Preparations for Teej
The Rathore Palace was alive with music, colors, and the fragrance of fresh flowers. For the first time since Ishika’s entry, a grand Teej festival was being organized. The entire courtyard was decorated with marigold garlands, royal carpets were laid down, and the palace shimmered under thousands of diyas and lanterns.
Ishika stood near the entrance, wearing a resplendent green and red lehenga, her dupatta draped gracefully over her head. She looked every inch the Maharani — delicate yet dignified.
The staff bowed when she walked past, whispering among themselves:
“Pehli baar lag raha hai… humari rani aa gayi hai.”
“Bilkul maa jaisi hai sabke liye.”
Ishika blushed softly, unused to such attention.
Abhimaan watched her from across the hall, his sharp eyes never missing a detail. To the world, he was ruthless, a storm no one dared cross. But at that moment, watching her manage the arrangements, instruct the staff with politeness, and ensure every guest was greeted warmly, he felt only pride.
🪔 The Festival Begins
The palace gates opened, and royals, politicians, and influential businessmen began pouring in. Laughter, chatter, and the tinkling of jewelry filled the air.
Ishika greeted each guest with folded hands, offering tilak and prasad. Her calmness, her genuine smile, and her respectful tone charmed everyone.
One woman whispered to her husband, “She’s so different from other royal ladies. No arrogance, just warmth.”
Another nodded. “And look at the way the Rathore brothers adore her. She has already become the heart of this family.”
Yuvraj, clad in a traditional sherwani, proudly hovered near Ishika. “This is our Bhabhi Maa,” he declared to anyone who looked confused. “Sabse khaas.”
Ekansh, though reserved as always, stood close too, his silent presence protective.
🌟 The Royal Pooja
As the mahurat approached, Abhimaan stepped forward, taking Ishika’s hand. Gasps spread through the crowd — it was rare for the ruthless Hukum Sa to show affection publicly.
Together, they performed the Teej pooja. Ishika lit the diya, her hands trembling slightly, but Abhimaan’s strong grip steadied her. Their eyes met, and for a moment the noise of the world faded.
When the aarti ended, Ishika bent down to touch Abhimaan’s feet instinctively. But he stopped her, pulling her up gently. “No, Ishika. A queen never bows. You walk beside me, always.”
The crowd was stunned. Some clapped softly, others murmured in admiration. Ishika’s eyes brimmed with unshed tears — not of sadness, but of the overwhelming respect he gave her.
🍲 The Royal Feast
As the pooja concluded, the grand feast began. Platters of sweets, fragrant biryanis, thalis filled with delicacies were served. But once again, Yuvraj pushed his plate aside.
“Didi sa, yeh sab alag hai. Mujhe toh sirf aapke haath ka khana chahiye.”
Ishika laughed softly. “yuvraj, today is a festival. You must eat with everyone.”
But Abhimaan, noticing her worry, gave a subtle nod. Within minutes, Anchal walked into the kitchen with sleeves rolled up, joining Ishika. Together, the two cousins prepared a small thali of dal, roti, and kheer — simple yet filled with love.
When Yuvraj took the first bite, his eyes sparkled. “Bas! Ab Teej complete ho gaya!”
Everyone chuckled, but it was Aditya who leaned back with a teasing smile. “Anchal, you’re going to ruin the chefs’ reputation. You and Ishika cook better than all of them.”
Anchal smirked, wiping her hands. “Maybe they should learn from us then.”
But Ekansh’s gaze darkened. His grip on his glass tightened. Watching Aditya praise her again made his insides burn.
💃 The Dance of the Queen
As the night deepened, traditional Rajasthani folk music filled the courtyard. Women twirled in lehengas, their bangles clinking, men clapped to the beats of the dhol.
The crowd began chanting: “Rani sa, ek naach toh banta hai!”
Ishika flushed, shaking her head. “Nahi… main—”
But Yuvraj and Ekansh urged her forward. “Didi sa, ek baar.”
Even Abhimaan’s stern lips curved into the faintest smile. “Go on, Ishika.”
Gathering courage, Ishika stepped onto the stage. As the music rose, she moved gracefully, her anklets echoing with each step. Her dance wasn’t about skill but about purity — every move reflected her innocence, her devotion, her heart.
The audience was mesmerized. By the end, everyone clapped thunderously. Abhimaan’s eyes, however, never left her face. For him, she was the only star in the palace.
When she bowed slightly, he stood, walking to her. In front of hundreds, he placed his hand on her head like a blessing. “You are the soul of this palace.”
The hall erupted with applause.
🌑 Shadows of Jealousy
While the celebration carried on, Anchal stood in a corner, sipping juice, her sharp eyes scanning everything. She was never fully at ease in such crowds. Her life had taught her to be cautious, guarded.
Aditya approached her casually. “You’ve managed to surprise us all again today, Anchal. From business to cooking to family… you balance everything.”
Anchal smirked faintly. “Surprising people is what keeps me safe.”
Before Aditya could respond, Ekansh appeared suddenly, his jaw tight. “Anchal, I need to speak to you.”
Aditya raised a brow, sensing the tension, but stepped back politely.
Anchal folded her arms. “What now, Ekansh?”
His eyes burned into hers. “I told you before. Don’t smile like that at others. Especially not him.”
Her breath caught. “You don’t own me, Ekansh. I will smile at whoever I want.”
He stepped closer, his voice low but fierce. “Not when it makes me feel like tearing the world apart.”
Her heart raced. No one had ever been this openly possessive about her. It frightened her… but deep inside, it warmed a part of her that had long believed she was unworthy of love.
🌙 Abhimaan and Ishika
Later, when the guests departed, Ishika returned to her chamber, exhausted but glowing. Abhimaan entered silently, watching her remove her heavy jewelry.
“You carried yourself like a queen today,” he said softly.
She looked at him, her cheeks heating. “I was scared, Maan… so many people, so many eyes…”
He walked to her, lifting her chin. “Let them look. You are mine. And no one dares to question my queen.”
Her heart melted at the intensity in his eyes. She hugged him tightly, whispering, “I never thought I could belong somewhere, Maan. But with you, with Yuvraj and Ekansh… I finally feel like home.”
He pressed his lips to her hair, his voice a vow. “This is your home. Forever.”
🌑 Closing Scene
Far away, in the shadows of the city, a masked figure watched news coverage of the Rathore Palace Teej celebration.
On the screen, Ishika was shown dancing gracefully, Abhimaan blessing her, Anchal standing beside her.
The figure’s voice was a chilling whisper:
“Enjoy your happiness, Rathores. Because soon… I will take it all away.”
The storm was nearing.
YOU ARE READING
The Royal love ( Rewriting)
FanfictionThis story is about a royal man named Abhimaan Singh Rathore and a sweet middle class girl whose parents died when she was a kid and her uncle's aunty and cousins abused her. let's see how they both meet and fall in love.
