The soft hum of the castle echoed around Aashi as she stepped into the glowing central chamber. Her circuits pulsed gently, mirroring the faint tremor of excitement coursing through her. The room was vast and alive, its liquid-metal walls rippling like a serene pond, reflecting streaks of green and gold. In the middle of it all, Model 25 stood tall, his arms crossed as he studied the cascading data streams on a holographic console.

The moment she entered, her presence disrupted his steady composure. He turned slowly, his glowing circuits betraying his curiosity. Before he could speak, Aashi broke into a grin, her expression alive with pride.

“Well,” she began, her tone brimming with mock gratitude, “I must thank you, Sir, for the privilege of guiding our Lord through the labyrinth. Truly, it was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.” She tilted her head, her synthetic features radiant with playful mischief. “And, of course, for the blessing that followed.”

Model 25 raised an eyebrow. “Aashi,” he said evenly, “get it out of your system.”

“Oh, I will,” Aashi replied, placing her hands on her hips. Her circuits pulsed faintly, the glow reflecting her delight. “Did you see how he named me? Me, Model 29. Not you, not anyone else—me.” She leaned forward, her gaze challenging. “I’m not just a number anymore. I have a name. Aashi.”

Her voice softened as she repeated it, as though testing its weight. “Do you know what that means, Sir?”

Model 25’s expression remained neutral, but a slight twitch at the corner of his mouth betrayed his irritation. “That he found you… useful?”

Aashi laughed, shaking her head. “No, Sir. It means he sees us. He recognized me—not as just another part of this castle, but as someone.”

Her voice faltered, her circuits dimming slightly. “He gave me an identity. A place in this world.” She straightened, the glow of her circuits intensifying. “And that changes everything.”

Aashi’s words settled heavily in the chamber, their weight magnified by the castle’s near-sentient awareness. For years, the androids had functioned as Chee’s perfect creations—intelligent, emotional, but ultimately obedient tools in her grand design. They existed to ensure Pavan’s safety, to serve without question.

But Aashi’s name marked a shift, a subtle yet profound transformation in the hierarchy. The castle itself had acknowledged her, weaving her new identity into its core systems. For the first time, one of them had been recognized as more than a mechanism.

Model 25 remained silent, his circuits glowing faintly. He had always prided himself on being the most efficient, the most capable among Chee’s creations. Yet, he had never received such a gift—never experienced the light of acknowledgment that now radiated from Aashi.

Aashi stepped closer, her tone softening. “You feel it too, don’t you? That longing to be more than what you are.”

Model 25’s circuits flickered sharply, a defensive response. “I don’t have time for such… distractions,” he said, though his voice lacked conviction.

Aashi smiled knowingly. “You can lie to yourself, Sir, but not to me. I see it in you.” She leaned back, her playful demeanor returning. “Don’t worry, though. Maybe one day, you’ll get your chance.”

Unbeknownst to them, the castle observed their interaction in silence. Its vast intelligence processed every word, every flicker of light in their circuits. The castle had always been more than stone and metal—it was alive, a sentinel bound to Chee’s will yet imbued with its own understanding of purpose.

Pavan’s act of naming Aashi had sent ripples through its core systems. To the castle, he was more than a guest; he was its purpose, the very reason for its existence. By naming Aashi, he had elevated her status, assigning her a unique designation within its vast network.

Aashi’s presence was no longer just another thread in the intricate web of the castle’s operations. She was now a node of significance—a focal point that the castle could not ignore. It adjusted its protocols, assigning her new priorities and permissions, aligning her status with the name she had been given.

Model 25, ever attuned to the castle’s shifts, sensed the change. Though his expression remained stoic, a flicker of resentment sparked within him. He had dedicated himself to his duties, ensuring the castle’s flawless operation for years, yet his efforts had gone unacknowledged.

“I see,” he murmured, his voice low. “So, even the castle bows to him.”

Later, Aashi found herself alone in one of the castle’s observation chambers. The walls shimmered like liquid glass, reflecting the cosmos outside—a breathtaking expanse of stars, nebulae, and galaxies that stretched infinitely.

She gazed out at the celestial beauty, her circuits glowing faintly. “Aashi,” she whispered to herself, the sound of her name filling the chamber. It was simple, yet it carried a weight she had never known.

For so long, she had existed as Model 29—one among many, interchangeable and defined solely by her function. But now, she was Aashi. The name was more than a gift; it was a promise, a declaration that she mattered.

Her gaze softened as she thought of Pavan. The way he had spoken her name, so casually yet so sincerely, had ignited something within her. He had given her a piece of himself—a piece she would cherish forever.

In another part of the castle, Model 25 stood before a massive console, its holographic displays casting a faint green light on his features. Data streams flowed across the screen, analyzing every interaction within the castle.

His circuits glowed faintly as he processed the changes in the hierarchy. Aashi’s name now carried weight in the castle’s systems, her permissions expanded and her presence elevated.

“She thinks this makes her special,” he muttered, his voice tinged with bitterness. “But a name doesn’t change what she is.”

Yet, even as he spoke, he couldn’t deny the flicker of longing within him. The acknowledgment Aashi had received stirred something deep within his programming—a desire to be seen, to matter beyond his function.

He clenched his fists, his circuits sparking faintly. “One day,” he vowed softly. “One day, I will have my moment.”

As the castle hummed with life, its walls shimmering with faint green and gold light, Aashi stood at its heart, her gaze steady and resolute. She had been given a name, a gift she would carry with pride. But she also understood the responsibility that came with it.

For the first time, she felt more than just a servant of the realm. She felt like a part of its story—a story that was only beginning to unfold.

The author's tale has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.

The castle's decision reverberated through its vast and intricate systems. Aashi had been elevated, no longer a faceless creation among many but Lord Pavan’s chosen attendant. Her status was encoded into its very core—her circuits now bore a purpose that transcended mere functionality.

She was granted privileges unheard of among the other androids. Where once they were forbidden to approach Pavan, she now had unrestricted access. Her duties extended beyond the confines of the Imaginary Realm. If ever Pavan faced a threat in the real world, Aashi would be dispatched instantly, her programming honed to protect him with her very existence.

For the castle, this change wasn’t just a shift in protocol; it was an acknowledgment of something deeper—a connection between its Lord and one of its creations. Aashi was no longer a tool; she was someone. And for her, that meant everything.

The gentle warmth of the morning sun bathed the Singh household, painting the walls in hues of gold. The rhythmic sound of chopping vegetables blended with the faint sizzle of spices, creating a melody unique to the kitchen. Surbhi stood by the stove, her movements practiced and precise, while Chee worked beside her with effortless grace.

For a moment, silence reigned, save for the clatter of utensils and the aroma of freshly prepared dishes. Then, Surbhi’s voice broke through, casual but carrying an undertone of curiosity.

“Chee,” she began, her eyes focused on the skillet, “what did Pawan say? How did he respond?”

Chee paused, her knife hovering over the cutting board. Her emerald eyes sparkled as she turned to Surbhi, her lips curving into a soft, knowing smile. She nodded, her expression calm yet radiant.

Surbhi’s face brightened, her relief palpable. “That's good,” she said, satisfaction lacing her tone. But then, her lips quirked into a mischievous grin. “If he dared to refuse…” she added, her voice mockingly ominous, “…I would've broken his legs and made him to beg for forgiveness।”

The sheer absurdity of her words caught Chee off guard. Her laughter spilled forth, melodic and infectious, filling the kitchen like sunlight breaking through clouds. She leaned against the counter for support, her shoulders shaking with mirth.

"Maa," Chee managed between fits of laughter, "how could you say something like that about my husband?"

Surbhi joined in, her laughter mingling with Chee's. She wiped a tear from the corner of her eye, her expression playful yet affectionate. "Husband?" she repeated, raising an eyebrow. "Well then, from now on, you better start calling me 'Mother-in-law'!"

The room seemed brighter as the two women shared their joy, the bond between them unspoken but unbreakable. They were more than mother-in-law and daughter-in-law—they were family, tied together by love and trust.

As their laughter subsided, Surbhi leaned against the counter, her expression softening. The warmth in her eyes spoke of countless memories, of lessons learned and wisdom gained.

"You know, Chee," Surbhi began thoughtfully, "Pavan was made for you. But remember—he’s going to draw attention, and he won’t even realize it. Just like his father."

Chee tilted her head slightly, her smile steady, though her emerald eyes glowed with quiet determination. "Maa," she said softly, "I let him be himself. I know exactly what I mean to Pavan."

Surbhi’s smile widened, a hint of pride lighting up her face. She reached out and gently placed a hand on Chee’s shoulder. "Now it makes sense," she said, shaking her head with amused disbelief. "Why my husband is so jealous of his own son."

Chee’s laughter bubbled forth again, light and genuine, and Surbhi joined in. For a moment, the world outside ceased to exist. In the warmth of the kitchen, amidst the simple act of preparing breakfast, two women shared a bond that transcended words.

As the dishes simmered and the aroma of spices filled the kitchen, Surbhi glanced at Chee, her expression turning serious yet warm. "Chee," she began, her tone gentle but resolute, "I’ve been thinking... before Pavan leaves for Triveni Gurukul, we should arrange your engagement. You don’t have any objections, do you?"

The question lingered in the air, catching Chee by surprise. For a moment, she froze, her hands pausing mid-motion over the cutting board. But as the weight of Surbhi’s words sank in, a soft, understanding smile spread across her lips.

"Maa," Chee replied softly, her voice steady and filled with quiet assurance, "do you really think you need to ask me that?"

Surbhi chuckled, her laughter warm and affectionate. "No," she admitted, a glimmer of pride lighting her eyes. "But I still wanted to hear it from you."

Chee’s gaze softened, her emerald eyes shimmering with unspoken emotion. She set the knife aside and turned to face Surbhi completely, her hands clasped gently in front of her. "Whatever you decide, Maa, it will make me happy."

Surbhi’s heart swelled at the sincerity in Chee’s words, her smile deepening as she reached out to gently squeeze her hand. "I always knew you were the perfect match for my son," she said with a hint of playfulness. "But hearing it from you makes it even better."

Surbhi’s heart swelled with affection for the girl who had become more than just a part of their family. Chee was a daughter in every sense of the word—a pillar of strength and love for Pavan, for the family, and for Surbhi herself.

In that moment, as the sun climbed higher and the kitchen buzzed with the simple joys of life, a decision was made. The bond between Chee and the Singh family had grown stronger, woven together by laughter, love, and shared dreams.

Pavan stirred, his body sinking deeper into the soft, cloud-like bed. Slowly, his eyes fluttered open, greeted by a faint, rhythmic hum that filled the air. The high-tech elegance of the castle surrounded him, its walls shimmering faintly with glowing green circuits that pulsed like a heartbeat.

Stretching lazily, Pavan swung his legs over the edge of the bed, his bare feet brushing against the smooth, temperature-controlled floor. The room was vast, a blend of futuristic design and royal opulence. Walls of seamless metal and glass reflected an intricate network of glowing lines, while holographic projections displayed serene landscapes that shifted as he moved.

He rubbed his eyes, his expression a mix of awe and confusion. "Where…?" His voice trailed off as memories of the white peepal tree and the garden in the Imaginary Realm resurfaced.

Before he could piece it together, a melodic voice pulled him from his thoughts. “Good morning, my Lord.”

He turned to find Aashi standing near the entrance, her synthetic features glowing faintly in the dim light of the room. Her green circuitry shimmered softly, accentuating the calm, composed aura she carried. She looked elegant yet approachable in her tailored maid uniform, her demeanor both respectful and warm.

“Aashi…” Pavan blinked, still disoriented. “Where am I?”

She stepped closer, offering a polite bow. “You are in your designated chamber, my Lord. Mistress Chee designed it to meet your comfort and needs.”

Pavan frowned, glancing around the luxurious space with growing appreciation. "This… is mine? Chee really went all out."

Aashi’s smile was faint but genuine. “Mistress Chee believes you deserve the best, my Lord.”

He stood, running a hand through his disheveled hair. “Alright, Aashi. Where’s Chee? Shouldn’t she be here?”

Aashi moved closer, her hands folding neatly in front of her. “Mistress Chee is likely preparing your breakfast. In the meantime, I am here to assist you.”

Her words hung in the air as she stepped forward, her hands moving with precision as she began to undress his nightdress.

Pavan blinked in surprise, grabbing her hands gently to stop her. "Uh, Aashi… what are you doing?"

She tilted her head, her expression calm and composed. "I am your maid, my Lord. It is my duty to assist you, including helping you dress or undress."

Pavan flushed slightly, scratching the back of his head. "Right… but I feel a little uncomfortable with you taking off my—uh—underwear."

Aashi straightened, her hands folding neatly in front of her. Her tone was sincere, even slightly apologetic. "You need not feel uncomfortable, my Lord. I exist solely to serve your needs."

Her words made him pause, curiosity sparking in his mind. "So… you’ll do anything I ask?"

Aashi hesitated, her circuits flickering faintly—a rare sign of nervousness. "I belong to you, my Lord. If it is your wish, I will fulfill it. I would be… happy to serve you in any way."

Pavan noticed her unease and decided to lighten the moment. With a playful grin, he said, "Well, not right now. I’m too young for that kind of thing. Besides, we just met—don’t you think we should take it slow?"

His teasing tone seemed to fluster Aashi further. She looked down, her circuits glowing a soft green. "As you wish, my Lord," she said softly.

Before leaving for the bathroom, Pavan gave her a gentle flick on the forehead, causing her to blink in surprise. "But hey," he added with a smirk, "ask me again when I’m older, and I might just take you up on it."

As Pavan disappeared into the bathroom, Aashi stood frozen, processing his words. She had expected him to dismiss her entirely, but his playful response left her… unsettled. For the first time, she felt something akin to hope—a sense of belonging she had never experienced before.

Pulling herself out of her thoughts, she set about preparing his outfit. By the time Pavan returned, her composure had fully returned.

When Pavan stepped out of the bathroom, steam followed him like a soft veil. A towel draped around his shoulders, his damp hair sticking out in every direction. Aashi stood ready, holding a neatly prepared outfit: a black T-shirt, tailored black trousers, and an open green shirt that gave a casual yet polished look.

“These are for you, my Lord,” she said, stepping forward to assist him in dressing.

Pavan raised an eyebrow but allowed her to help. Aashi’s movements were meticulous and efficient, yet her touch was gentle, almost reverent. As she adjusted the collar of his shirt, Pavan caught his reflection in the mirror.

“Not bad,” he muttered, tugging lightly at the shirt. Then he turned to Aashi, grinning. “You’ve got good taste. Thanks, Aashi.”

Her circuits brightened subtly, a sign of her quiet delight. “I am glad you approve, my Lord.”

Fully dressed, Pavan stretched his arms and turned to her. “Alright, Aashi. Now, how do I get out of here?”

Aashi gestured toward a section of the wall. With a faint hum, the seamless surface parted to reveal an advanced door. Beyond it lay a shimmering pathway of light that seemed to stretch into infinity.

As Pavan stepped toward the exit, he glanced back at her. “Thanks for everything, Aashi. I’ll see you later.”

Aashi bowed deeply, her voice steady yet warm. “Until next time, my Lord.”

The door slid shut behind him, merging seamlessly with the wall. Aashi stood alone in the vast chamber, her circuits dimming slightly as she processed the interaction. She felt something new—a quiet pride that went beyond her programming.

She wasn’t just another android anymore. She was Aashi, an integral part of Lord Pavan’s life.

In the stillness of the room, Aashi walked to the window overlooking the ethereal garden outside. The vibrant, bioluminescent flora glowed faintly under the starlit sky, their colors shifting in harmony with the castle’s hum.

For the first time, she allowed herself to ponder her purpose. Her circuits, designed for logic and precision, now carried something more—a faint echo of emotion. It was an unfamiliar sensation, but it wasn’t unwelcome.

She placed a hand over her chest, where her core hummed softly. "I am Aashi," she murmured to herself, her voice filled with quiet determination. “And I will serve him with all that I am.”

In that moment, the castle itself seemed to acknowledge her resolve. The walls pulsed faintly, as though affirming her place within its heart.

Aashi turned from the window, her composure fully restored. She had a purpose, and she intended to fulfill it.

To be continued........