Strings Attached ✨

34. 'Mom'

And I just made it worse. I just told her straightaway that the throne wasn't hers anymore, and I couldn't imagine how much it must've hurt her.

No, I needed to make this right. Right now.

" Mom." ....I said for the first time, and earned a baffled look.

" Mom, I need you. I cannot do this alone. You have to be there to guide me through it. I barely know about all of this and I look up to you to show me the right direction. Please, don't take this the wrong way. I need you and I equally need to hold my integrity as well. You wanted me to be a strong successor to your throne. You've to understand that holding my ground is a part of it. But that can never mean that I don't need you, or the kingdom doesn't need you. You've to guide me and allow me to be strong within myself too. "

Her face showed traces of emotions and it was new. I had never seen visible emotions on her face, but, it'd seem that I had reached out to something inside her, something more human than herself.

Her eyes glistened for a very brief moment, almost unnoticeable, before she took a hold of it and put on an indifferent look.

" Tell me if you need anything," .....she muttered slowly, and it felt genuine, almost like it came from her heart.

"Anytime." .....she finished, and I knew how hard it was for her to say the last word with the compassion that she did.

" Yes, Mom." ....I said it with much intention. I had always heard Agastya address her as 'mother', but never mom. The former was useful for communication but the latter held meaning, love and many unspoken promises. It made all the difference.

I took my leave, and an unconscious load lifted itself from my heart. I knew that the next time I speak to her, we will connect more and she wouldn't feel like a stranger to me.

A soft smile played on my lips and I realized it much later when Aksh pointed it out in the hallway.

"Good day today, Raanisa ?"

In response, I just nodded at him with an even wider smile. By the time I reached our chamber, I saw Agastya waiting for me outside.

" Its time for lunch. We'll have it together as a family." He cleared even before I reached him.

" Sure." I smiled and nodded. I must've been too happy because he gave me a strange look.

" Never seen a smile wider than that. Did mother give you candy?" ...he commented and started walking ahead. I just chuckled.

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On reaching the dining area, I saw the king father and queen mother seated neatly. The food was yet to be served. We greeted everyone and took our places.

Aksh stood behind Agastya. This time, I took up the courage and spoke out.

" Aksh, come have lunch together with us." As soon as the words left my lips, Aksh looked at me strangely, debating whether to join us or not. I could feel the others look at me as well.

But then I heard another voice.

" Aksh, you heard her. Join us. " ...Agastya said, as he looked at Aksh with a smile. He joined us, visibly touched with the gesture and sat beside Agastya. I turned around to see mom smile silently while dad didn't care about anything except the food.

It wasn't anything big, but I felt satisfied.

For the first time, it felt like the big family I had always dreamt of having.

That reminded me of my own mother. I wrote letters to her back and forth, telling her about everything and she even told me that she'd visit me as soon as possible. The transportation had been halted after some of the trees in the forest had fallen, blocking the way. But it was been worked upon, so I expected to see her soon enough.

Soon, the attendants served us with the food. Agastya and Dad talked about state affairs with Aksh weighing in here and there. I ate mostly in silence, but this silence was a peaceful one. Everyone was content.

At the close of the lunch, Dad asked me about my preferences regarding the wedding date. Before I could say anything, Agastya jumped in.

" As soon as possible. " ...he finished. I looked at him and earned a wink.

" Let her speak, Agastya. Everything isn't about your preference." .....the voice came from mother, who had been silent all this time. Agastya looked at her with a slight bit of surprise, and it was not unnoticed by the other two members as well.

I smiled at her and she nodded at me supportively. To this, Aksh chuckled slowly.

" Check it out, King isn't the top priority anymore." ..he let out the comment and earned a glare from Agastya.

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