Royal Wedding (Part 2)

February 23, 2010

The morning sun bathed Vellore International Airport in a golden glow, casting long shadows across the bustling terminal. Despite the usual activity, today was different. The airport was under tight security, with the Palace Guard and Agni Special Forces stationed strategically at every entry point. RIS (Royal Intelligence Service) agents lurked in the background, their sharp eyes scanning the surroundings for any external threats.

A convoy of sleek, black luxury cars stood at the entrance, their polished surfaces gleaming under the morning light. At the center of it all stood Krishna Deva Raya, dressed in a tailored dark blue sherwani, his regal presence undeniable.

As the private jet taxied down the runway, the anticipation in the air was palpable. Moments later, the doors opened, and the passengers began to disembark.

Smriti Pandey and her family had finally arrived.

The Pandey family members descended the steps, their eyes widening at the overwhelming reception. Soldiers stood at attention, security forces moved with precision, and at the center of it all stood the Crown Prince of Vijayanagara, waiting for them.

As soon as Raja Ram Pandey, Smriti's father, spotted Krishna, his face lit up with enthusiasm.

"Hello, Your Highness," he greeted, bowing his head slightly.

Krishna stepped forward with a welcoming smile. "Hello, relatives." His voice was warm, yet carried the authority of a ruler. "Welcome to Vijayanagara."

The family responded in unison, their voices tinged with a mixture of respect and excitement.

Krishna's gaze shifted to Smriti, who stood slightly behind her family, her expression unreadable. Their eyes met, and for a moment, the noise around them seemed to fade.

"Welcome, my queen," Krishna said softly.

A deep flush spread across Smriti's cheeks. He had said it so casually, so boldly—in front of her entire family. Her hands instinctively tightened around the strap of her handbag, and for a fleeting second, she wished the ground would open up and swallow her whole.

"T-Thank you," she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper.

Her mother stifled a small smile at the sight of her daughter's reaction, while her younger cousins barely contained their giggles.

Krishna chuckled but chose not to tease further. Instead, he gestured toward the cars.

"You must be tired from the flight. Let's first visit my family at the palace, and then we will have lunch."

"As you wish, Your Highness," Raja Ram Pandey replied.

With that, the group moved toward the waiting convoy.

As the royal convoy departed, onlookers at the airport were left stunned by the scene they had just witnessed.

A man, dressed in casual clothes, nudged his friend in disbelief.

"Why was His Highness here? There aren't any foreign leaders arriving today."

Another curious traveler, overhearing their conversation, chimed in, "That's right! The security was so tight today—I thought maybe an international delegate was visiting!"

Noticing their confusion, a worker at the airport, who had been observing everything with pride, decided to enlighten them.

"You guys must be new here, huh?" he asked, grinning.

The travelers nodded. "Yes. Do you know what's going on?"

The worker puffed his chest out proudly. "Oh, so you don't know? Well, let me tell you! Our Crown Prince is getting married on February 25th—it's only a day away now! He was here to personally welcome his future queen."

The visitors gasped in realization.

"No way! That was the future queen of Vijayanagara?!"

The worker nodded enthusiastically. "Yes! And His Highness was right there in front of us! Can you believe it? I will remember this moment for the rest of my life!"

The visitors exchanged excited glances, realizing they had just witnessed a historic moment.

The convoy glided onto the highway, the loud hum of the engines breaking through the morning air. Traffic had been cleared for the royal procession, leaving the road eerily empty except for the security vehicles escorting them.

Inside one of the cars, Smriti's younger cousins marveled at the experience.

"Wow! They're clearing the entire highway just for us?" her 15-year-old cousin gasped, his eyes sparkling with excitement. "I can't wait to brag to my friends about this! They'll never believe me!"

The 10-year-old cousin leaned forward, running his small fingers over the plush leather seats. "This car is so fancy! I've never sat in anything like this before!"

The older family members chuckled at the children's excitement. While this was new to them now, they all understood that their lives would change forever—because their beloved Smriti was marrying the future king of Vijayanagara.

The towering gates of the Royal Palace loomed ahead, opening slowly to reveal a grand courtyard lined with towering palm trees and fountains that shimmered under the sun. Servants and palace staff stood in neat rows, awaiting their arrival.

At the entrance, King Sriranga Deva Raya and Queen Fulmati Deva Raya stood side by side, exuding regal grace.

As the cars came to a halt, Krishna stepped out first, then turned to help Smriti down.

The Pandey family members exited next, their eyes filled with awe as they took in the grandeur of the palace. Despite their wealth and status, the sheer magnificence of Vijayanagara's royal residence left them momentarily speechless.

Sriranga Deva Raya stepped forward with a dignified smile.

"Welcome, in-laws," he said, his deep voice carrying warmth and authority.

Raja Ram Pandey quickly stepped forward and bowed his head respectfully. "Thank you for the hospitality, Your Majesty. It is an honor to be here."

Following his lead, the rest of the Pandey family bowed as well.

The Queen took a step closer, her expression gentle yet firm. "There is no need to bow to us. From this day forward, we are family."

Raja Ram Pandey smiled gratefully.

Fulmati Deva Raya's gaze then settled on Smriti, her eyes softening with affection. "Let me see my daughter-in-law properly."

Smriti hesitated, suddenly feeling incredibly self-conscious under the Queen's scrutiny.

Gathering her courage, she stepped forward. "Hello, Your Majesty. My name is Smriti Pandey."

The Queen's eyes twinkled. "No, no, dear. Do not call me that. You may call me Mother."

A lump formed in Smriti's throat. She hadn't expected such warmth—such immediate acceptance. Swallowing past the sudden wave of emotion, she nodded.

"Mother," she whispered.

Fulmati Deva Raya beamed. "Good. Now, I heard that this foolish son of mine didn't call or text you for an entire year." She shot Krishna a pointed look before turning back to Smriti. "My poor baby, come here. If this boy ever dares to bully you in the future, you come straight to me. I will make sure justice is served."

A round of laughter erupted from the Pandey family.

Krishna sighed dramatically. "Mother, I am your son."

Fulmati Deva Raya raised an eyebrow. "So what? Now, I have a daughter too."

The Pandey family couldn't help but smile. Despite their royal status, the Vijayanagara royal family felt surprisingly… normal.