"I, Zayed Ahmed al Zidra, hereby accept my role as the ruling Sheikh of the Sultanate of Zidra. I shall continue to preserve, and build upon the royal legacy and shall reign with righteousness for the benefit and happiness of the people forever" Zayed vowed, as he stood on the podium, with his right palm over his chest and his eyes staring straight ahead at the people of Zidra.
"I invite everyone here to share my determination and work together for the nation’s prosperity and the people’s happiness as the ultimate goals" Zayed added
His brothers were standing on either side as he made his vows to his nation and his people.
The ceremony was followed by a large feast for the entire Zidra.
The security has been strengthened as there were many people attending the ceremony, including dignitaries from the other countries.
"Papa, there is a baby there. Zaif is playing with him" Zada said excitedly, pointing at the one year old baby boy playing with little Zaif.
There was a green eyed girl next to the babies, along with Aveline.
Zayed took hold of little Zada's hands and made his way towards his wife and youngest baby.
"Hey habibti" he whispered softly as he wrapped his arms around her waist.
The other girl looked up at him with wide eyes. Her eyes were full of mischief
"I have never seen a real life Sheikh before. And here I got to meet three. Isn't that cool" she asked candidly, without even bothering about the protocols of behaving with royalty.
She was talking as if I was her next door neighbour.
Who is this lady?
"Sheikh Zayed Ahmed al Zidra. Ruling Sultan of Zidra" I introduced my self
"Duh! I know. I was there when you took your vows" she said
I looked at Aveline and she was chuckling silently
"And may I know who you are?" I asked politely and she had the gall to look offended at that.
"I am Drishti. Drishti Maheswari" The woman said
"Maheswari? As in Shravan Maheswari's wife?" Zayed asked
"Of course. In fact, we are also Indian Royalty. Unfortunately, India isn't under royal ruling anymore. Else, my husband would have been the ruling Prince of Jaipur and I would have been his princess" the woman said sadly
"I hope you are enjoying the function." He reminded himself to be polite, since The Maheshwaris and Yadavs from India are one of the few guests he invited himself.
"Yes yes" the woman nodded her head enthusiastically
"Habibti, I will just go around and greet all the guests. Why don't you join me?" Zayed asked
"What about Zaif?" Aveline asked, looking at the baby
"It's okay. I will manage. I have brought a babysitter with me. So, she can help out. It's time for Dhruv's nap anyway. I was about to take him in. If you don't mind, I will take Zaif also for a nap" Drishti said
Aveline was hesitant. Drishti, though appeared to be an easy going and fun person, is still a stranger to her. And Aveline is too traumatised by the kidnap of the triplets to take another risk.
"That's alright, Drishti. The royal in house nanny is in attendance. And she has a couple of helpers too. So, before the evening reception, all the kids would be sent in" Aveline said and Drishti nodded in understanding.
*****
"So? Ruling Sheikh of Zidra, huh?" Aveline asked, as they lay on the bed that night, cuddled up in each other's arms.
"Who would have thought" Zayed said with a chuckle
"Definitely not me! Seven years ago, you married me out of the blue, declaring that I am your wife. I was too shocked to react and you took advantage of that and whisked me away from there" Aveline said with a chuckle, remembering the way they had got married.
"Ethically speaking, I should apologise to you for what I did impulsively that day. But I couldn't bring myself to apologise to you for something I don't regret" Zayed said
"You saved me from a monster, Zayed. I will be eternally grateful for that" Aveline mumbled against his chest.
"The only regret is that I never thought of finding out the truth. My heart kept saying that you are innocent. But thinking with heart had brought so much hurt and betrayals in my life and I couldn’t bring myself to listen to my heart when it was about you" Zayed said regretfully.
Aveline sighed.
"We cannot change what's in our destiny, Zayed. Maybe, if there were no misunderstandings, our relationship might not have been as strong as it is now" Aveline said
"Maybe you are right. But it can never be a compensation for the tears I made you shed. When Zahir told me that they sleep with you to protect you from sleep monsters, because they make you cry at night, I died a thousand deaths, Aveline." Zayed said, the memory fresh in his mind.
"I never thought that's why they keep coming to my room to sleep," Aveline said, still in awe of her triplets.
"And that's one of the reasons why I still tolerate it when they barge into our bedroom at night," Zayed said dryly, earning a wack from Aveline.
"How rude," Aveline muttered in a tone of disapproval.
"Excuse me! What's rude is them barging into our bedroom at night and refusing us our privacy. It is a miracle that we even conceived Zaif" Zayed said with a huff.
"You are unbelievable. Do you even realise that you are talking about a set of six years olds?" Aveline asked in disbelief
"Yeah. You always take their side" Zayed said grumpily and turned the other side
Aveline stared at him in open mouthed disbelief.
Seriously? Sultan of Zidra? This grumpily child? She thought in disbelief
"Okay habibi. I am sorry. Now don't go to sleep with a frown on your face" Aveline said and started tickling him.
The next moment, she was pinned down to the bed, with him hovering over her.
"You should pacify me, Sheikha" Zayed murmured huskily
"How do you want me to pacify you?" Aveline shot back slyly
"Kiss me better" Zayed demanded
Before Ava's lips could touch Zayed's, there was a knock on their bedroom door.
"Papa!! Momma!!"
"Arghhh!! Not again!"