The Heir and the Humble

Marriage proposal

That night, Devraj returned to the palace earlier than he had promised Anika, his heart racing with excitement. As he entered his room, he noticed it was empty, and a flicker of disappointment crossed his mind. He quickly freshened up, hoping that she would arrive soon.

When he stepped back into the room, his heart warmed at the sight of Anika waiting for him, her face glowing with anticipation. He walked over to her, a smile breaking across his face as he sat beside her, pulling her close. "How was your day?" he asked, his voice filled with warmth.

Anika hesitated, her expression shifting as if she had something important to say. Devraj, sensing her unease, leaned in and began kissing her long, milky neck, wanting to ease her tension. But she gently stopped him with her hands on his shoulder, her voice serious. "Devraj garu, I want to discuss something with you."

He didn't stop his affectionate gestures; instead, he tightened his hands around her and layed her on the bed to face him, laying on top of her. "Hmm, go on," he murmured, his breath warm against her skin.

Anika placed her hand on his shoulder, grounding herself. He paused for a moment, looking deeply into her eyes, sensing the weight of her words. "It's important," she said, and he nodded, leaning on his elbow to give her his full attention.

"Yuvaraj garu called me," she began, and Devraj frowned at the mention of his brother's name.

"When did he start telling you things before me?" he asked, a playful hint of jealousy in his tone.

Anika rolled her eyes, trying to keep the mood light. "Listen naa," she said, sealing her lips to signal him to let her continue.

"He wants to marry Anita," she finally revealed.

Devraj raised an eyebrow. "And?" he prompted, wanting to know more.

"You know?" she asked, her eyes wide with surprise.

"He didn't tell me anything like that, but I know sooner or later it's coming," he replied, his tone matter-of-fact.

Anika looked at him in disbelief. "What? You knew? How?"

Devraj shrugged, a knowing smile on his lips. "What? I already told you once and you didn't took it seriously.  I know my brother. The question is for you and Anita."

She thought for a moment, her brow furrowing in contemplation. "I don't know. Anita is not someone to tell me anything, especially about her feelings, unlike Yuvaraj garu."

"Then go and talk to her," Devraj suggested, his voice steady. "If she doesn't want this, then no one can force her, and I will make sure of it."

Anika looked at Devraj with worry etched on her face. "Yuvraj garu didn't sound so good," she said, her voice laced with concern.

Devraj nodded, trying to reassure her. "He's not feeling well. The winter season always affects his health. Don't worry, I've kept my tabs on him, and he will be fine."

She bit her lip, contemplating. "Can we both visit him once? He must be there alone."

Devraj chuckled softly at her suggestion. "Do you think it's possible for me to go there? If I had the power to choose my personal self-priority, I would be there with him as soon as I got the news."

Anika fell into deep thought, her brow furrowing. Devraj, sensing her distraction, teased, "What is running in my wife's little head when her hot husband lies on her, waiting for the approval to dive into her?"

She ignored his playful banter and asked, "What do you think of Anita visiting him?"

Devraj looked at her suspiciously. "Whose idea is it?"