Aditya's pov 

When I arrived at the palace, the rain suddenly started pouring down. The sun had already set, and dark grey clouds filled the sky. The driver opened the car door and held an umbrella over me as I stepped out. I took the bouquet in my hands and walked toward the palace, the bodyguards following closely behind me.

I had gotten late because I stopped at a nearby coffee shop to clear my mind. I hadn't realized how quickly time passed. By the time I noticed, it was already dark, and I cursed under my breath for being so late.

"Fuck, I hope Dadisa has already fallen asleep" I muttered under my breath. I tried to slip inside quietly because I knew if she found out I was late, she would definitely scold me, and I didn't want to upset her.

To the outside world, I was seen as a workaholic, serious, humorless, grumpy, and a vigorous businessman—the future king of Udaipur. But to her, I was still the softhearted, childish, naive boy whose parents had left this world when I needed them the most.

An attendee approached me with a glass of water. I took it and gulped it down, then set the glass back on the tray. "Has Dadisa gone to sleep?" I asked with a serious expression.

"Yes, Prince, she's already in bed" she replied, and I nodded. "Hm, you can go now" I said. She bowed and left.

I walked over to the couch and sat down, closing my eyes for a moment. Suddenly, someone grabbed my ear and pinched it.

"Arg—Dadisa!" I exclaimed as she suddenly appeared and grabbed my ear tightly.

"Where were you, Mr. Aditya Singh Rathore?" she asked in her authoritative voice.

"Dadisa, how do you always know when I've come?" I asked, and she finally let go of my ear.

"Because I'm your Dadisa, and I know you, my dear grandchild," she said, and I smiled.

I looked at her with love; she was the only one who had the authority to question me about my whereabouts because she was my whole world.

Many people agree that I am a workaholic and rude businessman, the future king of Udaipur, always prioritizing work above everything else. But to her, I was, am, and always will be her child, the one she held during my weakest moments, just when I was about to break apart. She never left my side, she stood by me even at my lowest.

When my parents died, she hugged me tightly and comforted me, making sure I never felt alone in this cruel world. Some people might say it was just her responsibility, but to me, a shattered person afraid to face life with no one else around, she was the only ray of sunshine that gave me hope and light. She showed me the right path, which is why she meant everything to me. Nobody could ever take her place, and I knew that.

"Dadisa, I got late because I stopped by a flower shop to buy this bouquet for you" I said, handing it to her.

"You'll never stop your mischief" she replied, smiling as she ruffled my hair. She accepted the bouquet and inhaled its fragrance.

"Such beautiful tulips" she said, beaming.

"Just the way you like" I replied, and she ruffled my hair again.

"Dadisa, not the hair" I protested, but she just giggled and hugged me. I hugged her back tightly, closing my eyes to soak in her warmth as she caressed my back. After a moment, she broke the hug, and I asked, "Did you eat your dinner?"

"Yes, sweetheart" she answered.

"And your medicines?" I looked into her eyes and understood.

"A-Actually, I was just about to take them" she said. I felt a flicker of anger and sadness rise in me. how can she be so careless despite knowing she's a heart patient.

"Dadisa, how many times do I have to tell you not to be so careless?" I said, holding her shoulders. "Please, I can't afford to lose you. I know you always take your medicines from my hands, but even if I can't come home early, you shouldn't skip them."

"I know my child, but I'm getting old and forgetful. Don't you think it's time for you to get married so your wife can handle my medicines and take care of me?" she suggested.

"Dadisa, hum kisi aur par bharosa nahi kar sakte aur aap baat badalne ki koshish mat keejiye" I exclaimed, my frustration growing.

(you know I don't trust anyone with you. And don't try to change the topic) 

"Everyone, gather here!" I shouted, feeling my anger boil over. The attendees came running.

"Ji Hukum" they said in unison.   (yes prince)

"How many times do I have to tell you all? Don't you have responsibilities? I've told you that if I'm late or can't make it to the palace, it's your duty to take care of her and her medications. Do you all want me to fire you?" I snapped angrily.

They all lowered their heads, nodding.

"Maaf keejiyega hukum, Badi Ranisa ne kaha wo aapka intezaar karengi, humne koshish ki thi par unhone davaai nahi li" one attendee said, still looking down.

(Sorry hukum. Badi Ranisa said she would wait for you)

"I knew it. You must have stopped them, didn't you?" I glared at her.

Dadisa didn't argue, she knew I was upset with her carelessness. She could have scolded me, but she stayed quiet, knowing I couldn't bear to see her neglect her health. I felt bad for my outburst, but I had to make sure she didn't compromise her well-being.

I sighed and said

"First and the very last warning for you all , even if she refuses , it's your duty to make her eat the medicines on time or else even I don't know what I would do " I glared at each one of their faces and they nodded while lowering their heads

"Go" I said and they left from there

"If you don't want to make me fire them, then please cooperate Dadisa , please" I pleaded to her and she cupped my face

"Darling , you and veer are the only one I have right now , you are my whole world and I can't see you upset , ok I will do as you say but please don't be upset" She said softly and brushed her thumb on my cheeks

"And please don't fire them , I'll do as you say" She said and hugged me

I broke the hug and said

"Aaiye , aap pehle apni davaai le leejiye" I stated and made her sit on the couch , I went to her room and brought her medicines with a glass of water in my other hand                                                   ( Come , first of all , have your medicines )

"Here, take this" I said, handing her the medicines one by one. She made baby faces, and I chuckled at her childish behavior. After denying them a hundred times, she finally gave in and took all her medicines.

"That's my lady" I said as she gulped them down.

I took the empty glass from her and escorted her to her chamber.

"Adi, you didn't give me a hug for the huge success of the company, my child" she said, smiling. I smiled back.

"Here I come!" I said, embracing her tightly.

After a good five minutes, she broke the hug and kissed my forehead.

"I'm so proud of you, son" she said, her smile wide, her eyes crinkling with age.

"It's all because of you, dear Queen" I replied, and she patted my head.

"By the way, the arrangements for tomorrow are done. The party will be a blast! I spoke to Mr. Choudhary, and he took care of everything" she said. I smiled.

"Only two people I trust the most, you and Mr. Choudhary" I said, and she nodded.

"Yes, he is the most trustworthy employee we have" she replied.

"Good to hear Mr. Choudhary took care of everything. I'll send him a thank-you letter and gifts after the party" I stated, and she nodded.

"Now, you need to rest. Tomorrow is a big day" I said.

"Yes, finally! I'll eat sweets until my stomach explodes" she exclaimed. Realizing what she said, she looked at me, and I glared back.

"I'll make sure you don't eat a single piece! and you also need to control your sugar cravings" I said, getting serious. She pouted.

"But tomorrow is an exception" she said, blinking her eyes.

"Not at all. It's not good for your health, understand?" I replied, and she nodded, looking upset.

"That's my Dadisa. Now take some rest, alright?" I said. She nodded, and I smiled.

After helping her lie down on her bed and covering her with the duvet, I switched off the lights and left her room.

Once in my chamber, I took a quick bath and dressed in my lower half, leaving my upper body exposed since I preferred to sleep half-naked. I walked to the window and stared at the moon, a cigarette in my right hand.

"Tomorrow is going to be a big day" I murmured to myself as I gazed at the moon, finishing my cigarette.

After a while, I walked to my bed and lay down, the moonlight filling the room with a soft glow. I closed my eyes and fell asleep, covering myself with the duvet.

~♡~♡~♡~♡~♡~♡~♡~♡~♡~♡~♡~♡~♡~♡~♡~

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