LEGACY ||Indian Historical Fiction||

27||PRACTICAL MATCH

A gathering was called at night in the palace of Swarnonnata upon Aloki's request. Himanshu hoped it would be because of the proposal. Abhik and Rajat stood beside each other looking at Bhargavadeva who walked up and say on the throne.

Darsh caught Chavi's eye in question as to why the gathering was called so late at night. Chavi pursed her lips, disappointment etched on her face as she gestured towards Rajat. Darsh almost immediately understood, looking down with a sigh.

Shortly after, Aloki entered the room, her usual smile missing from her face and her brows drew slightly. She didn't care cast a look at Rajat but simply joined Chavi, standing beside her.

"Firstly, I apologise for calling an meeting this late in the night." Bhargavadeva said, a bit of uncertainty in his tone, "My daughter would like to give her verdict on the proposal."

Himanshu glanced at Rajat with a smile before turning to Aloki. She stood up with stoic face that no one could argue was a mask. She bowed in respect to her father and her mother who was on the opposite balcony.

She gulped before answering to her father, "I accept the proposal."

Bhargavadeva smiled. Everyone in the room was happy besides Darsh and Chavi who were only shocked.

~Evening before.
After her conversation with Darsh, Chavi went to Aloki's room, checking up after the unforseen proposal. Aloki grabbed her hand and pulled her to her bed, making her sit.

Her room was quite unlike anything of other rooms of the palace. There were huge windows everywhere letting in ample light from the setting sun. Embroidery works made by Aloki herself were somewhat displayed on the wall proudly. A well maintained Veena and a Tamburi rested in a corner, it was not the one she used for her performances but rather only for practice. Orange curtains and bed drapes bounced off the light giving the room a gleam.

"Did you know?" Aloki asked.

"It's as much a surprise to me as it's to you." Chavi calmed her down and made her sit before her.

"We've only had a couple conversations. Once after our performance and the second during the cattle visit."

"Maybe he did take a liking to you."

"A liking I've taken as well to his company. But that is not enough, is it?"

"Well, friendship is always a good start."

Aloki groaned and fell into Chavi's lap. Chavi brushed her hand along her head.

"You know him right? Because you're Chavi."

Chavi scoffed, "Yes. I know him as I was Chavi."

"What is he like?"

"I'm, if anything, a terrible judge of character. You should talk this out with him."

Aloki sprang up, "Why didn't I think of that?" She smiled and grabbed Chavi's hand again, taking her to Rajat's room. The guard informed them that he was not in the room then directed them towards Darsh's room as if Rajat was not found in his own room, he would be in his friends'.

Aloki all along the way, seemed excited. Upon turning the corner to Darsh's room, Chavi told her that she'd stand a couple paces back and urged her to go ahead without her. Aloki nodded, putting on her best smile. Right before she knocked on the door, she stopped.

"She's responsible, authoritative and initiative. All the more reason I'd want her to be the Queen." Rajat's voice came muffled. Aloki listened, feeling guilty for eavesdropping but also grateful that she did.