Chapter 4: The Maharani’s First Night – A Battle of Power & Control
📍 Location: Rathore Palace, Rajasthan – Grand Entrance
The royal guards line up in a disciplined row as the massive palace gates swing open. The grandeur of Rathore heritage stands tall under the golden glow of the palace lights.
Saanvi Joshi
(Stepping out of the car, looking up at the palace, whispering to herself)
💭 (This is not my home… This is my prison.)
Aarav Rathore
“Welcome home, Maharani.”
Saanvi Joshi
(Turning to glare at him, voice laced with anger)
“Don’t call me that.”
Aarav Rathore
“You are my queen, whether you accept it or not.”
The traditional dhol beats begin as Rajmata Kaveri Rathore steps forward, her piercing gaze scanning Saanvi from head to toe.
Rajmata Kaveri Rathore (ML Mother)
“You have brought home a wife, but does she understand what it means to be a Rathore queen?”
Aarav Rathore
“She will soon.”
Saanvi grits her teeth as the women perform the traditional Rajputi Phera, welcoming her into the palace.
But unlike a normal bride, she is not smiling. She is not happy. And she knows the night ahead will be a war of wills.
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📍 Rathore Palace – The Maharani’s Bedroom
A grand bed covered in silk and rose petals. Dimly lit lamps. A golden mirror reflecting her troubled face.
Saanvi Joshi
"If you think I will pretend to be a happy bride, you are mistaken.”
Aarav Rathore
“I don’t need you to pretend, Maharani. I need you to accept reality.”
Saanvi Joshi
“My reality is that I was forced into this marriage! You tricked me, Aarav!”
Aarav Rathore
"I did what was necessary.”
Saanvi Joshi
(Taking a step back, heart racing)
“Necessary? You ruined my life!”
Aarav Rathore
(Dark chuckle, tilting her chin up with a finger)
“No, Maharani. I saved you… from a man who didn’t deserve you.”
Saanvi slaps his hand away, fire burning in her eyes.
Saanvi Joshi
“And you think you do?”
Aarav Rathore
(Eyes darkening, gripping her waist, pulling her closer)
“I don’t think, Saanvi. I know.”
Saanvi gasps as he holds her tightly, his warmth surrounding her like a cage.
Saanvi Joshi
(Pushing against his chest, voice cracking)
“Let me go, Aarav!”
Aarav Rathore
“Why? Do I scare you?”
Saanvi’s heart pounds. He does scare her—but not in the way she expected.
🔥 His grip loosens, and he steps back, eyes filled with control.
Aarav Rathore
(Walking toward the door, looking over his shoulder)
“I won’t touch you until you beg me to.”
Saanvi Joshi
(Shaken, fists clenched, voice barely a whisper)
💭 (That will never happen…)
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