Ipshita and Abhimanyu, two people who belong to a very large royal family of Rajasthan, and without their consent, their families arrange their relationship. Both of them did not want to get married, but for the sake of their family's honor and reput... Ipshita and Abhimanyu, two people who belong to a very large royal family of Rajasthan, and without their consent, their families arrange their relationship. Both of them did not want to get married, but for the sake of their family's honor and reputation, they have to get married. But before reaching the wedding, will this arranged relationship be able to change into a love relationship? What changes will come in them when they get to know each other, and will their arranged marriage be able to change into a love marriage? To find out, read Our Arranged Love...<br />
Page 1 of 10
Rajasthan, Udaipur City.
It was morning, and the grandest ancestral royal palace of Udaipur, which everyone in Udaipur knew well, was where the royal family resided.
The palace was exceptionally beautiful. Outside, there was a large garden where the chirping of lovely birds could be heard amidst beautiful flowers. Directly in front of the palace was a large pond, teeming with many small fish.
As grand and beautiful as the palace was, its outer walls were adorned with equally exquisite carvings. Overall, the palace looked quite old.
Upon entering the palace, everything felt quite different from the outside world. While the palace appeared old from the outside, it exuded a regal aura from within.
Everything inside the royal palace was of superior quality. The entire palace was spotlessly clean. The interior of the dining area was quite grand, as if it were built during the time of kings and emperors. A large chandelier in the living area gave the palace a perfectly royal look. Opposite the living area were large, curved stairs leading to the rooms upstairs. Everything looked exquisitely beautiful.
Today, there was a festive atmosphere in the palace because everyone there was extremely happy. Their Kunwar Sahib had agreed to get married. Mohini Devi had been pursuing him for a long time, as someone had to take his place after the sudden death of her husband, Raja Sahib. This could not happen until the marriage; it was a very old rule of the royal family.
In the living area, a middle-aged woman sat with full authority, dressed in an off-white Banarasi saree, wearing a pearl necklace, her hair in a bun, with light makeup and a small black bindi on her forehead. The woman appeared very happy but did not outwardly display her joy.
The people standing around her stood with their hands folded. This woman looked like the Queen of the palace.
The woman carefully examined several photographs of girls placed on the table.
She picked up a photograph of one girl and handed it to a man standing in front of her, who was wearing a short kurta-pajama and thick spectacles (he seemed to be an employee of the palace), and said,
"Munim Ji! Out of all these pictures, we only liked this one girl. Tell us all about her. She seems absolutely perfect for our son."
The man took the picture and said,
"Rani Sahiba, she is the only daughter of the Suryavanshi family, very well-bred and beautiful. And that family is also descended from royalty like us."
The woman sitting in front crossed one leg over the other, placed her hands on her knees, and said in a low voice,
"That's excellent. Then we have decided that she will be the bride for our Abhimanyu."
Munim Ji, standing in front, picked up the remaining photographs from the table and put them in his bag, saying,
"Alright, Rani Sahiba, I understand. I will speak with Mr. Suryavanshi as soon as possible and arrange your meeting with him."
As Munim Ji was about to leave, Rani Sahiba stopped him and said,
"One minute, Munim Ji, wait and give us the photograph of our future daughter-in-law!"
Munim Ji smiled and handed the girl's photograph to Rani Sahiba and left. Just then, a six-foot-tall young man, dressed in a three-piece suit, was descending the front stairs. He was very handsome; he had a phone in one hand and his other hand in his pants pocket.
He looked quite serious; his sharp nose, a lightly set beard on his face, and deep black eyes were very attractive. He looked more attractive up close than he appeared from a distance.
His well-built physique, saffron-colored suit, and serious expression made him look like a stern young man. As the young man descended the stairs and entered the living hall,
He saw Rani Sahiba seated on the royal armchair in front. He approached her and said,
"Good morning, Maa Sahiba…!"
Rani Sahiba smiled upon seeing him and said,
"You are ready so early for the office today? Do you have an important meeting, Abhimanyu?"
The young man standing in front nodded and said,
"Yes, Maa Sahiba, it is quite important work, which is why we are leaving early."
Rani Sahiba got up and stood, approaching Abhimanyu, and said,
"Abhimanyu, we know very well that after your Baba Sahib's passing, you have become quite mature and responsible. And we must get you married before your twenty-sixth birthday. You know very well how important this is for our royal family. That's why we have made the biggest decision of your life. We have chosen a girl for you. Would you like to see her picture?"
Abhimanyu nodded and said,
"Maa Sahiba, we have no other option now, and we have no objection to any of your decisions. And anyway, if you have chosen her as our life partner, she must be good. We have complete faith in your decision and don't need to see anyone's picture. We have to leave for the office now. We'll discuss the rest later. I'm leaving now."
Rani Sahiba did not stop Abhimanyu, and he left the royal palace directly.
Three days later,
The large mansion of the Suryavanshi family, which looked quite old from the outside, was very modern from the inside. The living area had a modern sofa set, a dining table; the entire interior was decorated in shades of sky blue. Everything looked very beautiful.
At night, a 45-year-old man sat on the head chair at the dining table, and a 42-year-old woman sat on the chair next to him. The middle-aged man was wearing a kurta-pajama. The woman sitting next to him wore a chiffon saree with an open pallu. In front of both of them sat a 25-year-old young man, dressed in a t-shirt and jeans.
A very beautiful girl emerged from the front room. Her straight hair was thick and reached her waist. Her eyes were light brown. The girl was wearing a cute pink kitty-print nightdress.
She walked out of her room with a smile and said, looking at the dishes on the dining table,
"Oh wow, Mummy! Did you make everything I like today?"
The middle-aged man seated at the head chair smiled and said,
"Yes, daughter, your mother is very happy that you are home after so long. Today's entire dinner is as per your liking."
The girl looked at her mother and said with a smile,
"Thank you so much, Mummy! You know, I really missed home-cooked food at the hostel."
The young man sitting in front said with a smile,
"Ipshita! You only missed home-cooked food, not us?"
To this, Ipshita nodded and said,
"No, Bhai Uday! What are you saying? We missed all of you daily. That's why as soon as our mid-semester exams finished, we came straight to you."
The man seated at the head chair became serious and said,
"Alright, pleasantries can come later. Let's start eating."
Servants standing nearby began serving food to everyone's plates.
As Ipshita was eating, her gaze fell on her parents, and looking at them, she said,
"Mummy-Papa, what's the matter? Do you want to tell us something?"
Ipshita's mother looked at her father, and then Ipshita's father said,
"Yes, daughter, we had something very important to discuss with you."
Ipshita said, eating normally,
"Yes, Papa, please tell me what it is?"
To be continued
Uday looked at his parents in surprise. Seeing him, it seemed as if his parents were about to say something that he already knew, but he felt it was not right to speak between them and he quietly ate his food. Then Ipshita’s father looked at his wife and said, "Suhasini ji! Tell Ipshita."
“Beta,” Ipshita’s mother said, “We were telling you that your studies are now finished and you have returned home at a very good time. In fact, a very good and respectable proposal has come for you. For the son of the biggest Rajput family in Rajasthan. Queen Sahiba of the Rajput family has chosen you to be the daughter-in-law of her palace.”
Ipshita stopped eating. Hearing about marriage from her mother’s mouth, she absolutely did not expect to receive such news at this time.
Ipshita was in shock, so she couldn’t say anything. But her mother smiled and said, “You know, from the time you were born, we knew very well that you are very lucky. And look, today this has been proven! We have fixed your marriage in the biggest royal family of Udaipur. You will be very happy there.”
“Yes beta,” Ipshita’s father agreed, “Your mother is absolutely right. We have always wanted your happiness and you will be very happy there.”
Ipshita looked at her parents. Both of them seemed very happy. Ipshita said, a little confused, "But Mommy, what's the hurry for the wedding and...!"
As Ipshita was speaking, her mother interrupted her and said, “There’s no hurry, we will do everything very calmly, beta. Don’t worry at all. You know, Kunwar Abhimanyu Rajvanshi is a very good person. Think, you are going to get the happiness of becoming his wife. We are already very happy thinking about all this.”
“But Mommy,” Ipshita said hesitantly, “Who is this Kunwar Abhimanyu Rajvanshi? We don’t even know him, so then...!”
Ipshita’s mother didn’t let her finish and said with a smile, “If you don’t know him, you will get to know him. Anyway, you have a meeting with Kunwar Sahab tomorrow evening. Maybe he also wants to meet you, so you can meet and get to know each other.”
“Tomorrow?” Ipshita said, completely shocked.
“Yes,” Ipshita’s father nodded, “You have to meet Kunwar Sahab tomorrow. On this pretext, you both will get to know each other a little.”
Seeing her mother and father so happy, Ipshita couldn’t say anything and just nodded her head. Now, not even a morsel could go down her throat.
Uday noticed the expression on Ipshita’s face and he quietly nodded.
Ipshita’s parents were sitting at the dining table talking about this matter, and Ipshita was silently listening to them.
After a while, Ipshita got up from the dining table to leave. Just then her mother stopped her and said, “Where are you going? You haven’t had dessert.”
“No Mommy,” Ipshita shook her head, “We are full. We don’t feel like eating dessert, so we are going to our room.”
Saying this, Ipshita went straight to her room. Uday quickly finished his food and thought to himself, “I understand, Ishi is not happy at all hearing about her marriage. She became so upset at the mention of marriage! Don’t parents see this? I have to talk to Ishi.”
Saying this, he went straight to Ipshita’s room.
Ipshita was sitting silently by the window of her room. She looked at the moon in the sky outside and kept gazing at it.
Uday entered Ipshita’s room and standing in front of her, said, “Ishi! How could you agree to the marriage so easily? Are you really happy with this marriage?”
“Uday Bhai,” Ipshita smiled reluctantly, “Do you think we have any option not to agree to this marriage? Do you think we can refuse this marriage?”
“Ishi,” Uday explained, “Listen to me carefully. This is about your marriage, not for a day or two, it’s a question of your entire life. How can you agree to marry like this?”
“Uday Bhai,” Ipshita held Uday’s hand and said, “Even if I want to, I won’t be able to refuse the marriage, because you haven’t seen how happy Mom and Dad are about the wedding. They have given us a luxurious life since childhood. Whatever we thought, it would be in front of us the next day. When they have made such big sacrifices for our happiness, can’t we do one thing for their happiness?”
“Ishi,” Uday shook his head, “The expressions on your face tell us that you don’t want to marry Kunwar Sahab. We would advise you that you should not let any decision of your parents be forced upon you.”
“No Bhai,” Ipshita shook her head, “Don’t say that. Whatever Mom and Dad will do, they will do it for our well-being.”
Uday took a deep breath and shook his head, saying, “How can we make you understand, Ishi?”
Ipshita did not want to talk about this matter with Uday anymore. She was already very distressed. She quietly went to her bed and covered her face with the blanket.
When Uday saw Ipshita lying on the bed like this, he quietly left her room.
Ipshita had a lot on her mind, but she did not feel it was right to share anything with her brother at that time.
“We never thought of this. If Mom and Dad get us married so soon, what will happen to our dreams? There must be so many restrictions in a royal family, even more than our home! Once I become the daughter-in-law there, I might not even be allowed to step out of the house.” – Ipshita fell asleep thinking about her future.
The next morning, Ipshita’s phone rang, and she woke up to the ringtone. Receiving the call, Ipshita said, “Hello Nandini, why did you call so early in the morning?”
“It’s morning for you this morning!” Nandini said, “And I have been trying to talk to you since last night, but you haven’t replied to any of my messages. You forgot your best friend as soon as you reached your parents’ house. How selfish you are!”
Ipshita sat up rubbing her eyes and said, leaning on her bed, “What are you talking about? How can we forget you?”
Hearing Ipshita’s voice, Nandini said, “What’s wrong? You sound very strange. Is everything alright?”
“What can we tell you, Nandini?” Ipshita said in a low voice, “As soon as we arrived here, Mom and Dad had prepared a different surprise gift for us. It felt like a terrible shock.”
“What do you mean? Is there a problem?” Nandini asked, shocked.
“I don’t know if this will be called a problem or not,” Ipshita shook her head, “But Mom and Dad told us at dinner last night that they have fixed our marriage in the biggest royal family of Rajasthan.”
As soon as Nandini heard this, she said, shocked, “What? Marriage? But dear, how can your parents fix such a marriage so quickly? What did you say to them? You should have clearly refused the marriage, shouldn’t you?”
To be continued
As soon as Nandini heard about Ipshita's engagement, she was stunned and said, "What? What did you say? Marriage? But dear, how could your parents finalize a marriage so quickly? What did you tell them? You should have plainly refused the marriage?"
Ipshita sighed, "What are you saying? How can we refuse our parents? You know we can't hurt our parents' feelings. We have no option but to get married or refuse."
Nandini stammered, "What do you mean you have no option? How can you agree to marry just anyone?"
Ipshita said in a low voice, "Sooner or later, I have to get married to someone. So, for our parents' sake, we will get married."
Nandini shook her head and said, "You've gone mad! And what about the plans you made for your future with me? And most importantly, Ipshita, your dream? How can you give up such a big dream of yours?"
Ipshita didn't say anything after hearing Nandini's words; she just closed her eyes tightly.
A voice came from the other side of the phone, "So you'll suffocate your dreams for your parents?"
Ipshita said, "Nandini! You don't know, it's not easy to be in a royal family. You have to consider your family and your entire royal lineage. And perhaps we had forgotten for a few days that we are daughters of royalty."
Nandini shook her head and said, "So you've decided to sacrifice all your dreams? That's not right, dear! I still suggest you talk to your parents and refuse the marriage for now."
Ipshita said with disappointment, "Stop saying the same thing over and over, Nandini! We can't do this. You don't know what our parents have done for us? From childhood till today, they have raised us like real princesses and given us such a luxurious life. We never had to ask for anything, and all our needs were met in an instant. They never let us lack anything. They even sent us to study in another city outside Udaipur, even though girls here are not allowed to live so far away from home. But our parents fulfilled this stubborn wish of ours too. Now you understand how much they love us; only we know this, and we cannot go against them."
Nandini explained, "But where am I telling you to go against them? I'm just asking you to put forth your point of view..."
As Nandini was speaking, Ipshita interrupted her, "Leave it, Nandini! We don't need to talk about this. We'll talk to you later. We just woke up and don't feel good at all. We're going to get fresh, bye."
With that, Ipshita disconnected the call and went straight to the bathroom.
Meanwhile downstairs, Mr. and Mrs. Suryavanshi were talking at the breakfast table. Ipshita's father said, "Suhasini ji! Have you spoken to Rani sa?"
Ipshita's mother nodded and said, "Yes, we have spoken to her, and she has arranged a meeting between Ipshita and Kunwar sa this evening. That too at her own hotel. And I've clearly told her that we won't send our Ipshita alone. Ipshita will be accompanied by her bodyguard Sanjay. And she said she has no problem with it. She just wants the children to be able to talk comfortably and get to know each other a little."
Ipshita's father smiled and said, "Yes, that's good. The sooner they understand each other, the better everything will be."
Ipshita had come out of her room and as soon as she heard her parents talking, she stopped at the stairs. Then Suhasini ji looked at Ipshita and said, "Oh Ipshita dear, come here. Why are you standing there? Come and have breakfast with us."
Ipshita was feeling a bit uneasy, but then she nodded and quietly came to the dining table and sat down. She also smiled at her mother and asked, "Mom, where is brother?"
Before Suhasini ji could reply, Ipshita's father said, "Uday has gone to the office. We had a very important meeting today, but we got up a bit late, so we sent Uday to the office early. We are also about to leave. You sit and talk with your mother."
With that, Ipshita's father also left for the office. Ipshita was slowly having breakfast, and then Suhasini ji said, "Dear, I wanted to clarify something with you."
Ipshita stopped talking upon hearing her mother and said in a low voice, "Yes, Mom, tell me what you want to talk about?"
Ipshita's mother got up, sat next to her, and said, "Ipshita, are you happy with our decision?"
Ipshita didn't know whether to tell the truth or lie. Thinking this, she looked at her mother's hopeful face.
Seeing that, Ipshita just nodded slowly. Then Ipshita's mother became very happy and hugged her and said, "We expected this from you. We knew our daughter would never object to our decision. Now, quickly finish your breakfast and get ready, you have to go to meet Kunwar sa."
As soon as Ipshita heard this, she started coughing and covering her mouth, she said, "What! What are you saying, Mom? Today?"
Suhasini ji nodded and said, "Yes, today you have to meet Kunwar Abhimanyu Rajvanshi for lunch. So, quickly have your breakfast and go to your room to get ready."
Ipshita got lost in thought upon hearing her mother's words, and it was evident from her expression that she was thinking about something.
Ipshita's mother placed her hand on her shoulder and said, "What are you thinking, dear?"
Ipshita shook her head and quietly continued her breakfast. And then Suhasini ji said, "And yes, you are the only daughter of the Suryavanshi family, so wear your best dress to meet Kunwar sa."
Ipshita looked at her clothes. At that moment, she was wearing a simple jeans and top.
Ipshita said with confusion, "But Mom, what's wrong with these clothes?"
Suhasini ji put her hand to her head and said, "Oh God! Why don't you understand that you are a royal daughter, and royal daughters don't meet their future husbands wearing such clothes."
As soon as Ipshita heard this, she clenched her fists and quietly continued her breakfast. And then Suhasini ji got up and stood, held the end of her sari stylishly in her hand, and went straight to her room from there.
Having heard about the royal family and Kunwar again and again, Ipshita was quite irritated. So, as soon as her mother left, Ipshita spoke to herself irritably, "I don't know who this Kunwar sa Abhimanyu Rajvanshi is? We haven't even heard his name, I wonder what we will talk about when we meet him?"
After breakfast, Ipshita went straight to her room and stood with her large wardrobe open. Looking at all her jeans, tops, and one-piece dresses, she said, "Now, what should we wear from these that will give us a royal look? Mom, really, she stresses me out over little things."
Ipshita took out a pink one-piece long frock dress, wore it, and came into the room. Standing in front of the large mirror, she said, "I hope! Mom likes this dress on me."
As soon as Ipshita said that, a voice came from behind her, "No, not at all. We will never let you go in front of Kunwar sa wearing this dress. Change it, dear."
As soon as Ipshita heard her mother's voice, she turned around and looked at her dress and said, "But why, Mom? What's wrong with this dress?"
Behind Ipshita's mother stood a servant, who followed her into Ipshita's room. Ipshita saw three or four shopping bags in the servant's hand. Suhasini ji gestured to the servant to place the bags in front of Ipshita, and the servant bowed his head and left.
To be continued...
Suhasini ji went to Ipshita and, touching her face lovingly, said, "Beta, today is your first meeting with Kunwar Sahib, and you know, first impressions are lasting impressions. We want you to capture Kunwar Sahib's attention, so we have ordered this dress for you. You will go to meet Kunwar Sahib wearing it."
Ipshita looked at the bag. Suhasini ji took out the gown from the bag and, holding it against Ipshita's body, said, "Perfect! It will look very lovely on you. Look at yourself in the mirror."
Ipshita raised her eyes and looked in the mirror. It was a golden, very heavy gown. Seeing the gown, Ipshita said, "Mommy, are you serious? Will it be okay to meet Mr. Abhimanyu for the first time wearing such a heavy gown?"
Suhasini ji immediately shook her head and said, "Just, beta, it looks great on you, and with it, we've also ordered matching jewelry and new heels. Now hurry up and get ready. Your car is ready, and your bodyguard Sanjay will also accompany you."
As soon as Ipshita heard this, she said in a low voice, "A bodyguard will go with me? Am I meeting a criminal?"
Suhasini ji heard Ipshita's words and, clearing her throat, said, "Ahem... ahem... don't say such things, beta! He is Kunwar Sahib and soon to be the future King of the Udaipur Royal Palace. Come on, hurry up and get ready and come downstairs; we are waiting for you below."
Ipshita was looking at the heavy gown with a peculiar expression on her face. Noticing this, Suhasini ji paused for a moment and asked, "If you are having any trouble getting ready, should we send the maid in?"
Ipshita shook her head and said, "No, Mommy, there's no need for that. We'll be ready in just ten minutes."
Suhasini ji said, "Not ten minutes; get ready comfortably and properly. We want Kunwar Sahib to see you and be mesmerized."
Saying this, Suhasini ji kissed Ipshita's forehead lovingly and left her room. Ipshita took a deep breath and headed towards the changing room to wear the gown.
Half an hour later, Ipshita emerged from her room, ready. As Ipshita descended the stairs, Suhasini ji, who was instructing Sanjay on Ipshita's security, said, "Sanjay, you are our most trusted man, which is why we are sending you as Ipshita's bodyguard. Remember, Ipshita and Kunwar Sahib's meeting is going to be in a private room at the hotel, and you will stay outside that room. We don't want any disturbance in their meeting. You must take full care of Ipshita's security. Do you understand?"
Sanjay, who was in bodyguard uniform, clasped his hands in front of him, bowed his head, and said, "Yes, Madam, I will not give you any reason to complain. Baby Ji's safety is my responsibility."
Suhasini ji nodded. Just then, Sanjay's gaze fell upon Ipshita, who was managing her gown, wearing high heels and diamond necklace, with her hair open and light makeup. But that golden gown looked stunning on Ipshita.
Sanjay bowed his head and said, "Madam, Baby Ji has arrived."
Suhasini ji turned around upon hearing Sanjay's words. As she raised her eyes and saw Ipshita, a big smile spread across her face. Adjusting the pallu of her saree, she moved forward, took Ipshita's hand, smiled as she looked at her, and said, "Wow! So beautiful! You look just like my daughter now! This gown looks amazing on you. Kunwar Sahib will be captivated by you."
Ipshita didn't say anything in response to Suhasini's words. Then Suhasini touched her finger to the corner of her eye and, touching Ipshita's neck with her finger, said, "May you not be cursed by our own evil eye! Go, meet Kunwar Sahib. And yes, remember what I told you, Ipshita, no matter what, you will not displease him. Today, the honor of the Suryavanshi royal family rests on your shoulders. So behave like a princess, okay."
Ipshita nodded and said, "Okay, Mommy, I will try not to disappoint you."
Suhasini ji stopped Ipshita by saying, "It's not me you need to remember this for, but you must remember not to disappoint Kunwar Sahib. Converse with him properly."
Ipshita nodded, and she began to exit the mansion. Sanjay opened the car door, and Ipshita quietly sat in the car.
After a short while, the car stopped, and Ipshita looked out the window, where it was written in large letters:
MS ROYAL GRAND...
It was a seven-star hotel, thirty stories high. It looked incredibly beautiful.
Looking at the hotel, Ipshita said, "This is a seven-star hotel. I've heard a lot about it."
Sanjay came and opened the car door, saying, "Baby Ji, this hotel is named after Kunwar Abhimanyu Rajvanshi's father. It's his biggest seven-star hotel, and he has called you here to meet. Please come out."
Hearing Sanjay's words, Ipshita quietly got out of the car, and Sanjay handed the car keys to a gatekeeper standing in front to park it, and then he directly went inside the hotel with Ipshita.
She showed her card to the gatekeeper, who bowed his head in greeting. Ipshita didn't respond, as she was accustomed to such things.
She quietly entered the hotel, and as soon as she entered, all eyes were fixed on her. Sanjay went to the hotel manager, and as soon as he showed him his card, he said, "Yes, Kunwar Sahib has a meeting with Ipshita."
The manager came up to Ipshita and said, "Welcome, Ma'am, please come this way."
Ipshita walked with the manager, and Sanjay followed behind her.
The manager, Ipshita, and Sanjay stood in front of the elevator. As soon as the elevator opened, the manager stepped inside with both of them and pressed the button for the fifteenth floor.
Ipshita's nervousness was increasing, and many questions were flooding her mind: how would she behave with Abhimanyu? How would Abhimanyu react upon seeing her? What would he ask her? And many other questions.
Lost in these thoughts, they reached the fifteenth floor. As the manager stepped out of the elevator, he walked forward and stopped outside a large golden door.
He opened the door with his ID card and, looking at Ipshita, said, "Ma'am, please! Please go inside and wait for a little while; Kunwar Sahib will be here any moment."
Hearing the manager's words, Ipshita thought to herself, "He'll be here any moment, meaning Mr. Abhimanyu hasn't arrived yet. He has no regard for time."
Seeing Ipshita thinking like this, Sanjay asked, "Baby Ji, what are you thinking?"
Ipshita nodded and quietly went inside the room, while Sanjay stood guard outside the room.
As soon as Ipshita entered the room, everything in it was golden. There was a large living area with big sofas and a dining table for eight people.
Everything looked quite regal. In every corner were large candle stands, which were extremely beautiful, and in the center of the table was a large vase filled with fresh roses.
Ipshita entered the room and looked around, surveying it. There was no one else in the room besides her. Ipshita took a deep breath and comfortably sat on the single sofa placed in the middle.
To be continued...
Ipshita took out her mobile phone and checked some messages from last night. As soon as she opened them, she found they were all from Nandini. Shaking her head, she said, "My best friend worries so much about me! And I didn't even talk to her properly and just hung up on her unnecessarily. What should I do? I'm free now, should I talk to her?"
Thinking this, Ipshita was about to dial Nandini's number when she stopped herself, saying, "No. If I call Nandini, who knows how long she'll talk to me. And if Mr. Abhimanyu arrives, there might be some trouble. And I don't want to disappoint Mom. So, I'll tell her everything when I get home."
As Ipshita was looking at her mobile phone, the room door opened and a man entered stylishly, wearing a brown three-piece suit, goggles, and a diamond watch from Tiffany & Co. on his wrist.
As soon as Ipshita heard someone entering, she placed her phone on the side table and looked towards Abhimanyu. Abhimanyu looked quite handsome, but there was no smile on his face.
As soon as he came inside, Ipshita thought to herself, "Oh! So this is Mr. Abhimanyu?"
Ipshita was staring at him. He stopped in front of Ipshita and stylishly removed his glasses, looking at her. Ipshita's light makeup and her light brown eyes gave her a very decent look. Ipshita looked like a very beautiful, delicate Barbie doll and was staring intently at Abhimanyu because he was also very handsome! Ipshita had probably never seen such a handsome guy so closely in her life. He was different from everyone else.
Ipshita hadn't noticed before sitting down, but there was a round table in front of where she was sitting, with two wine glasses and a vase elegantly arranged on it. On the other side, there was a single sofa exactly like the one she was sitting on. So, Abhimanyu sat on the other single sofa opposite her.
Ipshita was about to get up and stand when she saw him enter the room, but after Abhimanyu sat down, she didn't feel the need to do so.
He glanced at Ipshita and said, "Hi! So you are Ipshita Suryavanshi, right? And our parents arranged this, so you must know our name too."
As he spoke, Abhimanyu's gaze shifted from Ipshita's face to her perfectly straight, long hair that fell to her waist. Even in her heavy gown, she looked quite beautiful. Her matching jewelry and makeup made her look even more elegant, but at that moment, she was looking at Abhimanyu with a rather judgmental expression.
Looking at him, Ipshita thought to herself, "What does he think he is? Saying hello so casually as if he's known us forever! And he didn't even apologize for being late. But whatever you say, the guy is hot and handsome as well as attractive. Maybe he's proud of that, on top of being an heir to royalty."
Ipshita hadn't responded to his words yet and was still looking at him. Abhimanyu also remained silent, thinking that perhaps Ipshita wasn't interested in talking to him.
So, he took out his mobile phone and started scrolling through it.
Seeing him using his phone like that, Ipshita got angry because she was sitting there like a fool. She said abruptly, "Are you here to use your phone?"
Ipshita didn't say this too loudly, and Abhimanyu wasn't paying attention to her at all. Therefore, he didn't hear her properly and asked, "Sorry! Did you say something?"
His asking this made Ipshita feel even worse, thinking that he wasn't paying any attention to her. But still, remembering her mother's words and everything she had explained to her before coming here, Ipshita somehow calmed herself down and replied, "Yes, Mr. Abhimanyu! We were saying that if you have such important work on your mobile phone, you should finish it first. Then we can talk. Anyway, is our conversation that important? Our parents have already discussed everything. We are just here to meet for formality."
Abhimanyu agreed with her statement, saying, "Yes, you are completely right! We are also here at our mother's behest, otherwise, we don't want to get married either."
Saying this, he put his mobile phone back in his pocket. Hearing his words, Ipshita immediately asked, "Why? We mean, if you don't want to marry us, you can refuse!"
Abhimanyu shook his head in denial, saying, "No, we can't refuse because it is our mother's wish and it is necessary."
Ipshita said despairingly, "Oh! So your situation is the same as ours! Then what's the point of you being a prince?"
Abhimanyu raised his eyebrows and said, "What do you mean by that?"
Ipshita, trying to hide her words, said, "No, nothing. We just thought that perhaps you don't want to marry us, but someone else."
Abhimanyu replied, "No, actually, we don't want to marry anyone, but if we have to now, we will marry according to our mother's choice."
Ipshita said in a low voice, "Yes, we are also sitting here because of our parents."
Abhimanyu said with a lot of attitude, "Don't tell me, unlike other girls, you are not interested in becoming the queen of our royal family and neither in this marriage?"
Ipshita narrowed her eyebrows and said, "What do you mean by that? Are we marrying you because of your name and status?"
Abhimanyu answered directly, "Yes, absolutely! What else could be the reason?"
Ipshita said irritably, "There can be many other reasons, but for now, the biggest reason we have is our parents, whose words we cannot refuse. And that's why we are tolerating you. How dare you accuse us like this?"
Saying this, Ipshita got up angrily from her seat. Firstly, she didn't want to come here in the first place, and on top of that, Abhimanyu's rude behavior was making her even angrier.
She had been controlling herself for a long time, while Abhimanyu was speaking such things calmly. Now Ipshita couldn't hold back.
Abhimanyu said in a threatening tone, "Don't you think your behavior might cause us to refuse this marriage?"
Ipshita said without hesitation, "No, you can't because you just said so a moment ago. And even if you refuse, it would be better for us. We'll leave. We don't think there's any point in staying here any longer."
Saying this, she walked out. Abhimanyu looked at her and thought to himself, "So much anger! What did we actually say? But we have to admit, our mother's choice. Princess Ipshita was very beautiful. It doesn't matter if we didn't compliment her in person. But these eyes, we can never forget them."
Thinking this, and remembering Ipshita's beautiful eyes, Abhimanyu smiled for a moment, but then immediately became serious and said to himself, "We noticed her eyes, seriously! And that too on the very first meeting! This has never happened with anyone before. Strange!"
Abhimanyu himself couldn't believe what he had just said, but then, shaking off this thought, he got up from his seat and also left.
To be continued
Ipshita got out of the hotel and immediately got into the car. Sanjay started driving, and after a short while, they reached the mansion. Seeing Ipshita's car stop outside the mansion, Suhasini ji looked out. Ipshita quietly entered the mansion, adjusting her gown. As she was heading towards her room, Suhasini ji stopped her, saying, "Wait a minute, Ipshita! Where are you going? Come here."
Ipshita came and sat next to Suhasini ji and asked, "Yes, Mom, what happened?"
Suhasini ji smiled and said, "We should be asking you this. How was your meeting with Kunwar Sahab? What did Kunwar Sahab say, and did you like him? Did you two talk well?"
Ipshita thought to herself, "Whether I liked him or not, what difference does it make? If everything is already decided, then what's the point of saying anything?"
As Ipshita was thinking this, Suhasini ji waved her hand in front of Ipshita's face and said, "What happened? We are asking you something, tell us, how was your meeting with Kunwar Sahab?"
Ipshita replied with a reluctant smile, "Everything was fine, Mom, and I'm a bit tired, so I'm going to my room."
Suhasini ji cupped Ipshita's face in her hands, kissed her forehead, and said, "This is what we expected from you. Go, rest and freshen up. And if you need anything, let us know."
Ipshita nodded in agreement and quietly went to her room. She took out her nightdress and went to the bathroom to change out of the heavy gown.
After a while, Ipshita, changed into her nightclothes, lay comfortably on her bed and sighed, "I feel so relaxed now."
Lying on the bed, Ipshita picked up her phone and saw that Nandini had sent many messages. Ipshita quickly picked up her phone and started checking all the messages.
After reading all the messages, Ipshita said, "Instead of replying to so many messages, it's better to call Nandini."
Saying this, she immediately dialed Nandini's number. Nandini answered on the first ring and said, "Where were you? I've been messaging you for so long! I sent so many messages, but you haven't replied to any. Did your parents get you married in a hurry?"
Nandini laughed after saying this.
Hearing her playful laughter, Ipshita scolded her, "Shut up, Nandini! What are you saying? My parents love me very much; they wouldn't do anything in such a hurry. And most importantly, I'm not in the mood for such jokes. I'm already quite tired."
Nandini said nervously, "Why? Were you made to clean your entire palace today? That you're so tired."
Ipshita replied irritably, "Do you want to talk to me or just spout your nonsense? If you only want to make fun of me, hang up the phone. I don't want to talk to you."
Nandini said with a laugh, "Okay, okay, fine. No more jokes. Now tell me, what happened? Why are you tired, my bestie?"
Ipshita took a deep breath and said, "Well... I met Mr. Abhimanyu today. My parents sent me to meet him."
Nandini asked confusedly, "Abhimanyu! Who is that now?"
Ipshita replied irritably, "The one our parents have decided for our marriage. I told you yesterday, didn't I? Did you forget?"
Nandini said confusedly, "Yes, you did tell me, but you didn't mention his name. So, my future brother-in-law's name is Abhimanyu?"
Ipshita nodded, "Yes, Kunwar Abhimanyu Rajvanshi."
Nandini said excitedly, "So you met your future husband today! You met so quickly! Wow, girl! Tell me everything in detail. What does our brother-in-law look like? What did you talk about with him? And you took pictures, didn't you?"
Ipshita said angrily, "What pictures could I possibly take? He didn't even speak to us properly; he's very arrogant."
As soon as Ipshita finished speaking, Nandini said, "You told me he's from a very big royal family. Tell me his full name again, I'll search for my brother-in-law. Actually, the name sounds familiar. Wait a minute, I'll search now... but I'm talking to you right now. Okay, never mind, I'll search later. Now tell me more, did you ask him anything? What are his favorite things? What does he like and dislike? And did you tell him about your dreams, about what you want in your life?"
Ipshita shook her head, "I don't know anything! I didn't even talk properly. As soon as he sat in front of me, he didn't say anything for a while, then he ignored us and got busy with his phone. On top of that, what he said put us in a bad mood, and we also said some rude things in anger and left."
Nandini hit her forehead and said, "Oh, my Rani of Jhansi! It was the first meeting; you should have spoken a bit politely."
Ipshita quickly retorted, "Why? Why should only we be polite? If he wasn't interested in talking to us, why should I sit there and get insulted? That's why I didn't stay there long."
Seeing Ipshita angry, Nandini said, "Okay, okay, fine. Why are you taking your anger out on me now? Alright, let's talk about something else."
Ipshita said, "What else is there to talk about? I'm in a bad mood."
Nandini said, trying to console her, "Oh dear, how can I fix your mood? By the way, tell me something, if you met him today, you would have known at least a little. You're getting married, and you don't know anything about him. You should know something before the wedding, right?"
Hearing Nandini's words, Ipshita thought to herself, "Actually, in a way, Nandini is absolutely right. I have to find out something about Mr. Abhimanyu. How can I marry someone I know nothing about?"
As Ipshita was thinking all this, Nandini said, "Hello Ishi, are you listening to me?"
Ipshita nodded, "I'm listening. I'll talk to you later. I just remembered something important."
Nandini said, "Okay. In the meantime, I'll also do some Google searches about my brother-in-law. You also try to find out something about him."
Ipshita nodded and said, "Yes, okay. I'll see."
As soon as Ipshita hung up Nandini's call, she immediately took out her phone and started calling someone. As soon as the call was answered, Ipshita said, "Hello Sanjay Uncle, this is Ipshita speaking."
A voice came from the other end of the phone, "Yes, baby ji, tell me what's the matter?"
Ipshita said, "I met Mr. Abhimanyu today."
Sanjay replied, "Yes, baby ji!"
Ipshita said, "Actually, I need some information about him."
Sanjay asked confusedly, "What kind of information, baby ji?"
Ipshita said, "Sanjay Uncle, Mom only told me that he is from a royal family and that I am going to marry him soon. Apart from that, she didn't tell me much. And I was a little hesitant to tell Mom this. I don't know how she will react if I tell Mom, and then I might not like it. So, can you help me a little? Please don't tell Mom. Can you gather information about Mr. Abhimanyu for me?"
Sanjay replied, a bit confused, "But baby ji, why are you asking me to hide this from the madam? We can find out everything by talking to her. Don't worry."
Ipshita said, "No, Sanjay Uncle, if you talk to Mom, then forget it. I don't need any information."
Sanjay said in a low voice, "Okay, baby ji, don't be upset. We will gather all the information for you as soon as possible."
Ipshita said happily, "Thank you so much, Sanjay Uncle. I knew you would definitely help me. And this will be a secret between us."
Sanjay nodded, "Okay, baby ji, as you say."
Hearing Sanjay, Ipshita also said "Okay" and put her phone aside. But Abhimanyu was still on her mind. Thinking, is he really like that? Was he behaving this way to make a good first impression?
She didn't understand much, but she found Abhimanyu's personality quite mysterious, and therefore she was very eager to know about him. And she didn't know what information Sanjay would give her about his life tomorrow. But whatever it was, Ipshita was not going to marry him without knowing anything. That's why she assigned this task to Sanjay. She knew it wouldn't be too difficult for Sanjay.
Thinking all this, Ipshita lay on her bed and eventually fell asleep.
To be continued
It was evening in the Rajvanshi palace. Abhimanyu had returned to the palace after meeting Ipshita. Abhimanyu’s uncle, Narendra Rajvanshi, reached his room where his wife Pallavi was sitting with a pout, looking angry. As soon as Narendra saw Pallavi in a fit of rage, he said while taking off his coat, “What’s the matter, Pallavi? Why are you sitting so angry?”
Pallavi did not reply to Narendra’s question. Narendra drank some water, sat comfortably on the sofa, and said, “We are very tired today. Do you know how much work there was at the office today? And we had to attend both meetings at the office. I don’t know where Abhimanyu had gone.”
As soon as Pallavi heard this from Narendra, she fumed with anger. She slammed the room door shut and, standing in front of Narendra, shouted, “You will just keep attending office meetings like this, and your nephew will sit on the Maharaj’s throne, and that too very soon.”
“Are you mad? What are you talking about? Why would he sit on the Maharaj’s throne?” Narendra said, glaring at Pallavi angrily after hearing her words.
“Because your nephew is going to get married very soon, and if he gets married before his twenty-sixth birthday, you will lose the throne,” Pallavi said.
“Shut up and don’t even utter such inauspicious words! Don’t you know how long we have been waiting to get that throne, and that throne is ours! Abhimanyu can never sit on the throne as long as we are alive, don’t you know? We have gone through so much trouble so far! And until we get that throne, we will not rest easy,” Narendra said, scolding Pallavi.
“You will just keep thinking, and your nephew will take over the entire royal palace. You don’t know what kind of planning and plotting your sister-in-law is involved in! She sent Abhimanyu to meet some girl today. That’s why Abhimanyu didn’t reach the office. They are doing all this by keeping you entangled in office work, and you are not even aware of it! We overheard your sister-in-law talking on the phone this morning, so we came to know about it. Otherwise, your sister-in-law would never tell you all this,” Pallavi said angrily.
“So, this means all this is happening behind my back! Pallavi, find out who that girl is who is going to be Abhimanyu’s bride. We cannot let our years of hard work go to waste like this,” Narendra said, grinding his teeth in anger.
“Look, we are trying, but I don’t think your sister-in-law will tell us anything voluntarily. So, we will have to find out everything by hook or by crook. You also keep your eyes and ears open at the office from now on. See where Abhimanyu goes and whom he meets,” Pallavi said, sitting next to Narendra.
“Yes, I will find that out,” Narendra said, nodding in agreement.
Meanwhile,
Abhimanyu was sitting on the sofa in his room, working on his laptop. As soon as Abhimanyu closed the laptop, he stretched and said, “Well, today’s meeting went well, and I’ve also finalized this deal.”
Abhimanyu stretched, leaned back on the sofa, and closed his eyes. As soon as Abhimanyu closed his eyes, Ipshita’s face appeared before him.
As Ipshita’s face flashed before him, Abhimanyu quickly opened his eyes and said, “What was that? Why did Ipshita’s face appear before me?”
“How can this be? How can that girl be stuck in our mind after just one meeting? No, no, what am I thinking? There’s nothing like that. Why would she be in my mind, and why am I thinking about her? I can’t think about anyone,” Abhimanyu said, holding his head.
Abhimanyu shook his head negatively and got up from his seat and went straight to the washroom. Splashing water on his face, Abhimanyu looked at himself in the mirror and continued to think about Ipshita.
Abhimanyu couldn’t sleep properly all night. Ipshita’s face kept appearing before his eyes. Abhimanyu couldn’t understand why this was happening to him.
“Why is this happening to me? I have met so many girls before, but I have never felt like this. Why do I keep thinking about Princess Ipshita?” Abhimanyu said to himself.
Abhimanyu finally managed to fall asleep with great difficulty. Ipshita, on the other hand, was completely normal. She was just increasingly curious to know more about Abhimanyu.
The next morning, at the Suryavanshi mansion,
Ipshita was sleeping peacefully in her room when her mobile phone rang. Ipshita was asleep and reached out to silence the phone, extending her hand to turn off the ringtone.
But after a short while, Ipshita’s phone rang again. Rubbing her eyes, Ipshita picked up her mobile phone and saw an incoming call from her friend Nandini.
Ipshita received the call and said, “What is it, Nandini? You are not even letting me sleep properly. You woke me up like this yesterday too, and today as well…”
“Oh my dear princess, wake up, man! Open your eyes! My sleep is gone here, and you are sleeping soundly there!” Nandini said, overly excited.
“Why? What happened there that your sleep is gone?” Ipshita said, yawning.
“Do you know I searched your future husband and my future brother-in-law’s name on Google last night? Do you know, after reading all the information that came out about him, my sleep just vanished! I couldn’t even sleep properly, man! I’m getting so excited to meet Kunwar sa. Tell me, when will you introduce me to him?” Nandini said.
Ipshita was shocked by Nandini’s words. All her sleepiness vanished, and she said, confused, “What are you saying, Nandini? I don’t understand anything.”
“Okay, I’ll explain everything to you. Look, didn’t you tell me that your future husband’s name is Abhimanyu Rajvanshi? As soon as I searched ‘Abhimanyu Rajvanshi’ on Wikipedia, I fell for my brother-in-law’s hotness after seeing him. And you just fought with him and left! How can you be so stupid? Do you know that Rajasthan’s biggest royal family is going to be your in-laws, and Abhimanyu Rajvanshi is called Kunwar sa. And think, as soon as you marry him, he will be coronated and will become the Maharaj of that royal palace, and you will be his queen! Man, you’ve really got some luck!” Nandini said, explaining.
“You woke me up from my sleep to tell me all this! We already know all this, you dummy,” Ipshita said, irritated.
“Yes, that’s true, but Mr. Abhimanyu looks so hot and handsome in his internet photos! Oh, I mean, I saw him from a sister-in-law’s perspective, and that’s why I’m saying you should forget your dreams and get married as soon as possible, because as soon as you become the queen of that royal palace, all your dreams will automatically come true. You will get anything at your slightest gesture. You won’t have any problems, man! Your luck is so good that you are from a royal family!” Nandini said, excitedly again.
“Just shut up, Nandini! Royal families, as good as they seem and sound from afar, their reality is much harsher. You don’t know what we have to endure here. Along with the luxurious life and all the facilities we get here, our dreams, our opinions, and our freedom are all snatched away. You don’t know anything about our sacrifices, which is why all this seems very good and cool to you,” Ipshita said, shouting in frustration.
“Don’t overreact, man! I was just saying that in a way, it’s good, and besides, he looks good, he might be good at heart too, so he might support your dreams too,” Nandini said, now a little irritated.
“I wish! If you were in my place, you would know how suffocated I feel within these four walls of this royal family. But you can never feel that suffocation. But anyway, hang up the phone, I’m going to freshen up,” Ipshita said, exhaling a cold sigh.
Hearing Ipshita’s voice, Nandini understood that she was about to disconnect the call. So, she stopped her and said, “Hey man, wait! You got angry, and I was just saying that in a way, it’s good, and besides, he looks good, he might be good at heart too, so he might support your dreams too.”
“No, man! I’m not angry because I know our lifestyles are completely different, so you can never understand this, and I wish I were from a normal family and my parents weren’t so hasty about my marriage. If I had a little more time, I could also do what I want to do. But for now, there’s no point in thinking about such things. And as for his support, I don’t have any such hope because I understand how many rules and regulations there must be there, and even more so for a daughter-in-law. So, I don’t have any expectations from anyone…” Ipshita replied wisely.
Hearing all this from Ipshita, Nandini couldn’t say anything. Then, after chatting normally for a while, Ipshita disconnected the call and went to freshen up.
To be continued.
Rajvansh Palace, it was morning time.
Abhimanyu was sleeping in his room. Then he heard the sound of his room door opening. His mother came into the room.
Upon seeing his mother, Abhimanyu got out of bed and said, "Good morning, Maa Sa. Why did you come to our room so early? Did you have some work? You could have called us."
Maa Sa smiled and stood in front of Abhimanyu, saying, "The work was very important, but we thought we would meet you ourselves."
Abhimanyu moved aside a bit on the bed and said, "Please sit, Maa Sa! What is it, tell me."
Maa Sa sat down comfortably and said, "Abhimanyu! We were looking for an opportunity to talk to you since yesterday evening. Actually, we wanted to ask you that you met Ipshita yesterday. If you liked her, then we will send the shagun thal to the Suryavanshi family."
Abhimanyu said in a low voice, "Maa Sa, what is there to ask us? Do whatever you think is right. We have no problem."
Maa Sa placed her hand on Abhimanyu's hand and said, "We had to ask you too, what you want."
Abhimanyu held Maa Sa's hand tightly and said, "We want whatever our Maa Sa wants. So you do whatever you think is right."
Maa Sa smiled and said, "We expected this from you, Abhimanyu; you always live up to our expectations."
Abhimanyu smiled slightly upon hearing Maa Sa. Then Maa Sa said, "Abhimanyu, we have fixed the engagement day for two days from now, right?"
Abhimanyu nodded his head in agreement. Maa Sa happily said, "Then it's fine. We will send the shagun to the Suryavanshi family today itself and after talking to them, we will also inform them about the best muhurat for the engagement two days from now."
Abhimanyu nodded his head again. Maa Sa stroked Abhimanyu's cheek and left the room.
As soon as Maa Sa left, Abhimanyu let out a sigh and said to himself, "Maa Sa seems to be in a bit of a hurry. But today or tomorrow, this was bound to happen. After all, how many more days could we postpone these things? Moreover, as a prince, this is our duty and responsibility. If not today, then tomorrow it has to be fulfilled, so it is fine now."
Saying this, he too got out of his bed.
In Suryavansh Haveli, Ipshita got ready and came out of her room and went downstairs. She saw her parents talking on the phone and her brother Uday was having breakfast alone.
Ipshita sat next to Uday and said, "Good morning, brother."
Uday smiled and said, "Good morning."
Ipshita asked, "By the way, brother, who are Mom and Dad talking to so excitedly? Is it an office meeting?"
Uday shook his head no and said, "No, that's your future mother-in-law on the phone. They are talking to her. Nowadays, there is a lot of communication between both families."
As soon as Ipshita heard this, the smile disappeared from her face and she quietly started eating breakfast.
Uday saw the expression on Ipshita's face and was about to say something when Ipshita's parents excitedly came and sat at the dining table.
Ipshita's father said in a serious voice, "You know, Ipshita, Rani Sa from Rajvansh Palace called. They have fixed your engagement with Kunwar Sa for two days from now."
Both Ipshita and Uday were surprised. Ipshita said, "But Mom and Dad, two days from now? Why so soon?"
Ipshita's mother said happily, "Yes, dear, we can't believe it either, but this is truly a matter of great joy. And we don't understand how we will make so many preparations in these two days."
Ipshita's father said calmly, "Suhasini ji, why are you worrying? Rani Sa has already solved our problem. She clearly said that she will have this engagement done only among family members. There won't be many guests, just our family and Kunwar Sa's family. Everything will be done very smoothly. Don't worry at all."
Suhasini ji said worriedly, "That's all fine, but still, we won't leave any stone unturned from our side. And we will have to go shopping today itself. Ipshita, you come with us too."
Ipshita said nothing after hearing her parents. She was lost in deep thought.
But Uday interrupted his parents and said, "Mom and Dad, I don't think it would be right to get Ipshita engaged in such a hurry. After all, why are Kunwar Sa's family in such a rush to get engaged?"
Upon hearing Uday's words, Ipshita's father scolded him and said, "There is no rush, and it is not good to delay auspicious occasions. So, have breakfast and leave directly for the office. I might not be able to come to the office today."
Ipshita's mother, seeing Ipshita lost in thought, asked, "What's the matter, Ipshita? What are you thinking?"
Ipshita said thoughtfully, "Nothing, Mom! I just wanted to ask if we can invite our best friend to our engagement?"
Ipshita's mother laughed and said, "Is that even a question? Invite her, after all, she is your friend."
"Okay, thanks, Mom!" - Ipshita said this with a forced smile and fell silent. Two minutes later, a security guard rushed inside the haveli and said, "Big boss! Some people from the royal family have come, bringing shagun for Baby Ji."
Suhasini ji looked at Ipshita's father and said, "Rani Sa has sent the shagun so quickly."
Ipshita's father said, "Yes, Suhasini ji, Rani Sa just told me that she has sent the shagun."
Suhasini looked at the security guard standing in front and said, "Go, go quickly, send those people inside."
Ipshita and Uday started looking towards the gate. In no time, ten to twelve people entered the haveli together. They were all wearing similar clothes. In their hands, they held large brass trays.
In all those trays were clothes, jewelry, fruits, and sweets. Then Munim Ji entered from the main door, followed by his special man. In his hand was a large silver tray, on which a purple lehenga was placed. Upon seeing Munim Ji, Ipshita's father stepped forward and, shaking hands with Munim Ji, said, "Munim Ji, how are you?"
Munim Ji said smilingly, "I am very well! Rani Sa has sent this shagun for Ipshita beti, and this is Ipshita beti's engagement outfit."
As soon as Suhasini Ji saw Ipshita's engagement outfit in that large silver tray, she said happily, "It's a very beautiful lehenga. I was going to take Ipshita with me for shopping, but perhaps Rani Sa wants her future daughter-in-law to wear a lehenga of her choice."
Munim Ji said smilingly, "Yes, you have said that absolutely correctly. After all, Ipshita beti is going to become the daughter-in-law of the Rajvansh family, not the Suryavanshi family, so everything will have to be done according to Rani Sa. By the way, our Ipshita beti is very lucky."
Munim Ji was saying all this when Ipshita looked at the purple lehenga and went straight to her room. Seeing her leave like that, Munim Ji said smilingly, "Beti, perhaps she is shy."
Seeing Ipshita leave like that, everyone present there smiled. Then Ipshita's father said, "Come, Munim Ji, sit down."
Munim Ji joined his hands and said, "No, I would like to take your leave now. It was Rani Sa's order, so I brought the shagun myself, but now I seek permission. And you all also have to prepare for the engagement. I don't want to bother you with my formalities."
Hearing Munim Ji's words, Ipshita's parents also didn't say anything, and Munim Ji left along with everyone present there.
Suhasini Ji, looking at the shagun that had arrived, said thoughtfully, "Amar! Rani Sa has sent such beautiful shagun in such a short time. Now we will have to prepare even better. We will also not leave any stone unturned."
Ipshita's father nodded his head in agreement, "Is that even a question? Come on, there are many preparations to be made."
Uday, seeing his parents getting involved in the engagement preparations, said to himself, "They don't care about their children's happiness at all. They only want their benefit from all sides. And they act as if they are doing everything for us and doing all this for our happiness. But don't they see that Ipshita is not happy with all this at all?"
Saying this, Uday left for the office. There, Ipshita messaged Nandini:
"Our engagement is in two days. Can you come to Udaipur?"
Ipshita was very upset, so she first thought of calling Nandini. Ipshita said to herself, "I never thought everything would happen so quickly."
As Ipshita was thinking this, her phone rang. She saw Nandini was calling. As soon as she received the call, Nandini said hurriedly, "What are you saying? Your engagement in two days? But how so soon? I was completely shocked to see your message. How can I come there so quickly?"
Ipshita said upsetly, "We are already completely alone here, and you are our only best friend. If you are not with us at this time, then who will be?"
To be continued.
Ipshita called her friend Nandini to invite her to her engagement. As soon as she shared the news of her engagement, which was two days away, Nandini was extremely surprised.
Nandini exclaimed in surprise, "But so soon? I thought I would go shopping and complete all my preparations before your engagement and wedding. I would buy matching earrings, jewelry, heels, everything, and then come. But you've treated me like a genie out of a bottle!"
Ipshita replied with slight annoyance, "We are not joking. And anyway, it's just a two to three-hour flight from Mumbai to Jaipur. Book a flight quickly and come here by tomorrow. Mom and Dad have already started all the preparations."
Nandini said excitedly, "Dear, I still can't believe it! It seems our dear brother-in-law likes you a lot, that's why he's getting engaged so quickly."
Ipshita thought to herself, "He is doing all this at his mother's behest."
Seeing Ipshita silent, Nandini said, "Hello, are you listening to me? Or have you gotten lost in thoughts of your brother-in-law?"
Ipshita raised her eyebrows and said, "Don't say anything, Nandini. And tell me, will you be able to reach here by our engagement?"
Nandini replied, "Yes, absolutely! I'll check all the flight availability and timings right now and start packing immediately. Don't worry at all, I will definitely come. After all, it's my princess best friend's engagement."
Ipshita said seriously, "Call us once you reach here. We will arrange to pick you up from the airport."
Nandini happily said, "Okay, done."
Many thoughts were running through Ipshita's mind. She thought to herself, "Mr. Abhimanyu said he was only marrying because his mother asked him to, otherwise he wouldn't marry us, or anyone. Why did he say that? And I wonder if Sanjay Uncle was able to find out everything about him or not."
Ipshita came out of her room. She saw that her parents had left and all the engagement items had been removed. But Ipshita's engagement outfit was still on the table in that silver plate. Ipshita went downstairs to the hall and sat on the sofa, looking at the beautiful purple lehenga placed in front of her. As Ipshita was about to reach out and touch the lehenga, a voice came from behind, "Baby Ji."
Hearing the voice, Ipshita turned around. Sanjay was entering from the main entrance.
Ipshita got up. Sanjay came in front of her and said with folded hands, "Baby Ji, you asked me to gather information about Kunwar Sa, right? I have found out everything about him."
Ipshita asked, "What did you find out?"
Sanjay handed the iPad he was holding to Ipshita and said, "Here is some information about him, as much as we could find out."
Ipshita saw a large picture of Abhimanyu on the iPad, in which he looked very handsome. He was wearing a black turtleneck t-shirt and a sky-blue blazer over it, which suited him very well.
Ipshita scrolled through his pictures and started reading the information written in front. Just then, Sanjay said, "Baby Ji, Kunwar Sa is Maa Sa's only son and the sole heir of the Rajvansh family. Kunwar Sa has a younger sister named Arpita Ranawat, who is married to Jayraj Ranawat, the elder son of the Ranawat family. And all other information will be found in this."
Ipshita read all the information and, looking at Sanjay, said, "Did you not find anything else?"
Sanjay lowered his head and said, "Baby Ji! About a year ago, Kunwar Sa had a girlfriend who left him for another boy. After that, Kunwar Sa lost faith in love. He never dated anyone again after that."
Hearing this, Ipshita thought to herself, "Ah, so this was the reason why Mr. Abhimanyu was not interested in marrying me."
Seeing Ipshita thinking like this, Sanjay asked, "Baby Ji, did you need me for anything else?"
Ipshita shook her head and said, "No, thank you so much Sanjay Uncle. And please, don't tell anyone that I asked you to gather this information."
Sanjay nodded and quietly left. Ipshita started looking at Abhimanyu's picture in the iPad she was holding.
Ipshita, sitting on the sofa, said, "Can a girl leave a boy as handsome, rich, and from a royal family as Abhimanyu? How is that possible? How is it Possible?"
While Ipshita was thinking this, she scrolled through Abhimanyu's picture and started searching for more pictures online. She couldn't find a single smiling picture of Abhimanyu. Ipshita said, "Perhaps Mr. Abhimanyu has lost faith in love, that's why he behaves so rudely with everyone." Ipshita felt a bit bad for Abhimanyu.
While Ipshita was sitting in the hall, she saw many people entering the mansion, accompanied by the mansion's manager. Ipshita got up.
The manager instructed everyone, "We only have today. We need to decorate the entire mansion as quickly as possible. The entire decoration will be with fresh rose flowers, and we also need to pay good attention to the lighting. Suhasini Ma'am has informed that we need to decorate the stage in golden and dark blue shades. Everyone, get to your work quickly."
Everyone started preparing for the engagement. Ipshita was not happy seeing all this. She quietly came back to her room. Preparations for the engagement were in full swing at Suryavanshi Mansion.
Suhasini Ji had returned from shopping. The manager walking behind her said, "Ma'am, the decoration is almost complete. Please check it once. And all the food preparations are done."
Suhasini Ji said, "We have many more things to do. You check all these things yourself. And let us know if there is any problem."
Saying this, Suhasini Ji went to her room. The entire day was spent on decoration.
Meanwhile, at Rajvansh Mahal,
When Narendra and Pallavi learned that Rani Sa had sent the engagement auspicious items for Abhimanyu and the engagement was within two days, both of them became disappointed.
Pallavi angrily said to Narendra, "See? I was telling you earlier that Mohini Bhabhi has some different mischief going on in her mind. She will definitely get him married before Abhimanyu's twenty-sixth birthday, and we will be left regretting it."
Narendra slammed his hand on the table in anger and said, "No, I will not let this happen."
Upon hearing this, Pallavi said with a laugh, "Oh, so what will you do? You can't say anything to Bhabhi, and Abhimanyu doesn't listen to you. As quickly as Bhabhi is getting engaged, she will get Abhimanyu married even faster, and we will have to attend Abhimanyu's wedding reluctantly like this because we have no other option."
Narendra shook his head and said, "No, nothing like that will happen. I will think of something!"
Pallavi narrowed her eyes and said, "I've been hearing for days that you will do something, but we don't feel like you will do anything."
Narendra shouted angrily, "Are you challenging me?"
Pallavi provoked them, "No, not at all. We are telling you the truth."
Narendra and Pallavi were talking when someone knocked on the door. Both fell silent. Pallavi said in a loud voice, "Come in."
A servant from the palace entered and, bowing his head, said in a low voice, "Rani Sa has called you both for dinner."
Pallavi looked at her watch and said, "Dinner so soon?" Narendra shrugged.
Pallavi said to the servant, "Okay, you go. We'll be there in two minutes."
The servant left. Pallavi said, "Why would Bhabhi Sa have called us?"
Narendra said, "We will only know that when we go there. Come on."
Meanwhile;
Ipshita was sitting in her room after dinner when Nandini's message arrived.
"Ishu, don't worry at all. I got a flight. I will reach Udaipur by 9 to 10 AM tomorrow."
Ipshita became a little happy and quietly sat on her bed with several magazines. While reading them, she fell asleep. The next morning, Ipshita woke up to Nandini's phone call.
"Ishu, my plane is about to land in thirty minutes."
Ipshita woke up in a hurry and said, "Okay, we'll send Sanjay Uncle to pick you up from the airport right away."
An hour later, Ipshita got ready and started calling Nandini, but Nandini did not answer. Ipshita looked at her mobile and said, "I wonder if Nandini met Sanjay Uncle or not? And this girl is not even receiving my call."
Ipshita became a little worried due to Nandini not picking up her call.
To be continued
Will Nandini arrive on time for her engagement? And is everything Ipshita learned about Abhimanyu's life true? Will she ask Abhimanyu about it? What are Abhimanyu's uncle and aunt planning for their engagement? Are Abhimanyu and his mother aware of this? Everything will be revealed in the upcoming episodes. Keep reading and commenting.
Ipshita was upset because she couldn't get a chance to talk to her best friend, Nandini, on the phone. Meanwhile, her brother Uday was having breakfast and stepping out of the mansion. That's when he saw a girl coming from the front. The girl was wearing a crop top, white jeans, and white sneakers. Her hair was open, and her face was fully made up. She looked pretty cute. As soon as Uday stepped out of the mansion, he stopped and stared at the girl. The girl had a big trolley bag in her hand and a cute teddy bear-shaped mini purse that she had slung over her shoulder like a crossbag.
Uday thought to himself, "Who is this girl, and what is she doing here so early in the morning? Why is she coming this way?"
Just as Uday was about to move, his phone rang.
Uday received the call and said, "Hello, we're just about to reach the office in ten minutes. You can start the meeting."
While talking on the phone, Uday quickly stepped out. As he was exiting the mansion, he bumped into the girl.
The girl's big trolley bag fell to the ground. She was about to stumble and fall when Uday caught her hand with one hand and held her waist with the other, saving her from falling. The girl tried to steady herself. She placed one hand on Uday's shoulder and tightly held his coat with the other.
Uday saw the girl's wavy hair that had fallen on her face. When she turned her face towards him, Uday got lost in her grey eyes. He couldn't take his eyes off her.
Uday thought to himself, "Such a beautiful girl here! She looks even more beautiful up close. Who is she?"
Uday was in a hurry to go to the office, but seeing the girl in his arms made him forget everything. The girl in Uday's arms thought to herself, "Wow, what a welcome! I almost fell, and this guy is so handsome, but why is he staring at me like that? Is there something on my face?"
Uday just kept staring at the girl. At that moment, Ipshita came out of the room and saw the girl in Uday's arms. She quickly came down the stairs and stood in front of them, folding her hands. Clearing her throat, she said, "Um... um... Uday brother! May we know what you both are doing?"
When Ipshita's voice reached him, Uday looked at her and started helping the girl to stand up. When Ipshita spoke, the girl rushed to Ipshita and hugged her, saying, "Ishu, my dear! I was so excited to hug you!"
Ipshita looked at Uday, who was still staring at Nandini. Ipshita smiled and said, "Okay, stop it! What are you doing? Let us go, Nandini, we might fall."
Uday saw Ipshita and Nandini talking and understood that Nandini was Ipshita's best friend.
Ipshita held Nandini's hand and stood in front of Uday, saying, "Uday brother, meet our best friend, Nandini. And Nandini, this is my brother!"
As soon as Nandini heard Ipshita's introduction, she quickly said, "So, you're Ipshita's brother? He just saved me from falling. Thank you so much, Bhaiya!"
Uday didn't say anything after hearing Nandini's words. He looked at Ipshita and said, "We're going to the office. We're running late."
When Uday ignored Nandini, she thought to herself, "Ipshita is as sweet as can be, but her brother is even more rude. I thanked him, and he ignored me."
Nandini watched Uday leave. Ipshita asked Nandini, "What's wrong? Why are you staring at my brother like that?"
Nandini shook her head and said, "Do your brother and everyone else behave like this?"
Ipshita patted Nandini's shoulder and said, "Oh, shut up! Nandini, it's not like that. He was just in a hurry. Actually, Papa can't go to the office, so brother has to take care of everything. Otherwise, Uday brother is the best brother in the world."
Nandini rolled her eyes and said, "Yes, of course, you'll defend your brother! Anyway, congratulations are in order, Madam's engagement is happening!"
Ipshita nodded. Just then, the household staff came with a glass of water for Nandini. Ipshita made her sit on the sofa and said, "Sit down, why are you standing? And have some water. Tell me, did you face any difficulty coming here?"
Nandini shook her head and said, "No, not at all. No difficulty at all. By the way, the preparations are going on at a great pace. For the first time, I'll be attending the engagement of a royal family. I'm very excited."
Seeing Nandini so excited, Ipshita smiled slightly.
Nandini took a sip of water and said, "By the way, what are you wearing tomorrow? And if you want to go shopping, let me know, I'll quickly change and we can go together."
Ipshita shook her head and said, "No need, friend. The shopping is already done. Abhimanyu's mother has sent everything. She told me what to wear and what jewelry to wear for the engagement tomorrow."
As soon as Nandini heard this, she asked in surprise, "What does it mean? You're not wearing what you like for your engagement?"
Ipshita shook her head and said, "No. And what's the difference? I'll wear anything!"
Ipshita fell silent.
Nandini said in surprise, "What are you saying, friend? Your engagement is not some small function where you can wear anything. I say you should wear something you like."
Ipshita shook her head and said, "It's not like that, friend! It's a tradition of the royal family. The groom's family sends the clothes. And I don't have any problem. You're worrying unnecessarily. By the way, tell me, did you bring clothes for yourself? Or are you going to shop here?"
Nandini pointed to the big trolley bag she had brought and said, "I didn't have much time, but I still managed to do some shopping quickly. Look, I brought such a big bag!"
Nandini and Ipshita were talking when Suhasini, Ipshita's mother, came in with some people. Seeing Ipshita and Nandini sitting together, she stopped there. As soon as Ipshita saw her mother, she went to her and said, "Mummy, this is our best friend, Nandini. And Nandini, this is my mother."
Nandini smiled and said, "Hello, Auntie, how are you?"
Suhasini smiled and said, "We're fine, beta! Thank you so much for coming all the way to attend Ipshita's engagement. Now Ipshita won't feel alone."
Nandini placed her hand on Ipshita's shoulder and said, "Of course, Auntie! I'm here, and I'll take care of Ishu."
Ipshita's mother looked at Nandini and Ipshita and said, "Ipshita, take your friend to your room. There are a lot of preparations going on here. You can sit comfortably in your room and talk. And yes, Nandini dear, teach your friend how to do a little makeup like you. It will be useful after her wedding."
Hearing this, Nandini thought to herself, "Is Ipshita's mother taunting me? Seeing my full makeup? It might be. But what do they know, I always wear makeup like this. I love doing makeup so much. Never mind, they will know this soon too."
Nandini said with a smile, "Don't worry at all, aunty! Now that I'm here, it's my responsibility to get Ishu ready, from her makeup to everything else."
As soon as Suhasini heard this, she stopped Nandini by showing her hand and said, "No, that's not your job, dear. We will call makeup artists for that."
Nandini interrupted Suhasini mid-sentence and said, "Oh aunty, no problem. I am a makeup artist! It's my final year of the course. After that, I'm going to become a professional makeup artist too. There's no need for you to call any makeup artist."
After saying this, Nandini didn't wait to hear Suhasini's response and started leaving with Ipshita's hand.
Suhasini looked at Nandini and said to herself in slight surprise, "Ipshita's friend is quite outspoken. We still have to focus on the other preparations."
Saying this, Suhasini got busy with the other tasks. Meanwhile, Udayveer was sitting in the car and he thought to himself, "I found Ishu's friend quite cute. Why did Ishu never tell us about her before? Her eyes were so lovely! But why did she call me 'bhaiya'? We aren't her 'bhaiya', we are only Ishu's 'bhaiya'."
Uday was smiling, thinking about every feature of Nandini's face. Then Uday said in a low voice, "Why are we thinking about her? We have a meeting now. We should focus on that."
Meanwhile;
At the Rajvansh Palace, at night, Mohini Rajvansh was sitting in the head chair at the dining table. Abhimanyu was in the chair next to her, and Narendra was on the other side. Narendra's wife and their two daughters were sitting next to Narendra.
Mohini looked at everyone sitting at the dining table and said, "We will have to leave the palace early tomorrow for Abhimanyu's engagement. Arpita and Jayraj will reach the palace early in the morning. We don't want any mistakes from anyone. Narendra, have you checked everything?"
Narendra nodded in agreement and said, "Yes, Bhabhi Sahiba. All preparations are complete. Please don't worry at all."
Mohini looked at Abhimanyu and said, "Abhimanyu, have you completed all the tasks we asked you to do?"
Abhimanyu nodded in agreement and said, "Yes, Maa Sahiba, we have completed all the tasks you asked us to do."
Maa Sahiba discussed all the other preparations, and after everyone had dinner together, they went to their respective rooms.
The next morning;
At Suryavansh Haveli, all preparations for the engagement were almost complete.
Meanwhile, at the Rajvansh Palace, everyone was getting ready for the engagement. Maa Sahiba was wearing a light green saree and was talking to her manager about all the preparations. Just then, a servant ran and stopped in front of Maa Sahiba and bowed his head, saying, "Rani Sahiba, Princess Arpita and Jamai Sahab have arrived at the palace."
Mohini nodded in agreement and said, "Alright. Send Arpita and Jamai Sahab to meet us."
The servant ran and spoke to Arpita and Jayraj, saying, "Jamai Sahab, Princess, Maa Sahiba has called you both."
Arpita was wearing a heavy pink saree with diamond jewelry and looked very beautiful in it. However, Jayraj was wearing a cream-colored three-piece suit and had no smile on his face. And he was walking quite far from Arpita.
As soon as Arpita and Jayraj reached Maa Sahiba, Maa Sahiba was happy to see Arpita and moved forward towards her. Arpita quickly hugged Maa Sahiba and said, "Maa Sahiba, how are you? And your brother's engagement so soon!"
Jayraj came in front of Maa Sahiba and touched her feet, saying, "Maa Sahiba, if you had informed us about the engagement a little earlier, then Mummy-Papa could have also attended the engagement. But they have asked for your forgiveness for not attending the engagement."
Maa Sahiba shook her head negatively looking at Jayraj and said, "Jamai Sahab, everything happened quite quickly, we know that. But this was a very good alliance, and we didn't want to let it slip away. Anyway, we don't think there is any shortage of anything, despite everything being done in a hurry."
Arpita held Maa Sahiba's hand and said, "Maa Sahiba, where is Abhimanyu Bhaiya? I want to meet him."
Maa Sahiba touched Arpita's cheek and said, "Abhimanyu is in his room. You go and meet him."
Arpita went directly to Abhimanyu's room to meet him. Abhimanyu was sitting wearing a purple colored sherwani with white churidar pajamas and was doing something on his laptop. Arpita quietly entered Abhimanyu's room and seeing him working on his laptop, Arpita shook her head negatively and said, "Abhimanyu Bhai, today is your engagement, and you are still busy with work and haven't gotten ready yet."
As soon as Abhimanyu heard Arpita's voice, he looked up at Arpita. His face, which had been expressionless until now, now smiled and said, "Arpita!"
Arpita stood in front of Abhimanyu, and Abhimanyu hugged Arpita and said, "You just arrived and you've already started scolding us."
Arpita looked at Abhimanyu angrily and said, "You are doing things that deserve scolding, Abhimanyu Bhaiya! Get ready quickly. Maa Sahiba has already said that she doesn't want to be late. We'll get you ready in a jiffy."
Saying this, Arpita placed her hand on Abhimanyu's shoulder and made him sit in front of the large mirror in the room.
She picked up a large pearl necklace from the tray kept there and putting it around Abhimanyu's neck, she said, "Abhimanyu Bhaiya, are you happy with this engagement?"
Abhimanyu nodded in agreement with a smile. Arpita then placed her hand on Abhimanyu's shoulder and said, "Bhaiya, did you meet Bhabhi Sahiba? Did you like her?"
Hearing Arpita's words, Ipshita's face flashed before Abhimanyu's eyes, and he started thinking about Ipshita. Seeing Abhimanyu thinking like this, Arpita asked, "We have our answer. We have never seen you thinking about an answer like this. This means our Bhaiya likes Bhabhi Sahiba. We are very happy for you, Bhaiya."
Seeing Arpita happy, Abhimanyu said nothing and thought to himself, "We can't do anything other than pretend to be happy. The responsibilities of the entire Rajvansh family are on us. This engagement and this marriage are both very important to us."
Abhimanyu was thinking all this when Arpita, fixing Abhimanyu's hair with her hands, said, "Our Bhaiya is completely ready! And you look so handsome that Bhabhi Sahiba will just keep looking at you."
To be continued
No response from Groq.
No response from Groq.
Saying this, Suhasini handed over the three-four gift boxes she was holding to Nandini. Nandini stared at her in surprise.
She thought to herself, "Shit! I thought Auntie would refuse, but she's actually given me the work! And so many boxes! And I don't even know which room to put them in. On top of that, how will I carry so many boxes with this heavy gown and heels?"
Having said this, Nandini regretted her own words. She somehow managed her gown with one hand and, muttering, started moving towards the stairs. As soon as she reached the bottom of the stairs, there was no one in sight to help her.
Nandini's gown kept getting in her way. As she reached the outside of the room, she reached out to open the room's door, but she couldn't open the door because the gift boxes were in front of her face.
At that moment, Nandini pushed hard to open the door. All the gift boxes in her hands were about to fall to the ground when Nandini tried to hold them. Just then, her gown got caught in her heels, and in her attempt to save the boxes, she herself was about to fall to the ground when two strong hands came from behind, grabbed her arms, and, placing a hand on her waist, saved her from falling. All the gift boxes in Nandini's hands fell to the ground. Looking at the fallen boxes, Nandini said to herself, "Oh Nandini! Can't you do one thing properly? And how careless are you? Auntie asked me to do one thing, and I didn't even do that properly."
As Nandini was muttering this, a deep voice echoed in her ears.
"It's okay if the things fell, they can be picked up. But if you had fallen now, you would have been hurt. Thank goodness we were passing by, so we caught you, otherwise...!"
As soon as Nandini heard this voice, she turned her face the other way. She was in Uday's arms. Looking at Uday, she said,
"You?"
Uday nodded his head and was looking into Nandini's eyes. At this time, Nandini was wearing blue lenses, which suited her quite well. She had also done good makeup to match her dress. Uday smiled slightly seeing her. Then, standing properly, Nandini said,
"You saved me from falling again. Thank you so much, Uday Bhai."
As soon as Uday heard this from Nandini's mouth, he quickly removed his hands from Nandini's waist and hands and stepped back two steps.
Nandini quickly started picking up the boxes. Uday opened the door and helped her, then silently left without saying anything.
Nandini returned to the hall. She saw Ipshita's parents talking to Abhimanyu's mother. Then Mama Sa said,
"Suhasini Ji, we have been here for quite some time. I think we should start the engagement now. Bring our future daughter-in-law. Where is she? Is she ready? Shall we go to call her?"
Suhasini Ji refused, saying,
"Oh no, Rani Sa! What are you saying? Ipshita is absolutely ready. We'll bring her now."
Saying this, Suhasini looked towards Nandini. Nandini quickly came forward. Suhasini said,
"Come with us, daughter."
Nandini nodded her head and went directly with Suhasini to Ipshita's room without saying anything. As soon as Ipshita saw her mother and Nandini arriving, she moved forward, took Nandini's hand, and said,
"Where is your phone? I was calling you. Why didn't you pick up my call?"
Nandini said in a low voice,
"Didn't I tell you I was going downstairs? And I got a bit busy there. What happened?"
Ipshita and Nandini were talking to each other in low voices. Then Suhasini said in a low voice,
"Whatever you two need to talk about, do it after the function. We need to go downstairs now."
Ipshita said,
"One minute, Mummy."
Saying this, she went to Nandini and said,
"Come with me. I'm feeling a little uncomfortable."
As Ipshita was taking Nandini towards the changing room, Suhasini held Ipshita's hand and said,
"No, dear! You look beautiful. There's no need to do anything. Come with us. Rani Sa and Kunwar Sa, everyone else has been waiting a long time to meet you. And the ring ceremony will also take time, won't it? All other talks later."
Ipshita looked at her mother and said,
"But Mummy, one minute! Listen to us! She's trying to..."
Suhasini adjusted Ipshita's maang teeka and said,
"It's nothing like that. It's not time to talk now, dear. You understand what we're saying, right? Everyone has been waiting for you for a long time. Come with us."
Nandini looked at Ipshita in surprise. She didn't understand why Ipshita was feeling so uncomfortable and what she wanted to say. But Nandini couldn't say anything in front of her mother either, and both of them had to come out of the room with Suhasini.
Suhasini held Ipshita's hand tightly. Nandini, adjusting Ipshita's lehenga, said,
"Are you feeling uncomfortable because of your heavy lehenga?"
Ipshita shook her head in negation and was about to say something when Suhasini said,
"Dear Ipshita, listen to us carefully. Only answer what you are asked. You don't need to say anything of your own accord. We don't want Rani Sa to be upset with you about anything. Do you understand? You are going to be the daughter-in-law of the Rajvanshi royal family, and the entire honor of the Suryavanshi royal family is in your hands!"
Ipshita said nothing after hearing her mother's words. She just nodded her head in acceptance. Nandini felt a little uneasy hearing Suhasini's words. She adjusted Ipshita's lehenga and, holding her hand, helped her down the stairs.
As Ipshita was coming down the stairs, suddenly the entire hall went dark, and Ipshita, along with her mother and Nandini, stopped right there on the stairs.
To be continued
No response from Groq.
He quietly sat beside Ipshita and spoke in a low voice, "What's the matter? Are you alright?"
Ipshita still didn't say anything. She put her hand behind her back. She realized that the hook of her blouse had come undone. Ipshita thought to herself, "Oh God! This hook has come undone. If anyone notices, Mom will scold us endlessly! What do we do now?"
Thinking this, Ipshita put her hand behind her back. With one hand, she tried to close the hook, avoiding everyone's gaze.
Abhimanyu saw her doing this. Just then, Suhasini Ji, who was watching Ipshita sitting and fidgeting beside Abhimanyu, signaled Ipshita to sit still by making eye contact.
Ipshita obeyed her mother and quietly moved her hand forward and sat down. She looked around. She seemed to be searching for someone.
Ipshita thought to herself, "Where did Nandini go?"
Abhimanyu's gaze fell on Ipshita's back. He saw that the hook of Ipshita's blouse had come undone. Abhimanyu thought to himself, "Ah, so that's why Ipshita is feeling uncomfortable."
Looking at Ipshita, Abhimanyu said, "Ipshita!"
Abhimanyu called her softly. But Ipshita didn't hear him because her entire attention was focused on finding Nandini. However, she couldn't see Nandini anywhere.
Abhimanyu called her name again, "Ipshita!"
Hearing Abhimanyu's voice, Ipshita looked at him. Just as Abhimanyu was about to say something, Arpita came and stood beside Ipshita and said, "Bhabhi Sa, we've brought a small gift for you."
Abhimanyu looked at Ipshita. She couldn't talk comfortably with Arpita either.
Just then, Abhimanyu introduced her, "Ipshita! This is our sister, Arpita."
Ipshita nodded and looked at Arpita. Jayraj was standing next to Arpita. He looked at Ipshita and said in a low voice, "Indeed, one must admit, the brother-in-law's luck is immense! He is getting such a beautiful wife. If only our luck were this good."
Jayraj was staring at Ipshita. Just then, Arpita took a box from Jayraj's hand and said, "Bhabhi! This is a small gift from us and Jayraj Ji for you!"
Looking at the box, Ipshita forced a smile and said, "What was the need for this?"
Arpita refused, saying, "There was a need, Bhabhi Sa! You are going to be our brother's wife, so a gift for you is fitting."
Ipshita said nothing after hearing Arpita and sat there quietly.
Abhimanyu looked at Ipshita and thought to himself, "Should I talk to Arpita? Maybe Arpita can help Ipshita."
As Abhimanyu was thinking this, Nandini arrived near the stage. Taking a photo of Ipshita and Abhimanyu, she said, "Jiju, I need to click a photo of you both, can I take a photo?"
Abhimanyu nodded. Arpita and Jayraj came down from the stage.
Meanwhile, talking to mother Suhasini Ji, she said, "Suhasini Ji, who is this girl? Why is she calling Abhimanyu 'Jiju'?"
Suhasini Ji smiled and said, "She is Ipshita's best friend."
The mother started looking at Nandini. Jayraj's eyes fell on Nandini. As soon as he heard from Suhasini Ji that Nandini was Ipshita's friend, he smiled strangely at her.
As Arpita's gaze fell on her husband, she turned towards Jayraj and said, "What are you looking at, Jayraj Ji?"
Hearing Arpita, Jayraj looked away from Nandini and said, "No, nowhere!"
Arpita didn't believe him at all and kept staring at him. Just then, Jayraj held Arpita's hand and said, "Why are you staring at us?"
Arpita said in a low voice, "I'm watching the way you lie. How you tell blatant lies to us! You don't hesitate to lie to us even once, do you!"
Hearing Arpita's words, Jayraj angrily squeezed her hand, causing her bangle to break and cut her hand. Jayraj leaned close to her ear and said in a low voice, "I haven't lied to you. And one lies to those from whom they have fear, and I don't fear you. Keep that in your mind. And there's no need to try any tricks with us, otherwise, you know what we can do to you?"
Saying this, Jayraj angrily flung Arpita's hand away and moved aside. There were so many people there, but everyone was busy with their own conversations. No one noticed Jayraj treating Arpita so badly.
Meanwhile, Nandini was taking photos of Abhimanyu and Ipshita together. Then, looking at Abhimanyu, Nandini said, "Jiju, why are you blushing so much? Anyway, Ipshita is going to be your wife now."
As Nandini said this, Abhimanyu looked at Ipshita. Ipshita glared at Nandini. Then Nandini went onto the stage, put Abhimanyu's hand on Ipshita's shoulder, and started taking selfies with them. Just then, Ipshita caught Nandini's hand and said, "Nandini! Listen to us."
Looking at Ipshita, Nandini said, "Yes, tell me what happened?"
Ipshita pulled Nandini closer by her hand and was about to whisper something in her ear when Suhasini Ji called Nandini, saying, "Nandini dear! Come here for a minute, I need to talk to you about something important."
Looking at Ipshita, Nandini said, "I'll be right back!"
Seeing Nandini leave, Ipshita stopped her, saying, "One minute, Nandini! Just listen to us!"
But Nandini didn't listen to her and went to Suhasini Ji. Abhimanyu was noticing Ipshita.
She seemed very nervous. Abhimanyu knew about the problem, so he wasn't asking Ipshita anything.
He thought to himself, "Ipshita won't tell us, and she can't just get up and leave from here, so we'll have to do something, but how can we help Ipshita?"
Abhimanyu was thinking this. Meanwhile, Suhasini Ji explained to Nandini, "Nandini dear, listen carefully! These are Abhimanyu's family members, his uncle and aunt, and Abhimanyu's sister and her brother-in-law. You stay here and make sure there's no shortage in their hospitality! We'll be back soon."
Nandini nodded and said, "Okay, Aunty! Don't worry at all, I'll take care of it."
Saying this, Nandini called a waiter and started serving glasses of sherbet to Abhimanyu's uncle and aunt and everyone else with her own hands.
Meanwhile, Jayraj was staring at Nandini. Seeing Nandini's backless gown, he kept staring at her back intently.
Arpita was not feeling good at all seeing this. Meanwhile, Nandini was unaware of all these things. She was serving drinks to everyone. Normally, she handed Arpita a drink and then went to Jayraj. As she extended her hand to offer them a drink, Jayraj touched Nandini's entire hand and took the glass from her.
Nandini did not like Jayraj's touch at all, but she didn't make a big deal out of it or think about it, as she thought it might have been an accidental touch. So she moved on. But Jayraj kept turning back and looking only at Nandini.
Meanwhile, people were coming one by one to get photos clicked with Abhimanyu and Ipshita. Ipshita was leaning against a couch on the stage, trying to appear comfortable. But the nervousness on her face showed how nervous and uncomfortable she was.
To be continued.
Everyone was coming one by one to get pictures clicked with Abhimanyu and Ipshita. Ipshita was sitting on the couch on the stage, her back resting against it. She was making a failed attempt to appear comfortable, but the nervousness on her face betrayed her discomfort.
Abhimanyu understood her problem. He wanted to help her in any way he could because he knew Ipshita was not at all at ease.
Thinking all this to himself, Abhimanyu looked towards Maa Sa. Maa Sa got up and came onto the stage. Looking at Abhimanyu and Ipshita, she said, "What is it? Abhimanyu, we have been watching you for quite some time. Do you want to say something to us?"
Abhimanyu got up and went to Maa Sa, saying in a low voice, "Maa Sa, can we speak to Ipshita, in private?"
As soon as Ipshita heard Abhimanyu's words, her throat went dry. She thought to herself, "Now what has happened to this Abhimanyu? What does he want to talk to us about, and at such a wrong time! How will we leave here from in front of everyone? And on top of that, our blouse!"
As soon as Maa Sa heard Abhimanyu, she asked in a low voice, "What is it, Abhimanyu? What is bothering you? And what do you need to talk about?"
Ipshita heard Abhimanyu's mother's words and thought to herself, "Please God! Let her refuse me talking to Abhimanyu Ji!"
Suhasini Ji, who was standing right behind Maa Sa, had heard Abhimanyu. She came onto the stage and said to Maa Sa, "If Kunwar Sa wants to talk to Ipshita, we have no problem, Rani Sa!"
As soon as Ipshita heard her mother's words, she thought to herself, "What are you doing, Mummy? I cannot go talk to Abhimanyu in this state. Why are you saying this? Please, someone, refuse!"
Just as Ipshita was thinking this, Maa Sa said, "Alright, Abhimanyu! If you need to talk, you can talk to Ipshita."
Abhimanyu said, looking at Suhasini Ji and Maa Sa, "Thank you so much!"
Saying this, Abhimanyu went to Ipshita and, extending his hand, said, "Ipshita, please come with us."
Suhasini Ji came to Ipshita and, lifting her from her place, said, "Go, Ipshita! Kunwar Sa wants to talk to you. Take him to the room in front because you won't be able to go to your room with such a heavy lehenga."
As soon as Ipshita got up, Abhimanyu said, "It's okay, Aunty! We are here, we will help her."
As soon as Ipshita stood up, Abhimanyu immediately put his hand behind Ipshita's back, held her hand, steadied her, and helped her down from the stage. Holding Ipshita's hand, he led her away from everyone and said, "We know there is some problem with your dress. Let us take you to the room. You can fix it."
As soon as Ipshita heard this, she suddenly turned her face and looked at Abhimanyu in great surprise. Abhimanyu had covered Ipshita's back completely with his hand. Ipshita was very surprised to hear this from Abhimanyu and said in a low voice, "You..."
Before Ipshita could even finish speaking, Abhimanyu interrupted her, saying, "Yes! We know. Please, you go inside the room."
Ipshita had no expectation that Abhimanyu would have found out about this. But as soon as she heard this, she felt something in her heart, perhaps respect for Abhimanyu. But then she quietly walked towards the room in front. Walking with Abhimanyu, Ipshita kept looking at him. As they walked, they entered the room. Both entered the room together, and as soon as Abhimanyu took her inside, he removed his hand from behind her back and, turning his face away from Ipshita, said, "We don't have anything to say to you. We just saw you were uncomfortable on the stage, so we brought you here. Now you can fix your dress. We are not looking at you."
Saying this, Abhimanyu turned his face away. Ipshita kept looking at Abhimanyu in surprise and thought to herself, "What am I seeing! And what am I hearing from Mr. Abhimanyu! I can't believe my eyes and ears."
Many questions were running through Ipshita's mind, and she tried to fasten her blouse. But with such heavy jewelry and such a heavy dupatta, her hand wouldn't reach behind, so she couldn't fasten it.
After some time, Abhimanyu turned his gaze towards Ipshita. Ipshita was still struggling to fasten her hook. Ipshita was dressed so beautifully and looked so gorgeous, but now seeing her so nervous and troubled on her face, Abhimanyu felt very bad.
Somewhere, Abhimanyu was lost in the beauty of Ipshita's eyes and her face. As soon as Ipshita saw Abhimanyu turn towards her, she lowered her hand and said, "Abhimanyu! What? Can you help us one more time? Please, can you call our friend Nandini? Actually, I can't fasten this hook."
As soon as Abhimanyu heard Ipshita's words, he nodded his head in agreement and opened the door, looking around. But he couldn't see Nandini anywhere. He closed the door again and said, "We don't see your friend anywhere. If you don't mind, we can help you."
Ipshita heard Abhimanyu's words and stared at him. Then Abhimanyu clarified, "No, don't misunderstand us. We will only fasten your hook, and that too while looking the other way. We won't even turn our eyes towards you. Don't worry!"
Ipshita, hearing Abhimanyu's words, continued to stare at him. She was thinking something when Abhimanyu said, "Because if we stay in the room for too long, people standing outside will get suspicious and will start talking all sorts of things. We don't want any such talk to spread about you."
Ipshita said in a low voice, "Actually, that's true, and we don't have any other option right now."
Ipshita tried to fasten the hook herself one last time, but she couldn't. Finally, giving up, she lowered her hands. She was quite tired.
Ipshita, albeit reluctantly, had to take Abhimanyu's help. Abhimanyu came close to Ipshita and gently moved her hair forward. As soon as Ipshita felt Abhimanyu's hand on her back, her heart started beating faster, and she looked at Abhimanyu in the mirror. As Abhimanyu had said, he wasn't looking at her but had turned his gaze elsewhere.
As soon as Ipshita saw Abhimanyu in the mirror, her respect for him grew. As soon as Ipshita's hook was fastened, Abhimanyu stepped back two steps and said, "Done!"
Ipshita touched her back and saw that Abhimanyu had fastened her hook very well. Ipshita quickly adjusted her dupatta and hair and stood next to Abhimanyu.
Abhimanyu opened the door and looked at Ipshita. Ipshita came and stood beside Abhimanyu and said in a low voice, "Thank you so much, Mr. Abhimanyu!"
Abhimanyu moved away from there without responding to Ipshita's words. Meanwhile, Nandini was explaining everything to a waiter and instructing him to serve snacks to the other guests. Just then, someone's hand came onto Nandini's shoulder from behind. Nandini turned around and was shocked to see the person standing behind her, saying, "Mr. Ranawat! You here!"
Jayraj nodded his head in agreement and said, "Yes, we were looking for you there, but we couldn't find you, so we came looking for you here."
As soon as Nandini heard this, she smiled and said, "Mr. Ranawat! Did you need something?"
Jayraj nodded his head and looked Nandini up and down. Then Nandini, extending the plate of fruit chaat in her hand, said, "Would you like some fruits?"
Jayraj took the plate of fruit chaat from Nandini's hand and, holding her hand tightly, said, "We always eat fruits, but we have never eaten fruits from the hands of a beautiful girl like you. It would be much more pleasing if you fed us fruits with your hands."
To be continued.
As soon as Nandini heard this, she felt quite uncomfortable. Releasing her hand from Jayaraj's, she said, "Mr. Ranawat, leave my hand."
Nandini was feeling very uncomfortable. She tried to pull her hand away from Jayaraj's. Just then, the soft drink glass kept there fell on the floor. As the glass fell, shards of glass spread all over the floor. Nandini looked at the broken pieces of glass. The loud sound of the glass falling and breaking drew the attention of most people towards her. Therefore, Jayaraj did not try to hold her hand again. He took a few steps back from his place, looking around. But Nandini, panicking, immediately ran away in another direction.
Nandini felt as if Jayaraj was following her again. So, as she walked forward, she kept looking back. Because of this, she collided with Uday, who was coming from the front. Uday caught Nandini's hand and said, "Easy, Nandini! Where are you running off to like this? Is someone chasing you?"
Saying this, Uday looked behind Nandini and saw no one there.
As soon as Nandini saw Uday, she composed herself and, wiping the sweat from her forehead, said, "I am sorry! It's nothing, I was just in a hurry. Perhaps I didn't see you coming. I am sorry!"
Uday sensed Nandini's nervousness and, holding her hand, said, "It's okay! Relax. Why are you so flustered? You look like you're running away from someone."
As soon as Nandini heard this, she immediately shook her head in negation and said, "No, no... it's nothing like that. We were just going that way!"
Saying this, Nandini looked back once again and, pointing her finger ahead, moved on from there with equally fast steps.
Uday felt some suspicion about Nandini and started looking behind her, from where Nandini had been running. He saw no one there except Jayaraj. Uday furrowed his brows and said, "What is Mr. Ranawat doing here?"
Uday questioned himself and looked at Jayaraj, but he couldn't understand much more as Jayaraj was looking in a different direction at that moment.
The engagement function was also almost over, and all the members of the Rajvansh family had left. Meanwhile, Ipshita, after changing her clothes, was sitting in her room. She thought to herself, "The way Abhimanyu helped us today and the way he made us feel comfortable... After seeing all this, I feel like perhaps we were misunderstanding him. He is a very good person, and look, we didn't even say thank you. He helped us so much, at least we should have thanked him."
Ipshita was somewhat impressed by Abhimanyu's help. She was lost in thoughts about Abhimanyu when Nandini, after changing her clothes, came out of the washroom. Wiping her face, she said, "Ishu, I was thinking that my aunt and uncle live a little distance away in this city. So, I'll go meet them tomorrow! Will that be okay?"
Nandini was saying all this, but Ipshita did not respond to any of her words because her entire attention was on Abhimanyu.
Seeing Ipshita lost in thought, Nandini sat next to her and, waving her hand in front of her face, said, "What's the matter? Madam, what are you thinking?"
As soon as Ipshita heard Nandini's voice, she stammered, "Yes, no... it's nothing!"
Nandini said, sitting in front of Ipshita, "Nothing, seriously? Okay, then tell me, if you weren't thinking about anything, then what did I just say to you?"
Ipshita shook her head in negation and said, "Our minds were elsewhere, so we didn't hear what you were saying. Now tell me, what did you say?"
Nandini teased Ipshita and said, "Yes, yes, why would you pay attention to my words? You don't have a moment to spare from thinking about my brother-in-law, do you!"
Upon hearing Nandini, Ipshita hit her on the shoulder and said, "Shut up! And don't say anything."
Saying this, Ipshita started blushing and turned her gaze away. Just then, Nandini placed her hand on Ipshita's face and turned her face towards her, saying, "Well, if you weren't thinking about brother-in-law, then why are you blushing so much at what I just said?"
Ipshita caught Nandini's hand and said, "Nandini, to be honest, I feel now that perhaps we misunderstood Abhimanyu that day. He is quite nice."
Nandini smiled and said, "Yes, of course, he is. Didn't you see how handsome he looked when I was taking his photos! Oh Ipshita, find out if brother-in-law has any younger or elder brothers, or someone from a royal family like that."
Ipshita hit Nandini's hand and said, "Don't say anything! And listen to me carefully, you know Abhimanyu helped us a lot today."
Hearing this, Nandini immediately asked her, "Helped? But how?"
As soon as Nandini asked this question, Ipshita teased her and said, "You got busy running around and didn't even ask me once what my problem was? You know, if Abhimanyu hadn't helped, how embarrassed I would have been in front of everyone."
Nandini, confused, said, "What embarrassment? And what are you talking about? Tell me everything clearly."
Explaining the whole thing, Ipshita said, "My blouse hook came undone, and I don't know how Abhimanyu found out, and he helped us. He took us from in front of everyone to the room and saved me from being humiliated."
As soon as Nandini heard Ipshita's entire story, she put her hand on her head and said, "Oh shit! Such a big problem happened, and you didn't even tell me."
Ipshita stared at Nandini and said, "We tried to signal you many times to tell you everything, but you need to come out of your thoughts for that!"
Nandini apologized to Ipshita and said, "I am so sorry, yaar! I didn't know you were in so much trouble."
Ipshita shook her head in negation and said, "Okay, leave all that now. And do say, it's good that Abhimanyu saved our honor."
As Ipshita was speaking, Nandini said, "By the way, did you thank brother-in-law or not?"
As soon as Ipshita heard this, she immediately shook her head in negation and said, "No! We didn't get the time, and how could we say it in front of everyone? We would have felt a bit awkward."
Nandini hit her head and said, "Oh God! He helped you so much, and you didn't even say thank you to him. How rude you are!"
Ipshita caught Nandini's hand and said, "We were also wondering how to thank Abhimanyu!"
Nandini picked up her mobile phone and said, "You have his number, so call him now and say thank you."
Ipshita stared at Nandini and said, "What are you talking about? How would we have his number?"
Nandini widened her eyes in great surprise and said, "What do you mean? What 18th century are we in, that you don't even have your future husband's number?"
Seeing Nandini so surprised and agitated, Ipshita calmly replied, "Oh, yaar! That's how it is here, and anyway, this is an arranged marriage, and we met them again only yesterday, so how could we have their number..."
Ipshita said this as if it were a very normal thing for her, whereas in the city where Nandini belonged, people would exchange social media IDs and numbers after meeting.
Nandini shook her head and said, "Okay, fine. If you don't have that number now, what can be done. But then you do one thing, surprise brother-in-law, go meet him tomorrow, and take him out for lunch to say thanks."
As soon as Ipshita heard Nandini's idea, she hesitated slightly and said, "But would it be okay to do that?"
Nandini nodded in affirmation and said, "Yes, it would be absolutely fine. And anyway, you are not going to meet some other person. He is your fiancé now, and what's wrong with meeting your fiancé? If you go to meet him, he will also feel that you are making some effort, so maybe he will also open up and tell you something about his life."
Hearing Nandini's words, Ipshita started thinking, and then Nandini said, "No time to think, decide quickly whatever you want to decide."
After thinking for a bit, Ipshita said, "I think you are right, but we can't go to his house to meet him, so then?"
Hearing Ipshita's words, Nandini furrowed her brows and said, "You know his office."
Ipshita said, "Yes, Sanjay uncle told us. He would know Abhimanyu's office address, and yes, this will be fine, we'll go to his office."
Nandini, happy, said, "Great! Then the problem is solved! You go to the office tomorrow afternoon, surprise him, take him out for lunch, and thank him there. And if you both meet alone and talk, your compatibility will increase."
Hearing Nandini's advice, Ipshita slowly nodded in agreement and started thinking to herself about how she would get permission from her family to meet Abhimanyu, that too the very next day after her engagement...
To be continued
Hearing Nandini's advice, Ipshita nodded gently and began to ponder how she would get permission from her family to visit Abhimanyu, especially the day after her engagement.
Ipshita nodded and said, "But how will we go there alone? You should come with us."
Nandini shook her head and said, "Oh no! I don't want to be a third wheel between you two couples, you go alone."
Ipshita insisted, "What are you saying? Besides, you are my best friend, and I want you to be with me. This way you can meet Abhimanyu too."
Nandini flatly refused, "I can meet Jijoo later. But tomorrow, you go alone. Anyway, I'm going to visit my aunt! She lives nearby. Now that I'm here, I should meet her. And besides, once our exams start, we won't have time to go anywhere."
Hearing Nandini's words, Ipshita thought for a moment and, agreeing with her, said, "Okay, then I'll go alone."
As soon as Nandini heard Ipshita, she hugged her and said, "That's the spirit! Go and talk to Jijoo there, and tell me everything that happened, in detail. What you both talked about, what you ate and drank, I want to know everything, okay!"
Nandini lay down next to her and said, "And now sleep comfortably, otherwise you won't feel fresh in the morning."
Ipshita didn't say anything after hearing Nandini's words. She slowly closed her eyes. As soon as she closed her eyes, for some reason, Abhimanyu's face appeared before her eyes, and she unknowingly started thinking about Abhimanyu.
Ipshita thought to herself, "Will it be okay for me to go meet him tomorrow? Surprising him at his office, isn't that too much? But he helped me so much, so it's warranted. And anyway, Nandini is right, we are going to get married sooner or later, so what's wrong with meeting? I don't think Abhimanyu will have any problem with it."
Thinking all these things, Ipshita didn't know when she fell asleep and, due to the fatigue of the engagement, she slept soundly.
The next morning, Ipshita's eyes wouldn't open. Nandini woke her up and said, "Get up Ishu! How long will you sleep?"
Ipshita didn't respond to Nandini's words and turned to the other side and went back to sleep.
Nandini pulled her blanket and said, "Come on Ishu! Get up! Otherwise, we'll be late. Don't you remember you have to go for lunch with Jijoo?"
As soon as Nandini said this, Ipshita sat up with a start. Seeing her get up like that, Nandini put her hand on her waist and said, "I was trying to wake you up for so long, but you weren't waking up. And as soon as I mentioned Abhimanyu Jijoo, look how sleep fled from your eyes."
Hearing Nandini's words, Ipshita looked at the clock; it was 12:30 in the morning.
She looked at Nandini and said, "Why didn't you wake me up?"
Nandini replied, "Perhaps we both slept so late due to yesterday's fatigue. I just woke up too! It's a bit late. Aunty sent our breakfast to our room, and it's gotten cold. Now get up quickly and get ready."
Ipshita heard Nandini and rushed to the washroom. After a while, she came out wearing a yellow long frock and started getting ready quickly.
Seeing her get ready, Nandini smiled and said, "Looks like you're in a hurry to meet Abhimanyu Jijoo, aren't you!"
Ipshita nodded and said, "No, it's nothing like that. Don't talk nonsense."
Nandini teased her, "No matter how much you lie to others, Ishu, you can't lie to me."
Nandini smiled after saying this. Just then, Ipshita said, "Nandini! We haven't even thought about what we'll tell Mom and Dad."
Nandini thought for a moment and said, "Idea! I'm going to my aunt's place anyway. Do one thing, you also come with me and tell Aunty that you are going to meet my aunt. I will also request Aunty. Then we will leave from here together."
Ipshita quickly hugged Nandini and said, "Oh wow! Girl, how do you solve all our problems so quickly."
Nandini smiled looking at Ipshita and said, "I always tell you that I am smarter than you!"
Ipshita smiled listening to Nandini and said, "Yes, yes, absolutely, you are much smarter and more intelligent than me!"
Saying this, Ipshita picked up her mobile phone and called Sanjay, saying, "Hello Sanjay Uncle! Get the car ready, we are going out."
After saying this, Ipshita disconnected the call.
A little later, Nandini and Ipshita got ready quickly and came out of the room. Seeing them coming out, Suhasini Ji, who was sitting in the hall talking to someone, spoke on the phone while watching Ipshita and Nandini coming down the stairs together, "Okay, please discuss the rest of the details and let us know, we will talk to you later."
Seeing Ipshita and Nandini, Suhasini Ji said in a loud voice, "What's the matter? Where are you two getting ready to go?"
Ipshita looked at her mother and said, "Yes Mom, Nandini's aunt lives nearby, so Nandini was going to meet her, and she asked me to go with her and meet her aunt."
Ipshita's mother stopped her and said, "But dear, it's not right for you to go out of the house like this. You are engaged, and anyway, you must be quite tired from yesterday's function. What was the need to go today?"
Nandini looked at Suhasini and said, "Oh Auntie! My aunt's house is not far, we will be back soon. Please let Ishu come with me."
Upon Nandini's earnest request, Suhasini Ji thought for a moment and said, "Alright, go Ipshita, you go with Nandini, but don't take too long and answer our phone immediately."
As soon as Ipshita heard her mother, she quickly hugged her and said, "Okay Mom! Thank you so much! Let's go."
As Nandini and Ipshita were leaving, Suhasini Ji stopped Ipshita and said, "One minute Ipshita, wait and tell us if you are taking Sanjay with you?"
Ipshita nodded and said, "Yes Mom! We are taking him with us. Okay, bye, take care."
Nandini held Ipshita's hand and they both quickly came out of the mansion. Sanjay had already brought the car and parked it in front of the gate. As soon as he saw Ipshita and Nandini, he opened the car door for them, and they both got into the car.
As soon as she sat in the car, Ipshita said, "Sanjay Uncle! Drop Nandini at her aunt's house, and after that, we have to go somewhere else."
Sanjay said nothing after hearing Ipshita's words and quietly started the car and headed towards Nandini's aunt's house with Ipshita and Nandini.
Nandini checked the time and said, "Girl Ishu! If you drop me at my aunt's house, you will be even later, and by the time you reach there, it will be lunchtime. Do one thing, drop me somewhere nearby, and I'll go myself after that."
Ipshita shook her head and said, "Oh no, we won't leave you on the roadside like this."
Nandini smiled and said, "Why? Am I a small child who will get lost? You go. Sanjay Uncle, stop the car on the side."
Sanjay stopped the car after hearing Nandini's words. Nandini got out of the car and said, "All the best! And don't mess up."
To be continued
After hearing everything Nandini had to say, Ipshita nodded her head. Nandini got into the taxi and left. Sanjay asked Ipshita, "Baby Ji! Where should we go now?"
Ipshita hesitated slightly and said, "Sanjay Uncle! We will go to Abhimanyu's office."
Sanjay was surprised to hear this and exclaimed, "What did you say? Kunwar Sahab's office? But why? And did you get permission from Badi Malkin to go there or not?"
Ipshita explained to Sanjay, "Sanjay Uncle! I haven't taken permission from Mummy-Daddy. I am going there to surprise Abhimanyu. And you shouldn't tell anyone about this either. Let's go now, or our surprise will be ruined."
Sanjay was lost in thought upon hearing Ipshita's words. Then Ipshita said, "Sanjay Uncle! Don't worry. We just want to thank Abhimanyu, that's why we are going to his office. We won't create any problem, don't you worry."
Sanjay nodded his head and silently drove the car directly to Abhimanyu's office.
Ipshita started to go inside the office. Sanjay immediately followed her, just like a bodyguard.
Everyone in the office kept looking at Ipshita. Ipshita looked very beautiful, and no one could take their eyes off her beauty.
But as soon as their gaze fell on Sanjay, who was coming from behind, they all got back to their work. Ipshita went and stood near the receptionist and said to the girl sitting at the reception, "Excuse me! We need to meet Mr. Abhimanyu."
The receptionist looked at Ipshita and said with a smile, "Good afternoon Ma'am! Have you made an appointment to meet Sir?"
Ipshita nodded and said, "No, we haven't come for a meeting, we just want to meet him."
The receptionist said, "I am so sorry Ma'am! Whether you have a meeting or not, you will have to take an appointment to meet Sir."
Ipshita said with a smile, "No, we think perhaps you have a misunderstanding. We are Abhimanyu's fiancée, that's why we want to meet him."
The girl looked Ipshita up and down and apologized, saying, "I am so sorry Ma'am! Please wait a minute. I will talk to Sir right away!"
The receptionist called Abhimanyu and put the call on speaker.
Abhimanyu answered the call and said, "What happened Mansi?"
The receptionist said, "Sir, someone has come to meet you, and she is claiming to be your fiancée."
Abhimanyu, busy with his work, said carelessly, "What nonsense? We don't have any fiancée. Hang up the phone, we are busy."
Sanjay and Ipshita's eyes widened in astonishment at Abhimanyu's words. Ipshita's face turned red with anger, and she looked at the phone furiously.
Hearing Abhimanyu's reply, the receptionist said, "I am sorry Ma'am! I hope you heard Sir's words. Therefore, I cannot give you permission to meet Sir."
Before Sanjay could say anything, Ipshita fumed with anger. She looked at Sanjay and said, "How dare he? What does he think of himself?"
Sanjay went to Ipshita and said, "Baby Ji! We think Kunwar Sahab has a misunderstanding."
Ipshita paid no attention to Sanjay's words and walked ahead with quick steps, going directly into Abhimanyu's cabin.
Upon reaching the cabin, Ipshita said in a loud voice, "Mr. Abhimanyu, are you sure? You don't have a fiancée?"
Ipshita was very angry. Abhimanyu stood up from his place and said in surprise, "Ipshita, you here?"
Ipshita showed him her ring and taunted him, "If you don't have a fiancée, then who are we? And what is this ancestral ring from your house doing on our finger? Speak up, Mr. Abhimanyu! Do you have an answer to my question?"
Abhimanyu tried to explain, "We... we... we absolutely did not expect you to come to our office like this."
As Abhimanyu was speaking, Ipshita glared at him angrily and said, "Yes, we wanted to give you a surprise, but you have given us a surprise by saying you don't have a fiancée. If we are not your fiancée, then what was everything that happened yesterday?"
Abhimanyu calmly said, "Ipshita! One minute, please listen to us. We were a bit busy with work, and we completely forgot about yesterday's engagement."
Ipshita's anger increased. She shouted in anger, "We have tolerated enough disrespect. No more! If you don't have a fiancée, then why are we wearing this ring? Here, take your ring..."
Ipshita started to take off the ring. Abhimanyu shook his head and said, "One minute, Ipshita! Stop, what are you doing?"
Ipshita, in anger, took off the ring, placed it on Abhimanyu's table, and started to leave.
Abhimanyu grabbed her hand and stopped her, "Ipshita! You are having a big misunderstanding. One minute, please listen to us. We will clarify this."
Ipshita pulled her hand away and slapped him hard, saying, "We came here to thank you. We thought that since we couldn't thank you yesterday, we would meet for lunch today and thank you for misunderstanding you. And now everything is clear to us. So, since we are neither your fiancée nor have we had any engagement, don't try to hold our hand again."
Ipshita started to leave. Abhimanyu, touching his cheek, said, "Ipshita! You know our families brought us together. You can't break it like this."
Ipshita stopped and turned back to say, "We thought so too before, but now we are completely clear. We cannot marry someone who cannot even accept us publicly as his fiancée. You can find another girl's hand for this ring."
Tears welled up in Ipshita's eyes. Abhimanyu saw Ipshita's tears, and his heart ached. He said nothing.
Ipshita wiped her tears and walked out of the cabin. Sanjay saw Ipshita running. She got into the car. Sanjay was about to turn back and ask something when Ipshita said, "Let's go home, Sanjay Uncle."
Ipshita looked out the window. Sanjay started the car.
Abhimanyu sat in his cabin. He looked at Ipshita's ring on the table and thought to himself, "Have we really made such a big mistake? If Ma Sahib finds out that Rajkumari Ipshita has broken off this engagement, who knows what she will do? We must talk to Ipshita somehow. We cannot break this engagement because of such a small misunderstanding."
Abhimanyu picked up Ipshita's ring and put it in his pocket.
Ipshita reached home after some time. The conversation with Abhimanyu was swirling in her mind—how she had slapped Abhimanyu, and how she had returned the ring.
Thinking about all this was driving Ipshita mad. Ipshita went to her room, locked the door from the inside, and sat on the bed, looking at her hand. Her hand looked completely bare.
Wiping her tears, Ipshita said, "Have I done the right thing? I hope this decision doesn't disappoint Mummy-Papa."
Ipshita stood up and said, "But we cannot spend our entire life with someone who cannot accept us in front of everyone. We have done nothing wrong, we will explain to Mummy-Papa."
Ipshita got up, wiping her tears, and went to the washroom. After a while, she came out. Her mood was bad, and she looked a bit troubled. She lay down on the bed in silence. Thinking about how Abhimanyu had said on the phone that he had no fiancée made Ipshita cry a lot. Her tears wouldn't stop.
