<h4>Chapter 33: A Royal Union</h4>


    Vijayanagara Empire, Hampi


    As the sun went up in the sky, its warm rays covered the lively city of Vijayanagara in a shiny, golden embrace. There was excitement in the air because something important was about to happen that day. It was the wedding of the beloved king, King Vijay Deva Raya. The whole city looked beautiful, with lots of colourful flowers, bright banners, and pretty rangoli patterns made on the pathways. All these things made the city look like a happy and festive ce.


    In the middle of all this beauty, a big line of fancy carriages moved toward the centre of the city. These carriages looked fancy, covered in detailed carvings and shiny gold edges. Inside each carriage were valuable things made of gold and silver. At the front of the line was the most special carriage. In it, a good-looking young man was wearing royal clothes, and next to him was a pretty girl with a round face, chubby cheeks, and cute dimples. She seemed a bit nervous but also excited. She held her smooth saree tightly and looked ahead with her eyes full of excitement.


    The young man was Crown Prince Aditya Bhonsle from the Maratha Empire, and the girl next to him was his sister, Kavya Bhonsle, who was going to get married. Kavya felt her heart beating fast, and she couldn''t stop thinking about the uing wedding. She remembered what her father had told her. He had said that this day was really important, not just for her but because it would bring together the Maratha and Vijayanagara kingdoms as allies.


    When they got closer to the pce, Aditya, the Crown Prince, yfully made fun of his sister. He had a mischievous look in his eyes. He said, "Feeling a bit nervous, huh, dear sister? There is no need to fear. You''re going to be an amazing queen. And don''t forget, no matter where you are, I''ll be there to keep you safe."


    Kavya blushed at hisments, feeling a bit embarrassed but still thankful for her brother''s cheerful nature.


    For a moment, Kavya thought about something that had happened before. It was in their home, the Maratha kingdom. Their father, who was the king, came up to her. She was unsure and scared about the wedding, but he smiled kindly to make her feel better. His eyes showed how much he believed in the idea he was suggesting.


    He told her, "My dear, I understand why you''re worried. But let me tell you about Vijayanagara, the city that you are about to marry. It''s a very beautiful and historic ce. The people there really respect and care about their rulers. The city itself is like a work of art, with its beauty and style showing what the people who live there are like."


    He went on, "The man you''re going to marry, Vijayadeva Raya, is not only a king but also a great leader. His wisdom and kindness have made his people love him. He truly takes care of his kingdom and the people in it. Imagine being part of this amazing tradition and helping it grow and be even better. Best of all, King Vijay does not have any bad habits among the high-ss nobles."


    While he talked, his daughter''s eyes started to change. Looking at her father, who was like an old fox, she couldn''t resist his words. She trusted him a lot, so she believed what he said. He finished by saying, "This marriage between you and Vijayadeva Raya means more than just getting married. It''s a promise that the future will be stronger. Two kingdoms areing together to make something great. Ipletely believe that you''ll find happiness and a purpose in this marriage."


    His words seemed to reach her heart, and she began to see the possibilities that were destined for her beyond her initial doubts.


    As the carriage came to a stop within the pce grounds, Aditya and Kavya got down from the vehicle, their eyes widening at the breathtaking sight of the Hampi pce. The groom, King Vijayadeva Raya, approached with a warm and weing smile.


    "Wee to the Hampi Pce, Your Highness Aditya and Kavya. Your presence here is an honour," Vijay invited them with a namaste. Aditya responded with a namaste of his own: "Thank you for your hospitality, Your Majesty."


    Feeling the need to address their father''s absence, Aditya spoke up: "Your Majesty, please ept our apologies for our father''s absence. The circumstances have been quite challenging."


    Vijay didn''t react to the news that his father-inw was absent, Because It was as he expected, his father-inw is old and can''t bear the travel; moreover, in his absence, the Mughal Empire might try something to destabilize the Maratha kingdom.


    He then turned his attention to his soon-to-be wife, Kavya, who looked exactly like how he saw in the portrait. When their eyes met, a sudden spark lit up between them, like an electric jolt of connection. In that instant, everything around them seemed to move in slow motion, as if Brahma itself had destined this meaningful moment. In the silence, their eyes spoke without words. The air felt different, like it was filled with a special kind of excitement as if something magical were starting.


    Later that day,


    The marriage ceremony began with all the main guests arriving, blending tradition and magnificence seamlessly. The air carried the sweet scent of incense, while the echoes of Vedic chants filled the space. The royal couple stood by the sacred fire, exchanging vows that would tie them forever. They walked around the sacred fire as the ceremonies were carried out with elegance and meticulous attention, embodying the Sanatana Dharma deeply rooted in every Bharata''s life.


    Amid these rituals, Ravichandra, the aged butler and Head of Finance who had devoted decades to the pce couldn''t hold back his tears as the knot was tied and the drums rang. He fondly remembered the old king and imagined his delight at witnessing this moment—his beloved son''s marriage.


    With the divine fire''s blessings, the couple turned towards their elders for blessings. They began with Vijay''s maternal grandfather (Thatha), Sunil Shetty, whose eyes shimmered with pride. Then, they sought the blessings of his maternal uncle (Cikkappa), Ravi Shetty, who exchanged a happy smile. Lastly, they approached his aunt (Cikkam''ma), who warmly sped their hands, offering sincere wishes. His niece, who was still a child, was hiding behind her Mother''s sari in shyness.


    Yet, it wasn''t just the royal family who offered their blessings. Vijay brought his newlywed wife to receive blessings from Mina, a devoted and long-serving maid who had raised him since birth in the absence of his mother. Vijay treated her like family, and she was also in their thoughts. Mina''s gaze was hesitant; her eyes were filled with heartfelt emotions. She was reluctant to ept Vijay''s bows, as she was considered a lowly maid. Kavya, who noticed this, fixed her sincere gaze upon Mina, indicating that her presence was equal to that of the family of the couple. With eyes glistening with tears,


    "Live a hundred years and prosper."


    Mina gentlyid her hands upon their heads, bestowing upon them her heartfelt blessings.


    Little did Vijay know that this day would eventually be celebrated as Valentine''s Day for generations toe.


    As the marriage of the king concluded, the city of Vijayanagara erupted in joy. The streets pulsed with dance, music, andughter. People from all walks of life joined the festivities as their king''s wedding ignited hope and happiness in their hearts.