When Jivika and Shivansh returns to the palace, everyone is already waiting for them in the living room. Ritika is the first one to rush to them as she was very worried about her bestie's condition.

"Are you okay?" That's the first thing Ritika asks standing in front of Jivika who only nods her head in response.

"Ritu, let them sit first. Both of you come and sit here on the couch." Raghuvendra says.

Jivika and Shivansh sits down on the couch as per Dadaji's order before they are given water to drink. While Shivansh just takes a few sips, Jivika gulps down all the water in a go.

"Have you told her about my decision, Shivansh?" Raghuvendra asks looking at his grandson.

"Yes, Dadaji and we are ready to get married." Shivansh replies making everyone smile except two people.

One is Jivika who is still processing everything that has happened in the span of a few hours. Two is Ritika who is worried for her bestie's happiness because she has promised herself that she will always look after Jivika's well-being.

"Jiji, let's go and get sweets for everyone." Radhika says in excitement and then goes to the kitchen along with Aaradhya to get sweets.

"I want to get changed." Jivika says getting up from the couch.

"Go beta and get fresh." Raghuvendra replies smiling at Jivika who quickly walks away from everyone.

After reaching her room, she closes the door and throw herself on the bed. A few seconds later her whole body starts quivering while fat tears roll fown her face. She bites her lips to control her tears but nothing seems to work in her favour.

She doesn't know if the decision she has taken is correct or not. Because since childhood she has seen how a widow lives her life after the death of her husband. But she has given such a big opportunity to resolve her life with someone else, still her mind is stuck on the customs she has learnt in her village.

In this one month, she has also seen a lot of things which is forbidden in her village. But she is not someone who voice out her thoughts and also because she doesn't want to disappoint anyone here. However, this second marriage thing is messing up with her mind very badly.

She is still trying to process that a real King wants to marry her who is a nobody, a widow. Won't it tarnish his reputation in front of everyone? Won't he feel disgusted to be with someone who is so less in everything in front of him? Won't he feel ashamed to introduce her as his wife?

There are so many questions roaming inside her head but there is no single answer for them. She doesn't even know who to ask all these questions because she doesn't want anyone to worry.

"Jivi, can I come inside?" Jivika hears the voice of her best friend from outside the door. So, she quickly wipes her tears with her palms and opens the door.

Ritika walks inside the room and takes Jivika's hands in her before both of them settle on the bed.

"Now tell me the truth. Why did you accept the marriage proposal?" Ritika asks with a serious tone.

"Because I want to fulfill Dadaji's wish." Jivika replies truthfully.

"Jivi, this is your life so you should only think about yourself. You should not decide to get married just to fulfill someone's wish. You should get married if you want to get married from your heart. You're still very young, so don't rush while taking any important decision of your life." Ritika says making Jivika looks at her with moist eyes.

"I want to be selfish for the first time in my life, Riti." Jivika replies wiping her tears.

"What do you mean?" Ritika asks with confusion.

"Yes, it's true that I have agreed to marry your brother because of the fulfillment of Dadaji's wish. But there is a selfish motive behind my decision. I am too selfish to let go of this family who have accepted without caring about my background, my lack of education, my lack of knowledge of modern society. I want to become a permanent member of this family and call it mine like everyone of you do." Jivika replies honestly and for the first time Ritika Singh Rathore has tears in her eyes.

Ritika doesn't say anything just pulls Jivika in her arms hugging her tightly. Because she is too overwhelmed after hearing everything that she doesn't know how to control the tears that are trying to escape the boundaries of her eyes. But she does because she needs to be the stronger one to console her already crying bestie.

"You're already a permanent member of this family, Jivi. But I am happy to hear that you want to be selfish because believe me being selfish for good reasons are not bad." Ritika mumbles kissing the crown of Jivika's head.

👑

It's been two days since the marriage between Shivansh and Jivika has gotten fixed. Today the Kul Purohit means the family preast will come to fixed the date of marriage. Also, it's a ritual to match the Kundali of both bride and groom to see how their marriage life would be and for that Aaradhya has already sent the needed details of Shivansh and Jivika to the priest.

Everyone in the family have already started to plan how they're going to do the decorations, how many guests will be invited, what types of cuisines will be included in the food items etc.

Finally, after lunch the Kul Purohit arrives in the palace. Everyone settle down in the living room including Shivansh who at first wasn't ready to be home saying he had important meeting. But then his grandfather kind of forced him to be present.

"Raghuvendra Ji, I have seen both Kundali and I have to say that they're like match made in heaven. All 36 gunas are matching in their Kundalis." The Kul Purohit says with a big smile while.

"Really, Purohit Ji?" Aaradhya asks feeling happy.

"Yes, Rajmata. They are perfect for each other. Not only that, the girl you have chosen for our King is going to be the best Queen of this kingdom. Even in the future, no one will be able to suppress her. She will be the epitome of kindness but when needed she will turn fierce to protect her people. She will be known for her charitable nature towards the needy but she will not spare anyone who will try to backstab her family. She will grace this kingdom with prosperity, warmth and happiness. Above of all, she will be the perfect life partner for our King who will guide him when he will hesitate to take any decision regarding the well-being of the kingdom." The Kul Purohit narrates while looking satisfied.

On the other hand, Jivika doesn't want to believe a single word that the family priest have said. Because she is nothing like whatever he just said. She is a coward who only knows how to obey orders. Then how can she become the best queen? There's must be something wrong or the family priest is lying.

"Then I will say that my choice is perfect for my grandchild. Now Purohit Ji, tell us the best date for the wedding." Raghuvendra remarks feeling proud of his decision because he has already guessed it before that no one can be better wife and queen than Jivika for Shivansh.

"The next day of Full Moon will be the perfect day for the wedding which means you have 22 days in your hands from tomorrow onwards." The Kul Purohit suggests.

"Although it's very near but we will definitely manage, correct everyone?" Pratap says looking at everybody who nods their heads in agreement.

"Then it's fixed. On the the next full moon, Shivansh and Jivika will get married." Aaradhya declares smiling brightly.

👑

In the night time when everyone has gone to their respective rooms to sleep, Shivansh hears a few knocks on his door. So, he closes the laptop where he has been working for sometime and goes to open the door. Upon opening the door, he sees his father standing there.

"Can I come in?" Pratap asks.

"Of course, Papa." Shivansh replies and moves to let his father walk inside.

"Is there something important you need to talk?" Shivansh asks because it's not everyday his father comes to his room, also at this time of the night.

"Come here and sit beside me." Pratap says petting the side of the couch where he is sitting already. Shivansh does as he is told and wait for his father to starts talking.

"You know right that by getting married you're taking a huge responsibility on your shoulders?" Pratap asks.

"Yes, I am aware of that." Shivansh replies.

"Shivansh, you're an responsible man and I don't have any single doubt about that. Because I know how you have been raised by your elders. But today I am not here as your father, I am here as Jivika's father to talk to you." Pratap says with no joke in his tone.

"What do you mean?" Shivansh asks not understanding anything.

"Shivansh every girl think of her father as her superhero because for her no one can be better than her father. But Jivika doesn't have that father in her life so I am sure she doesn't know how it likes to be pampered by a father. So, I am here as her father to tell you that don't try to hurt my daughter or you know I can still beat you in fight. If I see a tear escape her eyes because of you then you have to face my wrath. She may not be my daughter by blood but since the moment she has walked in the palace, I have regarded her as my daughter. So, think before doing any bad behaviour with her." Pratap warns looking at his son's eyes who is looking at his father with wide eyes.

"Damn! Papa, you don't have to sound so scary." Shivansh remarks hearing his father's words.

"I am seriously not joking with you. I know how angry you can get but don't let your anger become a obstacles in your marriage life. Continue with your therapy sessions if you need but be a responsible husband to your wife." Pratap replies.

"You don't have to worry, Papa. I know at first I wasn't ready for the marriage but then I realised that you guys can never select the wrong girl for me. Also, Jivika is a nice girl hence I have accepted Dadaji's decision. About my anger issues, I have been controlling it nicely for years but still I think I can't control it I will definitely seek help from my therapist." Shivansh assures with a small smile.

"Okay, then I will be leaving. Because your mother has ordered me to go shopping with her tomorrow. So, it's better if I sleep as much as I can to be able to cope up with your mother's shopping spree." Pratap says getting up from the couch while Shivansh chuckles feeling bad for his father knowing how excited his mother can get during shopping.

"Goodnight, Papa." Shivansh says.

"Goodnight, son." Pratap replies petting his son on the shoulder and then leaves the room.

Shivansh locks the room and then gets on his bed putting his laptop on his lap. But no matter what he can't concentrate on his work. So, he closes the laptop and puts it aside.

He closes his eyes trying to sleep but he abruptly opens his eyes because the moment he closes his eyes Jivika's face appears in front of him. He wipes his face with his palms feeling frustrated not knowing what's wrong with him.

Just then he remembers the words of the family priest. At first, he wasn't ready to believe anything whatever the priest was saying. But then he remembered the day of Holi, how the gulal meant for Mahadev fell on Jivika out of his hands. Does that mean Mahadev himself was giving hint for Jivika to be his life partner? Or why the gulal, especially red gulal fell on her. Does it mean that Mahadev wants the marriage to happen?

So many unanswered questions he has but he doesn't know whom to ask. Maybe it will be better if he doesn't think much and let things happen on their own. It's not like he is doing anything wrong or without his family's knowledge. So, he should sleep and concentrate on his work because he is sure if the rituals of wedding gets started, his mother won't let him go to his company. With that thought in mind, he drifts into sleep.