𝐍𝐚𝐲𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐚~ 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐄𝐩𝐢𝐭𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐎𝐟 𝐁𝐞𝐚𝐮𝐭𝐲||𝟏𝟖+

BONUS 2

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Fourteen Years Later!

Nayantara's POV

Rajgarh Palace shimmered in golden splendor. Every pillar was wrapped in marigold garlands, diyas flickered in long symmetrical rows across the courtyards, and the scent of sandalwood and rosewater filled the air. The heart of the palace beat a little louder today, not just because it was Diwali, but because our prince, our Anshuman, was returning home after completing eight long years of gurukul education.

My heart fluttered with every step I took, placing rangoli colors on the white stone floor of the eastern courtyard. Kashmira sat beside me, carefully outlining a delicate peacock feather in violet powder. Between the two of us, a grand rangoli bloomed, radiating joy, tradition, and a mother’s anticipation.

"I still can’t believe it," I murmured, brushing golden powder in a sunburst pattern. "Eight years, Kashmira. He only came once… and that too because his dadisa fell ill. It feels like I’ve waited an eternity to see his face again."

I remembered the last eight years, I had seen Anshuman only once during that time, and that too when Maasa fell ill and insisted on seeing him. She believed she was going to die and didn’t want to leave without seeing her grandson’s face. Thankfully, Maasa survived that difficult period and was now healthy for her age.

Kashmira gave me a soft smile, though her eyes shimmered with emotion. "At least you’ll see your son today. Mine is still in gurukul, and there are years before I can hug him again. It’s been a year since Abhyudaya left for the gurukul, and I have no idea how he’s doing there. I can’t imagine how you’ve spent all these years without seeing Anshuman."

We both smiled sadly, but our sad smile was dipped in longing. The pain of motherhood, it lived quietly in our hearts, beneath the pride.

Just then, a burst of giggles broke the moment.

We turned toward the main corridor, where the voices of our girls floated like wind chimes.

"Bhaisa is coming, Bhaisa is coming!" Kashvi, Kashmira's thirteen year old daughter sang as she twirled in her bright orange lehenga. She looked radiant, eyes gleaming with mischief and joy. "And I’ve planned something for someone!"

Anvika raised a curious brow. "For whom?" she asked slyly.

Kashvi immediately blushed and dove into Naisha’s shoulder, hiding her face. Naisha, always the bold one between my twins, rolled her eyes.

"Oh please," she said with dramatic exasperation, throwing an arm around Kashvi’s shoulder. "Of course it’s for Hriday bhaisa. She only likes him."

Anvika giggled and clapped her hand over her mouth. "Kashvi and Hriday bhaisa? Did you plan to prank him again like last time? Is that why you sneaked into the store room today morning?"

I stifled a laugh, but Kashmira was already on her feet.

"Kashvi!" she exclaimed, marching toward her daughter. "So my daughter has grown so much that she’s already liking boys?!"

Kashvi grinned cheekily, even when her mother caught her by the ear. "Ouch ouch! Maasa!" she giggled. "He’s nice!"

Kashmira gasped dramatically. "You’re not even fourteen! Books should be your only love right now! Not boys!"

I stood up, moving towards them and gently pried her hand off Kashvi’s ear. "Let her go, Kashmira," I chuckled. "Our Kashvi is intelligent and sharp. She’s good in everything."