The next morning awoke me by the tipping of the rain in our balcony which had a view of the royal courtyard below us. It'd been exactly a year since our wedding day.

Ostentatiously detailed marble pillars which had scars of black amidst the brilliant white stone, held up the grand porch at the front entrance of the courtyard.
The sun rays tickled the ethereal portraits placed alongside the corridor, leading down towards the open galleria space, whose magnificence was established by the ancient fountain that had a curved base supporting the small pool of water that had been formed in it from the rain.

When the rain sounds on the hard tiled floor of the open space, mist scatters around and the clouds seemed to visit the Earth from heaven.

During the time of hot summer, the sun reflects off the gold, framed in the tiles of the ground, leaving sharp glimpses in one's eye who's watching from the terrace which overlooks this large space.

In the chilly coolness of winter months, cold air blows down with the wind from the sky. As you look up, all you can see is a Tuscany-blue painted across the sky. During sunset you can observe the sun sinking behind the clouds from this beautiful courtyard.

The sun was lit in the sky, playing hide and seek with the clouds and letting down the beautiful translucent rain drops.

I draped my robes neatly over my lehenga and tiptoed downstairs quickly to the courtyard.

I smiled and felt like the child I was again; I began swirling and put my arms wide apart to enjoy the beautiful breeze and raindrops cascading down my face.

My clothes became soaked but I didn't care.

I laughed and twirled around and felt the coldness travel through my spine. The rain had always fascinated me and I loved experiencing every bit of Mother Nature.

I closed my eyes to enjoy the coolness and when I opened them I saw Ashok wearing only a dhoti and looking down at me intimidatingly.

I suddenly felt awkward and stopped moving like I had done something wrong.

I slowly went towards the fountain and sat down on the edge of it and dipped my hands in the water solemnly.

I turned to him and saw him suddenly grinning and laughing while holding his stomach.

I bowed my head and shifted my gaze to the water.

"Kaurvaki! Don't dance so much - you'll get a cold!" Ashok continued to tease me as he came down into the courtyard and stood beside me. I didn't turn to face him. I had been clumsy.

"You - you might want to change your clothes!" He burst out still giggling.

"What's going on here?" A firm voice came from behind.

Rani Dharma came up to us elegantly.

I stood up and went and stood next to her.

"Ashok, what did you do?" She lowered her voice and looked at Ashok in anticipation.

"Oh... nothing maa... I.." Ashok gulped.

"Never hurt Kaurvaki, okay?" She stared at him seriously while clutching her wrist.

Ashok kept his gaze down and looked at them apologetically.

I still looked away from him.

"Ashok, Kaurvaki, get ready quickly - today Ashok's good friend is coming to visit after a long time."

Ashok looked up at her enthusiastically.

"Maa, is Abhishek coming?" He asked excitedly.

"Nope." She replied.

"Then..... oh I know! Raju!"

"No."

Ashok looked confused. "Dhanush?"

Rani Dharma smiled gently. "No, Putra - Ahankara."

Ashok blinked in surprise.

"Ahankara? Who was she?" I thought to myself.

"Kaurvaki, change your clothes we'll do the preparations." Rani Dharma stroked her hand across my cheek and left.

"Ashok - who is Ahankara."

We were left facing each other.

"Why do you care?"
I could tell he was upset.

"Sorry. I got you into trouble." I said stubbornly.

"Say that again? You sound as if you're being forced to apologize!" He rolled his eyes.

We stared at each other for a few minutes and burst into laughter.

"Oh God - you...."

I ran up to him and rested my head on his shoulder.

"Now tell me who Ahank..."

"RAJKUMAR! RAJKUMAR!"

"Yes I'm coming!" Ashok cried and left with a smile.

I went up to my chamber and got dressed in an elaborate traditional outfit for the welcoming of this interesting guest.

💓

Garlands of sweet smelling flowers were hung up on the pillars and petals rested on the floors of corridors in the entrance passage.

"Rani Dharma, just check if these ladoos are okay." I hastily bumped into Rani Dharma who was in a hurry.

"Yes they look fine dear." She continued to brisk walk along and instruct the servants.

Everyone was in busy preparation for this guest.

I saw Ashok coming in front of me, leading the small group of people like Dhrupad and Siyamak with some servants.

He was dressed smartly in long orange robes that trailed behind him, and detailed gold jewelry. He had a proud look on his face.

"Err, Ashok...." I stopped the small parade by clutching his wrist.

"Do I look okay?"

Ashok looked at me and seemed mesmerized.

I blushed. "How are the ladoos?" I quickly changed the topic as I saw Siyamak and Dhrupad giggling.

"Beautiful....." he whispered, still staring into my eyes.

I laughed blushingly and hurried past them. Ashok turned to watch me go and smirked.

I checked the mirror quickly and straightened my hair carefully.

Time to welcome this guest....

As you may have worked out this chapter is kinda foreshadowing something *cough cough* not gonna give the plot twist away but it's gonna be great so keep reading and supporting me!