.・✭・゜・。・..·:*¨༺ ༻¨*:·..・。.・゜✭・.

"Trust your beauty to shine from your eyes and into the souls of that deserve you."

― Melody Carstairs

.・✭・゜・。・..·:*¨༺ ༻¨*:·..・。.・゜✭・.

Joyous celebrations have erupted throughout the bustling city of Kashi, with its inhabitants bursting with excitement and anticipation for the day's festivities. The streets are alive with vibrant colors and sounds, as people of all ages come together to revel in the occasion.

Within the chaos, fishermen can be seen scurrying about, their nets brimming with the day's catch, destined to be prepared for the upcoming feast. Meanwhile, the royals are busy directing the preparations for the grand event, ensuring that every detail is attended to with the utmost care.

One can see the energy coursing through the crowds, as people throw colorful flowers onto the ground and pigments into the air in a joyous display of celebration. The palace provides a remarkable vantage point to witness the vibrant energy coursing through the crowds. One cannot help but be struck by the sight of joyous individuals tossing colorful flowers onto the ground and pigments into the air. Their shared celebration is a testament to their deep love and admiration for their beloved prince and his new bride.

Amidst all this activity, Princesses Suravi and Kaushalya sit patiently on the ground, their delicate fingers deftly pulling apart the petals of flowers to be used in the decorations. Today is a day of immense significance for the Kingdom, as it marks the long-awaited return of the prince with his newly-wedded wife, Rajkumari Madrika, from the Kingdom of Madra.

"Jiji, do you think she will be kind?" The younger princess inquires, her voice trembling slightly. "Jyestha won't forget us, will he?"

Suravi looks up, surprised by the sudden question, and sets aside her task. "No one has the power to take our brother away from us." she reassures.

Kaushalya nods in agreement, shaking off any doubts that may contradict Suravi's comforting statement. Both princesses return to delicately pulling flower buds, keeping themselves busy.

However, the older princess cannot concentrate on her work. She is closest to Kashya out of all her siblings, as they were raised by the same mother. Her joy for her brother overpowers her doubts, yet unease wouldn't leave her alone.

"Kumari! Kumari! The Yuvraj has returned! They are entering the gates of the Palace!" Alka exclaims with a broad smile, beckoning them to stand up.

The princesses nimbly rise from the ground, shaking off the dust from their palms. Their hands are colored pink from the petals, and strays cover their clothes. They have no time to waste though, both sisters are extremely excited to meet their new bhabhi. Kaushalya watches attentively as Suravi takes charge, leading the group out of the courtyard. The younger sister follows her every move, carefully avoiding the colorful decorations strewn across the path.

Suravi feels a sense of trepidation. Despite her expertise in leading others with dignity, she knows she cannot compare to Sumitra. Sumitra was her father's golden child, renowned for her diplomatic skills and domestic prowess. She was the apple of his eye and had she not fallen for a man beneath her station, her father would have arranged a grand swayamvara for her. However, fate had other plans for her. She had still managed to find a perfect match and luckily had imparted her wisdom to Suravi prior to her wedding.

Today, Suravi was tasked with warmly meeting the Kulvadhu of the royal family. Sumitra would have done it flawlessly, getting into the new member's good graces without a word, but Suravi was not so sure of herself.

"Jiji, look," Kaushalya whispers. The corridor comes to an end, and there stands the stunning bride next to Yuvraj Kashya.

Maharani Smita, the senior wife of Maharaj Karthav, holds a platter in her hands, while Rani Chandana beams with pride at her son.

Despite the distraction before him, Kashya manages to sneak a glance at his sisters. He shoots them a cheeky grin, showcasing his prize. Both princesses respond simultaneously, with the younger sticking out her tongue and the elder rolling her eyes.

"You three have plenty of time to tease each other. I do beg that you hold up your integrity in front of others," Karthav hisses, his eyes narrowing at his children.

As soon as the words leave his mouth, Kaushal snickers, causing the King to elbow him in the side.

"You too, monkey," the king adds, glaring at his 16-year-old son.

Rani Kritika shakes her head, sharing the moment with Chandana. Both women grin, suppressing their laughter behind comical expressions. Similarly, Kaushalya covers her mouth with her hand, fighting the urge to burst out laughing, as the infectious atmosphere demands.

Smita hands off the aarti platter to a maid, finally allowing the newlywed couple to cross the threshold of the palace.

Kashya stops before his younger sisters, allowing them both to embrace him.

"You have been gone for far too long, Jyestha." Kaushalya comments, pulling away from Kashya.

Suravi turns to Madrika, whose gaze remains shyly on the floor. Though the differences in their ages may only account to months, the princess realizes what Madrika needs. Swiftly, she lets go of her brother and turns her attention to his wife.

"You are quite beautiful Bhabhishree." Suravi compliments, taking her sister-in-law by the chin and raising her face. "I see why your hand could only be one of the most handsome men in the entirety of aryavrata."

Kashya is quick to smile at the compliment. Well, that was until young Kaushalya humbled him. "Don't gloat. We both still think you're a toad."

Though Madrika didn't hear it, Kashya turned red, scowling at his youngest sister. "And you, my dear sister, are no rose either."

That was heard by all, earning chuckles from Madrika and Suravi. Kaushalya frowned, side-eyeing her older brother.

"Kashya, I am sure it is not a good look to be reprimanded by your mother as a married man," Chandana warns, glaring at her son.

If looks had the ability to slap you on the back of the head, Suravi knew her brother would see stars fly before his eyes. Kashya cleared his throat when he registers what his mother had just told him.

"Forgive me." he nods his head at both of his younger sisters.

"You are forgiven, beloved brother," Kaushalya responds, grinning her smuggest grin. Suravi shoves her shoulder into her sister, reprimanding her behavior. "OW!"

"Shush." the elder princess hisses, watching the queens and Madrika leave for the temple. With the foyer emptying, both sisters separate, Kaushalya following her twin brother for a walk on the Palace grounds.

The king remains, staring at the ground, inspecting the floor. "Do you think it is wise to replace the floors, Karnika?"

A completely different side of her personality appeared the moment her father uttered the name exclusively used for her by her parents. Like the revered lady she is, Suravi walks over to her father's side, to examine the exact place his gaze is glued to. A noticeable crack blemishes the stone floor, leaving a distasteful view to anyone who will observe it.

"It can be hidden Pitashree. That will save you the trouble of replacing the flooring," she suggests, contemplating other solutions.

"Well Karnika, what if the crack gets worse? What will we do then?" the king inquires, bending down to cover the crack with cloth.

Quickly, Suravi adds to her original solution. "We can always cover it up even more. The floor will have a prolonged life."

"That would be a good idea until you can no longer cover it up."

"Well, we could... fill in the crack before it gets larger. Yes, it will highlight the crack. But this way, we can cover it up, and it won't get worse."

"That is a much better suggestion than both replacing the entire floor and simply covering it up."

"Well, it is the most plausible."

Karthav expectantly looks to his daughter, waiting for her to finally realize what his true purpose was behind this. The lesson dawns on her moments later.

"So, Karnika, what did you learn from my question?"

"That you love turning everything into an enlightening experience." Suravi jokes, crossing her arms. Her father, was quite obviously, unimpressed by the response.

"And?"

"Hiding things is not a good idea, because one day or another, everyone will learn of it. On the other hand, if you are not ashamed to let it become noticed, it will be fixed and forgotten by all."

The king smiles, proud of his small wisdom bomb. "So, you promise me, you shall never hide the truth, no matter how dangerous or appalling."

"I won't," Suravi promises, meeting her father's gaze seriously. "I will try not to."

Satisfied, Karthav nods. "I will see you later Karnika."

The duo depart, both going their separate ways. 

Now, the foyer is left empty except for a flower petal that seemed to have followed Suravi here. It teeters and totters back and forth, sitting alone on the ground. Just then, a swish of the curtains caused the petal to go flying into the vast world, its fate waiting to fulfil. 

.・✭・゜・。・..·:*¨༺ ༻¨*:·..・。.・゜✭・.