Written on the Stars (IMP NOTE-- PG 7) - Page 3

Part 3

He got a call from Dadisa requesting him to come to the palace as soon as possible. She sounded worried and this scared Udayveer. On reaching to the palace he came to know that a snake that bitten Manyata.

"How did a snake get in her room?"

Dadisa had asked the same question as him. Manyata was lying on the bed and Dadisa was sitting beside her. After taking out the venom and vaccinating Manyata, the doctor looked at Dadisa and said, "You did good by calling me on time and tying the cloth on right place. Her life would be in great danger if the venom wasn't taken out on time. Seems like she hasn't eaten anything for a long time, that's why she's weak. She needs a lot of care before she can recover completely."

Dadisa thanked the doctor and then Doctor Uncle who had called the doctor right on time.

"Udayveer, can I talk you about something?"

Once they were out, Doctor Uncle looked worried.

"What is it Doctor Uncle?"

"I have a feeling (hesitantly)….no I am pretty sure that it's someone's plot to kill Manyata."

"You mean, Murari was speaking the truth when he said someone was trying to kill Manyata. That means Manyata's life is in danger."

Seeing Doctor Uncle shake his head in approval, Uday's eyes filled up with rage. "I can't lose you this time," he thought.

Uday was sitting beside Manyata thinking of a plan to get the culprit out in the light. One thing was for sure. The first plan would be to double the number of guards and Unnati will be with her as well. For some reason he felt Unnati and Manyata would hit off well. After that he will have to convince Manyata of how much her grandma and her mom love her. After she adjusts well into the palace's environment, he will drop the biggest bomb by telling her about their relationship. He smirked to himself thinking about her reaction.

"You're stupid." (She had gained consciousness and she opened her eyes, the first thing she saw was Uday smirking to himself.)

"When did you wake up, princess? You got everyone worried. I am more worried about the snake though. Did you cut it into pieces too just the way you said you were going to cut us?" (He said with a teasing voice)

She rolled her eyes and tried to sit up. Uday helped her up. While doing so, both of them had eye lock. Mayanta's eyes were filled with anger and irritation and Uday's with his usual arrogance. She frowned and looked at the wall in front of her. Seeing her lost in thought he asked her, "What's wrong, princess?"

"First stop calling me princess and tell me something, why did you guys bring me here if you wanted to kill me?"

This enraged him. There was limit to everything and she was crossing the line of his coolness. "What are you saying? Here everyone's worried sick about you and you don't have time accusing others! (Holding her by her arms) Look at me. Don't you see how much Dadisa and Aunti love you! Or are you just blind to see people's feelings!"

"They don't love me! Everyone's doing this for money!" Seeing him shocked she continued, "What do you think of me? I'm not that stupid not to understand you people's tactic! Everyone is behind money! You, that old lady, every stupid person in the palace!"

"Shut up!"

"I heard Jainandini's conversation with her cousin. And why would there be a snake in a palace! I'm pretty sure you're involved in this with other family members."

"Will you shut up!"

"No, why should I? Huh tell me, why should I? How would you feel when someone came along and told you that your whole life is a lie? Wouldn't you be broken? I hate you all. You are all using me. Especially that fake, old, stupid, wi—"

"Shhh" With his fingers on his lips he shushed her. She could see the rage in his eyes. He came closer and held her by her waist. They were inches apart. "Don't you dare say anything about Dadisa."

However, she wasn't backing off any time soon. This guy always shut her up but this time she wasn't going to give up so easily. "Leave me! I will say every bad word in my head you all—"

Before she could say anything, he smacked his lips on hers. She went numb. It was too fast for her to react. When he let her go and looked at her, he smiled seeing her in shock.

She got back into her senses when he said, "The next time if you don't stop, I will stop you like this."

"I hate you!"

"I know but whatever you say don't say anything bad about Dadisa!"

"Why not!"

"She loves you more than anyone else. Ever since you were kidnaped, there wasn't a single day she didn't think of you. Every year she would buy you presents on your birthday and other special occasions, and store them in her separate closet because she had this strong feeling that you would be back someday. And your mother, aunti has become emotionless ever since you got lost. They have suffered a lot. You still wish to make them suffer more!"

Manyata was shocked on hearing this. All these years, she had considered her baba to be everything. She never knew that there were people in the other part of the world who loved her to this limit that they would wait for her for 16 long years.

"I'll take your leave Princess Manyata. Take rest. I shall see you tomorrow with someone I want you to meet."

He bowed down and left.

Part 4

Rajmata came with a tray of food. Manyata was sitting upright on the bed but her eyes were close. Rajmata gently put her hand on her shoulder. She looked up and gave a gentle smile. Rajamata was surprised seeing her smiling at her for the first time. Her granddaughter looked tired and fragile.

"You haven't eaten anything ever since you came here, dear."

"I don't feel like eating."

"I plead you. Eat something. You're not well."

There was no point fighting. She agreed and started eating but stopped in the middle as if remembering something. "Have you eaten anything?"

"You don't worry about us. We will eat."

"No, you have to eat or else I'm not going to eat either."

Knowing her stubborn granddaughter Rajmata started eating with her as well. Rajmata smiled to herself. Only Manyata could talk to her (order her) like that.

On the other side, tears of happiness were flowing down Komal's eyes, who was witnessing the scene outside Manyata's room. Her daughter was slowly accepting Rajmata. She hoped that someday she will call her mother as well.

She went inside the room. Rajmata left after they were done eating. Komal sat beside Manyata and caressed her hair lovingly. "Sleep Manyata, you need rest."

"I tried but I can't (lost in thoughts). If I only knew my wish would cost me so much (a drop of tear fell down her cheeks." Komal felt bad for her daughter who had to go through so much.

"Everything will be fine as time passes." She tried to ease Manyata's pain.

Manyata, who was on the verge of breaking down, just hugged the woman in front of her. For some unknown reason she felt a connection with Rajmata and Komal. She knew who they were but she needed time to accept the truth completely. They understood her and were ready to wait. After all, they waited all this long.

Later that evening Uday came with Unnati and introduced her to Manyata. Uday was right. Unnati and Manyata had a good start. Uday left them alone and went to talk to Doctor Uncle in order to make plans for their next move.

The Manyata that everyone had described to be a wild cat, looked lost and weak to Unnati. Even her smile was weak now; she was recovering from the greatest shock of her life. Unnati knew one thing for sure that Manyata was different than any other girls that her brother dated. The way she gave dirty look to Uday and denied to talk to him when they entered her room told her that she hated Uday a lot. She smiled to herself. This was going to be interesting. She definitely would love Manyata not only because she hated Jainandi just like her but because her brother would finally get true love in his life. However, she felt bad for Manyata. She could tell that she was really innocent. She decided that she will help her recover and try to protect her from any harm as she is her babhi-cum-friend.

"So, do you know about you and bhai?"

"Huh? Me and Uday?"

Seeing her confused Unnati concluded, she didn't know. Thus, she decided to ignore the topic.

"So what do you plan to do now?"

She didn't want to make it awkward for her but she didn't know what else to say.

"I don't know. I will need time to get adjusted to this lifestyle which I doubt, I'll ever." (Letting out a sigh)

"What if you get a help from an expert? Say someone like me? (She smiled at her)"

"You will? (She was surprised because she had met Unnati just 5 minutes ago and it felt like they've been friends for a long time.)"

Unnati excited for her major project, jumped out of her seat and started walking to and fro around Manyata's bed, making plans. Manyata giggled at her excitement.

"Ok first we will have to start by fixing everything which means makeover. I will turn you into a real princess."

"Before that I'll have to apologize to everyone in the palace as I've behaved really rudely with everyone. I need your help though."

"(Shaking her head) don't worry. I have your back."

Unnati told one of the guards to call everyone in Manyata's room as she has to say something important. Everyone gathered in her room including Uday and Doctor Uncle.

"I know I've been really rude to you all. I apologize for my rudeness. Rajmata, I'm sorry I shouldn't have behaved the way I did with you. I need time to adjust to my new surroundings. I need time to accept you all and I know I will be able to with Unnati's help. (She held Unnati's hand who smiled at her with assurance.)"

Uday felt proud of his sister and more over of Manyata. Rajmata was elated with happiness. She hugged Manyata and said, "This is great news. You have no idea, how happy you've made me. I want to throw a party tomorrow in this celebration."

Manyata smiled in assurance.

After everyone left, Unnati went and hugged Manyata. "I'm so proud of you! Oh my god, that means we have to start our work today only! I have to call the hair designer, and makeup artist. We have a lot do."

"Hey bagwaan, yeh ladki! Unnati, calm down. You have whole day and tomorrow."

"It's just a day! We need to get you ready to look like princess by tomorrow."

She rushed out of the room. Manyata hit her forehead but smiled seeing her excitement. After about 45 minutes, Unnati was back with a Man and 5 other girls dressed in western outfits.

"Unnati meet Garry Darling and these other girls are his assistants." Unnati introduced them to Manyata who was feeling weird seeing Garry circling her, checking her from head to toe.

"She's a disaster."

Manyata couldn't understand as she couldn't understand English but she saw Unnati shaking her head saying, "I know. That's why I called you and you came immediately." Manyata giggled slightly seeing them hug each other, blowing kisses in the air. Unnati winked at Manyata.

Garry had a little conversation with his girls as if they were team who were going to play football. As if they had come to a conclusion, Garry looked up and said with a huge smile, "You see princess, a complete makeover is a totally exhausting job but have no fear when Garry is here. I am a king in my job you see (winks at her). Ok girls let's get to business. We will start with waxing and threading, and then we will move to pedicure, and then Unnati you take care of the clothes. Now let's get going. Chop! Chop! (Clapping his hand)"

After they started their work, Manyata had nothing to do. She was made to sit on a spiral chair. She screamed once in a while when they plucked her eyebrows. She screamed a lot while waxing. Unnati had gone to fetch some dresses for Manyata. On her way out, she had ordered the guards not to let anyone inside.

The only thing Manyata liked in her makeover was the pedicure. She felt so relaxed and at peace. After about 3 hours, Unnati came back with all different kinds of dresses. When she came back they were done with the makeover. Manyata's back was turned to Unnati.

Garry announced, "Princess Unnati, I present to you a new Princess Manyata, prettier than before."

He swirled her around to face Unnati. Unnati's lips turned into O shape seeing Manyata's new look. It's not like she didn't look pretty before but with this new look she looked irresistible. Bhai was going to have a hard time keeping guys away from her, she thought with a smirk.

Garry was satisfied seeing Manyata staring at herself in the mirror as if asking herself, "Is this really me?" Garry looked towards Unnati and said, "Princess Unnati, may I take your leave now. I shall come tomorrow. Bye Princess (winks at Manyata)." Manyata smiles at him and mouths thank you. Unnati had brought different types of gowns and asked Manyata to try them on, so they could decide what she will wear tomorrow.

1) http://www.promgirl.com/shop/dresses/viewitem-PD604657

2) https://encrypted-tbn1.google.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTBjA9JLlVTDz0GXYu-ym7d1Sea11rL_CljHfMwwF1gOukqrVja

3) https://encrypted-tbn1.google.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRhDL7cPdLVlYIM-PAviRzelrhs-jf_Noqgb3YmqrC1Oyskn4oo

4) https://encrypted-tbn3.google.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQwHpLF4uXoJsv3VML4Zrc6cbZg4s6Un3hGGP5zWrkBhdyR8HZ3

5) https://encrypted-tbn3.google.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSxDUFQGwYvjJaSva2mC8905UD62M-FFvq7JDlbwRAbiFAjF-Ef

6) https://encrypted-tbn2.google.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcT4sgvf2BP9z6Do6D-4Fr7HmEDM0FUn4ofwJ9FSGCBGW4P1qCNY

Unnati gave out a sigh. Manyata felt little bad that none of dresses looked good enough to satisfy Unnati. Frustrated she said, "None of dresses look good on me. I can never be pretty no matter what I try. Your bhai was right, I am fat."

Unnati at once rushed to her and holding her chin made her look into her eyes. She wiped her tears and said, "No, Manu never say that. You are the prettiest girl friend I ever had. You don't have to put whole pack of makeup to look pretty like all those other bimbos. You see the thing is, all these dresses look so pretty on you that I can't decide which one to choose (Manyata smiled at this and blushed a little). And don't listen to bhai. He probably said that to annoy you."

After thinking a while, Unnati jumped up as if an idea had struck her mind, "I know what to do!"

She made a call somewhere and assured Manyata everything was set. Manyata was confused but was still feeling weak because of the medications. Unnati spent the rest of the evening with her. Manyata started opening up more and told her stories of the cities she went to. During their conversation, Unnati noticed that Manyata spoke a bunch of different languages except for English (pretend they were talking to her in hindi so far..i don't know how to write in hindi like that).

Curious, Unnati asked, "Manu (she started calling her Manu), do you speak English?"

"No, I always traveled from one city to other because baba (she bit her lips trying to swallow the pain)"

"It's alright I get you."

"Unnati?"

"Huh?"

"Thanks (smiles)."

"You should sleep now. I'll take your leave. We will surprise everyone at the party tomorrow. Oh, I can't wait. I didn't let anyone come see you today for the whole day (giggles)."

Manyata didn't realize when she dozed off without crying for the first time in 3 days (Thanks to Unnati and more over our mastermind, Uday.)

Part 5

"No, I won't!" He made a face at Unnati. No girl had that effect on him; it was always the other way around. Unnati was being ridiculous; she kept telling him how beautiful Manyata looked. He did admit that she was really pretty but the way Unnati was praising her made her seem like the most beautiful angel who had landed on earth.

"Yes, you will. Mark my word, when you see her you will feel your heart skip a beat. I'm warning you, stay closer to her tomorrow night as there might be lots of guys gawking at her (she winked and left)."

"Yeah, yeah we'll see. By the way, Unnati (she stopped on her track and looked back) what is she wearing? (Seeing her raised eyebrows) I'm just curious. After all, she is my future bride."

"(Smiling) the lenga that mom wanted to gift your bride. I asked one of the servants to get it dry cleaned. (she winked and left)."

Uday smiled at her. His sister knew exactly what to do. And I will gift her something special that mom made for her but before you my dear sister, he thought and went to sleep.

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Next morning, everyone in the palace was busy preparing for the big party. Uday's family had arrived earlier to help with the preparations. Unnati was busy with Rajmata helping her with decorations, when Uday just sneaked in Manyata's room. He saw her moving to and fro in the room through the small crack of the door. He couldn't see her face but only her slender body clad in light green gown. She went to the joint bathroom. He tiptoed inside the room and hid behind a curtain near the window.

Manyata came back after washing her face. She looked at herself while wiping her face with the towel. Her hair was messy and nervousness was written all over her face. Uday who finally got a look at her face, felt his heart skip a beat. Never had he seen such natural beauty. Unnati was right.

However, he frowned a little seeing her creased forehead. She massaged her temples. She looked really nervous. She started walking towards the window and the curtains where he was hiding. She opened the window. He watched her as the soft breeze played with her hair, covering her eyes. She seemed lost in deep thought. Her eyes become watery and a drop of tear started making its way on the floor. However, Uday caught it on his hand below her chin, as if it was not just a mere drop of salty water but a precious gem that he would never want to waste.

She looked up at his eyes and for the first time saw care for her. However, her trend of thoughts was broken after seeing him smirk to himself. "You will never change, will you?" She said more to herself than him.

It took her a moment to realize that he was in her room and her gown was sleeveless. "What…What are you doing in my room (shocked and angry)?" asked she while trying to cover her bare arms with her hand. Her gown was kind of thin and showed little too much of her figure than she approved.

"What are doing in my room?"

"Can't a prince see his princess?"

"I'm not your princess! You're so shameless! What if I was changing?"

"But you weren't."

"I really hate you!"

"I know."

"Get out of here at once! Where are the guards? Guards!"

"Shh.." (placing his finger softly on her lips and pulling her closer by her waist.) I've sent them out (huskily).

"Leave me! I will scream!"

"I hope you do remember what happened the last time I had to make you quiet."

This shut her up remembering their first kiss. She felt her cheeks getting warm.

"Awww…seems like you liked it. You're actually blushing. You want one more." He said it shamelessly.

"Let me go (struggling his grip)." The more she tried to push him away, the tighter his grip got. Finally, she gave up, "What do you want?"

"You know what I want." She made a disgusting face at him.

"Can you please leave me (annoyed)? Unnati shall be coming here soon."

She tried to get free as she felt his grip loosen up but once again he tightened his grip.

"Hey bagwaan! Kutta kahika! If you don't leave me now, it won't be good, ha nahin toh!"

He didn't move his eyes from her. He was enjoying her looking daggers at him. He left her waist but held on to her hand. Confused she just looked at him. She saw him put his hand in his pocket and take out a bracelet. Tenderly yet firmly, he slowly put the bracelet in her hand. She looked that the bracelet which had lots of diamond stones and attached to it was a little heart with U&M carved on it.

She was about to take it away, when Uday once again put his hand on hers firmly and stopped her from doing so.

"Don't princess. I didn't ask you to put it on. You have to put it on or I shall not stop myself from doing what I did last time."

"I detest you from the core of my heart!"

"I know." He said with a smirk and went near the bed. He could feel her temper rising. She didn't want to look at him and she felt her temper rising. She felt his hand on her shoulder and was about shout but stopped when she realized he had wrapped a scarf on her shoulder. She turned around but he was gone.

Part 6

Unnati had dressed her in this heavy lenga that made her more nervous. She didn't know if she will be able to carry. Her whole life was going to change after this rite of passage. She was going to become Princess Manyata from Monya in front of the whole world. Her past was left behind. She denied wearing any jewelry as they were very heavy. No one forced her as she was still recovering.

As she descended down the stairs with Unnati beside her, she felt everyone's gaze fixed on her. This made her more nervous. Uday who saw her coming looked at her in awe (which she didn't noticed as her head was down). Slowly she looked up to meet his gaze. She felt as if he was saying everything will be fine through his gaze.

The entire guest's attention was on her. Everyone wanted to meet and talk to her. Jainandini felt jealous seeing her so called her getting the amount of attention that she never got. Manyata on the other hand was trying her best not to be too rude and speak politely with all her guest. Once in a while she would turn to Rajamata or Komal or Unnati for assurance and they would nod at her. They were all proud of her. Even Brijiraj was starting to feel proud and finally accepting that she must be his daughter.

However, her eyes were fixed on one particular person who was looking at her with his usual smirk. She had to admit that he did look good with his kurta. She also realized that it matched with the dress she was wearing. She wondered if it was just a co-incident. He had few buttons of his kurta open showing his bulging chest. She shook her head seeing other girls drooling over him. Even Jainandani was looking at him intently. She didn't know why her eyes were searching for him.

"Searching for someone princess?"

"Oh yeah, I was searching for the waiter. I need a drink. (Sees a waiter passing by) excuse me, may I get the drink."

"I see, you're adjusting to the royal ways."

She just rolled her eyes at him. A handsome man about her own age came to her asking for a dance. She didn't know how to dance in a ball but Unnati had helped her learn the steps yesterday. She turned to Uday and said, "If you please excuse me."

She and the handsome young man were dancing on the dance floor. Uday on the other hand looked at them with smirk as he saw the guy wink at him. The guy was none other than Uday's best friend Kishore. Kishore knew everything about Uday. He knew about Manyata as well, so he took the opportunity to tease his best friend by dancing with his fianc.

"So Princess, you're adjusting well to the palace I see."

"Yeah, I'm trying."

"Don't worry, I'm pretty sure you will do good."

"(Smiling) thanks. That's really nice of you. Your name?"

"Kishore. I am Uday's best friend."

Seeing her make a face, he laughed out loud.

"Why are you laughing?"

"The nasty face you made hearing his name made me laugh. You don't like him do you?"

"Like, try hate! I despise that guy. I don't know what he thinks of himself!"

"umm…Princess?"

"(Not paying attention) he is a pain in the butt. Have you seen him smirk? Oh you must have cause that's what he does all the time."

"Manyata?"

"He's arrogant, full of himself, selfish and all the other bad stuff. If I had a sword with him, I would cut him into small pieces and feed him to the guard dogs, ha nahin toh." At this Kishore's eyes got wide with amusement and not being able to hold any longer, he burst into laugh.

"ha ha ha. Oh my god Uday, I really like Princess Manyata. I've never seen a girl talk like that, forget princesses. I'll take your leave princess or else my girlfriend will get mad at me for not paying any attention to her." He gently took her hand, kissed it and went away.

Manyata didn't dare turn her back because she knew he would be standing behind her. Her cheeks were burning with embarrassment and he would be the last person she would want to see her in this condition. "I think Rajmata is calling me. She slowly bent down a little and left before he could say anything." Uday on the other had smirked to himself and said, "So princess wants to cut me into pieces with a sword. We'll see. Oh this night's going to be eventful."

Throughout the whole party, she tried her best to ignore him but Uday was Uday. He knew how to get his way too well. Uday went up the stairs which was in the middle of the ball.

"Today is a special night for our families for we have found our lost princess. (Looking at Manyata) on this special occasion, I would like to ask the princess to make this night more special for me by dancing with me."

He took her away as she just looked at him in surprise. She wondered how he did that. The music, the song, and dim lights with Uday and her on focus, they both forgot about everything and everyone. It was as if the whole world disappeared. Their eyes were locked in each other's grip; his hand was placed gently on her waist and her hand on his shoulder. They fitted in each other's arms perfectly. The moment was magical.

For that one moment, everything was forgotten. For Manyata, her past seemed to disappear, her mind felt numbed and her heart, it was as if it was beating just to live this moment. For Uday, his goal, his duties, his responsibilities, everything and everyone was forgotten. This moment he wasn't a prince and she wasn't princess but were a just a mere couple whose story was written on the stars.

Ooh wow! Fourch chapters in one go! Aw, couple dance at the end..ManVeer are adorable!