“Yes, you are the most capable one for this. You possess political expertise, proficiency, and all the necessary skills. Your valuable suggestions will help in better governance of our kingdom,” I said, and he curtly nodded.

“Alright, Bhaisa. If that’s what you think, I am in. I'm glad totake the responsibility of the chief advisor and be of help to you and our empire—”

“And me, Bhaisa, what will I do?” Agastya interrupted, and I looked at him, placing my hand on his shoulder.

“You're good with figures and are sharp-witted, so I want you to handle the finances as a chief accountant,” I proffered, and he gave a quick nod.“Alright. I'm set,” he said.

“Now, you two have two days to outline new strategies and devise plans for the upcoming year for better administration of the palace and regulating our empire’s system,” I explained.“I want you to collect all the information on the royal holdings we have available at present, recalculate all these resources and report to me on how we can implement the new taxation rules that can bring concurrence to the Kingdom and the royalty,” I instructed, and they nodded sturdily.

“Of course, Bhaisa—”

“Ranaji,” an attendee cut in on our discussion, and I turned to look at him.“Yes, what is it?”

“Ranaji, Badi Ranisa is asking for you in the queen’s chamber,” He informed me, and I nodded.

“Alright,” I said, looking at Agastya and Ranvijay.“Why don’t you come to meet Badimaa?” I proposed.

Agastya nodded, but Ranvijay remarked,“Why don’t you both go first? I want to meet Maasima first,” I nodded and said,“Alright, I’ll be in the queen’s chamber. Join us later,” I told him, looking at Agastya, and they both nodded in unison.

I left for my chamber and found Badimaa holding Hridhaan in her arms. I sat beside her and played with Hridhaan, tickling him on his little tummy.

Badimaa put forward the idea of handing over Hridhaan’s responsibility to Bhabhisa.

“If Bhabhisa is willing to take the responsibility, I don’t see a problem,” I said, and looked at Nandani.“You, Nandani?”

I knew Bhabhisa; she was someone who could take the best care of Hridhaan.

It's not like Nandani couldn't, but she was too young to take responsibility for a baby. Additionally, I wanted only the best for Hridhaan, having witnessed his birth, and he was like my own child. Therefore, if Bhabhisa agreed to take responsibility, I would have no objection.

“No, no problem. I'm sure she will take better care of him than I,” Nandani said. I could sense that she trusted my decision.

“Perfect,” Badi Maa smiled, looking at Nandani and adding,“Also, Nandani, you can ask Rudra to give you a child of your own. He isn’t getting any younger, you know,” Nandani awkwardly glanced between us, fiddling with her fingers. I tried to control my smile, keeping my chin up.

“I’m still young, Badimaa,” Nandani chuckled, and Badimaa laughed too.

Suddenly, looking at my side, she asked,“What happened to your neck, Rudra?” She narrowed her eyes, inspecting my neck closely.

I immediately adjusted my kurta to cover my neck, trying to find an excuse.

“Ummm… Badimaa, I scratched my neck.” Nandani lowered her gaze, and Badimaa said,“Don’t do that again, it might leave a mark.” I nodded, assuring her.

“Badi Maasa,” Ranvijay and Agastya walked into the guest chamber, and she smiled in sheer glee.

“Ranvijay, Agastya,” Passing Hridhaan over to me, she rushed towards them.

Both my brothers bent to touch her feet to seek blessings. I noticed Nandani standing up and fixing her dupatta over her head.

“How are you, Badimaa?” Ranvijay asked, and she lovingly touched his cheeks, with tears glistening in her eyes.

“My children are here, I'm more than delighted,” And Agastya went near Nandani.

“Pranaam, Bhabhisa!” he greeted her, joining his palms in front of her. She regarded his greeting, joining her palms in return, when he said,“Bhabhisa, don't you think you're too tiny for my brother?” Nandani stood dumbfounded, her head spinning towards me.

I gave her an assuring smile to put her at ease.

“I think I’m perfect for your brother, Devarsa41,” He chortled at her reply, making her smile.

“Pranaam, Bhabhisa,” Ranvijay too greeted her, and she acknowledged his gesture with a smile.