THE ROYAL AFFAIR

REACHING RAJGARH

The journey to Rajgarh was uneventful . The moment they reached the palace they were given a grand welcome .All the relatives of the king who had not bern present at the wedding had gathered near the entrance to welcome the prince and his bride .

Curiosity was at an all time high because news regarding the change of bride had spread.

This rajkumari had to be special if the rajkumar who was known to be determined had changed his bride at the thr last moment.

Members of the royal staff had also gathered to catch a glimpse of the new rajkumari.

The entire palace was decorated with flowers

Of various colours. It was like a bride decked with flowers. Amazingly most of the flowers were not the conventional chrysanthemums or rose but lilies - a favourite of Shnaya . How could Vikram had known ? Not possible. The Maharani had given specific instructions regarding the decorations in advance do it was just a sweet coincidence.

Right from their coming out of the car till the palace gate the entire passage was decorated with flowers and lit with candles . It was as if Rajgarh was having an early Diwali .

Shnaya was awestruck with the beauty of the palace . She belonged to a rich family so it was not the riches which attracted her but the grandeur of the palace which had been the home of Vikram's family for centuries .

The interior was as beautiful as the exterior . Shnaya had always had a penchant for the old world things and this two hundred year old palace was full of historical treasures.Even though many areas of the palace had been modernised still it had of a separate era.

Shnaya was taken to a guest room to rest after which some traditional rituals had to be done .

After an hour or so the same girl Meghna came to her room to help her dress up for some traditional games and rituals .

When Shnaya arrived at the meeting room she found most of the ladies sitting there . Her mother in law introduced her to some of the aunts and other relatives .

Vikram arrived after half an hour . He was looking very handsome in the brown shervani . All eyes were on him .

The moment he entered the room his eyes searched for Shnaya . She was looking very pretty in the pale blue lehnga .

He sat next to her to play the first game . They were given a big vessel full of rose petals and water and were supposed to find a ring. Shnaya found the ring first but Vikram placed his hand over hers and then took the ring . After that he gifted her the ring .

After performing the rituals Shnaya was taken back to the guest room . When she enquired she was told that tomorrow after her crowning ceremony she would enter the Rajkumari's wing.

She had just changed when there was a knock on the door .

It was Vishaal her younger brother in law .

" Bhabhi I just came to check if you needed anything . Bhai asked me to look after you since he is busy elsewhere."

" No Vishaal I am fine . It is quite late . You should go to your room "

He pushed open the door ," But I was planning on talking with you and spending some time with you . Oh I know Bhaiya should have been here and I am a poor replacement " he made a funny sad face and s Shnaya could not stop laughing.

She opened the door and laughingly pushed him out .

Vikram had been itching to spend some time with Shnaya but he had been forced to solve few matters of the kingdom first . However he would go to her room sit with her for an hour or so and then come back .

He heard her laughing with someone . Who was she with ? It was around 10 PM quite late to be entertaining anyone .

He bumped into Vishal .

" Hi bhaiya Bhabhi is very nice . I was sitting with her for past one hour and she was extremely friendly . She is a modern woman and I liked that . On top of that she is very beautiful . You are one lucky man "

Vikram was furious . He rushed towards her room. She was just closing the door .He saw she was wearing a nighty . Was she so naive that she was sitting with Vishal wearing that or did she think he was stupid and he would entertain her philandering ways "

He lost all interest in meeting her and turned back .

Shnaya waited for another hour for Vikram and then realised he was not coming . So she went to sleep .