The Raghuvanshi palace had finally fallen silent. The lights that had dazzled the city of Mumbai all day now glowed softly against the night sky. The workers had left, the guests had departed, and only the gentle sound of the fountain could be heard in the gardens.
SUMITRA- Dhananjay... Take these mattresses inside.
Sumitra instructed one of the staff member who is busy taking the left over dry wastage bags towards the dump area.
SUMITRA- we have to dry clean it.
Sumitra said looking at the faint stains all over and Dhananjay nodded to agree.
DHANANJAY- sure ma'am. I will do that. Kal hi karwa deta hu.
Sumitra smile at him and the worker continued the work he was doing. Sumitra took a long breath and sat alone on a stone bench, looking at the moonlit pathways. She got that light smile crept on her lips as in the beautiful sky is having a conversation with her.
SUMITRA- time like this always feels empty without you.!
Sumitra said in a whisper and she smile at the twinkling stars. Just then, she heard familiar footsteps. She turned at her back and found Ram walking toward her, carrying two steaming cups of coffee.
SUMITRA- hey bhagwan.! Mujhe do minute bhi akele bethne ko milega ya nahi.?
Sumitra said dramatically and Ram chuckled at her.
RAM- not possible in this birth.
Sumitra giggles at him and Ram handed one coffee mug to her.
SUMITRA- waise I knew I would find you here.
Ram smiled at her and got comfortably seated beside her.
RAM- And I knew you would refuse to sleep before checking on everyone.
She looked at him and shook her head.
SUMITRA- You have been on your feet since morning. Go and get some rest.
Ram took a sip of his coffee and looks at her with his narrowed eyes.
RAM- Only if you promise to do the same.
Sumitra laughed softly while she took a sip of the coffee.
SUMITRA- mmm... wonderful.!
Ram uplifts his one eyebrow with a smile as Sumitra have praised the coffee prepared by him.
SUMITRA- sometimes I wonder, tumne MBA ke jagah hotel management kyu nahi kiya.
Ram looks at her in confusion with a smile and Sumitra sighed before she continues.
SUMITRA- you prepare such a good food stuffs. You could have become a chef.
Ram laughs at her and Sumitra too joins him.
RAM- You are impossible choti maa...
SUMITRA- I learned from the best.
Said Sumitra immediately and Ram shook his head sideways looking at her. The two sat quietly for a while, watching the palace. After a few moments, Ram spoke.
RAM- Today was beautiful.
Sumitra turned to look at him for once and then nodded to agree.
SUMITRA- Everyone was happy.
Ram again nodded and his smile increased for a moment.
RAM- Even Shatrughan behaved himself for at least ten minutes.
Both laughed together and Sumitra added immediately.
SUMITRA- also, we could breath without Lakshman's shayaris for a change.
Again both of them laughed with Ram placing his hand on his chest and Sumitra wiping the small tear around her eyes.
SUMITRA- hey bhagwan.! Crazy family.!
Said Sumitra with a light smile and Ram looks at her. Her smile was there, but her eyes seemed distant.
RAM- you miss chote papa today right.?
Ram asked gently, and Sumitra's smile increased. For a moment, Sumitra did not answer. She looked at the illuminated palace before speaking. A faint smile appeared on her face.
SUMITRA- Some people never leave, Ram. Wo hamesha rehte hai.
Ram remained silent. She continued after a while.
SUMITRA- jab meri aur Yuvraj ki shaadi hui thi, tab we had just a small shop at that time.
Ram smile at Sumitra as she went back into the past memories.
SUMITRA- chotasa business start kiya tha Dashrath bhaiya aur Yuvraj ne. Just a small store with big dreams.
Her voice grew softer. And Ram looks proud somewhere about how in these years they have build an empire.!
SUMITRA- Dashrath bhaiya and Yuvraj did everything to build this one shop. We all were having many hopes and dreams connected to it.
Sumitra breath a heavy breath and Ram nodded at her. He is aware of their past struggles- struggles of his family.
SUMITRA- One evening, a fire broke out in the shop.
Ram listened quietly. And Sumitra took her whole time to continue. She is staring at an unknown point in front of her.
SUMITRA- Everyone ran outside in panic. But your chote papa...
She smiled proudly through moist eyes.
SUMITRA- instead of saving himself, he went back inside. Because some of our employees were still trapped.
She took a deep breath. And Ram got some emotions stuck into his throat. He placed his hand on Sumitra's hand she smile looking at him for once.
SUMITRA- Yuvraj managed to help them escape.
Then her voice almost became a whisper.
SUMITRA- But he could not save himself.
The garden fell silent. Only the sound of leaves moving in the breeze remained. Ram slowly tapped his hand over hers. Sumitra smile with a deep breath.
SUMITRA- People called him a businessman. But he always believed that a business could be rebuilt.
She stopped and looked toward the palace.
SUMITRA- A human life couldn't.
Ram smile proudly somewhere while Sumitra still had those tears in her eyes.
RAM- Please don't let these memories make you sad.
Sumitra looked at him with affection.
SUMITRA- I am not sad.
Sumitra wipes her tears immediately.
RAM- Then why do your eyes still search for him?
She smiled, this time with quiet acceptance.
SUMITRA- Because love doesn't disappear when a person does.
Ram remained silent. Sumitra turned to face him and continued.
SUMITRA- People think time makes you forget. But no, time teaches you how to live with memories.
Ram smile sadly and Sumitra placed her hand over her heart.
SUMITRA- Yuvraj may no longer walk beside me...but he still lives here.
Sumitra smile happily at Ram and he keep on staring at the strong lady in front of him.
SUMITRA- And as long as he is here, he can never truly be gone.
Ram looked at her with admiration. He smiled softly. Sumitra noticed.
RAM- I hope one day I understand love the way you do.
Sumitra looked at him for a moment before laughing gently.
SUMITRA- You will.
Ram raised an eyebrow and Sumitra nodded to agree.
SUMITRA- One day, you will meet a girl whose presence will make ordinary days feel extraordinary.
Ram smile at her words and he finally completes his coffee placing the mug beside him.
SUMITRA- Her happiness will become your happiness, her pain will become your concern, and without realizing it, you will begin carrying a part of her heart along with your own.
Ram looks at her with a hopefull smile and she smiled back at him knowingly.
SUMITRA- And on that day, you will understand that true love isn't about grand words. It's about never really leaving someone's heart, even when life changes everything.
Ram looked at the stars above and smiled.
RAM- Then I hope, when that day comes...I am worthy of that kind of love.
Sumitra affectionately patted his shoulder.
SUMITRA- You won't have to become worthy of it, Ram.
Ram looks at her again.
SUMITRA- The right person will simply see the goodness that is already within you.
The two sat together in comfortable silence, sipping their coffee beneath the moonlit sky- one carrying cherished memories of a love that never faded, the other unknowingly waiting for a love that had yet to begin.!
**********
The first rays of the sun next day slowly emerged from behind Mumbai's skyline, bathing the white marble facade of Rajrishi Mansion in a soft golden glow. Dewdrops sparkled on the perfectly trimmed lawns, and the fountains in the front courtyard shimmered like liquid silver.
Unlike the noisy streets beyond its gates, the mansion woke to a rhythm of peace and discipline. The morning sun had barely risen over the skyline of Mumbai when this royal residence awakened to a day of celebration. At the opposite end of the city, nestled amidst acres of private gardens and hidden behind towering sandstone walls, stood the magnificent Rajrishi Mansion- the Mumbai residence of the Royal Rajrishi family of Janakpur, Rajasthan.
Their motto, engraved in Sanskrit on the entrance arch, read:
"धनं आरामं अर्जयति, मूल्यानि सम्मानं अर्जयन्ति"
Meaning-
"Wealth earns comfort, values earn respect."
A massive iron gate embossed with the royal crest opened onto a long driveway lined with palm trees and fountains. Beyond it stood the palace-like mansion, built from ivory marble and pink sandstone, crowned with elegant domes and intricately carved balconies.
Inside were, A majestic central courtyard. A private temple with a silver idol of Lord Ram and Devi Sita. A grand library filled with rare manuscripts and business archives. Art galleries displaying generations of royal heirlooms. Landscaped gardens with lotus ponds and marble pathways. Every corridor reflected refinement rather than extravagance.
Unlike many elite households, the mansion was not filled with chaos. The day had begun with prayers in the temple. Temple bells echoed softly while the fragrance of sandalwood and jasmine spread through the halls.
Inside, the household had already come to life. House staff, dressed in elegant cream-colored uniforms with the Rajrishi crest embroidered on their jackets, moved efficiently through the corridors. Some polished the brass lamps, others arranged fresh flowers in crystal vases, while a few prepared the grand courtyard for the annual function of Janaki Dance Academy.
In the kitchens, chefs prepared breakfast for family members and guests. The palace kitchens were filled with warmth and delicious aromas. Giant brass vessels simmered with saffron milk, while chefs prepared stuffed parathas, fresh fruits, dry fruits, poha, upma, and traditional Rajasthani delicacies. Silver trays were neatly arranged for the family breakfast, and cooks discussed the menu for the guests. House staff moved efficiently, following a schedule perfected over years. No one raised their voice. Everything functioned with quiet precision.
On the upper floors, sunlight streamed through carved jharokha windows, creating intricate patterns on the polished marble floors. The corridors were decorated with paintings of classical dancers, musicians, and the Rajrishi ancestors, reminding everyone of the family's deep connection to Indian culture.
Today was the annual celebration of Janaki Dance Academy, the small institution established by the Rajrishi family, rather the eldest daughter of the family, to preserve and promote Indian dance. For the family, this event was more important than corporate galas or business awards.
The entire central courtyard had been transformed into a breathtaking venue. A beautifully crafted wooden stage stood at one end, framed with fresh marigolds, jasmine garlands, and brass lamps.
Above the stage hung an elegant banner:
"JANAKI DANCE ACADEMY- Annual Cultural Celebration"
Behind it, a hand-painted backdrop depicted Goddess Saraswati blessing young dancers. Rows of cream and gold chairs were arranged neatly for guests. Crystal lanterns hung from the arches, while thousands of diyas were placed around the courtyard to be lit in the evening.
The courtyard was alive with activity. Young students practiced Kathak spins, their ghungroos creating a rhythmic melody against the marble floor. Another group rehearsed Bharatanatyam under the guidance of senior dancers. Musicians tuned the tabla, sitar, flute, and harmonium while sound technicians checked every microphone. Decorators adjusted flower arrangements. Volunteers organized trophies, certificates, and welcome kits. The event management team reviewed seating plans for distinguished guests from the worlds of business, culture, and the arts.
As the clock approached eight in the morning, Rajrishi Mansion stood vibrant and alive-a home where immense wealth met timeless values, and where the day was beginning not with haste, but with harmony, culture, and anticipation for the grand annual celebration of Janaki Dance Academy.
For a few moments, everything else faded into the background. A dignified man dressed in an ivory kurta with a cream embroidered shawl stood before the stage, his hands folded behind his back. His eyes rested on the banner where Janaki Dance Academy was written, and a quiet smile appeared on his face. He is Janak Rajrishi.
His expression was not one of pride in wealth or status but of fulfillment. He looked at the banner with quiet pride, his eyes reflecting countless memories. A gentle smile appeared on his face.
An event manager approached him.
MANAGER- Sir, should we make any changes to the backdrop?
Janak shook his head to deny, still staring at the name.
JANAK- No. This academy isn't my achievement.
The manager looked confused. Janak smiled softly.
JANAK- It belongs to my eldest daughter. She built it with her dedication, and today all my daughters carry that responsibility together.
The manager smile at him and Janak turned to look at him.
JANAK- I merely had the privilege of supporting their dream.
The manager nodded respectfully and walked away. Janak continued watching as dozens of students practiced their performances. Some adjusted their ghungroos, while others rehearsed expressions before mirrors placed backstage.
Every corner of the courtyard reflected discipline and love for art.
Janak watched it all with satisfaction.
JANAK- Every year, it feels like watching a family grow.
Janak said to himself with a deep sigh of relief.
A familiar voice interrupted his thoughts.
"And every year you pretend you are not emotional about it."
Janak turned and chuckled. Walking toward him was Kushal Rajrishi, dressed in a maroon bandh gala, holding a tablet in one hand and a file in the other. Even amid preparations, his composed personality remained unchanged.
KUSHAL- You have been standing here for almost fifteen minutes.
Janak laughed at his younger brother.
JANAK- And I could stand here for another hour.
Kushal looked at the banner and nodded to agree.
KUSHAL- I know.
After a brief silence, he said.
KUSHAL- The academy has come a long way. Though only three years of it, still.!
Janak nodded to agree.
JANAK- I still remember the day she came to me with this idea. Kitna khush thi na wo.?
Kushal smiled to think of the person Janak is referring to.
JANAK- Everyone thought it would be a small dance class. How come a leading business people could form a small dance class.?
Janak said with a shook of disbelief and Kushal smile at him.
JANAK- And today, this Dance Academy has became a school. Where these students performs for charity.
He looked around the courtyard. Kushal looks equally proud of that.
JANAK- she established Janaki Dance Academy with the vision of preserving our traditions. But what makes me happiest is that none of my daughters treated it as a business.
Kushal agreed with a happy nod.
JANAK- They treat it as their responsibility.
KUSHAL- exactly, one looks after administration, another mentors students, another manages cultural collaborations, and another ensures every child who enters this academy feels like family.
Kushal folded his arms dramatically and Janak laughs at him.
JANAK- And together, they have made it one of the finest institutions for classical dance.
Janak's eyes shone with pride. And Kushal immediately added.
KUSHAL- aur iske saath saath they have developed interest in family business too.
Kushal looks more proud and Janak nodded at him happily. Both of them went silent for a while and turned towards the decorations and preparations.
KUSHAL- It looks beautiful.
Janak nodded.
JANAK- It isn't the decorations that make it beautiful. It's the dedication behind them.
Kushal smiled at him.
KUSHAL- I knew you would say something philosophical.
Both of them stood silently for a moment, watching students rehearse. After checking a few notes, Kushal looked toward Janak.
KUSHAL- There is another piece of good news.
Janak glanced at him and Kushal replied.
KUSHAL- This morning, a special consignment arrived.
Janak looks confused and Kushal answered him.
KUSHAL- It has been sent by Dashrath Raghuvanshi on behalf of the Raghuvanshi family.
Janak's eyes brightened.
JANAK- Oh?
Kushal nodded and forwards the greeting card towards Janak.
KUSHAL- A magnificent bronze Murti of Lord Nataraj. Along with it came a handwritten message conveying his best regards and blessings for today's annual celebration.
Janak's smile widened. He takes the card from Kushal and started reading it-
"Dear Janak Ji,
Thank you for sending your wises.!
May Janaki Dance Academy continue to preserve the soul of our culture and inspire generations through art.
With our heartfelt regards and best wishes.
The Raghuvanshi Family.
Jai Siya Ram!"
Janak smile to read every line of the greeting card.
JANAK- That is exactly like Dashrath ji.
For a brief moment, both men stood in respectful silence.
KUSHAL- The Raghuvanshis have immense wealth and influence, yet they remain grounded. They never forget relationships.
Janak looked toward the stage where young dancers practiced with determination.
JANAK- That is why our families have shared respect for generations. Empires rise through success, but they endure through character.
Kushal nodded again and Janak spoke with warmth.
JANAK- Some relationships are maintained through formal invitations. Others are maintained through mutual respect.
Kushal agreed.
KUSHAL- The Raghuvanshis have never forgotten our family, no matter how busy their lives become.
Janak nodded thoughtfully.
JANAK- They possess extraordinary wealth, influence, and success, yet they carry themselves with dignity. That is rare.
Janak smiled.
JANAK- The world often admires powerful families for what they own.
He looked toward the stage again.
JANAK- I admire the Raghuvanshis for what they value.
Kushal folded his arms.
KUSHAL- Our families may lead different enterprises, but the principles remain the same- honor your word, respect tradition, and stand beside those you call your own.
Janak nodded to agree completely.
Just then, a group of little dancers ran across the courtyard, their ghungroos jingling as they hurried to rehearsal. Their innocent laughter echoed through the mansion. The two men looked at them and smiled.
Janak said softly.
JANAK- Business empires can be built in decades. Legacies like these take generations.
And with renewed enthusiasm, both of them walked toward the stage, ready to oversee the final preparations for what promised to be one of the most memorable celebrations in the history of Janaki Dance Academy.
**********
While the courtyard outside echoed with the rhythmic sound of ghungroos and rehearsals, the inside of Rajrishi Mansion was bustling with preparations.
Servants moved gracefully through the grand corridors carrying flower baskets, silver trays, and decorative lamps. The fragrance of fresh jasmine and sandalwood filled the air, while chefs in the royal kitchen prepared delicacies for the guests. Florists climbed ladders to adjust the last strings of jasmine around the grand staircase. The housekeeping staff carefully polished the marble floors until they gleamed like mirrors.
In the middle of all this activity walked a graceful woman in an elegant orange color silk saree, her diamond bangles softly clinking as she moved from one room to another. She is Sunaina Rajrishi, the gracious lady of the house. Despite her gentle nature, she looked visibly restless today. She walked from one end of the hall to the other, stopping every few steps.
SUNAINA- Has the welcome desk been arranged?
Sunaina asked one of the workers and he nodded to agree.
WORKER- Yes, Ma'am.
Sunaina nodded and she thinks another query to ask.
SUNAINA- And the guest rooms?
WORKER- They are ready.
The worker said immediately and Sunaina again nodded quietly. Again her eyes grew wide and she put another question.
SUNAINA- What about the bouquets and welcome gifts for the chief guests?
The worker looked baffled. He searches for the answer and Sunaina looks at him in confusion.
WORKER- They are on the way.
The worker immediately searches for his supervisor while Sunaina frowned.
SUNAINA- On the way? They should have been here already.
Before the staff member could answer, she turned toward another employee.
SUNAINA- The musicians' refreshments have been sent?
The employee nodded in agreement and Sunaina sighed in relief.
SUNAINA- And the children participating today?
EMPLOYEE- they have been served breakfast.
She nodded, but her mind had already moved to the next concern.
SUNAINA- hey bhagwan! The guests will start arriving soon, and there is still so much to check.
The nearby staff exchanged knowing smiles. Everyone in the mansion knew that Sunaina was one of the kindest people they had ever met. She never raised her voice out of anger or arrogance. She simply cared so deeply that she worried about every little detail herself.
SUNAINA- The stage...the seating...the hospitality desk... Why does everything happen at the last minute?
Sunaina shook her head sideways when her eyes falls on the direction of pathway from the kitchen from where she witnessed Chandra Rajrishi making her entry.
CHANDRA- Because if everything were finished early, you wouldn't know what to worry about.
Dressed in a simple yet elegant pink pastel saree, she walked with an unhurried smile, holding a cup of tea.
CHANDRA- If you keep walking at this speed, you will inspect the entire mansion before breakfast.
Where Sunaina carried urgency, Chandra carried serenity yet strictness. She stood beside Sunaina and quietly handed her the cup. Sunaina looked at it.
SUNAINA- I don't want any tea.
Chandra replied with complete composure.
CHANDRA- Exactly why you need it.
Sunaina sighed but accepted it. Chandra shook her head in disbelief.
CHANDRA- didi you are checking every corner of the mansion again?
Sunaina stopped sipping her tea and looks at Chandra in amusement.
SUNAINA- Again? Chandra, guests are arriving soon, and workers are still preparing decorations.
Chandra glanced around. Everything looked perfectly organized. She smiled.
CHANDRA- I see decorations. I see unfinished work. I see people working. I see people working slowly.
Chandra couldn't help but laugh. She gently held Sunaina's hand.
CHANDRA- Please relax didi. Everything will be managed.
Sunaina sighed completely and both the women placed the empty cups on the tray a worker was holding in front of them.
SUNAINA- I don't understand how you are so calm.
Chandra smiled.
CHANDRA- itne saalo se aapke saath hu, kisi ko to calm banna padega na.
Sunaina looked around again and couldn't help smiling. For a few moments, they watched the staff working. Then Sunaina suddenly remembered something.
SUNAINA- The annual function happens once a year, and half the family is nowhere to be found.
Chandra uplifted her eyes looking at Sunaina and she shook her head sideways.
SUNAINA- kaha hai iss ghar ki rajkumariya.?
Chandra laughed at the words while Sunaina keep on looking worried.
SUNAINA- I have not seen even one of them since morning.
Chandra pretended to think. Sunaina waited impatiently.
CHANDRA- Hmm... I told you long ago not to expect your daughters to stay in one place on a day like this.
Chandra smiled mischievously. And Sunaina rolled her eyes in disbelief.
CHANDRA- They are flying birds. Exactly what your devar calls them- chehkti hui chidiyaa.!
Sunaina blinked with a soft smile and Chandra shook her head sideways.
CHANDRA- No one knows where they are.
Sunaina and Chandra looks at each other when they found one of the young girl student running over the staircase.
SUNAINA- suno Veena...
Veena turned to look at Sunaina and Chandra and respectfully walks towards them.
VEENA- yes ma'am.?
SUNAINA- wo chaaro kaha hai.?
Asked Sunaina and Veena smile at her before she starts with her long words.
VEENA- One must be with the students. Another is probably checking costumes. The third is likely discussing stage arrangements. And the fourth...
Veena paused dramatically. While Sunaina looks at her in confusion and Chandra looks while controlling her laugh.
VEENA- the fourth ...has probably started solving someone else's problem.
Sunaina shook her head. And Chandra burst into a huge laugh.
VEENA- They don't stay in one place for even five minutes.
Said Veena and she runs from there to continue her work while Chandra turned to look at Sunaina back.
SUNAINA- same story.!
Muttered Sunaina while Chandra nodded.
CHANDRA- and every time, by the end of the evening, you proudly tell everyone that your daughters managed the entire event flawlessly.
Sunaina smile at her, this time feeling proud. She shook her head sideways.
SUNAINA- They learned that from Janak.
Chandra smile happily.
SUNAINA- but what about the habit of making me worry?
CHANDRA- They learned that from you.
For a second, Sunaina tried to look offended, but both women burst into laughter.
Their personalities were different- Sunaina was affectionate and constantly concerned that everything should be perfect, while Chandra faced every situation with patience and quiet confidence.
Yet everyone in Rajrishi Mansion knew that together, they were the heart of the family- one ensuring that nothing was overlooked, and the other ensuring that no one forgot to smile.
**********
**********
Thank you.!
Make way for the flying birds of Rajrishi family. 🥰
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