Gauri woke to the sound of soft mewing and the gentle scratch of claws against her door. She blinked, still half-asleep, and glanced at the corner of the room where Chandi lay curled up on her little bed, undisturbed.

With a sigh, Gauri pushed herself out from under the covers. The cold morning air bit at her skin, making her shiver. She padded across the floor and cracked the door open.

"I knew it was you," she murmured, swinging it open wider. "The love of your life left you for a horse, did she?" she added, crouching to scoop up the little cat.

Zoon mewed in protest, as if airing his complaints.

"Shocking, I know," Gauri cooed, cradling him. "She's a fool, but she'll come back. Just wait."

Carrying Zoon across the room, she placed him beside Chandi. "Go bunk with your sister till Jahnvi remembers her priorities."

A yawn escaped her as she straightened up. Gauri walked over to the window. The sky outside was still dipped in the softness of dawn—the sun only just beginning to stretch its golden limbs across the fort.

Too early. And yet, she knew she wouldn't be able to fall back asleep now.

She turned toward the bathroom, resigned. These things—bathing, dressing, oiling her hair—were never meant to be her responsibilities. Sunaina always did them. But today, she had managed to wake before even her most punctual helper.

With a defeated huff, Gauri stepped inside. The cold stone floor sent a sharp chill up her legs. She turned right back around.

Some tasks were best left to others. She could wait.

Gauri would usually wait until she was properly dressed before stepping out, but something about this morning unsettled her. The air in her chamber felt too still, the silence too heavy. Wrapping a soft woolen shawl around her shoulders, she slipped into her slippers and stepped outside.

The palace had already begun to stir. Footsteps echoed against the stone corridors, servants moving swiftly with copper trays and folded linens. Even the old walls, cool and sunlit, seemed more alert than usual—as if they too had been roused early.

"Everyone's moving at double the speed this morning," Gauri muttered, descending the stairs toward the main courtyard.

Several attendants paused mid-task to bow, one of them glancing twice—either surprised to see her up so early or mildly startled by her half-dressed state.

She paused beside a younger girl, one she vaguely remembered seeing alongside Sunaina. The name escaped her.

"Good morning, Gauri tai," the girl said, bowing quickly. "Do you need anything?"

"No... actually, yes," Gauri corrected herself. "Can you ask Sunaina to come to my room earlier than usual? Tell her I'm already up. And—some warm milk, for the cats."

"Of course, tai. Right away," the girl said, hurrying off.

Gauri turned again, walking ahead—only to collide into someone head-on.

A startled grunt, followed by a muttered curse, made her look up.

Abhinav stood there, rubbing the spot on his chest where her shoulder had landed.

"I'm so sorry!" Gauri gasped. "I wasn't watching—"

"Relax," Abhinav chuckled, still rubbing his chest with a wince. "Neither was I."

"Still, I should've—"

"It's fine," he said, waving it off with a soft laugh. He reached out and tapped her gently on the head. "Just be careful next time. You're lighter than you look, but still dangerous."

Gauri cracked a grin, stepping past him before pausing a few paces away.

"Wait!"

Abhinav turned. "Yes?"

"If you're here, then... where's Jahnvi? Weren't you supposed to ride with her this morning?"

"We were," he replied, straightening his shawl. "But the lesson was cut short then she met Kaki saheb and left with her."

"I see," Gauri murmured, brows tightening in mild thought. "Alright then. Thank you."

Abhinav gave a nod and turned to leave.

"Take care of your chest," she added with a playful smirk.

He glanced back with a grin. "I'll survive."

Gauri let out a soft chuckle as her legs carried her aimlessly, thoughts trailing behind like threads she hadn't tied up. The exchange with Abhinav—light, almost warm—lingered longer than expected.

'Why do I dislike him, really?' she wondered. 'Do I even dislike him... or is it just his mother I see when I look at him?'

Damini's shadow loomed long, no doubt. But Abhinav... Abhinav had never said a cruel word to her. Never looked down at anyone. Never acted entitled, not once. Perhaps she had been too quick to paint him in colours he hadn't earned.

Lost in thought, she realised her feet had wandered toward the west wing—a part of the palace she rarely visited, but knew by heart.

The grunts of men mid-sparring, the low bark of instructions, the sharp ring of steel colliding with steel.The rhythmic clangs grew louder as she neared the training arena, tucked neatly between two towering stone pavilions.

A sharp cry echoed across the open court—someone had landed a clean blow.

At the center of the ring stood Jai, commanding the space with ease. He moved like a beast bred for war—controlled, precise, a coiled spring of motion and silence. His naked torso glistened with sweat, his arms tanned and coated with dust.

He was demonstrating a grip to a young recruit barely more than a boy guiding the boy's hands over the hilt with a firm, steady voice.

"Not like that," Jai said, stepping behind the recruit. "You're gripping it like a walking stick. Feel it. This sword is an extension of your arm, not a burden."

He stepped back, drew his own blade, and sliced the air in a clean arc. The metal sang against the breeze, whistling sharp and true.

The boy blinked, a little stunned. "Like... that?"

"Exactly like that," Jai said, voice soft but edged with expectation.

Gauri stood at the edge of the training ground, arms folded, shawl pulled tighter against her body. Her eyes didn't miss a single motion how his stance shifted between poised stillness and raw movement, how even the tilt of his head held purpose. There was something captivating about him here, away from his jokes and smiles something that reminded her he wasn't just Malhar's best friend or member of the courtroom , but a warrior through and through.

She cleared her throat lightly.

Jai turned, wiping his brow with the back of his wrist, and grinned the moment he saw her.

"Well, someone's awake before the birds."

"Miracles happen at dawn, Jai," Gauri replied, stepping closer.

Jai sheathed his sword and walked toward her, his steps slow, relaxed. "You look like you've already battled half the palace."

She gave him a sideways glance. "I crashed into Abhinav."

"That explains the battle," he smirked. "Did he survive?"

"Barely." She smiled, eyes scanning the ground. "Any updates on Malhar?"

"None. I've sent two riders to camp at the edge of the forest, but you know I can't overrule him—best friend or not, he is still the king," Jai said, picking up the kurta discarded on the side and pulling it over his head.

"I understand," Gauri replied quietly. "All these years with him, I know how much he looks forward to his hunts... but this time, it felt too abrupt. Too different." Her voice dropped as they retraced their steps into the fort's living quarters.

"You're his closest friend," she said after a pause. "You know what's really bothering him, don't you?"

Jai glanced at her. A small, almost wistful smile curved his lips—one that tried to hide the ache behind his eyes. He knew exactly what Malhar was feeling. It took one heartbroken man to recognize another.

"Give him time, Gauri," Jai said gently. "Time has a way of mending what we think is beyond repair."

"What do you mean?" Gauri asked, eyebrows knitting together as she studied Jai's face.

Jai held her gaze for a moment, then smiled softly—almost evasively.
"What I mean... is a conversation for another time. Right now, Sunaina's waiting for you."

Gauri turned instinctively, her eyes landing on the familiar figure by her chamber door.
"Sunaina! You're a blessing. What would I do without you?" she called, already walking toward her, all curiosity forgotten.

Jai watched her go, the corners of his mouth lifting in quiet amusement.
"Exactly what you're doing now," he muttered under his breath with a shake of his head, then turned and headed down the corridor toward his own quarters, the soft echo of his steps following behind.

•••

A lot had transpired in the Bhosle household since the first light of dawn broke across the fort walls.

Nanda sat cross-legged in front of the temple idol, her fingers carefully threading marigolds into a garland. But her hands moved out of habit—her mind, for once, unsure of where to go. For the first time in many years, she stood at a crossroads where neither path offered peace. One risked duty, the other risked the heart.

"Tai Saheb, you look lost."

Nanda looked up. Damini stood a few feet away, wrapped in a rich green shawl, her silk saree a delicate contrast of blush pink and gold. Her expression was polite, but Nanda could hear the intent behind her words.

"You act concerned," Nanda said dryly.

"I am concerned. Our futures are more entwined than you think."

Nanda let out a small, humorless scoff. "Your future. Your schemes. Your gain. Not mine. I lose either way, Damini."

Damini stepped closer, her tone softening. "And yet you had to choose."

Nanda placed the needle down on the brass platter of flowers and rose to her full height, her presence suddenly commanding.

"She said yes," she announced. "She's agreed to your proposal."

Damini's lips parted in a grin, her eyes lighting up. "She has? That's wonderful."

Nanda's voice turned sharp. "Don't mistake her for an orphan Damini. She may have entered this palace as a stranger, but she is no longer alone. She has a family behind her."

"Of course, Tai Saheb," Damini replied smoothly. "I intend to bring her into my home as a daughter-in-law, not a conquest."

Nanda's jaw tightened. The words stung.

"And in offering her this alliance," Damini continued, voice sugar-coated and venom-laced, "I am giving her the dignity your family failed to offer multiple times. Isn't that... a favour?"

"Damini," Nanda warned, her voice dropping like a blade.

"But truth doesn't wait for permission, does it?" Damini smiled, pleased with herself. "In time, you'll see this was the right decision. For everyone."

Before Nanda could respond, the sound of footsteps echoed down the stairs.

"Aai Saheb!"

Nanda turned to see Gauri, radiant in a deep bottle-green saree, standing with her usual confidence and a faint smile on her lips.

"I draped this saree myself today," she said, walking over proudly. "I've decided I should stop depending on Sunaina for everything."

Nanda forced a smile. "That's wonderful, my dear." She pointed at the brass platter on the floor. "Take this to the priest, will you?"

"Glad I'm not late today," Abhinav called out as he entered, his black kurta sleeves rolled to his elbows, soft curls dancing in the breeze.

"Good, then come help me," Gauri said, already juggling a few platters.

"Give them to me." Abhinav took all three from her hands with ease and picked up two more from the floor.

"Impressive," Gauri remarked, folding her arms.

"Thank you," he chuckled.

The sound of the temple bell rang through the courtyard just then, making everyone turn. Jai and Jahnvi stepped in together—Jai in a crisp ivory kurta, and Jahnvi clad in a crimson saree, her face composed but quiet.

"Finally," Damini smiled, moving toward Jahnvi. "You look beautiful," she said, gently cupping her chin.

Gauri leaned closer to Abhinav and whispered, "Since when does your mother offer affection like that? Has she ever looked at you like that?"

"I wish," Abhinav replied, trying not to laugh.

"Come, let's begin," Damini said, her arm finding its way around Jahnvi's shoulders, steering her forward.

The priest concluded the mantras and the aarti. Gauri was handed the sacred flame to carry, her steps careful as she made her way around the gathering.

Just then, Damini turned to the priest. "Mahant Saheb, are there any auspicious dates coming soon for a wedding?"

The priest smiled. "Two very good ones—one just seven days from now, and another three days after that."

"Are they strong muhurats?"

"If I had a son, I'd marry him on either," the priest affirmed.

"Well then, we must hurry," Damini announced with delight. "We have only seven days to prepare for Abhinav's wedding."

"What?" Abhinav and Gauri said in unison.

"To whom?" Jai added, wide-eyed.

"To Jahnvi," Damini replied calmly, her eyes never leaving her future daughter-in-law.

A stunned silence fell over the group like a cold wave.

Jahnvi said nothing. Her hands clutched the edge of her saree tightly, while Gauri's gaze darted between her and Abhinav in disbelief. Jai's jaw tightened, eyes flicking to Nanda for answers, but she remained composed.

The aarti flame flickered between them all—quiet, bright, and heavy with unspoken thoughts.

AN: hello my lovelies
I don't think I've ever upload at this pace for any of my past books. Let me know what you think, about the story arc, the characters.

Comment your favourite character from the book and tell me, also don't forget to vote it keeps me going.

Lots of love
xoxo