Chapter 4
986 Words
Author's pov
Akriti returned back into living room with Rudransh behind.
Abhimanyu (grandfather of Rudransh) 'Oo.....here he is the Crown prince you all have been waiting for. My eldest grandson Rudransh Singh Shekhawat.
And Akriti just stood there astonished, that the Greek God she encountered in most unpleasing and disastrous ways is none other than the famous Crown prince of Rajasthan. She came out of her trance when her father called her name...
Shivansh "Akriti beta (child) come here"
The night air was thick with anticipation as the Shekhawat and Rathore families gathered at the opulent Shekhawat palace. Chandeliers sparkled overhead, casting a warm glow over the elegantly adorned dining room, where the table was laden with an extravagant feast. Despite the grandeur, a subtle tension simmered beneath the surface, unnoticed by most but palpable to a keen observer.
Akriti, still reeling from her encounter with Rudransh, felt both exhilarated and anxious. She found herself in a sea of familiar faces, yet the presence of the Crown Prince felt like an electric current pulsing through the room. As she fidgeted with the hem of her Anarkali, she caught sight of Rudransh across the room, engaged in conversation with his father. His eyes darted toward her, and for a moment, the noise faded into a distant hum.
When the voice of Abhimanyu Singh Shekhawat broke them out of their heated exchange
Abhimanyu "Akriti, Rudransh would you both come here"
Akriti wondered about why is she specifically called out,
Abhimanyu "We both families are here today to inform you both about our wish to get you both married..........
That's it ..................it was the moment when everything paused for everyone wanting to get some sort of reaction from the youngsters when Dadosa spoke again "It's upto you both what you decide, you both can think and tell us about your decision.
Akriti and Rudransh stood there in Lost in their thoughts, on the other hand Rudransh’s family was waiting for his outburst, but he stood there motionless without uttering a single word.
Akriti's pov
What the ............. my marriage, I knew papa was thinking of finding a groom but this was so soon
I stood there not knowing what to do, but I saw bhai clenching his fists, he was damn angry. I went towards him and held his hand signaling him to not to say anything.
As everyone shifted to further conversation
Akriti’s gaze turned toward the ornate clock on the wall, each tick echoing her racing heart.
Meanwhile, Rudransh struggled to concentrate on the discussions about potential partnerships and alliances. His thoughts kept drifting back to Akriti—the fire in her eyes, her unwavering spirit. He had never met anyone quite like her, and it intrigued him, With their families trying to get them married to each other. His father, Rajender Singh Shekhawat, caught him staring and raised an eyebrow, the corner of his mouth twitching in amusement.
“Are you with us, son?” Rajender asked, his tone light but pointed. “Or are you lost in a daydream?”
Rudransh shook his head, forcing a smile. “Just thinking about the future, father.”
“Ah, yes,” Rajender replied, his voice tinged with expectation. “The future that may very well involve the Rathore family.”
As the dinner progressed, formalities were exchanged, and laughter filled the air. Yet, beneath the cordiality, both families were acutely aware of the stakes involved. The alliance they sought could strengthen their positions in a rapidly changing world, but neither Akriti nor Rudransh was prepared for the weight of their families’ aspirations.
Later that evening, after the formalities had concluded, the two families retired to the garden, where the moonlight painted the scene in a silvery hue. Akriti found herself wandering, needing a moment away from the crowd. She stepped into a secluded alcove, where the fragrant flowers bloomed under the soft glow of lanterns.
As she inhaled deeply, trying to calm her racing thoughts, she heard footsteps behind her. Turning, she found Rudransh standing there, his expression a nothing but a cold neutral face.
“Akriti, so this is your name” he began, his voice low , “what are you doing here alone?.”
“I needed a moment,” she admitted, crossing her arms as if to shield herself from the whirlwind of emotions. “This whole evening feels like a pressure cooker.”
Rudransh stepped closer, amusement clearly visible in his eyes.
Akriti couldn’t help but to ask him “what do you think about marrying me yuvraj (Crown prince)”
Rudransh watched her closely "I don't much about marriage and expectations but I know one thing uf dadosa selected you for marriage he saw something in you and I believe him.
Akriti "You just indirectly said yes to the proposal "
Rudransh shrugged "I did, I don't know what you expect from a marriage ms rathore but I can promise to give you my loyalty and respect if nothing more".
Akriti just stood there staring into his eyes...........But the moment was interrupted when Akriti’s father, Shivansh Rathore, called for her,
Reluctantly, she turned to Rudransh. “I should go,” she said softly.
As she walked away, Rudransh watched her go, a sense of determination igniting within him. He knew he had to fulfill the responsibilities towards that little wild cat, his destiny might just intertwine with the fierce spirit of the princess who had captured his heart.
Unbeknownst to them both, shadows were gathering around their families, with rival factions eyeing the impending alliance, threatening to upset the delicate balance they were striving to maintain. As the night deepened, the stage was set for a confrontation that would challenge not only their burgeoning relationship but their very identities.
And so, the winds of change began to stir, carrying with them whispers of intrigue, love, and the undeniable pull of destiny.
- Writer
