Author's Note: because of the amazing comments I thought I'd update the next day! This took me nearly all day to think about so sorry if there's a few mistakes! Also, many of you mentioned about Pinky's dream - I'll just say that no, it wasn't unintentional - it's a very much an important part of the story. AND can I just say, since I started this FF last September - I've been keeping my mouth shut for over 8 months now ( I think) about the story line! Seriously, I haven't told anyone which is funny because I never keep secrets. 😕😆
Memento Mori
Chapter Forty One
"So are you guys ready to go?" Viren asked as Virat and Maanvi entered the main room where the family was sat. Virat nodded to his brother whilst Tarun took Virat and Maanvi's suitcase to the car, making sure he didn't look at both of them in the eye from the awkwardness earlier. Maanvi gave Virat a look, her cheeks starting to become red. Tarun quickly placed the suitcase into the boot of the Royal car whilst the loved up couple waved goodbye to their family.
"Be safe and when you get there make sure you call me, okay?" Vanshika said to Virat as she hugged him. He nodded, taking her blessings and then taking Swamini's.
"Now, look Virat. You have become a man now, take care of Maanvi and make sure no mistakes are made." Viren patted his brother on the back and hugged him. Virat smiled rolling his eyes.
"Chill bhai, we're only going for two days. We'll go and come back, don't worry about us. Worry about yourself and bhabhi, after all you both have a big day tomorrow and unfortunately I wouldn't be there." Virat pretended to be sad, sighing in the process.
Viren smirked, shaking his head. "Now don't act too smart, you too have a big day tomorrow and this time you have to make sure everything runs smoothly, after all you're the Duchess of Chandia's husband, you have a big responsibility too." Viren laughed patting Virat's shoulder once again before Virat stood besides Maanvi who was talking to Beeji.
"Make sure you keep safe and remember to eat on time." Beeji lectured. "And yes! Do phone us when you get there and make sure you don't do anything wrong –"
"-Beeji!" Maanvi interrupted, shaking her head with a huff. "What is this? I've already had this lecture and Virat too." She cupped Beeji's cheeks and kissed either side. "So, my dear Beeji please do not worry! I'll be fine! Virat is there, so nothing can happen!" Virat smiled hearing Maanvi's response. "And that's why I love her so much." He thought, reminiscing about the times Maanvi kept immense trust in him.
"Virat?" Viren shook his shoulder, getting Virat out of his daydream. "What happened?" Virat shook his head, clearly embarrassed to which Viren smirked, whispering quietly to his brother as to not let anyone else hear. "You can daydream about your wife later, not only daydream you can be with her later and that too alone, but please for now let's leave?" Virat began to cough leading to Maanvi to instantly turn around worried. She gave him a look whilst he simply shook his head as to say nothing was wrong, sending sharp glares at his brother. Viren struggled to keep his laughter in and bit his lips tightly. He cleared his throat and calmed himself down. "Shall we go?" He asked as Virat reluctantly nodded.
The family waved Virat and Maanvi goodbye as they got into the backseat of the Royal car and drove off to the outskirts of the district of Oceanah, where there was a pier of ships ready to take them to Chandia. Chandia was to the North East of Chandrilasia and it took approximately just under an hour to travel there. Chandia does not particularly share any land with Chandrilasia apart from the Deltic Ocean. Though it was simply a small island on the outside of Chandrilasia, it was still considered a part of the country, it's history was thought to be even older than Chandrilasia itself.
"Even though Chandia and Chandrilasia are not exactly the same country, it had always been under one Royal families rule, the Vadhera's." Virat told Maanvi. When he was younger, his grandfather had told him stories about the history of the country and the small island, stories that had always fascinated him. Even when the late Earl used to take Virat on visits to Chandia, he would make sure they visited the old buildings that captivated the people of the Island. "Before that, Chandia was a derelict land."
"Meaning no one lived there?" Maanvi asked.
He nodded. "No one lived there. But legend had it that Chandia was a place where nothing grew nor lived. There were no trees, nothing. Dadaji said that Chandia was once nicknamed 'The Death City'. It's so strange to think about it now, now it's just like any other place we know. There are people, there's life, there's everything…"
"…So what happened anyway?"
"No one actually knows but people say or has heard that Chandia was saved by someone with tremendous power, someone that saw what would happen to Island in the future and how it would slowly cease to exist and so battled with the forces of the world to save it." Maanvi gasped, completely engrossed in the story. She was always someone who loved strange stories and this was something she hadn't known about earlier.
The sky began to get dark as evening fell, the air becoming slightly colder as the moon started to emerge. Virat looked at Maanvi, who was watching him eagerly, waiting for him to continue talking. He stopped, bit his lips before chuckling. She gave him a look wondering why he was laughing. "Do you get this enthusiastic about everything?" He asked, containing his laughter.
Maanvi frowned, crossing her arms across her chest. "No, but I like stories." He smiled. "Wait, you mean all these things that you've just said was a lie?!"
"No." He smiled. "I mean, it's true that people do believe in these tales and as much as I love these stories as well, I have to say I don't believe in this one. I mean, some force saved the Island from disappearing? I don't think so. And besides, maybe it was global warming that helped the Island, and then some people decided to live there and others followed. I mean come on, who hasn't heard about the American West and the movement?"
Maanvi shook her head in dismay. "Maybe because your story is boring? I mean come on Virat, when people want to hear a story; they want something shocking, something completely awesome, and something out of this world!" She became excited, using her hands to express her feelings. Virat looked at her, smiling at her enthusiasm. "And who knows maybe it is true?"
"That someone can see the future of something or someone? Sure!" He rolled his eyes and shook his head.
"Well I think it's true." She crossed her arm tight becoming stubborn.
"It's not." He replied, looking away and shaking his head again.
"It is!"
Virat turned around to face Maanvi, looking straight into her eyes. "It's not!"
She took her arms across her chest and placed them down. "It's is!"
"Maanvi, I told you it's not!" He moved closer towards her, not looking away from her.
She copied him, anger resonated on her face. "Virat, I told you it is!"
They were only an inch apart both breathing deeply from their anger. Both of them became engrossed in each other, completely forgetting for a second what they were arguing about. Their faces eased, once again becoming peaceful as soon as they were in each other's company. Whenever they have argued, they would always seem to forget it the next second. It was as if they couldn't bear to be angry with the other, and always seemed to forget about it soon after. Suddenly, the car stopped, forcing Maanvi to fall into Virat's arms. He held her tight, protecting her. She smiled, even though she hurt herself a little from the fall, she just felt peaceful in his arms. It was as if he was her shield and he would always protect her, forever.
"Sir. M'am. We're here." The driver spoke, glancing at the couple through the rear mirror. Virat nodded as he took Maanvi's hand into his and got out of the car.
It was even darker, the moon now shimmering in the night sky. It was the middle of May and though it was not exactly summer, the days were hot and sunny whilst the night remained cold. As Maanvi shivered, Virat took off his jacket and placed it over Maanvi's bare arms. She smiled at him as he smiled back, still holding hands.
"Welcome Sir! I'm Raj." A young man walked towards them, dressed in a white uniform. He smiled, shaking the hands of Virat whilst greeting Maanvi. "It's an honour to be the one to take you to Chandia." He spoke energetically. "As soon as Swaminiji called me that both of you are going to be on this ship, I instantly went and got everything ready. I couldn't see the coronation happen earlier today but I must have done something right that I'm now in the presence of both of you, seriously… I'm so happy!"
Virat smiled nodding. "I think I should be glad to have such a caring person to take us to Chandia." The man glistened in delight. "Anyway, when do we leave?"
"Just in a few minutes, I'll take you up onto the ship deck. Not many people are there as Swaminiji specifically told me to keep the media out." Raj said as Virat and Maanvi followed him upstairs.
Raj was right; there was of course no one on the deck apart from two or three people who were minding their own business. There was a dark wooden floor spread across the deck whilst bars and food and drinks stand was placed on the edge. Below the deck, were small rooms for the passengers, compact yet still very much homely. Virat sat down on the chair that was placed on the side of the deck, looking down at the ravishing ocean. He smiled, looking around the ship. It wasn't the first time he had been on this very same ship, this was the only ship he used to travel to Chandia and if needed, other countries. In fact, this ship nicknamed "Vadhera Voyage" was one of Virat's favourite places. He was the one who had spent weeks and months designing and renovating the compartments and entertainment facilities.
"Madam, did you know that it was Virat Sir that designed this whole ship?" Raj asked as Maanvi looked at Virat in eager.
"Really?" She asked, her lips indenting into a wide smile.
"Yes. Before the renovation, this ship was completely dull but now it's like a new life had been breathed in." He smiled looking around. "Anyway, I'll leave. Please enjoy your journey and do let us know if you need anything." Maanvi nodded as Raj left.
She smiled, turning around to face Virat and sat besides him. She placed her hand over his knee and looked up at him. "You know Virat, when I first came into this house and Jeevika Di gave me a small tour, she told me that you were the one that designed your room and you know what, I couldn't believe it. The colours, the style, the design, it was perfect – I didn't even know that you liked designing that much."
He turned around to face her, his eyes twinkling. He smiled, taking her hands off his knees and placing them into his own hands. "I guess I've always liked doing things like that but I haven't since you know… Maya." He sighed and looked back at Maanvi who showed a sense of empathy on her face. "I guess when I left for London, I haven't had the time to do any designing of sorts and then when we broke up, I was just messed up that I didn't feel like going back."
"Why don't you do designing now? I mean, everything is fine and now I'm with you so why don't you do the thing you love?" She asked.
Virat shook his head. "I don't know." He sighed. "I guess I just don't have the confidence in doing this. And besides, you've only just become a Duchess, you need my help."
"Virat." She looked into his eyes. "Weren't you the one who told me that I can do things no matter what? When I was nervous about becoming a Duchess, something I've never even dreamt about before, you were the one that told me I can do it. And now look, I'm here and I feel so good about it. And you know why? Because of you." He looked at her. "It's because of you that I have this immense courage in becoming a Duchess and I know I can do it. And I want you to go and do the thing you love, designing."
He smiled. "Okay, only on one condition though."
"What?"
"The first thing I design has to be our Pari's room." He grinned, making Maanvi blush. She remembered their conversation earlier and nodded slowly before hugging Virat.
"I accept that." She blushed, laughing.
The ship began to move a little as the tides splashed across the side of the ship. Virat placed his arm over Maanvi's shoulder as they looked up at the starry night. There were numerous stars simply shining across the dark blue night sky. Suddenly, a shooting star emerged passed as both of them glanced at each other. It is thought that when someone made a wish upon a shooting star, it would come true.
"Look a shooting star." Maanvi whispered. "Let's make a wish." She closed her eyes and placed her hands together, wishing hard. Virat did the same, closing his eyes and thinking of what to wish for.
"Dear shooting star, I've never asked for anything big but this time I am so please, please make sure this comes true, okay? I wish that when Virat is faced with a difficult situation, he always takes the right decision, regardless of the situation." Maanvi thought before opening her eyes and glanced at her husband who was still wishing.
"Dear shooting star, I don't know whether what you do is real or not but Maanvi believes in you so for her sake I want to make a wish. This wish is also for her so please for her sake, make sure this comes true, okay? I wish nothing bad ever happens to Maanvi and please give me the strength to protect her at any cost." He opened his eyes to see Maanvi looking at him. He smiled. "What did you ask for?" He asked.
"I can't tell you."
"Why not?" He frowned. "I'll tell you what I wished for –"
"No!" She interrupted him, causing him to be slightly startled. "I mean, if you tell me or I tell you then how will the wish come true? And besides, I won't tell you anything because I want my wish to come true."
"Oh really? Then in that case, I won't say anything as I want my wish to come true as well."
Maanvi smiled, breathing in the fresh air. "You know, I absolutely love the sea. Sometimes I feel like just jumping into the water and just swim away. I feel just so free then. When I was younger, I would always be around Shiv's house because he lived near the samandar. If I wasn't at home, then I was always there, near the water. Once Ma used to joke around saying if I stay in the water too long, then I would surely turn into a fish." Virat laughed lightly. "But I didn't believe her, and nor did I get scared because the sea is my one true love."
Virat faked a gasp. "And me?"
"Mm…" She thought hard. "You're second - No." She corrected herself. "You're third, after Shiv of course. My best friend has a higher position than you."
Virat pretended to roll his eyes. "Oh really? Then I'm sure I can change your mind right now." He went closer to her, placing his lips near her neck and kissing her softly. Maanvi blushed, a slight tingle sensation went down her spine as he leaned towards her. She pulled away from him, smiling, biting her lip from all the blushing.
"Please, Virat. In public?" She shook her head, pretending to be displeased with him.
A smirk played on his lips as he stood up and walked towards her. "Hey, at least that poor Tarun isn't here. I'm pretty sure, next time he sees us alone together he'll surely get a heart attack." They laughed before Virat held Maanvi's hand and told her to walk with him. "I need to show you something." He took her towards the edge of the ship, on a raised platform where it was easier to see the sea and the background. Maanvi smiled, her heart accelerating as she felt Virat hold onto her hand tight.
"It's beautiful." She whispered, taking in the beautiful scenery. She could still see a little part of Chandrilasia but they were so far that it seemed smaller by the minute. There was nothing but deep blue waters beneath them and the dark blue, sparkling night sky. A cold breeze brushed past them leaving Maanvi's hair to brush past Virat's face. He placed his fingers through her soft brown hair, pushing the strands behind her ear whilst hugging her from behind. He placed his hand over her small waist as both of them looked over at the horizon. She smiled, arching her head back on this shoulder. "You know, this reminds me of Titanic. Us like this, looking at the sea."
"So that would make me Jack and you Rose, huh?"
"Absolutely. You know, I've always had a crush on Leonardo DiCaprio." Virat pulled a face at her words. "But now, I don't. Because I have my own Prince Charming and my own Jack and I'm content with that." She turned slightly, her body still in the same position. She watched his lips smile before he leaned towards her and held her tighter. She turned again slightly to make herself comfortable and looked into his eyes. He used one hand to brush her hair back whilst the other on her waist. Maanvi bit her lip as Virat leaned forward and kissed her. Their soft kiss became even more passionate as they become completely engrossed in each other, completely forgetting where they were for a second. After what seemed like a long minute, they pulled away, trying to control their breathing.
"Wow…" Virat whispered, trying to regain his composure. "I love you." He spoke, sending shivers down her spine.
She smiled, her chest breathing heavily before she moved closer to him. "I…" She stopped, suddenly feeling a rush of adrenaline flow quickly through her body. She began to feel uneasy, her chest feeling heavy. She placed her hand over her mouth, suddenly having the urge to vomit. Her body felt warm as if she was going to be sick any moment. With no other place to go, Maanvi turned around and vomited from the edge of the ship, onto the sea. Virat, in concern, rubbed her back as she gagged, trying to ease her. A moment passed and Maanvi felt like she was better. She sighed, wiping the remaining pieces of vomit from her mouth and rubbed her neck. She did not feel well. Maanvi breathed in the fresh air, trying to ease herself as Virat helped her down the platform. He sat her down on the chair and rushed to get her some water.
"Are you okay?" He asked once Maanvi had drunk the full glass.
She nodded slowly. "I'm sorry, I don't know what happened. I felt a little sick before when we got on but didn't think of anything until we were near the edge. I'm sorry." She looked up at him with a sad expression on her face.
He smiled and shook his head. "No, don't worry about it. Just make sure you're fine first okay? You must be seasick, that's why you were sick when we were near the edge. And I'm pretty sure the rocking of this ship didn't help. It's okay, most people feel sick when they're on a ship for the first time, I mean I was too!"
"Really?" She smiled, feeling a lot better.
"Yes. It was really embarrassing. I didn't know what was happening and I ended up vomiting over Dadaji's favourite suit." She laughed slightly. "Yeah it was not a good moment for me." Maanvi smiled. "Just keep drinking water and sit down, we'll be in Chandia in a few minutes anyway."
Maanvi nodded, thankful that she had such a caring husband. She was beginning to feel nervous about visiting a new place but was excited nevertheless. She looked at him whilst he rubbed her back, trying to ease her. "I love you, Virat."
Book Talk
Cricket
