Page 95 of Claimed By the Maharaja
“She made a terrible mistake,” her father continued. “But this marriage—this restores everything.”
Bharat remained silent. And his face revealed nothing.
“You are a newlywed couple,” her mother said. “That means we must welcome you properly with our rituals.”
Yamini didn’t say anything. She stood next to Bharat Jogra as arrangements were made.
Several rituals practiced by the Gaur royal house were performed.
And soon after the rituals, lunch was arranged hurriedly.
“Ma, please don’t trouble yourself—”
“Nonsense,” her father interrupted with a booming laugh that sounded false to her ears. “Our daughter has returned with Maharaja Bharat Singh Jogra. This is a blessed day.”
Our daughter. The words twisted inside her.
Barely weeks ago, her father had told her she was no longer his daughter.
Now, because Bharat Jogra stood beside her, she was theirs again.
Bharat Jogra remained silent.
She wished he hadn’t witnessed her father’s shallow affection. Or her mother’s tears. Or her brother’s guilt-ridden face.
But he did witness all the broken pieces of a family that had been rearranged instantly because power had entered the room.
They sat in the formal drawing room.
Refreshments arrived quickly. Silver trays. Saffron sweets. Spiced tea. Dry fruits in crystal bowls that had likely been pulled out after years because a maharaja had arrived.
Yamini’s father sat across from Bharat Jogra, leaning forward slightly, eager to please.
“We have always held the Jogra house in the highest regard,” he said. “What happened five years ago was deeply unfortunate. Deeply shameful.”
Yamini’s fingers tightened around her teacup.
Her mother looked down.
Her brother’s jaw tightened.
Bharat Jogra did not react.
Her father continued. “Yamini was young. Foolish. Easily misled. We tried to make her understand her duty, but she had always been stubborn.”
“But destiny has corrected what youth destroyed,” her father added, smiling at Bharat Jogra. “We are grateful for your generosity in accepting her again.”
A cold wave of shame passed through Yamini.
Accepting her again.
As though she were damaged goods returned to a generous buyer.
Before she could speak, Bharat Jogra spoke.
“I did not accept her again,” he said.
The room went completely still.
