Udaipur ~ A Path to our Destiny

Part 3 ~ The Success Party

Aditya's pov 

When I arrived at the palace, the rain suddenly started pouring down. The sun had already set, and dark grey clouds filled the sky. The driver opened the car door and held an umbrella over me as I stepped out. I took the bouquet in my hands and walked toward the palace, the bodyguards following closely behind me.

I had gotten late because I stopped at a nearby coffee shop to clear my mind. I hadn't realized how quickly time passed. By the time I noticed, it was already dark, and I cursed under my breath for being so late.

"Fuck, I hope Dadisa has already fallen asleep" I muttered under my breath. I tried to slip inside quietly because I knew if she found out I was late, she would definitely scold me, and I didn't want to upset her.

To the outside world, I was seen as a workaholic, serious, humorless, grumpy, and a vigorous businessman—the future king of Udaipur. But to her, I was still the softhearted, childish, naive boy whose parents had left this world when I needed them the most.

An attendee approached me with a glass of water. I took it and gulped it down, then set the glass back on the tray. "Has Dadisa gone to sleep?" I asked with a serious expression.

"Yes, Prince, she's already in bed" she replied, and I nodded. "Hm, you can go now" I said. She bowed and left.

I walked over to the couch and sat down, closing my eyes for a moment. Suddenly, someone grabbed my ear and pinched it.

"Arg—Dadisa!" I exclaimed as she suddenly appeared and grabbed my ear tightly.

"Where were you, Mr. Aditya Singh Rathore?" she asked in her authoritative voice.

"Dadisa, how do you always know when I've come?" I asked, and she finally let go of my ear.

"Because I'm your Dadisa, and I know you, my dear grandchild," she said, and I smiled.

I looked at her with love; she was the only one who had the authority to question me about my whereabouts because she was my whole world.

Many people agree that I am a workaholic and rude businessman, the future king of Udaipur, always prioritizing work above everything else. But to her, I was, am, and always will be her child, the one she held during my weakest moments, just when I was about to break apart. She never left my side, she stood by me even at my lowest.

When my parents died, she hugged me tightly and comforted me, making sure I never felt alone in this cruel world. Some people might say it was just her responsibility, but to me, a shattered person afraid to face life with no one else around, she was the only ray of sunshine that gave me hope and light. She showed me the right path, which is why she meant everything to me. Nobody could ever take her place, and I knew that.

"Dadisa, I got late because I stopped by a flower shop to buy this bouquet for you" I said, handing it to her.

"You'll never stop your mischief" she replied, smiling as she ruffled my hair. She accepted the bouquet and inhaled its fragrance.

"Such beautiful tulips" she said, beaming.

"Just the way you like" I replied, and she ruffled my hair again.

"Dadisa, not the hair" I protested, but she just giggled and hugged me. I hugged her back tightly, closing my eyes to soak in her warmth as she caressed my back. After a moment, she broke the hug, and I asked, "Did you eat your dinner?"