Beyond The Palace Walls| ONGOING

Chapter - 01

As Meera steps off the bus, she's immediately struck by the vibrant pink color and sounds of the city. A man hands her a pamphlet about Jaipur Culture Fest. He is a friendly local, who introduces himself as Prem. He explains that the Jaipur Cultural Festival is happening that evening, and it's a must-see event for anyone interested in the city's rich heritage.

Meera, feeling a bit overwhelmed and unsure of what to do, decides to take Prem's advice and head to the festival. She's drawn to the idea of immersing herself in the local culture and maybe even finding some sense of belonging. She doesn't feel like a princess as most of them there wore similar lehengas to represent culture. No one bowed to her. First time in her life, she felt like a normal person.

As Meera watches the traditional dance performance, she's so caught up in the vibrant colors and energetic movements that she doesn't notice the vendor's stall nearby. She accidentally knocks over the stall, sending traditional Jaipur handicrafts and decorations scattering across the ground.

The vendor, a elderly woman named Aarti rushes over to survey the damage. "Arre, kya kar di?!" she exclaims, her voice shaking with anger. "What have you done?!"

Meera's eyes widen in shock as she takes in the mess. "Oh no, I'm so sorry!" she exclaims, reaching out to help pick up the scattered items. "Humara irada inhe giraana nahi tha."
(It was not my intention to let them fall.)

Aarti's face turns red with indignation. "Tumhara irada ye nahi tha!? Tum bhagyashali ho ki mein tumse har ek matke ke paise nahi le rahi!" She shakes her head, her eyes flashing with anger. "Pata hai inn matko ko Maine kitne pyaar se banaye hai!?"
("Wasn't this your intention? You are lucky that I am not taking even a single penny from you!" She shakes her head, her eyes flashing with anger. “Do you know with how much love I made these pots? )

Meera winces at the rebuke, feeling a mix of guilt and shame. She looks around at the scattered items and sees the extent of the damage. She takes a deep breath and says,"Hum inke paise denge. Hum inn saare tukdo ko kharidenge"
(I will give you money. I will buy all these pieces)

Aarti's expression is skeptical. "Tumhe kya lagta hai ki tum inke paise dogi aur sab thik ho jayega?" she says, her voice firm but slightly wavering.
(What do they think, that you will give your money and everything will be fine?)

Meera nods. "Haa, inke Jo bhi keemat honge, hum chukaane ko taiyar hai. Hum jante hai ki humse bohot badi galti Hui hai isliye hum sab thik karna chahte hai "
(Yes, whatever their price may be, I am ready to pay it. I know that I have made a big mistake, that is why I want to correct everything )

Aarti looks at Meera for a long moment, then nods. "Theek hai beta. Mein tumse paise le lungi. Par dhyan rahe ki ye sirf paiso ki baat nahi hai - humare sanskriti aur parampara ke liye samman ke baareme hai" 
(It's okay child. I will take money from you. But keep in mind that this is not just about money – it is about respect for our culture and traditions)

Meera nods again, feeling a sense of relief wash over her. She starts to help Aarti gather up the broken items and count them out, determined to make things right.

Just as Meera is about to start paying for the broken items, a tall, broad-shouldered figure emerges from the crowd.

Agastya's piercing gaze scans the scene, and his eyes narrow as he takes in the mess on the ground. He strides towards the vendor's stall, his long strides eating up the distance.

Meera, Aarti, and the other vendors part to let him through, their eyes fixed on him with a mix of awe and wariness. Agastya's commanding presence is impossible to ignore, and his sharp jawline and chiseled features make him look like a force to be reckoned with.