The Royal Tatvas

Chapter 8

CAFÉ, UDAIPUR – EVENING

Yug stood near the café entrance, checking his watch now and then, but his gaze always returned to the photo of Aditi on his phone. A soft smile tugged at the corners of his lips.

"Today... today I'll know," he murmured to himself. "Either the happiest day of my life—or the beginning of something... darker."

Just then, a light touch landed on his shoulder. He turned—and there she was.

His breath hitched. 
"How... beautiful."

"What?" Aditi looked at him, puzzled by his whisper.

"You look beautiful, Aditi," he said, louder this time.

A soft blush coloured her cheeks. "Thank you so much," she replied, her smile as genuine as ever.

She wore a knee-length floral dress, simple and elegant, yet striking. It was backless, subtle yet bold. Her long hair flowed freely, side-parted with one side pinned behind—no makeup, yet she glowed.

Yug offered his hand, and without hesitation, she placed hers into his. They entered the café together.

8:00 PM – On the Road

Yug was behind the wheel, stealing glances at Aditi, who was busy texting Vidhi.

"How was today? Did you like it?" he asked casually, trying to mask the hope in his voice.

Aditi looked up, her eyes gleaming. "Like it? No... I loved it. The lakes, the breeze, the peace—it was all so beautiful. Every second felt like a dream. I'll remember this day forever."

Yug's heart fluttered—or whatever semblance of one he had. He wanted to speak. To tell her how long he'd waited. How much he felt. 
But no. 
Not now. 
He had to wait. The right words... the right moment.

She stepped out of the car and turned back. "Bye, Yug. Drive safe, okay? And text me when you reach."

He chuckled softly at her motherly tone. "Yes, ma'am," he said with a mock salute before driving away.

ABHAY'S PALACE – STUDY

Abhay sat silently, flipping a paperweight between his fingers. His eyes were distant but sharp—calculating.

Karan burst in, panting. "Sir, Ajay Pratap Singh is closing in. He might find out about her.And... Yug was seen with Aditi today. A date. Looks like they're getting close."

The paperweight stopped mid-air. Abhay's fingers froze.

He looked up, eyes cold, yet calm.

"Karan," he said slowly, "it doesn't matter."

He stood up, walking toward the window.

"Yug knows well how to turn love into hatred... Just like his father. It's in his blood."

His gaze darkened as he added, "And my princess? She won't stay quiet if he dares cross a line. Let things unfold. We just need to wait... for the perfect moment to strike."

VIDHI'S APARTMENT – NIGHT*

Aditi was glowing with excitement, narrating every detail of her day while Vidhi lay on the bed, half-asleep.

"Aditi, your day was... extraordinarily awesome," Vidhi mumbled. "Now, please... let me sleep. I was chasing a murder case all night."

Aditi laughed softly and tucked her in like a child, letting her drift to sleep. She sat beside her, watching her best friend breathe peacefully.

Aditi's eyes softened. She brushed a stray hair from Vidhi's forehead.

"You've always had to be strong, haven't you?" she whispered.

"I still have a mother who cares... but you... you've faced this world all alone. Since the day your mother left, it's been you against the world."

She looked at her with quiet reverence.

"I just hope... someone comes into your life who loves you more than this world. Someone who won't just heal your wounds—but erase the pain that caused them."

Aditi's eyes welled up with unshed emotion.

"Someone who makes your heart feel safe... whole... and never lets it break again."

What right moment was Abhay waiting for? Who will be able to give vidhi her deserved love?

To know keep watching The Royal Tatvas.