Page 127 of Claimed By the Maharaja
Additional floral arrangements decorated the table while staff moved between stations, carrying dishes and ensuring everything looked perfect.
Inside, everyone was already seated.
Bharat sat at the head of the table. Rani Suchitra sat on his right. And Mira sat beside her.
Rani Suchitra looked up.
For one brief moment, Yamini wondered whether the queen mother had noticed the difference between now and thirty minutes earlier.
If she did, nothing appeared on her face.
Yamini murmured a soft greeting before taking the seat opposite Rani Suchitra and beside Bharat. She noticed that he was dressed in traditional Jogra clothing with a high-collared black sherwani and a small heritage brooch.
As usual, he didn’t bother to look at her or greet her. Yamini resisted the urge to kick him under the table with annoyance.
Dinner began as soon as she sat.
The table filled quickly.
Several traditional dishes occupied most of the table. And alongside them sat makki ki roti and sarson ka saag, which were her favorites.
She glanced toward the staff waiting quietly nearby.
“Thank you,” she said softly with a smile.
Several of them returned the smile with a small bow.
The meal continued quietly until Rani Suchitra set down her silver cutlery.
“Tomorrow will be busy,” she said calmly.
Yamini straightened slightly.
“The morning begins with temple rituals. Afterwards, there will be an event in Jogra Valley.”
Rani Suchitra’s gaze briefly moved toward Yamini.
“You will be introduced to the people of the valley as the new Jogra maharani.”
Yamini’s heart raced with nervousness, but she gave a small nod.
“The formal announcement will happen the following evening,” Rani Suchitra added.
Mira then discussed the logistics. The timing, the priest's arrival, and the village council seating arrangements.
Bharat responded in his usual curt precision.
Yamini listened, trying to appear calm while her mind raced uncontrollably.
“There will be limited media,” Mira added politely. “Along with local leaders, businessmen, and invited royal families.”
Dinner concluded shortly afterward.
Rani Suchitra rose first, then Mira did.
Bharat stood too. And Yamini quickly followed.
“Good night, Mouj,” Bharat said. His tone sounded too curt and formal to address a family member, let alone his mother.
