Destined to be Arranged

4. Royal Fiascos and Forgotten Anklets

Author's Note – Hello Butterflies🦋,

I'm excited to share the latest chapter with you! This one is told from Nayantara's perspective🤞🥰.

I'd love to hear your thoughts and feedback💞.

Enjoy the read, and thank you for your support!✨💖

~~~~~°°°°°°°°°~~~~~

Nayantara's POV

I couldn't believe it when my parents insisted I attend this birthday party. And not just any party—it was for the son of their friends, who also happens to be a fellow prince. As if my life weren't chaotic enough, now I had to find something suitable to wear for a royal affair. It felt like a cruel twist of fate, but I went along with it, mostly to keep the peace.

As we arrived at the party, my mother fussed over my outfit. "Nayantara, remember to smile and make a good impression," she said, adjusting my dress. "This is a very important event."

"I know, Mom," I replied, trying to hide my discomfort. "I just wish I didn't have to be here."

The grandeur of the party was overwhelming. Crystal chandeliers, exquisite floral arrangements, and a sea of elegantly dressed guests filled the room. The prince's parents, gracious and regal, mingled with the crowd, and the atmosphere was one of opulence and formality.

At the party, I spotted Anjali, Gautam, and Reyansh, and my mood brightened. We hugged and laughed, catching up on old times.

"Wow, Nayantara, you look like you're ready to take over the world," Gautam joked, eyeing my dress.

"Thanks, I'm just trying not to trip over my own feet in this thing," I said with a laugh. "These heels are a secret form of torture."

Anjali rolled her eyes playfully. "If anyone can pull off royal chic while battling footwear agony, it's you."

"True," I said, grinning. "But I'm considering starting a support group for people forced into fancy clothes."

As we chatted, the conversation drifted to recent events and adventures. Gautam regaled us with tales from his recent travels, and Anjali excitedly shared details about a new internship she had started. Amid the lively banter, a wave of nostalgia washed over me.

I thought back to a summer camp, a time when life seemed simpler and more carefree. It was where I met Rajveer, whom I affectionately called Veer. He was always around, his presence a comforting constant. I remembered how he made paper planes for me, each one a small but heartfelt gesture that brought joy and laughter.

Veer's constant companionship and the adventures we shared made those days unforgettable. When the camp ended, the abrupt goodbye was harder than I had anticipated. We never got to see each other again, and even now, I felt a pang of longing when I thought about him. Those memories were a reminder of simpler times and genuine connections.

My reverie was interrupted when my father's phone buzzed loudly. His face fell as he looked at the screen. "Nayantara, we need to go," he said. "Something's come up."

We rushed home, and as soon as I walked through the door, I noticed something missing. I searched frantically, feeling a lump in my throat. "Where's my anklet?" I muttered to myself. "Just what I needed—a missing anklet to top off this stellar day."

Ruhanika, my ever-supportive future sister-in-law, strolled in and caught my frustrated expression. "Lost something, or are you just having an existential crisis?"

"It's my anklet," I said, waving my hands dramatically. "It's gone, and it feels like the universe decided to make my day even more of a circus."

Ruhi raised an eyebrow and smirked. "Ah, the classic 'missing anklet' dilemma. It's right up there with 'the dog ate my homework' and 'my goldfish is plotting against me.'"

"Exactly," I said, rolling my eyes. "I'm just waiting for the part where the universe sends me a bill for all the trouble."

Just then, Mom walked in, looking concerned. "Nayan, kya hua? Aapke chehre pe itni chinta kyun hai, Bete?" (Nayan, what happened? Why do you look so worried?)

"I've lost my anklet," I explained. "And it feels like everything today is going wrong."

Maa Sa sighed. "Aree, itna bhi tension mat lo. Aapko khudko relax karne ki zaroorat hai." (Aree, don't stress so much. You need to relax.)

Ruhi chimed in naughtily, "Aur kya, ek anklet hi toh gaya hai. Humein laga apna dil khokar aayi ho." (So what, it was just an anklet. I thought you'd lost your heart to someone.)

I looked at Ruhi. "Haan, haan aap bhi mera mazak uda lijiye." (Yes, yes, you can make fun of me too.)

Maa Sa chuckled. "Pehle royal party ka torture, ab missing anklet. Lagta hai universe tumhare tolerance test le raha hai." (First, the royal party torture, now the missing anklet. It seems the universe is testing your tolerance.)

Ruhi added, "Hamari Rajkumari ka tolerance kaafi high hai, Maa Sa. She is bold, beautiful, and smart. Full dhamaka package." (Our princess has high tolerance, Maa Sa. She's bold, beautiful, and smart. A full dhamaka package.)

"Ha ha!" I laughed. "Please, now both of you stop buttering me. Also, Ruhi Bhabhi Sa, how are you here today?"

"Aree yaar, Nayan, how many times do I have to tell you not to call me Bhabhi Sa? It makes me feel like I'm 30 years old!" she whined. "I came to meet Dadi Sa."

As we continued to laugh, I felt a bit of the weight lift off my shoulders. Even though the night had been chaotic—between the party, the missing anklet, and everything else—Ruhanika and Maa Sa's humor and support made everything a little bit more bearable. Life might be a circus, but with great co-stars like Ruhanika and Maa Sa, I was ready for whatever came next.

~~~~~°°°°°°°°°~~~~~

Well, I've finished the chapter—hope you all liked it! ❤️Please share your thoughts and, if you enjoyed it, don't forget to vote and leave a comment✨💞.

Thanks!✨