Shivansh's POV
The night air was cool as I stepped into the palace, my mind still lingering on the evening with Isha. The date had been… unexpectedly pleasant. I had sent her home safely, and despite my best efforts to keep my distance, something was changing.
But the moment I entered, I knew my peace was temporary.
Maa was waiting in the main lounge, her arms folded, her expression unreadable.
I sighed. "You waited for me?"
She raised a brow. "You went on a date with your fiancée. Of course, I waited. I wanted to know how it went."
I loosened my tie, already regretting this conversation. "It was fine."
"Fine?" She gave me a pointed look. "Shivansh, this isn't a business meeting. This is your future wife we're talking about. Did you even try to get to know her?"
I ran a hand through my hair. "Maa, we talked. We had dinner. She twisted her foot, and I dropped her home."
Her expression softened slightly. "She got hurt?"
"Yes, but it's nothing serious."
She nodded, then leaned back, studying me carefully. "And? Did you feel anything?"
I exhaled. "What do you want me to say, Ma?"
"That you felt something. That you're not shutting her out."
I clenched my jaw. I didn't have an answer for that.
After a pause, she sighed. "Fine. We'll talk later. But tomorrow morning, before we leave, inform Isha's family. They should know we're leaving for Jaipur. The engagement will take place there, and we need to start preparing."
I gave a short nod. "I'll ask dadi sa to tell them."
She stood up, her eyes holding something unreadable. "I hope you realize what you're walking into, Shivansh. You can't ignore this forever."
With that, she left, leaving me standing in the dimly lit room, my thoughts heavier than before.
The next morning, I did what I always did when my mind was restless—I went to the gym.
Dhruv and Avi were already there, warming up.
"You look like you barely slept," Dhruv smirked as he lifted a dumbbell.
I ignored him and started my set.
Avi chuckled. "So, how was the date? Bhai, "
I paused for a moment, then continued lifting. "It was fine."
Dhruv snorted. "That's all we're getting? Come on, man. You danced with her, carried her in your arms. That's not just 'fine.'"
I shot him a glare. "Drop it."
Dhruv just grinned. "I bet you enjoyed it."
Avi shook his head. "Let him be. He's still in denial."
I exhaled and moved to the treadmill, drowning out their teasing.
After the gym, we had a quick breakfast, and just as I was about to leave for Isha's house, Juhi approached.
"Shiva, I wanted to talk to you."
I glanced at her. "What is it?"
She hesitated for a moment before smiling. "I wanted to let you know that I'll be staying in Delhi for my studies."
I nodded. "I know."
"But before that, I want to come to Jaipur for a few days," she added quickly.
I frowned. "Why?"
She blinked innocently. "I miss everyone, and it's been a while. Also, with your engagement coming up, I should be there, right?"
I knew that wasn't her real reason. She just didn't want me to be alone with Isha.
Dhruv smirked behind me, clearly enjoying this.
"Fine," I said shortly. "We leave in an hour."
Juhi beamed, but I wasn't fooled.
The journey back to Jaipur was supposed to be peaceful, but with Juhi tagging along, it was anything but that.
Her parents, bua sa and fufa sa had already left for Mumbai earlier that morning, leaving her behind in Delhi. She claimed it was for her studies, but everyone—including me—knew the real reason. She didn't want to let me and Isha be alone.
The private jet was ready, and as I stepped inside, I noticed Juhi already seated, acting as if she belonged there.
"It's final that you're coming with us?" I asked, my tone indifferent.
Juhi smiled sweetly—too sweetly. "Of course, shiva! Since I'm staying in Delhi for my studies, I thought I'd visit Jaipur for a few days before settling here. It's been so long since I spent time with the family."
I didn't believe her for a second. She was obsessed, and it was getting exhausting.
Dhruv, who was already seated and scrolling through his phone, chuckled under his breath. "Oh, this is going to be fun."
I shot him a glare, but he just smirked. That idiot loved chaos.
The journey to Jaipur was smooth, though Juhi's presence was more irritating than usual.
As we arrived at the palace, the staff stood in perfect lines, welcoming us back. The sight of my home always filled me with a sense of duty rather than comfort.
The moment we stepped inside, the scent of freshly arranged flowers filled the air. The palace had already started preparing for the engagement.
"Welcome back, Rana sa," one of the senior staff members greeted, bowing slightly. "Everything has been arranged as per Rani maa instructions."
I nodded. "Where are everyone?"
"In the main hall, overseeing the final arrangements."
Maa and every elder left for jaipur in mid night and we left for jaipur in morning.
I exchanged a glance with Dhruv and Avi, who already looked like they wanted to escape.
Juhi, on the other hand, was grinning like she belonged here.
Maa soon appeared, her sharp gaze instantly finding me. "Good. You're back."
She turned to the rest of the family and gave quick instructions before focusing back on me.
"We need to discuss the engagement arrangements," she said. "There's a lot to finalize."
I sighed but nodded. "Fine."
She glanced at Juhi. "You're staying?"
Juhi smiled sweetly. "Just for a few days, Mami saa."
Maa's expression didn't shift, but I could tell she wasn't convinced either.
"Alright," she said, turning to me. "But first, go freshen up. After that, we need to talk about the preparations."
I nodded, heading to my room.
Jaipur was home. But with everything changing, I wasn't sure if I felt at home anymore.
After freshening up, i walked into the main living area of the palace, where my entire family was gathered.
Dadi sa, Maa, Chote Maa, and Chote Papa sat on the large sofas, discussing the engagement preparations.Dada sa and Dad remained silent, listening but not interfering. Avi and Dhruv were nearby, scrolling through their phones, while Juhi sat stiffly, not pleased about the recent changes.
As I approached, I heard maa say, "We have already informed them. Everything will be arranged accordingly."
I frowned. "Informed whom?"
Maa looked at me. "I called Isha's father and let him know we've returned to Jaipur and that we've started preparing for the engagement here."
I nodded. That made sense. But before I could sit down, Dadi sa's phone rang.
The elderly woman looked at the screen and then at the family, her eyebrows slightly raised.
"It's Isha," she said, a hint of surprise in her voice.
"Put it on speaker, Maa sa," Chote Papa suggested, curiosity evident in his tone.
Dadi sa nodded and answered the call, switching to speaker mode."Beta, how are you?"
Isha's voice came through, calm and respectful, "Dadi sa, I hope I'm not disturbing you."
"Not at all, beta, tell me." she said in a warm yet dignified voice.
There was a slight pause before Isha's soft, respectful voice came through. "Dadi sa… I hope I am not disturbing you."
"Arre nahi beta, you can call anytime," Maa assured her before Dadi sa could reply. "How are you?"
"I'm fine, Maa sa… actually, I wanted to speak to Dadi sa about something important."
Dadi sa exchanged glances with Dada sa and Chote Ma, sensing that Isha was hesitating. "Bolo, beta, no need to hesitate."
Isha took a deep breath and continued. "Dadi sa, I wanted to ask if you would be okay if the engagement happened in Delhi instead of Jaipur. My parents feel that since the Roka ceremony took place in your palace in delhi, they would like to host the engagement in Delhi. Of course, only if you and the family are comfortable. There is absolutely no pressure."
Silence filled the room for a moment. Chote Papa and Dad looked at each other, and dada sa and dadi sa looked at each other, while Maa pursed her lips, deep in thought.
I, leaning against the back of the sofa, crossed my arms, studying the family's reaction. I already knew maa would consider this carefully, and Juhi, sitting in the corner, frowned slightly, clearly unhappy.
"Isha beta," Maa finally spoke, "this is something elders decide, so it is good that you spoke to Dadisa directly. But I must ask—why do you want this to happen in Delhi? Is there a specific reason?"
"Yes, Maa sa, " Isha replied honestly. "My parents feel that since we don't know when the wedding will happen, they at least want to be more involved in the engagement preparations. They want to host and celebrate it properly with all our close ones. I understand if it's inconvenient for you all, and I truly don't want to disrespect anyone's traditions."
Dadi saa, always composed, smiled slightly. "Isha, beta, this is a discussion between elders. Why didn't your father call instead?"
There was a short pause before Isha answered carefully, "My father wanted to, but I thought it would be better if I spoke to you directly."
I, had been leaning against my sofa, watched silently.
Dhruv smirked. "Smart."
Juhi, however, was furious. "Why was Isha always making decisions?"
Finally, Dada sa spoke, her voice gentle but firm. "If this is what your family wishes, then we have no objections, beta. The engagement can be held in Delhi."
Juhi clenched her fists.
Isha exhaled in relief. "Thank you so much, Dadi sa. I promise we will handle all the arrangements, and of course, your preferences will be our priority."
Chote Papa chuckled. "You're handling everything? Shivansh should be the one doing all this."
Isha laughed lightly. "I don't think Shivansh would want to handle all this."
Chote Papa chuckled. "That's true. He barely likes attending functions, let alone organizing them."
I remained silent, not denying it.
Maa sighed. "It's settled then. The engagement will be in Delhi."
Isha's voice came through the speaker again, "Thank you so much! I'll make sure everything is arranged properly."
Dadi sa smiled fondly. "We trust you, beta."
Dadi sa smiled slightly, nodding at Isha's thoughtful words. "Beta, we understand. A relationship is about both families, and we want your family to feel equally involved."
Chote Papa agreed, "Haan, engagement isn't just about us. It should be about both families celebrating together."
"But Jaipur is where Shiva is king," Juhi suddenly spoke, her voice tinged with displeasure. "Isn't it more fitting to have all the ceremonies here?"
A sharp look from Maa shut Juhi up before she could continue. "Juhi, the engagement is not about the title. It's about the two families coming together."
I exhaled slowly. I wasn't particularly concerned where the engagement took place, but i could tell Isha was nervous about this request.
"I think it's a reasonable request," Dada sa finally spoke. "Delhi is not an issue for us."
"So it's decided then," Maa said with a small smile. "Beta, tell your parents that we agree."
"Really?" Isha's voice held a touch of relief and gratitude. "Thank you so much, Dadi sa, Maa sa, and everyone."
Dadi sa chuckled. "Arre, you are already family, beta. No need for so much formal gratitude."
Juhi, however, looked less pleased. "But Nani sa, wouldn't it be more traditional to keep it in Jaipur?"
Maa glanced at her. "Tradition is important, but so is consideration. We are not just one family in this; Isha's family is equally involved."
Juhi pursed her lips but said nothing more.
I remained silent through the entire conversation, my sharp eyes observing how smoothly Isha had handled the situation. Even though Juhi had tried to protest, the family had ultimately agreed.
"Okay, beta, we will see you soon," Dadi sa concluded. "We'll talk again soon, Take care."
As the call ended, Juhi folded her arms, clearly displeased. "I still think Jaipur is more appropriate," she muttered under her breath. And Why are we changing the location just because she asked?" Her voice was sharp.
Chote Maa raised a brow. "Juhi, it's just an engagement venue. Why are you so upset?"
"I'm not upset," Juhi forced a smile, but her fists were clenched. "I just think it's unfair to change everything last minute."
Avi nudged Dhruv, whispering, "Someone's jealous."
Dhruv grinned. "Very jealous."
I finally spoke, his voice calm but authoritative. "It's not last minute. We have a month to prepare."
Juhi opened her mouth to argue, but Ma interrupted. "That's enough. We agreed, and that's final."
Juhi huffed and sat back down, but her mind was racing. Isha had won again, and she hated it.
I ignored her, pushing myself off the couch. "If the decision is made, then we should start preparing." my tone was neutral, but inside, i was still thinking about the way Isha had spoken—careful, respectful, yet firm.
I wouldn't say it out loud, but somewhere deep down, i was impressed.
Juhi's eyes flickered with frustration, but she said nothing.
Maa's tone left no room for argument. "The decision is made."
Juhi sat back down, sulking. I knew this wasn't the end of it.
Got it! I'll write the next chapter of your book from Shivansh's point of view, starting from when his family informs Isha about the engagement in Delhi. Then, I'll continue with Shivansh heading to his office with Avi and Dhruv, including a work-related meeting and business interactions.
The conversation with Isha had ended, and the decision was made. The engagement would happen in Delhi.
While my family continued discussing the arrangements, I checked the time. It was late, and I had work waiting for me.
I stood up. "I'm heading to the office."
Dad looked up from his tablet but didn't say anything. I knew he wanted to—wanted to talk business, to interfere—but he wouldn't. Not after everything I had made clear to him over the years.
Ma gave a small nod. "Avi and Dhruv come with me."
I picked up my phone and left the palace.
The drive to my corporate headquarters in Jaipur was smooth. Dhruv sat in the front seat, checking his emails, while Avi scrolled through some financial reports.
The city was alive, but my mind was ahead of it.
The engagement, the wedding, my business—everything needed to be perfectly aligned.
As soon as we arrived at the office, my staff straightened up.
"Good morning, sir."
I gave a brief nod and walked inside. Avi and Dhruv followed, their steps matching mine.
"What's the schedule today?" I asked as I entered my office.
Dhruv sat down and opened his tablet. "First, a financial review meeting with the board. Then, an investor call for the upcoming project. You also need to approve the final contracts for the Jaipur expansion."
I loosened my watch strap slightly. "And the Mumbai deal?"
Dhruv smirked. "That's what the investors want to discuss."
I exhaled sharply. That deal was crucial.
The boardroom was filled with executives when I entered.
"Let's begin," I said, taking my seat at the head of the table.
Avi started presenting the financial analysis—growth charts, revenue projections, and expansion costs. I listened, my mind absorbing every number, every risk.
One of the investors cleared his throat. "Mr. Rajvansh, there's concern about the Mumbai acquisition."
I leaned back. "Concern or hesitation?"
The man hesitated. "The latter."
I glanced at Avi and Dhruv. We had already predicted this.
"The Mumbai deal is not a risk," I stated. "It's an opportunity. If we delay, our competitors will take it."
The board members exchanged glances. They knew I was right.
Another executive spoke up. "There are legal formalities—"
I cut him off. "Handled. You'll have the documents by tonight."
Silence. Then, slow nods.
Control. That's how business worked.
After the meeting, Dhruv stretched. "That went well."
Avi smirked. "bhai scared them into agreement."
I didn't respond. It wasn't about fear—it was about certainty.
As we stepped out of the boardroom, my phone buzzed.
A message from Maa.
Don't forget—ring shopping soon.
I sighed. As if I could forget.
Dhruv peeked over my shoulder. "Oh, the mighty Shivansh is going engagement ring shopping."
Avi chuckled. "This should be fun."
I shook my head, pocketing my phone. "Back to work."
They laughed, but I knew this was only the beginning.
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Ish💗