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[MAHESWARI MANSION]

The huge mansion echoed with my ankelets and bangle sounds as I ran up the stairs and made my way to my room. My heartbeat was fast , my cheek was warm and I was happy.

The moment I got to know that Prince Abir Rajvansh was coming to our village, my happiness reached no limits. So I, Mishti Maheswari, belongs to a royal family of Jodhpur. India is not anymore ruled by royal families, but we the ancestors of royal family haven't evolved with the modern society.

We don't rule people but we live a royal life. People in our village have huge respect for us. We are not the only royal family in India but they're so many. Among them Rajvansh family is one. But they have much more evolved with the modern society. But they belongs to the most respected royal family. They have sigh standards.

My father, Biswambhar Maheswari is the most kind hearted king in this entire kingdom. We have very less enemy and people truly adore us for his kindness and work. My mother, Rajashree Maheswari has a great role in social work. As we have property and money more than we need, my parents utilize it in a good way. Apart from it we have business, both in India and outside country.

We have a huge family. I have four sisters. No brothers. But I have cousin brothers who live with us. Every year on this month, my father invites 108 Prince to our kingdom. We arrange a puja here according to our royal rituals . I have nothing to do with it.

But the good thing was Prince Abir was invited as well. I just got a information that he was coming too, but I had no confirmation. I used to go to Gurukul when I was a child and I had seen him there. We used to learn vedic mantra there as well as mythology. But after two years he went to Foreign for further studies.

In our family girls don't do work, so we only learn moral things, about mythology, social messages and ethics which I learnt from gurukul. But as society was upgrading my father allowed us to study in school college . It's strange to mix with other students and hard for us. Because they were nurtured in different way. Anyway I completed my study in arts. I too want to become a social worker like my mother and help the people.

In future I will open an organization to help the people in need.

Back to Abir Rajvansh.

I always feel something in my heart when I see him. He has a very beautiful features, he really looks gorgeous with a soft pair of brown eyes. He comes to our mansion every year on this puja but from last five years he had not come.

I just know that I like him and I want to talk with him. I have never thought of any man except him. He rules my heart.

I quickly ran near the window hearing the crowd. It's coming from the dhol and other music instruments which were being played to invite the Prince from different kingdom. The entrance was far from my vision but I know I will recognize him. I was dying to get a glimpse of him from the moment I heard he's coming.

"Girl! What if he won't come, " Shree teased me, she's my younger sister. I looked back and found my three sisters grinning at me. I am the second child. Amrita Maheswari my elder sister, Shree Maheswari my younger sister and Rukmini  Maheswari my youngest sister. Actually Shree and Amrita are twins and just one year younger than me.

I am Mishti Maheswari.

"What if he has a girlfriend! " my elder sister muttered, they all came here to tease me or what. I pouted and diverted my gaze towards the entrance. One by one everyone were coming but where was my prince? We four sisters were looking at that particular direction. After half an hour a black Royal car came .

Now I was scared, the security guard closed the huge gate and locked it. It's the last car which entered and if Prince Abir won't come outside from this car then I don't know what I will do. The chauffeur came outside and I started jumping in happiness. It's Rajvansh chauffeur only. I bit my lower lip to calm my excitement .

"What happened? Did you see Prince Abir? " my sister Rukmini asked in excitement, I shook my head in a No . "I saw his chauffeur! " hearing me their jaw hung down, they stared at me with an unbelievable look.

"You stalked his driver as well? It's creepy! " Rukmini commented and the three burst into laughing. I rolled my eyes and kept my gaze on that car. What were they doing inside. An old man came outside, I didn't know who he was.

"Abir buddhha hogaya? "

I hit Shree's shoulder and again they started laughing.

"You guys are so rude! " I mumbled, "Awwwww! Can't hear anything against Prince, abhi se itna pyaar, " Amrita di commented, I pouted again.

"Okay okay, nobody will utter anything, " Shree announced, when I moved my gaze towards the car there was no one.

"Where did they go? We missed it! " I huffed in annoyance, then my eyes followed to a mansion. My heartbeat increased and breath became uneven. It was Prince Abir. I could saw his back.

"He is there! " I pointed my finger towards him to show my sisters.

"How did you recognize him by looking at his back? " Shree asked in surprised, I just don't know but my heart said it's him only. Moreover that old man was standing near him, so I was sure it's him. Some people gathered around him when he turned towards our side, I could not see his face.

I was dying to see him.

"Why are not they letting me see him! " I complained being completely restless.

"They have to save their Prince from creepy stalkers too, " Rukmini commented, I glared at her.

"Did you just call me a creepy stalker? " I asked taking a cushion in my hand, in no second she ran from the room. I turned my heel and Shree too ran from me. Only Amrita di was there, she knew I would do nothing to her because she is my elder sister.

I sat on my bed and pouted. "He is not excited to see me, the way I am! " I muttered under my breath. Amrita di sat beside me and kept his palm on my shoulder. "Mishti, it's because you love him. We don't know about his feelings and moreover you have never approached him from your side, he is unaware of your feelings! " she explained.

"But he knows me right! "

"Of course! Whole kingdom knows who is Mishti Maheswari. The epitome of beauty with a kind heart, you rule everyone's heart and you know na you can pull anyone if you want. Even if he doesn't have any feelings for you, we will find a better Prince for you, " she said, I shook my head negatively.

"It's not about better, it's about Him! " I whispered, a tear rolled down my eyes seeing the situation. In our royal family girls are not allowed to approach any Prince for marriage. Only they can choose us. I hate it. But Papa never forced me but how will I say him about Abir and what if he doesn't have any feelings for me.

How would he have any feelings for me when he had never noticed me. We had never talked. We had never faced each other .

"Okay I have better option, we will kidnap him and then you will forcefully marry him! " di suggested, I chuckled at her horrible idea. My stomach twisted in happiness by just imagining my marriage with him. He and me only , I bit my lower lip to control my stupid smile.

The whole day we four sister just pulled each other legs, our elders are busy in preparation of the puja. At evening we dressed up for puja. We four were in Amrita di's room when my father came to our room.

"Shree.. " he called out, we four sisters quickly stood up and she went forward.

"I want you to sing a song for Lord Krishna today,in our temple ! " he said caressing her hairs, we three looked at each other. All the Prince will be present there , I didn't want to lose this chance but I can't say papa this either. Shree cleared her throat dramatically.

"Actually Papa, I can't sing, I am just not feeling well, why don't you ask to Mishti! " she suggested, my eyes widened in happiness. Papa moved his gaze to me and then came to me.

"I know you don't like social gathering but can you do this? " he asked in a soft tone, I was already in cloud nine. My sisters were trying to suppress their laugh.

"If you are requesting then I can't say No to you na and moreover I can do everything for Krishna ji! " I mumbled with an innocent smile, he patted my cheek and left. We sisters started jumping in happiness and shared a group hug.

"Am I looking good? " I asked them and the three nodded. I let out a deep breath to calm my raging nerve.

(Her hair)

I started walking down the stairs, I could feel everyone's gaze shifting to me. I became little conscious but at the same time I was loving the attention I was getting. With my hair floating in air and my long skirt flowing through the flower petals I made my way to the front. I wanted to see if Prince Abir was present there or not but I could not just turn towards my back.

I sat beside the Veena and adjusted myself. Taking Lord's name I started singing the devotional song.

Kaun Kehte Hai Bhagwan Aate Nahi,
Tum Meera Ke Jaise Bulate Nahi ।

Achyutam Keshavam Krishna Damodaram,
Ram Narayanam Janki Vallabham ।

Kaun Kehte Hai Bhawan Khate Nahi,
Ber Shabri Ke Jaise Khilate Nahi ।

Achyutam Keshavam Krishna Damodaram,
Ram Narayanam Janki Vallabham |

I completed the whole song with closing my eyes, all I wanted to think about Krishna ji but my heart was taking his name. I felt guilty for it and apologized to Lord. I stood in front of everyone and bowed down to show my respect. Everyone got up and did the same. As I was standing in a height, I could see everyone.

My heart break into pieces when I didn't find the particular person in the crowd. Of course I sang it for Krishna  ji but deep down I wanted him to hear it. Letting out a deep breath I excused myself from there and went to my room. My sisters went to help my mother. There was no one around me.

Taking it as a chance I went down stairs and went outside through the back door. People were roaming from here to there, but it's quite dark. I covered my head with a duppata but anyone could recognize me because of my attire. I least cared about it.

I am the Princess and I am not scared of anyone.

Expect my father.

My mother.

My elder relatives.

My elder brothers.

The member of Royal Constitution.

Okay okay I am scared of everyone.

But at this moment I just wanted to take a glance of him. I had a little bit idea of where he was staying, even it's quite dark I reached on his small mansion. As those mansion were for guest, it was made in a way that there will be only one room.

Taking a deep breath I stepped ahead, it's the most daring act of me in this lifetime and I was trembling in fear. When I reached the door, I wanted to run away to my room. What will I say to him? The only question was hitting me and I had no answer.

Before I could go back the door got opened, that same old man opened it. I stood there like a statue.

You are gone princess.

Hey Bharat Mata! Just engulf me. Please.

"You want to meet the Prince? " the old man asked and I hurriedly nodded my head. "Here you go! " he made a space for me and left. Didn't he recognize the Princess? Huh.

I stepped inside, I was welcomed by the fresh aroma of beautiful flowers. My breath hitched, Prince Abir was present there. He was looking outside through the window and I could see his back. I took a step ahead, due to my anklet noise he turned towards me.

I saw him.

I saw the man of my heart after five years.

He was heavenly beautiful, his soft locks were falling on his forehead , he had a pair of gorgeous brown eyes and he had a fair complexion. I could do nothing but stared at him. I was amazed. I was mesmerized by his beauty. He captivated my heart again the moment he landed his intense eyes on me.

I felt the dupatta going down from my head and it fell smoothly on the floor revealing my face . He stared with me in amaze. Those lustrous eyes made my heartbeat stopped and I could feel myself dying.

"Apka swagat hai! Princess, " he greeted me and bowed down his head in front of him to show his respect. Damn his voice was so gentle and soft that I fell for him again. I wanted to respond but I couldn't utter anything.

Can he just give me some moments to stare at him? It felt heaven to just gaze at him. I felt peace.

"Can I know the reason behind your sudden arrival? " he again asked me, damn his voice. He cleared his throat to grab my attention and it broke my chains of thought.

I licked my lips and moved my eyes from here to there. I had nothing to say. And If I open my mouth then I will end up praising how beautiful he is. I wanted to appreciate his beauty. He was wearing a white kurta and looking very pretty . I gulped hard .

I wanted to decrease the distance between us and wanted to be in his arms , I wanted to touch him. My thoughts were just getting wild in every passing seconds while he was staring at me with strange filled eyes.

"Princess Mishti! "

I got startled hearing my mother's voice from the back. He too moved his eyes from me to my mother who was coming to me. I didn't dare to look back and already started praying God.

"What are you doing here? " she asked, both were staring at me. I started playing with my fingers, I became anxious .

"I lost my path! " I whispered, "I wanted to go to my friend Aadhesha's house but ended up coming here! " I lied, her curiosity filled eyes moved from Prince to me.

"Are you forgetting that she went to Dwarika? " she questioned, dhet. I bit my tongue and acted like I forgot.

"Even if you forgot how did you come towards this corner when she stays in the exact opposite corner, " she investigated, could not she just ask her question in my room rather than in front of Prince  . Now what? I pouted internally.

"It happens sometimes, moreover it's quite dark outside! " I snapped my head to Prince, he had a subtle smile on his lips. I nodded my head to his statement, my beloved mother gave an awkward smile to him.

"Sorry for disturbing you! " Maa apologized, we both turned our heels to go back but his voice stopped both of us.

"Princess! " he called out, I gulped hard. My mother was with me, we could have talked in privacy, now I was scared expecting what will he say?

"You sing really well, I was amazed! "

The ground beneath me vanished, I was on cloud nine. Did he just complement me? That too in front of the queen, I meant my mother ? It means he was there, he had listened to my song.

"Thank you! " I turned towards him and bowed down, he did the same. The next moment My Matashree dragged me to outside and didn't let me see him.

"What are you doing here? Do you know your father would have gotten angry seeing you talking with a stranger? "

"Mom! He is not a stranger, you guys have invited him, forgot it? " I said playfully, she hit my shoulder.

"What is this mom, mummy, mumma? I am your Matashree, I don't like these new modern names! " she complained, I chuckled.

"Mom you are not cool like papa, see he never complained about it, I call him whatever I want! " I mumbled, she glared at me.

"Both your father and sister have completely spoiled you, now let's go! " she dragged me towards the mansion. I being an obedient girl followed her.

"Aap hamse prem nhi karti! " I complained as we reached the mansion, she kept her both hands on her waist.

"Like you really love me so much, that's why you always do the opposite of what I say. See I am just scared, you know you are everyone's apple of eyes. So many people have come here, they all knows us but for you they are stranger. I just want your safety nothing else, otherwise have I ever said no to you for anything? "

"Yes! You say No to me whenever I call you Mom, " I said, she glared at me again. "Are you going to your room or I will pull your ears and take you to your room, " she came to her violent avtar.

Fine!

I climbed up the stairs, as soon as I entered in my room, I jumped on the bed and started jumping over it. He liked my voice, it's our first confrontation and he just complemented me. His voice was so damn attractive. Everything about the Prince was attractive. I looked down and found my three sister staring at me with their open mouth. I quickly sat down and hid my face on a pillow.

"You don't have to be this much shy, he didn't kiss you! " Rukmini said, my eyes went wide, I threw the pillow at her.

"You know what he liked my voice ! " I said shaking my shoulder like a small child, the three hit their head and sat on the bed. I explained them the whole scenario, I could feel butterflies dancing in my tummy.

"See, he is habitual of modern culture, what if he doesn't like you? I mean you are completely a traditional girl, you don't like to wear those clothes, you have completely a different vision as compared to the modern girls, so what will you do? " Shree said, my face turned serious.

We are the Princess and this is how we lives, this is how we dress up and I can't change anything for anyone. If he won't accept me the way I am , I will let him go.

_____________________

I could not sleep yesterday night and it's 3:00 am. I heard an announcement yesterday that all the Prince will be gathered near the Shiv temple at about 4:00 am. And of course nobody will try to find me and stay involved in their respective work. After completing my morning chores I wore a white saree. For the first time I removed my anklet, it's disrespectful in our culture to remove anklet.

But I didn't want to make the world know that Princess Mishti was going to visit Prince Abir. So I removed it and kept it below my pillow. I adjusted my hair and looked at my reflection. The morning glow was there and I was already blushing.

I pushed the door and came outside. The mansion was filled with noise of workers. I somehow came out of the mansion, again through the back door. Will he ever know how much efforts I am putting just to see him? Huh.

There was no one in the village, everyone left to the temple already I wondered. I saw his mansion locked from outside. I turned my head in disappointment but froze on my spot. Prince Abir was coming towards me and his eyes were already spotted me.

He was wearing a white dhoti pant, a white shawl was wrapped around his neck. But I could see his muscular toned chest, my throat dried . His biceps bulged out and veins were visible. I could not help but stared at him shamelessly until he waved his hand in front of me and broke my trance. I licked my lips and bowed down. He did the same.

"Suprabhaatam Prince! " I greeted with a smile, "Good morning Princess! " he greeted back. Our way of greeting each other was different but I cared less about it.

"You lost your path again, Princess? " he asked me, his tone was soft. I thought he would mock me but he was way too gentle and it's so hard for me to not blush.

God! He has such a beautiful heart. The way he respect me it amazes me.

"I forgot my dupatta here, so came here to take it! " I mumbled, today I came here with all preparation.

"Let me check! " he said and proceeded to go towards his mansion and I followed him. Before he opened the door he arched his back trying to strech his muscle. It's a great view and I could not stop myself from admiring him. He pushed the door and entered inside. I stayed outside.

After a moment he came outside with my dupatta, I took it from him. I was anticipating a finger touch at least but he was very careful.

"Thank you! " I muttered and turned my heel to go back, with a heavy heart I took a step ahead. But this time he didn't stop me. I really wanted to talk but I had nothing to ask and whatever I wanted to ask was not appropriate at that moment. He hardly knows me so I could not just ask him about his relationship status.

I reached the mansion and went to my room. I went to the corner window and looked outside. He was still there, I saw him talking with someone on the phone. I wish I had a phone too but here we don't use it . He has a social media account too, I have stalked his profile on Aadhesha's phone.

In a jerk I moved to a side as his gaze landed on me. Dhet. What he must be thinking about me? A creepy stalker? Slowly I moved my head towards him and he was not there. I sighed in relief.

"I have my eyes on you everytime, Princess! "

I got startled hearing my Mom's voice. I shut my eyes tightly and turned back. She was standing there, her arms crossed with each other above her chest.

"Suprabhaatam Matashree! " I bowed down , she came towards me. The whole world will get to know about my feelings expect the man I love. I gulped hard seeing her face.

Should I jump from the window?

"Aap Abir se Prem karte hai? " she directly came to the point. I don't prefer to lie early in the morning and even if I lie she is my mom. She knows her daughter very well. I nodded my head positively.

"You know na, in our family Princess can't approach a Prince for marriage! " she stated and I nodded.

"But we can choose our life partner na! "

"Only if the Prince will approach you, the choice will be upon you but you can't approach him. You should have thought about it before giving your heart to him. Your father trust you the most and I hope you will do nothing which will let down his morals! "

She was never rude to me before, hearing her words tears gathered in my eyes. I was staring at the mattress and my fingers were intertwined with each other.

"I am sorry if I hurt the Princess, but I don't want you to cry for someone. You are the Princess and Princess doesn't cry! " she mumbled, I nodded and wiped my tears. She came forward and caressed my cheek.

"So Prince Abir is the reason behind you rejecting twelve marriage proposals? " she asked to me, I bit my lower lip and nodded my head.

"If he will come to us with your marriage proposal , I will happily fix your marriage with him! " saying she left the room. I got a little hope, my lips turned into a smile.

The whole day I stayed in my room and my sisters were trying to lift up my mood. They want me to talk with him and confess my feelings. And I agree with what Amrita di said. If he's a mature person, he will keep these things between us and won't break my heart.

The puja was held in the noon, I came out of the room only to take Prasad. We four sisters were waiting for the night. Everyone will gathered in the conference hall for a meeting as everyone belongs to business family. Before he could go I will stop him and there won't be anyone to disturb us . At that time I will confess my feelings to him. Because tomorrow he will go back to his palace. I was already heart broken hearing this news.

At night we all took off our heavy clothes and wore light weighted kurti. We didn't wear any jewellery. But we were made in such a way that without any royal attire we were still looking like Princess. The glow was there.

We had a solid plan in our mind.

Without making any noise we went outside. Again the village was empty. We made our way to the conference hall. It's occurring on the first floor and the guards were present on the ground floor. We were late.

"We have to check that if he is inside the hall or not! " Shree said, I glared at her.

"Can you tell me how will we check? " I asked.

"Hey! "

The same voice reached my ear and we four got startled in horror. I just hope he haven't heard our conversation. We four turned towards him, he stared at us with curiosity filled eyes. He stared me from top to toe, usually people dress up when they're about to confess their feelings, because it's a special day. Here I was looking so off.

"It's pleasant to meet you Prince! " Amrita di greeted him, Shree was constantly hiting my elbow, I glared at her. Calm down girl.

I looked at him , for the first time I saw him in formal outfit. It's how modern men dress up, he was looking dashing .

"Actually Mishti want to say you something! " Shree pushed me forward and the trio left before I could react anything. I gulped and stared at him again. The intense eyes took all of my confidence away.

Can't he understand a simple thing? What will a girl want to say to a boy?

What did he learn in foreign countries?

This is the basic knowledge huh!

"Princess, you want to tell something? " his voice was again soft and I wanted to crawl on the ground. He is such a soft spoken man that his voice drives me insane.

"I umm"

"Feel free to share! " he tried to comfort me, I bit my lower lip. I had never interacted with any outside man, he is the first person. I let out a deep breath.

"Happy journey! " I muttered and instantly slapped myself internally.

"I am sorry? "

"Actually you are leaving tomorrow, so happy journey! " I turned my heel and ran from there without waiting for his response. I could not say it, I just couldn't. When I reached my room, all of my sister were waiting for me .

"Did he say yes? "

"Does he love you? "

"Should we start the wedding preparation? "

"Which colour lehenge will you wear in the marriage? "

"Will he come to our parents with your proposal soon? "

"Why are you not saying anything? "

"Did he reject you? "

They threw a bundle of question at me, I licked my lips. If I would told them that I didn't say anything they will kick me out of this mansion.

"Don't tell me that you said nothing and came here! " Shree asked, all of their face turned serious and I nodded in approval. There was complete silence in the hall until they both burst into laughing. They got another reason to pull my leg. I pouted and sat on my bed.

"It's okay Princess, we will take you to his wedding! " Rukmini said and again three started laughing. I rolled my eyes and hugged my pillow. I started imagining what would have happened if I would have gathered some courage and expressed myself. Dhet.

__________________

It's early morning, the night was painful for me. He was the one who came here at last but leaving this place at first. I was staring at him through the window. My mother and father were standing next to him and they were having a warm conversation.

My vision got blurred as the chauffeur opened the door for him. A tear rolled down my eyes and I felt like someone stabbed my heart. My sisters were rubbing my back. He smiled at my parents, that smile was so beautiful. I could not control my tears as he got inside the car, he didn't even look towards me.

As the car left, I turned back and started crying. Di pulled me in a hug. I pressed my face on her shoulder, I always feel the pain when he leaves but this time it's unbearable. I missed the chance to confess him and now it's hurting me like anything.

I lost the opportunity.

There was no hope, no us, no future.

_____________________

Part - 2 will come once I will be free from this eyes infection.

I hope you all liked the chapter.

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