The Return of Queens
“Home is not just a place. It’s where someone waits for you — even if it’s behind royal gates.”
The Jaipur skies looked richer that evening — maybe it was the glow of golden hour or maybe the city already knew... its queens had returned.
Singhania Palace was back to its full form. After weeks in Udaipur, Trisha had stepped into the marbled halls of her ancestral home with the same calm confidence she wore as her signature cologne. Swadamini Dadi’s eyes misted up the moment she saw her.
“Bas ab tu kahin aur mat jaana, Trixie. Udaipur se bhi zyada royal tu yahaan lagti hai.”
Trisha chuckled, tossing her duffle bag to Monty, already in casual command of the space again.
Just a few miles away, Khanna Mahal was humming with its own heartbeat. Reeva walked through the sandstone arch with her sling bag, her fingers brushing the carved wall as if reconnecting with a piece of her soul. Swarna had all but wrapped her in a motherly chokehold of affection.
“Ghar suna lagta tha, beta. Ab saans aa rahi hai.”
The next evening, a formal white envelope embossed with gold was delivered to Khanna Mahal.
From the desk of Trisha Singhania.
Invitation to an intimate family dinner.
Venue: Singhania Palace. Time: 8 PM sharp.
The Dinner at Singhania Palace
Everything about the evening was understated elegance — ivory candles, Rajasthani folk instrumentals playing live, and staff in classic maroon uniforms. The Khannas arrived right on time, greeted by Ranveer Singhania himself.
“Welcome home,” he said warmly to Reeva, shaking Rajeev’s hand.
Inside the royal dining hall, laughter danced between wine glasses and the gentle clinking of silverware. The energy was warm, but anticipation pulsed beneath it.
Finally, as dessert was being served — Trisha cleared her throat, fingers intertwined with Reeva’s under the table. She stood.
“There’s something we’d like to say.”
Reeva stood beside her. Calm. Poised. Her soft gaze anchored to her sister, then her parents.
“We’re together. Romantically. And happily. And this... this isn’t new. It’s real.”
Silence held the table for a beat. Swadamini was the first to smile.
“Finally. Ab raat ko neend aayegi mujhe.”
Swarna clasped her hands, visibly moved. “You both have our blessings.”
The room melted into soft applause, emotional eyes, and proud grins. Rajeev raised his wine glass.
“To love. The rarest kind — the honest one.”
The Crown Announcement
Just when everyone thought the night couldn’t feel more royal — Ranveer stood up.
“There’s one more announcement.”
He looked at Trisha, then at Arjun.
As the room settled and plates clinked with royal Rajasthani thalis, Ranveer cleared his throat and stood.
“I’ve waited years for this moment,” he began. “The world sees kings and heirs as men. But I have a daughter who’s braver, wiser, and stronger than most men I’ve met. And I have a nephew who’s always had my back like my own son.”
Arjun looked up mid-bite, mouth full. “Wait—me?”
Trisha rolled her eyes. “No, the other nephew eating three papads.”
The table laughed.
“Which is why,” Ranveer continued, “in one week, we’ll hold the Rajtilak of both Trisha and Arjun — a royal crowning of two heirs. The first in our family’s history.”
Silence. Then applause. Then some emotional eye-dabbing from Dadi.
“Also,” Ranveer added casually, “Khanna family, you’re officially invited to join us for this event as family. Not just guests.”
Reeva’s parents smiled, nodding proudly.
“We wouldn’t miss it for anything,” said Rajeev Khanna.
“Especially now that our daughters are finally being honest with us,” Swarna added with a wink, making Reeva choke on her buttermilk.
Trisha grinned at her across the table.
“So much for subtlety.”
Later that night, as the moonlight spilled across the palace terrace, Trisha and Reeva stood side by side. The city below sparkled like a sky flipped upside down — glittering, loud, proud. Just like them now.
“We just changed everything,” Reeva whispered, her voice low, almost reverent.
Trisha pulled out a cigarette, lit it with one hand, and took a slow drag — her usual way of grounding herself after overwhelming nights.
Reeva’s eyes narrowed, her expression turning sharp.
“Seriously, Trixie? After that night, you’re still smoking?”
Trisha blinked, exhaled the smoke toward the empty air, not toward her.
“Come on, Reeves. Just one. It’s been a hell of a day.”
Reeva crossed her arms. “You said you were trying to quit.”
Trisha looked at the cigarette for a second. Then at Reeva.
“I am.”
She walked to the railing, stubbed the cigarette out on the marble, and tossed it into a nearby ashtray without another word.
Reeva didn’t say anything at first. Just stepped up beside her, their shoulders touching. The silence was thick... but forgiving.
“Next time you need to breathe,” Reeva said softly, “try me instead of a cigarette.”
Trisha looked at her — and that smug smirk softened into something warmer. Deeper.
“Deal.”
And in that quiet moonlit moment, they stood there — no more lies, no more hiding. Just two queens, side by side, ready to change the rules of royalty... together.
