ARA’S POV
‘I, on the other hand, used to think she was such a dutiful daughter. Who does not even want to know anything about that guy because she trusts our elders so much?’ I laugh internally at my thoughts.
“Ara, I know this all is too much for you, but trust me, he is a wonderful boy. I have seen him grow up. He is very sharp, and I am sure he must have seen some good qualities in you. That’s why he has chosen you.” Grandpa looks at me and speaks.
“No, grandpa, he just wanted to take revenge on me because I said no to him. That’s why he has chosen Ara, or else tell me what he will see in her in two hours.” She says this, making a disgusting face.
Hearing her, I suddenly felt dejected. I felt like I was a toy and someone had chosen me because he could not get the other one.
Or am I a replacement for Sanya?
Or was he forced to choose any of us because of Grandfather and Grandpa’s friendship?
These thoughts made my mood sour.
I started feeling dizzy. I stood up and went to drink the water after walking straight to my room. I don’t want to see anyone’s face. A knock has broken my trance as I open the door and notice Sanya standing. I let her in as I walked ahead into the room and stood in the corner, looking out the window.
I am sorry, Ara. You have to become my replacement, but don’t worry, I will talk to our grandfather and tell him you are not ready for this.” The word replacement is making me sick now.
My gaze held hers. I could see the sadness in her eyes. No, sister, it is okay. I don’t want to hurt anyone, especially Grandpa. He was very excited about this alliance, and he still is. I cannot break his heart.”
I have been hearing how both friends are excited about this alliance. It was their childhood dream to do this. And by any standard, I don’t want to be the reason for their broken dreams at this age. They have so much for us and this family that when the time comes to repay, we can’t show them our back. I can’t show them my back.
“And what about you? What about your dreams? He is an arrogant king; he will not let you work after marriage. You know all the rules and regulations of the Royal family. How will you manage the duty of a queen when you know nothing about it?” She fumed in worry.
The dream of being a famous designer has come true for me. I studied hard my whole life to be the person I am today. I don’t want to stop here. I know hard work has a sky-high limit.
I gave her a sad look, smiled, and told her, “Maybe my destiny wants this, so let it be. I will speak to him about my dreams, hoping he will understand, or else I will forget about them. For me, my family’s happiness is more important than my dreams.”
A loving mom who has shielded us. She has taken all the worries with her before they reach us. And an optimistic father who has let us fly in this world without worrying about what society will say. He has left his family so we can live our lives peacefully without worrying about the rules and regulations of being royal. A painful smile breaks on my lips as I look at Sanya.
Sanya’s eyes held pity as she gave a nod and stood up as she started walking, but then she turned around and said, Ara you still can say no to him, and don’t worry, I will say sorry to him and will get married to him, but I don’t want you to go through all these things because of me.”
I smiled at her. I know she loves me so much and will do anything for my happiness, but she also knows the rules of royalty. Now I am his. Once a king chooses someone, that person becomes his, and nothing can change that thought.
“No, sister, now it is my problem, and I will deal with this. And you know now that nothing can be done. I am all his.”
She nodded and left the room.
Flashback End
I walk towards the bed, and I again start thinking about where my life is taking me and how I will manage everything. Tears again pooled in my eyes.
God, please help me by saying, I close my eyes.
**
SANYA POV
I took Azar outside as we sat on a chair in the garden. Azar was looking at the garden’s lights, and I was thinking, Of course, he might not have even seen this kind of place, as our house is not a normal house; it is a mansion.’
I know about my grandfather. He is the best friend of my grandpa, and the lifestyle he leads is very simple. I barely doubt he has seen all these things in his whole life. Seeing the mesmerized look on his face, I can make out how pleased he is to see all the luxury we have around.
Somehow, everything is annoying me bit by bit. I thought that he might not start the conversation, so I initiated it.
“So, Mr. Azar, what are your thoughts regarding marriage?”
Hearing me, he looked at me with his piercing eyes, but said nothing. I guess he was not expecting this from me, but well, I cannot do anything as I am an upfront person and I like to talk clearly.
When I did not get any reply, I thought to tell my thoughts at least, “See, Mr. Azar, I am a princess, and it is always my wish to be a queen one day. I always wanted to marry some king.” I was looking at his face, which had a blank expression.