I woke early today. Too early. It was 5 minutes before sunrise, slowly the first rays of sun were appearing in the horizon ... It was a breath taking site... This was the last site she saw...last sunrise..
Today I am having a different feeling. Something I have felt a very long time back...something which she made me feel.
But I knew there is no hope for me. I went back to my room. I went with the daily routine...In this house besides me only my grandmother lived. After getting ready for work I went down.
I left early at 7: am though I always leave at 8: am. I went down and all the servants who were cleaning and doing other chores were looking at me astonished. Never before have I ever changed my routine and now today. I even don't know the answer to this. One of the servants came forward, he was one of my most trusted one.
S: Sir, would you like some breakfast?
I denied that. I did not felt like eating. There was some restlessness going on in my mind. At this time I wanted to go away from here. I needed peace to think clearly.
I went out of the house and the driver was already there. But I wanted to be alone. I took the keys and drove away. I went to the meadow. Even this place had connections to her. Now that I wonder almost everything in my life is connected to her. She was everything to me. Now I know the meaning of what people use to say....'you don't appreciate the people who are close to you at the time...But when they go away you realise their importance'. That's what happened with me I never really gave her that importance.
I was looking around the meadow...so peaceful...only there was sound of running water...the force of wind making the leaves to rustle and move . I sat on the bench...our bench. I sat down and now I just could not control the flooding memories that overcame me.
**********
The time where I and she lived was very different. It was a thousand years ago. It was the time of castles, kingdoms, kings and queens and also magic. My family was royal. We were the rulers of our kingdom. I was prince and the only heir of the throne. My parents were not alive they had been murdered by a rival kingdom. My grandmother was the only one there for me. She bought me and raised me. She was the most important person to in this world. I had never denied her.
I am Prince Maan Singh Khurrana. I am heir to this kingdom and to the throne. My life revolves around my subjects, kingdom and my beloved Grandma.
My great-grand father had kept my name. He was an early ruler of this kingdom. My great-grand father was very inspired of Indian culture. He wanted his son (my father) first born to be named Maan which means pride. He wanted to be proud of his great-grand son and indeed I have fulfilled his wish.
***********
A few days had passed and Grandma looks like she is worried sick about something. At times she seems lost. I am a little worried about her. Her health is a weak.
Today I was busy in practicing my horse riding and a messenger came and told me to visit Grandma's room immediately. I thought maybe something was wrong. I rushed to her room and saw her calmly sitting on the swing in the balcony. Her name is Savitri Khurana. She has always believed in astrology and philosophy as long as I have known her. She was an elegant lady in her mid-sixties. She was a very strong lady and also intelligent. When I looked at her I knew that she had something in her mind. Something important. The look on her face was hard to miss. I went to her...
M: Good morning. You had called me?
G: Good morning and yes I have called you. I t is very important and I hope you don't deny me.
M: Have I ever...
G: I know that. But Maan this is very important.
M: yes Grandma I am listening.
G: You are going to marry soon. I have selected a girl her name is Geetangile. She is from the neighbouring kingdom. You do know them and Maan I don't expect a no as an answer.
Grandma had said this all so strictly that I didn't get a chance to deny.
M: Grandma what are you saying? How can you expect me to marry someone just like that?
G: Maan I know the girl and that's all you need to know. And Maan now it's also your age to marry. Then when will you marry??? Tell me the exact...age (said a little smugly)
M: But at least I should get to know her. I mean... We should know each other-
Grandma cut him off
G: You will have a lot of time after marriage.
M: But-
G: That's it!!! You are going to marry her and that's final!!!!...
I had never denied her and how could I now. But I knew that I had to do something. I knew the neighboring kingdom. They were the Handa's. I have met their son Aryan. He is one of my friends. I have been to their palace but I have never heard of princess Geetangile. Well I do remember that there was one princess, people there called her...umm what was her name? ...I t was something Aphara...or something else. But I have never heard of princess Geetangile.
Maybe she was somewhere in the palace and I did not notice. Any ways I'll see tomorrow what happens. Grand ma said that her family is coming so let's see this girl.
**************
The next day the preparations were on a full swing in Khurana palace. Every servant was busy in one task or another to welcome the Handa's. I was in my room and that annoying dress designer was eating my head. He was dancing around in my room. With all kinds of dresses and it was annoying the hell out of me.
D: oh Prince Maan try this...no no try this...wait, wait try this...
Okay now I thought that one more minute of this guy and I won't wait a second to take out my sword and use it. Thankfully Grandma came and saved me from this mental case.
G: Maan you are not ready yet?
M: Grandma where did you get this mental case?
Grandma looked at the designer and saw him still busy with the dresses. He had not noticed Grandma yet and he was talking to himself. Grandma left while giving me a helpless look.
D: oh Oh...how about this? No, no this will not do...Oh wait how about this. I love this colour...But wait the style is old-
Maan cut him off
M: Just pick something already!!!!!!! For a long time I have been hearing your nonsense and now if you said a word I will not waste a minute to cut your head off!!!!
D: but prince Maan...you don't understand...You have to look perfect...you are going to meet Princess Geetangile... She is the most beautiful woman on this planet...
I thought about what he said and was amazed that he knew this much about my to-be-wife.
M: well I think I can manage to look perfect.
**************
It was time for the Handa's to come. They made a royal entrance. I was in my room's balcony. It gave me the advantage to see the front of palace. I was intently looking for that girl that everyone talks about. The first one to get off the carriage was King Mohinder Handa. He was the king of his kingdom. Then next was his wife Queen Minerva. The next was Prince Aryan. And then...wait that's it where is Princess Geetangile. Wait, she didn't come. But why?
A while later I moved to the main room of the palace. Everyone was seated there. Mohinder, Minerva, Aryan and Grandma. I greeted everyone. We talked a little about our kingdoms and their trades. I was felling bored between the elders so I decided to talk to Aryan. We have been friends for a long time and we meeting after 5 years. We went to the garden to talk.
A: well Maan it's been a long time.
M: it has.
A: I cannot believe that you out of all the people said yes to marriage. You were never interested in such stuff
M: I am not interested even now. It's just that Grandma wanted me to get married. And besides I was never given an option.
A: well the same is for Aphrodite. Well not exactly. Father's greatest wish was to see her walking down the aisle. You know he wanted to see her as a bride.
M: Who are you talking about? And where did this Aphrodite came in?
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Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi 2
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