CROWN IN SHADOWS - When Royalty Meets Love
Chapter 1
The phone tinged with a message
Aarohi Sharma/ FL
*looked at the message*
Aarohi Sharma/ FL
Who is this* asked being confused*
Unknown
Someone who knows your situation
Aarohi Sharma/ FL
I think you have the wrong number
She was about to off the screen when one more message popped up
Her hands stopped at their place.
Aarohi Sharma/ FL
What…what do you mean
Unknown
Your father owes 48 lakhs
Aarohi Sharma/ FL
Who… Who told you that
Unknown
I don't need to be told
Her body froze.
That number...
It wasn't something strangers knew.
And yet-
this person said it like it meant nothing.
Aarohi Sharma/ FL
What do you want?
Aarohi Sharma/ FL
I'm not interested.
Aarohi Sharma/ FL
Stop texting me.
Aarohi Sharma/ FL
You are disgusting.
Unknown
I'm offering a solution.
Aarohi Sharma/ FL
I don't need one from you.
but something close to it
Sunita Sharma/ FL's Mother
Beta, when will you come home?
Aarohi Sharma/ FL
Just 20 mins
Aarohi Sharma/ FL
What happened
Sunita Sharma/ FL's Mother
Just come
That "just come"
never meant anything good
The house felt... different.
like even the walls were waiting
In front her family was present in living room.
Raghav Sharma/ FL's Father/
Sit down.
Aarohi Sharma/ FL
What's wrong?
Sunita Sharma/ FL's Mother
Nothing, Beta...
Aarohi Sharma/ FL
Don't say that. Just tell me.
Raghav Sharma/ FL's Father/
We are in trouble.
Aarohi Sharma/ FL
I know that.
Raghav Sharma/ FL's Father/
No... you don't.
Aarohi Sharma/ FL
Then explain.
Raghav Sharma/ FL's Father/
If we don't pay the debt this week... we lose the house.
The word didn't hit immediately
Until breathing felt difficult
Aarohi Sharma/ FL
How much?
Raghav Sharma/ FL's Father/
48 lakhs
The same number from the message
Aarohi Sharma/ FL
Someone texted me.
Sunita Sharma/ FL's Mother
What?
Aarohi Sharma/ FL
About this
Raghav Sharma/ FL's Father/
...what did they say?
Aarohi Sharma/ FL
They want...
Aarohi Sharma/ FL
Marriage.
She expected anger.
Shock.
But all she saw...
was silence.
Aarohi Sharma/ FL
You knew?
Sunita Sharma/ FL's Mother
Beta...
Raghav Sharma/ FL's Father/
It's not just anyone.
Aarohi Sharma/ FL
Then who?
Raghav Sharma/ FL's Father/
Aryaveer Singh Rathore
The name alone
felt heavy.
Not because she knew him-
but because everyone did.
Raghav Sharma/ FL's Father/
He chose you.
Aarohi Sharma/ FL
That's not a reason.
Raghav Sharma/ FL's Father/
It's enough for people like him.
Aarohi Sharma/ FL
And what about me?
Raghav Sharma/ FL's Father/
It'll save us.
Not a question.
Not a request.
Aarohi Sharma/ FL
And if I refuse?
Raghav Sharma/ FL's Father/
Then we lose everything.
She looked st her parents.
At the worry in her mother's eyes.
At the helplessness in her father's silence.
And for the first time-
she felt something break inside her.
Later that night-Unknown Number
Aarohi Sharma/ FL
I am not something to "fit".
Unknown
In my world...everyone is.
Aarohi Sharma/ FL
Who are you?
Unknown
You will meet me Tomorrow.
Sleep didn't come that night.
Loud.
Endless.
Unforgiving.
[Next day - Rathore Palace Entrance]
Royal Guards
Please Step out.
Aarohi came out of the car
The palace stood like nothing out of the another world.
Grand.
Cold.
Untouchable.
It didn't feel like a place people lived in.
It felt like a place where decisions were made...
And never questioned.
Unknown voice: You're late.
Aarohi Sharma/ FL
*Her heart skipped-just once.
then steadied*
Her eyes still low as if she was not ready to look at the owner of that voice.
Aryaveer Singh Rathore/ ML/Rana Sa
Look at me when I speak.
Authority didn't demand attention-
it owned it.
Aarohi Sharma/ FL
*slowly raises her eyes*
She understood why people fear him.
Aryaveer Singh Rathore/ ML/Rana Sa
This marriage-
Aryaveer Singh Rathore/ ML/Rana Sa
Is a contract.
Aarohi Sharma/ FL
Then don't expect anything beyond that.
Aryaveer Singh Rathore/ ML/Rana Sa
I don't.
Aarohi Sharma/ FL
And what do you expect?
Aryaveer Singh Rathore/ ML/Rana Sa
Obedience.
Her fingers curled slightly.
Not in fear.
In resistance.
Aarohi Sharma/ FL
That won't happen.
Aryaveer Singh Rathore/ ML/Rana Sa
Interesting.
Like she was something being studied
Aryaveer Singh Rathore/ ML/Rana Sa
The wedding's tomorrow.
Aarohi Sharma/ FL
That's not enough time.
Aryaveer Singh Rathore/ ML/Rana Sa
For you.
Aryaveer Singh Rathore/ ML/Rana Sa
Not for me.
Aarohi Sharma/ FL
You don't even know me.
Aryaveer Singh Rathore/ ML/Rana Sa
I know enough.
Aarohi Sharma/ FL
Like what?
Aryaveer Singh Rathore/ ML/Rana Sa
That you won't refuse.
It was that he was right.
[Last message- Unknown number]
Unknown
Welcome to your new life.
Author
So a new story is here. Do give it like too.
Author
I'll try to update everyday my both stories
Author
bye bye till then..
Chapter 2
[Morning - Aarohi's Room]
Pihu Sharma/FL's Sister(Twin)
DI WAKE UP 😭
Aarohi Sharma/ FL
What happened....
Pihu Sharma/FL's Sister(Twin)
They sent your wedding outfit!!
Like even this day didn't belong to her
Aarohi Sharma/ FL
Already?
Pihu Sharma/FL's Sister(Twin)
Come fast!
She freshened up and went downstairs
A deep crimson red lehenga, rich silk layered with intricate gold zari embroidery, each thread catching light like it was meant to be seen. The dupatta—light yet royal— crafted to fall perfectly over her head, like it already knew its place. Jewelry placed beside it: Polki choker. Long layered haar. Maang tikka resting in silence.
Everything flawless.
Everything expensive.
Everything chosen -
Aarohi Sharma/ FL
(softly) He chose this...
Sunita Sharma/ FL's Mother
Yes.
Just like the reality she was stepping into.
Aarohi Sharma/ FL
*thinking*"Kapdon ka bojh toh smbhaal lungi...
pr kya is rishta ka bhi?"
("I can handle the burden of the clothes...
But can I handle this relationship too?")
Pihu Sharma/FL's Sister(Twin)
Di... you'll look like a queen!
A word that sounded powerful-
Aarohi Sharma/ FL
[Getting ready]
Sunita Sharma/ FL's Mother
Sit still.
Pihu Sharma/FL's Sister(Twin)
Don't move!
Layer by layer she was being transformed.
Aarohi Sharma/ FL
*thinking*"Main khud ko saja rahi hun ya mita rhi hun...
yeh samajh nhi aa rha."
("I'm decorating myself or destroying myself...
I don't know.")
Pihu Sharma/FL's Sister(Twin)
Done...
Aarohi Sharma/ FL
*looked in the mirror*
For a second -
she didn't recognize herself.
Beautiful.
Graceful.
Unreachable.
But somewhere-
not entirely her.
[Meanwhile- Aryaveer's Side]
Kabir Singh Shekhawat/ML's Friend
The outfit you sent...
Armaan Khanna/ML's Friend
Bro really said "royal means ROYAL."
Reyansh Chauhan/ML's Friend
Red. Power. Claim
Aryaveer Singh Rathore/ ML/Rana Sa
It fits the position.
Kabir Singh Shekhawat/ML's Friend
You haven't even seen her properly.
Aryaveer Singh Rathore/ ML/Rana Sa
I've seen enough.
Her eyes from yesterday lingered in his mind.
A Red sherwani, sharply tailored,
minimal gold detailing—
not decorative,
but authoritative.
A perfectly tied safa.
Everything about him spoke the same thing-
Control.
He didn't looked like a groom.
He looked like a decision no one could question on.
Her steps were slow.
Not out of hesitation-
but because every step felt like leaving behind a life.
Armaan Khanna/ML's Friend
(whispers): Damn...
Kabir Singh Shekhawat/ML's Friend
She carries it well.
Reyansh Chauhan/ML's Friend
Composed
Eyes followed her.
But she didn't lowered her gaze.
Aarohi Sharma/ FL
*sits beside him.*
This close-
she could feel it.
His presence.
His silence.
His control.
Aryaveer Singh Rathore/ ML/Rana Sa
Nervous?
Aryaveer Singh Rathore/ ML/Rana Sa
Good.
Aarohi Sharma/ FL
The dress... you chose it.
Aryaveer Singh Rathore/ ML/Rana Sa
*Pause*
Aryaveer Singh Rathore/ ML/Rana Sa
It suits you.
Simple words.
But they stayed.
Aarohi Sharma/ FL
(thinking): "Usne mujhe dekha bhi nhi...
phir bhi kaise keh diya ki main theek lgg rhi hoon?"
("He didn't even look at me...
How did he say I looked fine?")
Aarohi Sharma/ FL
(thinking): "Yeh rishta shuru hone se pehle hi itna bhaari kyu lag rha hai...
jaise har faisla pehle se likha gya ho."
("Why does this relationship feel so overwhelming before it even begins...
as if every decision is pre-written.")
Raj purohit
Hold her hand.
His fingers wrapped around hers.
Steady. Firm.
Not gentle-
but not careless either
Aryaveer Singh Rathore/ ML/Rana Sa
(low): This changes nothing.
Aarohi Sharma/ FL
Then don't expect it to.
Seven steps.
Seven promises.
Seven ties she never agreed to-
yet couldn't escape.
Aarohi Sharma/ FL
(thinking): "Har kadam ke saath kuch chhoot rha hai...
shayad mera kal, mera faisla, meri azaadi. "
("With every step I take, something is slipping away...
Maybe my tomorrow, my decision, my freedom.")
[Sindoor and mangalsutra moment]
The red in his fingers-
matching the red she wore.
Aryaveer Singh Rathore/ ML/Rana Sa
*apply sindoor*
And just like that-
she became his wife.
Sunita Sharma/ FL's Mother
Take care of yourself...
Her mother's hand trembled.
And this time-
she couldn't hold it in.
Raghav Sharma/ FL's Father/
Be strong.
Aarohi Sharma/ FL
(thinking): "Rona chahti hoon main...
par tootna nhi chahti."
("I want to cry...
but I don't want to break down.")
Pihu Sharma/FL's Sister(Twin)
Call me everyday!!
Aarohi Sharma/ FL
I will...
Aarav Sharma/Fl's Brother(Twin)
...
Aarohi Sharma/ FL
Take care of them.
Aarav Sharma/Fl's Brother(Twin)
Always.
[Inside Car- After Wedding]
Aryaveer Singh Rathore/ ML/Rana Sa
You didn't cry.
Aarohi Sharma/ FL
I don't cry easily.
Another lie-
but one she was starting to believe.
Aryaveer Singh Rathore/ ML/Rana Sa
(quietly):
"Rishte hum aksar majboori mein shuru karte hai...
par nibhaane ka faisla majboori nhi hota. "
("We often start relationships out of compulsion...
But the decision to maintain them is never a compulsion.")
Aryaveer Singh Rathore/ ML/Rana Sa
"Mohabbat ho ya na ho...
zimmedari se kabhi peeche nhi hata jaata."
("Whether it's love or not...
I never get away from responsibility.")
if there was more to him than just a control.
Author
So that's it for today.
Chapter 3
[Palace Entrance - Night]
But nothing felt complete.
Some endings don't close doors-
they put you into one.
Aarohi Singh Rathore/FL/Rani Sa
*steps out.*
The palace stood tall unmoving-
as if it had seen countless stories begin...
And end.
Aarohi Singh Rathore/FL/Rani Sa
(thinking): "Yeh darwaze sirf khulte nhi...
kisi ki zindagi band bhi kr dete hai."
("These doors, just as they open...
they also close someone's life.")
Diyas flicker softly. Aarti thaal ready.
Veerangna Devi/ML's Grandmother/Rajmata
Stop there.
Aarohi's step halted instantly.
Not out of fear-
but because that voice didn't allow hesitation.
Veerangna Devi/ML's Grandmother/Rajmata
This house follows tradition.
Veerangna Devi/ML's Grandmother/Rajmata
*Performs Aarti*
The flame circled her face-
Warm in appearance ...
But it didn't feel like warmth.
Aarohi Singh Rathore/FL/Rani Sa
(thinking): "yeh roshni swaagat ki hai...
ya sirf ek rasam?"
("Is this light a welcome...
or just a ritual?")
Veerangna Devi/ML's Grandmother/Rajmata
Enter with your right foot.
A pot filled with rice placed before her
A simple push-
A symbol of prosperity.
Aarohi Singh Rathore/FL/Rani Sa
*nudges it.*
Aarohi Singh Rathore/FL/Rani Sa
*Rice scattered across marble*
The sound echoed more than it should have.
Like something had been decided-
Final and irreversible.
Aarohi Singh Rathore/FL/Rani Sa
(thinking): "Ek Kadam andar...
aur sab kuch peeche reh gya"
("One step inside...
and everything else is left behind.")
Aarohi Singh Rathore/FL/Rani Sa
(thinking): "Yeh dehleez paar krte hi...
main voh nhi rhi jo thi. "
("As soon as I cross this threshold...
I am no longer what I was.")
Her feet touched red liquid... step onto white floor.
Footprints followed her-
deep red against white marble.
Clear.
Visible
Permanent.
Aarohi Singh Rathore/FL/Rani Sa
(thinking):"Yeh nishaan sirf pairon ke nhi hai...
jaise meri pehchaan iss Mahal mein likhi jaa rhi ho."
"Par kya yeh meri kahani hai...
Ya kisi aur ka likha hua faisla?"
("These marks aren't just footprints...
It's as if my identity is being written in this palace."
"But is this my story...
Or someone else's decision?")
Veerangna Devi/ML's Grandmother/Rajmata
Lift her veil.
Not out of confusion-
but because everyone knew who would.
Aarohi Singh Rathore/FL/Rani Sa
*Heard Footsteps approaching*
Aryaveer Singh Rathore/ ML/Rana Sa
*Stops in front of her.*
For a brief second -
even time seemed to wait.
Aryaveer Singh Rathore/ ML/Rana Sa
*slowly lifted her veil*
Not hurried.
Not hesitant.
And for the first time-
there was no distance between them.
Aarohi Singh Rathore/FL/Rani Sa
*looks up.*
They stayed-
as if trying to read something beneath what was visible.
Aarohi Singh Rathore/FL/Rani Sa
(thinking): "Yeh pehli baar hai...
jb usne mujhe dekha nhi...
samajhne ki koshish ki hai."
("This is the first time...
that he hasn't looked at me...
he's tried to understand.")
Aryaveer Singh Rathore/ ML/Rana Sa
(thinking):
"Chehra khoobsoorat hona aam baat hai..."
"Par itna theraav...
itni khaamoshi mein himmat..."
"Yeh ladki sirf iss Mahal ka hissa nhi bnegi...
Ya toh ise badal degi...
ya khud badal jayegi."
("Having a beautiful face is common..."
"But so much hesitation...
so much courage in silence..."
"This girl will not only become a part of this palace...
or she will change it...
or she will change herself.")
Aryaveer Singh Rathore/ ML/Rana Sa
*steps back*
And just like that-
the moment ended.
But something had already shifted.
Armaan Khanna/ML's Friend
Alright, enough seriousness. Let's see who wins.
A bowl filled with milk and petals is placed between them.
Yugveer Singh Rathore/ML's Brother/Kuwar
Finally something worth watching.
Aarohi Singh Rathore/FL/Rani Sa
What is this?
Armaan Khanna/ML's Friend
Find the ring. Simple.
Aarohi Singh Rathore/FL/Rani Sa
*glances at Aryaveer*
Aarohi Singh Rathore/FL/Rani Sa
Do you care about winning?
Aryaveer Singh Rathore/ ML/Rana Sa
I don't play to lose.
Both dipped hands into the bowl.
Cold liquid.
Brushed fingers.
A brief contact-
but noticable.
Aarohi Singh Rathore/FL/Rani Sa
*finds the ring first*
Armaan Khanna/ML's Friend
Oh-
Yugveer Singh Rathore/ML's Brother/Kuwar
That was quick.
Insignificant to others-
but not to her
Aryaveer Singh Rathore/ ML/Rana Sa
*watched her quietly*
Veerangna Devi/ML's Grandmother/Rajmata
Rituals are complete.
No celebration.
No softness.
Veerangna Devi/ML's Grandmother/Rajmata
Remember your place.
Aarohi Singh Rathore/FL/Rani Sa
I will
But not the way you expect.
Devendra Rathore/ ML's Father/Maharaj
Let her rest.
Again-
A voice that didn't weigh her down.
Aarohi Singh Rathore/FL/Rani Sa
*walks slowly*
The jewelry felt heavier now.
The lehnga dragged slightly-
but neither compared to what she carried inside.
Aarohi Singh Rathore/FL/Rani Sa
(thinking):
"Aaj Sab badal gya..."
"naam, ghar, rishta..."
"Par main abhi bhi wahi hoon...
Ya main bhi badal rhi hoon?"
("Everything has changed today..."
"Name, home, relationship..."
"But I'm still the same...
Or am I changing too?")
Aryaveer Singh Rathore/ ML/Rana Sa
You handled it well.
Aarohi Singh Rathore/FL/Rani Sa
*turns*
Aarohi Singh Rathore/FL/Rani Sa
I didn't have a choice.
Aryaveer Singh Rathore/ ML/Rana Sa
You had composure.
But not indifference either.
Aarohi Singh Rathore/FL/Rani Sa
Does that matter here?
Aryaveer Singh Rathore/ ML/Rana Sa
(quietly):
"Iss Mahal mein jazbaat pooche nhi jate...
Unhe chupaana sikhaya jaata hai."
"Jo muskura kr bojh utha le...
use Kamzor nhi kehte..."
"Rishte chahe majboori se shuru ho...
Par nibhaane ka tareeka insaan khud Chunta hai."
("In this palace, feelings are not asked...
They are taught to hide them."
"Those who smile and bear the burden...
are not called weak..."
"Relationships may begin with compulsion...
But the way to maintain them is discovered by humans themselves.")
Aarohi Singh Rathore/FL/Rani Sa
(thinking):
"Yeh aadmi utna seedha nhi hai jitna dikhta hai..."
"Shayad iske andar bhi kahaniyaan hai...
jo kbhi kisi ne nhi suni."
("This man isn't as simple as he seems..."
"Perhaps he has stories inside him...
that no one has ever heard.")
Author
Do like and comment if you like my story😕
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