The Maharaja And I : Inspired by Bridgerton

En Route Hampi Palace

Meanwhile, in the bustling corridors of the Rai mansion, preparations were underway for the upcoming Navratri celebrations at the Hampi Palace. The air was thick with the aroma of incense and the buzz of activity as the Rai siblings prepared to leave.

Minnal, ever the daring one, had donned a vibrant red silk sari, her eyes lined with a smoky kohl that accentuated her expressive gaze. "Dearest sisters, why so glum? Tonight is for revelry and mischief!" she chided, waving her arms dramatically.

Padmaja blushed, fiddling with the delicate pearl necklace around her neck. "I'm just nervous, that's all. The palace will be teeming with potential suitors, and Mother will expect—"

"Nonsense!" Minnal scoffed, fanning herself with her hand. "Ignore Mother's matchmaking schemes. This is our night to shine, and we shall not let the looming specter of matrimony dampen our spirits!"

Yashveer, ever the charmer, sauntered into the room, flicking his embroidered pagoda cap in the air before catching it deftly. "Well, well, if it isn't my three favorite muses! In need of a fourth for your soiree, perhaps?"

Minnal rolled her eyes while Padmaja giggled, blushing even more. "Oh, brother dearest, you're certainly welcome to join us, as long as you refrain from your usual antics."

"Antics? Moi?" he feigned hurt, his eyebrows shooting up in exaggerated innocence.

"Ladies and gents, if you're quite done," Aadhir interjected, "We have a long journey ahead and Mother is waiting."

As they climbed into the ornate palanquin, the siblings' banter continued, the carriage filling with their laughter and chatter. The journey to the Hampi Palace was long but filled with anticipation and excitement, as the annual Navratri celebrations were not to be missed.