𝘬𝘢𝘴𝘪𝘬𝘢-𝘏𝘪𝘴 𝘊𝘩𝘰𝘴𝘦𝘯 𝘉𝘳𝘪𝘥𝘦

Kasika

 

The Rose Garden

Princess Kasika ran through the palace gardens, her silver anklets jingling with every light step. Her long, dark hair streamed behind her like a silken river, a few loose strands brushing her flushed cheeks. Her eyes sparkled with mischief, bright as diamonds in the soft moonlight.

She wore a flowing emerald-green lehenga, embroidered with gold thread and tiny gems that shimmered as she moved. The delicate silk whispered with every motion, revealing glimpses of her henna-covered feet that glowed faintly under the moon.

Behind her, Leela her gentle-faced maid hurried to keep up. The soft rustle of Leela's simple cotton sari contrasted the princess's royal attire, yet her warm smile glowed with affection as she followed her spirited mistress.

The garden was alive with color. Roses, jasmine, marigolds, and lotus flowers swayed gently in the night breeze. The air was rich with fragrance, sweet and dizzying, wrapping everything in a feeling of quiet joy.

Kasika laughed as she darted between the flowerbeds, pausing near a cluster of roses that glowed like fire under the moon.

"Rajkumari, aap kaha ja rahi hain? Agar aapko chot lag gayi toh aapke bhai-sa humein kacha kha jayenge!" Leela called out, smiling despite her breathlessness.
(Where are you going, Princess? If you get hurt, your brother will eat me alive!)

"Rajkumari Kasika, aap sun rahi hain hamari baat?"
(Princess Kasika, are you listening to me?)

Kasika stopped and turned with a teasing smile. "Hum sun rahe hain, hamari nautanki dost. Aur Bhai-sa kuch nahi kahenge. Unhe pata hai ye samaaroh wagaira mein humara mann nahi lagta."
(I'm listening, my dramatic friend. Bhai-sa won't say anything; he knows I don't enjoy these ceremonies.)

She made a small pout before continuing softly, "Aur waise bhi, hum roj thodi na Maansarovar aa sakte hain. Suna hai yahan alag tarah ke gulab milte hain. Dekhna nahi chahogi, Leela?"
(And anyway, we can't come to Mansarovar every day. I've heard there are unique roses here. Don't you want to see them?)

Leela sighed and looked around nervously. "Parantu Rajkumari, bina anumati ke aise mahal mein ghumna... agar kisi ne dekh liya toh?"
(But Princess, walking around without permission... what if someone sees us?)

Kasika laughed softly. "Aap uski chinta na karein. Hum sambhal lenge. Chaliye, dekhiye kitne sundar gulab hain yahan."
(Don't worry, I'll handle it. Come, look at how beautiful these roses are.)

Together they wandered deeper into the garden, speaking of small things childhood memories, dreams, and secret wishes while the air filled with the scent of roses and the gentle hum of crickets. The moon hung like a silver coin above them, painting everything in a quiet glow.

Inside the palace, music and laughter floated into the night, blending with the fragrance of flowers.

Prince Vikram paced through the moonlit garden, his dark hair tousled by the evening breeze. He had been searching for Kasika for what felt like hours, though it had only been minutes. They had grown up side by side, and he could not imagine celebrating his birthday without her.

Turning a corner, he caught sight of her sitting among the roses, her head bent over a small leather-bound book. The sight made him smile with relief.

"Kasika!" he called out, his voice breaking the silence. "I've been looking everywhere for you. I thought you'd left me to suffer with those dull courtiers."

Kasika looked up, her eyes gleaming with amusement. She gestured for Leela to leave them and closed her book gently. "Ah, Vikram. I just needed a little escape from your grand celebration. Your palace can be rather... overwhelming."

He chuckled and sat beside her on the marble bench. "You're not wrong. But I'm glad I found you. I was starting to think I'd have to endure the rest of this night alone."

Kasika smiled. "You know I'd never abandon you, Vikram. I only wanted a moment of peace. Your garden is lovely."

He glanced around, pride softening his voice. "I'm glad you think so. I was planning to add a new fountain in the center. Bataye, lagwa doon?"
(Shall I have it built?)

"Ji bilkul," she replied warmly. "Bohot sundar lagega aapka bagicha."
(Yes, it will make your garden even more beautiful.)

As they spoke, laughter and music drifted through the air, blending with the soft rustle of leaves and the perfume of the roses. The night felt timeless, suspended in calm beauty.

Neither noticed the faint movement behind the climbing roses on a distant balcony where a pair of sharp green eyes watched them silently from the shadows.