The Royal Boundaries

Chapter 12: The Revelation

It was a bright Saturday afternoon, and Aditi had come to campus to study in the library, her favorite quiet place. She was dressed in a soft blue kurta, her hair tied back with a simple clip, and a notebook in hand. The golden sunlight filtered through the library's large windows, casting a warm glow over the wooden shelves lined with books. The library was nearly empty, with only a few students scattered in the reading areas.

As she settled into her studies, she noticed a group of students near the entrance, whispering and glancing around. Curious, she looked up, catching snippets of conversation that hinted at an exclusive event happening at a nearby location.

Student 1 (excitedly whispering): "Did you see all those cars outside? Must be something big happening at the palace today."

Student 2: "Yeah, I heard it's some sort of family event for the royals. I even saw the prince raghav himself earlier."

Aditi's heart skipped a beat as she listened, piecing together that they were speaking of Raghav. She had never considered his background in depth, nor had he ever brought it up directly. Her curiosity piqued, and without planning to, she found herself drawn outside.

Outside the library, Aditi followed the subtle commotion that led her to a neighboring building—a grand hall known for hosting campus events. She was greeted by the sight of several luxurious black cars parked nearby and a small gathering of onlookers admiring the spectacle. Large, intricately designed gates bordered the palace grounds, hinting at the grandeur within.

Through the gates, she caught glimpses of the sprawling palace in the distance. Its high marble pillars, expansive balconies, and ornate arches spoke of history, luxury, and nobility. The intricate details on the palace walls, decorated with carvings of mythological figures, gave the structure an air of timeless royalty.

Aditi's eyes widened as she realized she was looking at Raghav's home—the prince's palace. She felt a wave of disbelief and awe, finally grasping the extent of his background.

Aditi (thinking, in shock): "Raghav... he's the prince? All this time, he was a part of this world?"

A wave of emotions rushed over her—surprise, confusion, and a sense of being deceived. She felt foolish for not realizing sooner, but also hurt that he hadn't trusted her with the truth.

As Aditi stood, trying to process this revelation, a palace staff member, dressed in a formal uniform, approached her with a polite smile.

Staff Member: "Are you here for the royal family's private event, Miss?"

Aditi shook her head, still reeling from the shock.

Aditi: "No, I... I didn't know."

The staff member nodded understandingly, his gaze warm.

Staff Member: "His Highness, Prince Raghav, is known for his humility. He often chooses to keep his title private among his friends and classmates."

Aditi nodded, appreciating the information but feeling conflicted.

Aditi (thinking): "So he kept this from me intentionally. But why?"

Just as she turned to leave, unsure of how to process everything, she spotted Raghav stepping out of the hall, dressed in a formal, traditional attire—a crisp white sherwani embroidered with silver threads. He looked every bit the prince, with a poised and dignified presence. His usually warm gaze was now focused, reflecting the responsibilities of his position.

Their eyes met, and Aditi felt her heart clench. Seeing him in this light was both breathtaking and jarring. It was as if she were meeting him for the first time, realizing he was part of a world far beyond her reach.

Raghav's expression softened as he recognized her, and he quickly made his way toward her, his steps measured and graceful.

Raghav (concerned): "Aditi... I didn't expect to see you here."

Aditi took a deep breath, struggling to find her words.

Aditi: "I didn't realize... I didn't know that you're..."

Raghav's face fell slightly as he understood her confusion.

Raghav: "I'm sorry, Aditi. I didn't mean to hide it from you. I just wanted... I wanted you to see me as a person, not as a prince."

Aditi looked away, her thoughts a whirlwind of emotions. Part of her felt betrayed, wondering why he hadn't trusted her with the truth sooner. Yet, another part understood his desire for normalcy, his wish to be seen beyond his title.

Aditi (softly): "I just... I didn't expect this. I thought I knew you, but this changes everything."

Raghav reached out gently, his gaze pleading.

Raghav: "Aditi, please. My title doesn't change who I am. You've seen the real me, and that's what matters."

Aditi hesitated, her mind wrestling with the feelings of admiration and hurt.

Aditi: "I understand why you kept it from me. But it's hard to ignore now, Raghav. You're part of a world I don't belong to."

Raghav took a step closer, his expression earnest.

Raghav: "But I want you in my world, Aditi. You're the first person who's seen me for who I truly am. That's why I kept this from you—I didn't want my title to come between us."

Aditi looked up at him, her heart torn between her feelings for him and the reality of his position. She had grown to care deeply for Raghav, but the weight of his title felt like a barrier she wasn't sure she could cross.

Aditi: "I don't know, Raghav. It feels like there's a gap between us that I can't bridge. I need time to understand all of this."

Raghav nodded, respecting her need for space.

Raghav: "I understand. I just hope... that this doesn't change how you see me completely."

Aditi managed a small, sad smile.

Aditi: "It's hard to forget what I know now. But I'll try to see you for the person I met—the one who walked with me, listened to me, and understood me."

They shared a lingering look, the unspoken emotions between them palpable. Aditi turned and walked away, her mind spinning with questions and uncertainties.

As she left the palace grounds, Aditi felt a sense of loss and confusion. The prince she had unknowingly befriended was still the same Raghav, but his title cast a shadow that felt too heavy to ignore. She couldn't deny her feelings for him, but the reality of his world was something she needed time to accept.

For now, she walked away, unsure of what the future held but knowing that her heart had been irrevocably touched by the young prince who had chosen to hide his crown.