Aadrika's pov

sighs

I was sitting in the court currently, helping the ministers with some financial dispute. True to his words, Angraj encouraged me to take part in the royal court. Initially I had some issue understanding the financial duties but Angraj taught me everything with ease. I was very grateful that he took the time to teach me everything. Though I helped my father in court, I get to be more involved as the Queen of Ang. I would say our relationship was progressing. We were trying to get know each other, though I think my heart wants more. Recently, I've started experiencing certain emotions that take hold of me. It is so hard for me to focus in the court when Angraj sits next to me. I am always afraid that he could probably hear my heart thundering.

I am considering talking to him, there is no point in hiding and blushing. We are married after all. With this thought in my mind, I walk towards our chamber, tired but contempt. On entering, I am taken aback by Angraj's outburst, one moment he was reading a letter, the next moment he is laughing and chuckling, and then going around the room searching for something. Walking towards him, with an amused smile I ask, "What happened Angraj? You're acting very differently today." He turned around and flashed me the most radiant smile, "Oh Aadrika, I am so happy today. My best friend is visiting tomorrow. We have so many memories together. I'll introduce you tomorrow as well, this is perfect!" ,I chuckle at his enthusiasm. We both proceeded towards our bed, tired after a long day of work. "I would love to meet this friend yours, maybe even get to know some embarrassing secrets" ,I wiggle my eyebrows, making him laugh wholeheartedly. Obviously this friend was quite close to Angraj and I was very happy that he has someone in his life that made his childhood happier. "Oh and you know Vrushali and I would always steal the sweets that Maa would prepare, then she would run behind us with a stick!" ,he reminisces. I blanch immediately. Vrushali? He was this close to a girl? Suddenly all the pleasant thoughts about the best friend leaves my mind and are replaced by some not so pleasant thoughts.

I hate this! It had been quite some time, I could already feel Angraj sleeping beside, and here I was sitting with a frown on my face. What is the big deal? It is just a friend. Why should the gender matter here? I know I should be more open-minded, that this friend is probably a very loyal person, but this stupid heart is a traitor. Eventually, I fall asleep thinking about the next day.
~

Karna's pov

I woke up quite early, probably because of the excitement. Aadrika, on the other hand, seemed a bit dull. I do know that she'll tell me if anything is wrong. Our relationship has developed a lot in the past days. I have liked her since that night at the garden, but I feel that now my feelings are changing into something much deeper. I wanted to speak to her about our relationship again but then I got the letter from Vrushali. I guess I'll initiate the talk after she leaves. My thoughts were interrupted by my wife, who walks in with a frustrated sigh. She didn't notice me sitting on the bed but started walking towards the balcony, annoyance clear on her face. "Aadrika, what's wrong? You seem frustrated.", I asked her. Her eyes widened for a moment, as if she was caught, but then  a look of uncertainty crossed her face. She crinkled her nose, clearly unsure. I smiled , she doesn't notice how her reactions give away all of her feelings. "You can trust me with the information. I assure you that this servant of yours will keep this secret till the day he dies!", I promised dramatically. She giggles making me chuckle lightly. "Please. Tell me what is wrong. I'll make sure I'll solve the problem before Vrushali even steps foot in Ang!", I challenge. Immediately her smile is wiped off and is replaced with a scowl, " Can't you just have a male best friend? Did your neighbourhood not have a single boy you could have befriended? How is it that all this time you only had one good friend?", she grumbled. I look at her confused, " Where did this come from so suddenly?" She looks at me, exasperated, before walking off to the balcony. I stand in my place for a second before it clicks in.
Oh.

I smirk, " Are you jealous, my dear wife?" She turns back, eyes narrowed and cheeks red, " Why would I be jealous? I just don't understand why you need a friend at all... i mean you are already such a serious person, never even bothered to compliment me.....what is the point anyway..", she starts mumbling quickly. She turned towards the balcony and put her hands on the concrete railing. I walked towards her and wrapped my arms around her waist. Standing right behind her, I rested my head on her shoulder before saying, " It's fine... I would've been the same. I wonder how I would've reacted to a friend of yours? I wouldn't even allow them in this kingdom!", I joke which makes her laugh. "Vrushali was my only childhood friend and she is very dear to me. But I want you to know that I am all yours. I know we don't talk about feelings a lot, but I don't want you to doubt our relationship. As I promised before our marriage, this husband of yours will spend his entire life making sure you are happy, Maharani Aadrika!",I whisper in her ear. She shivers a little before turning around and resting her arms around my neck. " Thankyou for clearing this Angraj. It would've given me a lot of pain to throw your friend out of the kingdom you know", she jokes. "You know you should probably use the title that only you can use to call me.", I tell her. For some reason, hearing "Angraj" from her mouth sounded strange now. She smiles widely, " We should probably prepare for Vrushali's arrival, Arya". I grip her waist tightly and pull her closer, " You have no idea how long I've been waiting for you to call me that, priye" Her blush deepened, as she  looked at me.

Both were about to lean in for a kiss, but a voice interrupted them. " Maharaj, the lady from Hastinapur has arrived." Reluctantly, they parted and walked out of their room. Karna walked towards the palace gate to welcome the girl, followed by Aadrika. She chuckled at her husband's excitement every so often. Despite her insecurities she did want to meet the friend, it was obvious that Vrushali and Karna had a great childhood because of each other. While walking, Karna looked back at his wife and smiled. She was wearing a beautiful yellow sari, which coincidentally matched with Karna's angavastra. When the Queen and King walked out to welcome their guest, the people nearby were frozen in awe. It seemed that suryadev was quite happy for he spread his radiant sheen on the couple.
Vrushali was waiting eagerly to meet her friend. She saw Karna walking towards her but it was the sight of the Queen that made her burn in fury. She had visited Radha and Adirath's home and it infuriated her that Radha was all praises for her daughter-in-law. She always thought that she and Karna would end up getting married for they had feelings for each other. She knew Karna wasn't happy in this wedding, and she was here to help his best friend.