Part 1 & 2 https://www.indiaforums.com/forum/dharam-veer/853004/samyukta-1-and-2-dharam-and-veer-story-so-far
Part 3 - https://www.indiaforums.com/forum/dharam-veer/859041/samyukta-of-d-and-v-it-sinks-in-part-3
Part 4 - https://www.indiaforums.com/forum/dharam-veer/864874/samyukta-part-4-realizing-their-fears
Part 5 - https://www.indiaforums.com/forum/dharam-veer/871744/samyukta-part-5-to-find-out-the-truth
Part 6 -https://www.indiaforums.com/forum/dharam-veer/877903/samyukta-part-6-the-feast
Recap - In order to investigate about the soliders at Gadhwar infiltrating Aryanagar, Dharam and Veer stay at Niphaud as guests. Siya and her friends are under the impression that Dharam is there as part of a marriage proposal going on...
OSR SAMYUKTA Part 7 - Dharam and Siya - first glances
Palace of Niphaud – Siya's bedroom
"Prince Dharmavardhan is indeed very handsome…everything a girl could possibly dream of…but he... he... "
Daksha springs up, interrupting Nanda's conversation "Nanda… did you see how he had serving after serving of the sweet?" As the ecstatic Daksha exaggerates how positive the experience had been, an elated Siya grasps their hands, eagerly twirling them around the room. Nanda is forcefully pulled around, feeling unable to make her friend face reality. Daksha pants as she tries keeping up with Siya "Oh! Siya... I told the prince that you had prepared the feast personally for him…" she winks "maybe that's why they enjoyed it…"
Siya stops in her tracks and chides her friend "What? Did you say that? You have made me look too eager to please now" Noticing Nanda's sad expressions, Siya stands in front of her with questioning glances, as she playfully braids her hair.
Nanda looks at Siya and speaks softly "Siya… they were fasting today… so they didn't…"
Siya throws her braid back annoyed "Fasting? Why is everyone fasting today…Daksha… have you been lying to me all this while?"
Daksha glares at Nanda "Don't defame me Nanda - they did eat...a little...at least...at first..."
Siya stares at Daksha and Nanda angrily waiting for a clarification.
Finally Nanda replies hesitantly "They ate a little…but Siya….I…I don't think they enjoyed the food… in other words he called your food inedible…."
Siya's eyes widen in horror. Hurt by the comments, Siya chokes "What! Inedible… in spite of knowing that I made it?" she pauses "Oh! So they eat first… they don't like the food …then they lie that they have to fast..." She buries her face in her hands "Oh...this is such horrible insult..."
Nanda places her hand around Siya's shoulders reassuringly. "Siya don't blame yourself… it's the prince's fault…" reflecting on the incident, she continues angrily "He even hoped you didn't torture anyone else with the food… and the other prince laughed at you…"
Siya gasps and covers her mouth in shock "He insults my food…mocks me… doesn't show the slightest interest in how I would feel…and has the audacity to ask for my hand…and this other prince, who laughed at me… what is his name…"
Daksha jumps to the defence of her hero "Oh! Siya…why do you fret….I think they were probably tired with all the travel…" she tries distracting the conversation "why not pay them a quick visit to find out what they are currently doing… talk to them and find out if they probably have a message for Siya…" Nanda rolls her eyes in response.
Siya walks to the mirror and looks at herself with subtle pride "Hmmm…actually…I would like to send him a message...I would like to see how he speaks, how he looks...I would like to come and watch what his reply to my message is... secretly, just in case mother finds out...but...I don't want to miss the fun this time. Let me see for myself what they have to say"
She turns around to her friends for approval. Daksha smiles joyfully in contrast to Nanda's hesitant apprehensions. Siya then signals towards the door with her eyes, and her friends leave the room obediently to execute their next plan for the night.
Streets of Niphaud – The dyer's house
Beautiful lamps hanging outside dainty houses flicker in rhythm to the gentle night breeze; as groups of men and women assemble on street corners to catch up on some post-dinner gossip. The unfolding sights only confirm Niphaud's reputation for its tranquil life and outstanding natural beauty. Veer and Dharam are comfortably seated on a cool verandah of a modest house as they gorge on the delectable snacks that have been offered to them. Never having fasted previously; it is only when they start eating do they realize the extent of their hunger. Dharam runs his fingers through his hair and speaks chirpily "I don't know why … but I like this place a lot….I am enjoying myself thoroughly here…"
Veer smirks "Enjoying yourself? Even the horrible dinner earlier today?" he looks around and adds "However, I must say the greenery here is beautiful"
Dharam smiles "Yes… beautiful greenery… I think it was very kind of the queen to offer to show us around the palace gardens tomorrow..."
Veer replies "Talking of which, where is Bhalla? I do hope Bhalla has been able to find out the address for the blacksmiths. We don't have much time…we would need…"
Dharam suddenly tugs Veer to show him a pretty sight. A small boy in white dhoti and a colourful top tries with all his might to carry his obstinate wailing younger sister. He first pleads with her and then uses all his force, but due to his tiny build fails to move her. They enjoy the situation that briefly brings back memories of their delightful past encounter with Sonu. When the girl realizes that she is being watched by the two spectators, she gets up by herself feeling abashed, and follows her brother silently.
Finally an old man comes out of the small door with piles of colourful cotton attires dyed in a host of patterns. He scampers inside and outside the house as he continues talking about his business "Our family has been doing this business for generations. However, my son doesn't have the skill for this and my daughter-in-law is carrying… and I don't have much help...times are tough..." he pauses "Oh! By the way…are you both new here?"
Veer quickly stuffs his mouth with the last bite "Yes...we are tourists from Aryanagar… We were just looking to purchase a few souvenirs from Niphaud…possibly tunics… turbans… with characteristic Niphaud dyes"Thinking of Veer as an interested customer, the old man enthusiastically explains the specialties of various designs and patterns, thoroughly overwhelming Veer with information. Unsure of what to purchase, the brothers generously pick a number of tunics and headwear and pay for the purchases.
After they kindly thank the man for his service, Dharam and Veer stroll back into the street to see a sleepy Bhalla seated on a stone platform, a considerable distance away. They laugh aloud when they notice Bhalla tightly holding on to three scrolls and forcefully retaining his eyes open to keep from dozing off. Dharam smiles "Looks like he has found the addresses… poor thing… he must have been waiting for quite a while…"
As they walk up to Bhalla, Veer looks at the bundle of dresses in his hand and speaks softly "the simpler the man… the humbler… this old man had no ego to admit the truth…no shame to admit times were tough… people like us try hiding such things from everyone"
Dharam "That is true Veer… such people are indeed humble and nice… however having pride or ego is not entirely wrong… when you need to defend your nation…your home… your pride and ego makes you a stronger warrior" Veer smiles at Dharam.
Palace of Niphaud - Outside the guest rooms
Siya hides patiently in the corridor with folded hands, listening to endless banters between her aggrieved friends and the stubborn personal bodyguards of the princes standing outside their rooms. Over the course of the time, the intensity of their dispute gradually increases providing thorough amusement to Siya. Nanda sighs in disbelief, as Daksha desperately tries using her wit and charm on the men in hope of making them change their decision.
One guard replies stone faced "Not even for a few moments… I am sorry…I can't allow anyone in….the princes have asked not be disturbed… they are resting…. "
Nanda bursts out, arguing profusely "I cannot believe this… we have tried explaining to you that we have brought a personal message from the princess of Niphaud herself…"
Daksha quickly holds back her friend in fear of a commotion being raised.
The other guard pleads with them "All this while we have been trying to reason with you…we are personal bodyguards…. we are only following our orders…we can find out if they have a message for the princess tomorrow…we can deliver yours to them too!"
Daksha retaliates "but… but…how will it be personal if you deliver it?" Finding the entire scenario both novel and entertaining, Siya closes her mouth to muffle her giggles.
Exhausted by their squabbles, he replies "I've told you… they're touring the palace gardens tomorrow morning with the queen of Niphaud. You could meet them then…"
Nanda "You stay as guests at this palace and you have the impudence to disregard the requests of the princess here. Fine! We will stand here….wait at this door till tomorrow morning…"
Worried by Nanda's vehement oath, Daksha drags Nanda away, leaving the guards with a final message "We will leave now…but pray…do request the resting royal highnesses of Aryanagar to grant us an audience tomorrow"
Palace of Niphaud – royal gardens
Veer moves the light branches of the overhanging trees as he prances behind his brother. The queen patiently explains the different features of the massive gardens, as Bhalla stares in wonder at the unfamiliar species of foliages. They watch in amazement as their paths lead them through mazes of shrubbery, rockery, floral arches and lawns dotted with exotic fountains. The only audible sounds are those of chirping birds descending to drink water from gentle streams and gardeners pruning the trees. Evident through the journey, is the extent of careful planning invested into the inspiring landscape surrounding the palace.
As they approach the palace, Dharam remains lost in the stunning scenery drifting in and out of a subconscious state of bliss. He ignores the tiny ruffle behind him, dismissing it as a play of nature. A second round of similar noises alerts him and he walks back to investigate. He scours through the branches of the thick hedge when he suddenly spots a purple dazzle a short distance away. He walks for a few yards, closely examining the hedge and then almost shouts in alarm when he suddenly comes across a petite girl tightly huddled amidst the twigs. Covering her face with both her delicate hands and adorned in the finest jewellery, the stones embedded in her deep purple skirt dazzle in the sun's rays.
He looks around briefly and finding no one around him, he hesitates to start a conversation. As she slowly curls her fingers, his gaze falls upon the most engaging pair of eyes that he had ever come across. On seeing the handsome prince standing above her, her eyes widen in horror. The mystery slowly unravels, as she lowers her hands from her face and he stands there for an era, hypnotized by her perfect fair features and angelic aura. She turns to her left and right searching for her friends and on finding no one there, she starts panicking.
Eventually, tired of waiting for a reaction from him, she starts brushing off the dried leaves tangled in her hair while trying to hush the jingle of her jewellery all the while. She whispers to him, requesting him to help her. Dharam snaps out of his trance and slowly offers his hand for support. While doing so, they don't notice the scroll from his waistband falling into her lap. She looks at his hand, pauses and then meekly refuses out of hesitation. Not knowing in which other form to aid her, he hesitantly starts removing the leaves from her hair.
She becomes astonished "what are you doing"
Frightened by her question, he places the leaves back on her hair. She stares at his actions bewildered and then requests him to hide her. As Dharam continues to stutter and stammer, she hears the familiar voice of her mother and slaps her forehead in defeat.
The queen, Veer and Bhalla assemble behind Dharam, curious to know what was keeping him. Siya trips on the ends of her dupatta and heavy skirt over and over again, before she finally manages to come out of the hedge. Irritated by the tangled threads around her anklets, Siya bends down to remove them. She then notices a scroll lying next to her on the ground and becomes alarmed, taking it to be a secret message from the prince for her.
She quickly hides the scroll in her dupatta and stands up to explain her situation to her furious mother "Daksha… Nanda…we were playing hide and seek…they left…"
Not expecting to find Siya in this predicament, the queen becomes embarrassed while Veer smiles at the entertaining spectacle.
Abashed, the queen makes a quick round of introductions, following which she sternly indicates her daughter to leave. Dharam stands smitten and speechless as he watches her dash away leaving behind only the fading echo of her anklets.
Palace of Niphaud - corridors
Siya storms into the palace angrily, while Daksha and Nanda join her timidly in the halls. Annoyed by being followed, she turns to them fiercely and glares at them "Don't follow me now...all my plans of spying on the prince were ruined...and you both deserted me...I had to face mother's wrath in front of the guests...how humiliating..."
They look at each other sadly and remain silent for a while, sympathizing with her situation. Daksha slowly starts apologizing, followed by Nanda and the girls pour out extravagant phrases and eloquent heartfelt regretful words to appease their princess.
Siya smiles to herself and naughtily removes the scroll from the folds of her garment waving it in front of her friends. They stare at the scroll inquisitively, contemplating that it was from Rajkumar Dharmavardhan for Siya. They implore her earnestly to narrate all the details of their meeting, and how he gave her the message; but she declines all their pleas teasingly.
After umpteen requests, she grins and walks to a quiet corner; hidden from the bustling halls. She takes her own sweet revenge on them, unfolding the scroll inch by inch as Nanda and Daksha look at each other anxiously. As she reads through the contents of the scroll, Siya becomes increasingly perplexed. Unable to contain their curiosity, her friends peep over to read the message. They find a detailed map of the narrow streets of Niphaud bazaar below which a message reads "Blacksmiths - Meet after noon, quietly"
She becomes nervous and shuts the scroll "secret… meeting? Blacksmiths? I am very frightened… I can't go all alone…why blacksmiths…Oh Lord… Rajkumar Dharam…seems to be very strange…"
Bhalla, who by chance struts past the palace halls to proceed to his room at that moment, comes to a sudden halt when he hears his friend's name being taken. He turns to the corner for the source of the voices, only to find the unwelcome expressions of three girls. Bhalla recognizes them from the funny dinner experience the previous night. Not willing to enter into any sort of argument, he decides to walk away but finds his path blocked by Daksha and Nanda.
The four of them stare at each other for a while. Nanda then puts her hands on her hips "We would like to know something…" looking at Siya, she continues "why has Rajkumar Dharam asked to meet our princess alone?"
Bhalla scratches his head in confusion "Has he? I….I… don't know… why?"
Daksha slowly circles around Bhalla, as she speaks "He has personally given her a message asking her to meet him this noon" Listening to their dialogues, Siya starts blushing subconsciously.
Baffled, by the girl's questions; Bhalla stammers "This noon? I…I thought it was a special plan!"
Nanda acts surprised "Special plans…oh! We were not even allowed to meet him last night but now he has made special plans for her…what is so special about this blacksmiths anyway…?"
Forgetting his situation, Bhalla replies proudly "Well I found out that it was the best blacksmiths in town…very unique…" He shuts his mouth as he suddenly realizes his folly.
He then turns to Siya in complete shock "What… he told you too… about the blacksmiths...." he then becomes jittery "I am sorry… I can't…it's a secret" Desperate to get away from them, he pushes Daksha and Nanda away and paces away hurriedly, while they jeer at him.
Aryanagar – In an exlusive bar room
Not minding the uncouth crowd brawling over petty disagreements at the far end of the exclusive and busy bar room, Agni enjoys every sip of his drink with his eyes closed within their private enclosure. Surrounded by personal maids tending to his every whim and fancy, he enjoys the company of his friends, who are seated comfortably on large arm chairs.
One of them speaks, as he cleans his sword "So Dharam and Veer are at Niphaud now… do you think they will go to Gadhwar from there?"
Agni replies "Yes"
The friend questions "Do they take us for fools?"
Agni frowns "Probably"
The friend persists "What are your plans?"
Agni opens his eyes in an irritated fashion and shouts "Harsh! You have not allowed me to enjoy even one sip of my drink so far.... be quiet…They think they have everything planned…little do they know we are always a step ahead of them…"
Cricket
Kumkum Bhagya
