It was after sundown, and Jahnvi was in her room as the cool monsoon breeze pushed past her curtains, tousling her hair as she played with Zoon.

"You naughty boy, you've punched holes in my sarees with those sharp little teeth," she scolded lightly, giving him a playful nudge as he lunged at her with kittenish ferocity.

"I'm going to lock you in this room and ground you," she teased, giggling as he rolled onto his back, paws batting the air.

A sharp knock at the door cut through their laughter, and Jahnvi stood up to answer it.

"You take forever," Gauri huffed, sweeping into the room like a storm.

"Sorry, my queen," Jahnvi replied dramatically, shutting the door behind her.

"Please give me a pep talk," Gauri said, scooping Zoon into her arms and burying her face in his fur. "I need to be patient, quiet, tolerant — basically, I have to be you for this dinner. Kaki brings out the absolute worst in me."

"You'll be okay," Jahnvi reassured her, flopping down beside her friend. "Just zone out. Remember, everything she says comes from a place of bitterness. Don't give weight to someone who has nothing good to offer."

Gauri let out a long sigh. "Like I have a choice."

Jahnvi chuckled, flicking Gauri's forehead lightly. "You think too much. It'll be fine. And if it isn't, I'll be right next to you — and if needed, I'll accidentally throw a glass of water at Kaki saheb."

Gauri's eyes widened with mock admiration. "Ohhh," she gasped, turning to Jahnvi with a grin. "I didn't know you had a speck of evil in you! I'm so proud of you, my goodie two-shoes. Although we both know you'd never actually do it, just hearing you say it makes me want to cry." She pretended to sob dramatically, earning a laugh from Jahnvi.

"Have you cooked something special today?" Gauri asked, absently brushing Zoon's fur until he purred.

"Nope, I was out painting," Jahnvi admitted, shrugging. "I lost track of time."

"What did you paint?" Gauri asked, her eyes sparkling with curiosity.

"I'll show you when it's finished," Jahnvi teased, sticking her tongue out as Gauri groaned in protest.

"Fine, keep your secrets," Gauri said, getting up and smoothing her saree. She set Zoon gently on the bed. "Come on, let's face the music."

They were greeted by the soldiers on guard along the stone path toward the royal kitchen and dining area. The two girls smiled as they passed everyone, each in their own distinct way — Jahnvi with a gentle nod, Gauri with a confident, fleeting grin.

As they reached the last turn, just a few steps from the dining hall entrance, Gauri stopped abruptly. Zoon, padding along behind, bumped into her legs with a soft thud.

"Kya hua?" Jahnvi asked, alarmed.

"I think... I'm not hungry anymore. I'll just head back up and—"

"Hush!" Jahnvi cut her off, eyes fierce. "This is your home, and nobody can boss you around here. Chin up." She looped her arm firmly through Gauri's.

Gauri exhaled, gave a small nod, and together they stepped into the dining hall.

Warm light from fire torches bathed the room in a golden glow. The long table was already set with gleaming copper dishes, and most seats were filled. Servants moved quietly along the edges, ensuring everything was perfect.

Gauri slid into the spot between Malhar and Jai, leaving only the chair next to Damini open for Jahnvi. At the head of the table sat Nanda, regal and watchful, with Damini to her left and Malhar to her right.

"You girls took your time coming down — your gossips never end, do they?" Nanda teased, though a hint of reprimand lay beneath her smile.

"Sorry, Aai saheb," Jahnvi muttered, cheeks flushing as the three across the table chuckled.

"You're too naive," Jai said, shaking his head at her with a crooked grin.

"Very," Malhar and Gauri echoed in unison, exchanging a smirk.

"Aai saheb, can we start? I'm starving," Gauri added, her lower lip jutting out in an exaggerated pout.

"Don't you—"

"Abhinav is yet to join us, my dear. We'll wait for him," Nanda interrupted gently but firmly, cutting off Damini before she could chide.

Damini scoffed, the sharp sound making Gauri shift uncomfortably in her seat.

Jahnvi stood and picked up the silver water jug. "I'll fill the glasses," she said brightly, flashing Gauri a playful look that made her friend stifle a giggle at their private joke.

"Sit, beta. I'll have someone else do it," Nanda offered kindly.

"No, Aai saheb, it's no trouble," Jahnvi insisted, starting with Damini's glass, then Nanda's, before moving to Malhar.

"Did you cook something today?" Malhar asked as she poured his water, his eyes flicking up to meet hers.

"Not today," she replied with a small smile. "But if you have something in mind, I'll try to make it tomorrow."

"I'd like Nadru Yakhni," Gauri piped up instantly.

"Deal," Jahnvi said, shifting to fill Gauri's glass next, then Jai's.

"Apki koi farmaish?" she asked lightly as she reached Jai. (What do you want?)

"You," Jai shot back, eyes twinkling mischievously.

"Cheeky goose," Gauri muttered, smacking him lightly on the back of his head as everyone laughed.

"Abhinav's here," Malhar announced, and all heads turned as Abhinav entered the hall, his steps quick but careful.

"Sorry for making everyone wait," Abhinav said, offering an apologetic smile as he moved to take the empty seat beside his mother.

But just as he pulled the chair back, Damini's voice rang out — calm, almost too calm.
"Abhinav, shift over to the next seat."

Abhinav paused, blinking. "I'm... sorry?" He glanced around, confused.

"This seat is Jahnvi's. Scoot over," Damini said. The air in the room seemed to still, everyone frozen mid-motion.

"Kaki saheb—" Jahnvi began, but Damini cut her off with a raised brow.

"Jahnvi, must we send you a written invitation to join us for dinner?" Damini demanded icily.

"No... no, Kaki saheb," Jahnvi stammered, hurrying back to her seat and setting the water pitcher down with trembling hands.

A heavy silence fell until Nanda cleared her throat pointedly, shattering the tension.

"Let's begin."

•••

Jahnvi and Gauri had moved to Gauri's chambers after dinner, their laughter echoing softly off the carved wooden panels. The warm glow of oil lamps painted patterns across the walls as they sprawled on the thick cotton mattress chattering about everything insignificant.

Eventually, Gauri let out her first yawn, her eyes fluttering shut mid-sentence.

"I think that's my cue to leave," Jahnvi said, rolling onto her side and pushing herself up.

"What? No," Gauri protested, clutching Jahnvi's wrist like a child refusing bedtime. "I'm not—" but another yawn betrayed her, stretching wide across her face. Both girls burst into soft laughter.

"Yes, you're definitely not sleepy," Jahnvi teased, sticking her tongue out. "But I am. And I have an early morning tomorrow."

Gauri's eyes popped open, curiosity momentarily overcoming her sleepiness. "Why is that?" she asked, raising an eyebrow as sharp as a question mark.

"Because I'm starting horse riding lessons," Jahnvi said, unable to hide the excitement that brightened her eyes.

"And who's giving you these lessons?" Gauri asked, a sly smile spreading across her lips like a cat spotting a mouse.

"I know that wicked smile," Jahnvi said, scooping up a pillow and tossing it square at Gauri's face. "Good night, Gauri." She turned quickly and slipped into the corridor, Gauri's muffled protest floating after her.

Jahnvi chuckled as she padded down the silent hall, the stone cool beneath her bare feet. Gauri was incorrigible—and Jahnvi loved her dearly.

She reached her own chamber and pushed open the heavy door, the brass handle cold in her hand. The room greeted her with stillness. Shadows pooled in the corners, and moonlight streamed through the tall arched window.

She sighed as she approached the window, placing her palm on the smooth, cool stone sill. The gardens beyond were quiet under the moon, tree branches swaying gently like dark dancers.

"Now who am I going to cuddle tonight?" she muttered to herself, feeling a pang of loneliness as she thought of Zoon. Kanika had insisted on taking Zoon to her room for the night, and Jahnvi hadn't had the heart to refuse her eager request.

"Who do you usually cuddle with?" a deep voice cut through the silence behind her.

She gasped, her heart slamming into her ribs as she whirled around. Her eyes darted wildly until they landed on the tall, broad-shouldered figure standing by the door.

Malhar.

He stood nearly in the shadows, moonlight catching on the silver embroidery of his dark angarkha, making him look half ethereal and half menacing.

"How did you—?"

"You must be more cautious of your surroundings," Malhar interrupted, his tone clipped but low, almost quiet enough to be mistaken for concern. He turned his back on her, walking a few steps into the room with a deliberate calm. "Who were you missing at this hour, princess?" he asked, pivoting back to face her.

"Kanika took Zoon to stay with her for the night," Jahnvi said, her words tumbling out with an embarrassed little pout. "He always sleeps with me."

Malhar's mouth twitched into a humorless smile. "Zoon ? "

"Yes," she insisted, crossing her arms as if defending herself. "I haven't spent a night without him since he was a kitten, and I—"

"I'll send someone to fetch him back immediately—"

"No," she cut in, a bit more sharply than she intended. "No, Raje. That would upset Kanika. She was so happy to take him. I couldn't do that to her."

Malhar studied her silently for a long moment. His dark eyes, usually so unreadable, flickered with something she couldn't name. "As you wish, princess," he finally said, inclining his head just enough to acknowledge her decision.

"Aap... yaha?" Jahnvi asked, her voice tentative. The distance between them felt heavy, thick with words unspoken.

"I was just passing by your chamber," he said coolly, though his eyes stayed locked on hers. "And you should be more careful. You can't simply walk into your room and lock the door without checking your surroundings. What if it had been someone else standing here instead of me?"

She hesitated, caught off-guard by the intensity in his voice. "Who could it be, apart from someone from the family? The guards would—"

"The guards can be distracted. Or worse," Malhar cut her off sharply. His gaze hardened, the faint light reflecting off his eyes like a blade. "You must not take your safety so lightly."

"Yes," she murmured, swallowing hard under the weight of his stare. "You're right. I should be more careful."

Malhar exhaled slowly, as if steadying himself. His eyes softened for a brief second—barely noticeable—before his expression settled back into the careful composure of a king. "Good night, Jahnvi," he said, his voice low, almost gruff.

She nodded, eyes wide and unsure. "Good night, Raje."

Malhar turned and walked to the door, pausing at the threshold. His back was rigid, his hand resting on the polished wood. He didn't look back. "Be safe," he said quietly, the words almost lost to the night as he stepped out, closing the door behind him with a soft click.

Jahnvi stood frozen, the quiet of her room feeling even deeper now. She turned back to the window, letting out an audible sigh, she hadn't felt so lonely in a long time.

Jahnvi turned away from the window and unpinned the pallu of her saree letting the fabric fall free on her shoulder, she then pull out the elastic string which held her hair up in a bun before letting her thick brown hair down.

She walked towards her bathroom but stopped as there was a gentle knock on the door.

She frowned. At this hour?

Still barefoot, she padded to the door and pulled it open slightly.

Malhar stood there again.

He didn't speak at first. His gaze flickered to her bare feet, then back up to her face. He noticed her undone hair and the loose pallu.

"I hope I'm not disturbing you," he said quietly.

She blinked in surprise. "No, not at all." Her voice softened, surprised but not uneasy. "Did you forget something?"

There was a pause. Then, a little awkwardly, as if the words didn't come easily to him, he said, "I can't sleep."

Jahnvi tilted her head, waiting.

"I was wondering," he continued, clearing his throat, "if you'd... make me a cup of tea."

The corners of her mouth lifted, a small, genuine smile. "Of course, Raje."

Malhar's eyes flickered at the sound of her voice—whether it was the ease with which she responded, or the familiarity of her calling him Raje, he didn't know.

"I'll need to go down to the kitchens," she added, stepping back inside to grab her shawl. "I'll send it to your chamber."

"No, I'll accompany you," he said without hesitation.

The palace was still and sleeping as they moved down the quiet corridors. Their footsteps echoed faintly off the old sandstone walls, punctuated by the distant call of a nightjar and the rustle of wind in the courtyard trees.

The fire torches had been replaced by lanterns which flickered low in their iron brackets, bathing everything in a warm, drowsy glow.

"You know," Jahnvi said lightly as they descended the side staircase near the servant wing, "I didn't expect you to be the kind of king who knocks twice in one night."

Malhar let out the barest huff of a breath that might have been a laugh. "Neither did I."

They reached the kitchen—a large, quiet space now empty of staff. The hearth had been banked for the night, but the coals still glowed faintly, casting an amber hue over the copper pots hung neatly along the walls.

Jahnvi moved easily through the space. She lit a small oil lamp, gathered a pot, water, and spices. Her hands were swift and practiced as she set the pot on the stove and reached for cardamom, ginger, and crushed black pepper.

Malhar leaned against the stone counter, watching her in silence.

"It's like déjà vu ," he remarked and Jahnvi smiled at him.

Steam began to rise, the rich scent of masala tea curling through the air.

"A pinch of salt to your tea ?" She said holding up the container with salt in it.

"Always." He said with a faint smile. "I can't do without it now."

She didn't notice the tension in his shoulders, or the way his fingers tightened slightly against the edge of the counter.

She poured the tea into two small steel cups and handed one to him.

"Careful," she said. "It's hot."

He took it without meeting her eyes.

They stood there in silence for a few moments, sipping slowly, letting the warmth soak into them.

"You don't talk much when it's just the two of us," Jahnvi said, not accusingly, just curious.

Malhar looked up, caught her gaze, and held it.

"There's too much I could say," he said quietly. "So I say nothing."

Jahnvi blinked, unsure how to respond. She simply nodded, not prying.

"I'm glad you knocked," she said after a pause. "I was feeling a bit lonely without Zoon."

"You don't seem like someone who minds solitude."

"I don't," she said honestly. "But I do like quiet company."

He gave a slow nod, looking down into his cup again.

"I'm sorry if I am too demanding, with untimely tea requests and asking you to cook-."

"I like doing stuff for people who matter to me." She said cutting him off.

Malhar looked at her keenly but Jahnvi kept her eyes on her cup.

"I'll walk you back." Malhar said setting his cup down on the wooden table.

She looked as though she wanted to refuse but didn't.

They walked side by side, the same silence wrapping around them—not strained, not heavy, just... still.

When they reached her door again, Malhar paused. "Thank you for the tea."

She gave him a small smile. "You're welcome, Raje. Anytime."

He nodded once, turned, and walked away without another word.

Jahnvi closed the door behind her and leaned against it for a second, exhaling.

She still missed Zoon—but the room didn't feel quite as empty anymore.