Chapter 83: Chapter 83

The coronation ceremony began. The Maheshwaris and Yadavs got special attention as they were guests invited by the Sheikh himself.

“This is so grand. Why did India have to be a democratic country? Else we could also have had such festivities in Jaipur.” Drishti said, looking around sadly. Shravan rolled his eyes. His wife is so obsessed with the princess title.

"I, Zayed Ahmed al Zidra, hereby accept my role as the ruling Sheikh of the Sultanate of Zidra. I shall continue to preserve, and build upon the royal legacy and shall reign with righteousness for the benefit and happiness of the people forever." Sheikh Zayed Ahmed al Zidra vowed, as he stood on the podium, with his right palm over his chest and his eyes staring straight ahead at the people of Zidra.

"I invite everyone here to share my determination and work together for the nation’s prosperity and the people’s happiness as the ultimate goals," Zayed added.

His brothers were standing on either side as he made his vows to his nation and his people.

The ceremony was followed by a large feast for the entire Zidra.

The security has been strengthened as there were many people attending the ceremony, including dignitaries from the other countries.

As the event went on, Drishti worked the room, acquainting herself with the people attending the function. She was never one to shy away from mingling with people.

“How old is he?” Aveline, the Sheikha, asked ruffling baby Dhruv’s hair.

“He is eleven months old now. It’s his birthday next month.” Drishti said happily.

Dhruv was engaged in a toothy grin contest with baby Zaif in Sheikha Aveline’s arms.

“What about him? Zaif, right?” Drishti asked.

“Yeah. Zaif Ahmed al Zidra. He is four months old.” Aveline said with a smile.

"Hey habibti," Sheikh Zayed came towards them, whispering softly as he wrapped his arms around Aveline’s waist.

Drishti looked up at him with wide eyes. Her eyes were full of mischief.

"I have never seen a real life Sheikh before. And here I got to meet three. Isn't that cool," she asked candidly, without even bothering about the protocols of behaving with royalty.

She was talking as if Sheikh Zayed was her next door neighbour.

"Sheikh Zayed Ahmed al Zidra. Ruling Sultan of Zidra," He introduced himself.

"Duh! I know. I was there when you took your vows," she said coolly.

Aveline chuckled seeing the carefree way in which Drishti was speaking.

"And may I know who you are?" He asked politely and she had the gall to look offended at that.

"I am Drishti. Drishti Maheswari" The woman said.

"Maheswari? As in Shravan Maheswari's wife?" Zayed asked.

"Of course. In fact, we are also Indian Royalty. Unfortunately, India isn't under royal ruling anymore. Else, my husband would have been the ruling Prince of Jaipur and I would have been his princess," Drishti said sadly.

"I hope you are enjoying the function." He said politely.

"Yes yes," the woman nodded her head enthusiastically.

"Habibti, I will just go around and greet all the guests. Why don't you join me?" Zayed asked.

"What about Zaif?" Aveline asked, looking at the baby.

"It's okay. I will manage. I have brought a babysitter with me. So, she can help out. It's time for Dhruv's nap anyway. I was about to take him in. If you don't mind, I will also take Zaif for a nap," Drishti said.

Aveline looked hesitant.

"That's alright, Drishti. The royal in house nanny is in attendance. And she has a couple of helpers too. So, before the evening reception, all the kids would be sent in." Aveline said and Drishti nodded in understanding.

She could totally understand. She is a total stranger to them after all. If somebody says they will look after Dhruv, she wouldn’t leave him with them, no matter who they are.

“Seriously, Drishti?” Shravan hissed as he came near her.

“What?” Drishti asked in confusion.

“You were again blabbering about Indian Royalty to the Sheikh?” Shravan asked.

“I didn’t lie. I was only telling the truth. We are practically royalty. Just like that.” Drishti said and Shravan rolled his eyes.

“If you forgot, our country doesn’t encourage royal reign anymore. Ours is a democratic country.” Shravan pointed out.

“That is my worry.. Only if…” Drishti trailed off sadly and Shravan sighed in exasperation.

As the evening reception began, the atmosphere was filled with laughter and merry-making. The festivities were in full swing, and Drishti couldn't resist sharing her humour with everyone she met.

"Oh, I am so glad we attended this grand event. Maybe next time, we can host a royal celebration in Jaipur and invite Sheikh Zayed as the guest of honour," Drishti joked, nudging Shravan playfully.

Shravan chuckled, "Yes, yes, and we'll have camels and elephants parading through the streets of Jaipur!"

"Oh, absolutely! And I'll wear a crown bigger than the Eiffel Tower!" Drishti giggled.

They continued their light-hearted banter as they mingled with the guests. Drishti's carefree and bubbly nature seemed to charm many, and soon she found herself surrounded by new friends.

At one point, Drishti ended up chatting with a group of dignitaries from different countries. One of them asked her, "So, how does it feel to be at a royal coronation?"

Drishti pretended to ponder for a moment, and then replied with a smirk, "Well, it feels like I've been secretly preparing for my own coronation my whole life, but the world just isn't ready for the Queen of Jaipur yet!"

Her witty remark sent the group into fits of laughter, and they applauded her playful spirit. Drishti beamed with joy, thoroughly enjoying the attention.

Meanwhile, Sheikh Zayed and Aveline observed Drishti's antics from a distance. Aveline couldn't help but admire Drishti's candid nature, finding it refreshing amidst the formality of royal events.

Zayed chuckled, "She is quite the character, isn't she? She brings a unique energy to this grand occasion."

As the evening progressed, the dance floor came alive with music and laughter. Drishti pulled Shravan to join her, and they danced with reckless abandon, not caring about their amateur moves.

"Look at us, Shravan! We're dancing like nobody's watching, even though everyone's watching!" Drishti exclaimed between giggles.

"You're right! Let's show them how Indians dance!" Shravan replied with a grin, and they attempted to showcase some Bollywood dance steps, earning applause and cheers from the amused crowd.

Later, Drishti and Aveline bonded over baby stories and experiences, laughing about the trials and joys of motherhood.

"You know, being a princess sounds dreamy, but being a mom is the real adventure," Aveline shared with a warm smile.

Drishti nodded, "Absolutely! And we're both in the royal club of sleep-deprived mothers, trying to balance everything."

As the night drew to a close, Drishti approached Sheikh Zayed with a playful grin.

"Thank you for inviting us to your majestic coronation. It was almost as grand as a Bollywood movie!"

Zayed chuckled, "You're most welcome, Drishti. Your Bollywood references have added a unique touch to this event."

"And remember, if you ever need any advice on ruling, you can count on us, the secret royals of India!" Drishti said dramatically, earning another laugh from Zayed.

As the guests bid their farewells and the event concluded, Drishti and Shravan returned to their room, still buzzing with excitement from the evening's festivities.

"You know," Drishti said with a smile, "I might not be a real princess, but tonight, I felt like one, and that's all that matters."

Shravan wrapped his arms around her, "You're my queen, Drishti, and that's more than enough for me."

And with hearts full of laughter and love, they drifted off to sleep, cherishing the memories of their whimsical adventure in the land of royalty.