RANISA-HIS FIRST WIFE

Bonus Chapter 1

The royal palace buzzed with activity as preparations for the grand competition reached their peak. Servants hurried through the corridors, carrying trays of flowers, silks, and other items to adorn the arena. 

Queen Vedanti oversaw every detail with a calm yet authoritative presence, her sharp eyes catching any imperfection before it could be overlooked.

"I want everything to be perfect," she instructed the royal helpers firmly, her tone brooking no argument.

As Vedanti directed the final touches, Abhishek—affectionately called Abhidev—stepped in with his usual carefree smile. "Mom, why don't you check on Chavi? She's been pacing in her room for an hour now. I'll handle things here."

Vedanti nodded, grateful for his thoughtfulness. "Make sure the decorations around the arena are precise, Abhi. We can't have anything out of place."

"Of course, Maasa," he replied with a mock salute, earning a small laugh from her before she headed to Chavi's chamber.

Inside her room, Chavi paced restlessly, her elegant royal attire swishing around her as her thoughts raced. Her hands fidgeted with the bracelet on her wrist—a gift from her father, Abhirath, when she turned eighteen.

When Vedanti entered, the princess immediately stopped and turned, her composed exterior crumbling at the sight of her mother. "Maasa!" she cried, rushing into Vedanti's comforting embrace.

Vedanti held her daughter tightly, stroking her hair gently. "What's wrong, my baby?" she asked, her voice tender yet laced with concern.

Chavi pulled back slightly, her eyes misty with worry. "I'm so nervous, Maasa. What if the man who wins the competition is arrogant? Or worse, egotistical? How am I supposed to spend my life with someone like that?"

Vedanti smiled warmly, guiding Chavi to sit on the plush velvet bed. She cupped her daughter's face, her thumbs brushing away the moisture in Chavi's eyes. "Listen to me, my princess. This competition isn't a binding decision. You hold the choice in your hands. If you don't want to marry the winner, you won't. Your Babasa and I would never force you into something you don't want."

Chavi nodded, still unconvinced. Vedanti continued, her voice soothing yet firm. "This competition is not just about strength. It's about character, intelligence, and humility. Your father has designed the challenges to ensure that only a man with a good heart can win. There's no room for arrogance or ego in the trials he has planned."

Her words brought some relief to Chavi's worried expression. Vedanti kissed her daughter's forehead softly, the gesture filled with maternal love.

 "And if, even after all that, you don't like him, you won't marry him. There's no compulsion, my love. You are a queen in your own right, and your happiness is what matters most to us."

Chavi leaned her head against her mother's shoulder, drawing strength from her warmth. "Thank you, Maasa. I needed to hear that."

Vedanti smiled, pressing another kiss to her temple. "You're going to be fine, my Chavi. And remember—whoever dares to dream of being your husband must prove himself worthy not just in strength but in spirit."

Chavi chuckled softly, a hint of her usual confidence returning. "He'll have to be extraordinary to survive this competition—and me."

Vedanti laughed along, her heart swelling with pride at her daughter's resilience. 

As they sat together, the bond between mother and daughter strengthened, a fortress of love and understanding amidst the storm of royal responsibilities.