The hospital had discharged her just hours before, and now Chaya found herself standing in the private jet's plush cabin, gazing out the window as the landscape of Egypt shrank into the distance. Her brothers were settled in the seats around her, but her mind was far away—back in the heat of the desert, in the cool shadows of the ancient temple, and in the presence of the enigmatic pharaoh who still lingered in her heart.
Her fingers brushed against the small velvet pouch at her neck. The amulet. The thing that had pulled her into another world, into another time, where nothing had seemed impossible, and everything had felt so real. She had to leave it behind. It was the right thing to do—her family needed her, India needed her, and her future was waiting for her. But no matter how many times she told herself this, the ache inside her chest wouldn't subside.
As the jet cruised through the skies, Chaya's thoughts were a whirlwind of conflicting emotions. Her fingers trembled as she opened the pouch, staring at the amulet one last time. It shimmered in the sunlight, like a beacon calling her back to the desert sands.
"Chaya?" Her professor's voice came from the other side of the cabin. She was sitting across from her, a concerned look on her face.
"I think it's time," Chaya said softly, holding out the amulet. "Take it. Keep it safe. I don't know when or if I'll be back, but I can't hold on to it any longer."
Her professor hesitated, then took the amulet gently from her hand. "You will come back one day, Chaya. I know you will. You have unfinished business there."
Chaya gave her a faint smile, the weight of her decision pressing on her shoulders. "Maybe," she whispered, her voice barely audible over the hum of the jet's engines. "But for now, I have to go back. I have to face my responsibilities. I've kept you all waiting long enough."
As the jet flew on, Chaya thought about the life she was returning to. The life she had left behind six years ago. Her family. The legacy. The kingdom.
The Royal Welcome
The grand palace in India had never looked more magnificent than it did that evening. The grounds were adorned with shimmering lights, flower garlands, and elaborate decorations. The entire nation had waited with bated breath for the return of their princess, and tonight, they would celebrate her homecoming with a grandeur fit for royalty.
The royal courtyard was packed with people—nobles, dignitaries, high-ranking officials—all eagerly awaiting the moment when Chaya would step through the palace doors, the beloved princess returning after years of absence.
Chaya stood at the top of the grand staircase leading down into the courtyard, her heart heavy as she gazed down at the sea of people. Her brothers stood behind her, their faces a mix of pride and anticipation. Rajendra, ever the leader, gave her a slight nod of encouragement. She gave him a faint smile, but it didn't reach her eyes. She wasn't ready for this. She wasn't ready to slip back into the life of a princess, to wear the crown that had always been her destiny.
She descended the steps, the weight of her royal gown making every step feel heavier. The crowd erupted into applause as she reached the bottom, her feet touching the ground she had once ruled. But even in the warmth of the celebration, a chill ran through her as she tried to smile for the cameras, the reporters, and the hundreds of people who had come to see her return.
She had once belonged to this world—this was her duty. But now, as she took her place at the center of it all, it felt like a trap. A gilded cage. And no matter how beautiful or perfect it seemed, it couldn't mask the longing inside her heart.
The night stretched on. The gala continued with music, laughter, and the clinking of glasses. But Chaya found herself withdrawn, standing on the edges of the festivities, watching her family interact with the guests, their faces beaming with pride. Everyone seemed to have forgotten that, deep inside, something had shifted in her.
The Royal Duties
Days passed, then weeks. The initial excitement of her return faded, replaced by the heavy demands of royal life. Meetings with government officials, public appearances, endless events that required her to smile and play the part of the dutiful princess. Every moment, it felt like she was slipping further from who she truly was. The duties were endless, and with each passing day, the phantom of the pharaoh, of ancient Egypt, grew stronger in her mind.
Five months. Five months of royal events, charity functions, political meetings, and ceremonies. Every single day was packed with expectations. And every single day, Chaya felt a little more disconnected from the world she had once known.
It wasn't that she didn't love her family. It wasn't that she didn't appreciate the opportunities she had to help her people. But as time went by, the idea of returning to Egypt, of uncovering the mysteries that still haunted her dreams, seemed impossible to shake.
Her brothers saw the changes in her. At dinner one evening, Rajendra leaned across the table, his brow furrowed. "You don't seem like yourself, Chaya. You're distracted. Is there something you're not telling us?"
Chaya took a deep breath, trying to swallow the frustration that bubbled up inside her. "I'm fine," she said, though the words felt hollow.
Vijay gave her a pointed look. "You know, it's been months now. You can't keep running away from your responsibilities forever. You need to focus, Chaya. The kingdom needs you."
She stared at her plate, her mind miles away. "Maybe the kingdom needs me. But I need something else. Something more."
Suresh, ever the peacemaker, reached over and gently squeezed her hand. "You've done well, Chaya. But you're not the same. I can see it. If there's something you want—something you need—you need to tell us."
Chaya's chest tightened. She couldn't tell them. Not yet. They wouldn't understand. They couldn't.
She had to find her own way back.
Late that night, when the palace had quieted down, Chaya found herself standing by the window, looking out over the sprawling gardens beneath the pale moonlight. The life of luxury, the life of a princess—it wasn't enough.
In the distance, she thought she saw the faintest glow. The desert. Egypt.