Ruhi's face blossomed into a wide smile as Kaushalya welcomed her, the new daughter-in-law, with aarti. The glow of the sacred lamp reflected in Ruhi's eyes as she was gently made to sit on a chair. Kaushalya clapped her hands, and in an instant, four to five servants appeared, each carrying large vessels.

Ruhi frowned in confusion. What is happening now? she wondered silently.

Kaushalya glanced at Darsh and Abhi, and they quickly placed Ruhi's delicate feet into a golden plate filled with fragrant water.

"Don't worry, beta," Kaushalya reassured her softly, "it's a ritual of the royal palace."

Ruhi nodded slowly, sitting still, her heart pounding with curiosity.

The first servant came forward with a vessel filled with Panchjal (holy water) and carefully washed Ruhi's feet.

The second servant brought milk with rose petals, pouring it gently while Darsh and Abhi repeated the ritual.

The third vessel carried itar (perfume), and the fourth held sweet milk.

Finally, her feet were cleansed with pure water and dried with a soft towel.

Ruhi's cheeks flushed at the grand treatment. She wasn't used to such honor.

Arnav then stepped forward, took the golden plate filled with all the liquids, mixed them together, and looked at Kaushalya.

"Chiku," Kaushalya said with authority, "now take this mixture in a vessel and sprinkle it in the whole mansion and each part of the city."

Ruhi's eyes widened. "The... whole city?" she mumbled in shock.

Ved, who had quietly come and stood behind her, leaned closer. His warm breath tickled her ear as he whispered, "Yes, Ruhi. Whole city. It's a ritual."

---

Kaushalya poured some of the mixture into a glass and distributed it among all the family members and servants-everyone except Ruhi. They all drank it happily.

Ruhi, puzzled, asked, "Why are you all drinking this?"

Divya smiled warmly and cupped Ruhi's cheek.

"Beta, don't worry. You are the Laxmi of this house, and soon, the mother of this kingdom. This ritual has been followed for generations. In our time, it was performed too."

Ruhi's eyes softened, her voice barely a whisper. "O-okay, Chachii-sa..."

---

Later, Ruhi and Vedant began preparing for the grand Raj Tilak.

Ved bathed in holy water mixed with rose petals, while Ruhi bathed in milk and petals. Both dressed in traditional outfits. Ruhi looked breathtaking in her complete attire and jewelry. Ved's gaze followed her every move, admiration shining in his eyes.

Soon, they sat for the puja.

After the prayers, the long-awaited moment arrived. Ved took his place on the king's throne, while Ruhi sat gracefully beside him. Yashwant stepped forward and placed the royal turban on Ved's head.

As the turban settled, showers of flowers rained down on them. Ruhi's eyes filled with tears-tears of pride, love, and awe.

Ved then rose and lifted the royal sword. His voice was firm as he took the oath:

"This sword will only ever be lifted for protection, and never for harm."

---

The royal guard, NAMAN came forward, bowing deeply, and pledged loyalty for the protection of the king and queen. The King's royal secretary, Naaman, unsheathed his sword and placed it at Ved's feet. Ved touched it with respect, silently accepting the oath of loyalty.

From that moment on, Ved was no longer just Ved. He was now Maharaj Ved, the father of the kingdom. And Ruhi-his queen, the mother of the people.

No one would ever call him by his name again. A small shift, yet a giant change.

The people came forward with gifts, bowing to their new king and queen. Ved accepted everything with calm grace, while Ruhi lowered her gaze humbly.

---

By evening, the royal palace glittered with celebrations. The family attended the royal dinner inside, while other guests were served in the palace's grand dining hall. Outside, the city rejoiced-feasts laid out on streets, in gardens, and open courtyards.

Originally, the coronation was supposed to last two days, but due to the wedding, it was shortened. Finally, the grand program ended, and Ved and Ruhi changed out of their heavy traditional clothes.

Ved now wore a black shirt with sleeves folded to his elbows, black pants, and a silver watch glinting on his wrist. His hair was still wet, messy yet striking.

Ruhi wore a lavender saree, a delicate diamond chain adorning her neck, vermillion bright in her hairline, and red bangles clinking softly with every move of her hands. Her blouse shimmered-embroidered and her glimmering hands with Ved's name on it.

Ved glanced at her and smiled, his heart

swelling with pride. She wasn't just his wife now. She was his queen.