|| TheWandmaker's OS Gallery || - Page 32

The summer wind came blowing in, making her honey brown locks caress her soft cheeks. She smiled as she looked on at the colourful kites soaring high in the sky, pushing the strands of hair away from her eyes as she tucked them behind her ear.

'Khushi!' called an excited Payal as she came running with a Pink Kite and thread in her hand. A huge grin spread across Khushi's face as she took the kite from her Di, Pink was her favourite colour. Together they hastened to tie the thread to the Kite and jumped in joy as the Kite took it's flight, with Payal holding the back(Manja) and Khushi directing the movements of the Pink reason of joy. As together they explored new horizons with hopeful eyes, the distance between the kite and the dull golden brown ground grew by multiple folds with every movement from Khushi's hand. Hours passed as they switched places now and then, a tired Payal sighed saying she had enough of the fun. Khushi sighed and pulled back the string, letting Payal retreat downstairs, hoping herself to stay a little longer under the wide blue sky, the other kites had retreated too, as the sun was hours from setting down, the dull golden grass heaved her heart as she wished for a hint of the lovely nature green. With not a bird in sight nor any child playing around, Khushi sighed as she wondered what she was doing here, in this warm city of Rajasthan. She sighed once again as she glanced down at her dark navy blue Anarkali dress, with square mirrors among the cotton thread designs and lovely V-neck embelishments around her collar, a gift from his fiance. As she found herself lost in the memories of her engagement ceremony that took place last night, the summer wind continued to gush past her making her hair sway around her shoulders back and forth, she pushed them back as she placed her elbow at the brown brick walls of the Palace-like Hotel.

With a thoughtful gaze she stared at the House of the Raizada's visible from the terrace of the Hotel she was staying in, their house was a Real Palace, even the inmates dressed like Royal's. The inmates- she heaved a sigh once again, her future in-laws.

A Black Kite slowly rose from the high walls of the Palace, Khushi frowned as she stared in wonder at the Black Kite. She stood on her tip-toes longing to see who controlled the Kite, ignoring the tug in her heart which told her it was Him.

A Black Kite! Black!?

She sighed disappointed as the Walls of the Raizada Halls protected the house from unwanted eyes. Curiosity got the better of her as with a resolve she hurried downstairs making a point to visit the Palace.

Her anklet chimed making her smile as she rushed with hurried footsteps, crushing the dull brown grass under her feet, as the sand went hither, her dark blue dupatta flying behind her as she held it in place with one hand.

The watchman at the main gate bowed towards her, she nodded catching her breath as she entered the Palace. The Great Hall was deserted, it was big enough for her to play Kho Kho with the Raizada and Gupta family together, she spotted the stairs and climbed two at once, not wanting to miss out on the holder and controller of the Black Kite.

As she entered the terrace, soft tinkling laughter fell in her ears, she followed the source and spotted Anjali holding the Manja, with her gut-feeling coming true- Him - Arnav Singh Raizada controlling the thread of the Kite, with determined eyes on it's flight. Not letting it soar too high nor letting it sway to the sides.

Anjali turned feeling Khushi's presence her multi-coloured Lehenga shining under the sun, a smile as vibrant as her dress spread across her face as she welcomed her to their abode.

'Khushi! you here?'

Arnav's back stiffened as he gazed at her sideways, he once again returned to control the Kite, sporting a crisp white shirt,with a pair of Black trousers and vest.

'Anjali, Did you see my pink kite take it's flight?' Khushi asked with a smile feeling unwelcomed by Arnav's stiff posture yet unable to ignore Anjali's warm smile.

'That Pink Kite was yours?' Anjali gaped in surprise. Khushi nodded smiling all the while as she stepped by her side.

'Ofcourse i saw it, i was watching for over an hour, then i asked chhote to get me a Kite too!' Anjali explained in a childlike manner.

'Uh yeah' Khushi mumbled softly as she glanced at Arnav once again.

'But look he got me a black Kite' Anjali frowned as she stared at the Kite with distaste. 'Seriously Khushi! Black!'

Khushi nodded her face warming up as she felt Arnav's gaze on her.

'You here?' Arnav finally asked though seeming uninterested.

'I saw the Black Kite taking flight from the terrace, i wanted to see whom did it belong to' Said Khushi truthfully.

'Oh it's gotten people curious' Anjali giggled. 'Chhote was telling me why he bought a Black Kite, really i don't believe him! He is Crazy! All the Best Khushi, you have to endure him all your life'

Khushi felt her face warm up alarmingly as Anjali turned away to tease Arnav further.

A few minutes passed as Khushi wondered whether she should just leave or stay back.

Anjali nudged her side and handed her the Manja with a teasing wink, as she nodded towards Arnav. Khushi gaped giving the Manja back to her.

'Di stay still' Arnav muttered annoyed. Anjali cupped her mouth to avoid the fit of giggles that wanted to escape, she waved a goodbye at Khushi as she retreated downstairs.

'Di Hold tight' Arnav commanded as he controlled the Kite from swaying away to the side.

'Okay Let go Di' said Arnav as he started to let the Kite take it's flight. He glimpsed sideways unable to spot Khushi, he decided she had left already and sighed relaxing once again.

'Di don't you find Khushi a little too wierd?' he asked pulling back the string to get the Kite down. 'I mean she's usually so happy, but when i come infront of her it's like she has been prisoned, it's annoying'

Khushi glared at him her eyes burning as she looked away finding him a bit too rude. This is how he talked about her, what he thought about her!? Tears threatened to fall from her eyes as she blinked them away. Things couldn't get worse, she was in a dull city of Rajasthan where everything was a different shade of Brown with no green, and then there was her fiance' - a stoic and practical man who seemed to have no respect for her. Where was her world leading to? Where was life heading?

Arnav now holding the Kite in his hand was surprised as he turned to find a hesitant Khushi holding the Manja, with hurtful eyes as she gazed fixedly at her feet.

'Oh' came out his response as he stared at her.

Khushi felt her throat had constricted as neither could she breath out a word or take a gulp of fresh air. She felt hopeless under Arnav's gaze, who seemed to be unable to come up with any words himself.

A strong gush of summer wind came blowing in, as the strands of her hair came untucked, Khushi let them fall on her face, happy to have her face hidden, she turned to the side, hoping to leave as she stepped away only to be stopped by a tugging force, she glanced at the Manja in her hand and the thread stretching between them, she covered the little distance between them as she rolled the thread around the Manja. With Arnav's eyes carefully observing her, guilt written all over his face.

Khushi tucked her hair behind her ear and gathered a little courage as she looked up at him, and held the Manja out for him to take. 'I am sorry, i didn't mean to be ..i mean..annoy you or-' she explained with a tiny shrug as her face burned in embarassment. What was she saying! She felt like banging her head on the wall.

Arnav blinked taking the Manja from her, thinking through his words as he spoke.

'No it's not that..I mean'

Khushi nodded as she glanced at the Black Kite once again. She turned to leave and hated the chime that issued from her anklet, she wished for a silent departure. Hurt by the lack of a sorry for his hurtful words, Khushi took a deep breath and felt her eyes sting.

'Wait!' Arnav called.

Khushi stopped and slowly turned to look at him, he hadn't moved from his place, rather stood in his firm posture, not an inch of worry or dismay on his face. He beckoned her to join him and so she did as she fumbled on her way as she stepped back towards him. Why was it that when he would watch her, she would make the most stupid mistakes! Find it hard to smile, feel so suffocated. He would obviously think she was crazy.

'Would you like to know?' he asked sounding unsure.

Khushi stared at him confused at his question.

'About the Black Kite?' Arnav clarified.

Khushi shrugged and smiled a little 'Only if you wish to tell me'

Arnav nodded and glanced at the Black Kite placing it at the side table straightening as he gazed at the setting sun. Khushi followed his gaze and waited for him to say something.

'I Like Black, It's different. Never-changing.'

Khushi turned to him, her eyes saying it out bluntly 'Are you mad?'

An amused smirk came on Arnav's lips as he met Khushi's eyes. 'Just Kidding' he shook his head 'Di was pestering me to buy one, it was my way of teasing her back. She loves colours'

Khushi's face broke into a beautiful smile as Arnav continued to smile too. The two stood in silence, Khushi sighed breaking the awkward moment.

'I should leave now' she said.

Arnav nodded as he stared at the sky as it grew dark.

'Khushi' he said realising it was the first time he was addressing to her with her first name. 'I am sorry. I think it sounded bad earlier, i didn't mean it that way'

'It's okie' Khushi breathed surprised that Arnav had apologized.

'It's not' said Arnav discarding her words. 'You shouldn't change...around me'

'What?' she asked surprised.

'Yeah, i mean are you like that? or are you the one who chirps around like a free bird, It's tough to figure you out.'

'Trust me, it's the same here' Khushi replied meekly.

'How is that?' Arnav asked.

'You are being so nice, but then you are- i mean it's like i don't know you'

'Well then, let's sort things out' Arnav smiled holding out his hand, a welcoming gesture for a future he wished to give her.

Khushi smiled and shook his hand accepting his warm invitation into his life.

'All of it seems so much better now' Khushi smiled as she felt more relaxed. Arnav scared her, she had admitted that to herself, but today she could see a friend in him. Maybe things wouldn't be all too bad with him, Maybe Life was afterall heading towards a Bright future.

'Much better' Arnav nodded at his to-be-wife.

''It's dark outside' he said as he gazed at the sky 'Let me drop you back to the Hotel'

Khushi nodded accepting his gesture as the two of them retreated back downstairs.

x-x-x

--

Manyata sighed in content as the fresh breeze worked wonders on her steely nerves. Birds chirped around her as she gazed at the beautiful palace standing in all it's glory,with sunrays peeking in through the windows. She looked around carressing a leave with gentle hands, it was peaceful here, and she liked that. For a moment her heart wished she was like the birds with wings that would give her free flight. She would be away from the shackles of the world, from the burden of being a royal. She frowned at her course of thoughts and immediately corrected herself. You are Muniya, not a Royal, not a Princess.

'Wrong you are Manyata, Princess Manyata' said a voice inside her. She desperately tried to shrug it off, time and again she had tried to prove it to them as to how different she was. Even if she had the blood of a royal running in her, she could never be one. She would not be one, that was it. She took a deep breath and swayed her legs a little as fresh breeze tickled her skin, making her smile. She shrugged off all her concerns and caressed the leaves once again.

UdayVeer sighed in relief as he spotted Princess Manyata from the window of her room, she was sitting at a tree branch in the lawn area. A smile graced his arrogant face as he witnessed her smiling self, here the entire palace was in search of her and she sat at the tree branch enjoying the weather.

Uday sent one of the servants with the good news of having found Manyata with the assurance that he would take care of her, he didn't want DS to worry any further.

Manyata's smile died as she spotted UdayVeer making his way towards her with his arrogant smirk intact.

'Princess Manyata sab apke liye bohut pareshan ho gaye the' he said in a serious tone. Even he had been worried, but he would never admit it to anyone let alone Manyata.

'Yeh achha hai!' Manyata retorted 'Pehle dil dukhao, phir pareshan hoke aur dil dukhao, Haan nahin tou'

'Princess come down first' Uday requested.

'Mujhey yahan achha lag raha hai, tu ja yahan se'

Uday sighed and kept his shoes, wallet and other expensive belongings by the trunk of the tree, while Manyata observed him with confusion written all over her face.

Uday smirked at her and started climbing his way up, Manyata huffed in annoyance at his intrusion into her not so peaceful moment anymore.

'Jungli Billi ke ghar main Rajkumar UdayVeer ka swagat hai' said Uday with a wide grin as he settled next to her.

'Jungli Billi! sahi hai tu bhi to kutte ki tarah sungta hua aa gaya mujhey pareshan karne'

Uday shifted closer to her with a grin which surprised Manyata, she shifted away and glared at him pointedly 'Door reh Halkat!' Uday's grin widened as he shifted closer, and before Manyata knew she had lost her balance. She closed her eyes preparing herself for the fall, instead of the hard ground she felt herself dangling in mid-air with a warm steely grip around her wrist, she opened her eyes to meet Uday's concerned gaze as he held her by the hand. He nodded asking her to climb back on. Manyata sighed in relief as she wrapped her arm around his neck for support and settled back at the tree branch next to him. Once she gained her balance she immediately let go of him, surprised at the fluttering butterflies in her stomach.

'Rajkumari Manyata' Uday began in a serious tone 'Aap theek to hain?'

She nodded despite herself. She was not fine, no she was miserable. She felt miserable- For having hurt Mataji, her entire family for who she was, Unnati by not accepting her gifts, Akash for not being able to come when his mother needed to see her the most. His ailing mother's last wish.

As Manyata drowned in her own misery, Uday didn't miss the emotional turmoil his princess was going through. 'Aapka dil kisne dukhaya Princess?' he asked deeply concerned.

Manyata sighed, why? why? why? Why him bhagwan? The last person she wanted to talk about everything was him.

'Hume pata hai' he replied his arrogance back in form on not getting an answer. He was surprised at himself for softening towards her. He wasn't welcomed here, and he UdayVeer wasn't one to force himself on others. He went back to being his arrogant self as he replied in a cold tone ready to leave 'Hum apki help karte lekin ab-'

Manyata perked up at his words, he was leaving she could sense it. For some reason she didn't want him to leave. She knew he wouldn't help her, but he had truly lend a consoling hand towards her, atleast he had asked why she was upset and she knew that if Uday left, she would have no one to talk to about the situation 'Main Mataji ko pareshan nahin karna chahte thi' she confessed sincerely placing her hand on top of his to stop him from leaving 'Unhonne mana kiya kamre se nikalne keliye, maine saza maanli, ek baar bhi nahin nikli kal se, lekin ab woh mujhe Akash ki ma se bhi milne nahin de rahi, dam ghut raha tha mera isliye bahar aagayi'

Uday nodded well aware that Manyata had wanted to meet Akash's ailing mother to which DS had refused, that explained the sudden excursion from her room to this tree.

'Shayad apko pata nahin hai princess, lekin Rajmata ne Akash ke ghar main doctor aur ek nurse ko bheja hai, unhen apki khushi ki itni qadr hai'

Manyata was shocked at learning this from Uday, she felt overwhelmed at Mataji's warm gesture and concern.

'Mujhey unse maafi mangni chahiye' Manyata sighed feeling bad, once again wondering how miserable she had been to everyone. 'Main..Main Akash ko janti hoon, agar uski Ma ko kuch hogaya, unki aakhri ichha-'

'Princess hum apko Akash ki Ma se milne le chalenge, lekin apko humse ek vaada karna hoga'

Manyata held her breath as she wondered what Uday had just said, she looked at him to make sure he had actually said that rather than her imagining it all.

'Tu le jayega?Mujhey? Akash ke yahan?' she asked in disbelief.

Uday nodded 'Par apko humse ek vaada karna hoga'

'Kya?' Manyata asked hanging onto his every word, she badly wanted to see Akash's mother, she wanted Akash to be able to fulfill his mother's last wish else she knew he would regret it all his life.

'Unse milne ke baad, aap RajMata aur is ghar ko apna lengey, Princess Manyata naam ko accept karengey'

Manyata frowned as she mused over his words. 'Mataji naraz nahin hongi tujhse?' she asked surprising him.

'Unhen pata chalega to' Uday winked in response.

Manyata gaped at him, Was she going to do this? she wondered to herself. It was important for her to meet Akash's mother, but Mataji's happiness was equally important to her.

'Tu lejayega mujhey' Manyata said aloud once again in deep wonder.

Uday smiled and climbed down the tree, holding out his hand to her. 'Chale Princess?' he asked.

Manyata stared at his hand and then back at him, trusting him she nodded in affirmative and climbed down the tree herself. Uday chuckled inwardly as he took his hand back, no she didn't need any help, not in this regard atleast and he loved that about her.

-

The drive to Akash's place had been annoying for Uday, Manyata hadn't remain quiet even for once, wondering aloud about Mataji finding out about their excursion and it's repercussions or how was Akash's ailing mother was coping up. For both Uday didn't give a damn, an easy lie would get him out from any sticky spot, he was well-versed with all kind of situations.

He sneered as he stopped his car infront of Akash's so-called house, Manyata had rushed out as soon as the car had come to a halt. Uday was in second thoughts regarding getting Manyata here, all of a sudden he didn't want her to be here, didn't want to fulfill his promise, drag her back to the Palace and shun Akash away from their lives. In his concern for Manyata's happiness he had forgotten what he was doing. He was taking his to-be-wife to her Lover's house. What the Hell!

He followed her inside, and tried to work on his nerves as Akash cried out her name in a soft caress, Muniya they both stepped towards each other but Akash stopped abruptly and so did Manyata leaving a wide gap between them, distance both of them were afraid to travel.

'Princess Manyata' Akash murmured stepping back bowing slightly. Uday smirked at Akash's actions, all concern left him as he stepped next to Manyata. Akash as he had already guessed was a loser. He would never be able to manage the guts to fight the Royals and claim what he called his love.

'Main Maji se milne aayi hoon' Manyata replied seething in anger as Akash referred to her as Princess Manyata, she turned away from him rushing towards the ailing lady's sickbed.

Uday stared at Akash who didn't have the guts to even look up. He turned his attention to Manyata and cringed at her closeness with the old lady.

'Princess Manyata, she is sick, hum nahin chahte ki aap bimar ho jaye' he voiced his concern.

'Kuch nahin hoga mujhey' Manyata replied as she turned her attention back to what the lady was saying. As he gathered the old lady's words anger stabbed through him.

Akash ka Khayal rakhna, woh tujhse pyaar karta hai, use mat chhod.

Uday glared at Akash who stood flushed in embarassment. He clenched his fists trying to control his temper as he shifted not knowing what could he do. Manyata may even refuse to go back with him, would he really have to force her back to the Palace?

Manyata surprised Uday as she turned towards the doctor assigned, ignoring the old lady's words. 'Yeh theek to ho jaengi na?' she asked with concern evident in her voice.

'Hamari koshish yahi hai Rajkumari Manyata' the doctor replied kindly.

'Princess hume ghar chalna chahiye' UdayVeer suggested, knowing well they couldn't stay out for long, or else their absence would be felt back at the Palace.

Manyata nodded in response as she bid the old lady goodbye and turned away from the sickbed facing Akash.

'Doctor aur nurse Mataji ne bheje hain, yeh Ma ka khayal rakhengey'

'Dhanyavaad' Akash murmured 'Lekin iski zaroorat nahin thi'

Manyata sensed anger in his words, she grabbed his arm and pulled him alongside, Uday followed once again surprised at her actions. He shook his head trying to figure out this girl, she surprised him - Everytime!

Once outside Manyata glanced at Uday and then back at Akash.

'Is baat ka jawaab kaise doon? Bata' she demanded unleashing her fury at him. 'Muniya ki tarah do haath laga ke ya Rajkumari Manyata banke hukum deke?'

Akash glanced at her helplessly and then gave a furtive glance towards UdayVeer, expressing his helplessness to her.

'Main hi pagal hoon jo sabko pareshan kar rahi hoon mahal main, tum logon ne to Munya ko maar hi dala. Agar tum logon ke liye main Rajkumari hoon, to woh log jo mujhey apna maante hain, unse main kyun ladun? Itne saal mera intezaar kiya, mujhey, muniya ko jhela. Lekin tum log, itne saal mere saath rehkar bhi kuch hi din main mujhey paraya kar diya'

'Manyata chale yahaan se' Uday muttered annoyed as angry tears streamed down her face.

Akash sighed as he witnessed Uday and Manyata drive past the lane. It was only right to let Muniya free so that she could embrace her life as Princess Manyata, the only thing that would hold her back would be her friends and him, as she herself had admitted, when they had let her go, whom was she supposed to hold on for? It was only right. And anyways he had witnessed Uday's concern for Manyata. Bringing her here, asking her to distance herself from his ailing mother, Akash knew that UdayVeer could take care of Manyata's happiness, her wishes, her dreams much better than him.

-

The drive back to the Palace was a silent one between Manyata and UdayVeer. As the car came to a halt, Manyata glanced at Uday and waited for him to say something, when he didn't she decided to speak up first.

'Dhanyavaad' she said softly.

'Princess apko humse kiya hua vaada to yaad hoga' Uday said as he fixed his gaze at the main entrance.

Manyata went rigid in her place as she glanced at her hands. She had been thinking about it all the way back.

Uday got off the car heaving a sigh as he stepped towards her side swinging open the door for his Princess.

She nervously glanced at him, and carefully stepped out. 'Hume yaad hai' she murmured seeking approval of her words and mannerism.

Uday smiled and bowed towards her slightly as he whispered in her ears. 'Princess Manyata naam ko accept karne ka vaada, yeh kutta kameena apni Jungli billi ko khona nahin chahta'

Manyata's eyes filled with wonder as she grinned wide. As Uday smirked back at her she felt her face growing warm as tears stung her eyes. She blinked them away laughing softly as Uday continued to flash his stupid signature smirk. 'Halkat!' she said shaking her head, 'Jungli billi' teased Uday as the two of them stepped inside the RajMahal. An elated and content RajMata having witnessed her gems getting along so well closed the window to her room and turned away with joy dripping from her face as she rushed to greet her grand-daughter Princess Manyata.

x-x