Chapter 2Moving from one toe to another, Maharaj Natraj agitatedly knocked on the jewelled elegant chamber door. Upon hearing no reply from inside, he moderately turned the handle and crept inside. Sensing some movement behind her, Sia angrily warned "Leave my room now, or I will tell Maharaj to behead all of you!"
Stopping in midway, a smile lingered across his lips and therefore he replied in the sound of a maid. "But Rajkumari Sia, I have brought some food for you.."
Recognizing the voice, she sat up and turned to see her father standing in the doorway. Showing the angry attitude, she didn't offer to invite him inside but he ignored such arrogance and walked in himself. Seating himself near her, he placed the platter on the bed.
"Father, I am not hungry," said Sia pushing the plate away towards the Maharaj. "Why would I even need to eat after such betrayal by my in-laws?" And she stood up and faced the window, watching the scenery set under the twilight.
Apprehending the sadness in her voice, he came upon a proposal just to make her happy. "Sia, if you eat the entire meal today, I will arrange a palanquin for you and it will take you to Rajkumar Dharam and Veer's Gurukul.."
Shaking her head slightly, she whispered. "But Rajkumar Dharam doesn't want to see me, he displeases me.." And she drooped her head low close to tears. Maharaj Natraj stepped forward and reassuringly said "I am sure he was bound under a decision, but you can please him by seeing him and so it will brighten up the day.." And he gave her a little pat on the shoulder.
Acknowledging in approval, she melodiously replied. "Maybe I should go, Father. I can sense that Dharam is bound under the Maharaj's silly decision.."
Looking amused and delighted by her decision, the Maharaj said "You can't go..yet.. the meal is untouched.."
Grinning happily, she picked up the spoon and fed herself; yet unable to wait for tomorrow's special event of her life which would last with her as a memory till the wedding day..
After hearing the loud ear piercing scream, Dharam knew something was wrong. Without waiting another second, he raced up the stairs to Veer's chamber praying that he would be alright. Stopping in distress, he watched someone already rush inside his room.
Following his aunt, he too ran inside and found Veer on the ground holding his ankle while tears of pain were running down his agonizing and scarlet cheeks. There beside him bent was Nivriti, who was worriedly observing his ankle. "Veer, your ankle is not swollen.."
Pausing to think, Veer mentally kicked himself for not noticing the flaw in his plan but first of all he had to persuade his mother. "Ah! It can't be swollen already, Mother. I just tripped and I heard a cracking sound as if my ankle had broke.."
Noticing a slight wink from him, Dharam muffled a disloyal laughter beneath his palm. Then finding the biggest flaw in his plan, he mouthed "Stop.." to him but Veer shook his head showing more signs of pain to his mother as she helped him to the bed.
After some time Nivriti spoke again observing Dharam's surprised look. "Veer won't be able to go Gurukul in this state, Dharam. I suppose, you and Agni should go -"
Crying a painful cry, he screeched persuasively "I want Dharam here, Mother. Who will take me Gurukul when I will go?"
And Nivriti speechlessly replied. "I'll send the -"
But Veer sensed what she would say and stopped her and said. "No soldiers...only Dharam!" Sighing tiredly, she nodded and left to leave a relieved Dharam and a smiling Veer.
"The biggest flaw of my plan has been destroyed.." he said showing off and placing his hands behind his head. Grinning Dharam meekly punched him.
"But how will we go to Awadhi..?" Dharam asked suddenly. But Veer remained cool and calm and replied assuringly "An Aryavart who is not well must go sightseeing.." And both had grinned amusingly..
~~~
Exhaling deeply, Nivriti leaned against the couch's back as a disappointed Agni pointed a few complaints towards her. "Aunt, I understand that Veer has a genuine problem but you are still unable to tell me Dharam's.."
Slapping her forehead, she began to mentally practise what she had to say.
Why couldn't he understand that they weren't only cousin brothers but also close friends? Maybe he felt left out or maybe such distances occurred because of his mother was a prostitute? Finally she meekly replied "Rajkumar Agni, I can understand your curiosity.. and it is completely fair, but you must know that Dharam Veer are very close.."
Rolling his eyes, he unconcernedly said "Aunt! Maybe now is the time you tell me why everyone is close to Veer and Dharam but not me?" And he drooped his head and whispered pretending to cry "Is it because I am not fully a royal blood?"
Gasping at what she had heard, she quickly reassured "No Agni! Whoever told you that? Of course, you are a royal blood and your mother she
was a Rajkumari.." But she halted as he shook his head sadly as the pretence turned a little real "I know who she was, aunt. Father taunts me several times when he is angry as I am unable to be good at archery.." And with that he felt tears brim his eyes and so he left without another word.
After he had gone, Nivriti let his words sink in her and she slowly muttered blinking the tears away. "Maybe that was the wrong deed of Brother Jai. He shouldn't have allowed himself to stoop so low.."
Hitting vigorously and unmercifully she stopped to look at the 24 year old girl beneath her feet who was wailing continuously. "This is the punishment for not giving money on the right time! Baba hasn't been here for two months so you, Shramiks forget to arrange the money!"
Pausing to reply back, Sakshi wiped a little sweat away from her forehead. "Forgive us, Shera. I promise you, I will give you double next time.." she begged touching her feet but stopped as Shera laughed and gave her another whip.
"Triple!" she cried placing her feet on the ground from her back. "And if it is not arranged, I will make sure that Chandar Singh will do the worst of worst to you!" And with that she stepped out of the house deliberately knocking a pot filled with water.
After Shera had left, Pari plodded towards Sakshi covering the distance between them. Hugging her and blossoming some love and affection she scolded her gently. "What was the need of going out there in front of her? Where will you get so much money?"
Sighing sadly, Sakshi wiped away a tear. "I don't know, Mother. Can't I even ask Rajkumar Veer in such bad situations? Maybe he will -"
Cutting her angrily, Pari screeched at her "No! You will not seek help from Rajkumar Veer! He has done so much for us and now we will not ask help!"
"There is no need of asking Rajkumar Veer.." said a voice from behind and both turned to see Veer standing at the doorstep heated up with their decision. Stepping in before they could say anything, he sat on the floor beside Sakshi and Pari. "How wrong of you to not tell me before? It was a good thing that me and Dharam were just bypassing the village when I overheard a Shramik say.."
Standing up, Pari walked over to the pot to find it on the floor broken into pieces. Feeling useless of her existence, Pari replied "Rajkumar Veer.. we can help ourselves, we needn't bother you.."
But he had ignored their protests and had asked angrily. "Who is Shera?" And before Pari had replied or said anything, Sakshi had poured out the entire story to him. After a few moments, he had quietly whispered. "I will find her and punish her.." And as he stood up, he placed three sacks of gold on the floor near her and reassuringly said "All your troubles will be over..but keep this.." And had disappeared out the house of Shramiks.
~~~
Spotting Dharam, his mouth went dry as the young Rajkumar rushed towards him. Approaching him, he concernedly asked. "Veer? What took you so long, I was worried!"
Veer was in a turmoil,
here his brother Dharam was desperate to go to Awadhi and there Pari and Sakshi's problems which could not be avoided.. Which path should a responsible Aryavart take?
Finding his voice after a long pause, he dryly replied "Dharam. I can't go Awadhi with you, you will have to go alone.." Sensing that Dharam would ask him he began to fiddle with his fingers. "I am not going without you, Veer! What makes you think, I will go and meet Rajkumari Sia and leave you to do your responsibilities while I am blossoming love?" he asked angrily.
Veer gaped at him for a few moments. Was this really Rajkumar Dharam or was this the future Maharaj Dharam? He couldn't have imagined Dharam talking in such a responsible manner and so an impressive smile made across his handsome face. "Is this Rajkumar Dharam or Maharaj Dharam?" he asked grinning.
Smiling back, Dharam replied. "Both.. for once I think Father is right, we have to start our responsibilities.. after helping the Shramiks we'll leave for Gurukul.." Agreeing and patting him the two set off in a different direction while Veer told all about Shera to Dharam..
Plucking apples from trees, Shera paused to hear the sounds of drunken men nearby. Scanning the forest, she located the voice and found their directions. Before she had known, a ruffian had grabbed hold of her grasping his arm around her fair neck. While the others stood greedily surrounding her, she for the first time felt petrified in many years felt petrified..
Then one ruffian spoke in an intoxicated way "Charmed by you, pretty damsel!" And he had stepped forward towards her while her mouth had gone dry.
Thereupon another one added "Pretty damsel, we have never seen such innocent and stunning -"
All at once, a hard voice with rage of fury and warning cut between him "You would rather be sad in Royal Cellars when you find no pretty damsels there.." And all of them turned to face the two princes perching on the horses while one was climbing down with vehement anger.
The grip on her fair neck loosened as she stepped away from him and veiled the fact that she was in midst of tears.
But who were these mere strangers, whom were helping her as if they had known her for years..Finally the one who had held her, violently moved towards him and a vicious fight began. Meanwhile, she didn't know what to do and perplexed puzzlement covered her face. She was only sidestepping a tree when a powerful grasp tightened his grip on her wrist.
"Don't go there. The place has many dangerous animals which may encounter you," he said ruefully staring into her deep green eyes which were as puzzled as a newborn baby.
For the first time, she had to be dependent on someone else when she could've helped herself. Why had this weakness veiled her real power?"I thank you for your help, but I can take care of myself.." she said stonily tugging gently at her captured wrist showing no signs of being thankful. After a few moments of unsuccessful release, he thrust her hand away and joined Dharam who was examining the ruffians..
Standing beside him, he whispered something in his ear and he turned immediately to the puzzled girl. "I don't think it is safe for a girl to go in the forest and in no condition will I or Veer allow you to go in the forest at such late hour.."
"Besides, you shouldn't be here at this hour alone.." Veer interrupted his tone showing signs of criticism while Shera shook her head.
"I'm afraid, I lost my way but I think I am capable of taking care of myself.."
"Yes we saw that, didn't we Dharam?" he asked in a teasing tone. "If you would really be able to take care of yourself, we wouldn't have been here in such situation.."
"Veer! Forgive me, but at least you could give us the privilege to tell us your name?" said Dharam in a kind tone, while looking apologetic for his brother's behaviour.
Tell her identity to these strangers while Tasha was on the loose of finding her and determined to pay her back for the bluff she had done with him and his gold. Also when even her father had been missing for the past two months and she had been going round taking money from the Shramiks..Lost in deep thought, she didn't realise that both the princes were staring at her puzzled glancing from one to the other. Dharam cleared his throat a few times and she awkwardly replied "I can't - I mean .. I .. I -"
Confused, Veer asked impatiently "Why are you stammering? It's only a name you have to tell not pay us jewels.."
She didn't know how to conceal her name, so she meekly stammered "My name is Ananya - and - and - I am a Rajkumari.."
Bursting into laughter, Veer accused her grinningly "Rajkumari? And you.. why would a Rajkumari dress like a boy? And why is a Rajkumari in the boundaries of Aryanagar?"
"Veer! Rajkumari Ananya, from where have you come?" asked the elder prince holding back his complaints for Veer.
Her brain was in a turmoil, their questions weren't coming to an end and she had wasted the whole time here and she couldn't wait any longer. "Forgive me; but I must leave now.." and before they had said another word, she had fled in the lush and dense forest..
Seated comfortably in her palanquin, Sia lifted a curtain and peered out into the scenery. It had been since early morning she had left Awadhi and she had not reached Dharam's Gurukul. It was close to late evening now and not much light was left.
Suddenly one of the soldiers exclaimed startling her "Rajkumari Sia! We have arrived at Rajkumar Dharam Veer's Gurukul.."
Thrilled by the news, she climbed out of her palanquin and without a word rushed inside. Before she knew, she had barged inside the main hall where archery lessons were held. All the princes who had been sent to learn gasped at her sudden appearance and respectively turned away as an elderly man ordered.
Stepping out of an embroidered curtain, a man dressed more like in priest clothes eyed her mysteriously but before he spoke, Rajkumari Agni stepped forward.
"Guru Ji, this is Rajkumari Sia from Awadhi fiance of Dharam.." said Agni pointing at Sia more like as if she had committed a crime.
"Rajkumar Agni! Do not forget that you are talking about a Rajkumar, therefore I expect you to address Rajkumar Dharam with his title!" he pointed out as Agni hung his head ashamed. Then he brought his palms together for an apology. "Forgive me, Rajkumari Sia but you must excuse Rajkumar Agni and must give us the privilege to tell us about your untold arrival.."
Bringing her palms together, she meaningfully apologized a little embarrassed. "Forgive me, I have only come to see Rajkumar Dharam.."
"And before I tell you, Guru Ji, Maharaj has strictly forbidden any kind of meeting between the two royals.." interrupted Agni rudely as he smirked at her.
Catching the little arrogance on his face, he asked him angrily "Why isn't Rajkumar Dharam here? Wasn't he aware that his existence here matters to all of us? He is the successor to the throne in a year's time!"
Gasping and surprised, Sia recollected at what she had heard.
Rajkumar Dharam wasn't here? She had travelled all the way from Awadhi and Rajkumar Dharam was not here. Were was heShould he tell the real reason why Dharam was not here? Or should he take an advantage of this and create rifts between Sia and Dharam's relationship, it may as well lead to rifts between the two brothers if he told a few lies..Shaking his head sadly in pretence, Rajkumar Agni wistfully sniffed "I don't know but Rajkumar Dharam went to see Rajkumari Mohini and more over, he went alone even though he takes Veer with him everywhere.."
In the midst of tears now, Sia repentantly said "I was wrong of Rajkumar Dharam! So was Father and Mother, I'll make sure things go the way they should.."
Pretending to be shocked, Agni cried conclusively "No Rajkumari Sia! Don't call off the proposal, Maharaj will be furious and Dharam, he will commit suicide.."
"Commit suicide? I feel like tearing him apart but I have nothing more to say. He will repent for such betrayal!" she cried recklessly gaining attention from the princes once again. Without holding the urge to cry, she rushed outside, half hurt and half angry.
After a long silence, the Guru spoke suspiciously "Was this really the case, Rajkumar Agni? Or have you made this story up?"
Pretence to be appalled he sadly asked "You don't trust me Guru Ji.. of course; that's the case. Rajkumar Dharam did -"
"I hope so. Because if this statement turns out to be wrong, I will be in witness for your wrongdoings, now resume the practise!"
And with that he walked off while Rajkumar Agni smugly stared at him and contemplatively muttered "I'll make sure that witness never stays long to witness.." And he evilly smiled, and continued with his practice.
"This is all your fault, Nivriti!" cried Maharaj Aryawardhan rising from his throne and knocking a sceptre over. "This foolish act will not be pardoned at all,"
"Maharaj, you know that I can't deny Veer's demands," she whispered sadly regretting to have listened to her son. "But, I will go out myself and look for him.."
"Don't be absurd, Nivriti! A widow must never step out of the palace, and that's not the case!" Aryawardhan said walking to and fro beside his throne. "You, Veer and especially Dharam will be punished for this act.."
"P-punished? Why would you punish Veer, Maharaj? He had a sprain in his feet.." spluttered Nivriti, bringing her palms together and lowering her eyes.
Sighing tiredly, the Maharaj said in a disappointed tone "I had never expected Rajkumar Dharam to act so immaturely! He went against my orders and instead of stopping Veer's foolish acts, he voluntarily took part and went to Awadhi!"
Awadhi! Has she heard the word, Awadhi? This was certainly not true. Veer and Dharam had not gone Awadhi, they had gone on sightseeing, how could Maharaj get this idea? Nivriti cleared her throat and spoke in a revealing tone "Maharaj, Dharam and Veer have not gone Awadhi, they have gone on sightseeing.."
"Sightseeing? Brother Jai has revealed everything to me. It was a good deed that he was passing by Veer's room and he heard their little meekly plan, but before he had told me, they had already left!" he argued back. Turning towards the special soldier, Maharaj Aryawardhan ordered "Senapati Charusinha, go in three troops and find Rajkumar Dharam and Veer. They must not reach Awadhi in any condition!"
Bowing with respect, the soldier escaped taking a line of soldiers behind him while Nivriti and Maharaj stood disappointedly and restlessly..
Divya - divinity005 
Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi 2
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