The Replacement (#royals Book 1) by Shikha A (early readers txt) 📖

SHIVAY'S POV

My jet landed in Delhi at four in the evening. I walk out looking at a pleasant evening in Delhi with my bodyguard following me towards the car.

The driver was waiting for me. Noticing my presence, Sohanlal, our driver, runs towards us and bows down, and wishes "Khama Ghani Hukum". I look at him and notice how he stiffened a little.

I know they all get scared of me. I just nodded and sat in the car.

In an hour, I reached Dada Hukum’s (grandfather) mansion. Going inside I saw many servants doing their work but the moment they noticed my presence they all stopped their work and stood like a statue while bowing down to me in respect.

I went straight go to my Dada Hukum's Room and knocked on the door.

"Come in Shivay" Hearing his small smile break on my lips and I entered his room and saw him sitting on the rocking chair with a book and cigar.

He is a real King, the aura he has around him it’s so positive but people still get scared of his name but respect him more. He was a great King once upon a time. But for me, he is my dada hukum, the sweetest person I have ever seen.

And that's one of the reasons I can't say no to him because when I needed someone badly in my life, he was the one with me.

“Khama Ghani Dada Hukum” I wished him and touched his feet (In India it's a way to pay our respect towards elders).

Hearing me he looked up and smiled which reached his eyes and I know how happy he is to see me.

“Ghani Khama Hukum” he spoke and chuckled.

I sat at his knee level and gave him a straight face and told him “I am not your hukum. I am your Shivay only Shivay” I said sternly.

He ruffles my hair and says “yes you are but still I like to call u Hukum after all you are the king”.

Again, I give him stern a look which he chuckles again and says “OK Shivay happy now”?

I gave a small nod and replied “very happy”.

Meanwhile, Dai Jaan (Nanny) comes with tea and my black coffee and wishes me “Khama Ghani Hukum.”

I smile at her and wish her back “Ghani Khama Dai Jaan and how many times do I have to tell you, don't call me Hukum? Only you two are allowed to call me by my name and I don't like it when you call me Hukum”. I spoke irritatingly.

She gave me a smile and a nod and said “I will try to remember this.” with mischief in her eyes.

I looked at her and thought about shaking my head 'what to do with these two?'

They both love to irritate me but they both are my world. I don't have anyone in my life apart from them. And they are the only ones who have seen me smiling.

I took my coffee and started sipping while talking to dada hukum regarding the work progress and issues of Premgadh.

He was just listening but not saying anything.

I asked, “why are you not saying anything Dada Hukum?”

"Because I know you can solve anything and manage everything very well so I just want to be your listener” He gave me a soft smile which was only reserved for me.

I smiled a little nod and said “yes I am and I hope I am doing the right things for my people”.

He touched my shoulder and said, “yes you are Shivay. You are the best king they ever had.” He spoke proudly.

"No Dada Hukum you were the best. Am still learning to fit into your shoes”. I shake my head in denial

"No, Shivay you have already fit into my shoes long back and started running as well wearing them. You are doing a great job, my son.” I felt so good because I know he is saying this to make me happy.

I nodded a little and got up to get ready. “Dada Hukum what time do we have to be there”?

He looked at me and smile at me and says “at 8 pm”

I nod in agreement and said, “OK dada Hukum let me get fresh and then will leave”. In my mind, I want to get over this nonsense as soon as possible.

Thinking I started walking towards the door but stopped hearing Dada Hukum's voice

“Shivay I want you to settle down, I want to see you happy, I want you to live your life, smile, and laugh. The girl is good and so does the family, give her a fair chance”. I nodded again and left the room.

While going to my room I was thinking 'good girl? There is no good in any girl in the world, they are mean bitches and pathetic creatures.'

'And I would never get in their trap ever' a sinister smirk broke on my lips.

So, let's see how good Dada Hukum’s good girl is.

***

DADA HUKUM –GRANDFATHER

HUKUM – YOUR HIGHNESS

DAI JAAN –NANNY

KAMMA KHANI – WISHING