In the grand royal chamber, adorned with intricate frescoes depicting celestial tales, Aarvi was sitting gracefully upon an ornate couch, her silken garments shimmering in the soft light. Her toddler daughter Krishneshwari was nestled on her lap. The little princess's curious eyes sparkled as she looked at the shimmering jewels laid before them.

The royal jeweller, a wizened man with a meticulously groomed beard, knelt on the plush rug, his nimble fingers showcasing exquisite necklaces, intricately designed bangles, and sparkling diadems. Each piece shimmered with the essence of far-off kingdoms, telling stories of artistry and heritage.

Attendants flitted around, murmuring in reverence, their hands brushing against silk and velvet as they eagerly pointed out the most enchanting designs for the upcoming wedding of Crown-Prince Prithvik of Saurashtra.

Aarvi was carefully selecting the adornments, contemplating which pieces to wear and which to gift to esteemed guests. Hemalata, stood close by, her eyes sparkling with excitement as she leaned in to admire the exquisite pieces of jewellery, and occasionally whispering suggestions to the queen. 

Aarvi's gaze fell upon delicate anklets, their intricate designs gleaming in the sunlight. With a warm smile, she turned to the jeweller, her voice melodic yet commanding, "Arya, Rajkumari hetu sundar payal dikhayiye. Aise payal jinke ghunghroo ka svar acche se sunayi de."

"Ji Maharani." The jeweller nodded, his fingers deftly uncovering a pair of ornate anklets, each adorned with tiny bells that chimed playfully.

Aarvi took the anklet in her hands, shaking it gently. A soft, delightful sound echoed throughout the chamber, an enchanting melody that danced in the air. Aarvi turned her gaze to her little daughter, Krishneshwari, who sat nestled comfortably on her lap. The toddler’s wide, innocent eyes sparkled with curiosity, fixated on the glimmering piece of jewelry.

"Yeh uchit rahenge." She said, pinching her daughter's cheeks affectionately, "Ab natkhat Rajkumari ko dhundhne mei dikkat nahi hogi."

Krishneshwari giggles, the sound pure and joyful, her eyes sparkling with mischief. Aarvi’s heart danced at the sight, envisioning her daughter’s adventures around the palace, the anklets jingling like laughter trailing behind her.

After being momentarily captivated by her daughter’s joy, she returned her attention to the array of jewels before her. She began to sift through the shimmering treasures, searching for the perfect gifts for her soon-to-be sister-in-law.

The jeweller skillfully displayed necklaces, earrings, and bracelets, each piece whispering stories of distant lands and noble families. Every jewel sparkled with promise, but the sheer variety left her momentarily bewildered.

"Uff.... Agle purnima ko vivah hai, aur yaha mujhe samajh nahi aa raha ki ya upahaar du." Aarvi muttered, contemplating the elegance befitting her brother’s bride.

Her heart fluttered with excitement and confusion as she weighed the rich hues and delicate designs.

But unknown to them, lurking in the shadows, Asura Chhayavritti watched intently. His dark figure melded with the drapery, his eyes fixed on the joyful young princess. Malicious intent flickered in his gaze, contrasting sharply with the warmth enveloping Aarvi and Krishneshwari.

Suddenly, the toddler’s gaze shifted, locking onto him with an uncanny awareness. Panic surged through Chhayavritti, and he ducked behind the pillar just in time.

Her brow furrowed in concentration as she pointed, eyes alight with curiosity, "Maa... Waha... Waha !" she declared, her voice innocent yet sharp, echoing in the ornate chamber.

Aarvi turned, momentarily distracted by her daughter’s outburst, her eyes scanning the room.

Panic surged through Chhayavritti. How could this child sense him ? His mind spun with fear and confusion. He had underestimated her perceptiveness, and the last thing he wanted was to draw the attention of the queen and her attendants. Desperately glancing around, he spotted an open window across the room.

In a heartbeat, he dashed toward the window, his form merging with the shadows that danced across the walls. Like a gust of wind, he vanished into the night, leaving no trace behind. Despite his stealth, Krishneshwari’s eyes followed him, wide with curiosity, as if sensing that something extraordinary had slipped just beyond reach.

"Chala gaya..." she muttered, her small voice echoing in the chamber. Aarvi and her attendants exchanged puzzled glances.

"Kaun chala gaya ?" Aarvi asked, perplexed.

The royal jeweller, sensing the tension, chuckled softly, "Lagta hai Rajkumari humare saath krida kar rahi hai."

Aarvi laughed lightly, the sound a soothing melody amidst the air thickening with intrigue. She pressed a gentle kiss onto Krishneshwari’s head, "Sabko bhayebhit karne ka man hai kya tumhara ?"

She then returned her attention to the array of jewels, her fingers brushing over the delicate pieces, the weight of royal duties gently pulling her back to the task at hand. However Krishneshwari’s gaze lingered at the window, unearthing a flicker of awareness that belied her tender age.

Moments later, her attention shifted back to the sparkling jewels, her giggles echoing in the chamber, unaware of the danger that had brushed too close.

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A/N

Although she has forgotten herself, her divinity is allowing her to sense energies even in their subtle forms 🌝