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I will be out of town from June 23rd to 28th, so I will try to update as much as possible.

Chapter 20 ~ Churning of Emotions

Trisha POV

"Bring it on," Agastya said, and we both walked into a small, isolated place. The guests had begun arriving, and I did not want to catch more eyes.

"It's complicated," I said, and he chewed on a bunch of grapes and asked.

"What is complicated?"

I sighed deeply and looked away for a moment before whispering it out. "He proposed to me for the wedding. He asked me to marry him,"

And, as soon as the words spat out of my mouth, Agastya choked on grapes and coughed.

"Ughhhh, ughhhhh, what?" He asked in utter shock, and I nodded.

"Are you not like brother and sister?" He asked, and I sighed deeply.

"Well," I muttered, unable to answer. We are... I mean, we were more like friends. We never discussed being brother and sister," I tried to say, and he looked away momentarily.

"I think there is something wrong in Mahabaleshgarh's blood. The people there fall too quickly in love," he said, and I shook my head.

"It's not love," I exclaimed, and he turned his head towards me. "I mean, it's not even like he likes me," I added, blabbering in confusion.

"Then what the hell is this?" He asked, and I shook my head, sighing deeply.

"I do not know what it is. It's just that I am confused, and I do not even know whom to tell about it," I explained to him. He ate a few more grapes silently and then looked at me.

"Do you also want to marry him?" He asked, and I cleared my throat.

"What I want does not matter. Our choices do not weigh enough to be considered," I reminded him of how the ladies in our Villages were brought up. We were not Princesses who could marry whoever they wanted. Our fathers would not arrange a swayamvar for us.

"Well, it's only you who can change it. Tell me what you answered when he asked you to marry him," he asked, smiling at a man he knew.

"Nothing," I replied, confused about what else I should have said.

"Why?" He immediately looked at me.

"Because I am getting married to Shantanu, and I cannot marry him now," I tried to understand him, but he sighed deeply before clicking his tongue.

"You are getting married, but you are not married yet," he said, and I thinned my brows.

"But, I am tied with him," I said, referring to Shantanu.

"You are not tied with anyone, didi," he said, and I shook my head.

"If you cannot even decide for yourself, what else would you do in your whole life? Do you not think it's too foolish to spend your lifetime standing upon others expectations?" He asked, and I lowered my gaze.

"This is called love and family, Agastya. I was raised as a perfect daughter who would set an example in the village. My face is not mine, but it's a reflection of my father's upbringing. I am his success," I said, and he placed his hand on my shoulder.

"Maybe it's the partial truth. Maybe it's just how you see things and not true," he said, and I immediately lifted my eyes to meet his.

"What else would be true, then? My father is a known teacher for the Kingdoms, and he knows best," I said, and he nodded.

"Certainly, he knows best, but when certain emotions lead our actions, they are not best. Has he even asked you if you like sharing or not?" he asked, and I looked away.

"He did, and it was way before this blunder happened-"

"And, now you are fancied by the mere possibility of becoming Abhinandan's wife," he cut me off, and I closed my eyes with disbelief. "And you are scared to bring those words to your mouth," he added.

"It's too late, Agastya. I am afraid every step towards churning my heart to seek the answers will push me away from my father because it might take me closer to Yuvraj. My wants and desires were grove into the pot along with me on my birth. What came out of it was a cow meant to pay off my father's debt to me. I am indebted to him for this lifetime, and God knows how many," I exclaimed, and he gulped silently.

"And I feel like he will not come back, so there is no point in discussing all of this," I said, and he finished chewing on his grapes and threw the remaining skeleton away.

"Trisha," suddenly, Ranvijay's voice caught my attention, and I immediately looked in his direction. Another broad smile appeared on my face, and I walked towards him. He and I were even closer. We did not have much to discuss, but we knew my father better than others.

"How are you?" I asked, looking at him, and Agastya came near me.

"Vivah hone wala hai, ussi ka bukhar chhada hua hai,"

"He is getting married and having wedding fever already,"

Ranvijay glared at him, and I looked at him with wide, shocked eyes. "You did not tell me," I complained, and he smiled.

"Well, I thought of telling you today, but this Agastya is always there to steal other's light," he said, and I laughed.

"Are you happy?" he asked suddenly, looking around at the tiny bit of decorations and the festivities.

"Long story," Agastya interrupted, and I sighed deeply, glaring at him.

"What?" he asked, looking at me, and I smiled at Ranvijay.

"I shall find my friends," I said, leaving them alone and returning home.

I knew Agastya would not stop without telling him. After all, he loved gossip. But I could not care less.

For the next two days, the preparation peaked, and I had been applied haldi. I was a little happier now, finding the old, friendly faces. Agastya and Ranvijay applied Haldi to me, too, but I was somewhere missing Rudra Bhaisa in the hope that he might be able to do something regarding whatever happened.

After he became King, my father spoke highly of him, even if it was only behind his back. Power had that strange power. People will like you or not, but they will talk about you.

And, he had become that power.

It was the last day before my wedding, and my neighbourhood friends began applying for Mehndi. The Baarat would also arrive tonight, and the wedding would happen tomorrow.

Everything was making me feel uneasy. After whatever happened between Yuvraj and me, I could not help but feel distant from Shantanu. A part of me understood that I knew Yuvraj better than Shantanu. And I had faith in him that he would never hurt me. I had seen him in his teenage years, and he had seen all of me—what I truly am.

He knew what I had been all these years, and if I had been given a chance to be heard, I might have had a lot to say.

Speaking to saying a lot, my sight fell on my father, running restlessly from here to there. The distance between us grew stronger since the day he smelled his fragrance on me. He might not have spoken of it, but he understood that Yuvraj was there. And he avoided me at every moment.

I didn't have the courage to look him in the eye. I was a runner. I liked peace. Confrontations had been my weakest point. I would spend days sitting alone in silence rather than openly discussing anything that would bother me.

I knew it had been in me. But I also knew that, at the end of the day, everybody would leave me. When my parents did not accept me, why should others? And that's why I had a massive respect for my father. He gave me a second chance, and I could not make him feel regret about it. Even by speaking of the things I knew he would not like.

The night was the longest night of my life. Moment by moment, I felt time passing. I could feel walking through it at the slowest speed. My finger scratched the other one as I lay in bed. My future was sleeping in the Ashram, Shantanu Kumar.

But a part of me wondered what my future would be if it was Abhinandan Mahabalesh. I was constantly replaying that moment when we were closest—his hand behind my waist, his forehead against mine, and his lips only an inch away. I wondered what could have happened if I had let it happen.

I inhaled deeply. Thinking about it only made my heart beat race and goosebumps appear on my body. But I wanted to feel what it would feel like—to be touched by him.

I could not gather enough of my thoughts from that day. I was scared—scared of being found out with him and scared that it might be the last time we met.

My gaze pierced the tiny night lamp, sinking into the well of regret of not saying 'yes' and noticing its oil burning, only to signify that I would be gone. He would be gone from my life. This was the last time I could think of him. After taking Shantanu as my husband and being a loyal woman, I could not let any other man's thoughts invade me.

I could not sleep. My eyes did not shut even for a single moment. As the fire of the night lamp was lost before the oil's death, I celebrated the death of my memories.

The memories and his and I.

The memories of finding him arrogant and a spoiled Prince on our first and missing him once he left Gurukul. It was not like I was falling for him. But, it was not that I did not fall for him, either.

And, strangely, the torch he lit before the other day, I happen to be manifesting it to happen.

My father would be ashamed of me, and he was already ashamed of me, through and through.

Maybe I had the chance to stand up for myself. Maybe it was not too late. Maybe whatever I was thinking was a mere dream. Maybe he never came to that rainy night; it was just my imagination. Maybe all of him was just an illusion.

But, that maybe was the most memorable part of my life.

I sat frozen on the last day of my Haldi, waiting for my father to finally bless me with his love and perform the ritual for me.

The ladies came and went, my sworn brothers came and went, and I waited for my father. The whole bowl wrapped me into a cold yet warm paste, which filled me with emotions yet left me with a sourness towards him.

I would be gone forever, and he did not dare look at me.

It was all going to be wasted. Trying to stand up to his expectations was going to be wasted. And I could see my life going to be wasted.

Where did I arrive?

I looked away from him. Once the ritual finished, I took a bath. I was cleaned thrice, once with milk, in which the third was the proportion of water. Once dried, my hair was washed with the neem and multani and tied into a braid.

I wore the attire that Ranvijay brought for me. It was beautiful and something heavy for the first time. It was precious to me. But I had lost two of the most precious people in my life: my father and him.

I knew he would not come now. It was way too late.

"Trisha," suddenly, Rudra Bhaisa's voice caught my attention, and I came out of my thoughts. He stood at the door, and tears rolled down my cheeks uncontrollably.

"Bhaisa," I cried out and ran towards him. He immediately collected me in a tight hug, and I burst into cries.

"Hey, what happened?" he asked, but I did not know what had happened. But nothing felt right. My heart was not allowing me to do anything.

For whom should I do it all if he was not talking to me? Why should I stand up to his expectations if I had already lost?

"What happened?" he asked again, and I slowly pulled back. I immediately smiled.

"Nothing," I said, holding his hand. Suddenly, my sight fell on a beautiful girl. She was as tall as me, her eyes big and beautiful, her skin fair, and the glow on her face was intimidating.

I thinned my brows with confusion.

"This is Nandani," Rudra Bhaisa said, and a broad smile appeared on my face.

"My Queen," I greeted her and she adjoined her hands to meet me.

"Why this formality, Nandani? Give each other a hug," Rudra Bhaisa said, and I smiled.

"Ji, you are my Bhabhisa too," I said, and she stepped forward. We both hugged, and she held my hand. Her face looked upset, and Rudra Bhaisa said.

"I should see the preparations and help Guruji,"

Seeing him walk out, I smiled, and Queen Nandani took me to the corner.

"Are you sure about this wedding?" she asked, and I knit my brows with confusion.

"Why would not I be?" I asked, and she looked into my eyes.

"Well, I have heard that... that you and Nandan have a history," she said, and I gulped nervously. A lady from the neighbourhood heard that, and I immediately shook my head. "No, who said that?" I asked, unable to afford any blunders.

A few more times, and I would be gone.

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Chapter 21 ~ Condition

Trisha POV

A few more times, and I would be gone.

"But Rudra told me that Abhinandan has feelings for you. Why are you doing this to him?" she asked. I did not know what came to my mind, and I shook my head. "What am I doing to him?" I asked in return, wondering what wrong I had done. I was scared.

It was he who came here and said all of those things and suddenly disappeared.

She gulped nervously, and suddenly, she ordered everyone around.

"Leave us alone," and with that said by a Queen, all the ladies of the neighbourhood and my friends walked out.

"They are the family," I exclaimed, taking a stand for them. She could give them orders.

"You are older than me, and I should not call you by your name. So, I must call Jiji to you," she said, and I felt embarrassed. It felt like she was suddenly reminding me of my sins that I had not done.

"Jiji, Abhinandan does have feelings for you," she said, and I shook my head.

"Who told you that?" I asked again. "It is not like you two are on very talking terms," I added, and she turned nervous.

"We might not be as we were before, but I know," she said, and I sighed.

"Do not ruin my wedding. You could be a queen, but not everyone, are you," I said, feeling a bit jealous of her. She was privileged. She could afford to fall in love and get what she wanted. Yuvraj always mentioned her as stubborn.

"I only want the best for you and my brother," she said, and I left her hand. This enraged me. I was so done with him and people caring only about him. Nobody wanted to know how I was feeling.

"Then you could have thought about him before making the decisions that would affect him in haste." Unwantedly, all of my anger burst out on her.

"Very well," she muttered, looking away. She turned to go out, and I let tears roll down my cheeks. She stopped all of a sudden and came forward to hug me tightly.

And I broke into silent cries.

"I know how it feels to be unable to explain things to some people," she said, and I inhaled deeply. For a moment, her hug reminded me of him. She was his twin sister, someone I dearly hated because all of this was a blunder because of her.

"I do not expect you to love me," she said, pulling away, and I lowered my gaze. "But, if you change your mind, I will be here for you. If you want to run, I can help," she said, and I immediately stepped away.

"What the hell are you speaking?" I asked and shook my head in disbelief. "You must leave right now," I added, and she stared at me blankly for a moment, looking confused and then walked out of there.

What kind of person was she? How could she be so heartless? She caused tremendous problems for her family and then asked me to do the same to my father. How could she become the Queen? I wondered how the women of Suryagarh would behave under her rule.

She had no sense of righteousness.

I sat down on the floor.

After some time, a few more rituals followed, and I was readied in the dark red wedding attire, similar to the shades of roses. It was simple and plain, not too much of royalty, but its dupatta was heavy.

The jewellery was gifted by Rudra Bhaisa. My father refused to take them but insisted, saying I was the only sister he was close with.

The day almost came to an end. The sun went down, and the stars began to shine. The guests were done with the feast, and I stayed empty-stomach, fasting for the wedding.

"It is time," my friends told me, and I fisted on my stomach. My bones felt too heavy to move.

"The groom is waiting at the mandap," she said, and I gulped nervously.

However, I nodded; they helped me stand and take me out.

But, suddenly, a noise of hustle came from outside, and I wondered what it was. I heard arguing, and one of my friends walked outside to see what it was.

I was feeling nervous.

And, suddenly, the thing I had least expected happened. Yuvraj stood before me with the pissed off face and irritation dripping off it.

"Leave," he said, looking at my friends, and I knit my brows in confusion.

"Why?" I asked, and he gulped before clenching his jaw and glaring at those ladies. In a moment, they were outside, and he stepped closer to me.

"Because this wedding is not happening," he said, and I glared at him.

"Are you out of your mind?" I said and walked past him to step outside. But he immediately held my hand and pulled me back before him.

"You knew," he said, and I looked at him in confusion and fear.

He stepped closer, noticing that he was mad, and I stepped back.

"You knew he was ill," he said, and I slowly understood what he was speaking out.

"Yes and?" I asked, not losing myself in his anger.

"What do you mean by and? Was it your duty to tell me that my father is ill?" he asked, and I lowered my gaze and shook my head.

"He said that his family did not know about it. And it was not my place to tell you that. Otherwise, you would have thought that I was blackmailing you emotionally," I said, and he held my wrist and twisted it behind my back in anger.

My body shivered with fear, and he glared intensely into my eyes.

"And this is what you mean by friendship?" he asked, and I gulped and lowered my gaze.

"You are angry," I muttered, and he pulled me closer and tightened his hold on my wrist. The pain caused me to cringe, and I looked into his eyes.

"And you are way too caring towards my father," he said, and I knit my brows with confusion.

"He is the King. His orders are to be followed. I think we are over it," I exclaimed, and he tightened his jaw in raw anger.

"We are not over it and will never be," his words made me feel weak, and I looked away for a moment.

"You are causing hindrances in my wedding, Yuvraj. Let this happen, and you would not even remember me afterwards," I tried to say, and he inhaled sharply and shook his head.

"You must repay your debt," he said, and I thinned my brows in confusion.

"What debt?" I asked, and he stared deeply into my eyes and declared.

"You shall marry me," his words were clear, emotionless.

"I am getting married. My fiancé is waiting outside for me, Abhinan," I tried to say, but he clenched his jaw.

"Yuvraj!" he said, and I felt a trail of shiver run through my body, feeling a part of me breaking.

"My father asked you to do something for me, and in return, I shall do something for him, too. He is on his deathbed, and his last wish is to see his grandchild. Since you are closer to him, you must do this," he almost ordered, and I took a step back, shaking my head.

But he was fast enough to pull me back.

"I am not giving you options. This is the order of your Prince," he said, and I let the tears fall down my cheeks.

"Are you out of your mind? I am an adopted daughter of your Guruji. Nobody knows my family, my bloodline, my caste or my community. The throne will never accept me; your father will be tormented," I said, and he stepped closer, almost stepping up on my toe.

"Well, that's why you are perfect for it. I shall make sure that even after seeing his grandchild, he will never rest in peace," he exclaimed, and I tried to pull my hand from his hand.

"Stop," I said and tried to push him away.

"Stop making me a sack between you, father and son. He is your father; he is dying; he has less life remaining for him, and you must grant him the peace, not the chaos," I tried to say, and he looked away for a moment.

"He should have thought of peace before behaving cowardly. He let his daughter marry a traitor, and I must see how gladly he will accept a grandchild from a commoner," he said, and I stepped forward and held his collar.

"I am not a womb alone. I have emotions, too," I raised my voice, and he held my hands to pull them down.

"So do I, and you must behave well with the Prince," he said, and I gritted my teeth.

"Prince? Is that how Prince behaves? Instead of working towards the commoner, you are marrying one so you could hurt your father," I said and looked away. "I will not marry you. Especially for this,"

He stepped closer and looked into my eyes.

"I knew you would say so. But, as I said a million times before, you will not marry anyone else. My man has a blade to Shantanu's neck outside. And, if you dare to say 'No' to me again, I will forcefully make you my bride," he said, and I looked into his eyes.

"Is that it? Is that what you really want? Is that why you really want to marry me?" I asked, and he gulped silently. "You want to force me to be your bride?" I asked, and he stared confidently into my eyes.

"Alright, I shall grant your wish," I said, stepping closer and forwarding my hand to him. "My prince," I added, and he held my hand.

"But I have only one condition," I said, and he nodded, gulping nervously.

"Since I obeyed the King, I must abide by the Prince, too. I will grant your wish, your obsession with marrying me. You want to hurt me, and I will let you hurt me. But, once I give the grandchild to the King, I will be returned," I said, and he stepped closer, shaking his head.

"To where?" he asked, and I looked into his eyes.

"It does not matter to you," I said, and he looked into my eyes.

"You are mine, and you will remain mine," he said, and I gulped, forcing the lump in my throat to go down. The tears of anger rolled down my cheek, and I said.

"You will never touch me after I conceive," I declared, and he looked away, taking a step back.

"This is not possible," he said, and I held his chin and made him look at him.

"Why? You are lusting over me; you do not love, you do not like me, you do not care about me; it does not matter to you what I want or what I want to hear. Why will I matter to you once you successfully avenge your father?" I asked, and he looked into my eyes.

"Is it not only a child that you want from me?" I asked, and he held my hand and bit on his lips. "A child that will forever be a stain on the throne, coming from a commoner, the mere memory of betrayals and... revenge," I added, unable to stop myself, and he inhaled deeply.

"Yes," he muttered, and another string of my heart broke.

"Because it is what I am. Because it is what his mother will be. A betrayer, a stain to a friendship, a loyal kin to the King only. And, speaking of touching. Do not overthink because I will never step closer to you once I fulfil my Princely duties. Because you smell of the deepest wound of my life, a knife in the face of a friend, only a reminder of my pain. And, with your face around me, I shall keep myself aware that no one deserves my trust," he said. I lowered my gaze, unable to stop myself from crying.

Was that what I was to him? How difficult was it for him to say that he wanted to marry me because he just wanted to because he liked me?

"Are we done talking now?" he asked, and I inhaled deeply and looked up at him. At that moment, I felt nothing for him. My emotions were murdered.

I only stood like a living corpse.

Now, I lost everyone. I stood alone in all of this.

He held my hand and took me outside. My gaze searched for Shantanu first. He knelt, and a man had a knife to his neck.

"Leave him," I demanded, and he stepped forward, taking me along and signalled the man to remove the knife from his neck.

Then I saw my father standing in a corner and seeing me with him; he turned around, walked towards the corner, held a pot full of water over her, and emptied it.

Rudra Bhaisa immediately ran to him and pushed him away.

I felt Yuvraj's hand loosen on my wrist for a moment, and I held my breath and held his hand. I will never forget this.

Not what my father did to me and not what he did to me.

Suddenly, Ranvijay stepped closer and said.

"Abhinandan, we can talk,"

"We are done talking, Ranvijay," I said, and I noticed Rudra Bhaisa running towards us.

"Abhinandan, what are you doing?" he asked, and suddenly he laughed—the audacity.

"Why? Remembering your days?" he said, and I lowered my gaze.

"Leave him, Bhaisa," I said to Rudra Bhaisa.

He was burning with the fire of revenge, and I knew he would regret it later, but one had to be exploited to calm his burning coal down.

He needed his redemption, and since I was his greatest betrayer, I must grant him one if that is what it takes for everyone to live in peace.

My eyes met with Shantanu, and he looked at me with disapproval. I pulled my hand out of Yuvraj's hold and stepped down to walk towards him. He approached me, too.

The soldier followed him, and I turned around to look at Yuvraj. His eyes met mine, and then he looked at that soldier to stop himself.

He could trust me in this.

"I am so sorry," I said once Shantanu stood before me.

He chuckled. "I should have seen that coming. I knew somewhere, but my heart did not allow me to," he said, and I let the tears fall down my cheeks.

"I am so sorry. I have his debt to be repaid," I said, and he smiled, nodding.

"I cannot stand against my Prince," he exclaimed, looking at him.

I heard his footsteps approaching closer, and he stepped ahead of him. "I am sorry," Yuvraj said, and Shantanu closed his eyes. He stepped further and hugged him loosely.

I felt an ounce of goodness from it. At least some of him was still alive.

"My Princess," Shantanu said, and I lowered my gaze.

"Abhinandan," Suddenly, a woman's voice caught our attention, and he looked at her.

"Maasa," he said, and she looked at both of us.

Behind her was his grandmother, and she said.

"Stop whatever you are doing,"

Her words made me cry even more, and I looked at her, walking towards my father. Rudra Bhaisa also went from there towards them, and I also looked at Ranvijay Bhaisa joining them. Queen Nandani stepped closer to me and stood by my side.

For a moment, I needed her and held her hand. She caressed my hand, and I turned to look at her. She muttered in a slow voice. "Everything will be alright,"

I turned to look at my father again as Rudra Bhaisa and Ranvijay helped him walk towards the cot. But he refused to sit, and I looked at his mother, spreading the end of her Dupatta and saying something.

My father broke into cries and shook his head.

Seeing him, I could not stop myself from crying, and Queen Nandani immediately hugged me. "Everything will be alright. She is talking to your father," she said, rubbing my back. I stood confused and weak.

And, suddenly Yuvraj walked towards them too. I saw him standing before my father and adjoining his hands.

My father looked at me for a moment and then nodded.

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Chapter 22 ~ Wedding

Abhinandan POV

The condition tore me apart. It was a reminder that she had no feelings for me. But mine was more vital for her. But, I could not weigh if it was hate or...

Yet, there I stood before her father, my hands joined in a desperate plea for understanding, forgiveness, and a chance to make things right.

"We will keep your daughter as ours, Guruji," my mother said, and my chest ached with pain seeing him cry.

I saw him as a father figure, and doing this to him made me feel like a sinner. I was a sinner. I made her cry.

I hated her, but I did not want to make her cry. But it was too late to back off. For a moment, I thought to back off seeing her in pain, but not after the act I had pulled.

"Ji, Guruji, we will take care of her as ours," My grandmother said, and I closed my eyes when Rudra spoke.

"It's good for everyone. Trisha seeks your blessing on this big day of her life. She must have been given those at least," he said, and suddenly, Guruji lifted his gaze to him.

"This is happening because of you. My daughter is being targeted because of you. You must leave right away," he said, and I felt good. I wanted this.

"But, Gur-"

"I said, leave," he growled.

He clasped his hands and nodded before walking away. He then walked towards Nandani and told her something before going alone. She looked at me and then looked away.

"Please do not before me, my Queen. You shall do whatever you deem fit. She is dead for me," he said, and I inhaled deeply. My hands lowered, and I heard my Maasa say.

"I can understand your pain. But what are we before the desires of our Children? We are their enemies if we stand up against them, and we are their enemies. We do not stand up against them," she said, and I looked away.

There was an easy way to do it. Just get married.

But I noticed Guruji looking up at Trisha first and raking his eyes around everyone watching us.

He nodded, finally.

"Thank you so much for embracing our home with a bright daughter of yours," my grandmother said, and I bent down to touch his feet.

I did not know what was wrong or right, but I could trust my mother and grandmother.

"Vivah ka sbubh mahurat nikla jaa raha hai,"

"The auspicious time of the wedding is leaving," The priest's voice caught our attention, and I turned around to look at Trisha. She looked stunned.

And I walked towards her.

Taking her hand in mine, I walked towards the Mandap. She did not even flinch and stayed silent. As the priest asked, we both sat in our respective places. A part of me knew that it was wrong, but the other knew that I had no option left. I tried to make it right as much as I could.

I thought to back out the moment she placed a condition before me. I realised that the feelings were not mutual. She did not feel what I felt for her. But it was too late. The blade had been kept to Shantanu's neck; the head commander, Ashwin, did it.

"Kanyadan ka prarambh kare,"

"Please begin the Kanyadan," the priest said, and I looked at her father standing up. He looked upset and disoriented. Still, he stepped forward and placed her hand in mine. Trisha sat frozen, her gaze low, unmoved, and I could not care less.

The priest chanted some mantras, and after her father's Kanyadan, Ranvijay stepped forward. He did the same as my brother, and somewhere, I knew Trisha was missing Rudra.

But he deserved it. I was not present at my sister's wedding, nor was he at hers.

After the ritual ended, the priest chanted a few mantras and stories to tell us about marital life.

As the moments passed, I realised that I was getting married to her. I looked at her as she sat absolutely silent. Her hand was in mine, and to earn a bit of her reaction, I gently twisted the ring on her finger with my thumb and index finger.

She did not even notice.

And my heart sank deeper.

"Now, the groom's sister should do the Gadhbandhan," the priest said, and I turned around to look at Nandani. I signalled her to step closer, and she stood up.

"The knot must be tight enough that it must not break until the wedding ends," the priest added, and she tied a turmeric bone and a coin in the dupatta.

"Now, you two must stand up to take the holy rounds around the fire," the priest said, and I stood up. Trisha stayed still. Nandani held her shoulders, but she still did not move. I closed my eyes for a moment. This was getting difficult. I wanted to run away all of a sudden.

I could not see her like this.

But suddenly, her father stepped forward. Nandani moved back, and he held her shoulder to raise her.

"Phere poore karo, Trisha,"

"Complete the ritual, Trisha," he said in a breaking voice, and she lifted her gaze to look at him. She nodded a little.

"Ji, Pitaji," her voice came out shaky.

As we began to take the holy rounds around the fire, the priest began to read the sacred promises aloud. I was leading them.

I made the first promise to her to provide for her needs, welfare and happiness, as well as for our child. In return, she promised me.

"I promise I will never escape running the home and family. I will share your responsibilities as well," her voice was low and breaking.

"Now, you make the second promise," the priest said, and I gulped silently before beginning.

"I assure you that I will always be loyal, obedient, and true to you. I will always be there for you in good and bad times. I assure you that I will give you and your family financial, physical, and mental security," I said, and in return, she replied to you, repeating after the priest.

"I will support you in everything and gladly shoulder all the duties. I will carry out all the responsibilities with determination and courage," she said, and I inhaled deeply.

Starting the third round, I promised never to stop working hard and providing for the family. I would take care of the children's responsibilities. In return, she promised to show me affection.

I needed it.

The holy rounds and promises continued for the fourth time. I promised to respect her choices, honour both families equally, fulfil all of her requests, and involve her in significant life decisions. In return, she promised me the same.

In the fifth vow, we promised to be with one another in happiness and sorrow with affection and compassion. Additionally, we sought the almighty's blessings for us and our children to come.

In the sixth vow, we promised each other to love each other and stick by each other through thick and thin.

In the last vow, we promised each other to be tied together for an eternity. And follow all the vows we had taken.

"Now, you both shall sit down, taking each other's places," the priest said, and we both shifted our places.

"The groom shall fill the holy vermillion in the bride's hair," he added, and I looked at the priest handing me a small box of the red vermillion. It hit me differently. I would be married, and she would be my wife. I could not believe that we came here in a matter of a few days.

"You take the ring off from your ring finger and use it to fill the vermillion in her head," he said, and I looked at my hands. I was never a fan of rings and had none on my fingers at that moment. I stayed silently, and suddenly, Trisha took the ring off her thumb and forwarded it to me.

It was an old, silver, washed-out ring she used to wear.

I took it silently and collected the vermillion in it. I noticed her father turning around, and Ranvijay did, too, as they did the Kanyadaan.

She lowered her gaze, and I shifted a little closer to her. Pushing her Maang teeka aside, I finally claimed her mind.

I filled the partition of her hair once, twice and thrice. Nandani strode off some of it as it fell on her nose.

I silently slid that ring into my pinky finger.

"It's a good omen," I heard Nandani whisper to her. She did not say anything in return; rather, tears rolled down her cheeks.

"The wedding is over, and now you must seek the blessings of your elders," the priest said, and I held Trisha's hand to stand her up. She was my responsibility now.

We both moved towards the Guruji first and bent down to touch his feet. He stepped away, and Trisha refused to stand up. She kept her hands touched to the ground, and I gently rubbed her shoulders to straighten them. She was my wife now, and she must not now lower herself to everyone who refused to respect her.

We both went towards our Daadisa, and she sat down to touch her feet. But, instead of touching her feet, she began to press her calves. My Daadisa's lips widened with a huge smile. She blessed her with all she had, and I could not help but smile a little.

She did not stop until my Daadisa held her shoulders and pulled her into the hug.

"You are such a jewel, my child," she said, and Trisha sobbed.

"Do not cry. It will change," Daadisa said and kissed her forehead.

My mother did not let her touch her feet and welcomed her by hugging her tightly.

"I will love you as I loved my daughter. I promise. I took you from my father and gave you the whole of my family," she promised, and Trisha did not even lift her eyes.

"Guruji," my mother addressed her father.

"Hum apni bahu ko apne gehno or vastra me lekar jaenge,"

"We shall take our bride in our jewellery and clothes," she said, and Guruji adjoined his hands.

"As you deem fit, Maharani," he said, and I looked at Nandani, my mother, and my grandmother taking her inside. She had come here with a troop of soldiers and a few wooden boxes.

I stayed outside, and Agastya came to me.

"Congratulations," he said, but I could not stop him from hugging me.

"She looks angry with you. What did you say?" he asked, and I inhaled deeply.

"Nothing special," I replied, and we both sat down on the cot, waiting for the ladies to finish their things.

"Are you not nervous?" he asked, sipping a glass of water, and I looked at him.

"For what?" I asked, and he looked deeply into my eyes and spoke slowly.

"For the wedding night. Would it not be awkward?"

I immediately widened my eyes at him. "Shut up and lower your voice, idiot," I said, and he nodded.

"Well, I do not know, but all the best to you. She is burning with anger," he said, and I nodded. "I know,"

"Abhinandan," I immediately stood up, hearing Guruji's voice.

"Ji, Guruji," I asked, and he offered. "Let's take a walk together," his voice seemed worried, and I nodded.

We both walked towards the well alone while he said.

"For every father, the daughter is a symbol of pride even if she leaves her home and goes to the in-laws," he began. "Trishalini has always been my pride ever since I found her. She was nothing but the best daughter one could ask for. But, she has a heart of gold, and she does not deny anything anyone asks her for," he said, and I nodded, agreeing to the most of it.

"I do not know what you know about her exactly, but I must tell you that my daughter deserves the best. She should be loved, cared for, and respected even if she does not ask for it," he added, and I nodded.

"I will surely take care of that," I said, and he turned to look at me.

"And, there is one thing I do not know if you know about or not," he said, and I thinned my brows with confusion.

"What is it?" I asked.

"She did not agree to help your father because he was a King. She agreed to help him because your father took off his Pagdi before her and begged," he said, and I immediately stepped back.

"This cannot be true. My father is filled with immense pride, and he would never take his Pagdi off for anyone," I said, not believing it. He was lying.

"Then you can ask your father. I bet you do not listen to Trisha," he said, walking away. My heart ached suddenly, and I immediately placed my hand on my chest. This could not be true.

My father would have never done that.

How could he?

How could he take off his turban before anyone? He was a King, for God's sake.

I fell to my knees, and whatever I said to Trisha replayed in my mind. No, no, no, no. I fucked up. I messed up every fucking thing.

I thought she was working for the King. I thought he asked her to bring the Prince back.

How could she hide it from me? And many things she had kept hidden from me. How much more would she break me?

And, how low would my father steep to fulfil his desires?

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Chapter ~ 23 Welcome in the Kingdom

Trishalini POV

I was changed into a heavier attire. Something royal and burdensome.

It was bridal red, with heavy borders and challenging to tie around the waist. The blouse felt explicit due to its open back. The dupatta was even heavier, and I could hardly walk with the jewellery on.

And, it was feeling tiresome to be empty-stomach.

Once I was ready, my father stepped inside with a plate of food.

"She must break her fast now," he said, handing the plate to Maasa if she allowed me to call that.

"Pitaji," I stopped him. "At least one bite from your hand?" I almost begged, and he stared at me. The tears left my eyes again, and he nodded slowly before coming forward. Making a bite, he forwarded it to me, and I burst into cries.

"I am sorry. I am so sorry. I did not know why I failed. I am so sorry," I burst into cries, and he shook his head. "I should have been careful enough when I saw it coming," he said, and I shook my head.

It was not true.

"Take it," he said, and I opened my mouth to get his first bite. It made me smile out of nowhere. I remembered the time of my childhood, the way he used to feed me, and the way we used to work together. I would miss him terribly.

"I will miss you, Trisha," he said, handing the plate to Maasa before leaving hurriedly. She sat beside him and washed my tears.

"You will come back in two days for the Pakphera," she said, and I looked at her in confusion.

"Are you sure?" I asked and hesitated a little to add. "Maasa,"

She smiled, nodding, and Daadisa caressed my head. "Eat, Trisha," she said, and I looked at Queen Nandani, who was smiling looking at me.

"You will love it in Mahabaleshgarh, Bhabhisa," she said, and I smiled weakly before nodding.

Maasa fed me a few more bites, and I refused to take anymore.

"I am full," I said, and she shook her head.

"The way is long, so you must eat a little more," she said, and I took two more bites.

"Enough,"

"Maharani," suddenly, Ranvijay Bhaisa's voice caught our attention, and she turned to look at him.

"We should leave, or it will be late," he said, and she nodded.

"Who is staying here with Guruji?" she asked. He replied.

"Agastya will stay here for a while,"

She nodded in response, and they began to prepare for my departure. I could not help but feel at the lowest of my life. I did not expect to leave my father like this, with tears and shame.

I knew he was unhappy with whatever happened. But, there was someone who looked even more disappointed than him. Yuvraj.

He waited near his horse until I met my father, and I cried my heart out while hugging him.

"God bless you, and you will make me proud by being a good daughter-in-law," he said, and I nodded.

I knew he was saying it only to make it easy for me. He still had not accepted our wedding, and I was unhappy with how it had happened.

After meeting my father, I greeted my friends and neighbourly mothers. They looked shocked by the wedding and failed to utter a single word.

Maasa helped me to sit inside the Palanquin and asked Queen Nandani to sit with me. He did not even turn to look at me.

They sat in a different one, and I peeked through the curtains. My father was seated on the cot with Agastya. The people silently looked at me, leaving, and I couldn't help but let the silent tears roll down my cheeks.

It was difficult for me.

"The way is a little longer, Bhabhisa. You must close your eyes and rest," Queen Nandani said, and I nodded silently.

I could feel the palanquin moving amid the darkness with the soldiers, foot by foot; I could feel the air change, the environment change, and me becoming the daughter-in-law of the Mahabaleshgarh.

By the time we reached there, it was past midnight. The doors opened for us, and I was asked to wait with Queen Nandani until Maasa and Daadisa brought essentials to welcome me.

"You shall step outside now," Queen Nandani said, stepping before me and taking me near him. He looked at us, and Nandani looked at him.

"She is your wife now, Abhinandan. Treat her like one," she said, and he inhaled deeply.

"You are the last person I need all this marital advice from," he said, and I pulled my hand back from his when he tried to hold.

He was being unnecessarily rude to everyone.

We stepped forward, and I looked at Maasa and Daadisa doing our Aarti.

"Welcome to your home, Trisha," she said, and I lowered myself to touch their feet.

"You should push the Kalash straight and ink our Kingdom with your godly arrival," she said, and I did the same. I gently pushed the Kalash and stepped into the plate of red Kumkum.

Taking steps forward, I could feel the cold stones of Mahabaleshgarh beneath me. It was vast and beautiful at night.

I smiled weakly, looking at both my mothers.

"Maasa, Daadisa," I addressed both of them.

"Aapko dene ke liye neg to nahi hai hamare pass or in keemti gehno me se kuch nahi de sakte kyuki ye sab to aapka hi hai. Parantu jab bahu pehli baar ghar aati hai to apni Saas ko kuch na kuch jaroor deti hai. Aap bataiye hum aapko kya de?"

"I do not have anything to give you. All of these precious metals I am wearing already belong to you. But, when the bride enters her new home, she gifts something to her mother-in-law. Please tell me what should I give to you?" I asked, and they both looked at each other, and Daadisa smiled.

"The Kingdom feels like cursed these days, Trisha. If you want to give something, bless us with happiness and your love," she said, and I smiled weakly, nodding.

"I will try my best," I said, noticing him stepping forward.

"Come, let's take my father's blessings," he said, holding my hand to take me forward inside the Kingdom. Everyone followed as we walked past a vast compound and entered a valley of galleries and gardens. The servants, maids and soldiers froze in their steps to look at us as we walked past through a long gallery and reached a vast chamber. I could not see all of it clearly, but it had stairs—at least ten.

We both climbed them up. I could hardly match his pace and entered a vast and beautiful room. Once my sight fell on his father, I immediately lowered my dupatta to cover my face a little. He was sitting on the couch and stood up, seeing us.

"Baapusa, meet your daughter-in-law," he said, coughed, looking at us.

"He is ill," I reminded him in a slow voice.

"Stay shut," he said, and I immediately looked down.

"You cannot be my son," the King said, taking me closer.

"Come on, give her blessings," he said, and his father shook his head.

"What the hell did you do? This is not acceptable, Abhinandan. This is not what the crown demands,"

"But, Baapusa, they like each other," Queen Nandani suddenly interrupted, stepping forward, and he glared at him angrily.

"Do you not dare to bring your sickness of love and likeliness here.

"Why?" Yuvraj interfered.

"She could marry whoever she wants, and I could not?" he asked, and Queen Nandani added.

"Yes, Baapusa. What is wrong with this?" she asked, and he suddenly stepped closer to her.

"You must leave right away. All of this blunder has been caused by the dirt you have been. His mind has been off since the day you were found with him. Leave before you face the wrath of mine," his words brought tears to her.

"What is my mistake in all of this? baapusa," she asked, and he raised his hand suddenly, and Ranvijay stepped in between.

"Maharaj, I am sorry, I should not speak about the family matters, but she is the Queen of Suryagarh," he said, glaring at him.

"Then you must ask her to stay silent in my family's matters," the King roared angrily and suddenly sat on the couch.

"I do not accept this wedding and..."

"Raj," suddenly, Maasa stepped in between and looked into his eyes. She forwarded her hand on which a ring was placed.

"You granted me a wish a very long time ago. I know you are burdened with the throne's future and cannot see properly due to your sickness. But, I must remind you that I can ask for a wish, and you have to grant it to me," she said, and he shook his head.

"Do not you dare step up for this blunder, Abhishree. You supported our daughter and begged me to support her, too, and see where it brought us. The marriage outside royal blood will end our reign. It is what keeps us different from the commoners and the others. What will be left of us if we sacrifice it?" he said, and she knelt before him.

"I am too blinded to understand all of this. All I can see and want to see for my children is to be happy. You spent your whole life being a great King and a father, too. Do not become the villain you are not. See them as your children first rather than a bloodline, for God's sake. Where is the Raj who used to fight for his sister, saying she was his child? How could you not bear their happiness? How could you raise your hand on your daughter?" she asked, breaking into slow cries, and he shook his head, inhaling deeply.

"What the hell have they done for us in return for all the love and sacrifices we have made? She threw our pride away for the sake of a man, and he..." he pointed at Yuvraj. "He does not even know how to speak with his father. He called me a coward. He called me a coward," he said, coughing hard.

"Raj, you should rest," Daadisa said, and he shook her head.

"You tell me, Maasa?" he asked, looking at her.

"How much does he know about a war hn? How many had he won? How many times he had asked his mother what she felt after losing her brother in the war? How many times has he asked me what I have felt living with his mother after killing her brother? He called me a coward," he coughed even harder.

"I am not a coward. I can kill as many as I want right now. But all I want to see is peace before I die, and I hardly think of peace knowing that both my children have failed me for their self-interest. They are the real cowards. I cannot believe that they are born from Abhishree's womb and carry my genes," he yelled at us, and I could not help but cry.

"You asked for the wish, right?" he turned towards Maasa.

"I have granted it. Tell this son of yours to leave my sight and take his sister along. He was against her and left to wage a war on Rudra. Tell me what difference you and Rudra have now?" he asked, looking at him, and he gritted his teeth.

"You are too blind to see it," he replied in equal anger, and the King glared into his eyes.

"Baapusa," I could not stop myself from speaking out. Everyone turned silent, and I could not help but kneel before him and touch his feet. "I am so sorry," I said, and suddenly he cried.

"I am so sorry to be the reason for your pain," I said, and he palmed his face. "But, I cannot begin my home without your blessings," I said, and he shook his head.

"You do not understand this, my child. Every step you take towards the throne will be a trial by fire. My words might feel like blades to you, but it is not my bane but the reality. The legality and righteousness of your children will be put to question again and again. It is easy to question the one who sits on the throne, and it is tremendously difficult to answer the question once you sit on the throne," he said, looking at Yuvraj at the end.

I could not believe how stubborn he was standing there.

"I do not know about the thrones. But I know of the family, and I want your blessings to fit into this one I am married into. I do not wish to sit on the throne. Neither would I wish my child to sit on the throne if he would not fit. Nor will I stop Yuvraj from marrying any Princess. I promise I will never cause you any problems, but you must not cause yourself pain," I said, trying to make him understand. Suddenly, he smiled weakly and kissed my forehead.

"Finally, someone sensible enough to converse with me," he said, looking at me and nodded.

"God bless you," he said, and I stood up.

"You must rest now, Raj," Daadisa said, and he nodded.

"I am sorry, baapusa," Queen Nandani stepped forward and sat beside him.

"I know you are still angry with me," she said, and he placed his hand on her head.

"Do you not dare to leave because I yelled at you? It's night," he said to her, and she nodded, smiling.

"I know, do not worry. I find love in your yelling, too," she said. I looked at Yuvraj, who stood there and rolled his eyes.

"Cannot believe all this," he said, looking at me before looking at him.

"She might have agreed to let me marry a princess, but I must clear it beforehand that I will not take another wife," he said in pure determination. The King inhaled deeply before standing up. I took a step away from him as he stepped closer to Yuvraj. He held his shoulders and pulled him into a hug.

"The Kings in our family do not take second wives. We are meant to be loyal once wed," he said, caressing his back. "Congratulations on your new life, Abhinandan," he said. I noticed Yuvraj cringing a little, and then slowly, he gave in and hugged him back.

"Thank you, baapusa," he said in a breaking voice, and I looked away, unable to control my tears.

"It is not like I do not want my children to be happy and loved and in love, but I am afraid of the future," the King said, and he did not reply anything.

He pulled back slowly and looked into his eyes. "But, you still did wrong, Baapusa. And you have to accept it. You let Rudra take advantage of us, and let me tell you something about him. If it was Rudra in your place and somebody had defiled his daughter, he would have killed him and all of his related bloodlines," he said, and the King looked at Nandani.

"Let's see once he has a daughter," he replied, and I lowered my gaze.

"Abhinandan, I love him so much. Do not curse my new family," Queen Nandani said. He closed his eyes for a moment and then hugged her. "I am sorry,"

"You should all rest," Maasa said, catching our attention, and Queen Nandani walked closer to me.

"Come, let me show you your chamber," she said, and I nodded, suddenly feeling uneasy.

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