.

But Chhavi's eyes narrowed, her words dripping with poison. " Of course you would say that, bhabhi sa. You hardly behave like a royal anyway.

At every function, you appear like a servant dressed in borrowed jewels,  making a mockery of our dignity." she said, never liked Sia because of her simple behaviour.

The sting of insult cut through the air, silencing the dhol and chatter. Before anyone could say anything more, Sia rose to her feet, her calm demeanor vanishing as her eyes blazed with quiet authority.

Her voice was steady, " Mind your tongue, chhavi. Do not forget that I'm your future sister -in-law and Queen of Pratapgarh. Show respect or hold your words."

Gasp whispered among the guests it was rare to hear Sia raise her voice. Her self respect however was something she never allowed to be trampled.

" You aren't queen yet-" Chhavi began her anger flaring, but Arthasv's voice cut her off sharply. " Enough, Chhavi. Not another word." his tone carried a weight that silenced even her defiance.

He then turned to the trembling mehndi artists. " Erase it and correct. Mistakes happen."

The artist bowed quickly and obeyed. Arthasv finally looked back at Sia, his voice softer. " On Chhavi's behalf, I apologize Sia."  he said, Sia looked at him for a while...it was the thing even though he loves her but whenever chhavi taunt and try to insult her, Arthasv never took a stand first it's always Sia also he never asked Chhavi to apologise....and that made Sia a little sad.

Sia's eyes lowered to her hand again. The letter Y, even as it was wiped away, left behind a strange, inexplicable pull in her chest as if it belonged to her in ways she couldn't understand.

She forced a smile. " It's alright." the music picked up again, the women resumed their chatter, and the mehndi function carried on but for Sia, the letter lingered in her m

ind like an omen, quietly etching itself deeper into her heart.

___________________

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