The Princess

12.

ARANYANI

As soon as our airplane landed, I was escorted to a car and we were on our way to the palace. I had missed home, terribly. Going to the States is a decision I love, but, home is home.

I was excited to meet my family. My maternal grandparents were traveling from India whereas my paternal ones were coming back from a tour of Australia.

My parents did not have siblings, but they did have cousins. So, all of our family from all over the world get together to celebrate Diwali.

The whole palace is decorated with lights and diyas. It is a three-day feast. I absolutely love Diwali. If people have favorite festivals, Diwali is mine.

Half an hour later, we are entering the palace grounds. I perk up instantly and a huge grin settles on my face. Caius laughs from beside me but I see the happiness in his eyes.

As soon as the car stops, I am out. Running through the gates of my home. I hear laughter from behind me and turn around. My parents stand on the staircase, looking every bit the royalty they are. I run towards them and my Papa gathers me in his arms.

"I missed you, Kelis." He murmurs in my ear.

I grin teary-eyed at him and look at my Ma who has a teasing smile.

"I am feeling the love." She says.

I chuckle and launch at her. She stumbles a little but does not let go of the vice-like grip she has on me.

After a few minutes, I pull away and look at them. I take both of them in.

"Have you lost weight?" My Ma frowns.

I laugh and shake my head. My Papa winks at me and looks at my mother with absolute adoration in her eyes as she continues her rant about me eating unhealthy food and not taking care of myself.

Mothers, I tell you.

"I missed you guys so much." I breathe out.

"We missed you, Kelis. We missed you so much." My Papa says and gathers my Ma and me in a hug.

"I missed you both, so much. I have so much to tell you." I tell them as I pull back.

"I am tired, Papa. Can we talk in the morning?" I ask.

"Yes, in the meantime, I will talk to William."

"No, you will not do anything of this sort. He is also very tired having been on the same airplane as me. All of us will meet you for breakfast tomorrow. Anyways, when is everyone getting here?" I question.

"Your wish is my command, Princess." My Papa answers and bows.

I chuckle and raise my eyebrows.

"Both sets of your grandparents will be here tomorrow evening. Now, rest up. We have to look at clothes for you tomorrow." My Ma answers with a gleeful look on her face.

I faked a groan, but I was beyond excited. I loved looking at clothes for Diwali. Besides, Ma and I had too much fun choosing each others' clothes.

"See you in the morning. King, Queen." I curtsied before them.

My parents glared at me while I went on my way, a skip in my step.

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I am trying my hair in a French braid when a maid comes to escort me to the dining room. I choose to wear white palazzo and a red Anarkali Kurti that had silver embroidery along with silver mojaris. I wear silver jhumkas and put on a bindi. Comfortable clothing for the long day ahead of me.