The Royal Contract

Sealing the Promise

The evening had set in beautifully, casting a golden hue across the city skyline as Rajveer and Meher sat together, the delicate bracelet on her wrist glimmering under the soft glow of fairy lights. A warm breeze carried the scent of roses from the garden around them, adding to the intimacy of the moment.

Rajveer gently laced his fingers through Meher’s, his thumb stroking slow circles over her palm. “You didn’t say anything,” he murmured, his voice barely above a whisper.

Meher looked at him, her eyes soft yet holding a storm of emotions. “I didn’t need to,” she whispered back. “You already know.”

His breath hitched slightly. “I need to hear it,” he admitted, bringing her hand to his lips, pressing a kiss there.

She hesitated for a moment before exhaling deeply. “I love you, Rajveer.”

A slow smile spread across his face, and before she could say anything else, he cupped her face gently, his touch both firm and reverent. “Say it again.”

She let out a small laugh, her eyes glistening. “I love you.”

And then, he kissed her.

---

It wasn’t rushed, nor was it hesitant. It was deep, slow, and filled with everything left unsaid between them for far too long. His lips moved against hers, exploring, learning, claiming. Meher melted into the warmth of him, her hands sliding up his chest, feeling the steady thrum of his heartbeat beneath her fingertips.

Rajveer pulled her closer, tilting his head to deepen the kiss, as if he couldn’t get enough of her. When they finally pulled apart, their foreheads rested together, their breaths mingling in the cool night air.

“I don’t ever want to fight with you again,” he confessed, his voice raw with emotion.

Meher cupped his face, her thumbs tracing his cheekbones. “Then let’s not. Let’s trust each other more.”

He nodded, pressing another kiss to her forehead before pulling her into his embrace. They stayed like that for a while, letting the quiet between them speak volumes.

---

As they drove back to the Rathore mansion, the atmosphere between them had shifted. It wasn’t just relief, but something deeper. Something permanent.

When they entered the house, they were greeted by Rajeshwari Devi and the rest of the family, who had been waiting for them in the living room.

“Humein tum dono se kuch baat karni thi,” Rajeshwari Devi said, her gaze flickering between them.

Rajveer and Meher exchanged a glance before nodding. “Ji, Maa.”

The elders settled in while the younger ones watched with curiosity. Rajveer’s father spoke first. “Ab jab tum dono ek saath ho, humein lagta hai ki ab kuch bada sochna chahiye.”

Meher’s brows furrowed. “Bada?”

Rajveer’s grandmother chuckled. “Bachcha, humein potha ya poti chahiye.”

Silence filled the room before a deep red flush covered Meher’s cheeks. Rajveer coughed, covering his mouth while a smirk threatened to break across his face.

“Maa… Daadi… yeh kya…” Meher stammered, looking at the floor.

Rajveer, ever the tease, leaned towards her ear. “Toh sochna padega, Meher. Jaldi hi.”

She shot him a glare, but the twinkle in his eyes only made her heart race faster.

---

Later that night, in their bedroom, Rajveer pulled Meher into his arms, his fingers tracing invisible patterns on her bare shoulder. “Do you think we should… consider what they said?” he murmured against her skin.

Meher turned in his embrace, looking at him with wide eyes. “Rajveer!”

He chuckled. “I mean, eventually. I do want to build a life with you, Meher.”

She softened, resting her head against his chest. “We will. But one step at a time.”

Rajveer kissed the top of her head, his arms tightening around her. “As long as we take those steps together.”

And just like that, they drifted into a peaceful slumber, knowing that whatever came next, they would face it side by side.

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