While the guests admired the grandeur of Raghuvanshi Palace, only a few realized that behind every perfect arrangement stood two women who quietly ensured that nothing went unnoticed.
Kranti and Sumitra moved from one corner of the palace to another, checking every detail with care.
Near the service entrance, a long table had been arranged with beautifully wrapped gift hampers for the workers and staff members who had worked tirelessly for the anniversary celebrations.
Kranti personally handed a gift to an elderly gardener.
KRANTI- aap ne hamesha se iss palace ka dhyan rakha hai. Today is our celebration because of people like you.
The old man folded his hands emotionally.
GARDENER- Thank you ma'am.!
A little ahead, Sumitra distributed gifts to the housekeeping staff.
SUMITRA- Please make sure everyone receives one. No one should be left out.
The supervisor nodded.
SUPERVISOR- Don't worry, Ma'am. We have prepared a list.
Sumitra smiled and nodded at her.
SUMITRA- Lists are useful, but appreciation should never depend on a list.
Kranti looked at her and smiled.
KRANTI- That is exactly why everyone loves you.
The two continued walking through the hall, occasionally stopping to instruct the staff.
KRANTI- Serve refreshments to the security personnel outside as well.
Said Kranti to the manager and he nodded to agree.
SUMUTRA- Has the musicians' team been accommodated?
Asked Sumitra as they stopped midway. The manager nodded to agree again.
SUMITRA- Keep extra seating ready for the elderly guests.
For them, hospitality wasn't an event. It was a tradition. To interrupt them another familiar voice came from behind.
"Aunty..."
Both the ladies together turned around to find Ishikaa Rathod, standing along with her father Sanjay Rathod.
Dressed in a graceful lavender dress, Ishikaa carried herself with quiet confidence. While Sanjay too walked in brown color kurta. The moment Sumitra noticed them, her face brightened.
SUMITRA- Sanju.!
He smiled warmly. Both the friends exchanged a smile.
SANJAY- Summi.! It's been too long.
They greeted each other affectionately. Kranti also walked forward.
SUMITRA- haa tum aajkal milte hi kaha ho.?
Sanjay chuckled at her and Ishikaa smile at both of them.
KRANTI- Welcome you two.! We were waiting for you. Aapko aane me kafi late hogaya hai waise.
Sanjay admitted the delay and Ishikaa shook her head in disbelief.
ISHIKAA- aunty, you know dad ki aadat right. Subah subah ghanto tak newspaper padhte beth gaye. Late to hona hi tha.
Kranti and Sumitra laughs at them while Sanjay shook his head sideways.
SANJAY- it's not a normal newspaper. It's business news.
Sanjay defended himself and Ishikaa already rolled her eyes.
ISHIKAA- reading sports columns is his business news.
Kranti and Sumitra again laughs while Sanjay pouts at Ishikaa now. The other moment he looked around the magnificently decorated palace and laughed.
SANJAY- Every year I tell myself the Raghuvanshis cannot possibly outdo themselves.
He looked at the decorations again and then turned towards Kranti and Sumitra.
SANJAY- And every year, I am proven wrong.
Kranti smiled and nodded her head.
KRANTI- You know this family. Nothing is ever done halfway.
Sanjay nodded in agreement before looking around.
SANJAY- Where is Dashrath? I have not seen him since I arrived.
Kranti replied while pointing at the palace.
KRANTI- he is with Sumant. They are discussing a few arrangements and meeting some of the clients.
Sanjay shook his head in disbelief.
SANJAY- That sounds like Dashrath. Even on a day of celebration, work manages to find him.
Kranti laughs and Sumitra smiled in disbelief.
SANJAY- well I will go and meet him. You all carry on.
Sanjay excused himself from the ladies and went to meet Dashrath. Meanwhile, Ishikaa quietly looked around the gathering. Kranti noticed.
KRANTI- Looking for someone, Ishikaa?
Ishikaa turned to look at Kranti.
KRANTI- If you are looking for Ram, he is with his brothers. At the garden.
Ishikaa nodded casually.
ISHIKAA- I just wanted to congratulate him. The office has been so busy these past few weeks that we hardly got time to talk.
Kranti and Sumitra nodded at her together.
SUMITRA- jao jakar mil aao.
Ishikaa smile at the ladies and went from there towards the garden while Kranti keep on looking at her.
KRANTI- I always wonder how graceful Ishikaa is.
Sumitra nodded at her in agreement while Kranti takes a deep breath.
KRANTI- a motherless child, still maturity at her best.
Kranti smile looking at Ishikaa now meeting with Ram and other boys. Sumitra smile at her words.
SUMITRA- she is a good girl. After Sanjay lost Sanjana, Ishikaa was the one taking care of everything.
Sanjana is Sanjay's wife and Ishikaa's mother. Kranti nodded her head simply. Both the women were smiling at Ishikaa when Rishi and Shanta came near them now.
RISHI- badi maa... choti maa...
Kranti and Sumitra turned to look at both of them.
KRANTI- Rishi... had lunch ?
Rishi nodded to agree while Sumitra said now.
SUMITRA- we have packed prashad for Reema bhabhi. Jate time unke liye lete jana.
Said Sumitra politely and Rishi too nodded to agree.
RISHI- actually we are here to take a leave only, we will leave now.
Both the ladies looked surprised while Shanta smile softly.
KRANTI- arey itne jaldi.? Shaam tak to ruk jate...
Kranti said to Rishi while he sighed lightly.
RISHI- badi maa mene half day leave hi liya tha. I have to reach office.
Sumitra smile softly while Kranti still looks unconvinced.
KRANTI- I thought Shanta will stay for tonight here. Wo to ruk sakti hai...
Shanta smile to hear that while Rishi did not say anything for a moment.
SUMITRA- haa, abhi sab relatives bhi hai. Tum dono ruk jate to acha hota.
Sumitra tried to convince while Rishi smile politely.
RISHI- not me choti maa. But let Shanta stay here for tonight.
Shanta became happy and so as Kranti and Sumitra.
RISHI- I will pick her up tomorrow after my office.
Shanta nodded in agreement while Rishi turned back towards Kranti and Sumitra.
RISHI- allow me.
Rishi joined his hands in gesture and both the ladies did the same.
KRANTI- I will ask Raju to hand you prashad.
Raju is one of the workers at the palace. Rishi smile at Kranti and blinks at Shanta for once and turned to leave while Shanta smile happily looking at Kranti and Sumitra.
SHANTA- thank you so much badi maa and choti maa... I wanted to stay back.
Kranti giggles at her while Sumitra smile placing her hand on Shanta's shoulder.
SUMUTRA- just inform Reema bhabhi for once.
Shanta's smile decreased suddenly for a moment and she immediately covered up with a playful smile.
SHANTA- Ishuu didi is there right.? I will go and meet her.
Shanta hurriedly left from there towards the garden while Kranti and Sumitra keep on watching her. They turned towards each other once and shook their head sideways.
**********
The media interaction had concluded, and the grandeur of the celebration slowly gave way to warm conversations among family and friends. Soft instrumental music played in the background as guests mingled across the beautifully decorated lawns of Raghuvanshi Palace.
Standing near the garden pavilion, Dashrath finally found a moment to sit down. Just then, Sanjay walked towards him with a cup of tea in his hand.
SANJAY- do minute chain ki baat ho sakti hai Dashrath Raghuvanshi se.?
Dashrath smiled at him and Sanjay got settled down beside him.
DASHRATH- ahh, there you are!
Sanjay handed the cup of tea to Dashrath while he started taking sips of it already.
DASHRATH- I was beginning to think you have forgotten the way to this palace.
Sanjay laughed and he shook his head to deny.
SANJAY- That's not true. Life has simply become busier.
Dashrath's eyes went wide and Sanjay uplifted his eyebrows.
SANJAY- kya hua.? Chai me shakkar ka pata chala.?
Dashrath gulped down as he went his eyes around to find Kranti.
DASHRATH- you know right Kranti have asked me to cut down sugar.
Sanjay laughs at his whispers and Dashrath shook his head sideways.
DASHRATH- do ghunt achi chai bhi nasib nahi hai aajkal.
Sanjay keep on laughing while Dashrath got back to their conversations.
DASHRATH- ha to tum kya keh rahe the.? You were busy.?
Sanjay nodded to agree and Dashrath sipped another sip from his cup.
DASHRATH- Busy? Or avoiding old friends?
Sanjay shook his head.
SANJAY- Nahi. I have found a new hobby.
Dashrath looked surprised.
DASHRATH- At this age?
Dashrath smirks and Sanjay playfully hits his hand.
SANJAY- Especially at this age.
Dashrath laughs while the securities standing around them too have chuckled to hear.
DASHRATH- And what is this great hobby?
Sanjay replied proudly after he placed his empty cup at the table.
SANJAY- Cycling.
Dashrath blinked in shocked.
DASHRATH- Cycling?
SANJAY- Every morning. Atleast five kilometers without fail.
Dashrath stared at him for a moment before laughing.
DASHRATH- So that is where you have disappeared!
Dashrath keep on laughing at him while Sumant have now entered back waiting for them to complete their talks.
DASHRATH- Here I was thinking business had kept you occupied, while you are out competing with school boys on bicycles.
Sanjay chuckled to hear that.
SANJAY- It keeps the mind fresh and the heart healthy.
Dashrath smiled dramatically.
DASHRATH- Good good.
Before either of them could continue, both of them turned towards Sumant.
DASHRAGH- come Sumant, sit.
Sumant smile at him and got down on the seat in front of them. He was holding an elegantly wrapped wooden box.
SUMANT- This has just arrived for you.
Dashrath accepted the box with curiosity.
DASHRATH- From whom?
Sumant smiled.
SUMANT- From the Rajrishi family.
The moment he heard the name, Dashrath's face lit up. It's not that he heard that name first time. Rajrishis are equally popular in the city. And especially when they have same businesses. Dashrath and Janak have met few times before, but their family have not, yet.!
Dashrath carefully opened the box. Inside rested a beautifully crafted gold-plated idol of Lord Ram and Devi Sita, exquisitely detailed and placed upon a velvet cushion. For a moment, Dashrath simply admired it.
SANJAY- wow it is beautiful.
Sanjay said admiring. Then Dashrath noticed a greeting card tucked beside the idol. He unfolded it and read silently. A gentle smile appeared on his face. Sanjay asked.
SANJAY- What does it say?
Dashrath handed him the card. It read:
"Dear Dashrath ji,
Heartiest congratulations on the 30th anniversary of Raghuvanshi Enterprises.
Thank you for the invitation. But it pains us that we cannot be present to celebrate this remarkable milestone with your family. Please accept our sincere apologies.
May Lord Ram and Devi Sita continue to bless your family with unity, prosperity, and righteousness.
With warm regards,
Janak Rajrishi and Family."
Dashrath smiled affectionately.
DASHRATH- That is just like Janak ji.!
He carefully placed the card back inside. Then he looked at Sumant.
DASHRATH- Why could not they come? I was expecting them today.
Sumant replied respectfully.
SUMANT- Sir, the Rajrishi family is hosting an important annual event of their dance academy tomorrow. Preparations have been underway for weeks, and Janak ji personally conveyed his inability to attend.
Dashrath nodded thoughtfully with a smile.
DASHRATH- I understand.
He looked once again at the idol.
DASHRATH- Even when he cannot come, he makes sure his wishes do.
Sanjay smiled and nodded at him.
SANJAY- That's the kind of person he is.
Dashrath leaned back and spoke with genuine admiration.
DASHRATH- Sumant, make sure to send wishes from our side for their event tomorrow.
Sumant nodded with a smile. While Dashrath turned towards Sanjay.
DASHRATH- Do you know what I respect most about Janak ji.?
Sanjay looked at him..Dashrath continued.
DASHRATH- People call him a successful businessman, and rightly so. But success is not what defines him.
He held the idol carefully in his hands.
DASHRATH- He has built his business without compromising his values. He never lets profit overshadow principles, and no matter how busy he becomes, he never forgets relationships.
Dashrath smile proudly while Sanjay too nodded at him.
SANJAY- they belongs to royals of Rajasthan. Still so grounded.
Dashrath nodded to agree.
DASHRATH- Finding a businessman is easy. Finding a businessman who remains a gentleman is rare.
Sanjay nodded in agreement again.
SANJAY- Perhaps that is why the Rajrishis and the Raghuvanshis have shared such respect over the years.
Dashrath looked once more at the idol of Lord Ram and Devi Sita. With folded hands, he said softly.
DASHRATH- May our families always remain connected through the same values that these idols represent- duty, dignity, and devotion.
Sumant too smiled quietly. He knew that while the city celebrated the success of Raghuvanshi Enterprises, Dashrath valued something even greater-the friendships and principles that had accompanied him through those thirty years.
**********
The sound of typing, ringing telephones, and hurried footsteps echoed through the corridors of Bilaspur police headquarters. Constables moved from one desk to another while a few criminals sat nervously on the wooden benches.
At the center of the commotion stood ACP Pawan Kumar Chaturvedi, the handsome young man dressed in dark blue shirt and black color bottom pants.
Jai jai bajrangbali...
Tod de dushman ki nali...
His sleeves were rolled up, his expression stern, and his eyes fixed on a notorious local criminal who had been creating chaos since his arrest.
Jai jai bajrangbali...
Tod de dushman ki nali...
The man smirked.
CRIMINAL- ACP saab, do you know who you are dealing with?
Pawan folded his arms.
PAWAN- No.
He took a step closer.
PAWAN- But in exactly thirty seconds, you will know who you are dealing with.
The criminal laughed arrogantly. The next moment, Pawan grabbed him by the collar and marched him toward the lockup.
Banda me seedha saadha
Na tera na teen me...
The man struggled.
CRIMINAL- Leave me! I will call my lawyer!
Pawan opened the lockup gate and pushed him inside.
Mere jaisa na hoga
Chand pe na cheen me...
PAWAN- Good.
He dusted his hands calmly.
PAWAN- Ask your lawyer to bring you some patience too. You are going to need it.
The constables standing nearby couldn't suppress their smiles.
Kiya wahi jo mann ko bhaya
Pawan putra hanuman ji ki bhakti me hu leen me...
One of the constable whispered,
CONSTABLE- Sir has his own style.
Pawan looked at the criminal one last time.
Bate na karta badi badi
Koi na maru tadi tadi...
PAWAN- This is a police station, not your neighborhood. Here, your attitude stays outside and you stay inside.
Pawan was about to lock the lockup when the criminal chuckled evilly. Pawan sighed a deep breath and forms a fist of his hand.
Me apni masti me hu mast hu
Duniya dekhe khadi khadi...
Pawan turned around to watch the criminal and gave a tight punch on his right cheek. The lockup echoed with his loud cry.
Rehta hu me bas bajrangbali ji ki hi dhun me hi sada...
As the criminal falls on the floor flat, Pawan takes the steel glass of water which is filled at the corner stool.
Dil bada rakhte hai jaise Hanuman ji ki ho gada...
PAWAN- drink it.!
The criminal immediately takes the glass of water from Pawan and drink it in a go. Pawan locked the gate and handed the keys to a constable. Pawan winks at the constables and they smile back at him.
Jaise Hanuman ji ke seene me tumko siyapati Ram milenge
Seena chir ke dekho mera tumko Hanuman milenge...
Finally, Pawan walked back to his cabin with a smirk. Dropping into his chair, he picked up his phone from the desk. The screen lit up.
"Ram Sir- 3 missed calls"
Pawan's stern expression instantly softened. He smiled to himself.
PAWAN- Three missed calls?
He shakes his head sideways with a smile and without wasting another second, he tapped the call button.
Here, the grand celebration that had kept Raghuvanshi Palace alive since morning has finally came to an end. After the maha aarti, media gathering, official statements, official photographs and unofficial family selfies and photos, the event finally came to an end.!
The media vans had left. The guests had gradually bid their farewells. The workers were busy dismantling decorations while the palace, which had echoed with laughter and conversations throughout the day, slowly returned to its familiar serenity.
A cool evening breeze swept across the gardens. Inside his room, Ram stood on the balcony overlooking the sprawling lawns of the palace. He had changed into a simple white t-shirt and night pants, finally allowing himself a moment of peace after an exhausting day.
Unlike the lavish interiors of Raghuvanshi Palace, Ram's space was luxurious yet simple. His room featured warm ivory walls, polished wooden furniture, and a king-sized bed neatly arranged with crisp white linens. A large bookshelf filled with books on history, business, and philosophy stood beside a well-organized study table, where company files, a laptop, and a family photograph were carefully placed. The highlight of the room was its spacious balcony overlooking the palace gardens. From there, he could see the fountains, flowering pathways, and the temple courtyard, making it his favorite place to unwind after a long day. The room had every comfort imaginable, yet its greatest beauty lay in its simplicity- a perfect reflection of Ram himself.
Ram's phone buzzed at a moment. He picked the phone from the side table where it was placed. The screen displayed-
"Pawan Calling..."
A smile appeared on Ram's face. He quickly answered the call.
RAM- ACP sir finally remembered me?
The cheerful voice from the other end laughed and Ram could hear that.
PAWAN- For you, I am always just Pawan.
Ram smiled and shook his head sideways.
RAM- How is Bilaspur treating you?
Pawan took a long breath and checked with the number of files kept on his table. He is been posted in Bilaspur since past one month now.
PAWAN- The city is fine. The criminals aren't.
Both laughed together. After a moment, Pawan continued.
PAWAN- I watched today's event online. It was indeed a huge event.
Ram smile at his words and Pawan took one of the files while turning the pages.
PAWAN- Congratulations sir. Thirty years of Raghuvanshi Enterprises is no small achievement.
Ram looked at the illuminated palace below, proudly.
RAM- Thank you. It was a long day, but seeing everyone together made it worthwhile.
Pawan sighed in relief.
PAWAN- I wish I could have attended. Mene sabko miss kiya.
He have received the invitation at first place, though Pawan do not require invitations from Raghuvanshis for any event. But "Duty first" were the words from Pawan to Ram.
RAM- I know your duty comes first.
Pawan smile at his words.
PAWAN- Exactly the answer I expected from my mentor.
Ram chuckled all of a sudden.
RAM- don't embarrass me Pawan. Mentor? That's a very big word.
Pawan's tone became sincere this time.
PAWAN- Maybe for you.
There was a brief silence before he continued.
PAWAN- Do you know why I respect you so much?
Ram leaned against the balcony railing.
RAM- Go on.
PAWAN- Because whenever I face a difficult decision, I ask myself one question- 'What would Ram Sir do?'
Ram smiled helplessly. He is not heard that from Pawan for the first time. Ever since they both have met at a charity event few years ago, Pawan has been became a fan of Ram's ideologies.
RAM- That is a dangerous habit.
Ram laughed at himself and he heard an immediate denial.
PAWAN- No.
Pawan's voice carried conviction.
PAWAN- When I first joined the police service, everyone told me that ideals don't survive in the real world. They said compromise is inevitable.
He paused for a moment and remembered the day he met Ram.
PAWAN- Then I met you.
Ram listened quietly.
PAWAN- You never preached. You never lectured. You simply lived by your principles. Watching that taught me more than any academy ever could.
Ram laughed softly while Pawan's smile increased.
PAWAN- People say every officer needs a good senior. I say I found something better- a good friend and a mentor.
For a moment, Ram didn't respond. He felt out of the world to have such a friend in his life. Finally, he said.
RAM- If I have ever guided you, it's only because someone guided me before that. None of us walks alone.
Pawan smiled on the other end.
PAWAN- That's exactly why everyone respects and loves you.
Both of them smile at that.
PAWAN- by the way, sab kaise hai.? Everything went smooth.?
Pawan have asked about today's function and Ram took a long breath before he starts.
RAM- all good. Papa was proud, maa was emotional, choti maa was happy. Aur wo teen... tumhe to pata hi hai.!
Pawan laughs as Ram have dramatically said about his brothers.
PAWAN- Some things never change.
Ram looked down into the palace gardens while listening. Then his expression softened. Walking slowly along the stone pathway was Sumitra. The celebrations were over, yet she was still checking whether every decoration had been cleared properly and whether the staff had eaten before leaving. Even after an entire day's work, she carried herself with quiet responsibility.
Ram watched her silently. Pawan noticed the sudden pause.
"Hello sir..."
Ram blinks his eyes to hear Pawan's words.
RAM- Hmm? Haa...
PAWAN- I asked about your dinner.
Ram sighed and smile looking at Sumitra.
RAM- I had... waise Pawan I will have to call you later.
Said Ram suddenly and Pawan narrowed his eyes softly.
PAWAN- Everything alright?
Ram's eyes remained fixed on Sumitra.
RAM- Yes. Someone I care about is still taking care of everyone else.
Pawan understood immediately. He smiled.
PAWAN- Go. But take care of yourself too. Mentors need looking after as well.
Ram laughed softly. While Pawan too smile at his own words.
RAM- I will remember that. Good night.
PAWAN- Good night, sir.!
The call disconnected. Ram slipped his phone into his pocket and continued looking toward the garden.
Below, Sumitra instructed a worker to take the remaining sweets home for his children. The worker folded his hands gratefully. Ram smiled to himself and whispered.
RAM- Some people don't realize that they become the heart of a family simply by caring for everyone else.
Without another thought, he turned and walked out of his room to meet Sumitra downstairs. The palace had grown quiet. But the eldest Raghuvanshi son knew there was still one person who would not rest until every member of the household had been looked after.
**********
**********
Thank you.!
Rajrishis coming up next.!
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