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Paridhi stepped out of the closet wearing a red silk saree that was looking gorgeous. Ofc..

It was her first day as the Queen of Rajasthan. People would see her today as their new queen, and her heart was filled with both excitement and nerves.

The weight of her new role felt heavy, much like the saree she was wearing atp.

She walked slowly toward the elegant dressing room, her bare feet silent on the cold marble floor.

The palace still felt new to her, its beauty stunning and somewhat overwhelming.

Every corner had a story, every wall whispered about the kings and queens who had come before her. And now, somehow, she was part of that history.

As she sat in front of the large mirror with its golden frame, Paridhi looked at her reflection, hardly recognizing herself.

The girl from yesterday was gone, replaced by a new woman.

Her eyes, usually bright and curious, now held a hint of uncertainty and wonder.

"Who am I now?" she whispered to herself, running her fingers along the edge of her saree.

"Am I really a queen?"

Her hands trembled as she started to apply some light makeup. A little kohl around her eyes, a touch of color on her lips.

Nothing too flashy, she had always preferred simplicity, and that hadn’t changed with her new position.

Paridhi reached for the elegant jewelry box. She opened it carefully.

She chose a few pieces: delicate gold earrings, bangles that clinked softly when she put them on, and then she reached for the mangalsutra.

Just as her fingers touched it, a strong, warm hand gently covered hers, stopping her.

Paridhi's heart raced. She looked up at the mirror and saw Abhimaan behind her, his dark eyes fixed on her. She had not heard him enter.

How long had he been there, watching her?

The thought made her cheeks flush. She shivered involuntarily as he moved closer, his breath warm against her ear, and he whispered,

"Kya ham aapki madad kar sakte hain, Rani Sa?"

[May I help you Rani sa]

His deep voice made her heart flutter. Paridhi nodded, too stunned to speak.

Whenever he was around, she always felt like she had nothing to say.

Abhimaan gently took the mangalsutra from her hands. His fingers brushed against hers, barely touching, but it sent warmth through her.

He stood behind her for a moment, holding the sacred necklace.

Their eyes met in the mirror. Then he asked softly,

"Your hair... can I move it?"

Paridhi looked at him in the mirror. Her heartbeat quickened.

"Ooo... okay," she said quietly, her voice almost too soft to hear in the silence of the room.

Abhimaan's large hands moved with surprising tenderness as he gathered her long, thick hair and swept it to one side, exposing the nape of her neck and the upper part of her back where her blouse left her skin bare.

His fingers lingered in her hair for a moment longer than necessary, as if relishing its silken texture.

His gaze darkened as it traveled across the exposed skin of her neck and shoulders.

A possessive thought flashed through his mind. This beauty was for his eyes alone. Only for him.

"Shukar hai ki aapke baal lambe hain," he said quietly, his voice dropping to a husky whisper.

[Thank goodness your hair is long.]

His fingers trailed lightly across the nape of her neck as he arranged her hair.

"It will protect your back from others' eyes."

The possessiveness in his tone was clear, though he tried to hide it with casualness.

The idea of anyone else seeing what he now saw, the delicate curve where her neck met her shoulder, the soft skin of her upper back, filled him with an irrational jealousy.

Lost in these unexpected thoughts, Abhimaan was brought back to the present by a small, strangled sound from Paridhi.

He looked up to see her face turning a deep shade of pink in the mirror, her eyes wide and her lips slightly parted.

"Kya sab theek hai, Rana Sa?" she asked, her voice trembling slightly, unsure if she had done something wrong to make him silent.

[Is everything alright, Rana sa?]

Abhimaan nodded, his eyes still holding hers in the mirror.

"Hmm," he murmured.

"I was just... thinking something."

He didn’t elaborate, focusing instead on placing the mangalsutra around her neck.

With great care, he draped it around her, the gold pendant resting against her chest.

But his fingers lingered on her skin a moment longer than necessary, tracing a path along her collarbone that left goosebumps in their wake.

Paridhi felt her breath catch at his touch.

No one had ever touched her with such... Possession?

She couldn't name the feeling, but it made her heart race and her skin tingle.

Then, unexpectedly, he turned her chair to face him, his movements gentle but firm.

He knelt down before her, bringing them to eye level, and picked up the small container of sindoor from her dressing table.

"May I?" he asked again, his voice low and husky, holding up the vermilion powder.

Paridhi looked at him, captivated by the intensity in his dark eyes. She nodded slowly, her heart pounding so loudly she was sure he could hear it.

With great care, Abhimaan applied the red powder along the parting in her hair.

His touch was feather-light. They stayed locked in each other's gaze, unable to look away.

Finally, Abhimaan leaned in and pressed his lips to her forehead, right where he had applied the sindoor.

The kiss was gentle, almost reverent, but it sent a jolt of electricity through Paridhi's body.

Her face turned a deep shade of red, and she looked down, suddenly shy.

But a small smile played on her lips, revealing her pleasure at the tender gesture.

"Thank you," she whispered, her voice barely audible.

Abhimaan stepped back, a hint of color on his cheeks. He looked at her from head to toe, taking in every detail of her appearance.

The way the red saree complemented her golden skin, how the jewels sparkled at her ears and wrists, the shy smile that made her eyes shine.

"Aap bahut khoobsurat lag rahi hain, Rani sa," he said softly, his voice filled with pride.

[You look very beautiful, Rani sa]

"Par yaad rakhiye, yeh khoobsurati sirf hamare liye hai."

[But remember, this beauty is only for me to see.]

Paridhi's eyes widened at his words.

"Are you ready for the day ahead?" Abhimaan asked, his tone softening slightly, recognizing her nervousness.

Paridhi took a deep breath and nodded, trying to gather her courage.

"I... I think I'm ready."

She hesitated for a moment, then looked up at him, vulnerability clear in her expression.

"Rana Sa?"

"Hmm?"

"Kya aap wahan honge?" She asked, revealing her anxiety about facing everyone.

[Will you be there?]

Abhimaan's expression softened as he gently cupped her face in his palm. His thumb traced a light pattern on her cheek.

"Har kadam par," he replied confidently.

[Every step of the way]

"I won't ever leave your side, Pari. You are my Queen, and I will always stand beside my Rani sa."

He extended his hand to her.

"Chalein? Rajasthan apni nayi Rani ka intezaar kar raha hai."

[Shall we? Rajasthan is waiting for its new Queen.]

Paridhi smiled shyly as she placed her small hand in his larger one, feeling its warmth and strength.

He helped her to her feet, and as they walked toward the door, Abhimaan leaned close, his lips brushing against her ear as he whispered,

"Yaad rakhiye, Rani Sa. Chahe jo ho, aap hamari zimmedari hain. Aur ham apni zimmedari ko bahut gambhirta se lete hain."

[Remember, Rani Sa. No matter what happens, you are my responsibility. And I take my responsibilities very seriously.]

As they stepped into the corridor, Paridhi was acutely aware of Abhimaan's hand at the small of her back, guiding her. This made her heart flutter.

◆◇◆◇
Abhimaan and Paridhi walked down the grand staircase of the palace, their hands intertwined.

Paridhi's heart raced with a mix of excitement and nervousness.

As they descended, she spotted all the family members gathered in the living room.

Her gaze swept across the room, taking in familiar faces.

Then her eyes landed on three unfamiliar figures at the center of the group.

An older man with a regal presence, a woman of similar age with a kind face, and another woman who looked to be in her fifties stood there.

Suddenly, it dawned on her. These were Vikram Singh Rathore and his wife Gayatri Singh Rathore, the former king and queen of Rajasthan.

Beside them stood their daughter, Rashmi Rathore.

A wave of nervousness washed over Paridhi as she realized she was face to face with Abhimaan's grandparents and, likely, his aunt.

As they reached the bottom of the stairs, Paridhi quickly bowed her head in respect, her heart pounding.

Just then, a strong voice rang through the palace, making Paridhi jump slightly.

"A queen should not bow in front of anyone!"

The words echoed off the marble walls, sending a tremor of fear through her hands.

She glanced up to see Vikram Singh Rathore.

Though he had aged, his voice still carried the same authority it must have held when he was king.

Abhimaan's hand tightened around hers, offering silent support.

She looked up at him, her eyes wide with uncertainty. He gave her a small, reassuring smile but didn’t say anything.

Paridhi realized he was letting her handle this on her own.

Taking a deep breath, Paridhi gathered her courage.

She lifted her chin, meeting Vikram Singh Rathore's stern gaze. In a voice that surprised her with its steadiness, she said,

"But before becoming a queen, I am a girl the same age as your granddaughter. You are older than me, so how could I not bow before you?"

Her words lingered in the air, and Paridhi held her breath, anxious that she had misspoken.

But then she noticed something flicker in the old king's eyes.

Was it approval?

The room fell silent, everyone seemingly stunned by her response.

Paridhi felt her cheeks heat under the weight of many eyes.

Once more, she glanced at Abhimaan, seeking reassurance. He looked at her with a mix of pride and something else she couldn’t quite identify.

Suddenly, Rashmi stepped forward with a warm smile.

"God bless you, my dear."

Paridhi's head snapped towards her, eyes wide with shock. Rashmi smiled even more at her reaction.

She continued, reaching out to take Paridhi’s free hand.

"Welcome to the family, beta."

Relief flooded over Paridhi.

"Thank you," she said softly, a small smile forming on her lips.

Abhimaan watched the exchange, a hint of amusement dancing in his eyes.

He thought to himself,

"She looks too cute when she’s surprised. I really want to pinch her chubby cheeks."

Abhimaan then turned to his grandparents, gently pulling Paridhi along with him.

He bent down before them, touching their feet in a gesture of respect.

Paridhi observed as Vikram and Gayatri placed their hands on Abhimaan's head, blessing him.

"Jeete raho, beta,"

[May you live long]

Vikram said, his stern voice now softened with affection.

"May you both find lots of happiness."

Abhimaan moved to his aunt, touching her feet as well.

Rashmi cupped his face in her hands and kissed his forehead, her eyes shining with love.

"You've chosen a very good girl."

Abhimaan smiled, glancing at Paridhi.

"Ham jaante hain, Bua Sa,"

[I know]

he replied.

"I'm very lucky.

Paridhi's heart skipped a beat at his words.

She was still adjusting to the idea that this handsome, powerful man was her husband and that he seemed to genuinely like her.

Noticing Paridhi's confusion and anxiety, Gayatri stepped forward. She took Paridhi's hands in hers, her touch gentle and caring.

"Beta," she said softly,

"We just wanted to test you to see if you could be our queen. But you passed with flying colors."

Paridhi blinked in surprise.

"Test?" she asked, her voice small.

Vikram nodded, his stern expression softening slightly.

"Yes, child. Being the Queen of Rajasthan is no small task. We needed to know if you had the strength and wisdom for it."

"But..." Paridhi hesitated, gathering her thoughts.

"I don't understand. What did I do?"

Gayatri smiled, patting Paridhi's hand.

"You showed respect to your elders, even when faced with a command from the former king. That takes courage and wisdom."

"Remember," Vikram added, his voice serious yet kind,

"Abhimaan is the king, but above all, he is our grandson. He should respect his elders that's what we taught him. A king can bow to his elders. There's no shame in it. We wanted his wife to be the same."

Paridhi nodded slowly.

Abhimaan smiled at her, his eyes warm with affection as he gave her hand a gentle squeeze.

A thought occurred to Paridhi, and she turned back to the older couple.

"But... you weren't at the wedding yesterday," she said, confusion evident in her voice.

Rashmi stepped forward, a look of regret on her face.

"Oh, beta," she said,

"We had to go for Baba Sa's surgery. That's why we couldn't attend."

"Oh," she replied.

Gayatri observed this exchange with approval in her eyes.

"You see, Vikram ji?" she said to her husband.

"Our Abhimaan has chosen well. She has a kind heart."

Vikram nodded, a small smile breaking through his stern exterior.

"Indeed," he agreed.

His words made Paridhi's heart skip a beat.

"Now it's time for the announcement of the Queen in front of everyone," he said, his voice firm and authoritative.

Paridhi felt a wave of nervousness wash over her. She looked at Abhimaan, her eyes wide with uncertainty.

"Rana Sa," she whispered,

"I don't know if I'm ready for this."

Abhimaan squeezed her hand gently.

"You are, Rani Sa," he said softly.

"You've already won over my family. The people will love you too."

Gayatri noticed Paridhi's nervousness and came over to her.

"Beta," she said kindly,

"don't worry. Just be yourself. That's all you need to do."

Paridhi nodded, taking a deep breath.

"Okay," she said, her voice shaky but determined.

"What do I need to do?"

Vikram stood up, his presence demanding attention.

"We'll go to the main balcony," he explained.

"The people have gathered in the courtyard. Abhimaan will introduce you, and then you'll say a few words."

"A few words?" Paridhi repeated, her voice rising slightly in panic.

"But... what should I say?"

Rashmi placed a comforting hand on Paridhi's shoulder.

"Speak from your heart, dear," she advised.

"Tell them how you feel about becoming their queen."

Abhimaan helped Paridhi to her feet.

"You'll do wonderfully," he assured her.

"I'll be right beside you the entire time."

As they made their way to the balcony, Paridhi could hear the buzz of the crowd outside. The sound made her palms sweat and her heart race.

"I'm scared," she admitted to Abhimaan in a low voice.

He turned to her, cupping her face gently.

"Pari," he said, his voice soft yet firm.

"You are strong, kind, and intelligent. You are exactly what Rajasthan needs in a queen. Believe in yourself as I believe in you."

His words warmed her heart, boosting her confidence. She nodded, standing a little taller.

As they stepped onto the balcony, the crowd below erupted in cheers.

Paridhi's eyes widened at the sea of faces looking up at them. There must have been thousands gathered in the courtyard.

Vikram stepped forward first, raising his hands for silence. The crowd quieted immediately.

"Everyone," he began, his voice carrying across the courtyard,

"today is a momentous day. Our new Queen has come!"

Abhimaan took Paridhi's hand, leading her forward.

"Meet my wife, your new queen, Paridhi Abhimaan Singh Rathore!"

The crowd cheered once more, the sound almost deafening. Paridhi felt overwhelmed but Abhimaan's steady presence kept her grounded.

As the cheers faded, Abhimaan gently nudged Paridhi.

"Would you like to say a few words, Rani Sa?" he asked softly.

Paridhi nodded, taking a deep breath. She stepped forward, her heart pounding.

For a moment, she froze, looking out at the sea of expectant faces. But then she felt Abhimaan's hand on her back, offering silent support, and the words began to flow.

"Khamma ghani,"

[greetings]

She began, her voice shaky at first but growing stronger with each word,

"I may not have been born in Rajasthan, but from this day forward, I consider it my home and all of you my family."

The crowd listened intently, hanging on her every word. Paridhi felt a surge of emotion, and her next words came straight from her heart.

"I promise to stand by King Abhimaan's side, to support him in his duties, and to be a queen you can be proud of. Together, we will face any challenges that come our way, and together, we will celebrate our successes."

She smiled, feeling a connection with the people below.

"Thank you for welcoming me into your hearts and your land. I look forward to meeting you, learning from you, and serving you."

As she finished, the courtyard erupted in cheers and applause. Paridhi felt a wave of relief and joy wash over her. She had done it!

Abhimaan pulled her close, pride shining in his eyes.

"That was beautiful, Rani Sa," he said, his voice thick with emotion.

"You've already won their hearts, just as you've won mine."

Paridhi smiled shyly and tucked a strand of hair behind her ear.

__________________________

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