CHAPTER : 6 :
Umm - mmhm - Uhoo - Oohoo ... came the sound of someone clearing their throat and making fake coughing sounds. Manveer broke from their kiss , their faces clearly reflecting embarrassment. It was as if 2 naughty teenagers got caught "making-out" , by their strict principal. Manyata even hid behind Uday , when she saw the figure , cross her arms on her chest and stare at them sternly.
Chotti , isn't it past your bed-time? , Uday asked innocently. How do u expect me to sleep , when u 2 are out, galavanting in the cold? Manyata held both her ears and walked out from behind Uday : SORRY MISS - it won't happen again! GOOD!!!! Now both of you, GET INSIDE! ,Unnati commanded. Uday twisted Unnati's ear : Bade Bhai se aise baath karte hain? Sorry Dada , she apologised while gently soothing her ear.
Princess - get out of these wet clothes before u catch cold. Manyata agreed and left to take a hot shower. Chotti - where's Dad? He left a few hours ago , there was a call from the MahaSabha ... and he left immediately. He left & didn't tell us! Dada , u and Bhabhisa' were ... , she stopped and Uday understood. Dad didn't want to interrupt. Hmmm , but I wonder what was so urgent? , he pondered. Dada , Dada ... she shook him , ... you should also change out of these wet clothes. He nodded.
He passed by the nursery and saw that Manyata had already showered and changed, and was now watching Udita sleep. He smiled to himself and proceeded to also bathe and change. After doing so , he joined his wife and daughter. Princess - she sleeps just like you ; with her mouth slightly open. Manyata grinned at the comment , remembering a dream, she once had - where he said the same thing. Sensing the movement in the room, and the disruption of silence, Udita's sleep broke and her eyes opened to see 2 people watching her with immense admiration. Manyata immediately swooped her up and carried her in her arms. Hi Princess , she greeted. You call her "PRINCESS"? , asked a shocked Uday. Hmmm ... because she's MY princess! Hain na Bacha? , she asked the baby , who giggled in response. Manyata turned to pass the child to Uday. Princess- I don't think this is a good idea , but he was ignored. As Uday carried Udita , father & daughter had the same look of fright on their faces.
Baccha , ye Paapa hain , she began telling the baby ... as if introducing Uday. Paapa aapse bohot pyaar karte hain , aapse baath karna chahte hain ... aapke saath khelna chahte hain. App Paapa ko khelne degi, na? Udita remained quiet, but she was clearly not comfortable in Uday's arms; and he read her expression well. Princess - take her , he passed Udita to Manyata... she needs some time to get used to me. He kissed Udita on the back of her head and left.
Uday stared out into the night skies , his mind was still lingering on a question Manyata asked earlier. He got startled when Manyata back-hugged him. He held her hand and pulled her in front. Iraada kya hain , Princess? She encircled her arms around his neck. Iraada ye ... ACHOOO! , she sneezed. Uday moved away from her , and she sneezed a few more times ... ACHOO! ACHOO! ACHOO!
Ummm Princess - looks like u did catch a cold ... I think I'll sleep in the other room tonight. Manyata's eyes were already turning puffy and her nose was reddish and blocked; her voice even changed into a more nasal tone. Uday ... U promised to stay with me in SICKNESS & in health! , she pouted.
Uday came near her and hugged her : Of-course Princess - I was just teasing you. He tucked her into bed and crept in beside her. She cuddled into him, relishing in his warmth. It wasn't long before she fell asleep, with her head on his chest ... making snoring noises because of her stuffy nose. Uday brushed away a lock of hair which was obstructing her face. Princess - if u did remarry ... I would've walked away from your life FOREVER , because I couldn't bear the agony that u would go through , in choosing between your PAST and your PRESENT. Mmm Mmm , she squealed in her sleep; signalling for Uday to keep quiet.
The next morning , Uday was awoken by a call from Giriraj. What his father told him next, shocked him to the core. WHAT!!! After that call , Uday wondered how he'd break the news to Manyata.
Manyata's health was not good, but she refused to let it get her down ... and attempted to carry on as if all was alright. Uday hesitated many times to give her the bad news , but found an opening when Manyata spoke : Uday - I forgot to tell you ... I got those lab results back! , and she showed him the e-mail. When he read Potassium Cyanide, only 1 word was said : ADITYA! He began to tell his suspicions about Aditya to Manyata ... and then FINALLY told her about Giriraj's call. Princess - Dad called. The MAHASABHA wants to take DEVGARH away from YOU'LL. The news stunned her , but she became more determined about fighting for her estate. We'll have to do something Uday! Yeah ! And I got the perfect plan! , he smirked.
The baby's nanny, Cora , who was on leave for a few days ... just got back. She had heard many stories about Uday and had seen most of his pictures ... but meeting the towering personality in actuality, was proving to be TOO MUCH EXCITEMENT for the middle-aged woman. She blushed profusely at his words and giggled like a school-girl when he asked her questions. Manyata & Unnati battled to sustain their laughter. Miss Cora , I'm entrusting my most treasured asset, into your care as Manyata and I will be leaving for India , for a few days. Ye- yes sir , Yuvraaj sir!
Udita cried as she sensed her mother leaving again. Unnati pacified her and Manyata snuck out through the back door. Uday went closer to kiss the baby , but she turned her head and ducked it into Unnati's neck. She turned to look again after a moment and saw Uday still standing there ... she ducked again. You & I are going to have a serious talk when I get back! , he told the baby and Unnati replied back : Dada - you're talking to her as if she's a big girl. She's UdayVeer Singh's daughter ... SHE UNDERSTOOD MY EVERY WORD! , he said proudly. He kissed the back of Udita's head and walked out. Udita turned back to look again and when she saw that Uday had left, she started crying. What Uday & Unnati failed to notice , was that Udita was playing her own version of HIDE-n-SEEK with her father.
Uday & Manyata landed in Mumbai , courtesy of Giriraj's private air-craft. 2 cars awaited them ... 1 to take Manyata and another for Uday as both had different destinations. Princess - are u sure u can manage? U don't look so well! Uday - I'm fine ... I brought medication with me. She showed him some capsules and a nasal-spray. Where did THAT come from? The last time I had a cold , the doctor prescribed these. I got better before the meds finished , so , I'm taking the remainder now! Princess - that must've expired now! It didn't - NOW GO! , she pushed him into the car and sent him off.
She reached the venue of the MahaSabha's meeting, just in time. Giriraj was already briefed about their plan . All the MAHARAJ'S of the various estates were present; of the youngsters , there was only Aditya & Manyata. Brijraj sat very quietly ... he was very panicked about what was to be discussed. According to all reports ... the mine was responsible for the deaths in Devgarh , thus; HE WAS RESPONSIBLE FOR HARMING HIS OWN PEOPLE. He prayed for a miracle.
Manyata took her seat in between Giriraj & Aditya. Beta , how are u feeling now?, Giriraj asked her. Baba , my nose is blocked and I can't breathe ... remember last time u brought me those mint-sweets ; they helped me clear my congestion. I wish I had some now , she answered loud enough for Aditya to hear. These one's are just no good ... they're of no help ,she pulled out an opened packet of mint-flavoured throat-lozenges.
Aditya was a sinusitis sufferer , he had become accustomed to living with the perenial cold and itchy throat. Every make of lozenges that were in circulation , was "tried & tested" by him ... yet he failed to find the 1 that helped. On seeing this "new" packet in Manyata's hand ... he couldn't help but ask : Do U mind if I try a few ... I'm also battling with a cold! Surely ... be my guest! , she dropped 4 into his opened hand and he put all, at once into his mouth. Manyata & Giriraj smiled in approval.
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Uday knocked on the door of a dingy apartment. An old-man opened it. Mr Naik , I'm UdayVeer Singh ... I was in school with your grand-daughter , Rashmi. The man shook Uday's hand and invited him in. There, Uday found out a few more "TRUTHS" about Aditya and his involement in Rashmi's death.
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The members of the MahaSabha have come to a consensus; that in the absence of RajMata Mrinalini Devi ... it was the responsibility of her kin, that is ; Maharaj Brijraj , to RULE , CARE FOR and PROTECT the people of Devgarh. But it was due to his negligence , that so many innocent citizens lost their lives ... , the chair-man of the MahaSabha spoke; and all listened intently.
Could u tell me the name ... Aditya asked Manyata , referring to the packet of mints. She made a loud , crinkling sound with the packet ; trying to find the "name" , but all she did was disturb the meeting. The elderly Maharaj's gave her irritated , angry glares. Got it! , she exclaimed ... it says K CN. WHAT!!! , Aditya shouted. He stood up from his chair and pulled the package from Manyata. Indeed the label said : K CN. Now , he looked carefully at the product. It was small , pellet-like and white. There was no doubt in his mind that he just consumed potassium cyanide.
He pulled Manyata up from her seat. Do U know what this is? DAMMIT!!!! U stupid , STUPID girl , he lifted his hand to slap her ... but was held back. Put that hand down Yuvraaj ... u cannot raise your hand to the future queen of Jaigarh! , Giriraj announced. Do u know what she did KakaSahib? (Aditya called Giriraj "KAKASAHIB" , out of respect).... she fed me potassium cyanide. SHE POISONED ME!, he said as he held his stomach in agony. I can't breath , I can't breathe ... Dad , call an ambulance! He started to "collapse" onto the floor. All the members that were present at the meeting , just stared in confusion. Maharaj Joginder sat on the floor beside his son , in tension. He took out his cell to call the paramedics. Giriraj swiftly took the phone from him. Giri - ye kya batameezi hain ... phone wapis do ... hamara beta marr raha hain!
Then help him Joginder Bhai , Giriraj mocked. I'll give u back this phone and then u can call for medical assistance ... but first , tell us what your son did in Devgarh? Joginder looked at his pale son , he was struggling to breathe through his opened mouth ; sweat-beads were forming on his forehead. The father began "SINGING LIKE A PARROT" of all their sins.
Stanley and Brijraj started the mine. They were too interested in mining gold , so they neglected preparing a DRAINAGE-DITCH for the seepage from the mine. Instead , they diverted the pipes to the village's dam-water. I wanted that "GOLD-RICH" Devgarh. Aditya got his men to put potassium cyanide into the seepage. Easily it got into the dam and the people consumed it. We knew that once the deaths would accumulate , there'll be an enquiry and Brijraj will be accused and the MahaSabha will give US Devgarh to rule! Everybody was stunned by the confession. The police entered the hall and surrouned the father-son duo.
Add another charge , Inspector , Uday's voice sounded from the doorway ... MURDER OF RASHMI NAIK! Aditya strained his eyes to see Uday. He was certain that Uday came as the ANGEL OF DEATH ... to take him to "THE OTHER SIDE" . Uday! , Uday , Uday! , all exclaimed as they were shocked to see him alive and well.
Uday knelt beside Aditya ... he showed him Rashmi's diary. The last entry stated : I KNOW ADITYA WILL KILL ME BECAUSE HE DOESN'T WANT THIS CHILD! Aditya , admit it ... U KILLED HER? He remained quiet. Aditya , say it ... then we'll call an ambulance for u! He then admitted it, in a weak voice : ... I KILLED HER! The police hand-cuffed him and his father. The ambulance ? , the father asked. Nothing wrong with him ... his psycho mind made him "THINK" he was dying. It's just a sweet , Manyata giggled as she popped 1 into Uday's mouth.
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Ahhh ... finally done (& that too , 20 minutes early😉)!!!!!
Next update : 29th April (mid-night)
Precap : Manyata addresses the people of Devgarh & Giriraj has a press-conference informing the world of Uday's return😳!
* Please "LIKE" the update before u leave (45 is the magic number 😃)
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Edited by ...navina... - 12 years ago
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