THE ROYAL AFFAIR

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Vikram left for Dubai on Saturday and promised to be back as early as possible . Still it would take at least a week for him to complete his work .

Shnaya left on Sunday early morning . Maharani had sent some gifts for her family with her .

Her father was waiting for her at the gate of their bungalow . He had tears in his eyes and he hugged her tightly . Her stepmom Indu too pretended to be happy to meet her .," Darling it is lovely to have you back . Though I miss Maya terribly You are my daughter as well "saying this she pretended to hug her .

As they sat in their living room her father asked about her trip and her family . By her enthusiasm he was satisfied that his daughter was happy . Due to the circumstances of their marriage he had been scared since Shnaya had been literally forced to marry Vikram . She had not been ready to get married yet . Moreover she was younger than Maya and around a decade younger to Vikram .

He had also had sleepless nights thinking whether Vikram would accept her or take revenge from her since his first choice had been Maya .

But seeing Shnaya today his doubts were cleared . Shnaya seemed to be blissfully happy . He could also make out that the Maharani cared a lot for his daughter.

Ajay arrived during lunch time and he enveloped his sister in a bear hug .

"Shnaya it is so wonderful to see you . Are you going back today or do you plan to stay ?"

"Bhaiya I plan to stay for a few days "

"Lovely . "

After lunch they rested for sometime then got together again at dinner time .

At night Vikram called her . "Darling how are you ? Missing me ? Ican tell you that I am missing you terribly ?"

Shnaya talked to him fir an hour and then fell asleep.

Tomorrow Shnaya planned to visit some of her friends .

She spent the entire day meeting her friends first at a restaurant at lunch and then shopping at the markets. Her friends were overjoyed to meet her and it felt nice to be with them. Shnaya felt carefree and young with them and not as some future queen.

The next four days she spent with her friends but at night she would wait for Vikram to call her. Vikram would call her religiously every night hinting that he missed her a lot and also that the work in Dubai would last longer than he anticipated .

Shnaya was still shy so she didn't mention to Vikram that she was missing him . She was surprised at herslf because she not only missed him emotionally but also physically . Her body ached to be held in his strong arms . She longed for those passionate kisses and nights of lovemaking .

After a week Vikram was still in Dubai so Shnaya decided to go back. Ajay would take her back to the palace . Shnaya decided to carry all her jewellary designs and other equipment with her As there were only four months left for the exhibition She would ask the Maharani for permission to continue her designing work.

Her father as usual sent gifts for her entire family which was appreciated by all.

On reaching back Maharani gave her permission to continue her work. Infact she arranged for two rooms to be cleared in the palace for her work. Shnaya would have a quick breakfast and then move to do her work. Sometimes she would carry a sketchbook and go to the palace grounds to search for inspiration.

She still had to finalise many designs after which her father would approve , then it would be decided what stones either sapphire or ruby or pearls would be used and whether the designs would be done in gold or diamond.

It had been two weeks now and Vikram had stillnot returned from Dubai . Shnaya had become busy with her desining but at night she would lat awake in her bed thinking about him .

Vikram called that night to inform he would be coming the next day . Her joy knew no bounds . He would be back by late evening .

She asked the chef for Vikram's favourite food to be prepared and decided to take dinner with Vikram in their suite of rooms .

Shnaya and Maharani were having tea together excited for Vikram's arrival when Chachi dropped a bomb on them .

"Shnaya I would like you to meet someone . I was in Jaipur when I met her . She was reluctant to come at first but I finally convinced her to stay with us for a few days . I thought you would love to have someone from your home to spend time with "

Shnaya's face paled on seeing her . It was Maya .