Advay sat beside Urvi in her vehicle as she adjusted her lens taking the pictures. He had been hearing the name Dennis and was now jealous. ''Who is this Dennis?'' He glared

Urvi stared at him for a second before going back to her camera. She heard a sound of slap and turned again. ''Can you be quite.''

''Its not me , its mosquitoes.''

''You should have stayed back at the resort.''

''So, you could have fun with Dennis.''

She pressed her lips trying to hide the laughter that bubbled. ''There he is.'' And Advay jumped next to her. ''Where?''

She rolled her eyes, clicked few shots and then showed him. ''He is Dennis, a 4 year old African Lion. Isn't he gorgeous.'' Advay stared at the picture and then at the majestic beast far away. He shook his head and she laughed. ''What were you thinking?''

''Leave that. I know why he is so important.''

''We spotted him when he was 1. We covered his day and then luckily his fight with the competition to take over the pride. Since then, wildlife photographers have been mad about getting his picture. I am proud, that I bought all the attention to him.'' Advay smiled caressing her head. ''I am proud too.''

He pulled out a sandwich and next moment it vanished. ''What?'' He asked dumb found as Urvi laughed. This was the third time Advay lost something to monkeys. He seemed to be and easy target for him. First, it was expensive shades, then his phone cover and finally the food. ''I told you, this place has monkeys.'' She laughed more when a monkey sat on the bonnet of her vehicle eating the his sandwich.

''Aren't you scared.''

''We keep a safe distance. Moreover, the forest rangers are always close by. Some Animals get familiar with them.'' There stance was broken when someone jumped on the vehicle. ''Don't move or look at him'' Advay froze staring at the leopard, he slowly lowered his eyes. It might have been close and came out trying to hunt the monkey. He wasn't worried about self but Urvi. He felt calm when she gently squeezed his hand and after few minutes the cat walked away. ''Is that common.''

''Yes, but never had an encounter this close.''

''And you are not scared.''

She smiled. ''I understand behavior. Leopards should never be looked into an eye, while you can still stare down a Lion.''

Advay was still sweating. ''What if it would have attacked?''

''They generally attack if you are danger to them, animals don't hunt for fun like humans. If they hunt for food, they tend to attack creatures smaller to them. For larger creatures it's a sneak attack. We were larger in size, 2 in number and he had smaller options available.''

''Can we now go back.'' She smiled and nodded. ''There was a time when I would sit in the grass with my crew and take most beautiful shots. But since the accident, they cannot risk my safety. I must maintain a distance''

Advay intertwined his fingers with hers, ''I promise, you walk again.'' She just smiled. The crew decided to pack for the day and Advay's mind started working on how he could deliver what he just promised. Urvashi loved her job and he loved everything what she did.

***

Rathore Palace welcomed its guests to a grand celebration for Giriraj and Shivangi Rathore's anniversary. The guests list had big names from business tycoons to politicians and some celebrities who had a clear image.

Sona smiled spotting her grand mother with Shivangi Rathore, the two ladies preferred each other's company a lot. As she neared, Ani jumped in between marking is territory. Sona smiled settling at a distance. ''He doesn't share.'' Sona said watching Ani posture. He has sprawled his tiny arms on Neelambari's lap, his head resting on it. Neelambari pecked his small forehead. ''He doesn't have to; I love him the most.''

Sona pulled him close. ''You don't like me.'' Ani just stared at her not sure how to respond before going back to his favorite person.

''Grand ma , you and grand pa should have taken your vows again. We could have organized your wedding. It would have been fun.''

''Wedding...Again...and with him? Kids these days have no idea about trying something new.'' Giriraj stared at his wife as others started laughing.

''Where is our Princess?''

''Enjoying all the attention, for now her Chachu is busy introducing her to all.'' Sona replied. Their eyes moved to Vansh who carefully held Vrushali to his chest introducing her to everyone. The family had decided to take turns to look after the kids but looking at Vansh, it was sure no one was getting a chance with the little Rathore Princess.

While Vansh entertained his niece, Sagar poured all the love on his nephew, Ani was his life.

''Vansh, Chitra is looking for you.'' Raina said with a straight expression. She didn't miss the excitement in his eyes and color rising his cheeks. She extended her hands and Vansh readily placed Vrushali in them walking out. Raina giggled, ''See, it was so easy. Your chachu is so dumb'' The Little Princess blinked her eyes trying to figure out who was carrying her now.

Raina placed baby's cheek against hers ordering Vikram to take a picture. ''Do it.'' He just rolled is eyes, he had been demoted from crown prince to Laddoo's official photographer. ''And make sure it come good.''

''It will come as per your looks.''

''it's the job of photographer to make the client look good.''

Vikram frowned. ''Stop bullying me.'' Raina's jaw dropped and the same moment Vikram clicked. ''You look pretty in this.'' Raina poked her tongue walking away with the baby. Vikram shook his head, he had been watching the drama for long. All in his family were acting like kids, waiting for one chance to have Vrushali with them. He smiled. ''Lucky girl.''

Just the way Raina fooled Vansh, Rolli fooled her taking the baby in her arms. Dev stared at his wife. ''You all are crazy.''

''Yes, and proud about that.'' She stepped closer, ''look at those big eyes, like a star shining bright.'' Dev caressed Vrushali's small head and she squirmed. ''If given a chance, she is ready to run.'' Vrushali squealed and it was loud enough for few heads to turn. ''That's what we call a Rathore roar.'' Rolli cheered for her niece while Dev rolled his eyes.

Raina moved around the crowd greeting the known faces and acquaintances. It had turned out to be a beautiful gathering. She grinned wider spotting Leela walking in with her family, waving once she jumped on to her sister in law. ''I missed you. When are you coming back?'' Nandini couldn't help but notice the way Leela received the affection from Ranawats

''Did Maan reach?'' Leela asked

''Yes, he was early. He is playing cricket with Anni.'' Looping her arm around Leela, Raina dragged her away leaving Nandini in deep thought. ''I told you, they are best we can think. If they keep Leela this happy, think how much love will Urvi get.'' Dhanajay said. He then smiled when his eyes met that of approaching Veer.

''How are you?'' Veer asked with a hug. Moving his eyes to Nandini he gave a single nod, leading them inside. Dhananjay smiled at Adi while Nandini kept a straight face. ''Nanu, I hit a six.'' Ani beamed at his success and Veer congratulated the little boy with hug. ''Go to your nani.''

''He is Aninurdh Dev Singh. Son of a man who shot Ranvijay Rathore. If Ranvijay Rathore can overcome that, you guys don't have any issue here.'' Turning to Nandini he added. ''Would you accept a guy with some shortcomings for your daughter?'' There was a silence. ''Yes, Raksha's reaction wasn't against Urvashi, it was as a mother. Not to forget, it was Adi who had no issues with Urvashi's short comings.''

''Raksha, you never refused Advay a thing and now you are against the relationship which matters the most. Have you forgotten your time with Adi, you had asked Adi as a gift?'' Adi coughed. Veer smiled adding more. ''You will lose your son if he loses his love. He is a good boy, but don't push too far. I will leave you four to sort things out.

Veer walked away to his brother. ''good job!'' Ranvijay patted his back

''Let them sort this bhai, then we will celebrate.'' His eyes went to his brother who was looking for someone. ''Laddoo is with Ananya!''

''Don't call her that.'' And Veer laughed.

Raina fed a spoonful of cake to Ani as he blabbered. She smiled as the little boy described how he hit six and defeated uncles. ''Ani, they let you win because you are small.'' Dev said interrupting the blabber. Ani just scrunched his nose running away in search of next audience. ''Dear Brother in law, he is two.''

''And he should learn to be humble. Its fine to let him win at times but not always, nothing comes for free.'' Raina pressed her lips; Dev was sometimes too serious. ''You need to learn some madness.'' He laughed pinching her cheeks. ''Raina, just stay close to all of us.'' He requested. Raina lost her smile and understood, her eyes moved and collided with that of Siddhant. She took a deep breath, ''I can handle.''

Dev smiled. ''I am not worried about you; I am worried this man might never be seen again.'' He patted her cheek once before joining another group of men. Raina came to her full height, her head held high. She wasn't the naïve spoilt brat anymore; she was independent and confident of crushing anything wrong in her path.

Siddhant kept following her movements, she ignored him as if he was invisible. Raina Ranawat was play hard to get, he smirked. He knew all these games girls played to gain attention. He was going to make her believe that she had his attention and then crush it.

Raina knew he was watching her, but that excitement had died down. She had no interest to win his attention. Love was about respect, yes, she had finally learned the lesson. Raina smiled at young man giving him a side hug. They spoke for some time before Raina excused herself, moving to the other corner. ''He must be close to you!'' Siddhant commented. She ignored, picked up her glass moving away. A few acquaintances stared at Siddhant; it was amusing the way she walked away without bothering. Siddhant clenched his jaw, he was determined to get a reaction from her, he followed.

''You are good at charming men?'' Siddhant taunted again

''I won't thank you for praising me. I know I am beautiful.'' She replied sipping her orange juice. Siddhant was left tongue tied as he intended to bully her, but she turned the words around in her favor.

''So, why are you single, yet.''

Raina knew where it was going and now, she had enough. ''Is that your concern? I don't remember you adopting me or promising to pay my dowry.''

He chuckled. ''Your smart mouth cannot deny that you are still in love with me.''

Raina took a deep breath and stood opposite to him with a smile on her lips. ''Why do you sound desperate?'' She mocked and then added. '' A man rejected by his first love and unable to get over the rejection, is now trying to put on someone who isn't even interested in your sorry life and you. You know what Raghuvanshi, get a life and a wife.'' She turned away from him

''Why don't you marry me?'' Raina's heart flipped. Yes, she had waited for him to propose since she understood the feeling. But he wasn't proposing Raina, he was substituting her for Rolli. He was just trying to satisfy his ego.

''Follow me!'' She stepped out of the hall leading him to the garden area. He smirked, he was sure she had given in Near the lawn, the Gardner has prepared a bed for new plants of the season. Picking up a stick, she extended it to him. ''Write Aahana here.'' He stared confused. ''Do it Raghuvanshi.'' He did. She smiled. ''Now, write my name over it. Its spelled as RAINA'' Siddhant stared at her. ''Is that some kind of joke.''

''No , the answer. Write it if you want it.'' He obliged. Raina smirked at the messed up names. She turned around and requested one of the staff to read the letters for her. He couldn't. She smirked, ''The answer to your proposal is no. I can't be with a man who wants me to be someone else. I am and will remain Raina. I am proud, snobbish , arrogant and a very high maintenance woman. You can't get even get my name neat, you don't deserve me.'' Throwing the smirk at him she walked away with a big smile as Siddhant stood watching the jumbled names on the earth.

Dev, who had kept an eyes had followed her out greeted her with a bow. ''You are a Queen; you don't need a king.'' She giggled giving her brother in law a friendly hug.

***

While party was about to end, it was Ranvijay who got the Princess. Vrushali seemed annoyed as she screamed at every thing. He walked to a small corner. ''Its okay, we are sorry. I know not all should be touching those precious cheeks. Do you forgive me.'' She mumbled as he hugged her. Ranvijay looked around and said. ''I love you Laddoo.''

''And you thought no one is listening.'' He groaned when he heard Ananya behind him. Now she was going to tease him for life.

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