The courtyard was divided by a water fountain into two distinct parts. On the right side, plush couches were arranged in a cozy semi-circle, inviting relaxation and conversation. On the left, an elegant dining table with eight intricately carved wooden chairs stood, promising hearty meals and animated discussions.

Three sides of the courtyard were lined with wooden doors, all flung open to welcome the warm sunlight that flooded every inch of the space. The air was filled with the scent of blooming flowers and the gentle sound of the fountain, creating a serene and inviting atmosphere.

Jahnvi, with her graceful movements, placed a tray laden with tea and snacks on the small table near the couches. She then proceeded to climb a short flight of stairs, her light footsteps barely audible.

Directly above the seating area was a room with floor-to-ceiling shelves, crammed with leather-bound books that seemed to whisper secrets of the past. A massive table dominated the center, framed by the shelves, with a grand, throne-like chair positioned majestically at its head. The room exuded an aura of wisdom and authority.

Jahnvi admired the room, noticing the familiar pattern of pillars from her own room. Here, the pillars were strategically placed to keep the middle section the broadest, emphasizing the room's grandiosity.

Through a connecting door, she entered the next room. It was sparse but impressive, dominated by a huge wooden table covered with detailed models of mountains and a large map pinned to its surface. This was undoubtedly Malhar's workspace, where he planned and strategized. Jahnvi quickly moved on, feeling like an intruder in his private domain.

The next room was not a room at all but a narrow passage that opened into a secluded garden. The ground was a lush green carpet of grass, with vibrant flower bushes lining the edges. It was a hidden oasis of tranquility.

A laughter escaped Jahnvi's lips as she stepped onto the grass, feeling the cool, damp blades beneath her feet. "Look, this is so pretty," she exclaimed to her cat, her face lighting up with joy. She discarded her shoes and walked barefoot on the wet grass, relishing the sensation.

"Come, you'll like it," she called to her kitten, Zoon. The little cat meowed and followed her, stepping tentatively onto the grass.

"I see you have discovered my secret garden," came a voice.

Malhar was seated at an ornate desk under a large, shady tree. His study was an open-air pavilion, combining nature with the elegance of royal design. Scrolls, books, and maps were scattered around him, a testament to his diligent work. He looked up from his papers, his stern expression softening when he saw Jahnvi.

"Jahnvi," he greeted her, a hint of surprise in his voice. "I didn't expect you here."

"I brought you some tea," she replied, carefully stepping forward. "Gauri made it, I just added the pinch of salt you requested, Gauri refused to tamper with the authenticity as she said."

"Thank you," he said, his eyes briefly flickering with a smile before he resumed his serious demeanor. "You didn't have to trouble yourself."

"It's no trouble at all," she said, setting the tray down on a small table beside him. "This place is beautiful. I had no idea such a sanctuary existed within the fort."

"It's meant to be unknown, the kings quarters," he admitted, taking the cup of tea and sipping it. His eyes widened slightly at the taste. "This is quite good."

"I'm glad you like it," Jahnvi said, pleased. She hesitated, then added, "Malhar, is everything alright? You seem a bit tense."

He sighed, setting the cup down. "It's...complicated. Family matters. With Abhinav and Damini Kaki coming, there will be challenges. They always bring a storm with them."

"I don't know much about them, just the little grumbling and ranting Gauri did," Jahnvi said softly. "If there's anything I can do to help, please let me know."

"Your presence here is already a great help," Malhar replied looking at her with an indecipherable expression, his tone sincere. "Thank you, Jahnvi."

Just then, Zoon, who had been exploring the garden, jumped onto Malhar's lap, purring loudly. He chuckled, scratching the kitten behind the ears.

"Looks like someone else wants to help too," Jahnvi said with a smile.

"Indeed," Malhar agreed, looking more relaxed. "It's the small comforts that make a big difference." He said taking in the sip of the tea, a moan escaping his lips.

"This is great, the salt makes all the difference." He said.

"It does," Jahnvi smiled, her eyes sparkling with curiosity. "You stay here all by yourself?" she asked, her voice tinged with both surprise and a hint of concern.

"Yes, all by myself, until I find someone to share my life and room with," Malhar replied, smiling at her, his eyes searching hers for a reaction.

"You mean Gauri?" Jahnvi asked, wiping the smile off Malhar's face and creating a palpable tension in the air.

Of course, it was going to be Gauri. Why did he even present Jahnvi with an open-ended question? Why was it even a question?

"Yes," he said with a tight-lipped smile, his gaze drifting away from her.

"When are you getting married? This year or the next?" Jahnvi asked, her voice steady as she gently picked Zoon, the small kitten, up from Malhar's arms. The kitten was falling asleep, its tiny paws resting against her shoulder.

"I don't know, Jahnvi," he replied, a hint of frustration in his voice. "You can put him on the couch over there," he said, gesturing to a plush, upholstered couch near the window. Jahnvi carefully laid Zoon down, the kitten curling up and settling into a soft ball of fur.

"Want to tour the quarters?" Malhar asked, his tone brightening. Jahnvi nodded enthusiastically, eager to see more of his world.

Malhar put his cup down and stood up, adjusting his beige kurta. Jahnvi noticed how the light colors he wore accentuated his sun-kissed skin, giving him a golden glow.

He led her back to the courtyard, standing in the middle next to the fountain that softly gurgled with crystal-clear water, reflecting the sunlight in shimmering patterns.

"Towards the right is the library and the room where I meet with my generals, mostly for business, along with the open pavilion where we were before. Towards the left is where I take care of personal matters," he explained, his voice carrying a note of pride mixed with weariness.

"I took the liberty to look around a little," Jahnvi admitted, looking at the floor, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment. "I'm sorry. I know I shouldn't have."

"Well, too bad then. It just cuts your time for this amazing guided tour," he said, smiling at her, his eyes twinkling with amusement. "So, which part do we cover, left or right?"

"Left," she said, her face burning red, making Malhar chuckle softly.

"So, this is my personal quarter. This dining table was a gift from the King of Mewar, very ornate and precious, but I hardly use it," he said, pointing at the luxurious-looking piece of furniture. "It's used by the western regions. Aai Saheb didn't want it kept in our dining area, so we shifted it here for occasions when I prefer just my company for dinner."

Jahnvi nodded, running her hand over the smooth wood and ivory inlay of the chair as she moved forward, admiring the craftsmanship.

Malhar climbed a small flight of stairs and stepped beyond the wooden door into his room. The walls were painted a pale shade of blue, like the rest of the king's quarter. Beautifully sculpted pillars held the structure in place, and each door had an intricately crafted arch with a mesh covering the wooden frame.

A large bed sat in the distant corner of the room, with a couple of chests scattered around, their brass fittings gleaming in the soft light.

"I know it's not much. I never understood how I wanted this room to look. After my father's death, Aai Saheb moved to the dowager queen's room, and this place became mine," he sighed, his shoulders slumping slightly. "This was what was left after their things were taken out of here. This is what it is."

Jahnvi looked at Malhar, and for the first time, she saw him in a different light.

She didn't see him as the obedient son, the caring brother, or the benevolent king, but as a boy who grew up too soon, who missed his chance at being a child, at being reckless and carefree and just free. She saw him shoulder the burden his name and title brought.

"It's never too late, Malhar," Jahnvi said softly, her voice filled with gentle encouragement. "You still have the power to choose, to decide, to find yourself," she said with a small, reassuring smile.

"I hope you are right," he said, swallowing the lump in his throat as he nodded slowly, his eyes reflecting a mixture of hope and doubt.

"Dada! Dada!" The voice made the two turn towards the courtyard, where they could hear Parth calling for Malhar, urgency in his tone.

"Coming!" Malhar called out, his voice echoing through the corridors. "I'll go see what he wants so urgently."

"I'll get going as well," Jahnvi said, following Malhar out, her steps echoing softly on the stone floor.

"Dada, what—oh, Jahnvi," Parth smiled as he noticed Jahnvi standing behind Malhar, his expression softening.

"What has you so riled up?" Malhar asked, looking at Parth with a mixture of concern and curiosity.

Jahnvi felt something brush past her feet and looked down to see Zoon had found his way to her. She picked up the kitten and held him in her arms, the soft purring a comforting presence.

"How are you so calm? Damini Kaki and Abhinav Dada are coming to Satara and—"

"And nothing, Parth," Malhar said, rubbing his fingers on his temple, a gesture of weary patience. "You guys are making a big deal out of it."

"No, we aren't," Parth insisted, his voice rising slightly. "Seven years ago, when they were here, they claimed this throne for Abhinav Dada. Why do you think they are coming here now?"

"I don't know, Parth," Malhar replied, shutting his eyes as he took a deep, calming breath.

"It is for the throne, for the—"

"CAN'T YOU ALL THINK PAST THIS BLOODY THRONE AND KINGDOM FOR A MOMENT?" Malhar bellowed, his voice reverberating through the hall.

"Dada, I—"

"Enough," he said, his voice crisp and commanding, rattling the foundation of the fort. "I don't want to hear a word more from any of you about the guests coming over from Pune. Got it?"

"Yes," Parth replied like an obedient child, his shoulders slumping in defeat.

"I... I'll get going," Jahnvi said, her voice small and hesitant, and Malhar nodded, a weary smile playing on his lips.

"I'll drop you to your chamber," Parth offered, his tone gentle, and Jahnvi smiled at him, appreciating the gesture.

"Thank you," she said, her voice soft, as they began to walk away, the weight of the day's revelations hanging heavily in the air.

AN: the engagement on the story is so low, the same readers motivating me every time, while all your love is appreciated id love the rest to leave back votes and comments as well, to know your feedback, to know you as well.

So let me know what you think.

As always
Lots of love
xoxo