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As the first light of dawn crept over the horizon, the palace of Chandrapura began to stir. The warm rays of the sun peeked through the intricately carved windows, casting a golden glow over the sprawling complex. The air was filled with the sweet fragrance of blooming flowers, and the chirping of birds echoed through the corridors, creating a melodic symphony that signaled the start of a new day.

The servants, accustomed to rising early, were already busy with their respective tasks. In the courtyard, a group of male servants were sweeping the marble floors, their brooms swishing in unison as they worked. Nearby, a team of female servants were hurrying to clean the intricate stone carvings that adorned the palace walls. They chattered and laughed as they worked, their glass bangles and anklets made sound adding a splash of vibrancy to the scene.

In the palace gardens, Rohini, a maid was busy tending to the delicate flowers and plants that grew there. She was tasked with ensuring that the gardens were perfectly manicured for the upcoming festival. As she worked, she was chatting with Mala, one of the other maids, who was busy watering the plants nearby.

Rohini was laughing and joking with Mala. "I'm telling you, Mala, I saw Rajsri trip over her own feet yesterday," Rohini said, her voice tinged with a hint of jealousy. "I've never seen anyone so clumsy in my life! And to think, everyone's always going on about how beautiful she is..."

Mala chuckled and playfully rolled her eyes. "You're just jealous because she's so popular and beautiful," she teased.

Rohini's face flushed with embarrassment, and she quickly looked away. "I am not jealous," she protested, her voice a little too loud.

Meanwhile, in another part of the palace, Rajsri and Kavita were sitting in a quiet corner of the palace, sewing intricate embroidery onto the royal family's ceremonial wear. They were chatting and laughing together, enjoying each other's company.

"Oh my god, have you seen Daima trying to climb the stairs? It's like she's 100 years old!" Rajsri said giggling.

To which Kavita replied laughing, "I know, right? I saw her the other day, and she was using her cane to pull herself up the stairs, one step at a time. I was like, 'Daima, you're going to hurt yourself!'"

Rajsri again said giggling, "And have you seen her trying to remember things? She's always like, 'What was I just saying?' or 'Where did I put my keys?' It's like she's forgotten everything!"

"I know, it's like she's lost in her own little world. But you know what's even funnier? When she tries to give us advice on how to live our lives. Like, 'Back in my day, we didn't have all these new-fangled things...'" Kavita said while acting like Dai ma.

Rajsri said laughing even louder, "Oh my god, yes! And then she'll start telling us stories about when she was young, and how she got married at the age of 10 and how she had to take care of her in-laws and she would actually walk miles in the day time so that she could meet her husband and talk behind her in-laws back, because it wasn't allowed for the husband and wife to talk so openly back in her days..."

Just then, Daima appeared around the corner, her cane in hand and a stern look on her face.

"What's all this noise I hear? You two are being very disrespectful, talking about me behind my back." Daima said sternly while eyeing both of them suspiciously

Rajsri and Kavita immediately stopped laughing and looked at each other nervously.

"Oh, Daima, we were just... uh... talking about... uh... the weather." Rajsri said quickly.

Right after Rajsri, Kavita followed, "Yes, the weather. It's very... uh... sunny today, isn't it?"

Daima said skeptically"The weather? You two were laughing and giggling like a pair of fools. I know you were talking about me."

Daima's face turned stern, and she suddenly reached out and grabbed their ears, twisting them in a tight grip.

"Ah-ah, you two think you can make fun of me behind my back?" Daima said, her voice stern but with a hint of amusement.

Rajsri and Kavita yelped in pain, trying to squirm out of Daima's grasp.

"Ow, Daima, please let go!" Rajsri begged.

"Okay, okay, we're sorry!" Kavita added.

Daima released their ears, but not before giving them a playful tweak.

"You two are like a pair of mischievous monkeys," Daima said, shaking her head. "Always getting into trouble. But I have to admit, I'm a little impressed. I didn't know you two had sense of humor."

Rajsri and Kavita rubbed their sore ears, still looking a bit nervous.

"Thanks, Daima," Rajsri said. "We were just trying to have a little fun."

"You girls have nothing better to do than sit in any corner and gossip all day?" Daima said while tapping her cane.

Rajsri and Kavita looked at each other nervously, trying to come up with an explanation.

Kavita said in a loud voice, "Ha daima! Hum dono subah se kaam kar rahe hai!".

  Rajsri followed Kavita saying dramatically, "wahi toh, aap ko toh humari kadar hi nahi"

Daima cut them off, a sly glint in her eye. "You girls have made fun of Rohini's husband again, haven't you?"

Rajsri and Kavita looked at each other, knowing they had been caught.

"Daima, nahi toh...." Kavita said while winking at Rajsri

To which Rajsri quickly nodded looking at Daima "Ha, Daima humne toh aisa kuch nahi kiya, aapko kisne bola?..."

Daima chuckled, shaking her head. "Tum dono kabhi nahi sudharne wale, Kitni baar bola dhire baat kiya karo"

Daima sat down next to Rajsri and Kavita, holding a needle and thread. "You know, I'm having a bit of trouble threading this needle. My eyes aren't what they used to be."

Rajsri quickly took the needle from Daima's hand and said, "Don't worry, Daima. You can rest. We'll take care of this."

Kavita nodded in agreement. "Yes, we can handle it. And if we need any help, we can ask Mala."

Daima smiled and shook her head. "No, no. I'm not that busy. It's okay. I have nothing to do, so I might as well sit here and do this with you girls."

Rajsri and Kavita made space for Daima to sit comfortably, and the three of them began to work on their embroidery.

As they worked, the conversation turned to the palace cook, Maharaj.

Rajsri: "Dai ma, have you ever noticed that the palace cook, Maharaj, always seems to be in a bad mood?"

Kavita: "Ha! Yes, I have. I think it's because he's always tasting his own cooking and realizing how bad it is."

Dai ma:"Oh, that's cruel! But maybe it's true. I mean, have you ever tried his infamous 'dragon's breath' curry?"

Kavita: (laughing) "Ugh, don't remind me Dai ma! I think I'm still sweating from the last time I tried it. But you know what they say: 'if you can't take the heat, stay out of Maharaj's kitchen'!"

Rajsri: (doubled over with laughter) "That's amazing! We should put that on a sign outside the kitchen. 'Abandon all taste buds, who enter here'!"

Dai ma: "Okay, okay, let's stop talking about Maharaj's cooking and focus more on work.

Kavita: But seriously, have you two ever wondered what his secret ingredient is?"

Rajsri: (grinning mischievously) "I think it's a special blend of disappointment and despair. With a dash of regret, of course."

Kavita grinned "I heard he's been experimenting with new recipes, and they're all disasters. I mean, who tries to put spinach in a dessert?"

Daima chuckled, her eyes twinkling with amusement. "Maharaj has always been a bit of a wild card in the kitchen."

Rajsri giggled. "I know, right? I heard he once tried to make a cake with salt instead of sugar. It was a... unique experience, let's say."

Rajsri grinned mischievously. "Anyway, we can just feed Maharaj's food to Chandrapura's enemies. That'll take care of them!"

Kavita thought for a moment before responding."Ha! Like...how about the king of Pratapgarh?"

Daima, who had been quietly working on her embroidery, looked up and said, "Vikramaditya?"

Rajsri's eyes sparkled with amusement. "Hum us Vikramaditya ko Maharaj ke hath ka khana khila denge. Wo toh bichara waise bhi bina talvar ke mar jaega!"

The three of them burst out laughing at the thought of feeding Maharaj's notorious cooking to Chandrapura's enemy, Vikramaditya.

Kavita looked up at Daima with curiosity. "Daima, how does Vikramaditya look? Is he handsome?"

Daima's expression turned thoughtful. "I've heard he's a tall and broad-shouldered man, he's strong and he looks so intruding with piercing eyes. They call him the 'Lion of Pratapgarh' due to his fearless and powerful nature on the battlefield."

Rajsri shook her head, a skeptical look on her face. "Sundar roop hoke kya hi hoga, Daima, jab wo insaan hi bura hai?"

Daima shrugged. "I've only heard rumors and stories about him. They say he's a just and fair ruler, loved by his people. But I've never seen him myself, so I couldn't tell you what he's really like."

Rajsri leaned in, her voice barely above a whisper. "Do you think he's as scary as everyone says?"

Daima's expression turned serious. "I don't know, child. But one thing's for sure - Vikramaditya's name is whispered in fear and dread by those who know of him. They say that to cross him is to invite ruin and destruction upon oneself."

Rajsri shuddered. "Just thinking about him sends shivers down my spine, Daima."

Just then, a maid appeared at the doorway, bowing respectfully. "Daima, the palace staff needs your instructions on the day's tasks. Shall I send them to you?"

Daima nodded, setting aside her embroidery. "Very well, I'll attend to it. Excuse me, girls."

Rajsri and Kavita nodded, watching as Daima followed the maid out of the room, leaving them alone once again.

Once Daima was out of sight, Rajsri turned to Kavita with a curious expression. "Kavita, don't you think it's strange that Vikramaditya's kingdom is so prosperous and rich, despite his cruel nature?"

Kavita's brow furrowed in thought. "Yes, I've wondered about that too. Maybe it's because he's clever and strategic, and knows how to use his resources to his advantage."

Rajsri nodded thoughtfully. "Maybe. But what about his people, Kavita? Why do they seem so happy and content, despite living under his rule?"

Kavita's eyes sparkled with curiosity. "That's a good question, Rajsri. Maybe we'll never know the answer."

The two girls sat in silence for a moment, lost in their own thoughts and speculations about the mysterious and feared Vikramaditya.

As they sat there, the sound of the palace staff going about their daily tasks could be heard in the distance, a gentle hum of activity that filled the air.
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In the courtyard, the servants were assembled in a neat line, waiting for their assignments. Daima stood at the front, holding a small parchment in her hand. She cleared her throat, and the servants fell silent.

"First, we have Kundan and Harish," Daima said, her sharp eyes landing on the two men. "You will be in charge of polishing the silverware in the dining hall. Make sure it sparkles like the stars in the night sky."

Kundan bowed his head with a smile. "Yes, Daima. We will not disappoint."

Next, her gaze moved to Meena and Rupa, two young maidservants. "You two will assist the cook in the kitchen today. Preparations need to begin early."

Meena nodded eagerly. "Yes, Daima. We will ensure everything is perfect."

Daima continued assigning tasks: "Rajesh and Mohan, you are to clean the guest chambers. Everything must be spotless. Nandini and Sita, you will be working in the weaving chamber, preparing decorations."

As Daima assigned tasks, two maids whispered among themselves, their voices hushed so as not to draw her attention. One of them, a newcomer, glanced around curiously. "Why is everything being cleaned so thoroughly? Is a guest coming?" she asked.

The older maid smirked with pride, keeping her voice low. "No, foolish girl. The Kanchan Utsav is in a month."

The younger maid frowned. "Kanchan Utsav? What's that?"

The older maid scoffed but leaned in. "It is the grandest festival of Chandrapura, a celebration of prosperity, gold, and tradition. The entire kingdom takes part in it, and everything must be perfect. The palace, the streets, the people—everything must reflect the glory of Chandrapura."

The younger maid’s eyes widened. "That sounds incredible."

The older maid nodded. "It is. But you will soon learn how much work it takes to make it so."

Vikram, standing among the servants, caught their whispers. His sharp ears never missed anything of importance, and though he kept his gaze ahead, his mind processed this new piece of information.

Finally, Daima’s eyes landed on Vikram and Raghu. "You two will tend to the gardens today. Raghu, trim the bushes. Vikram, there are heavy rocks and debris that need to be cleared. The garden must be immaculate."

Vikram nodded, his gaze steady. He was dressed in a plain, earth-toned kurta with a loose dhoti. Despite the simplicity of his clothing, the fabric stretched over his broad chest, emphasizing the sculpted muscles beneath.

As he and Raghu made their way to the gardens, Vikram spoke, his voice low yet commanding. "What is this Kanchan Utsav?"

Raghu, answered with respect. "It is the most significant festival of Chandrapura, Maharaj. A grand celebration of wealth, prosperity, and devotion. Gold ornaments are displayed, temples are adorned with the finest offerings, and the entire kingdom comes together in joyous festivities. The palace and it's people including the workers must be at their finest, as the festival brings dignitaries, traders, and even neighboring royals to witness Chandrapura’s splendor."

Vikram nodded, absorbing the details. The festival was more than just an event—it was an opportunity.
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The afternoon sun cast golden hues over the palace garden, where Vikram and Raghu worked under its warm gaze. Vikram’s strong arms flexed effortlessly as he dug into the soil, his muscles rippling under the weight of the task. Sweat glistened on his skin, the damp fabric of his tunic clinging to his chiseled torso. With every precise movement, he exuded raw strength—silent, commanding, and utterly mesmerizing to anyone who happened to glance his way.

Kavita and Rajsri arrived at the garden after completing their embroidery work, sent by Dai Ma to assist the two men. As they approached, Kavita's steps slowed, her gaze locking onto Vikram. She barely registered anything else, her lips parting slightly as she took in the sheer masculine grace with which he worked.

Kavita sighed dreamily, her gaze fixed on Vikram. "Haye, koi itna acha bhi ho sakta hai kya? Jaise bhagwan ne fursat se banaya ho." (Oh my, can someone really be so handsome? It's as if God created him with leisure.)

Rajsri looked at Kavita with a "done" face, her expression a perfect blend of amusement and exasperation. She then glanced at Raghu, her eyes scanning him from head to toe in a ridiculously exaggerated manner. Her eyebrows shot up, her lips twisting into a weird, squiggly shape, like she had just sucked on a particularly sour lemon.

She quickly looked away, her face scrunched up in distaste, as if she had just witnessed something utterly absurd. And then, she said:

"Wo?! Kavita, mujhe pehle se hi shak tha ki tere dimaag mein Raghu ko lekar kuch chal raha hai, lekin behen tu uske liye bahut sundar hai" (Him?! Kavita, I had suspected all along that you had something going on in your mind about Raghu, but you are too beautiful for him?) Rajsri's tone was playful, but also slightly disapproving, as if she was teasing Kavita.

Kavita gasped and lightly slapped Rajsri's head. "Raghu nahi, pagal! Main Vikram ke bare mein keh rahi thi!" (Not Raghu, idiot! I was talking about Vikram!)

Rajsri's brows shot up. "Tu Vikram ko dekh rahi thi?!" (You were looking at Vikram?)

She turned toward him again, her expression skeptical. "I think Raghu was a better choice to look at than him."

Kavita huffed and nudged her. "Rajsri, just look at him. Kya woh buraa lagta hai tumhein?" (Rajsri, just look at him. Doesn't he look good to you?)

Rajsri hesitated but, out of curiosity, let her gaze settle on Vikram. She took in his tall, powerful frame, the way his sharp jawline tensed as he worked, his thick, jet-black hair slightly tousled by the wind, and the way his deep brown eyes burned with quiet intensity. The sheer strength in his stance, the way his muscles moved beneath his skin—it was undeniable. He was striking. But she quickly shakes it off, forcing her expression into one of disinterest.

“Pata nahi tujhe kya dikh raha hai,” she huffed, crossing her arms. “Mujhe toh bas ek akadwala chehra dikh raha hai."She said twisting her lips

Kavita smirked, tilting her head at Rajsri’s feigned indifference. “Haan haan, rehne de.” She chuckled knowingly.

Rajsri rolled her eyes, choosing to ignore Kavita’s teasing tone.