Later that evening

After dinner, Joseph and his team gathered to discuss the design concepts each of them had come up with. Nusrat and Advika shared their experiences of studying ancient clothing pieces and how those inspired their sketches. Advika described the fabric and intricate jari work on the lehenga they had examined, while Chirag explained his idea of using motifs like tiny elephants and broken pillars in his lehengas and sherwanis, drawing from royal heritage and architecture.

By 11 PM, both girls retired to their room. They changed into comfortable clothes, quietly preparing themselves for the visit to Rajmanya Palace that night.

Advika sat cross-legged in front of the mirror, gently detangling her long hair when Saanvi appeared behind them.

"Are you both ready?" Saanvi asked softly.

Startled, Nusrat and Advika jumped before turning toward their ghostly companion.

"Just let me finish braiding my hair," Advika replied, catching her breath.

Saanvi smiled. "Take your time."

"Adu, remind me to shampoo my hair tomorrow morning," Nusrat muttered sleepily. "I want to start this whole time-travel adventure with fresh hair."

Advika chuckled. "Same here. Shampoo, conditioner... the works."

Then, turning a little serious, she looked at Saanvi. "Saanvi, before you send us back, I need you to tell us everything. Every detail about what happened. And please don't drop us into the day you died. I want us to land at least a few weeks before your death. We'll need time to change things... subtly."

A thoughtful expression crossed Saanvi's face, but she nodded. "I understand. That's why tonight's visit is important. You'll see the present-day layout of Rajmanya Palace. Before you go back in time, you need to learn how to carry yourselves like you're part of that world. How to walk, talk, sit, bow... even which rooms were used for what. If you act out of place, people will notice."

Advika raised a brow, smirking. "So, you're our royal etiquette teacher now?"

Saanvi gave a soft laugh. "I prefer the term ghostly mentor, thank you."

Advika secured the end of her braid. "Alright. I'm ready."

"Same here," Nusrat added, tucking her phone into her pocket out of habit.

Saanvi paused, then slowly snapped her fingers.

A cool gust of wind swept through the room, lifting the curtains slightly. The air shimmered eerily before settling again. 

The girls blinked in surprise. They were no longer in their hotel room.

They now stood in the grand drawing room of Rajmanya Palace. The remnants of old grandeur lingered in the carved ceilings, worn-out rugs, and fading portraits on the walls.

Advika blinked, looking around. "Wait... this is the room I saw you dancing in, isn't it?"

Saanvi nodded. "Yes. Now, let's start. We don't have much time."

Saanvi guided Advika and Nusrat through the labyrinthine halls of Rajmanya Palace, giving them a crash course in navigating the world they would soon step into. The weight of history pressed down on them with every step, each corridor whispered secrets, and every ornate doorway hinted at forgotten power. Advika knew that once they crossed into the past, every word, gesture, and glance would carry meaning. There would be no room for modern missteps.

They passed through grand corridors draped in regal tapestries and entered rooms whose purposes spanned generations. For now, their mission was clear: learn the palace's layout and protocols, understand the daily rhythm of royal life, and absorb it all without drawing attention to themselves.

Saanvi, ever the patient teacher, explained the subtle nuances of palace etiquette like the way she addressed her family members, the respectful but distant tone used with nobility, and the warmth she reserved for the common folk. "Advika, as the royal princess of this kingdom, you must speak with kindness, but never too casually," she said gently. "Respect must always be maintained, even when your heart disagrees."

Advika nodded, taking mental notes, her mind already spinning with details she couldn't afford to forget.

"I know things will feel wrong to you at times," Saanvi added, glancing at both of them. "You'll see practices that offend your feminist ideals. But remember, you'll be stepping into the 13th century. Show as much demureness as you can. It's not about agreeing with everything. It's about surviving long enough to create change."

Nusrat raised an eyebrow. "But if we act exactly like you did, how will anything change? Isn't the whole point to alter the past?"

Saanvi paused, clearly weighing her answer, before nodding slowly. "You have a point there."

"We'll try to control our reactions," Advika offered. "You'll be with us, right? So if we start crossing the line, you can warn us."

"And we can say Nusrat is from a distant kingdom with different customs, different religion," she added with a slight smirk. "That'll explain any accidental slip-ups."

Both Nusrat and Saanvi nodded in agreement.

They moved deeper into the palace's private chambers. Saanvi pointed out areas reserved for royal women, the council chamber, and the queen's terrace. She also told them about the maids... who could be trusted and who needed to be watched.

"These women served me faithfully," she said as they passed a hallway filled with old portraits. "But power can twist even the most loyal hearts. I have reason to believe some of them were involved in what happened to me."

Advika felt the air grow heavier. The stakes were no longer abstract. There were faces to mistrust. Roles to play. Lives at risk.

As the night blurred into the early hours of morning, a quiet dread settled over her. "Stay close to me, at least for the first few weeks," she told Saanvi, her voice laced with determination. "I can't afford to make mistakes. I don't know the intricacies of this world yet."

Saanvi smiled, a mix of sadness and admiration in her eyes. "Of course. You're not alone, Advika. I'll be with you. I won't let you falter."

With their first lessons complete, Saanvi gently returned them to their resort room. The clock on the wall blinked 3:30 AM. The exhaustion they had ignored all evening now hit them in full force.

After setting an alarm for 5:00 AM, the girls collapsed onto the bed, barely pulling the blanket over themselves.

Advika's thoughts refused to quiet. The weight of what lay ahead was terrifying but at least now, she had a starting point. She had knowledge. She had Saanvi.

And soon, she'd have a kingdom to protect.

As her eyes finally closed, only one thought remained.  The real challenge would begin when she stepped into the past.

.. .. \- -/ .. .. 

... - - - ...

.. .. \- -/ .. ..

DAY - 4::

Advika and Nusrat had showered and shampooed their hair as planned, knowing full well that it might be a long time before they had access to modern comforts again.

That morning, Advika dressed with meticulous care. She chose a pair of sleek black skinny jeans that hugged her figure, paired with knee-high boots and a fitted black t-shirt that amplified her confident presence. Her long hair was styled into an intricate braid, each strand woven with precision. Her makeup was flawless, emphasizing her sharp cheekbones and expressive eyes. If she was about to step into history, she intended to do it with style and strength.

Nusrat, on the other hand, went for comfort. She slipped into light blue skinny jeans, a pastel green crop top, and a soft grey cardigan. Her sports shoes promised ease of movement, and she left her hair open, framing her face naturally. Her makeup was light, just enough to freshen her face and boost her confidence.

Among the few essentials the girls had packed were sanitary pads, basic medications, and their carefully selected makeup kits.

"Adu, I don't think these pads will be enough," Nusrat said, frowning as she zipped up her bag. "We don't know how long we'll be gone."

Advika grimaced, glancing at the two slim packs in their backpacks. "You're right. Do one thing, you go ahead with the team. I'll run to the nearest pharmacy and stock up. I'll meet you all at the ruins."

"Sure. Sounds good," Nusrat nodded.

As planned, Nusrat joined Joseph and Chirag. When asked, she informed that Advika needed something urgent from the pharmacy and would join them at the ruins soon.

The word pharmacy were hint enough for both men. They understood what Advika might've needed. So, they didn't ask for any details. 

... - - - ...

Finding an open pharmacy at such an early hour proved difficult, but after some searching, Advika finally spotted one with its shutters halfway up. She stepped inside, relieved, and quickly bought enough sanitary pads for both herself and Nusrat. Then, she handed the pharmacist her prescription and collected her usual medication.

As the pharmacist packed her items, a thought struck her, sharp and sudden.

She knew that facing her enemies on equal terms would be naïve. The past wasn't going to play fair, and neither could she afford to. If she wanted any chance of surviving, let alone succeeding, she needed leverage. Something unexpected. Something silent.

Her gaze flicked to the sleeping pills included in her prescription.

Advika hesitated for only a moment before her resolve solidified. She asked for an extra strip, then left and began hunting down other early-opening pharmacies nearby. At each one, she bought more of the same pills. She didn't know if or when she'd use them, but they were small, discreet, and possibly lifesaving.

A quiet weapon.

Once her preparations were complete, she hailed a taxi and headed toward the ruins of Rajmanya Palace.

Today was the day she and Nusrat would step back in time... 800 years into the past.

... - ...

... - ...

... - ...

When Advika joined her team at the ruins, she took a moment to quietly observe her friends and colleagues. Her eyes moved from one familiar face to the next, capturing their smiles, conversations, and little quirks. A wave of bittersweet emotion washed over her; she didn't know how long she would be away from them... or if she would even return the same. The weight of the unknown loomed large, but she masked her thoughts behind a calm expression, steeling herself for the journey ahead.

Nusrat quietly stepped up beside her and took her hand, offering a smile of understanding. She didn't need to say anything as she was feeling the same way too.

After the team split up, Advika and Nusrat made their way through the winding stone corridors of the ruined palace, heading toward what once had been the royal quarters. Saanvi had instructed them to meet her inside the princess's old bedchamber.

Both girls moved with purpose, their footsteps echoing faintly through the ancient walls.

When they arrived, they found Saanvi standing by the arched window, gazing out into the distance. Her translucent form looked serene, but something about the tension in her shoulders told a different story.

Advika scanned the room quickly, then set her backpack down near the wall. She walked over to join Saanvi, leaning casually against the window frame.

"You ready, kiddo?" she asked softly, nudging Saanvi's ghostly shoulder with a teasing smile.

Saanvi flinched slightly at the question, caught off guard. Her expression crumpled for a moment, and she bit her lower lip. "A-Advika... I'm really nervous," she whispered. "What if we don't succeed? What if everything goes wrong? What if I mess this up?"

Nusrat's brows lifted in surprise. "Wait, you're nervous?!" she asked incredulously, stepping closer. "You're the one who's been giving us pep talks since day one!"

Saanvi gave her a sheepish smile, her eyes shimmering faintly. "Yeah, well... it's different now that it's really happening."

Nusrat crossed her arms and nodded slowly. "Okay, fair. I get that. My palms are sweaty too. And if I'm being honest, hearing you panic isn't exactly helping." She gave a half-laugh, half-groan. "But hey, at least we're all terrified together."

Before either of them could spiral deeper, Advika slipped an arm around Saanvi's waist and leaned in, pressing a soft, reassuring kiss to the side of her head. "Saanvi, listen to me," she said, voice calm but firm. "Defeat isn't the worst thing that could happen. What's worse is living with regret. It's about knowing that we had a chance to change everything and we chose to stay safe instead. I can live with failure. I can't live with 'what if.' Got it, Chhutki?"

Saanvi blinked at the nickname, then gave a shaky smile. "You called me 'Chhutki.' You do realize I'm older than you, right?"

Advika rolled her eyes. "You're sixteen. I'm twenty-five. Do the math."

"Uh, correction," Saanvi huffed, folding her arms. "I was sixteen 800 years ago. Technically, that makes me 816 years older than you." she argued.

Nusrat grinned, clearly enjoying the banter. "She's got a point, Adu. She's like, ancient."

"Oh please," Advika scoffed. "You're frozen at sixteen, Saanvi. That means you'll always be sixteen. As far as I'm concerned, that makes you the baby of the group, like it or not."

Saanvi groaned dramatically. "Ugh, this is so unfair!"

The three of them laughed, the heaviness in the air lifting ever so slightly. The fear was still there but now it was shared, softened by the presence of friendship.

Then Advika turned serious again. "Okay, now listen. Once we're in 1225, I want you... " she looked at Saanvi, "... to keep constant watch over our backpacks. Don't let anyone, even by accident, get near them. There's too much at stake."

"I'll guard them with my... well, with my ghostly honor," Saanvi said solemnly, placing a hand over her heart.

"Good," Advika said with a faint smile. Then, she glanced at Nusrat. "You ready?"

Nusrat exhaled sharply, bouncing a little on her toes. "Not even close. But I'm coming anyway."

"Same," Advika replied, her voice steady despite the spark of anticipation in her eyes. "Let's go."

Saanvi nodded, drawing a deep breath as though preparing for a plunge into unknown waters. Her expression was calmer now, steadier.

With an almost regal grace, Saanvi led Advika and Nusrat to the dressing table, the wooden surface gleaming faintly as if it held a magic of its own. Advika slung her backpacks over her shoulders and moved to stand beside her.

Nusrat lingered for a beat, eyes wide with curiosity and a flicker of doubt. "So... this is really happening?" she murmured, stepping closer. "Not just some weird dream?"

Saanvi gave a small, knowing smile. "No. This is real."

Nusrat nodded, exhaling sharply as she slung her backpack over her shoulder. Then, she reached for Saanvi's hand, her grip firm despite the tremor in her fingers.

Saanvi took Advika's hand with her other, completing the circle. Her gaze lifted to the ornate mirror. Its frame shimmered faintly, intricate carvings glowing softly in response to her presence. Then, in a voice that felt pulled from time itself, she began to chant. Ancient words flowing like a melody, threading through the air.

The shift was immediate.

A wind surged from nowhere, swirling violently through the room. Tapestries whipped. Candles extinguished in a blink. Advika's hair lashed her face. Nusrat shrieked and grabbed Saanvi's arm like a lifeline.

"Just hang on!" Advika shouted over the roar.

The magic thickened, crackling around them like a brewing storm. Nusrat stumbled backward, catching herself against the wall as the mirror rippled like disturbed water. Light flared, and the wind screamed to a crescendo.....

Then, silence.

The chamber stilled. The wind died. The light faded. Only calm remained.

Saanvi's voice broke the silence, soft but sure. "Advika... Nusrat. We're here."

Advika lowered her arm, blinking through the residual glow. Nusrat slowly unlatched herself, eyes wide as she took in their surroundings.

The dusty royal chamber was gone. In its place stood a room from legends. Walls gleaming with golden light, fine tapestries draping every corner, and a fragrance of fresh blossoms perfuming the air.

Nusrat gaped. "Okay... yeah. Definitely not a dream."

Drawn to the window, Advika stepped forward. She pushed aside the delicate silken drapes and looked outside. Her breath caught in her chest instantly.

A vast garden stretched beyond the window, a sea of color and life. At its heart stood a magnificent fountain, crystal water cascading under sunlight. Beyond the garden, the sounds of a royal courtyard filtered in... the clang of metal, neighing horses, and orders barked in an ancient tongue.

Her knees wobbled. The year 1225. She was really here.

But something felt... different.

Her reflection in the glass showed a younger version of herself like she used to look in her teenage years. Waist-long, jet-black hair adorned with delicate gold ornaments. Her posture was effortlessly regal, and the heavy silk lehenga clung to her like it had always belonged to her.

Advika gasped in shock, her hand flying to her face. This wasn't just a dream or illusion.

She had woken up in Princess Saanvi's body. Her own body (her familiar, present-day self) was nowhere to be found.

A wave of dizziness hit her, and for a heartbeat, the world spun. But then she felt a hand on her back. It was Nusrat, steadying her.

"You good?" Nusrat asked gently, voice quiet now, serious.

Advika backed away from the window, her heart still thudding. She touched the gold maang tikka resting on her forehead, her fingers trembling.

"Nusrat..." she whispered. "Something's... something's wrong."

Nusrat tilted her head, offering a teasing smile. "You mean apart from the part where we just teleported eight centuries back?"

Advika shook her head, her voice firm. "Yes, apart from that. Just... look at me, Nusrat. Really look. Tell me what you see."

Nusrat gave her a once-over, her expression shifting from playful to puzzled. "Wait... you weren't wearing that outfit. And your face... why do you look... younger? Like how you looked in school. Just like..."

She trailed off, eyes widening as she pointed toward the glowing figure nearby. "You look like... her." 

Princess Saanvi's ghost had been silently watching them until now, a serene expression on her face.

"That's because Advika didn't bring her own body here," Saanvi said calmly, stepping forward. "Since my body already existed in this time, the magic only brought her soul and consciousness. It placed her inside me."

She paused, then added gently, "Remember, you're my reincarnation. You were brought back to your old body. We're the same person, after all."

"You mean..." Advika's voice dropped, "...I replaced you. I became you."

"Not replaced," Saanvi corrected gently. "You inherited. You were chosen by time itself to change what I could not."

Nusrat blinked, trying to keep up. "Wait... so Advika is now the actual Princess Saanvi? Like, in flesh, crown, and full royal drama?"

Saanvi offered a small smile. "In all the ways that matter... yes."

Advika looked down at her hands which were graceful, adorned with gold bangles, and felt the weight of destiny settle on her shoulders.

This was it. The reason they came.

She took a deep breath, then nodded slowly, her spine straightening as resolve lit her eyes.

"I'm okay," she said firmly. "Let's do this."

.. .. \- -/ .. .. \- -/ .. ..

.. .. \- -/ .. .. \- -/ .. ..

As Advika adjusted her mathapatti and gave her reflection one final look, she couldn't help but marvel at how completely she had transformed into Princess Saanvi. The gold-threaded mauve lehenga shimmered gently under the warm light, and the antique jewelry added an unmistakable air of royalty to her.

Her hair, still tousled from the gusts of wind and their chaotic arrival, was another story. She grabbed a comb and began taming it, then reached into her backpack for her makeup kit.

Saanvi, curious and slightly amused, floated closer and peered into the bag.

"Advika," she said with a soft laugh, "how did you manage to carry so many things with you?"

Advika shrugged, her lips curling into a playful smile. "I packed everything I thought I might need. You never know what kind of emergencies might come up in 1225."

Saanvi huffed in amused disbelief, her shimmering figure flickering faintly as she hovered nearby.

Her attention shifted to Nusrat, who had just finished dressing. She wore a long off-white anarkali gown, delicately embroidered with golden and peach beadwork, paired with a contrasting mauve lehenga and matching dupatta edged in gold. Her own kundan jewelry completed the look.

Saanvi's eyes widened appreciatively. "Nusrat, that's a beautiful dress. Where did you get it?"

Nusrat smiled. "It's mine. I was supposed to head straight to my cousin's wedding after this trip, so I packed two outfits like this. When I decided to come here instead, I figured why not use them?"

She glanced at Advika, then added, "We also came up with a backstory. We'll tell your parents I'm her pen-friend from a distant Muslim country. Since letters sent by pigeons are normal in your time, it'll make sense that we stayed in touch that way."

Saanvi's brow arched, intrigued. "That's clever."

Nusrat grinned, warming to her tale. "I'll say I wanted to visit Rajmanya after reading so much about it from Princess Saanvi's letters. But on my way here, my kafela was attacked by robbers. I barely escaped and reached the kingdom last night. The princess received me and helped me freshen up. She knew I was coming as I had sent her another pigeon-letter just yesterday morning."

Saanvi blinked. "Whoa! That's... really brilliant."

Nusrat gave a proud little smirk. "What can I say? That's the brain of a TV serial watcher."

Advika chuckled as she dabbed the final touches of blush on her cheeks. "She's not wrong."

Once her makeup was touched up and every detail perfected, Advika stood and gave a gentle twirl, making sure the lehenga flowed gracefully around her. The golden embroidery shimmered with every movement, catching the light like a spell woven in thread. For a moment, even Saanvi seemed taken aback by how flawlessly Advika had transformed into her younger self.

"You look exactly like me," Saanvi whispered, a note of awe in her voice. "If I didn't know better, I'd think you'd been a princess your entire life."

"Good," Advika replied with a confident smile. "Let's hope it's enough to fool everyone else." She adjusted the folds of her lehenga carefully. "And please don't jinx it. I'm still trying to figure out how to walk in this thing without tripping over it."

Nusrat chuckled, nodding in agreement. "Adu, now do my makeup," she said with a playful pout.

Smiling, Advika motioned for her to sit and began working on her look. She blended warm brown tones into Nusrat's eyelids, creating a soft smoky eye that brought out the depth of her gaze. "I think this nude lipstick will suit you," she murmured, carefully applying a pinkish nude shade.

"Perfect," she declared with a proud grin.

Nusrat leaned in toward the mirror and beamed. Between the two of them, Advika had always been the makeup expert.

"You're looking absolutely beautiful, Nusrat," Saanvi said warmly. Then, with a teasing smile, she added, "Maybe we should find you a husband here."

"Hell no!" Nusrat exclaimed, making both Saanvi and Advika burst out laughing. "I don't want to be stuck with some ancient idiot."

Saanvi chuckled, her form glowing faintly as sunlight spilled through the palace window. Then, her tone turned more serious. "Alright... Advika, remember to keep your head high, and your gaze steady. From this moment on, you are Princess Saanvi. Start responding to that name, and make sure no one in the palace suspects anything unusual."

She turned to Nusrat. "And you, while we can still address you as Nusrat, you must stop calling her Adu or Advika. From now on, it has to be Saanvi, even when we're alone. It only takes one slip for someone to start asking questions."

Advika nodded, her playful expression giving way to resolve. "Understood. Just... stay close to us."

"I will," Saanvi assured her with a soft, confident smile.

"So, what's the plan? Where do we begin?" Advika asked, straightening her posture.

"We'll start at the temple within the royal grounds," Saanvi replied.

"Then, let's head out," Advika said, her voice steady.

Saanvi floated ahead, gracefully leading Advika and Nusrat through the sprawling palace corridors. The walls were lined with frescoes (vivid depictions of gods, mythological battles, and royal triumphs) each stroke a preserved memory of a glorious past. Advika's eyes flicked over them with awe, but her steps never faltered.

Soon, they arrived at the royal temple. Advika and Nusrat paused respectfully at the threshold. The temple, though grand, exuded a serene purity. Marble floors inlaid with semi-precious stones gleamed under sunlight pouring through intricately carved windows. The air was thick with the fragrance of sandalwood, jasmine, and marigolds. A distant bell chimed, echoing like a sacred heartbeat.

"This is where Princess Saanvi would begin her mornings. Offering prayers to the deities before presenting the aarti to the palace," Saanvi whispered reverently.

Advika took a deep breath, steadying herself. She wasn't particularly religious. Her connection with God was more festive than spiritual. But now, standing at the temple doors in borrowed royalty, she had to embody the reverence of a true princess.

Saanvi and Nusrat remained outside. Saanvi, unsure whether her ethereal form could enter sacred space, and Nusrat, respectfully refraining as a Muslim visitor.

Inside, the atmosphere was sacred and still. The soft glow of oil lamps danced across walls, casting flickering shadows over golden idols. The scent of sandalwood mingled with rose petals and incense. Advika stepped in slowly, her every movement measured, like someone who had walked this path a hundred times.

The temple priests, dressed in white dhotis and engaged in arranging offerings, turned as they heard the soft chime of her anklets. At the sight of her, they bowed low in reverence.

And there, at the front of the sanctum, stood a woman clad in an exquisite lehenga choli that shimmered like sunlight on flowing water. Her face was veiled with fine embroidery, but her poised bearing radiated dignity and grace.

Advika glanced over her shoulder. Outside, Saanvi's translucent form hovered just beyond the temple's entrance. She gave a faint nod, her expression calm yet tender.

Nusrat leaned toward her and whispered, "Adu wants to know... who is that?"

"That's my mother," Saanvi answered softly, though loud enough for Nusrat and Advika to hear. "Queen Sampriti Rathore." There was a hint of emotion in her voice... longing, perhaps pride as she gestured gently, urging Advika to pay her respects.

Advika dipped her head in understanding and stepped forward with practiced grace. She knelt, touching the queen's feet in reverence, as a daughter would. 

The queen, momentarily pausing in her prayer, looked down. Her eyes, though partially hidden, softened. She extended her hands, adorned with glittering bangles, and placed them gently on Advika's head in silent blessing.

"Princess," one of the priests said, folding his hands and bowing respectfully. "Your presence brings blessings to us all."

Advika straightened, her heart pounding, but she inclined her head with the serene poise she had rehearsed in her mind. "Thank you," she replied softly, her voice steady despite the storm of nerves within her.

Her gaze drifted toward the statues of the gods towering before her. Their ornate forms seemed to glimmer in approval, as though they were aware of her silent vow to uphold her mission. She clasped her hands together in a show of reverence, silently praying... not for herself, but for the strength to carry out what she had come here to do.

Once the Queen finished doing the aarti, sheer handed Advika the plate with warm smile. Advika accepted the plate and did the aarti like Saanvi had instructed her earlier. The flickering flames of the diya cast dancing shadows across her face, and for a brief moment, she felt the weight of the role she had taken on. This wasn't just an act. This was a step into history itself.

Saanvi's voice dropped to a wistful murmur, heavy with unspoken pain. "I wish I could hug my parents and my brother just once more. When they died... I wasn't even allowed to see them. The disease was too contagious. They kept me locked away. I never got to say goodbye. It still haunts me."

Nusrat's heart clenched at the raw sorrow in Saanvi's words. She looked down, her eyes shimmering slightly, then quickly composed herself. Pretending to stifle a cough into her hand, she leaned in and whispered, "Can you... possess Adu's body... without taking control? Like... share it, while she stays aware?"

Saanvi blinked, taken aback. "Hmm... yes, I can do that," she said slowly, intrigued. "But why?"

Nusrat tilted her head, her tone gentle but firm. "Then, I think you should do it whenever Adu is with your family members."

Saanvi's eyes widened slightly, flickering with hesitant hope. "But... won't Advika mind?"

"She won't," Nusrat said confidently. "Just explain it to her quickly. She'll understand."

A few moments later, the temple rituals concluded. Advika stepped out gracefully, holding the aarti thali with measured poise. The tray shimmered with flickering flames and fragrant flowers. The Queen walked beside her, every step a portrait of royal dignity; regal and composed, with a timeless grace that made her presence almost divine.

As they exited the sanctum, leaving behind the sacred stillness of the temple, Saanvi hesitated for just a moment. Then, encouraged by Nusrat's words and the sight of her mother so close, she reached out and gently merged her spirit with Advika's body.

The effect was immediate.

Advika gasped and stumbled slightly, her breath catching in her throat. A tightness pressed down on her chest like a sudden invisible weight. She coughed, one hand clutching the edge of the thali to keep it from slipping. Panic flickered in her eyes.

"Sorry! I'm sorry," Saanvi's voice echoed quickly in her mind. "It's me... Saanvi. It was Nusrat's idea. She said I could... be here... with them. Just for a little while. I'll stay in the background, I promise."

Advika steadied herself, blinking a few times as the strange sensation began to ease. She could feel Saanvi's presence; gentle, sorrowful, yet filled with yearning. It wasn't invasive, just... there. Like a memory that refused to fade.

"Okay," she whispered softly, more to herself than anyone else, her voice barely audible over the temple bells. "Just breathe easy." Slowly, her chest lightened. The aarti tray remained steady in her hands.

Queen Sampriti, noticing Advika's sudden cough, looked at her with concern. "Princess, are you alright, beta? Why are you coughing?"

Advika smiled warmly, effortlessly masking the slight tremor in her body as Saanvi's presence settled within her. "I'm fine, Mother. I spent the whole night by the window, watching the stars. The breeze was so soothing... I couldn't resist."

The queen's expression softened, but her motherly scolding tone surfaced. "Oh, my dear, why are you so careless? You'll catch a cold! You must sleep early!"

Advika giggled lightly, her voice carrying a playful lilt that felt natural yet unfamiliar to the queen. Handing the aarti tray to a nearby maid, Advika suddenly stepped forward and wrapped her arms tightly around the queen in an affectionate embrace.

Queen Sampriti stiffened in surprise, not accustomed to such open displays of affection, especially in the formal etiquette of the royal court. "Princess?" she murmured, her voice uncertain.

Pulling back slightly, Advika cupped the queen's face with both hands, her eyes glistening with unspoken emotions. "Mother," she said softly, her voice tender and brimming with warmth, "when I have the prayers and love of such a beautiful and caring mother, and the blessings of our people, what could possibly harm me? You don't need to worry so much."

Before the queen could respond, Advika leaned in and pressed a gentle kiss to her forehead.

Queen Sampriti's eyes widened in shock before soft tears welled up. "My little doll," she said, her voice cracking with emotion, "you've grown so much. You're speaking like an adult now."

Advika grinned cheekily, the mischievous glint in her eyes gently pulling Queen Sampriti out of her reverie. "Thank you, my dear mother," she said with a playful sparkle. "Now, there's someone I'd like you to meet."

She turned and beckoned Nusrat forward.

Nusrat stepped up with graceful poise, folding her hands and bowing respectfully. "Assalamualaikum... May peace be upon you, Your Majesty."

Queen Sampriti blinked, slightly startled by the unfamiliar greeting, but quickly composed herself and returned it with warmth. "Namaste, dear."

"Mother," Advika began, easing into her role with practiced grace, "This is Nusrat Tabassum, my pen friend from Malaysia."

"Malay... sia?" the queen repeated, intrigued.

"Malaysia is a Muslim country in a far away land," Advika explained before continuing with a bright smile. "Her father is the royal scholar of her country. Her father always encouraged her love for languages and histories of other countries. A few years ago, while writing to her sister, the pigeon got misdirected and reached me with that letter."

Queen Sampriti chuckled lightly, charmed. "What a lovely accident!"

"It was," Advika agreed. "We've been writing to each other ever since. She'd tell me about her life with her parents, her siblings' antics, and the legends her grandmother shared. And I'd send her stories from our country, and little drawings from the palace gardens."

Nusrat added softly, "I always felt connected to her letters... even before I knew who she truly was. When I learned that my pen friend was none other than Princess Saanvi of Rajmanya Kingdom, I was shocked. I could hardly believe how far my letter had reached. But by then, our friendship had grown beyond titles."

The queen's smile widened as her eyes shimmered with emotion. "How beautiful."

"I invited her here to get to know about me and my country personally. But on her way here," Advika's tone shifted slightly, "her travel group was ambushed by robbers. It was very late at night when her guards brought her here in secret, and then returned to search for the rest of her team."

Queen Sampriti's face tightened with concern. "Oh no, child. Are you safe? Were you hurt?"

"No, Your Majesty. I'm just thankful to my Almighty for guiding me safely to my friend," Nusrat replied sincerely. "But all my belongings... my clothes, books, even the gifts I had brought for the princess... they were either stolen or destroyed."

Sampriti reached out instinctively and touched Nusrat's hand in a motherly gesture. "Bachche, what you've been through is no small trial. But your life, your safety... that is all that matters. Everything else can be replaced."

Nusrat's eyes glistened. "Thank you, Your Majesty. That means a lot."

The queen gave her a warm smile. "And now that I know you are my daughter's friend, you are like a daughter to me as well. You'll not be treated as a guest here, but as family."

She turned slightly and gestured toward Advika, "Princess Saanvi will introduce you to our royal tailor. Just tell them what you like in fabrics, designs, colors. Consider this your home while you're here."

Nusrat bowed again, deeply touched. "Thank you so much for your kindness and generosity. I will never forget it."

Taking back the aarti tray from the maid, Advika dipped her head with poised elegance and said, "After breakfast, I shall personally escort Nusrat to meet the royal tailor, Mother. You needn't worry."  Then, she added with a giddy smile, "Well, I'm off to deliver the aarti to the palace now. See you at breakfast! I love you!"

She turned on her heel, her dupatta fluttering behind her, and walked away with Nusrat in tow. Her steps were light yet full of purpose, her energy radiant. Queen Sampriti remained rooted in place, watching her daughter's retreating figure with wide eyes and a slow, blooming smile.

She murmured to herself, thoughtful yet touched, "My daughter seems... more cheerful, more confident... and more affectionate than ever. It's as if having her dear friend near has brought out a side of her I hadn't seen in a long time."

One of the queen's most loyal maids, who had been silently observing the exchange with fondness, leaned closer and added with a smile, "Your Highness, the princess has not only grown into a fine royal... but a truly beautiful daughter. Did you notice how she kissed your forehead so gently? Just for a second, it felt like she was the mother, blessing you."

Queen Sampriti laughed softly at that, the sound tinged with emotion. She raised a hand to wipe the single tear that had escaped the corner of her eye. "You're right. For a moment, she reminded me of my own mother... that same calm strength, that same warmth."

The maid nodded, eyes twinkling. "She carries your legacy, Rani Saheb, not just in her bearing but in her heart. And now with her friend by her side, perhaps she's found the joy she didn't even know she was missing."

Queen Sampriti continued to gaze down the hallway where Advika had vanished, her heart swelling with pride, affection, and a growing curiosity. There was something different in her daughter today... something wiser, deeper, more luminous.

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A/N::: So many emotions in this one, right? 🥺💛 Advika is finally stepping into Saanvi's shoes—for real—and what a beautiful start it's been. That temple scene... that hug we wish Saanvi could get... sigh. At least through Advika, maybe she'll feel a little less alone. 😢✨

Also, did Queen Sampriti just get emotionally tackled by her "daughter"? 😆 That kiss on the forehead tho!! And hey, what did you think of Nusrat's backstory reveal? Smart girl, huh? She came prepared. 😌💅

Let me know your thoughts! 💬 Your reactions, votes, and comments are like warm jalebis on a cold day—sweet, comforting, and very much needed. 🍥😉