Padmaja steeled herself as she entered the hall, forcing a smile onto her lips. This was a day of celebration, even if her own heart felt fit to break.
Across the room, Yashveer beamed at his bride-to-be. Vasundhara stood solemn and serene at his side, the jewels of her engagement sari glittering like tears.
Padmaja ached to run to Yashveer and beg him not to go through with this. But she remained frozen, trapped by duty and decorum. She could only watch mutely as he took Vasundhara's hands and gazed joyously into her eyes.
"With this ring, I take you as my wife," Yashveer proclaimed. Vasundhara's lips curved in a faint, tremulous smile as he slid the band onto her slender finger.
It was done. Padmaja felt the last fluttering hope within her gutter and die. Blinking back tears, she turned away, unable to bear witness for another moment.
This was only the beginning; there would be countless such ceremonies to endure before Yashveer and Vasundhara's union became complete. How would Padmaja survive, watching the man she loved bind himself to another?
She could not falter now. Gathering her courage, Padmaja slipped into the shadows and out of the hall. She would shed her tears in private, then wash them away and face the coming days with dignity unbroken.
For though this chapter of her life felt like it was was ending in heartbreak, the story was far from over.
YOU ARE READING
The Maharaja And I : Inspired by Bridgerton
Historical FictionA story as captivating as any inspired by the scandalous affairs of Bridgerton. The Rajmata faces a challenge: securing a Maharani for the enigmatic Maharaja Suryadev. Bazaars' and temples' gossips of Vijayanagara Empire buzz with speculation. The h...
