One 'Hidden Secret' in the Palace

Flashback Continue

One Month Later

It had been a month since Amms left her — forever.

Nandini was utterly alone now.

Her world, her happiness, her everything… had died with Amms.
There was no one left to console her, to care for her, or to love her. The house echoed with silence, just like her hollow heart. And Nandini — she cried constantly, holding onto fading memories and the warmth of a touch that would never return.

She sat in the corner of her room, clutching Amms’ dupatta, sobbing like a child.

“Amms… I miss you so much,” she whispered brokenly. “Please come back… I’m all alone here. No one is there for me anymore. Why, God? Why do You keep taking my happiness away? I can’t live without her…”

Her voice broke into a painful cry as her tears fell endlessly.

And during all this time… Manik had no idea.

He was oceans away — lost in the whirlwind of back-to-back concerts, interviews, and award functions. His schedule in Europe had kept him so occupied, he didn’t even know Nandini didn’t have a phone anymore.

He didn’t know… that she was breaking.

Until now.

Finally, after weeks, Manik returned to India — straight to the royal palace in Udaipur.

As soon as he stepped inside the grand palace gates, his eyes instinctively searched for her.

For Nandini.

But before he could call her name, he heard a familiar voice behind him.

“Bhai!”

Rajveer came rushing forward and pulled him into a tight hug.

Manik smiled warmly and hugged his younger brother.

“Dadisaheb! Manik is home!” Rajveer called out excitedly, his voice echoing through the marble corridors.

Soon, the palace courtyard buzzed with life as the entire family gathered around to greet the prince. Manik greeted everyone with folded hands and a warm smile.

“Our eyes have longed to see you, beta,” Rajmata said lovingly, cupping his face as her eyes shimmered with emotion.

Manik bowed and touched her feet.

“Bless me, Rajmata.”

She placed her hand on his head, offering blessings.

⭑⭑⭑⭑☆⭑⭑⭑⭑

But after Manik left, her tone shifted as she looked around sharply.

“And where is Nandini? The prince has been calling for her since he arrived!”

A servant hesitated before replying, “I… I’ll go check, Rajmata.”

Rajmata’s eyes narrowed. Her voice turned stern.

“Where does that girl keep disappearing to? I’ve told her countless times — I don’t like her. But I made a promise to her dying grandmother that I would let her stay here… that I’d take care of her. And so, she stays. But if it weren’t for that promise, she wouldn’t step foot in this palace.”

She exhaled sharply, clearly annoyed.

“But no — Manik wants everything done by her. There are dozens of servants in this palace, yet he refuses to be served by anyone but Nandini. She’s just a maid to him… or at least, she should be. But he’s made her into a habit.”