OSR SAMYUKTA PART 22 - Veer confronts Shera
Dharam wins the war and the Gadhwar and Chatarpur soldiers retreat back to their kingdoms. However, Dharam is not successful at implicating Jaivardhan or Agni as the Gadhwar Commander is bribed and tortured by Jaivardhan's aide Dhananjeya beforehand.
Veer is nursed and taken care of by Sakshi and Pari and regains his consciousness. Dhruv joins them to ensure that the family are fine and assures a conscious Veer that Dharam won the war and everyone in Aryanagar is safe. Shera arrives to make sure that Veer was all right
Aryanagar, the capital - Pari and Sakshi's dwelling
Not wanting to cause an unnecessary commotion in front of the family, Veer forces a false smile at her in reply and then looks away, unable to withstand her demeanour.
Watching their entertaining exchanges, Sakshi interrupts them by enquiring hesitantly "Shera... Rajkumar Veer... do you both know each other?"
Both, the spirited girl and the annoyed prince immediately respond to her question with a firm negative shake of their head, amusing the onlookers even more.
Eventually; smiling to herself at Veer's actions, Shera then turns to Sakshi and continues "Sorry didi...I think I have disturbed all of you... I didn't mean to interrupt your conversations... like everyone else, I just came to know that you have been taking care of the prince for the past couple of days... hence, I came to check if you needed anything...I was going to the bazaar to buy some groceries..."
Nodding at her helpful gesture appreciatively, Pari answers "No thank you Shera... it is all right dear... we don't need anything... at least, not for now..."
Smiling at the woman to concur with her reply; Shera mulls on taking leave from everyone and decides to step out of the hut. However; following the faint rhythmic scores of band and fanfare beginning to be heard from the other end of the narrow street, the curious family hastily peep out through the windows of their hut. They catch sight of the organized marching in and lining up of retinues of soldiers in the lane leading towards their dwelling. Indicative of the grand arrival of a member of the royal family; confused yet awed spectators kept in check by royal sentinel on both sides of the rustic streets, strive to watch the rare occurrence of a royal procession in their midst. While few admirers sing odes to the two heroic princes who saved Aryanagar, other grateful subjects join in uttering the victorious and celebratory cries made by the official announcers.
Catching sight of the prince lying on a makeshift bed on the floor; they offer him a quick bow. Briefly nodding to accept their salutations, Veer questions them inquisitively "Did Dharam send you? Where is he?"
One of the soldiers speaks up in a low tone to answer the prince's questions "Forgive our intrusion Rajkumar Veer...but, Rajkumar Dharam did not send us... in fact, he is just on his way....we were only hoping to complete a few necessary formalities with this family, prior to that..." as the remaining members, become increasingly perplexed, the soldiers reveal the cause of their presence "We had to check if this family had heard anything about the revolts… if they had any knowledge of any of the revolutionaries and if so, we would have to take them in for questioning..."
Listening to their revelations and realizing the possibility that her family could be summoned for questioning; Pari becomes profusely worried for the safety of Sakshi, Dhruv and the orphanage. Fearful of the soldiers, Pari attempts to conceal the anxiety in her eyes by turning to her calmer daughter for assurance, who in turn looks to Veer for support; all of which the silent watchful Shera notices immediately.
Gauging the mental apprehensions of the family and the precarious situation they were in, Veer quickly reacts to distract the soldiers "What made you both think so? This family have braved revolutionaries... they risked their life to save me... they paid the Vaidyaji, fed me and took care of me; me - an Aryavrat…they have absolutely no idea about any revolt or any revolutionaries... I don't want anyone troubling any member of this family about anything again, or they would have to face me!"
Abashed by his warning, the soldiers apologize meekly "I apologize Your Highness, we were just following our orders and the official decree..." they then pause to reassure the stern Veer "No one shall trouble this family again, Rajkumar..."
While the two guards make a quick bow and scamper out of the hut in order to ensure that they did not incur the further wrath of the young prince, Shera doesn't fail to notice hints of relief on the various faces around her.
Reflecting on everything that transpired around her within the short while, the surprised girl thinks to herself "Revolutionaries? Strange! Sakshi didi and Maaji have been very fidgety ever since the soldiers came and ever since the word 'revolutionaries' has been mentioned. Do they know or have something to do with them? Dhruv ji has also been acting secretively ever since the guards arrived... additionally, it almost seemed like Rajkumar Veer was shielding all of them from the soldiers... hmmm... this family is definitely hiding something and it appears like Rajkumar Veer is probably aware of it..."
Ultimately; as the sonance of the drums, trumpets and announcements grow louder and louder, the pre-occupied Shera snaps out of her thoughts and speaks up mildly in order to take leave before the entry of Rajkumar Dharam "Sakshi didi...Maaji..." she pauses to look at the rigid prince "Rajkumar Veer... I apologize... but I will have to leave now... I have many other chores to attend to..."
Acknowledging the cordial nod of approval from everyone in the devoted family and the cold stares from the prince, the nimble girl bids everyone a farewell and hastily dashes out of the hut into the crowd and hubbub in the streets.
The passage of a brief period of time sees the eventual advent of the proud Dharam; standing at the entrance of the hut, flanked by the curious Bhalla and a few soldiers. Swiftly examining the affable faces of the vaguely familiar dwellers; the fervent Dharam notices the welcome face of his brother beaming widely in response, from his place of rest. Ordering his soldiers to remain outside, Dharam enters the coy home along with the enthusiastic Bhalla. Ambiguously recollecting Sakshi's and Pari's faces from the incident at the prayer festival in the palace; Dharam gently folds his palms at them, as a mark of gratitude. As the gracious mother and daughter smile formally in order to welcome him to their abode, the overjoyed prince wastes no time and then rushes to sit on the floor beside Veer, loyally followed by the quiet Bhalla.
Glancing at the scratches and wounds on his companions' faces and hands, Veer replies cynically to distract Dharam's fretful complaints "Yes I was busy Dharam... but, look at the two of you...you almost look like warriors now... so you both managed to carry out a lot of stunts on the battleground, without my help…" he indicates towards the plump boy teasingly "Especially Bhalla…"
Pointing towards the massive dressed wound on Veer, Dharam retorts "Then what about you Rajkumar Veer... carrying your first war wounds too...and showing off like a lofty fighter..."
As the excited royals quickly move on to update each other on their war adventures, Veer feels a wave of euphoria overtake him, on coming to know of Dharam's victory at the battlefield and clenches his fist to admit to him "I don't know what to say Dharam... your success... the name you have achieved... I am inundated with pride to know that my brother..."
Patting him on his hand, Dharam interrupts Veer "Shush Veer... you were the reason for the victory behind Aryanagar... everyone is singing 'our' praises not my praise... we all just want you to get well soon Veer..." he pauses "Anyway, bua…ma…pitaji everyone is very eager to meet you…shall we leave now?"
While the sympathetic Dharam and Bhalla turn to face the woman, Veer becomes extremely touched and replies in a choked voice "How could you say that Maaji..." pausing for a second to muse on the fact that he had actually referred to the lady as 'mother', he subdues his thoughts and continues "Maaji...I wouldn't even be alive if it were not for you...your care... your food...everything was full of love..." he pauses with a naughty smile in order to put her simple mind at ease "In fact, selfishly; I am going to come here at least once every month to eat at your place... and this is a promise... beware... I never go back on my word…I shall be back here next month again..."
Giggling at his frolicsome temperament, Pari answers "Next month? Rajkumar...next month is my daughter's wedding..." looking at Sakshi, she becomes lost in the soothing fantasy of the imminent celebration "The Pandit had mentioned that next month would be very auspicious for them... so the decision was taken to hold Sakshi and Dhruv's..."
Abruptly grasping the fact that Rajkumar Dharam and the prince's friend were also present as audience; she stops her statements, wondering if she had committed a blunder by having mentioned too much.
Interrupting her dilemma, Dhruv steps forward to reveal himself from the inconspicuous spot in the corner "It is all right maaji...they know me..."
Watching Dhruv emerge from the obscure part of the residence to take his place beside the young Sakshi, Dharam and Bhalla stare at each other astounded and then again at the couple.
They begin to recollect Dhruv's disclosures from their past meeting at Sawai, "I am not married… my family are my children… children who have been orphaned, as their parents were either imprisoned or killed…and I changed when I fell in love…when I realized her sufferings…an admirable Shramik girl…Sakshi…"
Glancing at the hesitant expressions on Sakshi's and Pari's faces, Dhruv replies with an unpretentious grin "Oh...it is just a very small and hush affair taking place at Sawai, Rajkumar..."
Apprehending that they wanted to attract minimal Aryavrat attention towards the orphanage, Veer assures them "Oh... don't worry... we understand..."
Observing Veer's reaction; Dharam slowly recalls Dhruv's confessions about his mission and the orphanage and then commences to advice them "Now that the war has been over... we are looking to prove the cruelties in the kingdom, just as you had pointed out …it would not be right for you to carry out a concealed operation like this in Aryanagar ... please let me take these points of yours in front of the assembly and the nobles… I will ensure your orphanage gets recognized as a legal institution…if you are doing a good deed why hide it…we will make the assembly understand…"
Suddenly perceiving how much Sakshi and her mother would cherish Veer's presence at the wedding, Dhruv persists again "In fact we would be thoroughly ecstatic if yourself, Rajkumar Veer and your friend attended our wedding..."
Desperately trying to muffle the enthusiasm in her voice, Sakshi adds "Yes Rajkumar... our acquaintance is a lovely co-incidence... we would now be very disappointed if the three of you didn't attend the ceremony..."
Responding with affirmative nods and positive smiles to accept the courteous invitation from the family; the three royals observe, as Dhruv dutifully bows to them in order to take their farewell. Following this gesture; he turns to his lady love and then pats her gently on her hand. Silenced by the presence of onlookers; he communicates numerous reassuring expressions of love to her, through his deep eyes. After a while, he moves over to Pari and touches the gladdened mother's feet to offer his respects. Eyeing the crowd for a final time, the admirable man stealthily leaves the hut through the back.
After Dhruv exits the residence, Dharam stands up to tender his parting address "You have done so much for us... if you would need anything... any help at all in future...please don't hesitate to just step into the palace and ask for us..."
Following Dharam's commands; the soldiers respond by striding into the home and taking their places beside the ailing prince. In spite of looking forward to the impending rejoinder with his family; Veer finds himself strangely silent, contrary to his other two lively companions. Facing a medley of troubling thoughts; Veer feels very guilty about leaving behind the affectionate Shramik family to return to his comforts at the palace.
Oblivious to Veer's dilemmas or the family's heartbreak; Dharam and Bhalla supervise the soldiers to ensure that Veer was carefully and comfortably hauled towards the chariot that was stationed on the streets. Beaming appreciatively at Sakshi and Pari for a final instance; Dharam and Bhalla eventually take leave of the humble household, followed closely by Veer's retinue.
Aryanagar, the capital – Streets on the way to the palace
Amongst throngs of thrilled subjects singing and cavorting to celebrate the presence of royal company treading through their streets; the stately carriage housing the young monarchs, advances slowly yet steadily. Comfortingly upheld by his brother; Veer watches in amusement as the common people of Aryanagar accompanied the royal chariot, extolling their princes highly in light of their recent victory in the war.
Repeatedly staring at each other with masked pride; Dharam and Veer grasp the sudden positive surge that their citizens seemed to feel towards the princes, due to newfound hope for a better future. Turning to the enthralled crowds, the princes flash modest smiles at the bystanders, while Bhalla takes entire advantage of the grand opportunity to beam and wave out excitedly to the audience.
While the chariot continues to move at a slow pace through waves of gatherers; Veer's elation at the colourful sights around him slowly fades, as he catches the disquieting sight of a familiar face prancing her way through the crowds, not very far away. Unmindful of the unwanted attention it might raise, the explosive Veer speaks out aloud in order to catch her attention "So you here are...again.."
Briefly alarmed by the loud voice resonating from behind her, she turns around to notice the scornful Veer glaring at her and stammers in hesitation "Rajkumar Veer... I... I..."
Weary of her common ineffectual excuses, Veer interrupts her abruptly "Since you seem to know them well, I did not want to disrespect that family by accusing you in front of them…but... I have been meaning to ask... how dare you come to meet me... you even have the audacity to walk about happily in public, after all that you have done..."
Conscious of their chariot coming to a slow standstill, the unwitting Dharam and Bhalla become shocked when they fathom that Veer was addressing someone in a harsh tone, audible above the uproars in the noisy streets. They bend over to find Veer bellowing out to a petite girl, sporting an unmoved yet grim expression on her fascinating visage. Suddenly recollecting how their past seemingly chirpy encounters with her had always ended in trouble for them due to her deadly dialogues and her sly ability to play people; Dharam and Bhalla remain silent, while Veer decides to prod on "Why did you do it? Why did you try to create troubles and misunderstandings for us, when we never hurt or harmed you in anyway?"
Beginning to feel humiliated in front of the smirking soldiers and prying onlookers, Shera replies "Rajkumar Veer... it was unintended... it was just harmless mischief...I am a prankster ...I apologise for my mistakes..."
Experiencing an increasingly piercing pain in his abdomen; Veer flinches and grabs Dharam's shoulder in an attempt to prop himself up, as he retorts "It was not just mischief or prank...it was more devious than that...a prank is when people would be able to laugh at the end of it...if people are going to get hurt, injured or have serious implications, it is not a prank...I never trusted you, ever since the first instance we met... and now you expect me to believe your statements! You act like an innocent girl, but you are capable of spreading poison...what would you know about responsibility... what would you know about seriousness in life? Your very presence here gives me doubts!" he pauses to continue in a low tone "In fact, it makes me feel irritated! I...I don't want to see you around the palace ever again!"
Realizing that everyone around was watching the spectacle, the noble Dharam interrupts Veer's abusive outpour "Veer forget about it... why unnecessarily create a scene in front of everyone and malign yourself... the soldiers are gaping at her in an inappropriate fashion... all this does not look pleasant... let us just forget about everything...promise me you wouldn't ever get into arguments, talk or associate with her again... promise me..."
Looking away angrily, Veer retorts "Why would I even want to ever associate myself with such a devious person again? Of course not..."
As Dharam pats his injured brother supportively and then orders the charioteer to resume their journey towards their home, the palace; Veer's crushing words resound ceaselessly in Shera's ears, while she tries to evade the disgusting glares hurled by passerbys in her direction.
Aryanagar, the palace
Amidst the hectic scenes of construction and restoration to the assembly tower, owing to its partial destruction by the revolutionaries; a modest welcome brigade of shimmering maids and soldiers await Veer's return in eager anticipation near the main august entrance of the palace. Surrounded by the cheerful faces of their chief maids; the ardent queens stand atop the marble steps decked in glistening royal finery, a contrasting gratifying sight to the pitiable state they were in, not so long ago.
Taking a sip of the hot of almond milk from the golden chalice, the apparently jittery Nivritti looks at Swathi with a forced smile "I am telling you didi…it is all right… it is perfect…I am sure Veer would love it…"
Breathing a sigh of relief; Swathi turns to her maids and hands the golden jug and chalice back to them, hoping the entourage of the Aryanagar princes would arrive soon.
After many impatient moments; the sounds of trumpets and drums finally follows a loud announcement by the royal announcers, marking the appearance of the princes at the gates, thus colossally delighting the royal mothers. No sooner than the gigantic gates of the palace are slowly prod opened, Nivritti runs down the marble steps and through the long open course along the sizable red carpet, heedless of the presence of the numerous palace maids and soldiers all around.
Reaching the chariot parked near the gates; the truth dawns upon her, as she hurtfully watches her son sporting torn blood-stained clothes, while his uncouth unshaven face cringes in pain when helped in his descent from the vehicle. Never used to seeing her charming vivacious son in such a sorry state; her eyes well up and she freezes in horror, until Veer manages to spot her through the crowds of soldiers and aides, helping him.
With the assistance of the guards, the enthusiastic Veer rapidly drags himself towards his mother and puts an arm on her shoulder to enquire in a surprised manner "Ma... its me... your Veer... why are you silent? What happened? I am here now..."
Snapping out of her painful trance; Nivritti wipes the tears from her eyes and staring at his deep gash, stutters sadly "V...Veer how are you feeling now?"
Momentarily guffawing at his mother's tears and turmoil, Veer replies casually "Ma... I am fine... I told you, didn't I... your son is a warrior..."
While the glorious Swathi joins the joyful princely reunion in exhilaration; Veer pauses to look around at his now lacklustre comprehensive palace grounds, congested with the presence of construction workers, maids, soldiers and gardeners, racing around to complete their duties. Just as his heavy-hearted mother and protective brother take over the responsibility from the aides to help Veer on his way back to the palace, the injured prince stares at the demolished parts of his home that again bring back haunting memories of his battle with the revolutionaries.
Feeling suffocated, Veer finally mentions in a low tone "Ma...Dharam... is...is...is my room destroyed too... I want to get back to my room..."
Palace of Aryanagar – Veer's chamber
Amused by how engrossed his aunt seemed in tending to the fussy whims and fancies of her ailing son resting on his lush couch; Dharam tip toes from behind and alarms her by suddenly putting his arms around her shoulders "Bua...what about me... you didn't enquire about me... not once...ever since Veer has arrived..."
Briefly mocking the pampered Veer; he then immediately seats himself beside his anxious aunt on the silk rug to show off his comparatively minor injuries with a frown "See... bua... I am also injured... I fought the whole battle all alone..." he sulks playfully "But, who cares for me these days..."
Her golden anklets softly jingling; the loving Swathi walks across the extravagant chamber, holding on to the chalice of hot almond milk she had specially prepared for the occasion and supports her son jovially "It's all right Dharam… I am here for you… so what if your bua has forgotten all about you, ever since her son arrived!" she looks at the chalice in her hand and continues "I had made Veer's favourite drink... hot almond milk …but now, you can have it!"
Widening his eyes at the newfound knowledge, Veer protests rapidly "Mami! Almond milk! I have not had almond milk prepared by you for so long..." as Dharam irritates his brother by nonchalantly taking the almond milk from the giggling Swathi, Veer desperately rebels "Mami no…please no don't hand it to Dharam…he doesn't even like almond milk…mami…I can't even run behind him now…"
In a rare fit of mischief; Dharam tries to sip on the drink, but is stopped by the firm pinch of his ears by Nivritti, who warns him friskily "Dharam… give it to Veer… don't trouble my poor son… he is not well… I shall get you another one…"
Wincing in pain; the vanquished Dharam hands his amused mother back the drink and whines "Bua… you are being partial to him…"
Laughing softly, Swathi takes the almond milk back from her son and sitting on the couch next to the elated Veer, helps the victorious prince sip it.
As the close-knit family spend many beautiful moments with each other, Nivritti savours the scenes with her sons unfolding in front of her and placing her hand on Dharam's shoulder chokes emotionally "I missed all this... all of this... Dharam faced the forces all alone…Veer the revolutionaries... and we were waiting in a cellar for someone to come and save us... someone to give us some good news… Dharam... Veer... if something had happened to you both…I don't know…what…"
Gulping down the delicious drink avidly, Veer smiles at his mother and speaks up to lighten her disposition "Ma nothing could have possibly happened to Dharam or to me... we have the good wishes of so many people who care for and love us… by the way ma…I found another family who love me just as much… they cared so much for me... night and day… If I am alive today, it is because they risked their life to rescue me from the war torn streets… they sacrificed food and money for my treatment, even though they were destitute... I want to help that family...ma, if there was one reason I didn't miss home, it was because of them"
Realizing that even though she should be feeling a sense of extreme gratitude towards that family, Nivritti experiences her gratitude being maligned by feelings of possessiveness towards her son.
Recalling his experiences with the family, Veer replies serenely "Two sweet ladies … Sakshi didi and her mother..." he pauses "I called her Maaji... I am not sure, but I think her name is Pari..."
Smiling formally at her son; Nivritti becomes lost in a reverie, as she abruptly remembers Pari to be the pleasant lady who had handed her the bamboo idol at the prayer festival and the lady she had met again at the Shramik temple. Distracted from her long state of absent-mindedness only after Swathi calls out to her, Nivritti eventually brushes off her fears to participate in the light chatter and the animated war updates by the princes, dotted with their prankish behaviour. After a long while of laughter and frolic, the queens decide to leave the brothers behind, in order to tend to other important duties at the palace for the day.
As the queens finally exit the room, Dharam carefully bends over and peeps at the door to ensure that they had absolute privacy, before whispering to Veer and Bhalla "Ma and bua have left..." he pauses "By the way, I have been dying to show you both something..."
Having remained silent in the presence of the queens all along, Bhalla hastily joins the curious Veer to investigate what his friend had to show. Surveying their eagerness; Dharam teases his two confederates by taking out a scroll from the folds of his cummerbund in a deliberately leisurely manner.
Gaping at how Dharam dangled the message in front of him, Veer conceives that his brother had no intention of handing over the message easily and warns him "Dharam... what is it... give it to us now... or I shall call ma and mami back..."
After a short while of humorous banter, Dharam hands over the message to the irked Veer. As soon as he receives the scroll, Veer unrolls it swiftly to observe that it was an enchantingly penned letter from Rajkumari Siya with a small velvet pouch folded within.
Looking up to smile at the suddenly conscious Dharam, Veer addresses Bhalla aloud "No wonder someone has been chirpier and more frolicsome than usual... Dharam and mischief? We should have guessed that something like this must have been the reason..."
In a bid to embarrass his brother; Veer begins to read the message loudly, resulting in a thoroughly entertained Bhalla and a confounded crimson-hued Dharam.
Rajkumar Veer,
Hope this message finds you, your brother Rajkumar Dharam and friend Balaram ji well. Since your noble brother does not seem to scribe his own messages, I wondered if he read his own too. Hence; please excuse my discourtesy at having kindly addressed the letter to you instead, in hope that you might read it out to him!
Putting the message down, the surprised Veer looks at the awestruck Bhalla and then peers at Dharam to question him softly "How did she know that I wrote the message Dharam?"
Shrugging his shoulders, Dharam lets out a sigh and then mumbles naughtily "She probably guessed from the messy scroll... the handwriting..."
Raising his eyebrows in false anger, the baffled Veer stares at the laughing duo and then to have his share of revenge, continues to read the remainder of the scroll, even louder than before.
My prayers will be answered and I am confident that victory would be on your side in the war. I write to inform you of pleasant tidings that I have cancelled my engagement to the prince of Chatarpur. I now have my mind, my heart and my priorities very clear and they all lie with the fate and decisions of Aryanagar's first-born prince.
Pausing his narrative-style reading of the scroll; Veer winks at Bhalla and then the two boys turn to glance at Dharam, who desperately tries to conceal his blush and looks away to evade their teasing gapes at him. Silently ecstatic for his brother, Veer smiles to himself and then resumes his rendering of the message.
It is true that my mother still disapproves of my actions and avoids any confrontations with me. In fact, she has even planned to do the Sankasthi fast, coming Chaturthi at the Gomathi Pashupathi temple; in the hope that the Lord would perform a miracle and change my mind. I sincerely pray that this unrelenting stance of hers would change soon.
Any how, I devoutly appealed for God to forbid the possibility; but in case any of you suffered any injuries at the war, I have enclosed in the velvet pouch, a few specially procured herbs that are known to aid speedy recovery of wounds and injuries.
Feeling the dried herbs in the small pouch, Veer smiles dotingly and then reads on.
The large silk bag contains Prasad for all three of you, an offering as part of my prayers for Aryanagar's victory in the war.
Convey my regards to Balaram ji. I wish you health and success, Rajkumar Veer.
I sincerely request you to pass on the message to your brother that I will in all earnest, be awaiting a personal message from the prince himself, in future.
Kindest regards
Rajkumari Siya
Overjoyed for the good fortune that seemed to be surrounding his brother, Veer concludes in a light-hearted tone "Dharam... that one letter has worked wonders... she has now become like a warrior princess... she broke her own engagement... now she is undertaking the difficult task of convincing her mother..." shrugging his shoulders, he continues casually "By the way, it seems like you would have to write your own letters in future Dharam... not my orders...someone else's..."
As Dharam is about to reply to Veer's statements, Bhalla interrupts their conversations boldly "She has stated that there was a large bag full of Prasad for the three of us… where is it?"
Sporting a guilty look; Dharam hands Veer and Bhalla a few leftover crumbs of Prasad from a large empty silk bag. Watching their puzzled expressions, Dharam mumbles in a feeble attempt to justify himself "I was becoming insane for the past two days… there was absolutely no news of Veer or his wellbeing…hence, when I received this letter, it was the only thing that kept me company…I had no other choice... I used to eat a few morsels of the Prasad and then read her letter over and over again…hence, in the end I was only able to save some bits for you…"
Hitting his brother with the scroll, Veer reprimands Dharam "Dharam, I never thought that you would lack in manners and ethics… you read other's letters… eat other's Prasad..." pointing to the scroll, he announces sternly "This letter has been addressed to me…it's mine now…hence…I shall keep it safely…" housing a dreamy gaze, Veer enacts "As it is, I don't remember the last time when someone sent me a letter..."
Snatching the letter back from Veer; the provoked Dharam becomes annoyed and replies "Well... no... the message in it is for me... so this letter shall remain safe with me... anyway, you can't chase me down the hallways now so, I will just leave..."
Zealously finishing off the crumbs of Prasad in his hand, Bhalla instigates Veer "He has hardly begun communicating with her yet and he is already prepared to avoid us... after everything we have done for him…is he not being ungrateful Veer?"
Nodding his head affirmatively, the playful Veer supports his friend "I know Bhalla… he has had everything laid out for him on a silver platter and yet he chooses to shun us. With my help, the revolts were thwarted and he won the war too…you helped him take care of the Chatarpur regiments…at Niphaud, the unfortunate Rajkumari Siya was forced to break her engagement off by herself and is now facing her mother's wrath all alone..."
Folding his hands in anger, Dharam adds "Oh yes… and all the while I have been sleeping in my chamber…" observing the royals teaming up to snigger at him, Dharam admonishes them irately "Veer…Bhalla now both of you remain quiet or I will...I will..."
Irritated by their unstoppable laughter, Dharam goes near Veer and ruffles his hair into a mess, aware that it would aggravate him immensely. As Veer tries to lunge forward to take his revenge, he feels a gnawing pain and instantly stops to hold his torso.
Watching his debilitated brother; the smile wanes away from Dharam's visage, as he gradually sits beside him to advice him calmly "Veer be careful..." he pauses sadly "You would never understand... but my biggest relief and happiness was only when I found you safe and sound…" looking at Veer's understanding glances, Dharam informs him gloomily "Amidst all this fun and frolic, I forgot to inform you Veer...but, I was not successful in dealing with Jai chacha and Agni... I was not able to implicate them with anything... the Gadhwar Commander-in-chief lied to save his skin... "
Noticing the worry shrouding Dharam's face, Veer places his hand on his shoulder to reassure him "Dharam... there is nothing surprising about it…don't worry…now that I am here, we shall make life difficult for them… people have started trusting us and taking us seriously...we shall start interfering with Jai mama and Agni's internal affairs …we shall cramp their sources of revenue…and then let us see how they carry out their bribes and corrupt dealings…"
Listening to Veer's words; Dharam looks at Bhalla and then back at the determinate Veer, breaking out into a gradual lop sided smile, as he feels reinsured. The resolute princes exchange cynical grins, mentally charting shrewd plans and subtly deceptive schemes driven by the thirst to avenge the evil pair, by bringing them to justice.
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