⭐ Chapter 5 — "The Convergence of Duty and Destiny"
The first light of dawn crept softly across the Rajputana mansion, but Rudrapriya Singh Rajputana's mind was already immersed in another storm—one far deeper than the sun's gentle rays.
The IPS application had been submitted, yet the world's gaze and her family's expectations now awaited her every move.
The mansion's hall buzzed with activity—phones ringing incessantly, alerts from international journalists flashing across the screens.
"Ms. Rajputana, can we have a word about your IPS application?"
"Madam, the world is watching. Are you prepared for the international project review?"
Through every call, her voice remained calm, resolute, carrying the weight and grace of a queen in command.
Below, the boardroom teemed with her family and employees.
Rajveer Singh, her grandfather, observed quietly, his experienced eyes analyzing every gesture.
Her grandmother's gaze reflected unspoken thoughts: "Is our child truly ready for this immense responsibility?"
Her mother and aunt muttered lines from old predictions, "At twenty-five, change will come…"
But Rudrapriya had already taken her first step. She had entrusted Avnya with the World Chef Competition letter, and now the first milestone lay ahead.
The mansion's atmosphere grew heavier, layered with media attention and foreign calls.
Rudrapriya answered each query—not just with intelligence, but with the regal confidence and poise that seemed innate to her.
"Yes, I have submitted my IPS form. It is my duty to serve, and I will honor it."
Upstairs, in her room, the evening breeze carried the faint fragrance of peacock feathers.
She felt the weight of fear, of restlessness, of the unknown—a tension that pulsed through her every thought.
Saarvi deliberately played a K-pop song, a soft melody meant to anchor her mind elsewhere, to a spiritual place where Advik's voice intertwined past and future.
That evening, everyone looked after her carefully—teachers, family, employees—ensuring that her IPS preparations continued unhindered.
From Avnya's first practice, to the boardroom review, to critical project assessments—everything passed under Rudrapriya's firm yet tender guidance.
The next morning, a new challenge arose at the company—an international client demanded unexpected revisions.
"Diidi, you must focus on your studies. We'll handle this," Sia whispered.
Rudrapriya offered only a subtle smile. The fearless, luminous gleam in her eyes said more than words ever could.
She entered the boardroom, reviewing every file, every detail, every meeting plan with precise scrutiny.
For a moment, it seemed the entire room paused, all attention converging on her alone.
And then—the royal entrance.
Rudrapriya Singh Rajputana.
The weight of her family's hopes and the company's expectations rested squarely upon her shoulders.
Journalists' eyes, foreign calls, and employees alike watched her every move.
Her inner peacock feather trembled slightly.
Rudrapriya noticed—the new K-pop album's energy resonated with her own golden aura, echoing through her heartbeat like a spiritual symphony.
All knew—today was not just any day.
Today marked the beginning of a new chapter in Rudrapriya's life—where love, duty, career, and destiny intertwined, colliding and shining in tandem.
She drew a deep breath.
"This path is difficult… but I am ready," she whispered silently.
And as she rose to take her first international call, the soul within her stirred fully awake.
Outside, the soft wind carried the flutter of a lone peacock feather—a signal from Krishna, the resonance of Advik's voice, and the echo of destiny.
From this moment onward, her name was poised to reverberate across every corner of the world.