One 'Hidden Secret' In The Palace

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The morning sun spilled golden rays into Manik's lavish room, teasing him awake from a deep, contented slumber. Half-covered by the duvet, his bare chest rose and fell in peaceful rhythm. "Princess, the curtains," he mumbled, his voice thick with sleep as his hand groped the empty space beside him. "Princess?"

He stirred, patting the bed, but found only cool sheets. Bolting upright, he called out, "Princess!" The silence mocked him. A pang of sadness tugged at his heart. "Oh, right-she left at dawn," he murmured, a wistful smile curving his lips as memories of the night flooded back-her touch, her surrender, her quiet strength.

■♤■♡■♤■

In the grand chamber of Badi Rani Madhavi, Nandini moved with quiet grace, her hands busy with chores. The air was warm with the scent of sandalwood as Madhavi's gentle voice broke the stillness. "So, Nandini, you've finished your 12th. What's next for you?"

"Maharani Sa, I want to be an engineer," Nandini replied softly, her eyes bright with hope. "I'm awaiting my JEE results, and then..."

"Good," Madhavi nodded, her smile approving. "And if you get admission in another city, will you go?"

Nandini hesitated, then ventured, "Yes, Maharani Sa, if I may?"

"Of course," Madhavi said warmly. "Your family has served this Rajgharana with unwavering devotion. They've done us countless favors-it's our duty now to do something for you."

"Thank you, Maharani Sa," Nandini said, her smile genuine, a rare bloom amidst her weary days.

"We'll speak to Maharaja today," Madhavi continued. "You're brilliant, Nandini. Use your talent, make your family proud, just as they did with their abilities."

"Thank you," Nandini whispered, bowing slightly before slipping out, her heart lighter.

■♤■♡■♤■

Manik, dressed for his upcoming concert in Goa, roamed the palace, his eyes searching for her. As always, Nandini was lost in her endless tasks. "Nandini! Nandini!" Kajal's voice rang out, her friend hurrying through the halls with a newspaper clutched in hand.

Manik intercepted her, his curiosity piqued. "Hey, where are you off to?"

Kajal froze, startled. "Y-Yuvraj, I'm looking for Nandini."

"Why?" he asked, his tone casual but his gaze sharp.

She held up the paper, and his eyes caught the headline-Nandini's triumph splashed across it. A proud smile tugged at his lips. "I wanted to show her this," Kajal explained.

"Go on, I'll tell her," he said, taking the paper with a dismissive wave.

"But, Yuvraj, you-?" Kajal stammered, bewildered.

"So what?" he shot back, and she scurried off, shaking her head.

Manik unfolded the newspaper, his grin widening as he traced her name with his finger. "Manik!" a voice jolted him from his reverie. He shoved the paper behind his back, turning to face Cabir, his elder cousin, with a start.

"Why are you grinning like an idiot?" Cabir teased, eyeing him suspiciously. "What's in that paper?"

"Nothing," Manik muttered, crumpling it tighter. "Just random gossip about me."

"Really? Or some actress's picture?" Cabir prodded, smirking.

"Shut up, Cabir," Manik snapped. "You know I don't care for that nonsense."