झटक कर ज़ुल्फ़ जब तुम तौलिए से

बारिशें आज़ाद करती हो अच्छा लगता है

हिला कर होंठ जब भी हौले हौले

गुफ़्तगु को साज़ करती हो अच्छा लगता है

♥︎♥︎♥︎♥︎

As i observed Roshni, i couldn't help but notice the transformation that had taken place. The water, cascading down her hair and past the curve of her neck, had turned her traditional red Indian suit into a second skin. The fabric clung to her form, accentuating her grace and strength. She stood there, defiant and unyielding, a picture of eternal beauty and resolve.

This act, the droplets glistened like jewels on her skin, each one is invading different kinds of thoughts in my mind which i don't want it now.

I offered her my coat but she refused it by showing me her hand.

Then again she was about to pour another glass on herself but i stopped her and in the process my shirt also become wet.

- Why are you doing this Ms. Gupta?

I asked her gently not sure what is bothering her to act this way.

She still refusing to meet my eyes.

I was speechless, what could be the reason for her to be acting his way. Somehow, i have to find a way out so that she doesn't feel embarrassed. I was about to say something but i saw from the corner of my eyes something was approaching me behind me.

As i turned my sideways it was a cat , a precious fur ball like.

I gave my attention to the cat.

- hello buddy what is your name? A little help from your friend i won't mind.

Roshni stirred in her seat and tucked her long hairs behind her ears making my heart skipped some beat by her small action.

Roshni- He is chico, mere bachpan ka saathi hai.

I nodded my head and turned to look at her but immediate look away coughing g a little bit.

Ahu.. ahu do you have any napkin or towel - i asked her.

She titled her head just like her cat was observing me, like mother like son huh

Both look cute

-Well i think you might need it right now.

I was playing with chico he was playing with my fingers, first sniffing it then trying to sucker punch it.

Ha ha adorable.

I think she finally noticed that her inner wear is visible now and quickly ran inside her room, making me smirk at her action. She is definitely something.

After a while i heard hairdryer so, i peeked inside her room through the window, she is drying her hair but why

it feels like my heart is shaking up.

Then she used her towel to dry her hair, oh god her hair is the best feature of her, so long so smooth and shiny.

I looked at myself, my shirt was wet , clings to my body. I also need that dryer so i come inside her room to ask for it but.....

Roshni stood before the mirror, gently toweling her hair, she was unaware of the silent observer behind her. I had been watching her from a distance, felt my heart skip a beat as i caught a glimpse of her in this candid moment. The way she moved with such grace and ease captivated me , and i found myself mesmerized by her presence.

The room was filled with the soft patter of water droplets falling from her hair, each one catching the light before landing on the floor.

As she lifted the towel to her head once more, a few errant droplets escaped, arcing through the air towards me.

They landed on my face, cool against skin, sending a shiver down my spine.

SHE sensing a presence, turned slightly, catching my gaze in the mirror. Our eyes met, and in that brief exchange, a thousand unspoken emotions passed between them. Her cheeks flushed slightly, a rosy hue that complemented the warmth in her eyes.

I am feeling the intensity of this moment, offered her a shy smile, one that conveyed more than words ever could.

Neither of us spoke any words.

As she continued to dry her hair, i was just their for a moment longer, imprinting the image of her in mind.

□□□□□□□□□□□□□□□□□□□□□□□□□□

As I stood in my room, gently drying my hair with a soft towel, I caught a glimpse of Yuvraj( Samrat) , entering unexpectedly.

His shirt clung to his form, rendered almost invisible by the water, accentuating the contours of his well-toned physique. He looked undeniably handsome, and for a moment, I was at a loss for words.

I felt a flush rise to my cheeks, embarrassed to be caught in such an unguarded moment. My hair hung loosely around my shoulders, still damp from the recent shower which i created with just a glass of water and I was keenly aware of how informal I appeared. Despite the casual setting, there was an air of electricity in the room-a silent acknowledgment of the prince's undeniable allure.

Though words failed me, there was an unspoken connection in the air, a mutual understanding that transcended the need for conversation. Yuvraj, with his usual poise, maintained his composure, though I couldn't help but notice a flicker of amusement in his eyes. It was as if he found the entire situation-my surprise, his unexpected entrance-mildly entertaining.

This brief encounter was a reminder of the delicate balance between our worlds. While he carried the weight of a crown and the expectations of a royal lineage, I was simply a young woman navigating my own path. Yet, in this fleeting moment, there was a vulnerability, a glimpse of humanity beneath the regal façade.

As Yuvraj turned to leave, I found my voice, though barely audible.

-I'm sorry, I forgot to ask you for a towel.

-No need to apologise.

He paused, offering a reassuring smile.

I hurriedly put my hair in a bun and gave him a towel but in the process our hands brushed causing me to froze on the place. But he took a deep breath and begin to open his shirt buttons.

Oh noo what is happening right now,

Today morning i didn't know one marriage alliance is coming for me and now the marriage alliance is from Yuvraj and now i caught a glimpse of what practically many girls in Jaipur dying to get. I can't tell if my i am lucky or unfortunate.

He coughed a little to catch my attention.

I looked at him, he was done drying and now holds Chico in right hand and was passing me the towel from his left hand.

I nodded and took it.

-Well i guess you have your own reason to back out from the alliance.

He stated making me take a deep breath.

I looked at chico and said in one breathe

- Yes , today i got appointment letter in 1 month for A 'x name company in Business sector, for position as an department intern and i want to do this job because i always wanted to join HR department. It's like a dream for me to work in business sector.

He looked at me , probably wondering why my eyes are shining more, probably happens with everyone when they talk about their dream from ( it's a kind of talk from your heart).

He nodded and

- I hope you will achieve your dream, my mother would have love to see you achieve your dreams.No need to worry about it Ms. GUPTA.

-HUH??? YUVRAJ -JI aap nahi samajh rahe hai , shaadi ke baad ladkiyan aapna sapna pura nahi kar paati hai, i hope you understand and delay this weeding for like 2 -3 years.

I requested to him , because i know my dream will take time.

- i understand why don't we discuss this with entire family. I agree with you on this believe me.

He assured me.

-But yuvraj ji will they listen?

It's a question i always have in my mind.

-This dreams is yours, a dream is a responsibility you have to fulfil, if you will not talk about it then how can you expect anybody else to talk about it. It's your duty to fight for it and protect it just like i do with mine.

He said in a calm voice making all my worries go away.

Wow he is really yuvraj and the next in line king of Jaipur. He is perfect

Ji chaliye sabse milte hai , aap chaliye main ready hoke aati hu.

I told him to go first.

With that, he departed, leaving behind a lingering sense of intrigue and the warmth of his brief presence with Chico in his arms

At living room -

Author's POV

Roshni stood in the family room, feeling the weight of her family's expectations, when her grandmother, Dadi, and Smriti, the queen, approached her with a knowing smile.

Mugdha- We all love Roshni, such a sweet soul and amazing cook. Your both brother in laws will love the foods made by you.

She said after eating snacks made by her

(GUJIA , SEV )

Vikram- Tell me Samrat beta do you agree with this marriage?

Now everyone looking at samrat.

Samrat- Dad i think she has something to tell to all of you.

He diverted the attention to roshni, so that she will find a moment to disclose her heart desires.

Roshni folded her hands infront of her in a respectfully manner.

- I just want to say , i was 14 years old when i saw a HR manager at a company i went to with papa, since then i always wanted to become one. This has been the goal of my life and now after studying hard i have completed my graduation and post graduation and landing a job at x company name.

So it's my request to the king and the Queen of Jaipur and all honorable royal family let me complete my goal first then i will do this.

She said with confidence and determination in her voice.

Queen was looking at her with no expression.

Dadi- Well after looking at all the royal duties and your different branches of company duty i assumed you would want a daughter-in-law in your family who is sharp, determine and a have a definite goal in her life not just a simple girl.

Queen - yes you are right dadi sa , hum hamare daulat , shoharat , rutabe ko bar karar rahe, i think roshni can do this but also both Samrat and Roshni need time to be ready for this marriage. They both have a goal to achieve and we are no one to tell them to wait.

She was in awe to see this side of roshni.

Roshni was kn cloud nine to see the support she got from Rani sa.

Roshni- Shukriya Rani sa , hum aapko kabhi nirash nahi hone denge.

She assured her.

Meanwhile everyone else exchanged a glance, one that seemed to communicate years of understanding and unspoken agreement. It was a moment of silent acknowledgment between two women( Queen and Dadi ) who had once been in her shoes, striving to balance tradition and personal ambition.

"Roshni, beta," Dadi began, her voice gentle and reassuring, "we have been thinking about your future and what you truly want in life. We understand how important it is for you to pursue your career in the HR department first."

Smriti nodded, her regal presence adding weight to the discussion. "Indeed, Roshni, every young woman should have the chance to follow her dreams and make her mark in the world. We believe in your potential and want to support your journey."

Roshni's eyes widened with surprise and gratitude. This was the approval she had longed for, a recognition of her aspirations.

"But what about the family's expectations?" she asked, her voice tinged with concern.

"We have reached a diplomatic agreement," Dadi replied with a wink,you should focus on achieving your dreams first. Marriage can wait until you are ready, and until you have accomplished what you set out to do.

Smriti added, "After all, a fulfilled and happy daughter makes for a strong family, and when the time is right, you will be prepared for marriage with a heart full of your own achievements."

Roshni felt a wave of relief wash over her. She had feared resistance, yet here she was, standing before two powerful women who understood the delicate balance between tradition and modernity. Their support was a testament to the changing times and the power of diplomacy, love, and understanding.

"Thank you, Dadi, thank you,Rani sa" Roshni said, her voice filled with gratitude. "I promise to make you proud."

As the conversation ended, Roshni felt a newfound sense of freedom and determination. She was ready to take on the world, knowing her family stood behind her, cheering her on every step of the way.

Now after having good time, samrat and his family was going back to their home, roshni's family was seeing his off.

Roshni- Thankyou yuraj aapne agar himmat nahi di hoti toh ye sab nahi ho pata.

( If you didn't gave me this courage then all of this was impossible)

Samrat- Himmat toh dena hi tha warna aaj sach main ek jalpari se beth ho jati.

( i should have given you courage, otherwise today I would have really met a mermaid.)

He teased her.

She shyly smiled with her red cheeks.

Samrat- waise Shaadi cancel karne ka tarika Thoda cazuaal tha.

He said referring yo a internet meme.

Her eyes widened

-haye ram ji aap bhi meme dekhte hai.

Samrat- haww ....Kyu hum royal logo ke liye mana hai kya ms.gupta?

He copied her reaction, finding her reaction amusing .

Roshni- Naii aisa nahi hai.

Mugdha- Chaliye yuvraj ji ya kahi yahi rehne ka irada toh nahi

She teased him.

They both shyly looked away and bid farewell to eachother.

Samrat- So see you soon , take care ms.gupta.

He was about to walk away but-

Roshni- Ji yuvraj ji Roshni .. no ms.gupta.

She was comfortable with him now so wanted to drop the honorifics.

Samrat- Ji roshnj ji..

She shyly nodded and he also.

♤♤♤♤♤♤♤♤

After they left -

Roshni's father, Suresh, looked on with a mix of concern and confusion. "Beta, why did you do this?" he asked, his voice tinged with worry.

Her grandmother, Dadi, and mother, Megha, exchanged anxious glances, their attention momentarily diverted from the injured bird and Roshni's knee.

"Because this is me, Papa," Roshni replied, her voice unwavering. "I am not just a daughter or a sister. I am Roshni, and I have my own dreams and

choices."

Her words hung in the air, powerful and poignant. They were a reminder that, despite the weight of tradition and duty, each person held the right to define their own path. Roshni's act of pouring water over herself was not just an expression of defiance; it was a declaration of independence.

Fin.

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