Parwati watched Vikram's retreating figure, a mixture of gratitude and confusion swirling within her. She turned back to the market, the vibrant array of goods suddenly overwhelming. Her fingers tightened around the pouch of coins as she took a tentative step forward.
The market was alive with activity. Vendors called out their wares, their voices rising above the din. Parwati noticed a stall selling intricately woven scarves in a rainbow of colors. Another vendor displayed delicate pottery, each piece painted with meticulous detail. The scent of freshly baked bread wafted through the air, mingling with the spicy aroma of street food.
Despite the lively atmosphere, Parwati felt a pang of self-consciousness. She wasn't used to such freedom, to moving among the common folk without the confines of palace walls. She took a deep breath, resolving to make the best of the situation.
Parwati stopped at a jewelry stall, her eyes catching on a delicate anklet adorned with tiny bells. It reminded her of the anklets she used to admire as a child, the ones she never dared to ask for.
The vendor, an elderly woman noticed her interest and smiled warmly. "Would you like to try it on, madam?" She asked, holding up the anklet.
Parwati hesitated for a moment before nodding. She slipped off her sandal and lifted her foot, allowing the woman to fasten the anklet around her ankle. The tiny bells jingled softly with her movements, a sound that brought an unexpected smile to her lips.
"How much is it?" Parwati asked, reaching for the pouch of coins Vikram had given her.
"For you, just a few coins" the woman replied kindly.
Parwati paid the woman and thanked her, her heart lighter as she walked away with the anklet jingling softly. She realized that this small act of buying something for herself, of making a choice, was a step towards embracing the freedom Vikram had offered her.
While she continued to explore the market, Parwati felt a sense of fresh confidence. She wasn't a queen but, she was a woman who deserved to experience life, to make her own choices. And with Vikram by her side, she felt like she could finally embrace that truth.
Next, Parwati decided to get something for Leela, as a thank-you gift for helping Vikram get her mangalsutra fixed. As she walked further into the market, searching for something that Leela would like, she spotted Vaibhav standing at another jewelry stall, looking extremely confused as he examined a pair of earrings.
Walking up to him, Parwati spontaneously asked, "Are those for Divya?"
"Rajkumari! Vaibhav startled, almost dropping the earrings. "Where's Vikram?" he asked, peering behind her.
"He went to get us a horse. We're visiting the nearby lake" Parwati replied, noting his discomfort.
"I see" Vaibhav hummed, returning his attention to the pair of blue earrings in his hand, his brow furrowed in concentration.
Parwati smiled at the vendor and began browsing the stall herself, picking up a pair of silver earrings. She checked them out in hopes of escaping the awkward silence. It hadn't escaped her notice that Vaibhav hadn't responded to her question. Had she been too forward? Was that why he was not speaking to her? Should she apologize? Oh god, she probably should, shouldn't she?
"Forgive me sir, if I've offended you. I just—"Parwati began, her voice tinged with worry.
"It's fine, Rajkumari, and please skip the formalities. You're technically my sister-in-law now" Vaibhav reassured her with a small smile.
"Oh, okay" Parwati replied, relaxing. "But only if you do the same" she added.
"Deal" Vaibhav smiled, then looked down at the earrings again. "Do you think she'll like these?" he asked hesitantly.
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ᴅɪʟ ᴋɪ ɴᴀʏɪ ᴅʜᴀᴅᴋᴀɴ
Historical Fiction"You can let go of me now" Parwati said softly, her lehenga now thoroughly drenched, though she couldn't say that the Maharaj was looking any better. "Why?" Vikram's voice was low, his grip on her waist tightening almost possessively. Parwati's bre...
