𝐑𝐞𝐢𝐠𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐬 | 18+

Prologue

Yashraj

Gleaming yellow sunshine peeking through the clouds, slow winds rustling through the leaves and birds chirping morning tunes is my start to the day.

Nature is truly the almighty's mightiest creation ever. Waking up to the rising sun has been a habit of mine since I can remember.

Watching the sunrise for the day I braced myself for everything that was going to come my way today, whether good or bad, I accepted it with open arms.

That's the only thing in my power. I have everything I could have ever asked for. Money, Fame, Power, Family, everything but, I have nothing when it comes to my future.

I don't know what is going to come my way but, whatever it is will be welcomed. Happy Birthday To Me.

Stepping into the twenty-ninth year of my life all I ask for is peace and solace. Something I have never had.

My hunger for success and ambition has killed the little Yash in me who loved to play cricket and feed dogs. My impulsive self has made me into someone I don't even recognise.

When I looked into the mirror all I could see was a version of myself that just looked like me but was completely foreign to me at the same time.

Good morning Bhai Sa, Happy Birthday. Both of my brothers wished me as I made my way out of my room. I replied with a curt nod and a tight-lipped smile.

My family, my pillar of strength, my work, my drive and my people, my responsibility and passion, that is all that keeps me going. Being a prince comes with its own set of pros and cons.

Democracy took over the country a long time ago but that doesn't mean that the commitment my ancestors made to their people would go to waste.

The royal family of each state remains highly active and dominant in certain sectors and one of them is working with the government. The royal family acts as a linking chain between the people and the government.

The unwavering trust that people have poured in the monarch is their key to the government. The monarch puts forth their problems in front of the central government and works for the betterment of the people.

These are some of the responsibilities I will have to take up from the next year onwards but, only if I end up getting married.

'Good Morning Yash. Janmadin ki bahut bahut badhai.' My family wished me as I took a seat at the breakfast table. I passed them a warm smile accompanied by a thank you.

Yash, My Dadu Sa began to speak in his authoritative voice and I knew what was coming. I hummed in response.

Is baar hum aapse puch nahin rahe hain ke aap kisi kanya ko pasand kijiye par, bata rahe hain ke humne ek ladki dekhi hai jo humein pasand aayi hai.

I was in no position to say anything. I knew this conversation was going to come sooner or later. All because of that one-century-old rule. A rule of the Rathore Dynasty is that the one to ascend the throne is obliged to be married.

Everyone was looking at me for an answer but I needed time. Aapko jaise theek lage waise unse baat kar lijiye, aapka jo bhi faisala hoga humein manzoor hoga.

I ended my statement with an exasperated sigh and a smile broke out on everyone's faces. In the end, I know I had to get married within a year now so, whatever works for my family works for me.

After breakfast, I drove off to my office. I wanted to avoid everything and everyone at this point. They've been asking me to get married for the last four years. I've been successful in avoiding this situation since then but seems I don't have an option now.