????The Crown and the Badge????

Rang Mahal, Jodhpur

The majestic Rang Mahal, the ancestral jewel of the Raghuvanshi royal family, stood tall and gleaming under the Rajasthani sun. Gold-etched windows, red sandstone walls, and courtyards bursting with marigold garlands told the world that a grand wedding was about to unfold.

This was the chosen venue for the most awaited event:
Rihaan Raghuvanshi and Aadhya Vashisht’s royal wedding.

Inside the grand Darbaar Hall, the Raghuvanshi, Vashisht, and Rajput royal family elders had gathered, seated in plush armchairs around a teakwood table.

From choreographers to guest lists, mehendi designs to menu trials — everything was being discussed. Amidst it all, one presence made the Vashisht family just a bit too alert.

Near the arched jharokha, reclined with calm but alert eyes, lay Shadow — the rare white lion, majestic and silent, his fur shimmering like moonlight under the ornate chandelier.

He wasn’t caged. He didn’t need chains.

He belonged to Vedansh Rajput — and more than that, he followed only him.

While the Raghuvanshi and Rajput royals were used to his presence, the Vashisht family, despite being respected, couldn’t hide the flicker of fear in their eyes.

Shadow didn’t growl. He didn’t move.
He merely watched — like a living sculpture carved out of ancient power.

And yet, every Vashisht instinctively sat straighter. Spoke more softly. Looked anywhere but at the lion.

But did they say anything to King Vedansh Singh Raghuvanshi, the host and patriarch?

The answer was a royal no.

Because who in their right mind complains about a white lion in a royal palace… especially when he answers to Vedansh, the man who rarely talks and never blinks?

Nearby, Rihaan and Vedansh stood in a quiet corner.

Vedansh, in contrast, stood with his hands tucked into his pockets, nodding occasionally, clearly annoyed by the noise and chaos. But he was here — not for the wedding, but for Rihaan, his best friend.

Rihaan was clearly excited, while Vedansh gave the occasional nod, standing calmly — also making sure Shadow stayed in his line of sight.

Rihaan (grinning):
"Main soch raha hoon, mandap   tulips se decorate karva doon."
(“I’m thinking of decorating the mandap with tulips.”)

Vedansh (flatly):
"As long as there’s no shehnai in my ears right now, I support it."
(“As long as I don’t hear any wedding trumpets in my ears right now, I’m supportive.”)

Elegant in a pastel saree with a diamond brooch pinned neatly, Mrs. Pallavi Vashisht walked over to the boys.

Her smile was sweet, but her mind was razor sharp — the kind of woman who could plan a wedding and a corporate merger at the same time.

She affectionately touched Rihaan’s arm.

Pallavi:
"Rihaan beta, security aur transport ka saara intezaam aap dekh rahe hain na? Kal mera beta Aditya apne doston ke saath aa raha hai. Aaj raat ki flight hai unki Mumbai se. Kya aap kisi se bolkar unhe airport se pick karva denge?"
(“Rihaan dear, you’re handling all the security and transport arrangements, right? My son Aditya is arriving tomorrow morning with his friends. His flight is tonight from Mumbai. Could you please ask someone to pick them up from the airport?”)

Rihaan (with a nod and a respectful smile):
"Ji taiji, aap bilkul fikar na karein. Main sab handle kar lunga."
(“Yes, auntie. Don’t worry at all. I’ll handle everything.”)