Raja's Heart, Queen's Secret Whispers in the Palace

Rathore Palace – Morning

Shalini Rathore (FL MOM)

*knocking on Sampriti’s door*

Shalini Rathore (FL MOM)

Sampriti, beta, it’s morning. Breakfast is ready.

Sampriti Rathore (FL)

*from inside* I’ll come soon, Maa.

Shalini Rathore (FL MOM)

Don’t skip it, please. *pauses*

Shalini Rathore (FL MOM)

You haven’t eaten well lately.

Sampriti Rathore (FL)

*softly* I won’t, Maa.

Shalini sighs and walks away. Inside the room, Sampriti sits by the window, staring at the gardens outside, lost in thought. Her tea sits untouched beside her.

___

Later - Dining Hall

Rajendra Singh Rathore (FL BRO)

*feeding Anaya* Devika, this one eats like a little queen already.

Anaya Rathore (FL NIECE/ 2 yrs)

*giggles*

Devika Rathore (FL SIS IN LAW)

*Smiling* She takes after her bua.

Ranveer Singh Rathore (FL DAD)

*chuckling*

Ranveer Singh Rathore (FL DAD)

Sampriti, sit down. You’re late again.

Sampriti Rathore (FL)

*quietly takes her seat* Sorry, Baba.

Rajendra Singh Rathore (FL BRO)

Sampriti, are you ready for tonight’s gala?

Sampriti Rathore (FL)

I’ll manage, Bhaiya.

Shalini Rathore (FL MOM)

*Placing a hand on Sampriti’s arm*

Shalini Rathore (FL MOM)

You don’t have to push yourself. Take your time.

Sampriti Rathore (FL)

*nods but doesn’t respond*

___

Rajawat Estate – Afternoon

Kavya Rajawat (ML SIS)

Bhaiya, which sherwani are you wearing tonight?

Arjun Rajawat (ML)

The navy one.

Kavya Rajawat (ML SIS)

Good choice. You’ll look dashing.

Aadhya Rajawat (ML MOM)

Arjun, make sure Raghav doesn’t skip the gala.

Raghav Rajawat (ML BRO)

*from the couch* Why am I being dragged into this?

Veerendra Singh Rajawat (ML DAD)

*enters with papers in hand* Because it’s our duty to represent the family.

Raghav Rajawat (ML BRO)

Fine, but only if I get to leave early.

Kavya Rajawat (ML SIS)

You’re impossible.

Arjun sits quietly, polishing his watch, his focus sharp.

Aadhya Rajawat (ML MOM)

*noticing* Arjun, is everything fine?

Arjun Rajawat (ML)

*looking up briefly* Yes, Maa. Just preparing for tonight.

Veerendra Singh Rajawat (ML DAD)

Good. Remember, appearances matter.

___

Rathore Palace – Evening of the Gala.

Advika Sharma (FL BFF)

*fixing Sampriti’s dupatta* You look beautiful.

Sampriti Rathore (FL)

Thank you.

Advika Sharma (FL BFF)

Are you sure you’re okay?

Sampriti Rathore (FL)

*avoids eye contact* I’m fine.

Ranveer Singh Rathore (FL DAD)

*Approaches* Sampriti, stay close to us tonight. No need to force anything.

Sampriti Rathore (FL)

*softly* Yes, Baba.

At the entrance, the Rajawats arrive.

Raghav Rajawat (ML BRO)

This place is huge.

Kavya Rajawat (ML SIS)

It’s elegant, not just huge.

Arjun Rajawat (ML)

*silent, his eyes scanning the grand hall*

Veerendra Singh Rajawat (ML DAD)

*to Arjun* Stick with us. Let’s not waste time.

Arjun Rajawat (ML)

*nods* Yes, Baba.

Inside the hall, Sampriti stands quietly by a corner, observing the guests while Advika chats nearby.

Rajendra Singh Rathore (FL BRO)

*joining her* You should mingle more, Sampriti.

Sampriti Rathore (FL)

I’m fine here, Bhaiya.

Rajendra Singh Rathore (FL BRO)

*sighs but doesn’t push* Alright. If you need anything, call me.

The Rajawats are introduced to the Rathores. Arjun notices Sampriti but says nothing, his gaze lingering momentarily before looking away.

Kavya Rajawat (ML SIS)

*to Raghav* She seems... quiet.

Raghav Rajawat (ML BRO)

Not everyone is as loud as you, Kavya.

Kavya Rajawat (ML SIS)

Shh!

Sampriti glances briefly at the Rajawat group before returning her gaze to the floor, her expression unreadable.

Later, as the gala continues, the focus shifts to the grandeur of the event and the interactions among other royals.

Arjun Rajawat (ML)

*to himself* Interesting family.

Sampriti Rathore (FL)

*to herself* Another night. Another performance.

Sampriti Rathore (FL)

*sigh*