Elara's Private Moment - A Whisper to the Past..
As the golden lights bathed the hall in warmth and soft music floated through the air, Elara quietly stepped away from the crowd. Her anklets barely made a sound against the marble floor of the grand hallway-her safe space, her sanctuary.
There, at the end of the corridor, stood a majestic portrait framed in carved wood and gold leaf. Tanaji Raj Singhania. Her grandfather. The lion of the Raj Mahal. A man whose shadow still loomed large over their lives, whose wisdom echoed in the walls of the estate he had built with pride and vision.
Elara stood before the portrait, her hands delicately folded, her eyes glimmering with unspoken longing. His eyes-painted with regal dignity-seemed to look back at her. Watching. Waiting.
"Grand paa..." she whispered, her voice trembling like a candle's flame in wind. "Are you watching me from up there?"
She smiled faintly, her eyes moist. "How am I looking today? You used to say I was your little princess. If you were here, this whole day would've felt different... warmer... safer."
She touched the bottom edge of the frame, letting her fingers trace the carved wood. "I don't even know what I'm feeling, Grand paa. Everything looks perfect-yet, somewhere inside, I feel lost. You were always the one I came to when I needed clarity. You always knew what my heart meant... even when I didn't."
A tear slipped down her cheek as she softly continued, "Help me, Grand paa. Deep down... I feel like something isn't right. But I don't know if it's nerves or if it's something more."
Her voice dropped to a murmur, almost like a prayer, "Just... guide me. Like you always did."
As she stood before the towering portrait, Elara's eyes softened, lost in memory. Her mind drifted back to a time when the estate wasn't just a place-it was her playground, her palace, her world. And he-her grandfather-was its proud king.
She could almost hear his voice echo through the marbled halls, deep and calm, full of wisdom:
"One day, Elara, this legacy will need your strength. Not just your name, not your blood-but your heart. Never forget, my little princess... your kindness is your power. And your silence, when used wisely, can be louder than war."
She smiled through tears, remembering the way he'd lift her into his arms when the world seemed too heavy.
"People will lie, hurt, and betray, even when you give them everything. But you- you will choose to rise. Not because you must... but because you were born to."
Her chest tightened.
"And when the day comes that you feel alone-even if I'm not around-just look up. You'll find me in the wind, in the echoes of this home, and in the courage I saw in you since the day you first walked into my study with paint on your cheeks and stars in your eyes."
Elara closed her eyes.
"You are meant for more than pretty smiles and obedient nods. You are a Singhania-not by name alone, but by soul."
Her lips curved into a faint, tearful smile. "I remember, Grand paa... I remember everything."
Tanaji Singhania always loved Elara deeply. He wasn't just her grandfather-he was her mentor, her compass, and the fire that lit her path. He taught her values, strength, and the essence of his legacy, a legacy he saw mirrored in her even as a child.
"Whatever comes your way-face it. Don't fear it. Even if it turns into a war... walk into it. But never take a step back. You're not just a girl, Elara. You're a woman-a powerful one. No one can control you unless you let them."
His voice, firm yet reassuring, still echoed in her soul.
"Control lies in your hands. Emotions in your heart. But never forget-your mind is your greatest weapon. Play the game wisely."
Tanaji inspired Elara not just to survive but to lead-to shape her life on her own terms. He believed a woman should never live under someone else's shadow, but rise tall in her own light, defining her strength not through obedience but through courage.
She leaned slightly against the wall, gazing into his painted eyes.
"I wish you were here to tell me what to do. Just like before..."
Her mind drifted, and his voice echoed in her memory-firm, warm, always calm
His words played in her mind, this time clearer, louder
Elara closed her eyes as tears quietly rolled down her cheeks.
Her eyes welled up. She stepped closer, placing her hand gently over the lower edge of the frame.
"You always knew how to reach me."
"You told me-never to take a step back, even if it's war. You said to lead my own life without anyone's control. To trust my instincts. To never lose my voice."
She whispered, her voice breaking.
"But now... I'm not sure what my heart is saying. I feel like I'm standing at a crossroad, and everyone's already chosen the path for me. I'm scared, Grand paa...."
The room remained still. But something inside her stirred-like a warmth she hadn't felt in years.
"Just stay with me, alright?" she said quietly. "Help me find the strength to choose my truth. To lead with my heart. Just like you taught me."
The chandeliers flickered gently above her, as if the air around her carried his silent approval.
And for the first time that evening-Elara took a breath not out of duty, but out of courage.
---
Elara turned away from the portrait, brushing away the tears that dared to fall. Her footsteps echoed softly against the marbled floors as she made her way back to her room.
She slipped out of the heavy traditional attire, folding it with care, and changed into a soft cotton robe. The silence in her room felt strangely comforting now-like it was giving her space to breathe.
She stood near the window for a moment, staring at the stars that blinked above the palace dome. Then she whispered to herself, "Go to bed, Elara. Everything will be fine." A promise. A prayer. A push.
As she climbed into bed, she unlocked her phone. The screen lit up with dozens of messages-congratulations, blessings, emojis of hearts and rings. Friends. Distant relatives. Even a few strangers. She glanced through them without a smile, placed the phone face down on the nightstand, and turned off the lights.
Lying on her side, she let the silence wash over her. Her eyes slowly drifted shut-her heart still unsure, but her mind holding onto her grandfather's words like armor.
Tomorrow is another battle. But tonight... she rests.