Chapter 1
Little information about characters and story before starting Chapter 1:
Jodhpur is the perfect blend of history and modernity.
Though they are royals, there is a king and queen, but this is modern India. They believe in democracy, so they do not rule now. But there was a time when Jodhpur was ruled by Diya’s ancestors.
Now they are just following traditions and customs. People still respect the royal family the same way as before.
Diya’s father, King Samar Singh Rathore of Jodhpur, is a respected, kind, and calm man. He is also a politician in Jodhpur and owns heritage hotels, businesses, and palaces.
Her mother, Queen Meera Samar Singh Rathore, is a warm-hearted and elegant lady. She runs NGOs and charity organizations for the welfare of women and children.
Diya Singh Rathore, the princess of Jodhpur and their only child, is a beautiful 24-year-old girl. She has done her MBA from Harvard Business School. She is kind, lively, sensible, and innocent. She trusts everyone easily because she thinks from her heart and believes everyone is good. She has seen her parents being loving and honest with each other, with no deceit or lies, so she is just like them.
.............................................................................................................................................................
Chapter 1:
From the balcony of her room, Princess Diya Singh Rathore was looking at Jodhpur — her city, her kingdom — at six in the morning. She was looking at the sky. It was a little dark, but it looked very beautiful. It gave her so much peace whenever she looked at it.
It was her usual routine to watch the sunrise from there and spend some time in peace.
After sunrise, she went back to her room and sat on the sofa. She was doing some work related to her project on her laptop when a girl of 22 entered. The door opened, and she had a tray in her hands. She knocked lightly.
Diya replied, “Come, Charu.”
Her full name is Charulata, but everyone calls her Charu with love. She is Diya’s personal attendant, but Diya treats her like a best friend. She has been with Diya since Diya was 10 years old, so she is the only close friend Diya has. Diya shares all her thoughts, secrets, and everything with her. She trusts her a lot.
Charu entered and, picking up a cup from the tray, said, “Baisa, your green tea.”
Diya replied, “Thank you, but place it on the table. I am working, so I will have it later.”
“Okay, baisa,” Charu said and placed the cup on the table.
Then she said dramatically, “Baisa, I want to say something. Can I?”
Diya replied while closing her laptop, “Say it, because you can’t keep anything in your stomach for long.”
Charu said, “Baisa, I heard that today Udaipur’s prince, Rudra Pratap Singh, is coming to Jodhpur.”
Diya said, “What? No. Not the prince. Some ministers are coming for political relations with Jodhpur. You heard wrong.”
“No, baisa,” Charu replied. “Everyone was saying that. In fact, Ranisa was giving instructions to the staff for decorations and was saying that Udaipur’s prince should not lack hospitality. So I thought you knew.”
“But I didn’t know that the prince himself is coming. Maa and Papa told me that ministers are coming today,” Diya said in surprise.
Charu smiled and said, “Baisa, not only for political relations... maybe for a royal proposal.”
Diya said, not understanding, “What do you mean, Charu? Don’t make riddles. Say clearly.”
Charu replied, “I mean, Diya baisa, the prince is coming to see you as a prospective bride.”
Diya said in shock, “What? I have to talk to Maa and Papa.”
Diya went straight to her mother.
Ranisa was busy giving instructions to the staff. Diya said, “Maa, I want to talk to you. Please come.”
They went to a private place.
Diya said, “Maa, what is happening? Charu said that today the Prince of Udaipur is coming himself. But you told me some ministers were coming. And he is coming for a marriage proposal? You didn’t tell me anything about this.”
Her mother replied, “Yes, Diya. Rudra Pratap Singh is coming himself. We also received this news at seven this morning. Your father received a call from Udaipur’s king. The prince thought it would be more respectful if he came personally, and it would strengthen our relations.”
Diya asked, “But about the marriage proposal? We have barely met them. Isn’t it too soon?”
Her mother replied calmly, “The Udaipur proposal is not sudden, Diya. It has been discussed quietly for months.”
Diya said, a little disappointed, “But Maa, you should have told me and asked me if I even want to marry or not.”
Her mother replied, “I am not getting you married right now. Of course, we were going to ask you. Today he is only coming for a formal visit — just to meet our family and know each other. Today you will just meet him and understand him as a person. If you like him, we will talk ahead. Otherwise, not.”
Diya said softly, “But...”
Her mother interrupted gently, “Diya, don’t you know us? We will not make any decision without you. It’s just that you are of marriageable age, and Rudra Pratap Singh is a good person and a good match for you.”
Diya didn’t say anything after that because she trusted them. She thought it was just a meeting, so it was fine.
As she was leaving, her mother said, “Diya, be ready on time today and dress elegantly. I am not saying this only for the proposal, but because you are the princess of Jodhpur, and you should represent that. It is also a political meeting. They will arrive in the afternoon.”
“Yes, Maa. Don’t worry. I will represent Jodhpur in the best possible way.”
She went back to her room. Charu was waiting there.
“What happened, baisa?” she asked.
Diya replied, “Nothing. Your news was correct, one hundred percent. But Maa said they are just coming for a formal visit — just to meet us. I only have to meet him and understand him.”
“Do you think he’s handsome?” Charu asked suddenly.
“What are you saying, Charu?” Diya replied, blushing slightly and trying not to answer.
“I am just asking. What do you think? How will he be? Arrogant, attitude, rude type like other princes? Or kind and respectful?”
“I don’t know anything. Now go. I have some work to do,” Diya said in an amused tone.
But even after Charu left, curiosity flickered inside her. Rudra Pratap Singh — she had heard his name at many royal functions. The prince of Udaipur. Oxford-educated, heir to one of Rajasthan’s oldest thrones, young, decisive, impossible to ignore.
Maybe it was natural to wonder.
By afternoon, the palace was almost unrecognizable. The golden corridors were decorated, fresh flowers were everywhere, and there was tension in the air. Servants moved quickly, adjusting things and checking everything twice.
Diya arrived at the living hall. She wore a soft mint-green, heavily embroidered lehenga and minimal jewelry. She looked beautiful and elegant.
(her look)
There she saw her father, King Samar Singh Rathore, overseeing the final preparations.
Tall and dignified, he had the aura of a man who had led a kingdom through both grace and strength. His grey bandhgala bore the Rathore crest — two crossed swords.
When he saw Diya approaching, his expression softened instantly.
“My little princess,” he said warmly, extending his hand.
She smiled. “Papa, I’m not little anymore. And you have made sure of that by inviting them.”
“You will always be little to me,” he said with a smile. “Your mother has told you about this. It is a good proposal, beta. They have mentioned the proposal, and I didn’t refuse, but I haven’t agreed yet. I have met Rudra and his family. They are good and kind, and Rudra is also a good person. I liked him. But today is mainly a formal meeting about political and business relations, and to meet us. If you don’t like him, don’t worry. It’s your choice, and I will respect your every decision. So don’t take stress. Now smile. You know I only want your happiness.”
Just then, an attendant came and said, “Raja Saheb, the Udaipur cars have arrived.”
.............................
How was the Chapter please comment your feedback
