Page 138 of Claimed By the Maharaja
She didn't know enough about Jogra tradition to know exactly what it meant when the maharaja offered his ceremonial sword to his maharani in front of the valley.
But judging by the way the crowd had erupted, she suspected it meant something.
The drums kept going. And the crowd continued to celebrate.
But all she could feel was the man beside her.
I am in serious trouble.
CHAPTER 31
The dining hall at the Jogra palace had emptied gradually after dinner.
Rani Suchitra had retired early. Mira had followed. Bharat Jogra and his brothers had disappeared together, most likely to his home office.
Yamini should have gone upstairs too.
Instead, she was sitting in the smaller drawing room off the main hall with both hands wrapped around a cup of kahwa that Savita had produced without being asked.
She had changed out of the ceremonial pheran after returning from the valley and wore a simpler lehenga.
Sanjana sat across from her with her own cup, having exchanged the heavy silk saree for a comfortable pale pink cotton kurta. She had shed the formal jewelry too and wore only small gold studs.
“You did well today,” Sanjana said.
Yamini looked at her over the rim of the cup. “I’m not too sure about that,” she said.
“You did,” Sanjana insisted. “You looked so at ease. I saw you tapping your foot during the dance performances.”
Yamini hadn’t known anyone could see her feet tapping under the heavy pheran.
“Actually, I was quite nervous,” Yamini confessed. “I am used to the crowds, but not when I am the main focus.”
Sanjana smiled. “That is true. I’ve still not gotten used to that as well.”
They sat quietly for a moment, the kahwa warm between their palms.
Then Sanjana's gaze dropped to Yamini's neckline.
“That’s a beautiful pendant,” she said.
Yamini looked down. She had kept it on even after changing.
“Thank you. It's my great-grandmother's. She was a fisherwoman.”
Sanjana’s eyes brightened with interest. “That sounds so interesting. Have you met her?”
Yamini shook her head. “No. She died before I was born. But my family often spoke about her to me. This pendant was gifted to her by her husband, the Gaur Maharaja.”
Sanjana smiled. “That’s such a beautiful history behind it. I’m glad your parents passed it on to you.”
Yamini paused. “Actually, this necklace was auctioned after she died. The family couldn't afford to keep it. Bharat purchased it in an auction.”
Sanjana’s eyes widened in surprise. “Oh wow. That is so romantic. Even at the valley event, Bharat gave you the ceremonial sword. Ram mentioned to me that it was an indication that the maharaja offers his heart and protection to his maharani.”
Yamini didn’t say anything. She didn’t want to dim Sanjana’s sweet excitement by saying Bharat Jogra didn’t do romance or love.
He only did control and efficiency.
