An hour after Parth had left for Kolhapur, the grand haveli felt a touch quieter, its ancient walls absorbing the echoes of his departure. The morning light bathed the corridors in a warm, golden hue, casting long shadows that danced across the stone floors. Aai Saheb, was already overseeing the morning routines when she turned to Jahnvi with a gentle smile.

"Jahnvi, beta, could you check on Gauri? It's almost time for breakfast."

Jahnvi nodded, a soft smile gracing her lips as she set off down the hallway, the embroidered hem of her dupatta trailing gracefully behind her. Zoon, her ever-curious cat, followed at her heels, her fluffy tail swaying with each step. The two made their way through the labyrinth of corridors, their presence a calm interruption in the stillness of the morning.

As Jahnvi approached Gauri's room, she noticed the door was slightly ajar. She knocked lightly, but when there was no response, she hesitated for a moment before pushing it open further. The room was filled with the soft light of the morning, filtering in through the lace curtains that fluttered gently in the breeze. Gauri lay sprawled across her bed, her dark hair splayed out on the pillow like a raven's wings. Beside her, Chandni was nestled comfortably, both of them enveloped in the warmth of sleep.

A tender smile tugged at Jahnvi's lips as she took in the peaceful scene. Unable to resist the allure of the inviting bed, she quietly slipped off her sandals and climbed onto the bed, careful not to disturb the sleepers. "This bed looks very inviting," she murmured softly, her voice playful as she snuggled into the comforter.

Gauri, with a lazy stretch, opened one eye and groaned playfully. "Then just close your eyes and sleep in," she mumbled, her voice thick with sleep as she pulled the comforter closer.

Jahnvi chuckled, her heart warmed by the familiar banter. "Are you awake?" she asked, now sitting up beside her, her voice laced with gentle concern.

"You were loud," Gauri replied, this time opening both eyes, though only halfway. She gave a small, sleepy smile.

Jahnvi reached out, brushing a strand of hair away from Gauri's face before leaning in to check her forehead and neck for any sign of a fever. "You're not feeling unwell, are you?"

Gauri let out a soft sigh, sinking further into the comforter. "Don't worry, I'm not sick. Just...lazy. It's one of those mornings." She smiled weakly, eyes half-lidded with the remnants of sleep.

Jahnvi's concern faded, replaced with a soft understanding. "Alright, I'll let Aai Saheb know. I'll have Veena Kaki send something up for you to eat," she said, giving Gauri's hand a reassuring squeeze before slipping off the bed.

With a final glance at her friend, Jahnvi quietly left the room, Zoon padding silently behind her. As she walked back towards her own room, she paused to leave Zoon in Kanika's care. She didn't want to give the new guests any reason to complain, knowing how particular they could be.

As Jahnvi made her way towards the grand kitchen and dining area, her thoughts were interrupted by a voice that echoed through the corridor.

"Princess Jahnvi!"

She knew immediately who had called for her, recognizing the familiar voice of Abhinav. She turned, her expression calm and composed, and there stood Abhinav, tall and poised, his presence commanding the space around him. He had changed into a light yellow kurta, the soft fabric contrasting against his tanned skin, while his dark curls fell haphazardly across his forehead.

"Abhinav Raje," Jahnvi greeted him, her tone formal yet polite, maintaining a respectful distance in her demeanor.

"I'm sorry to stop you like this," Abhinav began, a note of hesitation in his voice. "But I need some help. It's been years since I was last here, and these corridors are... confusing. I think I might have taken a wrong turn on my way to the dining room."

Jahnvi offered him a small, courteous smile, her response measured. "You've missed more than just a turn, Raje. You've missed an entire wing of the haveli," she said, a touch of amusement in her voice. "Come, I'll show you the way."

Abhinav chuckled, a deep, warm sound that seemed to echo through the hall. "I appreciate it. I would've found my way in time for lunch if I hadn't bumped into you."

Jahnvi nodded, the small talk rolling off her naturally, yet her thoughts remained focused on her task ahead. Together they descended the grand wooden staircase, their footsteps echoing in the quiet of the early morning. They took several turns, Jahnvi leading the way with practiced ease until they finally reached the dining area.

The table was already set, the polished wood gleaming under the soft light of the chandeliers. Nanda and Damini were seated, waiting in silence, their expressions unreadable.

"Thank you, Jahnvi," Abhinav said, his voice sincere as he turned to her with a smile. "I would have been lost without you."

"It was no trouble at all," Jahnvi replied, her smile polite, as she quickly shifted her attention to Nanda. "Aai Saheb, is there anything left to bring to the table?"

"Just the tea, beta," Nanda replied, her voice carrying a warmth that immediately put Jahnvi at ease.

"I'll get it," Jahnvi said quickly, hurrying off to the kitchen, her mind already on the task ahead.

The dining table was quiet, the silence thick and awkward as the three seated guests exchanged hesitant glances, unsure of how to break the ice. Jahnvi returned a few moments later, balancing two trays laden with teapots and cups. Malhar, who had entered the room unnoticed, quickly stepped forward to help her, taking one of the trays from her hands.

"Sorry," Jahnvi murmured with a smile, grateful for his assistance.

"Aai Saheb, Gauri isn't feeling well enough to join us for breakfast," she explained as she set the tray down. "I've asked Veena Kaki to send something up for her."

Nanda nodded, her brow furrowed with concern. "That's alright. I'll check on her later."

As everyone settled into their seats, they began to help themselves to the food laid out before them. Jahnvi poured tea into the cups, the fragrant steam curling up from the delicate porcelain. She then served herself a modest portion of poha, her movements graceful and measured.

Damini took a tentative sip of her tea, her expression one of surprise as the complex flavours held a riot on her tongue. "Apratim," she murmured, a rare smile breaking through her usually guarded demeanor. (Excellent)

"Thank you," Jahnvi replied, her cheeks flushing slightly at the compliment.

"Wait until you have lunch today," Nanda added with a hint of pride in her voice. "Jahnvi cooks the best food."

Damini arched an eyebrow, her gaze shifting between Jahnvi and Nanda. "I thought she was a princess?"

"She is," Nanda affirmed, her tone steady. "The Princess of Kashmir."

Damini's eyes narrowed slightly, a calculating look in her gaze. "Then why is she cooking in the royal kitchen like a commoner.. a cook? Or... have you chosen her to be your daughter-in-law?" She looked directly at Nanda suspiciously, her question pointed. "For whom, Tai Saheb? Malhar or Parth?"

Nanda's expression remained calm,"You are mistaken, Damini. Jahnvi is like a daughter to me."

Damini's lips pressed into a thin line, her skepticism evident. "Well, I respect your... sentiments towards the girl, but by what true relation is she here? I'm sure no respectable royal family just lets their daughter—"

Malhar, who had remained silent throughout the meal, suddenly spoke. His voice cut through the tension like a blade, sharp and commanding. "It's enough for everyone to know that she is important to me, to us." His eyes fixed on Jahnvi, who sat with her gaze cast downward, her food forgotten. "Her status here is the same as mine or Aai Saheb's. I don't want any further questions or speculation at this table or within these walls. Am I clear?"

His words echoed in the hall, carrying the weight of finality. The silence that followed was thick, heavy with unspoken emotions and unchallenged authority. Jahnvi blinked rapidly, fighting back the tears threatening to betray her. A storm of emotions brewed inside her—gratitude, fear, relief—but she said nothing. Malhar's voice was enough for now; she let it stand in place of her own.

She knew it wouldn't be long before someone questioned her place under the Maratha roof—and, as expected, the challenge came.

"We respect your decision, Malhar, and we're glad to finally meet Princess Jahnvi, right, Aai?" Abhinav's voice was smooth but carried an undertone of something sharper as he turned to his mother.

"Of course," Damini replied, her smile as tight as the strings of a bow. "After all, we're just guests here. Who are we to question your authority?"

Nanda, sitting beside Jahnvi, shifted in her seat, clearly uncomfortable with the tension that had returned to the table like an unwelcome guest.

Jahnvi, sensing the strain, spoke up. "Kaki Saheb, is there anything you prefer? I can ask Veena Kaki to adjust the menu."

Damini gave her a long look before answering. "No, nothing specific. I just don't enjoy overly spicy meals."

Jahnvi turned toward Abhinav, who had been watching her closely. "And you, Abhinav Raje?"

His eyes remained locked on her as he replied. "I'm not too picky. But I've heard Kashmiri cuisine has mastered the art of spice. I wouldn't mind a traditional spread."

Jahnvi's face brightened, eager to ease the tension. "Wonderful! Then, Aai Saheb, how about Yakhni with Modur Pulav?"

Before anyone could reply, Malhar interjected, trying to help, but stumbled over the unfamiliar words. "And some... matsch..."

Jahnvi chuckled softly, her tension momentarily lifting. "Matschgand. I'll make sure to include that."

"Looks like your mother trained you well for royalty," Damini commented, her tone tinged with reluctant admiration.

Nanda raised an eyebrow, clearly surprised at the rare compliment from Damini. It wasn't often she offered praise, and it left an impression on everyone at the table.

Jahnvi met Damini's gaze, offering a small but sincere smile before excusing herself from the table. She disappeared into the kitchen, her steps quick and purposeful, but the weight of everything still lingered behind her.

"That was generous of you, Kaki Saheb," Malhar said softly. "Jahnvi lost her mother very young, and she raised herself to become the woman you see today."

Damini opened her mouth to respond, but Nanda interjected gently. "It's alright, Damini. How would you have known?"

Malhar stood abruptly. "I'll go check on her."

Abhinav's voice followed, his tone smooth but probing. "Should I accompany you, brother?"

Malhar didn't break stride. "'No, that won't be necessary." Without another word, he left the dining hall.

•••

In the kitchen, Jahnvi stood at the sink, her hands trembling slightly as Veena Kaki poured cool water over them. The kitchen, usually filled with the comforting bustle of servants and preparation, fell into a hushed silence when Malhar entered.

"Raje, if you need anything, I can—"

"No, thank you," Malhar cut in, his voice curt but not unkind. "I need a moment with the princess. If you would all step out?"

The servants exchanged glances before filing out, the kitchen now echoing with the quiet of their absence.

Jahnvi turned to face Malhar, but before she could speak, he was already at her side.

"Why the tears, Jahnvi?" His voice was softer now, filled with concern. "It's alright to mourn, to miss your mother, but..." He paused, wiping a tear that had begun to trace a path down her cheek. "If these tears are out of pity, or because you feel weak, then you must stop. Remember who you are. Remember the battles you've fought on your own."

Her breath hitched, and for a moment, she felt the dam inside her break. She flung herself into his arms, her small frame trembling against his. His arms wrapped around her instinctively, holding her close. The scent of his kurta mingled with her tears, but he didn't care. All that mattered was her.

"I... I'm not weak," she whispered, her words barely audible, as though she needed to convince herself more than him. "I'm a fighter. I'm strong."

"Yes, you are," Malhar murmured, his hand gently rubbing her back, the other brushing through her hair. "You're the strongest, most beautiful woman I know, Jahnvi—inside and out."

She nestled into his chest, allowing herself a few more moments to sob quietly, reassured by the steady rhythm of his heartbeat. He held her firmly, unyielding in his support, as if his very presence could shield her from the world.

"Veena!" A sharp voice echoed through the kitchen, startling Jahnvi. Her grip on Malhar's kurta loosened as she pulled away from him, distancing herself from the comforting warmth of his embrace.

"I... I'm... I'm sorry," she muttered, her voice barely above a whisper. She couldn't bring herself to meet his eyes, the weight of the moment hanging between them like an unspoken secret.

"For what, Jahnvi?" Malhar asked softly, his brow furrowing as he took a step toward her. "I want you to—"

Before he could finish, Nanda entered the kitchen briskly. "Kids!" she called out, her tone breaking the intimacy of the moment like cold water splashed on a fire. "Have you seen Veena?"

Jahnvi's heart raced. She quickly stepped back, her face flushing as she kept her gaze fixed downward. "No, Aai Saheb," she replied quietly, her voice steady but distant. "I'll ask Kanika to find her and send her to you." Without waiting for a response, she hurried out of the kitchen, her anklets jingling softly as she practically sprinted away.

Malhar's eyes followed her until she disappeared from view, the fading sound of her anklets lingering in the air. A small, wistful smile tugged at his lips as he thought of her, the way she had leaned into him, seeking solace.

"You need to get a grip on yourself, Raje."

The sudden shift in his mother's tone snapped Malhar out of his thoughts. He turned to face Nanda, his smile fading into a look of confusion.

"What do you mean?" he asked, a hint of frustration creeping into his voice. "Why do you keep speaking in riddles these days?"

Nanda stood before him, her expression unreadable, a mix of concern and sternness. "I see more than you realize, Malhar. I see what's happening, and I see where it's leading. Don't tread down a path you know you shouldn't."

"Speak clearly, Aai Saheb," Malhar's voice tightened, the growing irritation evident. He hated when his mother danced around the subject, leaving him to decipher her cryptic warnings.

Nanda took a deep breath, her eyes softening but her words firm. "I don't know if you've noticed, but your feelings for Jahnvi are beginning to cross a line—a line that, as a man, as a king, and as someone's betrothed, you cannot afford to cross."

Malhar opened his mouth to protest, but Nanda raised a hand, silencing him. "Don't make me choose between my daughters."

Her voice held a quiet authority, each word deliberate and heavy with meaning. The weight of her warning settled on Malhar's shoulders, leaving him standing alone in the kitchen, surrounded by the lingering scent of spices and the chaos of his own thoughts.

AN: slow burns aren't my thing but well
What do you think about the pace of this book ? Too slow ? Too fast ? Just fine ?
Next update when the chapter crosses over a hundred votes.
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xoxo