The Royal Match:Duty and desire

Chapter 5

Author's pov

As the Rathores reached their home, Akriti noticed the unwavering tension into the atmosphere knowing very well that her brother is angry and can explode anytime.....

Abhishek " may I know why wasn't we informed about the very proposal of marriage" he asked looking at Raghuveer and Shivansh.

Shivansh "It's just we had thought about it and Abhimanyu ji has been papa's long term friend and when the topic came we found it pleasing.

Abhishek "But she is still young, how will she manage all of the responsibilities that will come with marriage".

Raghuveer "You know very well abhi beta, she can do anything when she puts her mind into it".

Shivansh "And we are forcing her, it's her choice if she wants this marriage or not".

"Akriti beta" called Shivansh

Akriti who has been observing the conversation silently until now replied "Ji papa"

"We are not pressurising you about marriage think carefully and take your time, it's about your life. We will support you in whatever decision you make" replied shivansh

Akriti got some relief after listening to her father and they decided to call it night.

Next day Akrti met nehal at their usual Cafe filling her with the new turns of her life

Nehal "What the F**** bro, so you are telling me you got a proposal of the Crown Prince. Damnnnnn......... bish you are lucky.

Akrtit "Shut up neha, you are supposed to help me figure things out"

Nehal " okok so what you thought about this proposal , you know there are many things needed for a relationship to work out so think wisely.

Akriti " I know and geniounly I want to give this a chance"

Nehal "Ok, wait what.......really but how I mean why..

Akriti "I think for a relationship to work most important things are loyalty and respect and he is a guy of honor and royalty, no one can provide me these as passionately as he will."

Nehal "what about love"

Akriti " love has its own different meanings and to survive in a relationship, only love isn't sufficient to live a life and it happens with time, patience, care and most importantly efforts from both sides It is not a one time thing as people call it, because if there is love and no respect and loyalty than darling its not love, and it is not worthy of your efforts."

Nehal " that's so............realistic, when did you matured this much aki "

Akriti smiled while rolling her eyes.

At Rathore palace

Rajkumari called the househelp "Ji" replied Akriti "bade hukum is calling you for dinner" "I am coming" she replied politely.

Everyone was settled there, when she decided to announce her answer the proposal

Akriti "Dadosa..." she called out fiddling with her fingers as everyone's attention was now on her

"Yes gudiya" he replied

"It's a yes" she said, everyone stared at her not understanding when Abhishek replied "Are you sure princess" Akriti just nodded her head while Abhishek sighed

"What is happening" asked their father not understanding the exchange between the siblings

Abhishek " she just agreed for the marriage papa"

That's wonderful replied shivansh I will inform the Shekhawats...........

The sun dipped low in the sky, casting a warm golden hue over the bustling streets of Jaipur. Akriti Rathore stood by her window, her heart racing as she recalled the confrontation with the enigmatic Rudransh Singh Shekhawat. The glint of his dark suit and the intensity of his gaze lingered in her mind, igniting a mix of fascination and rebellion within her.

“Akriti, are you ready?” her father’s voice boomed from downstairs, cutting through her thoughts like a jagged blade. The charity gala was just hours away, and she felt the heavy weight of expectations settle on her shoulders. With a deep breath, she turned away from the window and slipped on her elegant dress, the fabric feeling both luxurious and suffocating.

As she descended the grand staircase, she caught sight of her grandmother, Neelam Rathore, arranging flowers in a vase. “You look beautiful, my dear,” her smiled, but Akriti could hear the unspoken reminder in her voice—this was not just any event. It was a chance to showcase their royal lineage, and she was to play her part.

Meanwhile, across town, Rudransh was grappling with his own turmoil. The meeting with his advisors had gone awry, his mind wandering to thoughts of Akriti. Despite the pressing matters concerning the royal estate, he found himself sketching her fiery expression on a notepad, his fingers moving almost on their own. “Your Highness,” his personal secretary Karan, interrupted, “we need your focus on the gala. The press will be there, and rumors of a partnership between Rathore and Shekhawat families are already circulating.”

Rudransh clenched his jaw, his heart pounding at the thought of the gala. “I know,” ever since he heard that she agreed for the marriage his emotions have been all over the place which has never happened before making him frustrated.

And on top of that rumors have been spreading about both families planning something together.

As the evening approached, the grand hall of the Shekhawat estate transformed into a sprawling venue of elegance and grandeur, with chandeliers shimmering like stars and guests dressed in their finest attire. Akriti arrived with her family, her heart racing with equal parts excitement and dread. The moment she stepped inside, she felt the eyes of the elite upon her, judging, appraising, and whispering.

“who is she?" a voice floated from the crowd, and Akriti stiffened. She tried to shake off the discomfort and focus on the night’s festivities. But the moment she stepped into the main foyer, she locked eyes with Rudransh across the room.

He wore a tailored suit that accentuated his princely stature, and for a moment, the world around them blurred into insignificance. Suddenly, the chatter faded, and all that mattered was the silent understanding that passed between them.

“Isn’t this a delightful gathering?” a voice interrupted her reverie. It was Nehal, her ever-enthusiastic friend. “You should talk to him! You’ve had your fair share of run-ins already!”

“Nehal, stop,” Akriti hissed, her cheeks blazing.

Before Nehal could respond, the host of the gala, Rajender Singh Shekhawat, took the stage to announce the evening’s activities. “Ladies and gentlemen,” he began, “tonight marks a momentous occasion amd I am proud to present my son, Rudransh.”

As Rudransh stepped forward, the crowd erupted in applause. Akriti felt an unexpected surge of emotion—was it pride or something deeper? She couldn’t tell.

“Tonight, we celebrate not just our lineage, but the future,” Rudransh declared, his voice resonant.

Akriti’s heart raced as she felt the weight of his gaze upon her once more. She knew this was not merely about tradition; it was about fate intertwining their lives in ways they could scarcely imagine.

The moon hung low over the Shekhawat palace, casting silver shadows on the ornate gardens where Akriti found herself lost in thought after the unexpected eye contact. She felt a whirl of emotions: confusion, anger, and an undeniable spark of curiosity about Rudransh. Seeking solace, she wandered deeper into the gardens, the fragrant jasmine flowers calming her racing heart.

Meanwhile, inside the palace, Rudransh stood in a grand hall filled with laughter and chatter, yet he felt isolated in the midst of it all. His mind replayed his encounter with Akriti—her fiery spirit, her defiance against him, and how she had managed to stir feelings he hadn’t expected to confront. He excused himself from the conversation and followed her into the gardens, hoping to find a moment alone to gather his thoughts.

"Do you have an habit to wander alone at night" Akriti turned at the unexpected voice but calmed seeing Rudransh standing there, when she did not reply he walked to her

"When they are planning to get us married" asked Akriti "no idea, but the eagerness in their eyes states very soon".

As they stood beneath the stars, an unspoken understanding formed between them. Just then, a rustle in the bushes startled them. Out stepped a figure cloaked in darkness, his intentions unclear. Rudransh instinctively moved to shield Akriti, but the figure raised his hands, revealing himself as Agastya, their mutual friend.

"Sorry to interrupt this moment," Agastya said with a teasing grin, though concern flickered in his eyes. "But I think we need to talk… about the shadows lurking around the palace."

Akriti frowned, sensing tension in Agastya's tone. "What do you mean? What shadows?"

Rudransh gestured for them to move away from the open area. "Let’s head to the gazebo. It’s quieter there." As they walked, Agastya explained how rumors of dissent were brewing among rival factions, some of whom were vehemently opposed to the alliance.

"The Rathores and Shekhawats may be united, but not everyone is pleased," Agastya warned. "You both need to be cautious. Someone could try to exploit this situation."

Akriti felt a chill run down her spine, the reality of their predicament settling in. "So, what do we do?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

Rudransh exchanged a look with Agastya, determination hardening his features. "We prepare. We learn about these factions and their intentions. We won’t let anyone dictate our lives."

As the three gathered in the gazebo, the air thickened with unspoken plans and a resolve to protect their future. The evening had transformed from a celebration into a battleground, where love had to contend with family loyalty and political intrigue.

Suddenly, a flicker of movement caught Akriti’s eye. She turned, but the shadows were empty. "Did you see that?" she asked, her heart racing.

"See what?" Rudransh asked, glancing back.

Before she could respond, a loud crash echoed from the palace, silencing the garden. The trio exchanged worried glances. "We should check it out," Agastya urged, his playful demeanor replaced with seriousness.

As they made their way back toward the palace, the weight of their situation pressed down on them. The night was no longer just about a marriage alliance; it was a fight for their identities and their futures. The stakes had been raised, and they were determined to face whatever challenges lay ahead together.

The chapter closed with them entering the palace, the sound of chaos echoing through the hallways, setting the stage for the conflicts that would soon unravel between loyalty, love, and the power struggles of their families.