Constructing a Fairy Tale

Chapter 1: The Humble Craftsman and the Royal Commission

Long time ago, in a small village nestled beside a rich kingdom, lived Nysa, a young woman with skilled hands and an unwavering passion for building. She was a master craftsman, her heart finding joy in building homes. Her childhood friend, Rishabh, was a talented architect, his mind always filled with innovative designs. Often, their paths intertwined; he would sketch the blueprints, and she, with her team, would bring them to life, brick by brick, beam by beam.

One crisp morning, Rishabh arrived at Nysa's workshop, a smile gracing his lips. "Nysa, my friend!" he exclaimed, "A grand opportunity has presented itself! The Royals require a new wing for their castle, and I've been commissioned to design it. But I cannot do it without you. Will you join me in this endeavor?"

Nysa's eyes sparkled with excitement. A royal commission! This was the kind of challenge she lived for. "Of course, Rishabh! It would be an honor to work on such a magnificent project with you." And so, their new adventure began, a journey that would lead them both down unexpected paths.

Chapter 2: A Prince's Gaze and a Spark of Magic

Work on the castle's new wing commenced with a swing. Nysa looking great in her sturdy work clothes, moved with grace, her every instruction clear, her every action precise. Prince Daniel, the kingdom's charming heir, often strolled through the construction site, observing the progress. One afternoon, his gaze fell upon Nysa. He was captivated by her focused intensity, the way she  explained a structural detail to her team, her braids swinging as she gestured. A warmth spread through his chest – he was falling in love.

Rishabh, meanwhile, watched Nysa with a different kind of admiration. He saw not just her beauty, but her dedication, her strength, and her unwavering spirit. He loved seeing his designs take shape under her skilled direction. He couldn't help but smile, a quiet joy bubbling within him as he observed her in her element.

As Nysa guided her team, a faint shimmer of light appeared above her, unnoticed by all but the watchful eyes of her fairy godmother, who had been observing from afar. With a gentle wave of her tiny, shimmering wand, a subtle spark of magic infused Nysa's tools, making her work even more effortless and precise. It was a secret blessing, a tiny nudge from fate.

Chapter 3: A Royal Date

Prince Daniel, grew confident of his growing affection for Nysa. He approached her one afternoon while she was busy in her thoughts watching the scale model. "Lady Nysa," he began, his voice smooth and charming, "I've been so impressed by your work, and by you. Would you do me the honor of accompanying me to dinner this evening?"

Nysa's heart fluttered like a trapped bird. A date with the Prince! She smiled, a deep blush creeping up her cheeks. "I would be delighted, Your Highness," she replied. Rishabh, who had been reviewing a floor plan nearby, overheard the exchange. He caught Nysa’s eye and offered a warm, encouraging smile and a thumbs-up, appearing genuinely happy for her.

However, as the sun began to set, Nysa realized she had a problem. This was the first real date of her life, and her wardrobe consisted entirely of sturdy leather aprons, heavy boots, and linen tunics stained with sawdust. Panic began to set in until her friend, the village seamstress, insisted she borrow a gown.

The dress was a breathtaking shade of forest green. It flowed like water and made her feel like a different person entirely. Adding to her beauty, her fairy godmother placed a tiara on her head made from blooming edelweiss flowers. When Daniel arrived to collect her, he was momentarily breathless.

The evening was enchanting. They dined under a canopy of stars, Daniel’s wit keeping her laughing for hours. As he dropped her home and kissed her softly, Nysa felt a swirl of emotions. She was dazzled, yet a bit overwhelmed with sudden series of events in her life

Chapter 4: A Prince's Proposal 

The next morning, Nysa arrived at the construction site, eager to find Rishabh. But one of her workers approached her, a concerned look on his face. "Lady Nysa, Master Rishabh sent word that he's unwell with a fever. He asked us to continue working, and he'll join when he feels better." Nysa was worried. Rishabh rarely fell ill. She decided to visit him after work.

Just then, Prince Daniel appeared, his smile radiant as usual. "Good morning, Nysa! Would you care to join me for a boat ride this evening? The sunset over the lake is truly breathtaking." Unable to refuse, Nysa agreed, her mind still preoccupied with Rishabh.

As the sun began to dip below the horizon, painting the sky in shades of orange and purple, Daniel held Nysa's hand. "Nysa," he began, his voice deep and sincere, "I've fallen deeply in love with you. Will you marry me, and be my princess? You'll never have to worry about anything again." He hugged her, and as he leaned in for another kiss, Nysa gently stopped him.

"Your Highness," she said, her voice soft but firm, "I truly appreciate your kindness and your feelings. The past few days have been lovely. But I love my work. I love building, creating, and facing challenges. Marrying you would mean a perfect life, but a life without my own contributions, my own struggles, and my own triumphs. I want a life that I create, with its problems and its successes. I hope you understand, but we are not meant for each other." Daniel, though saddened, understood. He kissed her hand, wished her well, and released her from the boat.

Chapter 5: A Realization

Nysa ran, her heart pounding with a newfound realisation, all the way to Rishabh's small, charming house. She knocked urgently on his door. A muffled voice called from within, "Go away, Nysa! I've got a terrible viral, stay away or you'll catch it!"

"I know you're alright, Rishabh!" Nysa called back, a hint of a smile playing on her lips. "Just open the damn door before I ask Prince Daniel to break it down!"

The door creaked open, and Rishabh, looking perfectly healthy, peered out, his eyes wide. He scanned the empty lane behind Nysa. "Where is the prince?" he asked, a mixture of concern and curiosity in his voice.

Nysa stepped inside, closing the door behind her. "I lied to you," she confessed, her gaze fixed on him.

"What? Why?" Rishabh stammered, utterly bewildered.

Nysa took a step closer, her eyes shining with a mixture of amusement and deep affection. "Because I love you too, idiot," she whispered, her voice flowing with emotion.

Rishabh stood frozen, utterly shocked. After a paused he gave a grumpy stare "Prince Daniel had to charge you with a kiss to make you realize that?" 

"Haha, you were stalking me?" Nysa teased, a joyful laugh bubbling from her. Rishabh couldn't help his smile slowly spreading across his face. 

With a heart full of happiness and certainty, Nysa rose to her toes and kissed him. Rishabh, bending down, kissed her back, a kiss that felt like coming home. In that moment, Nysa was absolutely sure. This was happiness. This was where she truly belonged.

And they lived happily ever after :) ....

......? ? ?

Nah! They had their share of problems, intense arguments over blueprints, and the rollercoaster rides of life's many challenges—but they swayed through all of it together, hand in hand.

-Sharon