The following morning, as the first rays of the sun touched the palace spires, an unexpected change came over the Queen Mother. She summoned Arohi to her private chambers. Arohi approached with a heavy heart, expecting more harsh words about Aditya, but to her utter shock, the Queen greeted her with a warm, gentle smile. Taking Arohi's hands in hers, the Queen spoke softly, "My daughter, I could not sleep last night. I have realized that my pride and the prestige of our lineage are nothing compared to your tears. I have decided to accept Aditya into our family for the sake of your happiness." Arohi could hardly believe her ears; overwhelmed with joy, she threw her arms around her mother. The Queen gently stroked her hair and added, "I want Aditya to come to the palace tonight. I shall personally host a grand royal feast to honor him and welcome him before everyone. Go now, and invite him yourself."
Upon hearing her mother's words, Arohi did not lose a single moment. Like a butterfly finding its wings, she rushed to Aditya with the incredible news. Aditya was initially stunned by this sudden change of heart, but seeing the pure radiance in Arohi's eyes, he could not refuse. As the evening sky turned a deep crimson, the royal palace was transformed into a vision of splendor. Giant chandeliers bathed every corridor in golden light, and the air was thick with the rich aroma of delicacies served on silver platters. The Queen Mother personally supervised every detail, appearing truly delighted. No one could have guessed that behind the laughter and the grandeur, a terrifying web of conspiracy was being woven.
As the banquet began, the Queen Mother showered Aditya with hospitality. While chatting and laughing, she eventually signaled a maid. The maid brought forward an ornate golden goblet filled with a shimmering liquid. The Queen held it out to Aditya and said, "Aditya, it is a tradition in our kingdom to welcome an honored guest with this special beverage. From this day, you are no longer a stranger to us, so please, accept our hospitality." Moved by the Queen's apparent kindness, Aditya suspected nothing. He had no way of knowing that hidden within the sweet drink was the cursed violet liquid from the witch. With a grateful smile, he raised the goblet and drained it in a single breath.
By the time the feast ended, the night had grown old. As Aditya bid farewell to Arohi and began his journey home, his body suddenly felt strangely heavy. A peculiar dizziness and exhaustion started to cloud his mind. Meanwhile, back in her private chamber, the Queen Mother let out a cruel, triumphant laugh. She carefully placed the Magic Mirror into a hidden vault and locked it with a heavy key. Looking out into the darkness of the night, she whispered to herself, "Wait for the night to end and the sun to rise, Aditya... from tomorrow, your world and the world of those who know you will change forever."
The Queen Mother, wearing a mask of motherly affection, turned to Aditya in front of Arohi and said in a soothing voice, "Aditya, it is a sacred tradition of our royal lineage that before any wedding, the groom must personally deliver the invitation letters to all distant relatives. Tell me, do you have any kin living far away whom you wish to share this joyous news with?"
Aditya replied with a humble, weary smile, "No, Queen Mother. Apart from my parents, I have no distant relatives. I am but a man of simple means."
The Queen had been waiting for exactly this answer. She spoke with feigned excitement, "Is that so? Well, it matters not! I have a very close relative who lives far across the borders. I want you to be the one to deliver the very first invitation of this wedding to them. It will bring immense dignity to your new bond with our family. Arohi, don't you think I am right as a mother?"
Hearing the words 'our wedding' and 'invitation letter' from her mother's lips, Arohi was overwhelmed with happiness. She truly believed her mother had accepted Aditya with all her heart. "Mother, you are wonderful!" Arohi exclaimed with joy. "Aditya, you must set out with the letter tomorrow morning."
Then, the Queen played her final, decisive card. She said, "Since he must leave at the crack of dawn, there is no need for Aditya to travel back home in this fragile state. Instead, let him rest tonight in the secluded guest chamber in the North Wing of the palace. He can depart with the letter before the sun even rises."
Both Aditya and Arohi were filled with gratitude for the Queen's apparent generosity. They had no inkling that the Queen was actually trapping Aditya within the palace walls, far from the eyes of the world. Arohi comforted herself thinking Aditya would be far away delivering invitations tomorrow, while in reality, Aditya was walking straight into a horrific fate within that very chamber. As Aditya stumbled toward the room with shaky steps, the Queen Mother watched from the shadows, a demonic smile of satisfaction spreading across her face.