A Royal's Love

The Royal Wedding

Ananya

The phone alarm went off declaring the arrival of the morning. Switching it off I turned on my back watching the artistic ceiling of my room. Ranvijay has given me the best suite in his hotel , he is treating me and my family royally . Does he think he can win my heart over with his richness? Does he even care about winning my heart? No he doesn't why should he . He finally has me as his puppet.

''Do you really plan to be his puppet Ananya ? '' I questioned my self. Am I that weak ? walking to the wall length mirror I stared at the girl standing infront of me. Is this really me ? Where is the fiery ANanya who had the ability to turn tables around .''Are you planning to be his wife or a pretty little submissive servant?'' . That moment I made a decision, looking straight into my reflection's eyes I smiled with a new determination. No , I won't be a doll in your hands Ranvijay. I am Ananya , which means the one like no other. I promise to prove that to you. The ring of my room extensions pulled my attention. It was from my brother Abhi; ''Di Ma said you have to be ready for Haldi by 9:00 AM''

Abhi is fascinated with his surroundings, his room. He doesn't want to step out of it. I am sure ma must have asked him to inform me in person , but he decided to do his way . He wanted to see whole Palace , which Ranvijay gladly allowed. Abhi got a royal tour , he has all praises for his future brother in law. Unaware what is sister is going through

After dressing up I waited for someone to call me. A soft knock on the door drew my attention, straightening the pleats of the yellow saari I answered the door. ''Hi Ananya, Can I come in?'' I smiled looking at Dipika standing at the door with a warm smile, moving aside I gave her the way in. She looked at me from head to toe with a different expression; ''Anything wrong'' She nodded negative; ''No just your saari, mind if I fix it for you?''

''Oh Please do. I am not use to these attires'' She smiled softly before squatting down to fix my pleats; ''there all done'' I thanked her walking her into my room . I was curious to know her and Veer's love story; ''So tell me how did you two meet ? who proposed ? I am sure it must be Veer '' and I went on and on without giving Dipika a chance to speak. But her silence made me stop my rant; ''All good'' I was concerned. She smiled ; ''yes , but liked the way you speak . Like a free soul''

She wasn't looking at me; ''Dipika have you fought with Veer'' She looked at me once and then turned her eyes away; ''Oh no! we haven't seen each other since the day of our arrival. He is busy with the wedding arrangements and so am I'' . ''Hmm so this is the reason you are upset, don't worry whenever I see Veer. I will ask him to spend some quality time with you. Happy?'' Dipika gaped at me and then laughed . Must say she is beautiful, but somewhere something is missing. Before I could ask, My mom dashed inside asking me to quickly go down as everybody was waiting. Dipika adorned me with flower jewellery , checked me once before walking me down for my Haldi also known as Pithi Dastoor

I entered the hall with full of females, Dipika directed me to the decorated seating in the centre of the room. Dipika made me sit and with that rituals started . First it was Rajmata who applied turmeric and sandal wood pasted to me with beetle leaf. Raksha applied paste to my face studying my features keenly; ''do you want to confess something Ananya'' She whispered. I felt stuck , I didn't knew how to respond. With each turn of paste application on body felt like crumbling of walls between me and Ranvijay. Looking into her eyes I just smiled. Raksha placed a kiss on my forehead before backing out. As everyone was done , a mixture of milk water rose petals and scent was poured over me to complete the ritual. ''Take her to her room '' that came from my future mother in law. Dipika Raksha quickly grabbed the chance. Don't know but I feel all three of us are fighting a battle. Raksha and Dipika helped me in dressing up . After that I was escorted again to the same hall where women were signing marriage songs celebrating my on coming slaughter