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Ruhi's POV

I sat on my bed, exhausted after a day filled with endless chores. Rajmata had given me these tasks as punishment for accidentally spilling curry on one of the guests' expensive suits during dinner. I scrubbed floors, washed dishes, and tended to every corner of the palace, my mind consumed with thoughts of my past and the boy I once knew.

After freshening up, I opened the side drawer of my bedside table and pulled out a worn photograph-the only tangible reminder of a bond I treasured dearly. It was a picture of Yash and Me, taken during our carefree childhood days. His smile in the photo was as vibrant as I remembered, his eyes filled with mischief and warmth.

As I held the photograph, a wave of nostalgia washed over me. "I wondered if you still remembered our friendship or time had erased those memories. Do you still think of me? like I did of you? Maybe you had forgotten me amidst your busy life in Singapore, pursuing your dreams to become a successful CEO."

"You must have become very handsome by now," I whispered to the photograph, tracing the outline of Yash's face with my finger. "I've been waiting for years, wondering when you'll return. I remember you promised to come back after completing your studies, to fulfill your dreams. Do you still remember our friendship? Do you remember my farewell?"

Tears welled up in my eyes as I stared at the photograph, feeling the weight of distance and time. "Maybe you've forgotten, lost in your world of success," I continued softly, my voice trembling. "But I haven't forgotten, Yash. I've kept our memories alive in my heart."

I held onto the photograph tightly, seeking solace in the past, unsure of what the future held. My heart yearned for the familiar comfort of Yash's presence, a bond that had once been my anchor in this vast world. As I gazed at the photograph, a mix of hope and uncertainty filled my thoughts, wondering if destiny would reunite us once more.

After gently placing the photograph back into the drawer, I retrieved my diary-a safe haven where my deepest emotions found expression. The pages held a collection of verses, a testament to the evolution of my feelings for Yash over the years.

I flipped to a blank page and took up my pen, my heart heavy with unspoken truths. The ink flowed, weaving words into verses that spoke of a love that dared not be uttered aloud-a love that had blossomed quietly within me as I matured into adulthood.

"Yash, my heart whispers your name in silence,

A melody of longing that knows no end.

In the corridors of memory, you linger like a dream,

A cherished secret I guard within."

I paused, my pen poised above the page, the words a bittersweet confession of my unspoken affections. It had been years since Yash left for Singapore, his departure marking the beginning of a silent ache that resonated through my days and nights.

"Your smile etched in the tapestry of my soul,

A portrait of warmth that lights up my solitude.

Do you hear the echo of my unspoken words,

Carried on the winds of distant lands?"

The lines flowed effortlessly, capturing the essence of my longing-a longing that transcended the boundaries of friendship, blossoming into an unrequited love that I held close to my heart.

"As seasons change and time slips away,

I remain tethered to the promise of our past.

For in the labyrinth of life's uncertainties,

Your presence remains my guiding star."

I closed my diary, the weight of unspoken emotions lingering in the air. These verses were my silent confidants, witnesses to a love that dared not speak its name-a love that found solace in the whispers of poetry, where my heart could pour out its deepest yearnings.

With a sigh, I tucked my diary away, my thoughts drifting to a future where destiny might weave our paths together once more. Until then, I cherished the memories we shared, holding onto hope that one day, my unspoken love would find its voice in the echo of his return.

Time seemed to slip away unnoticed as I immersed myself in the solace of my diary. The setting sun cast a warm glow through my window, a silent witness to the verses that poured forth from my heart.

As I glanced at the clock, a sudden realization jolted me from my reverie-it was dinner time. Rajmata's strict orders rang in my ears, reminding me of the consequences of any delay. With a sense of urgency, I hurried downstairs to the dining room, determined not to incur Rajmata's disapproval.

Upon entering the dining room, I found Rajmata already present, her commanding presence a reminder of my duties. "Serve dinner in 5 minutes, Ruhi! Don't be late," she instructed, her tone leaving no room for hesitation.

"Yes, Rajmata. I'll serve right away," I replied earnestly, my mind focused on fulfilling my responsibilities promptly to avoid any repercussions.

Rushing to the kitchen, I swiftly collected the prepared dishes and balanced them carefully on a tray. The aromas of the meal filled the air, a comforting contrast to the whirlwind of thoughts that lingered in my mind.

Returning to the dining room, I found the family members seated, their anticipation evident as they waited for the meal. I moved quickly, distributing the plates with practiced efficiency, ensuring each dish was placed before its respective diner.

As the family began to eat, I observed them quietly, their conversations blending with the clinking of utensils. Rajmata's watchful gaze occasionally fell upon me, a silent reminder of the expectations placed upon me.

Amidst the flurry of activity, my thoughts briefly returned to the verses penned in my diary-words that bore witness to my hidden desires and unspoken dreams. Yet, for now, my focus remained on my duties, a steadfast dedication to the role I occupied within the confines of the palace.

With each passing moment, I harbored a silent hope that destiny would weave a path leading me back to Yash, bridging the chasm between longing and fulfillment. Until that day arrived, I navigated the currents of duty and desire, cherishing the memories that kept my heart anchored in hope.

Author's POV

"I want to share a news with you all...ummm...Yash called me today... He said he'll be returning to Rajasthan in a few days," Devika announced, her eyes gleaming with joy.

"Wow, that's wonderful news! Our son is finally coming back to us," Veerendra exclaimed, his words echoing the sentiments of everyone present.

The dining room buzzed with anticipation as the family members expressed their happiness and eagerly discussed Yash's impending return.

Ruhi's heart raced at the mention of Yash's return, a flood of emotions washing over her. Her childhood love, the boy who had once been her closest friend, was returning from Singapore after so many years. Memories of their shared moments played vividly in her mind-laughter echoing through the palace corridors, secrets whispered beneath the shade of ancient trees, and promises made under the vast Rajasthan sky.

As the dinner conversation continued, Ruhi remained lost in her thoughts, her gaze occasionally drifting towards the portrait of Yash that adorned the dining room wall-a reminder of a bond that time had not erased.

Later that evening, after the family had retired to their respective chambers, Ruhi found herself in the palace gardens, seeking solace amidst the fragrant blooms and quiet pathways. The moon cast a soft glow over the landscape, lending an ethereal quality to the night.

Lost in contemplation, Ruhi's steps carried her to the familiar spot where she and Yash had often played as children. She traced her fingers along the weathered bark of an old tree, memories flooding her senses.

"Yash is coming back," she whispered to the night air, the words a mixture of hope and trepidation. A breeze rustled through the leaves, carrying with it a sense of anticipation.

"Come back soon, Yash... I'm waiting for your return,"

In that moment, beneath the starlit sky, Ruhi vowed to greet Yash with a smile, burying the ache of unspoken words deep within her heart. As she looked towards the horizon, a sense of destiny lingered-a promise of reunion and the possibility of a future where the echoes of childhood dreams found voice once more.

"Ruhi!" a voice called out, breaking the stillness of the night.

As Ruhi turned around, her eyes widened in shock. "You?" she exclaimed, her voice tinged with surprise and curiosity.

~ Umm any guesses who called Ruhi??

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""Today's chapter turned out shorter than usual, and it's disheartening when there are so many views but hardly any votes. I was hoping for at least 25+ votes. I don't understand why you people aren't voting on my chapters?

If you don't vote, then I won't have any interest in writing my story anymore. I don't mean to sound rude, but it's truly disheartening.....""

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~I hope you all enjoy this third chapter! It's my first book, so please forgive any little slips and share your thoughts below. Oh, and don't forget to give it a little love with your votes-