The Heir and the Humble

A Love to Cherish

Devraj arrived at the palace, the weight of the day's responsibilities already settling on his shoulders. Yuvraj's office was a whirlwind of activity, papers scattered across the desk, and his brother deep in concentration.

"You're late," Yuvraj grumbled, not looking up from the documents.

Devraj chuckled. "Sorry, Your Highness. The traffic was terrible," he replied, taking a seat across from his brother.

Yuvraj rolled his eyes. "Spare me the excuses. Let's get to work."

They spent the next few hours immersed in the mountain of paperwork, their minds working in tandem. Devraj offered guidance, answered questions, and provided support, while Yuvraj soaked up the information like a sponge.

As the afternoon wore on, a sense of accomplishment washed over them. They had made significant progress, and Yuvraj seemed more confident in his abilities.

"You're doing well, Yuvi," Devraj said, patting his brother on the back. "I'm proud of you."

Yuvraj managed a small smile. "Thanks, Dev. I couldn't have done it without you."

There was a moment of silence between them, a shared understanding of the weight of their responsibilities.

"I have something to tell you," Devraj began, his voice serious. "Anika and I are leaving for the estate tomorrow afternoon."

Yuvraj's face fell. "What? You're leaving me here alone?" he protested.

Devraj chuckled. "You'll manage," he reassured his brother. "You've got Rajveer and Aditi to help you."

Yuvraj pouted. "It's not the same," he complained.

Devraj stood up and walked over to his brother, placing a hand on his shoulder. "I know it's tough, Yuvi, but you're ready for this. You've got what it takes to be a great leader."

Yuvraj looked up at his brother, his eyes filled with a mix of gratitude and apprehension. "Thanks, Dev," he said, his voice thick with emotion. "I'll miss you."

Devraj pulled his brother into a tight hug. "I'll miss you too," he replied. "But i can't say I'll be back soon."

Devraj ruffled Yuvraj's hair. "You're not alone, Yuvi. You have an entire empire to run."

With a final pat on the back, a sense of peace washing over him. He was leaving his brother in capable hands, and he knew that Yuvraj would excel in his role as the future king.

Devraj continued, "we need to prepare the upcoming homam. It's in fifteen days, and we need to ensure everything runs smoothly."

Yuvraj's expression turned serious. "I know," he said. "I've already started making the arrangements. The security has been tightened, and the priests are on standby. I kept a file on your desk in our estate palace office room. It has all the details you need"

"Good," Devraj replied. "We can't afford any interruptions. The success of the homam is crucial."

Yuvraj nodded solemnly. "I understand. I'll make sure everything is in place. I won't let anything disrupt it."

Devraj understood the gravity of the situation. "I know," he said solemnly. "I won't let anything interfere."

Yuvraj hesitated for a moment, then continued. "I'll clear my schedule for those five days. I want to be there to assist you in any way possible."

Devraj was touched by Yuvraj's dedication. "You don't have to do that," he said. "You have your own responsibilities."

Yuvraj shook his head. "This is important, Dev. I can't risk any interruptions."

Devraj nodded, understanding the importance of the ritual. "Thank you, Yuvi," he said sincerely. "I appreciate your support."

They shared a brotherly hug before Devraj left the palace. As he drove back home, his mind was filled with thoughts of Anika. He couldn't wait to spend some quality time with her, away from the pressures of royal life.

When he reached home, Anika was waiting for him in the garden. She was wearing a flowy summer dress, and her hair was loose around her shoulders. The afternoon sun cast a golden glow on her face, making her look even more beautiful.

Devraj's heart skipped a beat. He walked towards her, his arms open. Anika welcomed him into her embrace, and for a moment, the world seemed to disappear.

As the sun began to set, casting long shadows over the garden, Devraj took her hand. "Shall we take a walk?" he suggested.

Anika nodded, her heart filled with a sense of peace. they strolled through the garden, the gentle breeze carrying the sweet fragrance of flowers.

"I'm so glad we're going to spend some quality time together," ANika said, her voice soft.

Devraj squeezed her hand. "Me too, Anika. Me too."

As they strolled through the garden, the soft glow of the setting sun cast long shadows. Anika leaned into Devraj's side, feeling a sense of peace and contentment.

"I cherish these moments," she said, her voice soft.

Devraj squeezed her hand. "Me too, Anika. Me too."

They walked in silence for a few moments, simply enjoying each other's company. The gentle rustling of leaves and the chirping of birds created a soothing ambiance.

"There's something I need to tell you," Devraj began, his voice serious.

Anika looked at him, her curiosity piqued. "What is it?"

"We're leaving for the estate tomorrow afternoon," he said, his voice filled with a hint of regret.

Anika's heart sank. "So soon?" she asked, her voice barely a whisper.

Devraj took her hands in his. "I know anika, but we both knew that we have to go back, there are some things that need to be taken care of there."

Anika nodded, understanding the weight of his responsibilities. "I know," she said, trying to hide her disappointment.

Devraj pulled her into a warm embrace. "I promise, we'll make the most of our time here," he said, his voice filled with reassurance. "And we'll come back here whenever possible."

Anika felt a lump forming in her throat. She didn't want to be apart from him, even for a short while. But she knew that his duties as king came first. Besides,  they don't have the legal license yet.

"I understand," she said, trying to sound strong.

Devraj kissed her forehead. "I love you," he said, his voice filled with tenderness.

Anika smiled. "I love you too," she replied, her heart filled with love and admiration for the man she loved.