Echoes of Destiny

Marriage and Engagement

Vishakha chimed in, her eyes twinkling mischievously. "Oh, Advaita, I'm sure the prince must be the most handsome and capable man to be chosen for you! he has to be eligible to stand next to you, after all."

Advaita blushed, playfully rolling her eyes. "Oh, Vishakha, you always know how to tease! I have no idea how the prince looks or what he's like. But I trust our parents' judgment. They have our best interests at heart."

Kritika joined in, her voice filled with warmth. "Advaita, your marriage will be a beautiful union of two families and kingdoms. And we'll be there to support you every step of the way."

Preeti nodded, her smile genuine. "Absolutely! We're here for you, Advaita. Whether it's the prince or anyone else, we want nothing but your happiness."

Advaita's heart swelled with gratitude for her friends' unwavering support. They understood the traditions and complexities of their society, yet their friendship remained strong, offering comfort and companionship.

As the sun began to set, Advaita and her friends sat together in the park, their laughter filling the air. They talked their hearts out, sharing stories, dreams, and plans for their next meeting. Excitement bubbled within them as they discussed the possibilities of their future adventures.

As the evening drew closer, Advaita and Reva exchanged knowing glances. It was time to return to the palace before anyone noticed their absence.

Reva whispered, "Hum bahot ser se mahal ke bahar hai Rajkumari. Asha karte hai kisi ko pta na chala ho." ("It's been really long since we've been out, Rajkumari. I hope no one knows about us.")

Advaita, feeling a mix of excitement and nervousness, glanced at Reva and silently prayed, "Hey Kanhaji, Hume pakde mat jaane dena. Vapsi me humari raksha karna." ("Hey Kanhaji, please don't let us be caught. Protect us on our way back.")

With caution, they made their way back to the palace, skillfully avoiding any attention. Their hearts raced with anticipation, hoping that their secret adventure would remain hidden. As they entered the palace grounds, a sense of relief washed over them. They had successfully returned without anyone discovering their little escapade. Advaita and Reva shared a quiet moment, grateful for their safe return. They knew they had taken a small risk, but the thrill of their secret adventure had made it worthwhile.

Advaita breathed a sigh of relief as they stepped into the safety of the palace walls. She turned to Reva with a grateful smile, "Kanha ji ki kripa hai jo hum bach gaye. Hume to laga tha aaj hum pakde hi jaenge, aur fir maasa hume batati." ("It was Kanha Ji's blessing that we are saved. I thought today we would be caught, and Maasa would really have given me a lesson.")

Reva looked at Advaita, her expression a mix of concern and admonishment. "Jab tumhe pta tha ki tumhe dand mil skta hai, toh nhi karna chahiye tha na yeh sab. Hume aise jokhim lene se pahale hamesha parinaamon par vichaar karana chaahiye." ("If you knew you could be punished, then you should not have done it, Advaita. We should always consider the consequences before taking such risks.")

Advaita's smile widened, her eyes twinkling mischievously. "Reva! yadi hum nhi  jaate toh itna anand kaise lete? Kabhi kabhi, kisi saahasik karya ke romaanch aur anand ka anubhav karane ke lie thoda jokhim uthaana uchit hota hai. Aur hume gyat hai ki kaanha ji humse prem karate hain aur ve hume hamesha surakshit rakhenge" ("But, Reva, if I didn't go, how would I have had so much fun? Sometimes, it's worth taking a little risk to experience the thrill and joy of an adventure. And deep down, I know Kanha Ji loves me and will always keep me blessed and protected.")

Reva sighed, realizing that Advaita's adventurous spirit was difficult to tame.

"Okay, Advaita, now please get ready soon. It's time for dinner, and everyone must be waiting for you," Reva reminded her.

Advaita nodded and quickly got ready. However, as she was getting dressed, she realized that her favorite pair of jhumka and one of her beloved payals were missing. A wave of sadness washed over her, and she turned to Reva with a worried expression.

 "Reva, where are my jhumka and payal? They were my favorite pair, and the payals were a gift from Babasa."

Reva's eyes widened in realization. "Oh no, Advaita! You must have dropped them outside the palace. It will be really difficult to find them now."

Advaita's heart sank, knowing that it would indeed be a challenge to recover her lost jewelry. She changed into her clothes and joined her family for dinner, still feeling disheartened.

As her brother noticed Advaita's gloomy expression, he couldn't help but ask.

 "What happened, Advaita? You don't look happy."

Advaita's voice trembled as she shared her plight. "Sidhharth Bhaisa, I can't find my favorite pair of jhumka, and one of the payals that Babasa gifted me is also missing."

"Oh, such a simple thing. Don't worry, I will get you hundreds of jhumkas and payals."

Advaita felt touched by her brother's words but still longed for her lost treasures.

 "But they will not be my favorite ones."

Padmavati chimed in, scolding Advaita gently. "It is such a small thing, Advaita. Don't be disheartened just because of that."

 "Yes Advaita, I will buy you any jhumka you like. Now, come on, be happy and eat your dinner." Arjun chimed in. 

Advaita looked around at her loving family and managed a smile. "Okay, Bhaisa, you promised! I want a hundred pairs now!"

Everyone chuckled, their laughter filling the room. They soon retreated to their chanbers after a fulfilling day.

In the quiet solitude of her room, Advaita offered a final prayer of gratitude to Kanha Ji, thanking him for their safe return and promising to cherish the memories they had created together.

And so, as the night enveloped the palace in a blanket of peace, Advaita drifted off to sleep, her heart brimming with gratitude and excitement for the future adventures that awaited her.