👑 Fourteen~

The morning sun, a cheerful intruder, streamed through the gaps in the curtains, painting stripes across the crumpled bedsheets. Hardik stirred, a smile playing on his lips. Beside him, Durdhara lay nestled, her dark hair splayed across the pillow, a picture of peaceful slumber. He gently brushed a stray strand from her face, feeling a warmth bloom in his chest that had nothing to do with the morning sun.

He slipped out of bed, careful not to wake her, and pulled on his robe. Taking his morning shower and freshening up, he dressed in his usual way and walked out of the closet room to find her awake.

"Good Morning Sunshine!"he wished and was greeted by her widely opened arms, extended towards him.

He chuckled and gave her a hug, towering over her on the bed, and she asked,"Good Morning, Hubby. What's the time?"

"Just 9a.m."

"What the...Shit!"

Durdhara panicked and got down from the bed, pushing him aside and he laughed as she strode around wrapping the blanket around her body and cursing as she was late on the very first day at her in-laws place.

She entered the bathroom and then peeped out and stuck her tongue at him after saying in an irritated tone,"why didn't you wake me up? Fuck you!"

"Language! Queen. Where's the protocol? Rana Ji has been replaced with fuck you in one night haan?"Hardik asked, laughing harder.

The aroma of the royal breakfast filled the dining area, and the family had gathered to have their breakfast after the morning aarti.

"Shaadi ke baad Hardik ne pehele din hi aarti miss kardi haan? Nice! Tells a lot about what he'll be up to for the rest of his life. Bhabi Sa! I guess you have brought an enchantress in place of a daughter-in-law,"Shalakha taunted while having her tea.

"Marriage is a hectic thing, Bua Sa. They were tired,"Virat defended.

"Inko kaun samjhaye? Her marriage was a disaster after all,"Rishabh whispered to Shubman and he whispered back,"Bro! Be quiet or both of us will be dead."

"And who'll kill us? Bua Sa? Huh! I wonder, with the amount of poison she holds in her heart, how come she herself is still alive?"

Shubman chuckled hearing it but then made a straight face as Suryavardhan stared at them.

"You have sent the attendees to get Bahurani ready for the day, right? It's her mooh dikhai and reception party today,"he said to Meenakshi.

"Yah! Both the outfits and ornaments are ready. She'll be down soon."

"They'll be leaving for France right?"Kadambari asked.

"Yes Daadi Sa! Tonight itself,"Rishabh added, with a salute, while Hardik made his way downstairs. He could hear the clatter of cutlery and muffled laughter. He took a deep breath, steeling himself. He knew that Rishabh and Shubman would be waiting. And he was right.

The moment he entered the dining hall, a chorus of "Good Morning" greeted him. Rishabh, with his mischievous grin, was propped against the chair, a piece of sandwich dangling from his mouth. Shubman sat on the right, a knowing smirk plastered on his face, buttering his toast with exaggerated slowness.

Hardik tried to maintain a semblance of composure while wishing everyone back and taking his seat. He grabbed a newspaper from the movable magazines rack which a butler brought near him.

"Rani Meenakshi, dekhiye zara. Aapka beta breakfast lete huye newspaper parh rahe hain for the first time in his life,"Suryavardhan said.(Queen Meenakshi, look, your son is reading a newspaper while having his breakfast For the first time in his life.)

"Haan toh? That's a good thing."

Hardik avoided eye contact with his younger brothers, and said to Virat,"ah! Dadabhai, Shall I once check upon our London office while returning?"

"You have been there a month ago, Bhai,"Shubman teased.

"Ah...no I mean...if..."

"Harry, it's alright. You're going for honeymoon. Pay attention on that. No need to think about work now,"Virat said.

"I guess Bhai isn't awake completely, that's why he's saying all this. Didn't sleep well, Bhai?" Rishabh asked, his eyes twinkling. He punctuated his question with a loud, exaggerated yawn, holding a hand to his chest dramatically. "Seemed like you might have been...occupied."

Suryavardhan kept a straight face, while concentrating on his MacBook, chewing on his oats upma, while Kadambari chuckled.

"Oh, let's not be insensitive, Rishu," Shubman said, his voice dripping with mock concern. "Perhaps Bhai and Bhabi Sa were simply having a very deep and meaningful conversation about the intricacies of astrophysics." He winked conspiratorially at Hardik, who groaned inwardly.

"We had a perfectly normal night," Hardik said, his cheeks starting to burn. He poured himself some green tea, hoping to disappear into the steam.

"Perfectly normal? I'm sure,"Rishabh snickered, wiggling his eyebrows.

Hardik shot a glare at him, but it only fueled his brother's amusement. "Look, Bhabi Sa is coming!" Rishabh exclaimed, pointing towards the grand stairway, through which Durdhara made her way downstairs.

Durdhara's Look

"Good Morning,"she wished everyone and the family wished her back, and praised her look for the mooh dikhai ceremony.

"Sorry! Hum late hogaye. Actually, it took time to get ready also."

"It's alright, bete. It's your own home. Have a seat,"Suryavardhan said.

"Here, sit beside Harry,"Kadambari said, and Meenakshi made her sit beside Hardik.

"The royal ladies and relatives would be arriving for the rituals and all. You quickly have your breakfast, beta."

"Jee Maa Sa,"Durdhara replied politely while Hardik held her hand beneath the table.

Suryavardhan and Virat took a leave for the day's work while the former said,"Harry, it's better you rejoin the office after your trip. We have an important meeting, see you all in the evening."

Kadambari too took a leave with Meenakshi, as they wanted to check on the decorations for the ceremony which had been done and they would then continue with their breakfast.

"Good morning, Bhabz!"Rishabh chirped, his grin widening as soon as they left. "Did Bhai treat you well last night? Did he tell you about his obsession with..."

"Rishabh!"Hardik barked, before his brother could reveal anything too embarrassing.

Durdhara laughed, her eyes sparkling. "He was perfectly behaved,"she said, glancing at Hardik with a teasing smile. Her casual response only made Rishabh and Shubman burst into renewed laughter.

Shubman nudged Rishabh,"See? She knows how to handle him. Clearly, someone's been domesticated already."

Hardik sighed, resigned to his fate. He knew he had no chance against their combined teasing. He looked at Durdhara, her face glowing in the morning light, and a genuine smile touched his lips. He might be the subject of their relentless teasing, but he wouldn't trade this moment for anything.

After the breakfast was over, Durdhara was taken for the mooh dikhai ceremony while the brothers continued with their tryst.

"By the way, we were thinking about joining you and Bhabi Sa to the French...."

"Sochna bhi matt, Maan! What the hell!"Hardik said, making them laugh.

"Arey arey, we are your younger brothers. You won't take us along?"Rishabh teased.

"Rishu! Shut up! You have already had enough. Now tell me, when to find a girl for you?"

Rishabh frowned and said,"offh! This has become your ace card now."

Hardik smirked and said,"Maan!"

"Yes Bhai?"

"Rishu doesn't want to marry, you see?"

"Yes Bhai, right."

"Okay so, let's get Dr.Devangini married to a nice guy. Shall we?"

"Sure Bhai. That will be good."

Rishabh passed them a look. "You both concentrate on your wife and music rather than matchmaking. Huh! Bade aaye."

The royal ladies started arriving in the meantime and Shubman said,"filhaal, we should run away, as these ladies would leave no stone unturned to tease each of us."

"Yah! Very horrible they are,"Hardik added.

"I agree! I agree! I agree!"Rishabh said while nodding his head vigorously and pulled his brothers along, while speeding away from the hall.

The mooh dikhai rasam got conducted with pomp and show and Durdhara was ushered with blessings and gifts, with the usual demand of giving a good news soon and she chuckled internally thinking about how certain things never changes, irrespective of time, era or societal class.

************************************

In the opulent grand hall of the Amber Taj palace, the ambiance was woven with richness and royalty. Gilded chandeliers sparkled, casting a warm glow over the elegantly dressed guests who milled about, their laughter and chatter mingling with the strains of traditional music. It was the royal wedding reception of Hardik and Durdhara, a party marked with splendour.

Durdhara's Look

"If you keep me engaged with yourself like this then who will greet the guests? They're here for us, Rana Ji,"Durdhara complained as Hardik clicked another picture of hers.

"We have already greeted a loads of them. Now it's 'us' time. Come, let's run away."

Durdhara chuckled at his remark and kissed his cheek. "You're a kid at heart, your highness. Let's get back inside."

She turned to leave but he held her designer scarf and pulled her back.

"Are you planning to tear my outfit?"

"Oh yes! Absolutely! I would love to do that." Hardik's eyes sparkled with mischief as he said so.

"Listen, Mister. It's our reception party and we cannot afford to stay away from the main hall like this. Alright? Now like a good boy, you'll get back in with me. Okay?"

Hardik nodded a yes and asked,"will I get double treat in Paris then?"

"Yes! As you please."

"Hell yeah! Then I'll be a very good boy."

Durdhara laughed and went inside, holding his arm, while he stared at her lovingly.

Devangini's Look

Devangini was checking herself out in a huge wall-sized decorative mirror in the ceremony hall, while Rishabh stared at her, smitten by her beauty. However, he walked to her, keeping on his usual mocking expression.

"Chee! Chee! Chee! Chee! No back. Very bad."

Devangini frowned on hearing him and murmured,"again this man!"

"What's your problem haan? My body, my wish. I can wear anything I like."

"Yah obviously! And people will stare at the exposed skin. I can lend you my expensive Armani jacket if you want. It will look good with this saree."

"No thanks! Huh!"she said and started walking away and he followed up, while Meghatri congratulated Hardik and Durdhara, handing over her gift to them and then turned around to search for Rishabh.

Meghatri's Look

"Why are you following me haan?"Devangini asked, as Rishabh walked behind her like a kid following his favourite person.

"The dori's knot of your blouse is loose. It might open."

"What!"Devangini exclaimed and stopped and he dashed into her back. "But Maa had tied it."

"Yes she did, but it's not secured properly as it's silky."

She walked aside and turned her back towards a pillar and touched behind to find the string really loosened up.

Rishabh danced his brows at her and said,"kya huya? Kaha tha na hum ne? I told you, see!"

Devangini tried to secure it by herself again and he said,"it will open again. You're a fool. How did you become a doctor? Have cheated or what?"

"Find someone to tie this up for me."

"What? I didn't hear the word please."

"Arrrrghhh! Please find someone to help me out."

"Hmm!"Rishabh said and looked around, and then spotted Meghatri, and went up to her.

"Kya baat hain! You came to me on your own today?"she said with a chuckle and got elated as he held her hand and pulled her along, saying,"chalo, it's important."

"Aisi bhi kya baat hain ki you can't tell me in front of others?"

"Yeh hain,"he replied while bringing her to Devangini and added,"please help her out."

Meghatri's smile vanished and she said,"seriously Rishi? Out of all the people in the world, you found me to help her out? What nonsense!"

"Megha! Why are you reacting so much?"he asked, frowning hard, as he didn't understand why she got angry.

"You won't understand,"she said and her phone rang. "It's my Dad's call."

"Arey Megha! Suno toh,"Rishabh called but she went aside, replying to her father.

He then rubbed the back of his head as Devangini said,"it's alright, I can tie it on my own. Thanks."

She tied it again, trying to tighten it enough, but the silken dori wasn't tight yet and she knew it well.

Rishabh came forward and said,"turn towards around, I can help."

"WHAT? NO WAY!"

"Calm down! I am not a molestor. Chill!"he scolded her and she turned around feeling awkward, and making a face, but found him looking at the ceiling, as she got to see his reflection on the mirror ahead. He fastened the knot in a doubled up way, securing it properly, without his fingers touching her even for once.

Devangini's eyes mellowed as she noticed the innocent boyish charm on his face.

"Done! You're welcome,"he said with a salute and walked away with a smile as she said from behind in a soft tone,"tha...thank you, Baujiraj."

Chandrika's Look

Chandrika walked in with the other students of the gurukul, and Shubman greeted them, keeping his eyes on her.

"Good to see you. I really didn't think that you'll turn up,"he said.

"Well, Oswals aren't low birth people. We know protocols and how to honour invitations."

"Wonderful! You're looking good,"he complimented, making her cheeks burn a little pinkish, and she adjusted her scarf while saying,"uh...thank you."

"Come on guys, enjoy the appetizers first. Come along, Moon,"he said, bowing a bit and she looked up, their eyes meeting, before darting away.

As the evening unfolded, the guests were treated to a feast fit for kings and queens, but the highlight of the night was yet to come. Whispers filled the air as Pandit Vijayraj Tiwari, a legendary classical singer renowned for his unmatched vocal abilities, made his entrance, and was greeted by Shubman's guruji. His presence commanded respect, and the hall grew silent as he took center stage. The guests were eager, knowing that such an opportunity to witness live singing from the revered pandit was a precious rarity, and a request of one performance was presented to him by the royal admirers.

However, on this starry night, Pandit Vijayraj had a spark in his eye that suggested mischief. He turned to a group of onlookers and, with a flourish, challenged the audience. "Is there anyone brave enough to engage in a jugalbandi? I seek a worthy opponent."

All the eyes darted towards the singers present out there, including guru Advait.

Adavit said,"well, I think our Raja Maan Singh should accept the challenge."

"But Guruji..."Shubman started protesting.

"Come on Maan. Go ahead,"Virat added.

"Yeah! For us,"Hardik said.

"Yes Maan, please sing,"Durdhara requested and he rubbed the back of his head and looked at Suryavardhan who gave a nod and smiled.

"Okay,"he said. "I accept the challenge, but with due respect to my guruji, family members, music, and you, Pandit Ji."

The hall erupted in applause as Shubman accepted the challenge. With warm encouragement from the guests, the stage was set for a performance that would be talked about for years to come. The musicians adjusted their sitars and tabla, and a serene hush enveloped the hall, amplifying the anticipation in the air.

[Play the song "Garaj Garaj, classical version, Bandish Bandits Jugalbandi, mentioned in the videobox as the background music here]

Pandit Vijayraj began with a lilting melody, his voice soaring through the intricate Megh Malhar raag, each note a brushstroke on the canvas of silence. Shubman followed, blending seamlessly into the musical conversation, a young king rising to meet the master. Their jugalbandi ignited the atmosphere, a fusion of two extraordinary talents creating an exhilarating spectacle.

The two singers countered one another with dexterity, building intensity with every verse shared. Each performance struck chords not only within the hearts of the audience but also echoed through the heavens. As Shubman delved into his verses, the passion infused in his singing shifted the dynamics of the melody, creating an almost tangible connection between the performer and those present.

And then, as if nature were a silent companion to their captivating performance, a gentle breeze whispered through the grand hall, brushing against the satin drapes like a lover's caress. Outside, the clouds, heavy with anticipation, began to release a few drops of rain, and everyone, including Chandrika, looked and heard in awe.

The sound of the pitter-patter whispered through the open windows, adding a haunting beauty to the evening. As Shubman reached the crescendo of his final piece, the droplets danced against the marble courtyard, creating a perfect harmony with his voice.

When the last note lingered in the air, the hall erupted in thunderous applause. Pandit Vijayraj, despite being the seasoned performer, bowed his head with grace toward Shubman, acknowledging the brilliance of the young prince, as it started raining outside.

"You have outdone me tonight, young Maan Singh. Your voice carries the essence of our land, and the blessing of rain sings with you,"he proclaimed, an expression of genuine respect in his eyes.

Among the crowd, Chandrika stood transfixed in awe, captivated by Shubman's talent. She approached him, her heart racing as she spoke, "What an extraordinary performance!"

Shubman, humbled by the admiration, bowed his head slightly. "Thank you,"he said and then seek the pandit's blessings by touching his feet.

"Rise up, young prince. You're an extraordinary talent, deserved to be cherished and celebrated,"he said and blessed him and added,"Advait, Maharaj Suryavardhan, I wish to borrow him at times for cultural classical concerts. He's marvelous."

"No doubt, he is,"Suryavardhan said with pride while Meenakshi passed a smile and Rishabh came ahead and gave a tight hug to Shubman, saying,"you're the star of the family, little brother."

Devangini smiled seeing them while thinking,"yeh dil ke boorey nahi hain. He's good at heart."

************************************Here goes the update. Keep Reading and Keep Vommenting Guys.😘❤️