"Maharani, theheriye toh !"

Aarvi dashed through the ornate royal halls, her laughter echoing against the grand marble walls. Dilip, with a warm smile, followed closely behind, gently admonishing her to slow down. In his arms, he cradled their four-month-old daughter, Krishneshwari, who cooed softly, her big eyes full of wonder. The infant cooed softly, her tiny hands reaching out, as if sensing the excitement in the air.

The arrival of esteemed guests from neighboring Saurashtra kingdom brought a lively enchantment to the palace. Aarvi could hardly contain her anticipation

As they stepped into the courtyard, Aarvi's eyes sparkled with excitement, taking in the sights of the arriving guests from Saurashtra, their attire rich with heritage. The sound of bells jingling and the low murmur of conversations filled the atmosphere, amplifying her joy. King Dilip finally caught up, positioning Krishneshwari securely.

Suddenly, an aged king, famous in the land by the name of Shekhar, emerged from one of the resplendent chariots, his regal presence commanding attention. Aarvi's heart swelled, and without hesitation, she descended the grand staircase, her voice ringing out, "Pitashree !"

The excitement bubbled within her as she rushed to embrace him, the world around them fading away. King Shekhar, her father, chuckled warmly, opening his arms to embrace her. The warmth of their hug enveloped them both, a moment of familial love amidst the royal splendor.

Breaking free, Aarvi looked up into her father’s wise eyes, a radiant smile gracing her features. With reverence, she joined her hands and bowed her head, "Pranaam Pitashree."

From the ornate palanquin, Queen Sunaina emerged, her presence radiating warmth and grace. Dressed in flowing garments of rich emerald silk, intricately adorned with golden embroidery, she looked regal yet approachable. Her silver-streaked hair framed her face, highlighting her wise, gentle eyes that sparkled with love and pride.

"Oh Mata !" Aarvi’s heart swelled as she caught sight of her mother. The world around them faded, and all she could feel was an overwhelming rush of affection. With a joyful smile lighting up her face, she rushed forward, the sound of her footsteps echoing in the courtyard.

Sunaina opened her arms wide, a welcoming embrace that spoke volumes of their bond. Aarvi launched into her mother’s arms, laughter spilling from her lips as they embraced tightly. The world, with its chariots and guests, melted away, leaving just the two of them in that cherished moment. Sunaina pulled back slightly, looking into Aarvi’s eyes, her expression a blend of tenderness and pride.

"Tumhe Akhand saubhagyavati hone ka aashirwad diya tha, aur ab woh aashirwad falit hote dikh raha hai." she said softly, brushing a stray hair behind Aarvi’s ear.

Just then, Yuvraj Prithvik made his entrance, charming and gallant, his frame tall and confident. He radiated a youthful vigor that captivated the courtyard. His tall frame was adorned in royal attire, the fabric shimmering in the sunlight, while his dark hair framed a face that had transformed from boyhood to a striking young man.

He approached Aarvi with an air of gallant confidence, bowing deeply as tradition demanded, "Pranaam swikar kare, Jiji."

Aarvi’s brows furrowed in confusion for a heartbeat, her mind racing to place the familiar yet transformed figure before her. The last glimpse she had of him was at her wedding, where he had been a spirited young boy, eyes sparkling with mischief. Now, he stood tall, exuding a charm that made her heart swell with pride.

"Prithvik ?" she gasped, her voice a mix of surprise and joy. The realization dawned like the first light of dawn, and a radiant smile broke across her face.

She felt the warmth of nostalgia wash over her, memories of their childhood flooding back. "Tum itne bade kab ho gaye ?"

Prithvik grinned, a playful twinkle in his eye. Aarvi stepped closer, her hands instinctively reaching out to caress his face. She couldn’t help but feel a rush of pride at seeing her brother so mature, yet she was reminded of the fleeting nature of time.

Dilip approached them, his heart swelled with pride, cradling the tiny form of Krishneshwari in his arms. The courtyard buzzed with life, but in that moment, his world narrowed to his family. Dilip smiled, a gesture of warmth and affection, but as he drew nearer, he noticed them joining their hands and bowing their heads in reverence.

Confusion etched his brow; he instinctively raised his hand to stop them. But then, with a dawning realization, he understood—they were not bowing to him, but to Krishneshwari, whose wide, curious eyes sparkled with innocence and wonder.

The baby cooed softly, her gaze shifting from her grandparents to her uncle, soaking in the love radiating around her. As they lifted their heads, their expressions transformed from reverence to awe, captivated by the innocence and purity emanating from Krishneshwari.

Dilip slightly bowed his head, "Pranaam."

"Pranipat." Shekhar, Sunaina, and Prithvik responded in unison, their voices harmonious.

"Aap sabhi ko dekh humare anand ki seema nahi." Dilip said, his voice rich with affection.

Prithvik stepped forward with youthful exuberance, bowing deeply, as a gesture of respect befitting his sister’s husband. "Aashirwad de, Jijashree."

"Ah, Prithvik." Dilip's eyes twinkled with amusement.

Prithvik teased, his grin wide, "Aapko mai smaran hu ?"

"Tumhe mai nahi bhul sakta." Dilip chuckled, recognition washing over him. "Mere vivah ke din, tum meri talwaar leke bhaag jo gaye the. Sampurn Aryavart mei aisa sahas kisi ka nahi."

The courtyard erupted with laughter, the bonds of family rekindled amidst the grandeur of the palace. Krishneshwari cooed, as if sensing the love enveloping her. With a swift motion, Prithvik reached out and carefully took Krishneshwari from Dilip’s arms, startling him momentarily.

"Iss baar apni bhaanji, leke bhaagne ki yojna hai." Prithvik joked, his face lighting up with delight.

The little princess giggled, her innocence and charm captivating all around her. Sunaina and Shekhar exchanged amused glances.

Dilip shook his head, "Nahi tum meri talwaar hi lelo !"

The laughter echoed through the courtyard, weaving a thread of familial warmth amidst the gathering, as the royal lineage mingled with love and light, the future gleaming brightly in their midst.

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A/N

Sweet 🌝✨