His Bride

6 | Sunday Plans

Arushi's Pov

The past couple of weeks had been peaceful, almost too peaceful. But there was always this lingering feeling, like someone was watching me. Every time I thought I was alone, I couldn't shake off the sensation of eyes following my every move. Maybe it was just my imagination...or maybe it wasn't. But for now, I pushed that thought aside.
Today was a Sunday, and I had promised Aadhya we'd go explore the old Rajasthan Royal Mansion. She had been excited about it all week, talking endlessly about the stories she'd heard about the place and the mystery surrounding it. And since we wanted to make this day extra special, we even decided to go in matching outfits—a little nod to our "partner in crime" vibes.

As we both got dressed, Aadhya squealed in delight, admiring our coordinating clothes. The matching attire seemed to make her even more enthusiastic, and her joy was infectious. We book were in white crop top and light blue jeans. I couldn't help but smile, knowing today would be filled with adventure and laughter, even if that strange feeling of being watched lingered at the back of my mind.
For our trip, I took out my brand new black Ferrari, its sleek, polished exterior gleaming under the morning sun. The engine purred with a subtle yet powerful hum, just waiting for the open road. I knew Aadhya would love it—she's always had a fascination with Ferraris, a love she definitely inherited from me. It was a small thrill to see that same spark in her eyes every time she spotted one on the road.

I carefully secured her in the back with the child seat, making sure she was comfortable. She looked so tiny but perfectly happy, bouncing slightly in her seat with a grin that reached her eyes.

"You ready, baby?" I asked her, glancing back with a smile.

"Ready!" she replied, her voice bubbling with excitement.

I couldn't help but chuckle. Seeing her like this made everything worth it.
As we cruised down the highway toward the old Rajasthan Royal Mansion, Aadhya's excitement was palpable. She kept peering out the window, her little face pressed against the glass as she took in the sights. The landscape was breathtaking, the desert stretching out in golden waves, broken only by clusters of trees and distant mountains. The sun was just right, casting a warm, amber glow over everything.

After a while, we reached the entrance to the mansion grounds. The gate was adorned with intricate carvings, weathered by time but still retaining a regal elegance. I parked the Ferrari, and as I helped Aadhya out of her seat, she looked up at the grand structure before us, eyes wide with wonder. The old mansion stood proudly, its sandstone walls adorned with faded murals and arches that whispered tales of an era long gone.

Hand in hand, we walked up the steps and into the mansion. The air inside was cooler, carrying a faint scent of history, dust, and something almost magical. Aadhya squeezed my hand as she looked around, her curiosity taking over. Every room seemed to have its own story—the towering ceilings, the sprawling courtyards, and the intricate latticework on the windows that cast delicate shadows on the floor.

"Mama, it's like a palace!" Aadhya whispered, as though speaking too loud might disturb the spirits of the past.
"It is, sweetheart. This place used to be home to the royal family of Rajasthan a long, long time ago," I explained.
We wandered through grand hallways and peeked into rooms with ancient paintings and furniture, worn yet majestic. Aadhya was entranced by every detail—the faded portraits on the walls, the marble pillars, and the sparkling chandeliers hanging from the ceilings like forgotten jewels. When we reached the courtyard, she ran ahead, her laughter echoing off the walls. I watched her twirl, her little arms spread out like wings, completely lost in the moment.

Then we found a room filled with old artifacts—a small museum within the mansion. There were ancient swords, regal jewelry, and photographs of the royal family. I lifted Aadhya up to see a golden crown encased in glass, her eyes widening as she marveled at its beauty.

"Did a princess wear this?" she asked, almost breathless.

"Maybe she did," I replied, smiling at her fascination.

As we stood before the glass case holding the golden crown, Aadhya's gaze was fixed on it, her eyes full of wonder. She tugged on my hand gently and looked up at me with that earnest expression only she could pull off.

"Mama, I want the crown," she said, her voice soft but resolute.

I couldn't help but chuckle, charmed by her innocence. She was looking at it as if it held the key to her dreams.

Kneeling down to her level, I brushed a stray curl from her face.

"You know, sweetheart, that crown belonged to a princess a long, long time ago," I said, watching her eyes light up even more. "But you don't need a crown to be a princess. You already are one. My little princess."

She looked back at the crown, thoughtful. For a moment, she seemed to weigh my words carefully, her little brows furrowing in concentration.

"But, Mama, it's so pretty," she murmured, clearly still enchanted by the sparkling gold and intricate design.
I wrapped my arms around her and pulled her close. "You're right. It is beautiful. But you know what's even more beautiful? The smile of my little princess."

She giggled, her eyes twinkling as she leaned into my hug. "Okay, Mama," she said, her voice soft and content. We shared a quiet moment, both of us lost in a world where crowns and castles still held a little magic.

After a few hours of exploring, we made our way to a quiet corner of the garden. Sitting on a bench, we shared a little picnic I'd packed. I could see how much Aadhya was enjoying every moment, her eyes still sparkling with the magic of the place. As we watched the sun begin to dip below the horizon, casting a warm glow over the mansion, I felt a deep sense of peace wash over me.
It was a perfect day—just the two of us, sharing a little piece of history, making memories I knew we'd both cherish forever.