Isha slept for barely two hours before waking up and beginning her chores.

She started with the hallway, followed by the gym, the hall outside the study, the staircase, and finally the main hall adjoining the entrance to the King's Chamber. By the time she was done, she was already exhausted. She had worked tirelessly in the Rajput Palace too. But the Ranawat Palace was different. Everything here was grander. Larger. Almost ten times more expansive.

She had already cleaned the master bedroom before going to sleep. Now, she wanted to finish cleaning the remaining two bedrooms as well.

Slowly, she made her way to the room at the far end of the corridor. Thanking her stars for not running into her husband, she quickly dusted and arranged the room before cleaning the attached porch and balcony.

Every bedroom had a massive walk-in closet. Curiosity tempted her to explore them. But time wasn't on her side. Leaving them untouched, she quietly walked towards the only bedroom left to clean.

Once she finished this room, she could freshen up and get ready for work. It was barely five in the morning. Surely... her husband wouldn't be awake yet, she thought, and she was proven right. Abhyansh lay on the bed, perfectly still, his eyes closed.

Not wanting to disturb his sleep, she quietly picked up the cleaning cloth and began dusting the room as silently as possible.

What she didn't know... was that he had been awake the moment she stepped inside. Years of rigorous training had conditioned him to wake up at the slightest disturbance. Deep sleep was a luxury he had long forgotten. He had returned to his chamber only to snatch an hour of rest before beginning his day with a workout.

Before he could get up... his wife had walked in. He simply closed his eyes again. He knew that if she realised he was awake, fear would make her fumble with her work. And he hated inefficiency. So he let her continue.

He waited for the familiar sounds of her cleaning to resume... or for her footsteps to fade away. Instead... silence. His brows knitted ever so slightly. She wasn't cleaning anymore.

Curious, he opened his eyes just enough to see what had distracted her. What he saw... caught him by surprise. She was standing before his life-sized portrait, studying it with complete concentration. Then... he heard the most unexpected words.

"I'm scared to look at your face even when you're awake... that's why I'm looking at your portrait," she murmured to herself, almost inaudibly. A tiny sigh escaped her lips. "I don't even remember clearly how you look." She smiled sheepishly. "It's a shame, isn't it? A wife who doesn't even know her husband's face..." Her eyes returned to the portrait. "So... I'm trying to memorise you now."

For reasons he couldn't explain... Abhyansh wasn't irritated. Nor was he angry. If anything... he found the moment strangely... cute and it annoyed him. No one's words had ever interested him before. Conversations had always felt like a burden. A needless waste of time. Yet today... he found himself wanting to hear what his wife would say next.

He hated that feeling.

"Get out."

His cold command shattered the silence. Isha jumped in fright. She didn't even dare turn around. Dropping the cloth she had been holding, she hurried out of the room as fast as her trembling legs could carry her.

Abhyansh let out a slow breath before getting off the bed. After freshening up, he walked into his gym. The room was spotless. A faint sense of satisfaction crossed his mind.

His new maid... had done her job well. That was all she was to him. His maid. He had already instructed every servant never to enter his private chamber. He knew not one of them would dare disobey his orders.

He intended to make Isha Rajput's life so miserable... that her dead father's soul would never find peace.

Isha freshened up and changed into the outfit her mother-in-law had kept aside for her. There were still a few post-wedding rituals left to perform before she could finally settle down.

She glanced around the room. If she was going to spend the rest of her life here... she would have to arrange her wardrobe sooner or later. The thought reminded her of something else. She needed to speak to her husband.

Almost immediately, the incident from early that morning flashed before her eyes. She had stood there... talking to his portrait like a complete fool. Did he hear her? She shook her head. No... He would have punished her if he had. That thought reassured her. 

As she made her way downstairs, her mind stubbornly wandered back to the portrait. He looked so handsome in it. Like every portrait she had ever seen of kings in history books... except that he was real. She had wanted to keep looking at it. Had he not woken up... she probably would have stood there for much longer. Strangely, his portrait was displayed only in that room.

The other two bedrooms were adorned with magnificent paintings, but neither had a portrait of him.

Why?

She mentally noted to ask her mother-in-law later.

The moment Isha entered the hall, Amrita noticed her.

A warm smile spread across her face as she hurried towards her daughter-in-law and pulled her into a loving embrace. Isha was dressed in a deep crimson saree, lavishly embroidered with intricate gold threadwork that lent her an effortlessly regal appearance.

"You look so beautiful, Isha... my daughter," Amrita said lovingly before placing a tiny black dot behind Isha's ear to ward off the evil eye.

A faint blush coloured Isha's cheeks.

"Thank you, Ma," she replied shyly.

No one had ever called her beautiful with so much affection.

In the Rajput Palace... her aunt had once severely punished a maid simply for complimenting Isha's beauty. After that... no one had ever dared say those words to her again.

"Ma... what are today's rituals?" Isha asked politely.

Amrita patiently explained each one of them. Isha listened attentively before accompanying her to the kitchen. The two women worked side by side, preparing everything required for the rituals while chatting in between.

Neither of them had realised how much they longed for simple conversations. Isha had spent most of her life talking only to her brother whenever he visited. The rest of the time... she spoke to herself.

Amrita's life wasn't much different. Apart from her younger son, hardly anyone in the family truly spoke to her. Avyan's work kept him occupied most of the day, and even conversations with the servants were restricted to what was absolutely necessary.

Perhaps that was why... both women found an unexpected comfort in each other's company. While working, Isha told Amrita about the job she had secured and how Abhyansh had permitted her to continue working.

Amrita's face lit up with genuine happiness.

"I'm so happy for you, beta." 

A smile spread across Isha's lips. Then, she suddenly remembered the question that had been bothering her since morning.

"Ma..." Amrita looked at her. "Why does Maharaj have three bedrooms in his chamber?"

The moment the question left Isha's mouth... Amrita's expression changed. Without a word, she looked around the kitchen before quietly asking every servant present to leave.

Only after they had all stepped outside... did she turn back towards her daughter-in-law.

"Isha..." Amrita glanced around to ensure no one was nearby before lowering her voice. "Abhyansh chooses his bedroom according to his state of mind. When he is consumed by rage, he sleeps in the room at the extreme right. Its darker interiors... somehow suit his mood."

She paused briefly.

"And whenever he achieves a major victory..." she chose her words carefully, "...or defeats someone, he uses the middle bedroom."

Isha looked at her curiously.

"Then... why doesn't Maharaj use the master bedroom?"

Amrita's smile faded.

"He hardly does." Her voice turned heavy with sadness. "It's been years since he slept there."

Isha frowned.

"But why, Ma? When would he use it?"

Amrita looked towards the staircase leading to the King's Wing.

"He goes there only when he feels peaceful...or happy." A tear escaped her eye. "But it's been years since my son experienced either of those emotions."

Hearing that... everything from the previous night suddenly made sense to Isha. He hadn't entered the master bedroom to sleep beside her. He had gone there... only to teach her a lesson. And he had. By setting the bed on fire.

She also remembered him waking up in the middle bedroom that morning.

Which means... He used that room last night.

Did he achieve a victory...? Or... did he destroy someone?

The thought left her puzzled.

"Now take these dishes to the dining table," Amrita said, bringing her back to reality. "I'll call the staff to bring the remaining items."

Isha nodded and quietly carried the food outside. Soon... it was time for breakfast. One by one, the family members gathered in the dining hall. Isha politely greeted everyone. They acknowledged her with nothing more than silent nods.

She then walked towards Rajmata Devyani Devi and Pratap Singh Ranawat, respectfully bending down to seek their blessings by touching their feet. Just then... Abhyansh entered the dining hall.

Everyone who had already taken their seats immediately stood up. With their heads bowed... they greeted their king. Isha couldn't help but frown. She understood that he was their king. Standing up to welcome him... that she understood. But watching even the elders bow their heads before him felt strange.

She quietly lowered her gaze, choosing not to question their customs. Abhyansh occupied the head chair without uttering a single word. Amrita gently guided Isha to stand beside him.

"Serve breakfast," she said softly.

Abhyansh offered no objection. To him... that was exactly where his wife belonged. She was a royal. And serving the king was one of her duties. Isha silently served every dish onto his plate. Yet... he didn't touch a single morsel.

Instead... he looked at the food.

"Take a plate." His cold voice broke the silence. "Taste everything."

The entire dining hall fell silent. Shock spread across every face.

"Abhyansh..." Amrita spoke gently, unable to hide the hurt in her voice. "She cooked everything in front of me. The food is perfectly safe."

He remained unmoved. Isha stood frozen. His words pierced her heart like a thousand daggers. Being treated like a maid... had hurt. But this... This was different.

This wasn't punishment. It was distrust. And worse... it was humiliation. In front of the entire family. In front of the servants. The tiny hope she had carried in her heart after he allowed her to continue working... shattered silently.

Abhyansh banged his palm against the dining table. The sharp sound echoed through the hall. Isha instinctively jerked back in fear. Realising what he meant, she quickly composed herself. Picking up a small plate, she tasted every dish she had prepared.

Only after watching her for several minutes and seeing that she was perfectly fine did Abhyansh begin eating. Without saying a word, he signalled for her to continue serving him while the servants attended to the rest of the family.

"Amrita..." Rajmata Devyani Devi looked towards her daughter-in-law. "Sit down and have your breakfast. Your daughter-in-law is here to serve the king now."

Amrita sighed softly. She had wanted to sit beside Isha and have breakfast with her. But she couldn't disobey her mother-in-law. Quietly, she took her seat beside her younger son.

As Isha continued serving, she carefully observed her husband's eating habits. He never asked for anything. Nor did he tell anyone what he wanted. If someone offered him another serving, he merely responded with a slight gesture of his finger. Her mother-in-law had tried explaining his habits earlier, but not in much detail.

Fortunately... Isha was an excellent observer. Within minutes, she understood his routine. From then on, she quietly kept asking whether he wanted another serving, carefully watching for the slightest movement of his fingers before serving him.

She also noticed something else. He ate like a machine. Silent. Methodical. Without the slightest change in expression. In fact... everyone at the table ate in complete silence. Not a single word of appreciation escaped anyone's lips. But Isha didn't mind. She was used to it. The only person who had ever complimented her cooking was her brother. He used to say she was an excellent cook... and that he'd happily eat her food even if she accidentally mixed poison into it. A faint smile appeared on her lips at the memory. Only to disappear the very next second. She silently shook her head.

Don't think about him anymore.

The day he gave up on her... she had promised herself she would never expect anything from him again. But promises made by the mind... rarely reached the heart. She loved her brother more than anyone else in the world. He was the only family she had ever truly called her own. No matter how hard she tried... she simply couldn't bring herself to hate him.

Her thoughts were interrupted when she noticed her brother-in-law reaching for his third serving of ghevar. A smile unknowingly curved her lips. Ranveer used to do exactly the same whenever she made it. Lost in the memory, she continued looking at Avyan.

Feeling her gaze on him, Avyan immediately gestured to the servant to stop serving him and quietly lowered his head, continuing with the food already on his plate. Isha felt guilty. Without giving it much thought, she walked over and served him another portion herself.

The simple gesture surprised everyone at the table. Amrita looked at her daughter-in-law with affection shining in her eyes. The others silently continued eating. Avyan looked at the fresh serving on his plate. He wanted to thank her. He wanted to tell her how delicious the food was. But the resentment he still carried towards her stopped the words from leaving his mouth.

Isha simply smiled before returning to her place beside her husband. Just then... she noticed his plate was almost empty. Without thinking, she immediately refilled it. In her hurry... she forgot to wait for his signal. Amrita's heart skipped a beat. She knew exactly what kind of mistake her daughter-in-law had just made. The entire family instinctively looked towards Abhyansh. Instead of reacting... he quietly continued eating. Not a word. Not a glance.

He finished every morsel on his plate before calmly getting up and leaving the dining hall. A silence settled over the room. Amrita looked towards the empty plate. Tears welled up in her eyes. It had been years... since her son had eaten a meal so contentedly. She looked at Isha with pride.

Her daughter-in-law truly was a remarkable cook. Every dish she had prepared was irresistibly delicious. So delicious... that even The BEAST couldn't bring himself to refuse a second serving.

Soon, everyone finished breakfast and dispersed to attend to their respective work. Only then did Isha realise something. She didn't have any money to travel to the city. She had never been allowed to step outside the Rajput Palace on her own. Buying things for herself had never been an option. Even sanitary napkins were rationed.

Every month, she had to beg her aunt for them, and in return, serve her like a slave for an entire week before her menstrual cycle began. Asking her mother-in-law for money wasn't an option. That would indirectly insult her husband. Nor could she tell Amrita how brutally her uncle and aunt had treated her all these years. Taking a deep breath, she hurried after Abhyansh.

She saw him walking towards the staircase that led to his private office. She wasn't sure whether she was even allowed to follow him there. But calling out to him... required more courage than she possessed. So she quietly followed him. Abhyansh was well aware that she was behind him. He deliberately chose not to react. The scene at the dining table that morning had already drawn enough attention. He had no intention of creating another spectacle before the servants.

He entered his study and intentionally left the door unlocked. He knew she would come in. A few seconds later... she did. As soon as she stepped inside, he turned towards her.

Instantly making her nervous.

"I... I..." She fumbled. 

Abhyansh's jaw tightened. He despised people who fumbled. Waiting for them to complete a sentence tested the very limits of his patience. At that moment... he wanted to slap the woman standing before him. Yet... something about her face restrained him.

Despite all the hatred he carried for her... he couldn't bring himself to become physically violent with her. Isha slowly closed her eyes, gathering every ounce of courage she could.

After what had happened at the breakfast table... asking him for money crushed whatever little self-respect she had left. But she had no other choice.

"I... I want some money."

The words finally escaped her lips. Had she looked up... she would have seen the look of utter disgust that crossed his face. But fear kept her gaze fixed firmly on the floor.

"I always knew you were a gold-digging b*tch." His voice dripped with contempt. "I just didn't expect you to show your true colours this soon."

Tears instantly filled Isha's eyes. She swallowed them back.

"I... I'll return it after I receive my salary." She forced herself to continue. "I need it to travel to the city... to reach my office."

Not for a second did Abhyansh believe her. According to him... Isha Rajput owned a fortune. The Rajput properties legally belonged to her. Yet here she was... asking him for money. He wasn't interested in arguing. He hated her presence enough already. Silently, he opened a drawer, pulled out a thick bundle of cash, and flung it straight at her. The bundle struck her face before falling onto the floor. The sting on her cheek faded within seconds.

The humiliation didn't. His words had hurt. But this... this shattered something inside her.

No. She couldn't accept that money. Not anymore. Slowly bending down, she picked up the bundle. Without saying a word, she walked to the table separating them. A tear escaped her eye, falling silently onto the stack of notes. She gently placed it back on the table. Then... she turned around and walked out. Leaving Abhyansh genuinely surprised.

Back in her room, Isha opened her wardrobe and changed into a simple outfit she had designed herself. No one had ever bought clothes for her. Whenever her old ones became too small or too worn out, she secretly collected leftover pieces of fabric from the royal designer who visited the palace to stitch outfits for her uncle and aunt.

Using those scraps... she designed and stitched her own clothes. Things had been different when Ranveer lived at home. He always made sure she had new clothes. He bought them for her often but after he left for London... her life had only become more difficult.

Isha wore an olive-green outfit. The smooth, glossy silk fabric gave it a luxurious appearance, while the intricate embroidery along the neckline, front panel, and cuffs added an elegant touch.

After changing, she collected her phone and bag before heading downstairs.

Amruta looked at her in surprise.

"You're going to work in these clothes?" she asked.

Isha nodded, confusion clearly etched across her face. She didn't understand what was wrong with them.

Seeing the clueless expression on Isha's face, Amrita assumed it was normal for her to wear such heavily embroidered clothes to work and decided not to say anything further.

"Alright, come and have your breakfast," Amrita said gently.

Isha nodded. She quickly finished her breakfast before gathering the courage to ask her mother-in-law for help.

"Ma..." Amrita looked at her. "I don't know how to get to my office from here. Could you... please help me?"

"Oh!" Amrita lightly slapped her forehead. "I completely forgot. You knew the routes from the Rajput Palace, but not from here. Don't worry. I'll ask Avyan to drop you today."

Relief washed over Isha's face.

She silently decided that once she reached the office, she would request her manager for an advance on her salary so she could manage her travel expenses from the next day onwards.

A few minutes later, Avyan walked in. 

Amrita immediately called him over.

"Yes, Ma?" he asked, barely acknowledging Isha's presence.

"Avyan..." She smiled hopefully. "Please drop your bhabhi sa at her office today. She doesn't know the route yet."

Avyan immediately shook his head.

"I'm sorry, Ma. I can't. I have work. If I'm late to the office, Bhai Sa won't forgive me."

It sounded like a perfectly reasonable excuse. Only he knew... it wasn't the real reason.

He simply wanted to avoid spending even a few minutes alone with the woman he hated, a woman who married his brother, who was Amar Rajput's daughter. 

"Please, beta," Amrita tried once again. "How will she go all by herself?"

"I really can't, Ma." He sounded apologetic. "I can't risk being late."

Amrita fell silent. She couldn't ask any of the palace drivers either. Every one of them answered only to Abhyansh. Without his permission... none of them would dare leave the palace.

Seeing her mother-in-law repeatedly trying to convince Avyan, Isha felt guilty. She thought her brother-in-law was genuinely worried about getting into trouble because of her.

She didn't want him to suffer on her account.

"It's alright, Ma," she said softly. "I'll manage."

Amrita looked unconvinced, but Isha reassured her with a small smile. A few moments later, Avyan left the palace. Isha quietly followed soon after. She had no idea how she was going to reach the city. She didn't even own a smartphone that could guide her using Google Maps.

The mobile phone Ranveer had gifted her during his last visit to India had long been taken away by her uncle. Ranveer had taught her how to use online banking and access her account. Kailash had realised that if she kept the phone, he would no longer be able to control her finances.

So... he had simply snatched it away. Isha walked for several kilometres before finally reaching the main road. Just when she began wondering whether she would ever find a way to the city... she spotted a cab.

She walked towards the cab and politely explained where she needed to go.

The driver listened patiently as she gave him the office address.

"How much will you charge?" she asked softly.

The driver quoted the fare.

Isha hesitated. Then, gathering all the courage she could, she looked at him apologetically.

"I... I don't have money right now. Could you please take me there? I'll pay you after a month... when I receive my salary."

The driver's expression instantly darkened.

"What do you think I am?" he snapped. "Did you call me here just to waste my time?"

Muttering a few curses under his breath, he sped away, leaving Isha standing helplessly on the roadside.

The entire exchange... was witnessed by Avyan. His own car had broken down, and he was waiting for another one to arrive from the palace. Watching his sister-in-law stand there with embarrassment written all over her face... he realised one thing. She wasn't acting. Avyan let out a deep sigh.

Mentally preparing himself to tolerate her presence, he walked towards her. No matter how much he hated her... he couldn't leave his brother's wife stranded on the roadside.

"Bhabhi sa..."

Hearing the familiar voice, Isha turned around. Surprise flashed across her face. Not because Avyan was standing there... But because... he had addressed her as Bhabhi sa.

"Devar sa..." Isha greeted him with a small, genuine smile.

"Call me Avyan," he said.

She nodded immediately.

"Okay..."

A smile found its way to her lips once again. For a brief moment, Avyan found himself staring at that innocent smile. There was something strangely comforting about it. It carried the same warmth... the same quiet affection... that he always felt in his mother's presence.

The thought disturbed him. He immediately scolded himself.

You're only helping her because she's Bhai Sa's wife. Nothing more.

"What happened, Avyan?" she asked softly. "Why are you here?"

"My car broke down," he replied. "I'm waiting for another one from the palace."

"Oh..." Her brows knitted together. "Then how will you reach the office on time? Won't your brother get angry?"

Avyan looked at her, genuinely surprised. Her concern was real. There wasn't even the slightest hint of pretense.

"Forget about me," he said, masking his thoughts behind a calm expression. "What about you? Why are you standing here?"

"I couldn't find any vehicle."

She pointed towards the road.

"I finally got a cab... but..." She bit her lip in embarrassment. "...he didn't like it when I told him I'd pay him after I receive my salary."

The words escaped her mouth before she realised what she had revealed. She immediately lowered her head.

"You don't have any money?" Avyan asked.

She quietly shook her head, unable to meet his eyes. He noticed the embarrassment on her face. Choosing not to make her any more uncomfortable... he didn't ask another question.

"I'll drop you."

She immediately looked up.

"No... it's alright. I don't want you to get late because of me."

"It's fine," Avyan replied. "I still have time."

She hesitated for a moment before giving him a small nod.

A few minutes later, the replacement car arrived. Avyan asked the man who had brought it to take his broken car for repairs before getting behind the wheel himself. Isha quietly took the passenger seat.

"Give me your office address," Avyan said. Isha gave it to him.

"You walked for miles... and that too in the opposite direction," Avyan said, glancing at her briefly. "Don't you know this isn't the way to your office?"

"I didn't know the way..." Isha replied softly. "Today is my first day."

"Oh!" Avyan looked at her in surprise. "But this isn't even the way to the city."

Isha quietly lowered her head. She didn't know how to answer him.

"You've never been to the city?" he asked, unable to hide his curiosity.

She slowly shook her head.

"I've never been anywhere."

His hands tightened around the steering wheel.

"What?" He turned to look at her for a brief moment. "Why?"

There was no accusation in his voice. Only disbelief... and concern. Looking into those gentle eyes, Isha felt like telling him the truth.

"I... wasn't allowed to step out of the palace." She paused before continuing. "I was caged inside the Rajput Palace for more than fifteen years."

Her words struck Avyan like a bolt of lightning. His foot instinctively slammed on the brakes. The car screeched to a halt. Isha jerked forward in surprise, fear immediately filling her eyes.

"W-What happened?" she asked hurriedly. "I'm sorry... did I distract you?"

Avyan looked at her. For the first time... he truly looked at his sister-in-law. Not with hatred. Not with prejudice. But with shock. And an emotion he hadn't expected to feel... sympathy.

"N-No..." He cleared his throat. "It's okay." 

His voice sounded unusually subdued.

"Avyan..." Isha hesitated. "Please don't tell anyone about this."

He silently nodded. His mind was too occupied to respond with words. A bright smile suddenly appeared on Isha's face, as though the previous conversation had never happened.

"Anyways..." she said excitedly, looking outside the window. "I'm so happy. I finally get to work. I finally have freedom. I can finally see the world."

She looked at him with childlike excitement.

"Today's my first day. I'll do well... right?"

A smile unknowingly found its way onto Avyan's lips.

"You will. I'm sure you'll do well."

The words escaped before he realised it. Almost immediately, he wiped the smile off his face.

What are you doing, Avyan?

He mentally scolded himself.

"Thank you, Devar sa," Isha said, smiling warmly.

The innocence in her voice made him avert his eyes back to the road. A little while later, Avyan dropped her outside her office.

Since it was in the opposite direction, the detour delayed him considerably. He still had to visit the factory before reaching the office, and by the time he completed both, he was running late. Ironically... the excuse he had given his mother that morning had turned into the truth.

-----------

Isha stepped inside her office. Compared to the Ranawat Palace... it was tiny. The entire office was barely half the size of the master bedroom that belonged to her BEAST husband. Yet... she felt far happier here than she ever had inside those magnificent palace walls.

There was something comforting about this place. Something... that instantly made her feel at home.

"Hello, ma'am!" a cheerful woman greeted her. "What would you like to see? We have everything—western wear, traditional wear, Rajasthani collections..."

Isha smiled politely and interrupted her.

"I'm Isha." She held out the appointment letter. "I've come here to work."

The woman looked at the letter before slapping her forehead dramatically.

"Oh! I'm so sorry!" She looked Isha up and down once again. "Seeing your clothes, I thought you were one of our wealthy customers."

She immediately reached out and touched the fabric of Isha's outfit.

"Where did you get this dress? It's gorgeous! The fabric is so soft... and the embroidery is exquisite." Her eyes widened even more. "And you're so beautiful!"

She suddenly gasped.

"Oh God! I forgot to introduce myself." She extended her hand. "I'm Reetu. One of the designers here." Without waiting for a response, she happily continued, "Come... I'll take you to our boss, Ragini. And don't worry. She's really cool."

The nonstop chatter brought a small smile to Isha's face. She instantly liked Reetu's cheerful personality. As she walked beside her, Isha glanced at Reetu's simple, casual clothes. Only then did she understand what Amrita had meant that morning. She looked down at her own heavily embroidered outfit.

I need new clothes.

Now, she had one more expense to worry about. Transport... and office wear.

Reetu stopped before a worktable.

"Ragini!" she called out. "Look who's here. Our new designer... Isha."

"Oh! Isha," Ragini replied while continuing to stitch a garment. A moment later, she looked up. The instant her eyes landed on Isha... they widened. "Oh my God!" She immediately stood up. "You're such a beautiful girl! And your outfit..." She gently took the edge of Isha's dupatta between her fingers, admiring the craftsmanship. "It's stunning."

"Right?" Reetu jumped in excitedly. "Even I told her the same thing."

"Thank you, ma'am," Isha said politely.

"Oh, don't call me 'ma'am,'" Ragini laughed warmly. "Just call me Ragini."

A soft smile spread across Isha's face.

"Thank you, Ragini." She looked around curiously. "Where should I work?"

"Reetu will show you around, baby," Ragini said with a warm smile. "Relax... it's your first day. Look around, get familiar with the place, and make yourself comfortable."

The warmth in her voice eased all of Isha's nervousness. She was about to leave when Ragini called her back.

"I almost forgot..." she said, her eyes once again falling on Isha's outfit. "Where did you buy this dress?"

A shy smile appeared on Isha's lips.

"I designed it myself, Ragini."

For a moment... Ragini simply stared at her.

"Oh, Lord..." She shook her head in amazement. "I've done an excellent job hiring you."

Isha smiled gratefully. A little while later, after Reetu showed her around the boutique, Isha settled into her workstation and began working alongside the other designers.

After observing her for some time, Reetu finally voiced the question that had been bothering her.

"Isha..." She looked at her outfit once again. "Don't mind me saying this... you look absolutely gorgeous." She smiled sheepishly. "But aren't these clothes a little too heavy to work in? Wouldn't they be uncomfortable?"

Isha hesitated. She couldn't tell them she was the wife of the King. Nor could she reveal that she herself belonged to one of the country's affluent royal families for obvious reasons.

Although the royal wedding had become the talk of the country, none of the photographs clearly revealed the Queen's face beneath her bridal veil. Besides... who would imagine that the Queen herself would be working as a fashion designer in a small boutique? No one knew that the quiet young woman standing before them was... Isha Abhyansh Singh Ranawat.

"My family is very traditional," Isha replied with a gentle smile. "I don't have any casual clothes."

At that very moment, Ragini happened to walk past them. She overheard Isha's reply. A thoughtful expression crossed her face. Without saying a word... she quietly walked away. The day passed pleasantly.

By evening, Isha had completed the base design of an exquisite saree. Though the embroidery and detailing were yet to be finished, the elegance of the design and the richness of the craftsmanship left everyone in the boutique speechless.

Ragini... Reetu... and the other designers couldn't stop admiring it. Just then, one of the regular customers happened to visit the boutique. The unfinished saree immediately caught her attention.

"I want this one," she said without hesitation. "Complete it and deliver it to me."

Isha smiled and nodded. Mrs. Shah then turned towards Ragini.

"What's the price of this?"

Ragini looked at Isha before smiling.

"Isha..." She folded her arms. "You'll decide the price of your design. You've earned that right."

Isha blinked. She thought for a few seconds before answering hesitantly,

"Umm... Two hundred rupees."

Silence. Everyone in the boutique stared at her. Mrs. Shah burst into laughter, assuming Isha was joking. But Isha only looked at everyone in confusion. She didn't understand why they were laughing. Ragini immediately realised something wasn't right. She calmly stepped in.

"It's two lakh rupees, Mrs. Shah." She smiled professionally. "₹2,00,000."

Mrs. Shah nodded with a smile. She knew the rich pattern was worth the price.

"Done."

After confirming the order, she left the boutique.

"Isha..." Ragini looked towards her. "Come to my cabin."

Without another word, she walked away. The moment she disappeared inside... Isha turned to Reetu.

"Is... Ragini angry with me?" she whispered anxiously.

Reetu chuckled.

"Not at all. Ragini is one of the sweetest people you'll ever meet." She smiled proudly before looking at the sketch. "And the work you've done today is incredible. You just made a two-lakh sale on your very first day."

Isha looked at the saree in disbelief before quietly making her way to Ragini's cabin. Ragini gestured for her to sit. Once Isha settled down, Ragini gently closed the cabin door and took the chair opposite her.

"Isha..." Her tone was as gentle as ever. "Tell me something honestly. Why did you say two hundred rupees? I know you weren't joking. What's wrong? You can tell me."

Isha lowered her gaze.

"Ragini..." She hesitated before answering. "I don't know the value of money... or things. My family is orthodox. I was homeschooled. This is the first time I've been exposed to the outside world." She looked up apologetically. "I'm sorry if I disappointed you."

Ragini's heart ached for the young woman sitting before her. She immediately got up and pulled Isha into a warm hug.

"Oh, no, dear." She gently stroked Isha's hair. "I'm not disappointed. Not even a little. Please don't apologise."

Breaking the hug, Ragini picked up a neatly packed shopping bag from beside her desk and handed it to Isha.

"These are a few casual outfits I've designed." She smiled. "I think they'll look beautiful on you."

Isha immediately shook her head.

"No, Ragini... I can't accept these."

"Oh, don't worry," Ragini replied with a reassuring smile. "I'll simply deduct the amount from your salary."

Relief spread across Isha's face. She accepted the bag with both hands.

"Thank you, Ragini." 

After a brief pause... she hesitantly spoke again.

"Ragini... I need one more help."

Ragini smiled encouragingly.

"Of course, dear... Tell me."

"I... need some amount of my salary in advance," Isha asked hesitantly.

A hint of sadness crossed Ragini's face.

"I'm sorry, dear." She smiled apologetically. "We don't have any such policy. It's your very first day here, and I can't release your salary in advance."

The hope in Isha's eyes slowly faded. 

She lowered her gaze.

"Actually..." She hesitated. "I need the money to travel to work every day. My family isn't supportive of me working, so they..."

Her voice trailed off. She didn't know how to explain her situation. She couldn't bring herself to tell Ragini the truth. But at the same time... she desperately needed money to reach the office the next morning.

Ragini quietly observed her for a few moments before a smile slowly spread across her face.

"Oh!" She suddenly exclaimed. "I can't give you your salary in advance. That would be against the company's policies..." She paused deliberately, making Isha's heart sink even further. "...but I can give you your commission for today's sale."

Her face lit up with excitement as she opened the drawer and took out a bundle of cash.

"Here." She placed it in Isha's hands. "Twenty thousand rupees."

Isha looked at the money... then back at Ragini. Her eyes instantly turned moist.

"This is... a lot, Ragini."

Ragini smiled warmly.

"No, dear." She gently shook her head. "I give every designer ten percent of the value of every design they sell, apart from their salary." She lightly tapped the bundle in Isha's hands. "You earned this. So you deserve it."

Unable to hold back her emotions any longer, Isha hugged Ragini tightly. Ragini smiled and hugged her back just as warmly.

Before leaving for the day, Ragini patiently explained the basic cost of daily commuting, roughly how much cab fares usually came to, and other small expenses Isha should know about.

She even gave Isha a smartphone and a pepper spray for her safety. Sitting beside her, Ragini patiently taught her how to use Google Maps, share her live location, make emergency calls, and use a few other essential features.

By the time everything was done... Isha felt a little more confident. She booked a cab and started her journey back. A content smile lingered on her lips throughout the ride.

She loved her workplace. She loved the warm atmosphere. She loved her colleagues. And above all... she felt deeply grateful for two people she had met that very day. Ragini and Reetu.

Lost in that newfound happiness... Isha completely forgot one important thing. She was married to a BEAST... and she was supposed to be home an hour earlier.

Precap - Punishment...

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