𝐇𝐢𝐬 𝐒𝐚𝐫𝐝𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐢

21. Yearning

2 months Later

Two whole months had passed, yet the memories of that incident still clung to the corners of the palace halls like dust that refused to leave. Two months since Arthur got discharged, his footsteps returning to marble floors that still remembered the echo of chaos. Two months since life slowed down just enough for the silly fights to turn into quiet calls, sarcastic messages, and those moments when their voices softened without either of them admitting why.

They both talked every single day, even if it was only for a few stolen minutes between responsibilities.

Arthur had joined his company again after half a month of forced rest because his family literally refused to let him lift a single pen or open a laptop. Now, the workload was suffocating, weighing on his shoulders heavier than any crown.

Their company had lost an important meeting while he was recovering, and that loss turned into pressure that followed him everywhere he went like a shadow that refused to leave.

On the other hand, Shrayn was busy with her F1 race event, speeding on tracks where the air screamed with engines and adrenaline. Her presence was loud, even in her absence.

Arthur’s POV

It has been exactly two weeks since she went to Monaco for her racing event, but it felt like someone had wiped the palace clean of colour. I don’t know why, but I miss her. And not the kind of missing where you say it casually on a phone call, but the kind that silently sits on your chest when you wake up and still refuses to leave by the time you fall asleep.

I mean, yeah, of course I miss her because the palace that once used to be full of screaming, laughter, random arguments and her dramatic storytelling, is now way too quiet. The kind of quiet that rings in your ears.
Can’t believe that this Sardarni of mine has already had everyone dancing on her little finger.

She never came here as a Rani sa or a Bindani only. Instead, she walked into this house like she owned the sunshine and shared it generously.

From Baba sa to maasa, from dadasa to every close relative stepping through these doors, she somehow became sabki laadli (everyone’s dearest) without even trying.

She is something out of the world for sure. Kahin bhi jaati hai toh uss jagah ko haseen kar deti hai (wherever she goes, she makes that place beautiful). I used to think these lines were exaggerated in movies, but clearly they forgot to base them on her.

Every maid here loves their Rani sa a little more than their shift requires, always ready to defend her like soldiers guarding a queen.

Since she left, nobody sits in the garden anymore. The bench beneath the banyan tree, her favourite spot, looks abandoned now. That was where she talked about everything and nothing, telling random stories while everyone laughed and forgot their worries. Pagal hai thodi si (she’s a little crazy), but jaisi bhi hai humari Rani sa hai (no matter what, she is our queen).

A knock interrupted my thoughts, making me straighten a little.

I looked up to see Arshi standing there with a bag in her hand. She had that expression which always meant she was about to annoy me but would pretend innocence the entire time.

I raised my eyebrow as she walked further inside.

"Umh hnmm?" I bite my inner cheek in question, trying not to look like I was irritated already.

"Agar aapke gajni jaise dimag ko yaad ho toh kal aapka raj tilak hai so here are the things maasa sent for you, and also to remind you that you have to be present downstairs at 4 am for the early morning rituals. Pata chale office me hi so jao bhabhi sa ki yaadon me" (if your Ghajini-like memory works then tomorrow is your coronation so take these things from mother and remember to be downstairs by 4 am for rituals, otherwise you might fall asleep in office lost in thoughts of sister-in-law). She murmured the last part with clear mischief, making me glare.