Hey my cuties 🌼

A little note from the author - this is a halal book, and I have researched everything properly before writing it.

I always try my best to keep the story respectful and within Islamic values while still making it emotional and enjoyable for everyone.

So please don't spread hate or misunderstand the intentions behind the book without knowing the research and effort put into it.

Constructive opinions are always welcome, but kindness and respect are appreciated too 🌹

Thank you so much for supporting my story and giving love to my characters. May Allah bless you all ✨

Now, let's continue with the story ✨

In mugha kingdom

Ayra glanced toward the guests before looking at her father, King .

Her expression was calm, yet there was seriousness in her eyes.

"king... may I speak with you privately for a moment?"

The king immediately noticed the urgency in her tone.

He gently excused himself from the guests and walked with her toward the large balcony connected to the royal hall.

The night breeze moved softly through the marble corridors as father and daughter stood alone.

King looked at her carefully.

"What happened, Ayra? Is everything alright?"Ayra lowered her gaze respectfully before speaking.

"Baba... I need to leave for Dubai as soon as possible for Hajj arrangements."

The king's expression changed slightly in surprise.

"So suddenly?"

"I received confirmation today," she explained softly.

"If I delay now, it may become difficult later. I truly feel Allah is calling me, Baba."

For a moment, the king stayed silent. He looked at his daughter carefully - the same little girl who once followed him around the palace now stood before him with maturity far beyond her years.

"Hajj is a huge responsibility, Ayra," he said gently.

"And traveling this quickly..."

"I know," she replied softly, "but my heart feels restless delaying it."

The king sighed quietly before placing his hand on her head lovingly.

"You have always been different from others," he said with a faint smile.

"While people your age run behind worldly desires, you run toward Allah."

Ayra's eyes softened emotionally.

"So... do I have your permission?"

King nodded slowly.

"You do."

A small relieved smile appeared on her face instantly.

"JazakAllah Khair, Baba."

"But," he added gently, "you will travel safely and with proper arrangements.

I will not compromise on that."

"Of course."

The two then returned toward the royal hall together.

As they entered, the Queen of Amber Kingdom immediately noticed the emotional softness on Ayra's face.

The king calmly took his seat again before announcing,

"Our daughter wishes to leave for Dubai soon for her Hajj preparations."

Both the Amber king and queen looked pleasantly surprised.

"MashAllah," the queen said warmly.

"May Allah accept it from her."

"Ameen," Ayra replied respectfully while Queen Ruhani looked at her daughter with silent pride shining in her eyes.

The atmosphere in the royal hall softened after the announcement.

A sense of peace surrounded the room as everyone admired Princess Ayra for her devotion and sincerity.

The Queen of Amber Kingdom smiled warmly at her.

"My child, hearing about your wish for Hajj has truly brought happiness to our hearts."

Ayra lowered her gaze politely.

"You are very kind, Your Majesty."

The Amber king then spoke with a gentle smile,

"However... before you leave for Dubai, we hope you will attend the royal wedding in Amber Kingdom next week."

Ayra looked slightly surprised.

"The wedding?"

"Yes," the queen replied excitedly.

"Our son's wedding celebrations are finally beginning after months of preparation. The entire royal family will be present."

She paused before continuing softly,

"And honestly, dear, we would love to have you there."

Queen smiled knowingly while watching the conversation.

"The queen has been speaking about inviting Ayra since morning," she teased lightly.

The Amber queen laughed softly.

"How could I not? Your daughter carries such grace and calmness.

She would bring even more beauty to the celebrations."

Ayra smiled shyly at the compliment.

"You honor me too much."

King Yusuf looked toward his daughter.

"Well, Ayra? What do you say?"

Ayra thought quietly for a moment before speaking respectfully,

"If my presence would truly make you happy, then I would be honored to attend before leaving for Hajj."

The Amber queen's face brightened instantly.

"Wonderful! Then it is decided."

The Amber king added playfully,

"And now our wedding celebrations have become even more special."

A soft laughter spread through the royal hall while Ayra sat beside her mother quietly, unaware that this wedding invitation was about to change far more than just her travel plans.

After a pleasant conversation, the King of Amber Kingdom reached for an elegant box placed beside him.

"We have come with the wedding invitation of our son," he said warmly.

The King accepted the beautifully crafted box and, as expected, handed it to Princess Ayra.

"Here you go, Princess."

Ayra's eyes instantly lit up.

Everyone in the family knew how much she loved opening wedding invitations and admiring their designs.

With excitement, she carefully opened the box and took out the invitation card.

"Wow!" she exclaimed.

"This card is so beautiful."

She admired the intricate patterns and elegant details on the card for a few moments before showing it to her mother.

Wedding card

It truly is beautiful," Queen Zeenat-ul-Nisa said with a smile

The Queen of Amber Kingdom chuckled softly.

"We are glad you like it, Princess."

A few more pleasant words were exchanged between the royal families as they discussed the upcoming wedding preparations and expressed their happiness at being able to celebrate such a joyous occasion together.

After spending some more time in friendly conversation, the King and Queen of Amber Kingdom politely took their leave.

"It was an honor to visit you," the King of Amber Kingdom said.

"The honor was ours," the King replied warmly.

The two royal guests bid farewell to the royal family and departed from the palace, leaving behind excitement for the grand wedding that awaited them all.

Time skipped

After dinner in ayra's chamber

Princess Ayra was in her chamber, busy preparing for her upcoming journey to perform Hajj.

Her maids carefully packed her belongings, arranging everything she would need for the sacred pilgrimage.

As they worked, Ayra sat quietly, folding a few personal items herself.

After a moment of hesitation, her personal maid spoke softly.

"Princess, may I ask you something? I hope you won't be offended."

Ayra looked up and smiled gently.

"Of course. Go ahead."

The maid glanced at the old prayer mat lying beside Ayra.

"Princess, you are wealthy. You have access to the finest things. Then why do you still use this prayer mat? It's old and even torn in some places."

" You've been using it since childhood. Why don't you replace it with a new one?"

For a moment, Ayra's eyes softened with emotion.

She carefully picked up the worn prayer mat and ran her fingers over its faded fabric.

"This is not an ordinary prayer mat," she said quietly.

"It belonged to my Nani Ammi. After she passed away, I kept it as one of my most precious memories of her."

A faint smile appeared on her face as tears shimmered in her eyes.

"This prayer mat has witnessed the joys and sorrows of three generations—my grandmother's, my mother's, and mine. It has seen our prayers, our tears, our gratitude, and our hardships."

She held it close to her heart.

Ayra prayer mat

How could I replace something that carries so many memories? To others, it may look old and worn, but to me, it is priceless."

The maid lowered her head respectfully, finally understanding why the prayer mat meant so much to her princess.

Time skipped

In Maratha kingdom

After leaving the Mughal Kingdom, the King and Queen of Amber Kingdom arrived at the Maratha Kingdom, where they were welcomed with great honor.

The royal family gathered in the palace's grand hall. The King and Queen sat on their thrones while Prince Yasin, Yuvrani Nazreen, Prince Yusuf, Princess Ayesha, Princess Saniya, and Prince Ihan were also present.

After exchanging greetings, the King of Amber Kingdom presented an elegant invitation box.

"We have come to invite your royal family to our son's wedding," he said warmly.

The Maratha King accepted the invitation with a smile.

"Congratulations. We will be honored to attend."

A pleasant conversation followed as both royal families discussed the upcoming wedding and the preparations taking place in Amber Kingdom.

Princess Saniya, unable to hide her excitement, leaned forward slightly.

"We heard that the entire palace has been decorated beautifully for the wedding. Is that true?"

The Queen of Amber Kingdom smiled.

"It is. We want this occasion to be memorable for everyone."

"I can't wait to see it," Saniya said excitedly.

Prince Yusuf chuckled.

"I think Saniya is more interested in the decorations than the wedding itself."

Everyone laughed.

"That is not true," Saniya replied. "I simply want to see what everyone has been praising."

Meanwhile, Yuvrani Nazreen and Princess Ayesha exchanged a few words with the Queen of Amber Kingdom regarding the wedding arrangements and the guests who would be attending.

Throughout the conversation, Prince Ihan remained mostly quiet. He listened to the discussions with interest while occasionally exchanging amused glances with his brothers.

After spending some more time together, the King and Queen of Amber Kingdom took their leave.

"It was a pleasure meeting all of you," said the King of Amber Kingdom.

"The pleasure was ours," the Maratha King replied.

With warm farewells exchanged, the royal guests departed, leaving the Maratha royal family looking forward to the grand wedding where many kingdoms would soon gather together.

Time skipped (the next morning)

In maratha kingdom

A few days before their departure to Amber Kingdom, Princess Saniya convinced Prince Ihan to accompany her to the royal marketplace outside the palace.

"I have been stuck inside the palace for days," Saniya complained. "You are taking me out today, and that is final."

Ihan sighed dramatically.

"One day people will learn that I am a prince, not a servant assigned to Princess Saniya."

Saniya rolled her eyes.

"Keep talking. You are still coming."

A short while later, the two siblings left the palace accompanied by a small group of guards.

The marketplace was lively and crowded. Merchants displayed colorful fabrics, perfumes, jewelry, and handmade crafts.

Saniya happily wandered from one stall to another while Ihan followed behind.

"I think you have visited every stall in the kingdom," Ihan remarked.

"And I am not done yet."

"May Allah have mercy on me."

Saniya laughed.

As they continued walking, the Adhan for Dhuhr prayer echoed through the city.

Immediately, Ihan stopped.

"Prayer comes first."

Without hesitation, he guided Saniya toward the nearby mosque.

After offering their prayers, they sat quietly for a few moments.

Saniya smiled softly.

"No matter where we go, you never miss Salah."

Ihan looked at her.

"And neither should you."

She nodded with a smile.

As they left the mosque and entered a quieter street, they suddenly heard a frightened cry.

A young child had wandered into the path of a runaway horse.

The terrified mother screamed for help.

Before anyone could react, Ihan immediately rushed forward.

"Princess saniya, stay back!"

The horse raced toward the child.

Without hesitation, Ihan grabbed the frightened boy and pulled him out of danger moments before the horse thundered past.

The crowd gasped.

The mother rushed forward and hugged her child while tears filled her eyes.

"Thank you, our prince."

Ihan smiled gently.

"Thank Allah. He is the One who protected him."

Saniya watched her brother proudly.

Moments later, one of the guards managed to stop the runaway horse.

The crowd began praising Ihan for his bravery.

Embarrassed by the attention, he quickly turned toward Saniya.

"Come. If we stay any longer, they will start making poems about me."

Saniya laughed.

"They should. You deserve it."

Ihan shook his head.

"No. Just buy whatever you came here for and save me from this crowd."

The siblings continued their walk through the city, laughing together as the people watched them with admiration.

At that moment, Saniya was reminded why the kingdom loved her youngest brother so much.

He was kind to everyone, devoted to his faith, and always willing to protect others without expecting anything in return.

That night, the palace was silent.

The grand halls that were filled with servants and royal affairs during the day now stood quiet beneath the moonlight.

Prince Ihan walked alone through the palace gardens.

His hands rested behind his back as he stared at the stars above.

Anyone who looked at him would think he had everything.

He was a prince.

He was respected by the people.

He had loyal brothers and a loving sister.

Yet deep inside, there was a loneliness he could never explain.

His relationship with the King had always been strained.

No matter how hard he tried, there always seemed to be a wall between them.

And although he loved his mother more than his own life, he often felt as though he could never earn the affection he longed for from her.

A bitter smile appeared on his face.

Perhaps some wounds were meant to remain hidden.

After a while, he made his way to the palace mosque.

The mosque was empty.

Only the soft glow of lanterns illuminated the room.

Ihan performed two rak'ahs of prayer before remaining seated on the prayer mat.

For several moments, he simply stared ahead.

Then he slowly raised his hands in dua.

"Ya Allah..."

His voice was barely above a whisper.

"You know what is hidden within my heart better than I do."

A tear slipped down his cheek.

"There are pains I cannot speak of to anyone but You."

He lowered his gaze.

"I try to be patient, my Lord."

"I try not to complain."

"But sometimes my heart grows tired."

The silence of the mosque surrounded him.

"If there is goodness written for me, bring it closer to me."

"If there is a path better than the one I see, guide me toward it."

"Grant me peace."

"Grant me contentment."

"And if my heart is searching for something that has not yet reached me, then bless me with patience until Your perfect time arrives."

His shoulders trembled slightly.

"Never let me drift away from You, Ya Allah."

"You are enough for me."

"Ameen."

The mosque fell silent once more.

A strange calm settled over his heart.

For the first time in many days, the weight on his chest felt lighter.

He wiped away his tears and looked toward the night sky through the mosque window.

A faint smile appeared on his lips.

He did not know what Allah had written for him.

He did not know that very soon he would attend a wedding that would change the course of his life forever.

But Allah knew.

And for now, that was enough

Time skipped

At Mughal kingdom

Inside her chamber, Princess Ayra was busy overseeing the final preparations for her journey.

Several trunks had already been packed while her maids continued organizing the remaining belongings.

Suddenly, one of the servants announced,

"Princess, king is on his way here."

Ayra's eyes widened.

Immediately, she grabbed a small teddy bear resting on her bed and hurriedly handed it to her personal maid.

"Quick! Hide it!"

The maid looked confused but quickly took the teddy bear and placed it inside a cabinet.

Just as she closed the door, the King entered the chamber.

"My dear," he said warmly as he took a seat nearby. "What happened? Why are you leaving so early all of a sudden?"

Ayra looked up from the clothes she was folding.

"Abbu, every year I leave at the usual time, but this year I completely lost track of the dates."

The King listened attentively.

"And you know how I am during Eid," Ayra continued. "I like to spend that time in Makkah and perform Hajj peacefully. That is why I have to leave earlier."

The King nodded in understanding.

"I see."

After a moment, he added,

"Then why not travel by private jet? It would be much more comfortable."

Ayra immediately shook her head.

"No, Abbu. I prefer traveling by regular flight."

The King chuckled softly.

"Very well. But there is another problem."

Ayra looked at him curiously.

"What problem?"

"The flight you wish to take leaves before the wedding celebrations are over."

Ayra frowned slightly.

The King continued,

"The King and Queen of Amber Kingdom especially requested your presence at the wedding. They would be disappointed if you were unable to attend."

Ayra sat quietly for a moment.

"What are the timings, Abbu?"

The King explained the wedding schedule and the available flights to Dubai.

Ayra listened carefully before a smile slowly appeared on her face.

"I think I have a solution."

The King raised an eyebrow.

"And what might that be?"

"Abbu, the King and Queen of Amber Kingdom specifically asked me to attend, correct?"

"Yes."

"Then I can attend the wedding for a few hours, congratulate the bride and groom, spend some time with everyone, and then leave directly for the airport afterward."

The King thought for a moment before smiling.

"That could actually work."

Ayra smiled back.

"This way I won't disappoint Amber Kingdom, and I won't miss my Hajj plans either."

The King looked at his daughter proudly.

"You always find a solution, don't you?"

Ayra laughed softly.

"Only sometimes, Abbu."

After speaking with her for a while longer, the King took his leave and departed from the chamber.

The moment the door closed behind him, Ayra let out a sigh of relief.

Her personal maid immediately opened the cabinet and brought out the hidden teddy bear.

"Princess," she asked curiously, "why do you always hide your teddy bear whenever king comes?"

Ayra took the teddy bear from her hands and hugged it gently.

A fond smile appeared on her face.

"Because Abbu has never refused any request of mine."

The maid looked surprised.

"Never?"

Ayra shook her head.

"Never. If I wanted something, Abbu always made sure I got it. For me, he has even changed old rules and created new ones."

"Then why not tell him about the teddy bear?"

Ayra glanced down at it.

"Because this is the one thing he never allowed."

The maid blinked.

"His Majesty doesn't allow teddy bears?"

Ayra laughed softly.

"No. He always says I am a princess, not a child."

She gently fixed the teddy bear's little robe.

"But I cannot sleep without it."

The maid couldn't help smiling.

"Then why not keep it openly in your room?"

Ayra's expression softened.

"Because I love my Abbu."

The maid looked confused.

Ayra continued quietly,

"If I keep it in front of him, he will know that I ignored his wishes."

She hugged the teddy bear a little closer.

"Hiding it is easier."

"That way Abbu doesn't have to see that his daughter disobeyed him, and I don't have to give up my teddy bear."

The maid smiled warmly.

Sometimes, she thought, Princess Ayra's love for her father was just as adorable as her secret collection of teddy bears.

Ayra simply smiled and placed the teddy bear carefully on her bed before returning to her packing.

After the maid left, Ayra carefully placed the teddy bear beside her pillow.

For a moment, she simply stared at it before smiling softly.

"You are coming with me," she whispered.

Outside her window, the evening sun slowly disappeared beyond the horizon.

A royal wedding awaited her.

Soon after, a journey to Makkah awaited her as well.

Unaware of what the future held, Princess Ayra quietly continued her preparations, her heart filled with excitement, hope, and gratitude.

For now, everything seemed peaceful.

And somewhere beyond the borders of her kingdom, destiny was already preparing to bring two lives onto the same path.

To be continued......