The Udayveer Chronicles.

Hi Everyone!

Lying down on the bed, I recall our meetings- the beach, the nightclub and every other encounter since then; the banter back and forth, and I wince a little at her obvious distain for me. I know I tend to be obnoxious, but I don't want her to think I enjoy her misery- because I don't. She's had it rough the last few days: but she'll be fine- royal not only by blood, but by persona, she has will, charisma and character. I'm surprised she's still here. Sure she's turned the palace into a circus, but Manyata never ceases to amaze me.

Her smile is delightful; it hasn't been spoiled by plots, schemes, agenda's and ulterior motives like Jai and myself. She's so full of life, simplicity and passion. I don't know why I keep coming around her, I know she does not want to be my friend, and she won't be swayed so easily. Yet, I can't seem to help myself. She was the one person I once knew better than myself, and now I know neither too well.

This is the same girl I brought chocolates for as a kid every time I visited, the only person I would shed tears for if she was pain. I can still remember the hurt, confusion and fear when it dawned on me that Manyata was missing. Asking Komal Aunty endless questions as to where she was:

"Why won't she come and play Auntyji?" "Is she mad about the hurt I gave her still? I'm sorry! I didn't want to hurt Manyata!" "Auntyji! Why are you crying is Manyata ok? Where is my Manyata!?"

I had almost forgotten that instance in my life where I felt such a paramount level of grief, but could not understand why. Confusion, anger, surprise, and to a certain degree, guilt all rolled up together because of her loss. She was the only person that made me feel so much at once- and I had stopped feeling so much since her loss, and now that she's back I can't understand what I'm feeling.

The rain suddenly starts pouring more vigorously, causing me to remember another night like this: that night was 16 years ago, when I tried to find Manyata. At that moment I had not been looking for a Princesses, or my Betrothed. I had just wanted to find my best friend.

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Please do give constructive feedback!

-Reeha 😊

Turning over I try to get comfortable, the pillows are just as soft and plush as they were in J or rather, Manyata's room, but I can't seem to get comfortable. I guess I was lying to her when I said sleep would come easy with them; because I can't seem to fall asleep myself. A flash of lightening forces me to open my eyes. I guess sleep is out of the question tonight- I should have just gone out; at least it would have been more productive.

Sitting up on the side of my bed, elbows on my knees I take a moment to stare into the dark, cold and wet night. It's familiar of course, it just seems like yesterday my sheer determination to fined Manyata got me killed in this type of weather'

16 Years Ago...

The Royal palace was quite, any sounds made by the adults were muffled under the unusual weather of angry rain and howling wind; although, it was not enough to keep a curious prince from eavesdropping on the Adult's conversation.

Yuvraj Udayveer knew better, at the tender age of 5, he was mature and understood what was expected him in life: Greatness. Yet, this burden had not yet prevented him from being a rambunctious little one, with quick feet and a taste for fun. Uday would not have been so crass as to listen in on his father, Brijraj, Komal , and Rajmata, but in the last week something had gone wrong, the police came and went, Komal could not stop crying, and Manyata was nowhere to be seen. He wondered where she was, Grijraj was busy helping Brijraj, and the last time he had asked Komal she had just held him tight and cried endlessly, for some reason it made him want to cry, and he didn't even know why.

Slowly, still clad in his spiderman pajamas (even a prince can admire a Superhero) he crept down the curved stair case, his socks quite on the marble floor. Clutched in one hand was the Jerry stuffed animal, Manyata had Tom- well, Tom was in Manyata's room at least. As he made his way down the corridor to the sitting area, he heard heart wrentching sobs. Part of him wanted to run away from the distress- the young, child so vulnerable and innocent; yet part of him wanted to charge in, listen and fix the situation- the Rajput blood and Yuvraj in him. He choose the middle crept to the side of the door and peered in.

Rajmata stood in the middle, holding Komal close, in Komal's hand, Tom was being held as if he would do something, fix something or bring someone back. Brijraj was pacing, and his father with him. There were four black suited men in the room, with rifles standing on edge and looking passive. The tension in the room was thick, and an intuitive child such as Uday noticed it immediately.

It seemed like forever but Brijraj spoke:

Brijraj: Panch Din! Panch Din beeth chukay hain! Hamari Bethi Kayah hain, abbi taak yeh be nain patha laga appe logo se!

He looked angrily at the suited men. Grijraj placed his hand on Brijraj's shoulder,

Grijraj: Deehraj rakhye Brijraj, us Murari ko hum dohund layange; aur Manyata mil jayangee!

Manyata Mil Jayangee? Uday stood there in confusion. He knew she wasn't at her home, but no one had said anything about her being found'she was lost then? He felt a lump rise in his little throat. Here he had been playing his games and with his toys, and Manyata was lost? But where?

Brijraj: Grijraj, God only knows where she is, out there alone, in the cold.

Uday looked out the window, it was raining so hard that he couldn't see past the railing of the balcony. Manyata was out there? Alone?

Komal's broken voice brought back his attention: She's hungry, I...I... I promised I'd feed her... and now. She doesn't even have her mouse to help her sleep. How could this have happened to us?

Rajmata being an intuitive person saw the look of exhaustion seeping in with her daughter-in-law's tears.

Rajmata: Brijraj, I think it's time you take Komal to rest, this has been an exhausting day. She needs to rest for herself and for Jainandani.

Hearing their decision to approach, Uday moved aside until Komal and Brijraj had walked up to the guest rooms in the Palace.

He would have walked up to his room, but his ears couldn't seem to let the conversation go:

Rajmata: Grijraj, thank you for letting us stay here, you have been more than generous.

Grijraj: Nonsense Ma Shab, this is your home too; and if leaving the Palace while the police investigate the premises can help find Manyata faster, it is my honour to be of any help.

Rajmata: It must be hard for the Uday, you haven't been able to spend time with him on your return from England.

Grijraj: If only, he's been more concerned about Manyata, "Where is she Daddy? I came up with a new game we can play- Shekar!"

Rajmata discreetly whipped a tear away: I don't understand how we can explain to him that someone has kidnapped her. Inside I want to pretend this will be resolved quickly, and there won't be any need for explanations: but a Week has passed Grijraj. One entire week and all of Rajastan's Police Force and the most Elite of India's service officials have not been able to find our Manyata. One entire week

Uday stood there in shock, the soft plush Jerry fell silently from his little hands to the marble floor. Manyata kidnapped? As a prince, he had been taught the word and its meaning, and to prevent these instances been told not to interact with anyone he did not know, and only go places with those authorized to be at his beck and call. For a moment he was angry:

Determination set in last. He bent and grabbed his Jerry, and swiftly made his way up the stairs and to his room. Quietly he opened his closet; although he was a prince, there were Nannies which were hired to keep an eye on him, who were soundly sleeping the room next to his. In the corner of his closet a dark blue Spiderman backpack was neatly placed next to his various running shoes. Grabbing the bag, he pulled a few folded shirts, some pants, clean undies, and a blanket for Manyata. Opening his nightstand Uday took out his Minnie flashlight, a few rupees he had laying around, and multiple Oreos he had hidden to snack on. He tried to fit Jerry in there, but he was too big and there was not enough room.

Silently the 5 year old prince made his way down the hallway, still in his spider man Pjs, now with a matching backpack held in his arms, and determination set in his eyes.

He had almost made it to the stairs, when he gently placed the bag near the banister, and looked into the Nursery, where his baby sister Unnati slept. He had to say bye to her before he saved Manyata.

The Nursery was pink, and held two cribs: the Oak one matched its surroundings and furnishings, that held Unnati, the other was a portable, and should have held Jainandini, but was currently empty. He almost walked out once he saw Komal holding Jainandini in the rocking chair, but paused as soon as he saw Tom.

Komal was asleep, exhausted from the taxing week, and couldn't bear to leave Jai alone...just in case something else happened. In her lax fingers, she held her first born's treasure: the stuffed little plush mouse, Tom.

Uday carefully entered the room, and peered into Unnati's crib. Smiling he reached in and touched her little fingers, she curled her hand around his fingers. Gently letting go, he blew his little sister a kiss. Nervous, but determined nonetheless, he made his way to the rocking chair. Komal was obviously asleep, but she still held Tom: not very tightly, but still near. Looking around Uday found a Plush Winnie the Pooh bear, about the same size and gently switched the two.

Komal's eyes shifted in her sleep, she muttered something incoherent, and a few tears rolled out from her closed eyes. Uday had the urge to sooth, and protect: but duty called- Manyata needed to be found.

Quietly Uday left the nursery, promising in his heart that he would bring back Manyata and make sure Komal Aunty would never cry again. Silently down the stairs, and through the kitchen where the door would not make noise in the great hall; Uday opened the door, and started into the night, the rain was icy, hard, and fast. He felt scared for a moment, as if he should turn back and hide under the covers. But it was only a moment. Grasping the door knob, he pulled himself past the threshold, taking the first step to finding Manyata. And there went a 5 year old Prince, with no more than Spiderman Pj's, Running shoes, a backpack on his shoulders, and a little plush Tom mouse to find not only a princess, but his best friend, Manyata.

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Uday: Manyata is out here in this? It's so cold and dark though...

Tom was getting wet in his hands he took the mouse and stuffed him under his scrawny arm pit as a feeble attempt to keep the precious toy dry.

His hair was plastered to his face; his eyes wide Uday attempted to make out where he should go.

Uday: Manyata had to have been taken from her home, and that is really far away. If I walked it would take me months, if not years! Maybe my bike? My bike could take there in no time!

He glanced at the direction of the garage, which was where his brand new red two wheeler was stored and locked. A sense of helplessness dawned on him: How could he rescue here, when he couldn't even get his bike? Glancing down at his muddy Spiderman shoes, he felt a little disappointed. There was Peter Parker, an average boy who got Spider Powers and saves people; and here he was a Prince, who still couldn't do anything.

Uday: Maybe a car! I could take Daddy's car! The car's always outside! Birju could take me!

The Driver Birju would most definitely take the young Yuvraj wherever he wanted: It was his duty. But not like this, and not for this; and that finally dawned on the young Prince- he was stuck and utterly dependent on his Helpers. That made him both angry and disappointed. He hadn't realized until this very moment, being a Prince didn't help his situation in this instance. It shackled him.

Uday: Well! Who needs a stupid bike and a dumb car! I'll walk! And no one can stop me!

Peering through the back yard, he realized that making it through the thick trees and foliage was impossible, and suicide mission.

Uday: The front Gate then!

The Young prince matched with confidence and determination: it was a long walk. The palace was large and the perimeter around the building from the Back yard to the front gate was a half a mile each side. His young legs grew tired, and eyes sleepy, and his body cold. But he trudged onward: Nothing could stop him.

He realized he was half way there when he hit Unnati's tree. Komal Aunty and him had planted it when Unnati had been born'and Mama had died. He had cried in Komal's lap, while Manyata had held his hand, sad because his mother was gone and resentful because God had given him a sister only to take his mother. It was less than a year ago, but he still remembered scene which had happened not too long ago

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Komal: Uday beta, this tree isn't just for you; it's for Unnati as well. Every year she'll get bigger, and so will the tree. You have to take care of both for your mother; you're a big boy now. Promise that you can do that for me?

He sniffled and whipped away his tears with his dirt stained hands.

Manyata who had been sitting beside him silently observing, took her little hands to whip her friend's face.

Manyata: Me too! I'll help Uday! We'll do it together!

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Uday smiled at the distant memory, walking towards the ledge, he touched the young sapling, it was lush with young foliage, and getting bigger and stronger everyday just like his baby sister. Sighing, he slid down and listened to his tummy rumble. This mission was making him hungry. Opening his backpack, he found the sandwich bag containing 5 Oreo cookies. Quickly he opened up the bag and stuffed one in his tiny mouth. He was too hungry and exhausted to have any of the finesse he should be eating with, reaching in he almost ate a second, but stopped..

Uday: What will Manyata eat when I find her? She'll be hungry, and she loves Oreos just as much as I do.

Gulping, he gently placed the beloved snack into his bag and stood up, Tom fell from his grasp into the wet and slightly muddy ground.

Upset, but not deterred Uday took the mouse and whipped him as clean as possible with his wet Pj sleeve, and continued onward. It seemed to take forever, but he finally made it around to the gate, and once he saw where he was, an extra burst of energy invigorated him. Sprinting towards the iron gates, a delightful smile spread across his face

Meanwhile the palace was in an Uproar. Lights were turning on looking for the young Yuvraj. The Nanny had gone in to check up on the devilish little one, only to find the racecar bed empty and cold. Brijraj and Grijraj were frantic, calling the police, Komal held Jainandini and Unnati, both girls still calm and asleep unaware of the tension boiling in the room. Rajmata held her composure, even as a guest in this palace, she held an aura of control and finesse.

Rajmata: Grijraj, make sure the Guards have locked down the perimeter, no one gets in and no one goes out. Brijraj, we need to notify the police'.

Out of the corner of her eye she noticed a frantic guard running in out of breath, bowing to catch their attention.

Guard: Maharaja Shab, the Yuvraj has been found.

Grijraj: Where? Who took him?!

His voice was raw and frantic from the worry; these last 10 minutes had him thinking the worst.

The royal Adults followed the guard to the security room, and there the sight in front of them would forever be etched into their memories.

There was young Uday, clad in his wet Spiderman Pjs & hair plastered to his head, was pushing up against a heavy iron gate. The lock was electronic and Uday could not open the high gate. But he didn't give up, his little body heaved and pushed up against it, as if sheer determination could open this gate and let him go outside. The picture was clear through the rain, as the security lights let the camera catch such a heart breaking scene. His tiny mouth was moving, and the words were incoherent until his volume rose:

Uday: OPEN GATE!!! I need to FIND MANYATA!!!! Open!! I order you to OPEN NOW!

A sob caught up in Komal's throat, Brijraj abruptly turned away, unable to watch, Grijraj held his face in the palms of his hands, and Rajmata watched on at Uday in awe and admiration.

Rajmata: Yeh hain hamare Yuvraj. Ethne masum se umar meh bhi ethna janoon aur josh. Humne sahi rishta chuna hain hamare Manyata ki liye.

Outside Uday was still pushing against the gate; the rain was mixing in with his tears now. He had come so close, only to be stopped by walls: the very walls meant to keep him safe were preventing him from saving Manyata. So deep in concentration and thought, he was startled when a firm hand touched his little shoulder. Looking up he saw Rajmata standing regally behind him, a servant holding a large umbrella shielding her from the harsh rain; and another servant holding a flashlight and towel.

Bending down towards his level, she touched his face, and ran her fingers through his wet hair. Her hands were warm against his cold skin: he felt safe with her.

Rajmata: Uday beta, what are you doing out here?

Uday: I...I... I was going to find Manyata Dadi Shab.

It was odd to see such a composed women crumble slightly at such simple and innocent thought. But she did. Rajmata held him tight against her, silent tears streaming down her eyes. She whispered in his ear:

Rajmata: We will find her Uday, and I believe you will too. But for now, we need you here. You'll help us won't you?

Uday unable to come up with an answer, nodded.

Rajmata whipped his wet face, and signaled for a towel, wrapping Uday up in its soft arm confines, she held his hand and guided him towards the palace's main entrance. Uday looked defeated, and exhausted. His mission had failed, and he felt as if he had failed at what was the most important duty in his young life. He hadn't found his friend, and he had just made another person he loved cry.

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His bed was warm; a nice shower had cleaned him up, and washed away the cold prickly feeling in his toes. His father had held him close, and scolded him gently, with concern and love. Brijraj had just looked at the young Prince, kissed his forehead and left the room without a word.

Sleep came easy, exhaustion and sore muscles won the battle of an active mind and curious thoughts. He slept, dreaming of finding Manyata: maybe it would be sunny tomorrow, and Birju would take him in the care, it would be faster and he would find her this time. He slept, dreaming his innocent and impossible dreams, and Komal watched over him, holding Tom and Jerry.

The morning came quickly and quietly, the storm for last night had turned over trees, and left puddles and muddy grass. Uday opened his eyes wide, and turned to the Spiderman clock resting on his bedside: it was 12AM...Lunch time? He was always woken up at 7:30AM to get ready and eat breakfast at the royal table.

Still a little sore, and very disappointed, he rubbed his eyes with his little fists. Yawning as he stared out his window at the bright sunny day.

Uday: I'll do it today then; I'll go on my bike.

Tears filled her eyes as she gently touched his face, and kissed his forehead.

Komal: Uday beta, don't leave us. Ever again.

Uday: But..I...

Komal: I know. I know what you want: We all want the same thing. She'll come home, she'll be found. But...but I we can't lose you too Uday.

Uday: Auntyji...but...she's alone. She doesn't have home, you, me...Unnati, Dadi Shab...or Tom.

Hearing Tom's name, Komal grabbed the plush animal beside her, and handed him to Uday.

Looking at the toy, Uday noticed the dirt had been cleaned, and last night's adventure was just a story in the past for Tom.

Komal: Uday beta, I'm giving you Tom. You keep him safe. Keep him, and when Manyata comes back, you should give him to her. He's your responsibility.

Uday counted on his fingers: Unnati, Unnati's Tree, and now Tom. He had three new responsibilities along with being a Prince. He looked at his hand and saw one finger left from 5.

Uday: Auntyji, is Manyata my responsibility too?

Komal: She will beta, one day she will.

Komal left, leaving a young Uday to ponder her words, and stare intently at the plush toy. Slipping out of his bed, he grabbed Jerry to go along with Tom and walked towards his closet. Inside he found his box. It was a wooden chest, filled with nick nacks and toys his father brought him from around the globe. Silently the young Prince emptied out the box, every game, puzzle, plane, action figure and book he had collected in his short life, was thrown out without care. Finally once the chest was empty, he gently place Tom and Jerry inside.

Uday: You're Manyata's box now. When she comes back, I'll give her everything we are supposed to do together. This way she'll know she has a lot of catching up to do.

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Present...

Uday smiled at that night, and stood up to stare at his room. Gone was the race car bed, and in its place stood a king sized plush bed. The photos of cartoons and superheros were also gone, Marilyn Monroe, and other sights from around the world adorned his room now. The Spiderman Pjs had been long replaced by a white muscle shirt, and black sweat pants. But the closet stood in the same place. Walking towards the closet, he opened the doors with utter care, bending down he slid out the old dusty chest which was hidden behind a gym bag and soccer balls.

Sitting cross legged on the floor, he smiled and opened the chest he had so long ago stopped contributing to. Underneath a mirage of other items, he found what he was looking for. There, still in the same clean condition as 16 years ago sat Tom, with Jerry. He grabbed Tom in one hand, and Jerry in the other.

Uday: It's time to give you back Tom, Manyata's home.

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On that note: Are there anyother UV or Manveer FF's here? This Forum is so big, I'm getting dizzy just looking at the pages!😆