04

Chapter 1

"Subah ki shuruaat agar bhakti se ho... toh poora din apne aap hi khoobsurat ban jaata hai." ๐Ÿค

The first rays of sunlight slowly kissed the ivory walls of Singhania Mansion.

A symbol of royalty.

A legacy built over generations.

A home where traditions were respected and dreams were encouraged.

Inside one of its grandest rooms, Aarohi Singhania slowly opened her eyes.

The antique clock beside her bed displayed exactly 4:00 AM.

A smile appeared on her lips.

While most people her age considered mornings a punishment, Aarohi considered them a blessing.

Because before the world woke up...

Before responsibilities arrived...

Before expectations began demanding pieces of her...

The early morning belonged entirely to her.

She folded her hands instinctively.

"Radhe Radhe."

Only then did she step out of bed.

---

The garden welcomed her like an old friend.

The grass was still covered in dew.

The fragrance of mogra floated through the air.

A cool breeze brushed against her skin.

For a moment, Aarohi simply stood there.

Breathing.

Feeling.

Living.

Then she spread her yoga mat beneath the giant neem tree.

Closing her eyes.

The world disappeared.

No board meetings.

No family expectations.

No future plans.

Only peace.

Only Kanha.

Only herself.

Nearly an hour later, she finally opened her eyes.

A strange calm settled inside her chest.

The kind of calm that couldn't be bought.

Couldn't be taught.

Could only be earned.

"Har insaan ko duniya jeetne se pehle khud ko jeetna padta hai..."

The words escaped her lips unconsciously.

Words she had always believed in.

Because success meant nothing if you lost yourself in the process.

---

After yoga came training.

Unlike many royal daughters, Aarohi had never believed strength belonged only to men.

Strength belonged to anyone willing to earn it.

Inside the mansion's private gym, she completed her workout with complete focus.

Sweat trickled down her forehead.

Her breathing became heavier.

But she never stopped.

Never complained.

Never quit.

Because that was who Aarohi Singhania was.

Not a girl who waited for opportunities.

A girl who created them.

---

Nearly two hours later, she stood before her mirror.

Fresh from her shower.

Dressed in a simple white Anarkali.

Her wet hair cascading over her shoulders.

Most people saw beauty when they looked at Aarohi.

A princess.

A royal daughter.

Someone blessed by destiny.

But when Aarohi looked into the mirrorโ€”

She saw hard work.

Sacrifices.

Sleepless nights.

Years of studying while everyone else celebrated.

Years of proving herself.

Today...

All of it would finally matter.

A soft knock interrupted her thoughts.

"Princess, pooja ka samay ho gaya hai."

"I'm coming."

---

The Singhania Temple looked divine.

Brass bells shimmered beneath the golden sunlight.

Fresh marigolds decorated every corner.

The fragrance of sandalwood filled the air.

Aarohi carefully placed flowers before Radha Krishna.

The moment her eyes met Kanha's idolโ€”

Everything softened.

Her heartbeat.

Her thoughts.

Her worries.

Everything.

If there was one relationship in her life that never demanded explanations...

It was this one.

Soon the rest of the family arrived.

Maharaja Aakash Singhania.

Maharani Akriti Singhania.

Rajmata Suhasini.

Aarav.

Samridhi.

The pooja began.

Bhajans echoed beautifully.

Creating an atmosphere that felt less like a temple and more like heaven itself.

After the aarti ended, Aarohi bent to touch Rajmata Suhasini's feet.

The older woman cupped her face lovingly.

"Khush raho."

Then she smiled.

"Aur yaad rakhna, beta..."

"Ji Dadi Sa?"

"Rajkumari bankar paida hona kismat hoti hai."

Aarohi listened quietly.

"Lekin izzat kamaani padti hai."

Aarohi's eyes softened.

"Ji Dadi Sa."

Nearby, Aakash Singhania watched proudly.

"Aaj hamari beti ka din hai."

Immediately Aarav groaned.

"Bas shuru ho gaye."

Everyone laughed.

Aakash frowned dramatically.

"Kya matlab?"

Aarav folded his arms.

"Matlab aaj poore din aap kam se kam pachaas baar yeh bolenge."

"Galat."

"Pachpan baar."

The family burst into laughter.

Even Rajmata couldn't stop smiling.

Aakash pointed at his son.

"Dekha Aarohi? Isi liye main tumhe zyada pasand karta hoon."

Aarav gasped.

"Betrayal."

Pure betrayal.

---

Later that afternoon...

The auditorium stood packed.

Students.

Families.

Professors.

Media.

Everyone waited eagerly.

Aarohi sat quietly in the front row.

Her hands appeared calm.

But her heart wasn't.

After all...

This wasn't just another day.

This was the day she had dreamed about for years.

The host stepped forward.

"Today, we honour excellence."

The applause began.

Names were called one after another.

Thenโ€”

"Our State Topper..."

Silence.

The entire hall waited.

"Aarohi Singhania."

Thunderous applause erupted.

Aarohi stood.

Graceful.

Confident.

Elegant.

But inside?

Inside she felt like the nineteen-year-old girl who had cried over balance sheets and audit reports at 2 AM.

Every step towards the stage carried years of effort.

Years of sacrifice.

Years of believing in herself.

As she accepted the degreeโ€”

The auditorium rose to its feet.

A standing ovation.

And for the first time...

Aarohi felt emotional.

Because this wasn't inherited.

This wasn't gifted.

This wasn't because she was a Singhania.

This belonged entirely to her.

---

That evening...

The mansion echoed with laughter.

Celebrations.

Flowers.

Congratulations.

And of courseโ€”

Aarav standing with medicine.

Aarohi immediately took three steps backwards.

"No."

Aarav smiled.

"Yes."

"No."

"Yes."

"Bhaiya please."

"Medicine."

The battle had begun.

Again.

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