The evening was calm when Vivaan and Hinaal returned to the place where the princes had been playing. The laughter that had filled the air earlier had quieted now; the three princes — Reyansh, Arish, and Vihaan — stood together, their faces a mixture of worry and impatience. The wind gently swayed the lanterns hanging from the trees, and faint music of distant flutes carried through the cool night.
As soon as the two appeared from behind the hedges, Reyansh spoke first, his tone anxious, "Where both of you went, Bhai Sa? We were worried. We tried to find you but we couldn't succeed."
Vivaan gave a small, reassuring smile, his calm presence instantly easing their concern. "We both just stepped out," he said lightly. "Nothing to worry. Let's go. Father and Mother must be worried — we're late."
The four princes and Hinaal walked back toward the palace together. Their steps echoed softly on the stone pathway, with the sound of Hinaal's anklets weaving through the night like silver chimes.
When they entered the royal hall, Maharaja Raghvendra was seated on the throne, his presence strong yet warm. Seeing the children, he spoke clearly, "We will go to our kingdom tomorrow."
All four princes straightened at once. "Yes, Father," they answered in unison, nodding respectfully.
The night deepened. Most of the palace had grown quiet, the corridors dimly lit by oil lamps. The moon was full, its soft light flooding the royal gardens. Vivaan, unable to sleep, was sitting alone on a marble bench in the garden. His eyes were fixed on the silver moon hanging above the palace towers. The night breeze ruffled his dark hair, carrying the distant rustle of trees.
Then — chhan chhan — came a sound he knew instantly. The delicate sound of anklets. Vivaan didn't need to turn; he could recognize this sound anywhere in the world.
A small, warm smile curved his lips.
He rose quietly and followed the sound. By the pool, under the pale moonlight, sat Princess Hinaal. Her feet were dipped in the water, her long hair flowed freely down her back like a river of black silk, gently swaying in the breeze. The soft ringing of her bangles joined the music of the night. She was gazing at the moon, her face calm but touched with quiet sadness.
Vivaan approached without making a sound and sat beside her on the cold marble edge of the pool. He didn't speak; he just looked at her — the moonlight painted her face in silver and shadow. She didn't turn toward him, but her lips moved.
"You will go tomorrow," Hinaal said suddenly, still looking at the moon.
Vivaan blinked, surprised. "How did you know I was there?"
Hinaal smiled softly, still not meeting his eyes. She didn't answer his question.
"You're not answering me," Vivaan said gently.
"Yes," he sighed after a pause. "I have to go tomorrow."
Hinaal's lower lip pushed into a small pout. "And I won't know when I'll meet you again," she said softly, her voice trembling a little. "You're my friend… but I can't talk with you."
Vivaan's gaze softened. "We can still talk," he said in a warm, calm tone. "You can write letters to me, and I'll answer every one. I'll always be near you in some way. So don't be sad."
Hinaal finally turned to look at him, her eyes shining faintly in the moonlight. "Really?"
Vivaan nodded. "Really."
But just as the quiet between them began to deepen, a loud commotion broke through the night. Both of them turned.
Vihaan came running toward them, his little face scrunched in distress, his steps clumsy but quick. Vivaan instantly smiled — he already knew what must have happened.
Hinaal crossed her arms dramatically. "Look like your monkey brothers did something again to that innocent," she said with a grin.
Vihaan rushed to Vivaan and hugged him tightly. "Bhai Sa!" he cried. "Arish and Reyansh bullied me!"
Vivaan rested his hand gently on Vihaan's head. "What did they do?" he asked in a soft voice.
"They took my paint colors and painted a hen beside my painting," Vihaan said indignantly. "I was making it to give Hinaal — but both of them ruined it!"
Behind him, Arish and Reyansh came running, slightly out of breath. "Vihaan, listen! We're sorry!" Arish said quickly. "Don't tell Bhai Sa, okay? We'll listen to you. We'll not bully you again."
Hinaal tilted her head. "It was for me?" she asked, pointing to herself with mock surprise. "And those two monkeys ruined it?"
Vihaan nodded innocently. "Yes. And Hinaal, you can take your revenge."
At that, Arish and Reyansh froze mid-step. They exchanged nervous glances. "Look," Reyansh whispered to Arish, "he told Bhai Sa. Bhai Sa is looking at us."
Vivaan raised his brows slightly. "What did both of you do?"
Arish muttered under his breath, "Bhai… we just thought we'd also include our thought in that painting…"
Reyansh couldn't help laughing at Arish's excuse.
"Monkeys!" Hinaal shouted. "That painting was for me! And I don't need your thoughts. What did I tell you? Don't bully my friend. Otherwise…" She took a step closer, narrowing her eyes. "…I'll take revenge."
"And what will you do?" Arish and Reyansh challenged, puffing their chests a little.
Hinaal's lips curled into a mischievous smile. "I'll show you what I'll do."
Before they could react, she grabbed a bowl of paint from nearby and flung it at both of them. Splaaash! The paint covered their faces and clothes in a messy burst of colors.
Arish and Reyansh stood frozen for a second — eyes wide, mouths open.
Hinaal laughed loudly, the sound of her anklets and bangles ringing in rhythm with her laughter. "This… this is what I can do!" she declared proudly, and then she spun around and ran toward the inner corridor.
"You devil princess! Stop!" Reyansh shouted, finally realizing what happened.
"We'll not leave you!" Arish added, and both of them dashed after her, splattered in paint, their hair sticking to their faces.
The corridor was filled with the sound of their laughter and running feet.
At that very moment, Maharaja Ranbeer stepped out of his chamber, holding a scroll. His brow furrowed as he saw his daughter running at full speed toward him, giggling uncontrollably.
He knelt down and caught her easily by the arm. "What did you do now, Hinaal?" he asked in his usual calm but knowing tone.
"I didn't do anything," Hinaal said innocently, widening her eyes.
Just then, Arish and Reyansh stumbled into view — completely covered in bright paint from head to toe. The sight was so ridiculous that even the royal guards struggled to keep straight faces.
Maharaja Ranbeer raised a brow. "And what happened to you two?"
"Princess threw paint on us!" both boys said in unison, pointing at her.
"And why?" Ranbeer asked, trying to suppress a laugh.
Hinaal crossed her arms confidently. "Because they bullied my friend. They bullied Vihaan. They ruined my gift. This was punishment. And Father, this is between children — adults shouldn't interfere in matters of children."
Maharaja Raghvendra, who had followed Ranbeer into the corridor, burst out laughing. "Look, Ranbeer," he said, amused. "It seems your daughter is very intelligent."
Ranbeer also laughed, shaking his head. "No, this isn't intelligence," he said, looking down at Hinaal who was trying very hard not to smile. "This is an excuse… so she can escape scolding."
Behind them, Vivaan and Vihaan had finally arrived at the scene. Vihaan's innocent laughter echoed through the corridor, while Vivaan stood with his arms folded, smiling quietly. His gaze lingered on Hinaal — she always knew exactly how to twist the moment to her favor.
And in that moment, the palace was filled not with royal commands or courtly discussions, but with pure laughter — the kind that only childhood can bring.