Beyond Destiny ~ A Saga Of Timeless Love

16 ~ Apologies

"I am selfish when it comes to you, I want you all to myself."

Ruhanika

The wedding had finally come to an end. The day had been long, and I had been running back and forth since morning, ensuring every detail was perfect for the princess’s big day. With all the hustle and the grandeur that comes with Indian weddings, this one stood out for its royal opulence.

Princess Nandita was the epitome of grace, draped in a voluminous red bridal lehenga that shimmered with intricate embroidery and adorned with jewelry fit for a queen. The sight of her was nothing short of breathtaking. I couldn’t help but admire how effortlessly she carried the weight of her attire—though in my mind, I wondered if it wasn’t suffocating her with its heaviness. But she moved with the poise of a true princess, embodying both her status and her strength.

And it wasn’t just the princess; every woman present at the ceremony seemed to be wrapped in layers of luxury. The wives of the royals were no exception, wearing their own voluminous lehengas and a barrage of jewels that sparkled with every step they took. It was clear that many of them attended not just to partake in the wedding celebrations, but to show off their family’s wealth. Their eyes constantly flitted between one another, as though silently competing for who had the finest silks and the brightest jewels. In their world, appearances were everything.

As for me, even I couldn’t escape the grandeur. At the princess’s insistence, I had been dressed in an elaborate mustard-colored lehenga, carefully selected after what felt like hours of deliberation on her part. The rich fabric clung to my frame, accentuating every curve, and the subtle dori on the back added a touch of elegance. The jewelry she chose—gold bangles, a necklace, and earrings—were heavier than anything I was used to, and the outfit, while beautiful, was far too extravagant for my taste. I couldn’t help but feel self-conscious, especially with the revealing cut on the back of the blouse, but it wasn’t as if I had much of a choice. The princess had wanted me to shine, and I would honor her wishes.

Throughout the day, as I busied myself with my duties, I felt a strange sensation prickling at the back of my neck, like someone’s eyes were following my every move. Yet, every time I glanced around the room, there was no one who seemed out of place. It left me on edge, but I forced myself to focus, shaking off the feeling.

Once the ceremony concluded, the moment that followed was bittersweet—the time for the princess’s farewell had come. As she hugged her family and attendants, tears flowed freely, and the air was heavy with emotion. Her new life awaited her, but the gravity of leaving behind her home and loved ones was palpable. I watched as her brother, Dev, embraced her tightly, placing a tender kiss on her forehead. Though they were only half-siblings, their bond was unbreakable, forged from love and loyalty. It was clear how deeply he cherished her, and for a moment, my heart softened at the sight.

To my surprise, Princess Nandita turned to me before she left, pulling me into an embrace. I hadn’t expected it, but the gesture brought warmth to my chest. She was truly a kind soul, a woman deserving of all the happiness the world could offer. As she stepped into her new life, I silently wished her well.

With the wedding finally over, exhaustion washed over me in waves. I could barely keep my eyes open, and all I wanted was to collapse into my bed and sleep for the next two days. Weddings are beautiful, yes, but only when you’re attending them as a guest. Being involved in the preparations and attending to the bride? That was a different beast altogether. My legs ached, my back throbbed, and I was ready to slip away into blissful rest.

It was nearing midnight by the time I began making my way back to my chamber. The halls were mostly deserted, the only sounds being the faint echoes of footsteps and the occasional murmur of guards stationed in the distance. The palace, which had buzzed with energy all day, now felt calm and quiet, as though it too was preparing to rest.