The Royal Stranger

The atmosphere in the room is tense, the girl whose hair was dyed in red glanced at the ticking clock. Cursing under her breath she started arranging her collection of papers.

"Here." She turned to her right, taking the stapler from the brunette she smiled.

"Thanks, babe!" The brunette rolled her eyes before walking towards the young professor. She waited for her turn to hand over the assignment. Before her, stood two people as the professor went through the assignment.

Her eyes started checking out the handsome man sitting in the chair going through the assignment designs. Unknowingly she bites her lower lip, deep in thought.

"Stop eye raping the man, he already knows about your crush on him." Her eyes immediately flickered to the red hair who now stood behind her.

"Should I ride him for real?" The brunette joked, her eyes twinkling with humour.

"Hmm... Student and teacher relationship is always considered as scandalous." The red hair replied.

"Haha... Did you forget the roleplay? The student always ends up giving blowjob for a raise in the mark." Red hair started chuckling lowly.

"Gosh Vee! Why don't you ask the man for a date?" The brunette was about to say something but the throat clearing made her turn around.

The handsome young professor is now looking at her with a smile. She gave him one of her sweet smiles which always makes everyone's heart melt.

She handed her assignment. "Ms Mewar, congratulations on your internship. Your work is absolutely beautiful and I hope to see you in my class next semester."

"Thank you, Mr Hamilton, I hope the same. Cannot miss your amazing body."

"Pardon?" The man didn't quite hear the last word and he wasn't sure if he heard it right.

"Amazing work." He nodded his head looking back at her work. If he is being honest, she is very talented at a young age. He is curious to know how she is perfect when it comes to assignments and work.

"If you don't mind Ms Mewar, can you tell how you are so perfectionist?"

"No problem Mr Hamilton. My mum is a fashion designer and she actually helps with my work. She gives me personal lessons every week."

"That's great." The man couldn't take his eyes off her. She is beautiful... Very beautiful and talented. He is sure if she isn't his student he would've asked her out.

"Happy holidays, Mr Hamilton."

"Happy holidays, Ms Mewar." The young man flashed a smile.

Both the young girls stepped out of the room as the semester ended and finally they can call it a vacation. Everyone on the campus is much waiting for the semester to end.

Their hands were heavy with the bags they are holding. Clothes, books, paints, pencils and what not filled their bags. "I can't wait to ask you all the questions." The red hair said.

"Hailey, let's sit down then you can ask all the questions." They walked towards the small cafe near their college to eat something.

Settling down with food and coffee Hailey looked at her best friend. "Why are you going to India?" She started.

"Because dada and dadi want us to be there."

"But why? We planned to go to Paris man!" Hailey pouted her lips sadly.

"Wedding... Wedding man."

"Whose?"

"Actually the wedding didn't fix yet. I'm not sure about the groom or bride but there is going to be a wedding in our household." Hailey looked confused.

"No groom and no bride but wedding? I don't understand, Vee."

The brunette chuckled "My family, I mean the Mewars are close friends with some Singh family who are Royals of India. Both the families want to have a relationship between them so they decided to have a wedding."

"Royals?"

"Yes! Even though India is a democratic country and the Royals don't rule. This Royal family is kind of powerful and filthy rich."

"So you may or may not be the bride?" Hailey asked munching in her pizza.

"Nah, my mother didn't give much info but I'm sure it's going to be one of my elder cousins," Vrishali spoke sipping her coffee.

"Uff, why not Vee? Marrying a Royal and living in this palace seems so dreamy." Hailey researched about the Royal family on her phone. Showing the pictures of the Royal palace to Vrishali.

"Lol Lee, my parents shifted to New York when I was an infant. I only visited India for summer vacations. The Singh's want a traditional Hindu bride. I'm far far away from the list."

"Then why are you going?" They call each other with nicknames Vee and Lee.

"Because I love my dada and dadi (Grandpa and grandma) so much and can't miss a Royal wedding. Only a few and high-class people could attend those costliest weddings and I for sure wanna see the wedding." Vrishali, Vee for short said.

"Then who do you think is going to be the bride?" Hailey asked with curiosity. Vrishali thought about it.

"There are three elder sisters before me. I'm actually the youngest among all my cousins. Maybe it's my first cousin sister Radhika, heard that the groom's mother loves her so much."

"Vee, the groom's mother is a member of parliament. Isn't it strange that the groom's pictures or her kid's pictures aren't mentioned here?"

"Really?" Vrishali took the phone from Hailey to check Wikipedia. True to her words, there isn't much about the personal life of the groom's mother. Except for her name, husband name and political life.

"Maybe because they wanted to keep their profile low. You know some Royal families don't reveal their heir pictures." Vrishali explained going through the photos.

"But why did your parents move to New York?" Hailey asked.

"My dad is the youngest among four sons. He wanted to do his own hotel business and he isn't interested in his dad's business. Fast forward both my parents shifted here to stand on their legs. We got settled here and never thought of returning back."

"Good, don't want you to shift anywhere."

Vrishali chuckled "Don't worry babe, New York got my heart and my heart always stays here. I will return soon." Vrishali enjoyed her time with Hailey before going home to see her mother packing stuff.

"Hey, mom!" Gauravi looked back to see her daughter walk into the room.

"Hey Vee, how was your last day?" She asked as the young lady plopped down on the bed.

"It was good and hectic. Last-minute submission and running around."

"Good, we are leaving a day early," Gauravi said pulling the leggings.

"Why?" Vrishali asked now sitting straight.

"Because we need to go shopping. We don't have Indian wear or ethnic wear. We can't wear western there." Vrishali nodded her head. Vrishali only wore Indian clothes thrice on occasions.

Her parents never stopped her from wearing western dresses. She got the cool and chill type of parents.

The only people she loved after her parents are her parental grandparents. They visited her every year without any break. She would enjoy her winter or Christmas holidays with her grandparents.

"I can't wait to see dada and dadi."

"They can't wait to see you, they are excited as finally, their favourite is going to stay in India." Her mum spoke which made Vrishali laugh.

Her grandparents always asked her to stay with them in India. They wanted her to come home and spend her summer vacation in their palace.

Vrishali spent her time with her mum. She doesn't have any siblings, the weekends are spent with her friends from college or with her mom and dad.

Vrishali pulled the cap on, she glanced at her surroundings seeing tourists, men, women and children. She opened the cap of the water bottle wanting to drink something cold.

"It's so hot here," Gauravi exclaimed mopping the sweat on her face. Deepash called his brother as they waited for the vehicle.

"Dad, are we going by taxi or?" Vrishali asked not liking the sweat. Deepash turned to his daughter smiling seeing her face.

"Gagan bhaiyya(brother) will be sending someone to pick us." Vrishali is beautiful, she got her mother's features but dad's thick eyebrows and eyelashes for which she is grateful.

Her skin is brown compared to her cousins who are fair in complexion. Vrishali never cared though, she loved herself and her skin colour.

"Hardik bhaiyya (brother)!" Vrishali yelled in happiness as she watched her favourite cousin getting out of the car.

"Vrishali! I missed you gudiya!" She was immediately enclosed with a hug. Hardik used to live with them for nearly three years because of his higher studies.

He shifted back last year, Hardik treated her like his own sister. They used to go out, play, watch movies, and bicker about the series's characters.

Hardik then greeted Vrishali's parents who are chacha and Chachi(uncle and aunt) to him. "Aadi can't wait to see you," Hardik spoke and everyone laughed.

Aadi is Hardik's younger brother. "I can't wait to see dada, dadi, Riddi, Aadi and everyone," Vrishali spoke remembering everyone.

Hardik's parents love Vrishali, they are one of the best people. Vrishali didn't mingle with everyone as she lives far away. But Gagan taya(dad's elder brother/uncle) and Malini tai( taya's wife/ aunt) are close to her.

Vrishali's eyes widen in excitement as they reached the Samode Palace. Her father is the youngest among four sons. All her uncles, aunts and their children live in Samode Palace.

"Wow! They renovated everything." Vrishali said, her parents chuckled.

They were greeted by the palace staff who welcomed them warmly. Vrishali couldn't wipe the smile off her face. The last time she visited India was when she was fourteen years old, now she is twenty years old.

"Dadi!" Vrishali ran towards the old lady who stood among others with a huge smile on her face.

"Awe, I see you missed me." Vrishali hugged her tightly. She didn't see the glare thrown by her cousin Radhika and her mother.

Radhika looked away as the elderly of the house hugged their favourite grandchild. Radhika is the elder granddaughter of the house.

"I don't understand why sasu-ma(mother-in-law) called them. She could've called them at the time of the wedding." Simrita spoke standing beside her daughter Radhika.

The duo is standing a little bit away from the family crowd who are welcoming the youngest family of the house warmly. Radhika never had any issues with Vrishali. She is scared about the decision.

"I don't know what's going on in their heads," Simrita said pointing to the elderly.

"Ma, don't worry about the decision they take. He is going to be mine." Radhika smirked as Vrishali's eyes met hers.

"Radhika!" Vrishali hugged her, Radhika immediately smiled happily.

"It's good to see you Vrishali!" Radhika spoke with fake happiness.

"Dadu, you really got a beautiful palace," Vrishali said dreamily. Her grandpa Kalyan Mewar chuckled patting her head.

"Gauravi, I made your favourite sweet," Malini said as the married women walked towards the huge kitchen.

"Thank you, Didi."

"Sachi bath (to be honest), Vrishali turned into a beautiful girl. We all missed you three." Janaki said.

"Even we missed you all but work and Vrishali's college. We couldn't come." Gauravi said.

"Work... I didn't expect you three to come this time. As Deepash always busy with work." Gauravi tensed as Simrita spoke. Janaki and Malini glared at Simrita.

Being badi bahu(first daughter-in-law) Simrita always looked down at the three women. "Didi, at least they are busy with work, unlike others," Janaki commented removing the smirk off Simrita.

Gauravi let out a sign when Simrita walked away from them. The three women look at each other before laughing.

"My god! She literally behaves like a queen," Malini said handing a water-filled glass to Gauravi.

"I was so scared the first time I entered this household. She behaved more like a mother-in-law than the real one," Janaki said.

"Even I was scared, but thankfully you two were there and sasu-ma(mother-in-law) treated us like her own daughters."

"Is Nandini here?" Gauravi asked Janaki. Nandini is the daughter of Janaki.

"She will be here by evening," Janaki replied. Nandhini is doing her masters in London.

"Manav, Hardik, Aadi and Ajitesh. They all grown up," Gauravi said. The other two chuckled.

"How is Prateek's health?" Gauravi asked Janaki.

"He is following a sugar-free diet and daily yoga with medication. He is doing good for now," Janaki said about her husband Prateek.

Vrishali plopped down on her bed as her cousins entered her room. She couldn't contain her happiness seeing all her brothers.

Riddi sat down beside Vrishali, Hardik is leaning against the wall. Aadi sat on the wing chair while Manav sat to her right. Ajitesh her elder cousin and Radhika aren't here.

"How long are you going to stay here?" Manav asked.

"One month."

"Cool, we can finally have a cousin trip!" Riddi said.

"Yes." They all agreed. Vrishali missed her other cousin Nandhini.

"When they are going to come?" Vrishali asked as they munched on the snacks.

"Day after tomorrow, I'm so eager to see the man," Riddi said.

"Why? Didn't you all see him." everyone chuckled looking at Vrishali.

"What's so funny?" Vrishali asked looking at them.

"We never saw him... Ajitesh bhaiyya and Radhika are the only people who know him. Ajitesh bhaiyya know him because they studied together and Radhika Didi met him because of his mother," Hardik explained to his little sister.

"Woah! It's going to be fun to finally see him ah?"

"Yeah, heard so much about him," Manav said.

"Like what?" Vrishali asked with curiosity.

"He is the 303rd descendant of the Royal family of Jaipur. He got the city palace man! His mother Diya Kumari, a politician and a member of Rajasthan legislative assembly." Manav said.

"His Royal title is not officially recognised by law, as India is a federal parliamentary Democratic Republic. But everyone respects the title and him." Riddi said.

"More importantly, he made Forbes' 30 under 30 Asia list as he served as captain of the first Indian polo team in England in 20 years.

Forbes noted that Singh was the youngest member ever of a world cup polo team." Hardik explained. Vrishali surely got impressed.

"You know his net worth was 20,000 crores when he was only 20 years old. Just think about his present net worth." Manav said with an unknown expression.

"You forgot the truth that he owns about 300 miles of vast land on mount Abu."

"Woah! The guy is filthy Richie rich! What's his age now?" I asked them.

"If he studied with Ajitesh bhaiyya, then he would be 26 or 27 now." Aadi who was silent all the while said.

"I heard from Radhika Didi, that the guy is a very serious and traditional man."

The five spoke about their life, about college and office stuff. Vrishali laughed a lot, she is happy that she came to India to spend her summer vacation with her cousins. She really needed that before her cousins decide to tie the knot.

Vrishali stepped out of the palace with Riddi and Nandhini for shopping. She doesn't have any traditional wear. Vrishali couldn't stop looking at the streets filled with colour full clothes and jewellery.

"How does this look?" Vrishali asked stepping out of the trail room.

"It's good." Vrishali entered the trail room to change into another one.

"So who do you think it's going to be among us four?" She heard Riddi. She waited for Nandhini to say something.

"Honestly, I love someone and they already agreed to my wedding. So I'm out of the list, even your parents chose Bhuvan for you. It's Radhika or Vrishali," Nandhini said.

"Lol, I'm twenty and arrange marriage isn't my thing. I ain't gonna marry a stranger," I said which made both the girls laugh.

"So you both are kind of engaged eh?" Vrishali walked out in her jeans and tee. Her hands are full of clothes.

She dumped them in the carry bag. "Yeah, we are thinking to get married next year. Alok wants to marry me after his sister's," Nandhini said.

"Show me his picture. Even you show me Bhuvan's picture," Vrishali said. Nandhini and Riddi, both are twenty-two years old.

"Why did sasu-ma and sasur-sa(father-in-law) called us to talk privately," Gauravi asked her husband Deepash. Deepash don't have an answer of why his parents called.

"I don't know, we will be knowing after talking to them."

Vrishali spent the remaining day shopping in the local market and watching the sunset with her sisters. She asked Radhika to join them but Radhika declined saying she needs to visit the spa.

"Do you think Radhika will marry him?" Riddi asked as the three girls sat on the rocky floor.

"Of course, Radhika has been spending most of the time with Diya Kumari. Even Simrita tai is hell-bent on marrying Radhika to him." Nandhini spoke.

"But why though? I mean why marry someone without love?" Vrishali asked turning to Nandhini.

"Because babe, love really doesn't matter. It can be born even after marriage. This is like a golden ticket to Simrita tai. Basically, Radhika will become a queen and it gives every right to Simrita tai to taunt us," Riddi said.

"Leave about them but tell me Vrishali how many guys you have dated. I saw the comments you get for every picture you post on Instagram." Nandhini wiggled her brows teasingly.

"Nah, I went on dates and met people but they didn't give me the vibe I wanted. The only boyfriend I had ended up in ten days," Vrishali said remembering the Blondie guy Luke.

"Ten days? Not even a month." Riddi say as Vrishali unwrapped her sandwich.

"Yeah, he was too controlling. I hate controlling fellows."

They returned home in the evening. Vrishali had a finger-licking dinner, all her favourite food was present.

Then the night was spent talking with dada and dadi. Vrishali slept with her grandparents as her dadi sang her favourite lullaby.

All the family members were rushing to get ready. Riddi dressed in a pink salwar kameez while Nandhini wore a blue one. Vrishali ended up in a creamy white salwar kameez.

"You look so beautiful." Her dad commented seeing Vrishali. Vrishali kept her makeup simple just eyeliner, eye kajal and warm red lipstick.

Her hair left open in waves, "Thank you, dad. You look handsome." Vrishali hugged her dad laughing as her mother made a side comment.

Vrishali can feel the excitement, she is eager to see the man. It's not every day that you meet a Royal.

"How you guys tie that Saree around. I can't even handle Saree." Vrishali joked looking at her mother whose face paled slightly.

"Is everything okay? Why you guys look pale?" Vrishali asked looking at her parents.

"Nothing baby, why don't you go and see what your cousins are up to," Deepash said. Vrishali nodded her head walking out of her parent's room in search of her cousins.

"Give me that duffer! They are for guests." Nandhini scolded her brother Manav as he tried to snatch a laddo from the basket.

"Arrey! No one will know if I eat one laddo." Manav complained.

"Give the guy one laddo," Riddi says silently snatching one for herself. Vrishali laughed as both Riddi and Manav ate the laddo in one go.

"Can I have one too?" Vrishali gave puppy dog eyes to Nandhini. Nandhini shook her head handing a laddo to Vrishali.

Their heads whipped towards the door, "They are here." For some reason, Vrishali breathing became heavy as they followed Hardik and Aadi. Vrishali stood behind her brothers with Riddi and Nandhini.

Her grandparents Kalyan Mewar and Deepa Mewar were hugging the other elderly. Gauravi, Janaki, Malini and Simrita were welcoming the women in traditional clothes.

The men of the house are also welcoming the other men warmly. Vrishali's eyes shifted to a lady wearing maroon Saree. Diya kumari looked powerful and beautiful in person.

Radhika wore a baby pink Saree attracting everyone in the room. Radhika didn't stand with them as she made a beeline towards Diya kumari taking blessings.

"May God bless you. Look at you, so pretty." Diya kumari praised Radhika. Vrishali's eyes searched for the man but he isn't present yet...

While the younger ones stood to a side, everyone sat down. Her dada and dadi turned towards Vrishali. Vrishali gave them a smile in return which caught the attention of the other elderly.

Ajitesh was standing beside his father Om Prakesh. "What are their names," Vrishali whispered.

"His highness Sawai Bhawani Singh and Rajmatha Falguni Singh," Riddi whispered.

"Should we address them as his highness?" Vrishali asked.

"Here he is." Diya kumari said. Every head in the room turned towards the entrance. Vrishali couldn't see his face as her brothers are blocking the way. He is tall and wore a white kurtha paired with sadri.

Vrishali stood on her toes to see the man. Her eyes widen in surprise as she got the glimpse of the man who took powerful steps towards the elders.

He looked confident, intimate and strong with broad muscular shoulders, he got black eyes with perfect eyebrows. His beard is making him look perfect.

He touched the feet of the elderly before sitting beside his dad. "Radhika, come and sit here dear," Diya kumari said patting the space beside her. Riddi and Nandhini snickered making Vrishali giggle.

The girl's eyes widen as everyone around them became silent. Vrishali looked up to see the man looking dead in the eyes. Her eyes widen comically and she held Hardik's sleeve for comfort. She didn't like the man's solo gaze on her. It is disturbing her.

Radhika looked at her mother telling her to snap the silence. "Diya ji, would you like to have some tea or coffee," Simrita said, Vrishali quickly hide behind her brother.

She looked at Riddi and Nandhini before laughing silently not knowing what's going to happen next. The snacks and sweets were served.

"As everyone know the reason why we are." Bhawani Singh started speaking.

"I want to see my grandson Sawai Padmanabh Singh marry. My friend Kalyan and Deepa ji came to a decision. A decision with which we are very happy."

Radhika couldn't contain her excitement as they are going to tell about her marriage with him. Her eyes shifted to the man who sat beside his dad, listening attentively.

Gauravi and Deepash gazed at their daughter who stood with Riddi and Nandhini whispering in each other ears. Deepash held his wife's hand knowing what's going to happen next.

Simrita is holding her Saree in a tight grip eager to hear the elderly take her daughter's name.

"We want to give our younger granddaughter Vrishali Mewar's hand to your grandson Sawai Padmanabh Singh," Kalyan Mewar spoke making everyone stand up in shock and surprise.

Vrishali's eyes widen, she froze hearing her dada's words. "But papaji we are going to chose Radhika Mewar as Padmanabh's bride." Diya kumari said not liking the decision.

Bhawani Singh raised his eyebrow mockingly telling her to mutter another word. Narendra squeezed his wife Diya Singh's hand. Riddi shook Vrishali's shoulders, Vrishali's face paled when she looked at her parents. They already know about this...

"What the hell! I ain't gonna marry some stranger!" Vrishali spoke hardening her eyes at her parents. Her cousins froze, you are not allowed to raise your voice in front of the royals. Nandhini held on to Vrishali's hand.

"Vrishali!" Her eyes shifted to her grandparents. "Didn't expect this from you Dadu." Vrishali walked away from everyone as she felt the anger building up in her body.

Marriage is a huge thing that comes with great responsibility. She isn't ready for that, she barely graduated her college and here they are fixing her marriage without her concern.

Riddi and Nandhini looked at each other before following the way Vrishali went. Diya kumari grunted her teeth.

Simrita started throwing anger glares at Kalyan Mewar and Deepa Mewar. Radhika sat there too shocked and this is like an insult to her.

She spent all her weekends helping Diya kumari just to reach her son. She stopped eating non-veg when she learned he is a vegetarian.

Gauravi and Deepash left the room along with Kalyan and Deepa to talk with Vrishali. Narendra started talking with Diya kumari while Radhika left the room with Simrita following her daughter.

Bhawani Singh looked at his grandson Padmanabh Singh who sat there with a hard look on his face. He doesn't like anyone disrespecting him and his family.

"Beta, don't frown. At least not here, don't scare the girl away." Falguni spoke patting her grandson's hand. Bhawani Singh chuckled hearing his wife's words.

Bhawani Singh wants his grandson to marry someone who would make him stand on his toes. Padmanabh has always been a distant kid who would keep his distance from everyone. He doesn't know how to express his feelings and emotions.

Padmanabh agrees to whatever his mum says. Bhawani Singh had to do something before Padmanabh's mother make him tie the marriage knot with someone who is greedy for money.

Bhawani Singh know about Vrishali a year ago and had his tabs on her for the past year. She is the complete opposite of his dull grandson.