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Some of the notes about this chapter:

Age of Mrinali :- 25 and she's the princess of Pratapgarh(sister of king vikramaditya)

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As Raghu led Vikram through the winding corridors of the palace, he couldn't help but notice the intricate carvings and ornate tapestries that adorned the walls. Raghu, seemingly oblivious to the beauty surrounding them, continued to chat amiably with Vikram.

"Maharaj, dai ma is a wonderful person," Raghu said, his voice low and conversational. "She's about 60 years old, but she's still very active and sharp. She's the one who assigns tasks to all the maids and servants in the palace, and she's very sweet and fair. She's been working in the palace for over 40 years, and she knows everything there is to know about running a household."

Vikram's expression remained neutral, his eyes fixed on the way ahead as he walked. Raghu continued to talk, seemingly unaware of Vikram's stoic demeanor.

"Dai ma is very particular about her work," Raghu said. "She makes sure that every room in the palace is spotless, and that every servant is doing their job to the best of their ability. She's very kind and understanding, but she's also very firm when it comes to discipline."

As they turned a corner, Raghu nodded towards a doorway up ahead. "That's dai ma's chamber. She's usually busy assigning tasks and managing the household staff. Let's go inside and introduce you to her."

As they approached the doorway, Vikram could hear the sound of dai ma's voice, speaking in a warm and gentle tone.

"Malini, I need you to make sure that the east wing is thoroughly cleaned today," dai ma was saying. "The king's guests will be arriving soon, and we need to make a good impression. Also, please make sure that the flowers in the foyer are fresh and arranged nicely. We don't want anything to look wilted or out of place."

Malini nodded and smiled, taking notes as dai ma continued to give her instructions. Raghu cleared his throat to announce their arrival, and dai ma looked up from her conversation with Malini. Her eyes sparkled with warmth as she took in Vikram's tall, imposing figure.

"Ah, Raghu, whom you have brought?," dai ma said, her voice dripping with sweetness.

Raghu said "Kumar ordered me to introduce him to you and to assign him some work."

Dai ma nodded, her eyes never leaving Vikram's face. "Ah, yes. Kumar mentioned that he was hiring some new staff. Well, You're a very charming and handsome young man," dai ma said. "I'm sure you'll fit in nicely here. what's your name young man?" she asked, turning to Vikram.

Vikram remained silent, his expression neutral. Raghu spoke up, filling the silence. "His name is Vikram, dai ma," Raghu said.

Oh,Vikram....I'm glad to have you on board. I'll make sure to assign you some tasks that suit your skills."

Vikram bowed his head respectfully, his eyes fixed on the floor. Dai ma's eyes lingered on his face, and she smiled sweetly.

As dai ma continued to talk, Vikram listened intently, his expression remaining neutral. Despite his cold demeanor, dai ma seemed to be taken with him, and Vikram's respectful behavior had clearly made a good impression.

Dai ma smiled warmly at Vikram, seemingly pleased with his attentiveness. "Well, Vikram, I think that's all for now. Raghu, please show him to his quarters and make sure he has everything he needs. I'll see him at dinner tonight."

Raghu nodded and smiled, leading Vikram out of the room. As they walked away, Raghu turned to Vikram and said, "You made a good impression on dai ma, Maharaj. She's a tough woman to please, but she seems to like you."

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As Vikram walked down the corridor with Raghu, Raghu chatted amiably as they walked, pointing out various rooms and landmarks along the way. Vikram listened intently, his eyes scanning the surroundings.

Just as they turned a corner, Vikram's eyes met those of a young woman jumping down the corridor, a big smile on her face. She was dressed in a simple but neat servant's uniform, and her dark hair was pulled back into a tidy bun.

As she landed, her eyes met Vikram's, and her smile faltered for a moment. It was the girl from the mango tree, the one who had accidentally dropped a mango on his head just a few hours ago.

Rajsri's eyes flashed with anger as she took in Vikram's servant's uniform. She stood frozen for a moment, her hands clenched into fists, before she seemed to remember herself and began to hurry towards them, a big basket of dirty laundry in her hands.

Vikram's expression remained neutral, but his eyes glinted with a sharp glare. Rajsri met his gaze, her own eyes blazing with anger.

As she approached, Raghu smiled and nodded. "Ah, Rajsri, this is Vikram, a new servant," he said.

Rajsri's gaze didn't waver from Vikram's face. "I know who he is," she spat, her voice dripping with disdain.

Vikram's expression didn't change, but his eyes seemed to sparkle with amusement. He raised an eyebrow, his gaze never leaving Rajsri's face.

Rajsri's face flushed with anger, and she quickened her pace, trying to brush past them. But as she did, she stumbled slightly, and the basket of laundry went flying out of her hands.

Vikram didn't move to help her, but Raghu rushed to her side, laughing. "Hey, hey, careful there, Rajsri!" he said, helping her gather up the laundry.

Rajsri's face was flushed with embarrassment, but she glared up at Vikram, her eyes sparkling with anger. Vikram met her gaze, his expression unyielding.

For a moment, the two just stared at each other, the air thick with tension. Then Rajsri turned and flounced off, leaving Raghu and Vikram to continue on their way.

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I was hurrying down the corridor, my basket of dirty laundry bouncing against my hip. I was lost in thought, still chuckling to myself as I remembered the conversation I had with Prince Avyukt earlier that day.

"Rajsri, you're the only person I know who can trip over air," he had teased, his eyes sparkling with amusement.

I had playfully rolled my eyes. "That's not true, Your Highness. I'm just... creatively coordinated."

Prince Avyukt had laughed. "I think that's the most ridiculous thing I've ever heard, Rajsri. But I like it."

I couldn't help but smile as I remembered the conversation. But my smile faltered as I turned a corner and saw him. The boy who had gotten into a fight with me over a mango just a few hours ago.

I felt a surge of anger and embarrassment. What was he doing here? And why was he wearing a servant's uniform?

"Ah, Rajsri, this is Vikram, a new servant," Raghu said, as if I had asked.

"I know who he is," I spat, still glaring at Vikram

Vikram's expression didn't change, but his eyes seemed to sparkle with amusement. I felt a shiver run down my spine.

I tried to brush past him, but my feet seemed to tangle together. The basket of laundry went flying out of my hands, and I stumbled.

Raghu rushed to my side, laughing and helping me gather up the laundry. "Hey, Rajsri, are you okay?"

I nodded, still glaring at Vikram. Raghu seemed to notice my gaze and followed it to Vikram.

I quickly gathered up the laundry and turned to leave. But as I walked away, I could feel Vikram's eyes on me. I felt like he was watching me, waiting for me to slip up again.

I quickened my pace, my heart pounding in my chest. What was this man? And why did he have to be so infuriating?

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"Here we are," Raghu said, pushing the door open. "This will be your room for the duration of your stay Maharaj."

Vikram stepped inside, taking in the small but comfortable room in the servant's wing of the palace. Vikram's eyes scanned the room, taking in the simple furnishings and the small window that looked out onto the palace gardens.

Raghu smiled, seeming to sense Vikram's approval. "I'm glad you like it," he said. "If you need anything, just let me know. I'll be happy to help."

Vikram nodded, his expression still neutral. Raghu turned to leave, but then stopped and turned back to Vikram.

"Oh, Maharaj, I almost forgot," Raghu said. "Dai ma wants you to report to the kitchen at 6 am tomorrow morning to start your duties," Raghu said. "She'll be assigning you your task for the day". Just make sure to be on time, Maharaj."

Vikram nodded, his expression still neutral. Raghu smiled and nodded, seemingly pleased with Vikram's response.

"Good, Maharaj," Raghu said. "I'll leave you to get settled in now. If you need anything, just let me know."

Raghu turned and left, closing the door behind him. Vikram walked over to the window and looked out, taking in the beauty of the gardens. The sun was setting, casting a warm orange glow over the flowers and trees.

Vikram's expression remained neutral, but his eyes seemed to gleam with a hint of interest. He stood there for a moment, his arms folded on his back while he was taking in the beauty of the gardens.

Vikram's mind turned to the tasks that lay ahead. He knew that he would be working hard to prove himself, and he was determined to do his best.

Despite his cold demeanor, Vikram had a strong sense of duty and responsibility. He knew that he had been given a great opportunity, and he was determined to make the most of it.

Vikram's eyes seemed to gleam with a hint of determination. He was ready for whatever lay ahead, and he was determined to succeed.

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❀❀❀❀❀❀ Back to Pratapgarh ❀❀❀❀❀❀

Sidharth entered the grand halls of Pratapgarh, his footsteps echoing off the stone walls. He made his way to Dadi Sa's chambers, where he found her seated on a plush couch, surrounded by the opulent decor of the palace.

"Pranaam, Dadi Sa," Sidharth said, bowing his head in respect.

Dadi Sa smiled warmly, her eyes twinkling with affection. "Beta, kaise ho? Vikram ka kuch pata chala hai?" (Child, how are you? Something has come to light about Vikram?)

"Vikram theek hai, Dadi Sa," Sidharth replied, taking a seat beside her. "Woh chandrapura pahuch gaya hai aur use mahal me pravesh bhi mil gaya hai." (Vikram is fine, Dadi Sa. He has reached Chandrapura and has also got entry into the palace.)

Dadi Sa nodded, her expression thoughtful. "Theek hai, Vikram ko bolna wo apna khayal rakhe, wo dushmano ke beech hai." (Okay, child. Tell Vikram to take care of himself, he is among the enemies.)

The two chatted for a few minutes, discussing the affairs of the palace and the kingdom. Sidharth listened intently, his eyes locked on Dadi Sa's face.

As he was prepared to leave, Sidharth asked, "Dadi Sa...Mrinali kaise hai?" (Dadi Sa....how is Mrinali?)

Dadi Sa's face lit up with a warm smile. "Mrinali theek hai, beta. Woh apne kamren mein hai. Tum jaake mil sakte ho." (Mrinali is fine, child. She's in her room. You can go meet her.)

Sidharth nodded, a hint of a smile playing on his lips. He bid Dadi Sa farewell and made his way to Mrinali's chambers.

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As Sidharth approached Mrinali's chambers, the guards outside announced his arrival in loud, clear voices. "Virgah ke maharaja Siddharth padhar rahe hai!" (The king of Virgah, Siddharth, is arriving!)

Inside, Mrinali was seated in front of a large, ornate dressing table, wearing a simple white cotton saree. Her hair was wet, and the maids were busy drying it using the ancient method of burning humad, the fragrant vapors rising to envelop her tresses. The dressing table was adorned with an array of jewels and ornaments, a testament to Mrinali's status as a princess.

As soon as the guards announced Sidharth's arrival, Mrinali gestured to the maids with a flick of her wrist, dismissing them. The maids nodded and hastily retreated, closing the door behind them.

Mrinali's eyes sparkled with a hint of grumpiness as she picked up a pair of bangles and began to wear them, her movements slow and deliberate. She was still smarting from Sidharth's last visit, when he had met with Vikram but hadn't bothered to visit her.

"Aaj mil gayi fursat mujhse Milne ki." Mrinali said, her voice tinged with a hint of annoyance. ( Got time to meet me today.)

Sidharth pushed open the door and stepped inside, his eyes drawn to Mrinali like a magnet. He approached her, his footsteps quiet on the marble floor.

Mrinali's eyes flashed with annoyance, but she said nothing. Sidharth reached the dressing table and picked up an anklet. He held it out to Mrinali, his eyes locked on hers.

Mrinali's eyes never left his face as she held out her foot, allowing Sidharth to slip on the anklet. Sidharth's fingers brushed against hers, sending a spark of electricity through the air.

He slipped on the second anklet, his eyes never leaving Mrinali's face. As he finished, Sidharth leaned forward, his lips brushing against Mrinali's feet in a gentle kiss.

Mrinali's eyes fluttered closed, her face glow with a soft, golden light. Sidharth's hands lingered on her feet, his fingers tracing the delicate curves of her toes.

Mrinali's breath caught in her throat, The air was thick with tension, the silence between them speaking volumes.

Sidharth's eyes never left Mrinali's face, his gaze burning with intensity. As they sat there, the only sound the soft clinking of her bangles, Sidharth reached out and gently brushed a strand of hair behind Mrinali's ear.

His fingers lingered on her skin, sending a wave of excitement down her spine. Mrinali's eyes open, her gaze meeting Sidharth's. For a moment, they just stared at each other, the tension between them crackling like electricity.

Then, without a word, Sidharth stood up, his eyes never leaving Mrinali's face. He reached out and gently traced the curve of her cheek, his fingers sending shivers down her spine.

Mrinali's eyes fluttered closed, her body responding to Sidharth's touch.

Sidharth slowly pulled the little stool near to where Mrinali was sitting. As Sidharth sat beside Mrinali, she turned to him with a curious expression. "Vikram bhaiya kab wapas aa rahe hain?" (When is Vikram brother coming back?)

Sidharth's response was a gentle "Hmm."

As they spoke, . He took the bangles from her hands in his, his fingers brushing against hers. "Sab theek toh hai na?" Mrinali's eyes narrowed slightly, her brow furrowing in confusion.

Sidharth's answer was a soothing "Ha."

"Koi khatra toh nahin hai na unke liye?" (There is no danger for him right?)

Sidharth began to make her wear the bangles, his hands moving deftly as he slid the delicate metal onto her wrists. "Nahi," he whispered, his breath tickling her skin.

Mrinali's eyes softens, her gaze meeting Sidharth's. For a moment, they just stared at each other, the silence between them speaking volumes.

As Sidharth finished with the bangles, he moved on to the rings, his fingers sliding onto her fingers as he slipped on the delicate metal.

Next, Sidharth turned his attention to the earrings, his hands brushing against her ears as he slid on the delicate drops. Mrinali's eyes looked at sidharth, her voice light as she said "sidharth tum Vikram Bhaiya ko humare bare me kab bata rahe ho?" (Sidharth when are you telling Vikram brother about us?)

As Sidharth finished adorning her, he stood up and took her hair in his hands. He closed his eyes, inhaling deeply as he smelled the fragrance of her tresses. Mrinali's eyes open, her gaze