Prologue
It's been almost 2 years since she saw her chawl and her people. Today she was back where she believed she truly belonged, back to her Baba, back to her chawl. But something looked different, something felt different. There was a strange air in the place which almost made it unrecognizable. She felt something wrong is going to happen. She was carrying her suitcase in her right hand and the MBA degree in her left. Though a lot has happened over the last two years, nothing can stop her from feeling proud and happy of the fact that a girl like her went from a chawl to London to pursue higher studies. Then it happened!! Some strange Men and Women dressed in Maroon Uniforms marched out of her kholi( house). She panicked! Where was her Baba?? What is happening?? She didn't do anything wrong!! What happened after that was a blur.
There was police.
Her Baba was taken away!
She was forced to go with the Maroon brigade!
Why??Why?? Is this happening because of him, because of what she told him back in college? This was all she could reckon!
But then her thoughts were halted when one from the Maroon clan said something on her phone. Something which sounded like.
"We found her! We found Rajkumari Manayata!"
CHAPTER 1
The room was elegant all done with the finest wallpaper, curtains and cushions, all in purple the royal color! And the bed was exquisite with a gold canopy but if there was something which couldn't be changed is the air. It smelled of insecticide!
"GOD!! When will these royals realized that the insecticide they use to keep the insects away are more disguising than the insects themselves"
"Seema Ji!! Seema Ji"
"Ji Rajkumari Manyata" Seema ji surfaced within seconds like always
Yes! She was Rajkumari Manyata indeed! She was dragged away from her chawl around a year ago. It took them months to convince her that she was indeed their lost princess but she still doubts that fact sometimes. For Manyata it was more unrealistic than even a dream. Everything happened so fast! Well not technically because the transformation took a year and even now she finds it difficult to live according to their lifestyle. She calls it theirs because it was never hers' and won't be hers' ever if given a choice.
"Seema Ji I told many times not to shower my room with insecticides! I hate the smell more than I hate the cockroaches! In fact I don't even hate the cockroaches they are quite harmless you see" Manyata spoke all of these in one single breath
"Rajkumari Ji I will spray a nice room freshener to remove the smell" Seema Ji added suppressing a smile
Manyata was different. She was a darling for the servants, they grew to totally adore her in this one year something they couldn't do for Rajkumari Jaynandini even after all these years. She is a pure soul who was never raised as a Royal.
Manyata stared at her reflecting in the mirror. She had to admit she looked beautiful even though she tried to look her worst for the evening. Reason being Dadisa is trying to hook her up with some Yuvraj. She tried all ways to get out of this clown fest but nothing worked and she had to give in after Dadisa ensured her that it's just a meeting she won't be forced for a commitment.
"I will just say hi and get out of the hell" Manyata self assured herself before stepping out of her room
Dadisa and Maharani Komal couldn't stop gushing to each other about how pretty Manyata looked. This made Manyata even more nervous because it seems like all her efforts to make herself look bad failed miserably.
"Beta you are looking so pale. Are you ok? " Komal asked with concern in her voice
"Maa Sahib I think we are rushing in this matter" Komal turned to Dadisab with concern
Manyata tried hard to not to smile. Maybe this will be stop. But her joy was short lived because Dadisa like always convinced Komal within seconds. She is an expert with the use of words!
Finally they arrived at the venue. It was some grand hotel instead of a Rajmahal. Her could be in-laws are into hotel business like many of the royals in independent India. They were guided towards a suite. There were maids who made them comfortable and also apologized for the absence of the Yuvraj, who according to them will be with them shortly. Manyata found it perfect to excuse herself to the washroom
"Hey Bhagwan!! Please don't let him make it to this meeting!!! Please !! Please!.I mean don't kill him in an accident or anything bas make him busy with some work" Manyata prayed loudly in front of the washroom mirror
She could hear some conversations in the room now seems like her prayers went unanswered. She walked out of the washroom, went and sat in the couch without even looking up for once.
"Manyata this is Yuvraj Udayveer Singh" Dadisa announced soon after her arrival
Manyata looked up to say hello but nothing escaped her mouth except. Shocked was not even a right word to describe her situation. She was petrified! It was HIM!!! Him again!! This can't be happening!! How can it be true? She tried to study his expression
It went from shocked... to surprised...to happy?!
He even tried to smile at her?! Or was it a smirk his famous ruthless smirk!
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