CHAPTER 4:
At that very moment while Manyata was thinking of him, Uday sat on a couch in the drawing room of their mansion holding a drink and listening to his Dad' s angry rant.
"I am seriously very disappointed in you Udayveer. This happened only because of your foolishness. From the time I realized that you were developing a soft corner for that girl, haven't I warned you not to become an emotional fool?"
"Dad you are not thinking rationally. This has nothing to do with my feelings towards Manyata. After she learnt what had happened to Akash, Manyata would have sent me to jail regardless of how I feel towards her. But yea this happened because of my foolishness. I was foolish enough to fight with that Akash that day."
"That is what I am trying to tell Udayveer. You fought with that Akash that day only because of your ridiculous feelings towards Manyata isn't it? And because of those feeling you lost control and fought with him not thinking of its consequences."
"No dad. It's not exactly as you are saying..."
"Enough Uday! I don't want to hear any of your excuses. Perhaps it's time I dissolved the contract I made with Devgarh and found another suitable girl for you to marry." Giriraj shouted at him.
"Dad, are you serious?" Uday was surprised beyond words could describe it.
"Yes I am Udayveer." Giriraj got up from the coach in anger and started pacing to and fro across the drawing room.
"Earlier also that girl had humiliated us. All our friends including those in the Mahasaba knows how she had humiliated not only her own family but us as well, when she had foolishly claimed in front of the whole world that she loved that Akash and was going to marry him only. But even after that I stood by Devgar because of the friendship I had with Brijraj and Devgarh family. And I thought that Rajmata would be able to one day control her granddaughter and teach her the ways of us royals. But unfortunately she could not do it. And now all I can see is that even the great Rajmata Mirnali Devi has a soft corner for that girl and what I can see happening in the future is, you and Rajmata Ji dancing to her tunes."
"Brijraj hates that girl. But she is after all his eldest daughter and just like Rajmata Devi, I am sure that he would also one day finally bow to that girl, who unfortunately had become the Yuvrani of Devgarh estate. So if you cannot control your emotions and control that girl as well and think of our Riyasat and our name and prestige first and foremost, I am not going to allow you to marry her Udayveer"
He came and stood in front of Uday, his posture rigid and his face stern.
Uday sat staring at his drink and thought of everything that his dad just said. He realized the extent of his Dad's anger towards Manyata but he knew that it was pointless to try and change his Dad's mind, especially at that moment. And he came to the conclusion that perhaps it was time he played a little game of his own.
"Dad perhaps you are right. I should not allow my emotions to take over my mind and my first priority should be our Riyasat. But I still want to get married to Manyata. But I would make sure that she never sent me to jail or anywhere and she is going to dance to my tunes as well'So please dad let me handle this my way ok?"
"Ok Udayveer. I hope you will not disappoint me."
"I won't Dad. And Dad, I am very tired right now. Shall I go and rest for some time?" Uday said feigning a yawn. In truth he actually wanted to escape from his Dad's probing eyes.
"All right son." Giriraj said staring at his son and wondering whether he could ever again trust his son's words. He knew very well that he could no longer control Udayveer. And his ruthless mind started to think of what he should do in order to control the future of his Riyasat and keep his family and his business under his control.
Unnati who was all that time sitting in a corner listening calmly to the heated exchange between her Dad and brother quietly followed Uday to his room.
Uday was about to enter his room when he heard Unnati softly calling him from behind.
"Please wait Dada. I want to talk to you."
"Choti. I'm sorry I haven't even said hello to you properly when you came home so quickly to meet me."
"It's ok Dada. I understand." She said, as she entered his room behind him and closed the door.
"But I don't understand what has happened out there between you and Dad just now." she went and sat in the long sofa kept on one side of his room.
Uday came and sat beside her as he knew that his sister wanted to have a heart to heart talk with him. He really was tired and wanted to rest but when his sister wants something he can never refuse her and Unnati very well knows that and sometimes took advantage of that. He also knew that but then Unnati had always been an exception in his life and the only person who was ever able to take advantage of him, because he allowed her to have that privilege. He loved his sister that much.
"What is it that you didn't understand Choti?"
"What you and dad agreed upon out there."
"Oh that's nothing. Choti, you don't have to worry about it."
"But I do Dada. I never liked the way Dad always try to manipulate you. And I know Dada that you are upset and may be hurt by what Manyata did to you. But how can you forget that you love her and agree to go along with Dad's selfish plans." Unnati said agitatedly.
"You know something Dada. I was so happy when in Devgar you finally accepted that you love Manyata and when you told me that you were going to propose to her as soon as you get a chance."
"And do you know why I was so happy? It's because that day I finally saw my real Dada - The person who knows how to love, how to care and how to give. You have always loved me unconditionally. But to the rest of the world, you show yourself as a coldblooded Rajwade and a heartless playboy. And I have always known that this was because of dad's influence and upbringing. If Mom had been alive you wouldn't behave that way..." her voice trailed off.
"And it's at times like this that I miss mom most and wish she is alive." Unnati said after a pause.
"Choti please don't get so upset because of this." Uday said wiping the tears hat had started to slowly creep down her face.
Seeing the concern on his face, Unnati sighed and smiled faintly.
"Dada I wish I could see this side of you more often- The side that cares and that's not afraid to show the emotions. I know that we are Royals Dada. But being royals does not mean that we should not love or we should not show our emotions… loving someone and caring for someone doesn't make us weak. In fact I think overcoming the difficulties and fighting for the loved ones gives us strength, which is incomparable to any other."
Hearing what Unnati said brought tears to Uday's eyes.
"Do you know something Choti? You are the best thing in my life. You are the person who always keeps me grounded. Sometimes I wonder how I got blessed with such a wonderful sister. Sometimes it's as if mom's soul resides in you and is looking after me through you."
"And you are so wise Choti. I wish I am as wise as you." Uday said hugging her.
"Hmm you aren't that bad Dada." Unnati said breaking the hug and looking at him fondly.
"Really? Thank God for that. But you really are the wise one in the family." A smile finally appeared on Uday's tired face.
"Hmm. Ok Dada then my wise advice to you would be, don't let go of Manyata, regardless of whatever happens now. Try to win her and her heart because she is the only other girl who could keep you sane and grounded. She does care for you and I have a feeling you can win her over." Unnati became serious again.
"I won't let go of Manyata so easily Choti." Uday said firmly
"What I really meant was don't stop loving her and don't play games with her as well. Try to win her with your love" Unnati said
"I won't choti. Regardless of what I told Dad I cannot play games with Manyata. Dad is so angry at Manyata and I don't know what to do about it at the moment. And I wanted him to calm down a bit and stay away from me for some time. That's the reason why I agreed with what he said."
"I am really glad to hear you say that." Unnati said getting up from the sofa.
"And I am glad you came to talk to me." Uday held her hands and gently kissed on them.
"I am always here for you Dada. Good night and sleep well." Unnati said gently.
"Good night Choti."
Geet - Hui Sabse Parayee
Cricket
Jhanak
