AADRIKA : The writer of the story

Chapter 17 : Abhiraj Rao

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3 days to go–

Two days had passed since Aadrika’s visit to Maharani Rajeshwari, and each hour had only heightened her anticipation. The plan she had carefully crafted was now ready to be executed. Aadrika knew that today was the day Abhiraj Rao was to arrive in Suryagarh, and with every passing moment, she felt a mix of nervous excitement and steely determination.

Her royal chamber was a flurry of activity as Diya helped her get dressed. Aadrika had chosen her attire with precision—an elegant but understated sari in soft hues of blue, the kind that suggested modesty and grace rather than flamboyance. Her jewelry was minimal, just enough to highlight her status without drawing too much attention. Her hair was styled simply, falling in loose waves down her back.

Aadrika examined herself in the mirror, nodding in satisfaction. She looked every bit the shy, demure princess she needed to portray today. The real Aadrika, of course, was anything but shy, but appearances were everything. All she had to do now was wait.

She dismissed Diya with a smile, instructing her to be ready to assist when Abhiraj arrived. Then, deciding that pacing her chamber wasn’t going to make time move any faster, she left her room to take a walk through the palace gardens. The fresh air might help to calm her nerves and clear her mind.

As she wandered through the gardens, lost in thought, she wasn’t paying much attention to where she was going. Suddenly, she collided with something—or rather, someone.

Startled, Aadrika took a step back, her eyes locking onto a tall, broad-shouldered man who had seemingly appeared out of nowhere. He was dressed in dark, travel-worn attire, and his face, though undeniably handsome, was set in a cold, severe expression.

“Watch where you’re going,” the man snapped, his tone clipped and unfriendly.

Aadrika’s initial surprise quickly gave way to irritation. Who did this man think he was, speaking to her like that? But then she caught herself, remembering the role she was supposed to be playing today.

“I-I’m terribly sorry,” she stammered, lowering her eyes in what she hoped was a convincing display of humility. “I didn’t see you there.”

The man huffed, clearly unimpressed by her apology. “Next time, be more careful,” he muttered before turning on his heel and walking away without so much as a second glance.

Aadrika stood there, fuming inwardly. Who was this man? A servant, perhaps? He certainly didn’t act like one. Despite his rudeness, she couldn’t help but notice how striking he was—the strong jawline, the piercing eyes, the way he carried himself with an air of authority. Not that it mattered, of course. She had more important things to focus on today than some attractive but obnoxious stranger.

Still, the encounter left her in a strange mood as she made her way back to her chamber. She had barely settled back into her seat when Diya rushed in, looking flustered.

“Rajkumari!” Diya exclaimed, breathless. “Maharani Rajeshwari is asking for you.”

Aadrika’s heart skipped a beat. This was it. “Thank you, Diya,” she said calmly, rising from her chair. “Lead the way.”

As they walked through the palace corridors, Aadrika’s mind raced. Why was Maharani Rajeshwari summoning her now? Was Abhiraj Rao already here? She felt a flutter of nervousness in her stomach but quickly pushed it aside. She had a role to play, and she would play it perfectly.