A Glimpse of Red

love Vs Heritage

The roar of the crowd around the track fell silent as Riyansh's words echoed, like the last fading notes of a song that lingered in the air. Engines that had been roaring, crowds that had been cheering—everything seemed to dissolve around Nitya as she met his eyes, grappling with the magnitude of what he had said.

Riyansh Sinhaniya—the silent ally, her shield in business and battles—had just confessed his love. The woman who kept the world at a safe distance found herself standing inches from the man who had dared to draw close, risking everything in his heart to reach her. For Nitya, love had always been a foreign land, a territory she had no intention of exploring. Yet here she was, standing at its edge.

Around them, Ishika broke the silence first, a glint of teasing in her eyes. "Well, Jiji Sahib?" she called out, her voice filled with barely contained excitement. "Are you going to keep us all in suspense?"

A tense anticipation ran through the crowd, even among her siblings. Ishaan cast a cautious glance at Ishika, but he, too, wanted to know how his sister would respond. Nitya Ranjith Singh Rajput, the unbreakable force, the warrior no one could shake, was now the center of an unexpected, raw moment.

Riyansh took a steadying breath, stepping closer. "I know this might not be the right time, Nitya," he said, his voice resolute yet vulnerable. "But I couldn't hold it back any longer. I love you. And I can't just stand by and watch you risk your life as if it doesn't mean something to me."

Nitya's heart raced. She had built her life around power and control, waging battles and brokering alliances. But this was uncharted territory. Could she, the impenetrable Rajput warrior, let herself trust someone in this way? She looked into Riyansh's eyes and felt a pull—a reminder of his silent, unwavering presence by her side.

She took a step closer, her voice measured but steady. "I don't know what love means for someone like me, Riyansh," she confessed. "But if anyone is going to teach me, it might as well be you."

Relief flooded Riyansh's face as he smiled, his eyes alight with hope. "We'll figure it out together," he promised softly.

In the background, Ishika squealed with joy, rushing forward to hug her sister. Ishaan followed, clapping a hand on Riyansh's shoulder with a quiet, "Welcome to the family."

But Nitya, ever the warrior, took a step back, her gaze sharpening. "This doesn't mean I'll stop being who I am, Riyansh. I'll still take risks. I'll still fight. I can't change for anyone—not even you."

Riyansh met her gaze, steady and unflinching. "That's exactly why I love you, Nitya. For who you are."

--------------------Rajput Palace------------------------------

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King Ranjith Singh Rajput sat in his study, gazing at the portrait of his late father, King Ahok, a man he had never known but heard countless stories about from his mother and the palace staff. As he stared into his father's painted eyes, a wave of emotions washed over him. News of Nitya's decision had reached every corner of the palace, and while reactions varied, Ranjith felt only pride. His daughter's choice reflected the same spirit he held dear—a belief in following one's heart over being bound by outdated customs.

As he mused, a quiet knock at the door interrupted his thoughts. Queen Aanchal entered, her face etched with worry. Queen Mother Antra followed behind, her expression steady and watchful. Aanchal took in the serene smile on her husband's face and broke the silence.

"Ranjith," she began, her voice laced with urgency. "Please speak to Nitya. Help her see the mistake she's making before it's too late."

Ranjith looked up at her, a hint of amusement in his eyes. "Why do you believe her choice is a mistake, Aanchal? Isn't she simply following her heart?"

Aanchal took a deep breath, her hands clasped tightly. "Ranjith, you know why. I fought my whole life to prove myself worthy of this family, to show I wasn't just a commoner. Nitya doesn't realize the weight of her decision—the way it may unravel everything we've fought for."

Ranjith's expression softened as he reached out to take her hand. "Aanchal, I promised Nitya when I handed her control over the estate and our business that I would trust her judgment and never interfere. If Riyansh is her happiness, then I will welcome him wholeheartedly."

Aanchal's frustration flared. "You have the power to change her mind. You know this. There's an ancient rule that allows you to overrule one decision as retired king of the current ruler. Use it now, Ranjith, before history repeats itself."

Ranjith chuckled warmly, shaking his head. "I don't believe in these old rules, Aanchal. We live in the 21st century, not bound by superstitions. I will not sacrifice my daughter's happiness for a relic of the past."

Aanchal turned, desperation in her eyes, to Queen Mother Antra, who had been quietly observing. "Maa Sa... you understand what's at stake. Please, speak to him. Make him see reason. I want to protect our daughter."

Queen Mother Antra stepped forward, her gaze thoughtful as she looked at her son. She placed a hand on Ranjith's shoulder, her voice calm but firm. "Ranjith, you've always followed your heart, and I've never stood in your way. But now, I ask you to think as a king, not only as a father."

Ranjith met his mother's steady gaze, respect shining in his eyes. "Maa Sa, I see no reason for concern. Riyansh is a good man, and he will make Nitya happy. I refuse to deny her that for some superstition."

Queen Mother Antra's eyes narrowed, her tone resolute. "Then, Your Highness, do as you must. And I will do what my duty requires." Her words hung in the air like a warning. Aanchal felt her last hope slipping as her mother-in-law remained unwavering in her support for Ranjith's decision.

Later that night, silence filled the palace as Queen Mother Antra moved discreetly. Cloaked in a shawl, she evaded the guards and made her way to the crown room. There, she entered a hidden passage that led directly to Nitya's private chamber, knowing she had little time to act.

She reached the almirah, pulling out a pink chunni that Nitya cherished, and slipped out through the back gate, where her trusted maid, Ramdevi, awaited her. Ramdevi, one of the queen's loyal attendants, bowed deeply. "Hukum, are you certain about this? Please, think one more time before going forward."

Queen Mother Antra handed the chunni to Ramdevi, her face set in determination. "I have no other choice, Ramdevi. If they won't act, I must ensure the safety of our lineage. Go, and carry this out swiftly."

With that, Queen Mother Antra turned away, her heart heavy but her resolve unshaken, bound by her sense of duty to protect her family, even if it meant going against her own blood.