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Shivansh's POV
The past three weeks had passed in a blur of meetings, arrangements, and endless discussions about the engagement. My family had taken care of everything on our side—gifts, sweets, outfits, and most importantly, the engagement ring. I had personally selected it, ensuring it was something that suited Isha.
Even though we had agreed to hold the engagement in Delhi, my family still wanted to uphold the traditions of a royal household. Dadi sa was especially particular about the gifts and had made sure everything was perfect.
The morning started with Shivansh and Dhruv heading to the gym, their usual routine. As they worked out, Avi joined them, stretching beside Shivansh.
"So, Delhi it is," Dhruv commented, lifting a dumbbell. "I have to admit, I was expecting the engagement to be here."
I wiped my face with a towel. "It doesn't matter to me where it happens. As long as it's done properly."
Dhruv smirked. "Or are you secretly impressed that Isha managed to convince everyone?"
I shot him a glare but said nothing, which only made Dhruv chuckle.
Back in the palace, Dadi sa, Maa, and Chote Maa gathered to discuss the engagement gifts.
Dadi sa looked at Maa. "We need to buy gifts for Isha and her family."
Maa nodded. "Jewelry for Isha, clothes for her parents, and something special for her."
Chote Maa smiled. "A bride always deserves the best."
Dhruv mirked. "And what about Shivansh? Shouldn't he pick something for his fiancée?"
I glanced at him but said nothing. I already knew what I was getting her.
Maa turned to me."We need to purchase the traditional engagement gifts for the bride and groom. Shivansh, you'll have to come with me to select the ring."
I frowned. "Why?"
Maa raised a brow. "Because you're the one proposing, remember?"
Dhruv grinned. "Oh, this is going to be fun."
I shot him a look. "Shut up."
I placed my cup down. "Fine."
Juhi's face twisted with frustration, but she quickly masked it.
"Oh, how romantic," she muttered sarcastically.
Maa continued, "Juhi, you should start selecting clothes for the function. Dhruv, you and Avi will also need to get outfits for the event."
Juhi, who had been sulking since the call, brightened up at the mention of shopping. "Of course, Mami sa."
I sighed. Shopping wasn't my favorite thing, but there was no avoiding it.
Dhruv, trying to hold back his laughter, said, "I'll make sure he doesn't get something boring."
Dadi sa smiled at me. "Don't be careless with the ring, Shivansh. It's important."
I simply nodded.
As the elders made plans, Dad remained silent, listening but not interfering.
Juhi, however, was burning with resentment. She thought she was hiding it well, but I saw through her.
Isha was taking over everything, and Juhi hated it.
Juhi, however, was fuming inside. Not only was Isha making all the decisions, but now I would be spending more time with her. She needed to do something.
At the moment, I was sitting in my office with Avi and Dhruv, finalizing some business deals before we traveled to Delhi.
"Done with all your preparations?" Dhruv smirked, leaning back in his chair.
"Almost," I replied, flipping through some documents. "Just need to get through these meetings."
Avi chuckled. "And are you done with mentally preparing yourself for the engagement?"
I shot him a glare. "Do I look like someone who needs to prepare?"
He raised an eyebrow. "You look like someone who is pretending this is just another business deal."
I didn't respond. I knew this engagement was a big step, and although I had agreed to it, there was still a part of me that didn't know how to feel about it.
Later that afternoon as I returned home early today cause I have to buy something, but Juhi was already waiting in the living room with a smug smile.
"Shiva," she started sweetly, "I heard you haven't even spoken to Isha in these three weeks. Shouldn't you at least check on your fiancée?"
I ignored her tone and walked past, but she followed.
"You know, she's been handling everything in Delhi. Alone," she continued. "Imagine how much pressure she must be under. Maybe she's already regretting this engagement?"
I stopped and turned to her, my expression unreadable. "Is there a point to this conversation?"
Juhi pouted. "I just think you should put in a little effort. I mean, what if she thinks you don't care at all?"
I didn't need Juhi to tell me what to do. But her words lingered in my mind longer than I wanted to admit.
After fresh up i thought that the engagement was in a few days, and everything was almost finalized. My family had already bought gifts for Isha's family—traditional clothes, jewelry, sweets, and other formal offerings. The only thing left was something personal from me to her.
I had already given her a bracelet and a ring before, but this time, I wanted something different. Something that suited her.
That's when I thought of the anklet.
I remembered how she wore a delicate silver anklet at the Roka ceremony. It wasn't extravagant, just a simple piece, but she seemed to love it. And then, I had noticed something else—she always wore a lightweight anklet on her left foot, barely noticeable. It never left her ankle, as if it was a part of her.
So, I knew exactly what to get her.
I took Avi and Dhruv with me, not because I needed their advice—I didn't—but because I knew they would tag along anyway.
We walked into an exclusive jewelry store in Jaipur, one that specialized in handcrafted traditional pieces. The moment we entered, Dhruv smirked.
"Buying jewelry again? Man, you're spoiling her," he teased, Avi picking up a heavy gold necklace. "This would suit Bhabhi, don't you think?"
I ignored him and turned to the anklet section.
There were dozens of them—gold, silver, beaded, heavy, light. My fingers ran over a few until I found something that caught my eye: a set of three anklets, each with a unique design.
One was a thin silver chain with tiny ghungroos that would make a soft sound when she walked.
The second was a simple, elegant design with a small gemstone in the center—pink, the same shade as the dress she wore at the Roka.
The third was a delicate, intricate piece with tiny pearls embedded along the chain.
They were beautiful. And they reminded me of her.
"Pack these," I instructed,handing them over, glancing at my watch.
As I watched them wrap the anklets carefully in a velvet box, I wondered how she would react. Would she like them? Would she wear them?
More importantly-why did I care so much?
I shook my head and left the store before my thoughts could spiral any further.
Dhruv raised an eyebrow. "So much effort for anklets?"
I gave him a pointed look. "It's not about the anklet. It's about who's going to wear it."
He laughed. "Damn, you're gone."
I didn't reply because maybe, he was right.
Back at the palace, the family had gathered in the living area, discussing the final arrangements for Delhi. The engagement was set, and Isha had been handling everything from her side. We would be leaving the next morning.
Dadi sa sat at the head of the room, calmly sipping her tea, while Maa and Chote Ma discussed what gifts needed to be taken along. Juhi sat beside them, pretending to be engaged in the conversation but stealing glances at me every now and then. I ignored her.
"The arrangements are nearly done from Isha's side," Dadi sa announced, looking pleased. "She has been handling everything beautifully."
I wasn't surprised. Isha was always responsible and meticulous.
"We also need to ensure that we take gifts for her family," Maa reminded.
"That has been taken care of," I said, setting my phone down.
I had personally selected the gifts-designer sarees for Isha's mother, a limited-edition watch for her father, and customized accessories for Prisha and Ishika. And, of course, the anklets for Isha.
Juhi, who had been silent until now, suddenly spoke up. "Shiva, are you sure everything is set? I mean, what if something goes wrong? Shouldn't someone from our family handle things there?"
Her words were laced with hidden meaning.
I met her gaze, expression unreadable. "Everything is under control, Juhi."
She pressed her lips together, clearly dissatisfied.
Dhruv, who had been watching quietly, smirked and whispered, "Someone's getting jealous.
I leaned back on the sofa, my fingers drumming against the armrest. My gaze flickered toward Avi, who was scrolling through his phone. With a casual yet pointed tone, choti maa asked, "Where is Veer? It's been a month since he left. When is he coming back?"
Avi glanced up, stretching his arms before answering, "Veer Bhai will come directly to Delhi before the engagement. He said he would wrap up his work overseas and reach just in time."
Chote Papa nodded in agreement. "Yes, he called this morning. He has some business matters to settle, but he won't miss the engagement."
Dadi sa smiled, sipping her tea. "It will be good to have him back. This house feels incomplete without him."
Chote Maa added warmly, "He was so excited when he heard about the engagement. I'm sure he will make it just in time to tease Shivansh."
I rolled my eyes but smirked slightly. "He better not try. I have enough people here already doing that." I shot a knowing glance at Dhruv, who grinned mischievously.
Juhi, who had been sitting silently, suddenly spoke up, her voice laced with false sweetness. "Oh, it will be fun to have Veer Bhai here! The house will be full again."
Dhruv chuckled, looking at Shivansh. "More people to pull your leg, Your Highness. Better be prepared."
I exhaled, shaking my head. "I'll handle it. Let's just focus on making sure everything is set for Delhi."
The conversation shifted back to finalizing the plans, but Shivansh couldn't help but feel a slight relief knowing Veer would be back soon. There was something grounding about having his elder brother around—a presence that always balanced the family.
Then, We left for our rooms, we have to pack bag also.
Later that evening, after everything was packed, I walked into the main hall, where my family had gathered.
The warm glow of the chandeliers illuminated the living area as Shivansh's family sat together, discussing the engagement preparations. Cups of chai and coffee rested on the glass table, the aroma of cardamom and cinnamon filling the air.
Dadi sa was speaking to Maa about the arrangements when she looked at me. "Shiv, everything is done. Have you informed Isha's family about the timing?"
I nodded. "Yes. I spoke to Isha's father earlier. We leave for Delhi tomorrow morning."
Juhi, who was sitting beside Chote Maa, suddenly perked up. "I'm coming too."
I glanced at her. "You're staying in Delhi now, so obviously, you'll be there."
She smiled. "I meant with you all. I want to go back with the family, not alone."
Something about the way she said it made me feel like she had other motives. But I didn't say anything.
"Fine. Be ready by 9 AM," I said, standing up. "I have work in the morning before we leave."
In morning, at 6 AM, I headed to the gym with Dhruv and Avi. It was part of my daily routine—workout first, then everything else.
As I lifted weights, Dhruv leaned against the treadmill. "Are you nervous?"
I gave him a blank look. "About what?"
"The engagement, obviously."
I placed the weights down and grabbed a towel. "It's just an engagement, Dhruv, not the wedding."
Avi smirked. "Yeah, but after this, you'll officially belong to her. No escape."
I didn't respond. Instead, my thoughts drifted to Isha. How she was handling all the preparations in Delhi, balancing her work and the engagement.
I had never met someone like her before—someone who didn't just become part of my life but challenged it, changed it.
And maybe, I didn't mind.
After the workout, I headed back to my room to freshen up. The engagement was just a few days away, and though I had convinced myself it was just another formality, I couldn't shake off the feeling that everything was about to change.
Standing in front of the mirror, I adjusted my watch, my mind drifting to Isha. I hadn't spoken to her in three weeks. Not because I didn't want to, but because I didn't know what to say.
I picked up my phone, staring at her name in my contacts. My thumb hovered over the call button before I locked the screen and tossed the phone onto the table.
Not yet.
Instead, I grabbed my blazer and headed downstairs. Today, I had a meeting to attend before we left for Delhi, and if there was one thing I could control, it was business.
But even as I sat through the meeting, discussing numbers and contracts, my mind kept drifting back to her.
And I hated that I was letting her occupy my thoughts this much.
The meeting ended, but I barely recalled anything that was discussed. My focus had been elsewhere—on her. I exhaled sharply, adjusting my blazer as I stepped out of the conference room. This wasn't me. I never allowed distractions, especially not when it came to work.
Dhruv was waiting for me outside, leaning casually against his car with his arms crossed. The moment he saw me, a smirk formed on his face. "You look like you just lost a battle, Shiv. What's wrong? Business deal didn't go as planned, or is it something—or someone—else?"
I shot him a glare, ignoring his jab as I walked toward my own car. He followed, unfazed. "We're leaving for Delhi in the evening, right?" I asked, more to change the topic than to confirm.
"Yeah," Dhruv responded, stepping into the passenger seat as I got behind the wheel. "The whole family is already packed."
Juhi. I clenched my jaw. I had already been irritated about the engagement, and now her presence would only make things worse.
As I pulled the car onto the road, Dhruv watched me for a moment before speaking again. "You know, three weeks of silence is a bit much, even for you."
I didn't answer.
"You're avoiding her, aren't you?" he pressed.
I scoffed, focusing on the road ahead. "Isha and I have nothing to talk about."
Dhruv laughed, shaking his head. "Right. You keep telling yourself that. Let's see how long you can keep up this act when you're standing face-to-face with her in Delhi."
I tightened my grip on the steering wheel.
Face-to-face.
Three weeks of silence were about to come to an end.
And I wasn't sure if I was ready for it.
"Everything is ready?" Dadi sa asked as I approached.
I gave a curt nod. "Yes, we should leave soon."
"Good," she said, then turned to Maa. "Isha has put in so much effort. I hope everything goes smoothly."
Juhi, standing a few steps away, crossed her arms. "I still think someone from our side should have handled things," she muttered.
"Juhi," Dadi sa's voice was calm but firm, "Isha is more than capable. Have some faith."
Juhi didn't reply, but her expression was clear-she wasn't happy about it.
By, everyone was ready. The palace staff had loaded the luggage into the cars, and the entire family gathered outside.
"Shivansh, take care of everything," Dadisa reminded me before stepping into the car.
I nodded. "I always do."
Juhi got into the same car as me, sitting beside me, while Avi take driver seat and dhruv sat in passenger seat. And elders take different cars with them.
With everything set, we finally departed for Delhi. As the car rolled forward, I leaned back in my seat, the small velvet box with the anklets tucked safely in my jacket pocket.
I didn't know why, but I was looking forward to seeing her reaction.
And maybe, just maybe, I was looking forward to seeing her too.
As the car pulled away from the palace gates, I leaned back and exhaled.
Delhi awaited.
And so did Isha.
The private jet touched down at International Airport just as the late evening sun cast a golden hue over the city. The smooth landing barely jolted the passengers, but the atmosphere inside the aircraft buzzed with movement as everyone gathered their belongings.
As the doors opened, a warm gust of Delhi air greeted us. Descending the stairs, my gaze immediately fell upon Isha's parents, standing near the black luxury cars arranged for our arrival. They had come to receive us, their expressions welcoming yet formal.
Dadi sa stepped forward first, smiling gently. "Vikram ji, devika ji, it's good to see you both."
Isha's father, Mr. Vikram maheshwari, folded his hands in greeting. "Welcome to Delhi, Dadi sa. I hope your journey was comfortable."
"It was," Chote Papa answered, stretching his arms. "Jaipur's cold had started getting to me, but Delhi isn't much different."
Devika Aunty smiled warmly, her eyes scanning everyone. "We're glad you all arrived safely. Everything is set for the engagement. You must be tired; let's get you all home first."
I remained silent, standing beside Dhruv, who whispered, "Feels weird being welcomed like royalty, doesn't it?"
I smirked but didn't respond. We were royalty, after all.
The drive to our Delhi palace was smooth, cutting through the heart of the capital city. As the black SUVs entered the palace gates, the sight of the grand ancestral estate stood tall against the evening sky. The moment we stepped out, the staff welcomed us, taking charge of the luggage.
Dad walked ahead with Chote Papa, while I stayed back with Dadisa. She sighed softly, looking up at the palace. "Feels like home again."
"It is home," I responded, leading her inside.
Isha's parents stayed for a short while, ensuring everything was comfortable before preparing to leave. Before departing, devika Aunty turned to Maa. "We will handle all the arrangements from our side. You just rest and settle in."
Maa nodded. "Thank you, devika ji. We'll meet soon for the next set of discussions."
After their car drove away, the house felt quieter, though not for long.
Dinner was a relaxed affair, the large dining table filled with traditional North Indian dishes. Despite the long journey, the atmosphere was lively, with conversations flowing between bites.
Avi leaned back, stretching. "So, officially 5 day left. Time is flying."
"Not fast enough," I muttered, pushing my plate slightly.
Dadisa chuckled. "Patience, beta. It's good that you had time to process everything."
Chote Maa smiled, glancing at Ma. "We still have a lot to do. Shopping, some arrangements from our side and Veer's arrival, of course."
Dhruv, who had been quiet, finally spoke. "And let's not forget, our dear Shivansh has to do a few things personally." He shot me a knowing look.
I ignored him, shifting my focus back to my plate.
After dinner, the exhaustion of the journey weighed down on everyone. One by one, we retired to our rooms, the palace finally settling into a deep, peaceful silence.
As I lay in bed, staring at the ceiling, I allowed myself a rare moment of stillness. 5 day left. One month before everything changed now.
And somehow, I wasn't as indifferent to it as I thought I'd be.
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