Chapter 1
The pain
It's been four years since he had last seen her.
Four painful years.
The beautiful sweet girl who had strolled into his heart; with her innocence. And ever since he couldn't think of anyone else in her place. She was it for him. The LOVE of his life.
Everything of her, made his heart skip a few beats. He missed her. A lot.
The sound of her laughter was still ringing in his ears. He can still she those beautiful doe-eyes whenever he closes his. He can still smell her flowery fragrance. He can still feel those chaste kisses on his cheeks... The jingle of her bangles and anklets… her velvety touches…
Shivraj sighed…
He can never see her again. Ever again.
He felt as though a part of him was lost somewhere in Jaitsar. Forever. And can never retreat to it no matter how much his heart desires. He can never forget her. Ever.
He thinks back to the conversation he had with his father this morning.
Alok: Shiv, tum Jaisalmer ki rajkumari se bhyah karma hain!!
Shiv: Nahi! Main aur shadi khabhi nahi!!!
Alok: Mujhe patha hain Shiv, us Jaitsar ki ladki ke bare main. Lekin tum iss shadi karma hi hooga!! Hare pass koi aur rastha nahi hain beta.
Shiv: Nahi pithaji… app samjhiye main yeh shadi nahi kar saktha!
The pain was evident on his face. Shiv was not happy with the treaty's rules and regulation. His marriage was not required for the peace of the kingdom. There could be other ways. But marriage??? No never.
Alok: Hamareliya toh nahi, tumhare praja ka liye shiv. Ek premi hookar nahi, balki ek Rajkumar hokar socho! Yeh Shadi hamre rajya main kitna shanthi failayega.
Shiv: NAHI! Main usko aisse dhookha khabhi nahi de saktha hoon!! Main doosri aurat se shadi?? Khabhi nahi!!!
Alok sighs. He knew his son would never accept this. But there was no other choice. The treaty was made years ago. There is no other way, violation of the treaty might lead to war.
Alok: main samjh saktha hoon, tumhare dardh Shiv. Par main kuch bhi nahi kar saktha hoon. Socho, tum yeh Shadi nahi kare toh kya hoga??? Lakhon striyyan vidhva hoojayenge. Socho ek Rajkumar hookar. Kal tum hi iss rajya palna hain.
Shiv: NAHI!!!!, Pithaji! Main iss shadi nahi karna! Main apne pyar ko dhoka nahi de saktha!!! Main koi aur auraath ko apni patni ke roop main khabhi nahi dekh saktha hoon!!!
Shiv blatantly refuses to accept the proposal; triggering his father's anger.
Alok: SHIVRAJ!!! App kabhi mere samne itni unchi awaz main nahi bole!! Yeh akhari bar hain, hum iss mamle main bath karenge!! TUM is SHADI karma hi hooga. Yeh Udaipur ke Raja ke aadesh hain!!!
Shiv could do nothing but follow the orders of his king. As a citizen of the kingdom and the Crown Prince, he can do nothing but accept it the orders. He bows down in curtsey to his king all the while glaring at his father.
Shiv: Ji, App jaise aagya kare!
Shiv says in a stiff unemotional voice and immediately leaves the king's chamber; closing the door with a bang, such that the sound is echoed through the whole castle.
He walks through the corridor like a ragging storm. Disappointed with himself and his fate. He felt very helpless. Like he was cheating her. He should have not left Jaitsar, after that night.
He even thought to abdicate his throne. Mahi would take his place as crown prince and marry the Princess of Jaisalmer. The treaty only stated that the crown prince of Udaipur had to marry the princess.
But he couldn't do it, for his Daddu. His grandfather would be heart broken. He did not want to let him down. He must conjure up courage and learn to accept his fate. He must not let those sweet beautiful memories of her come in the way of his Karthavya as the Crown Prince.
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hope you guys like it...
-silver
PS: Criticism is welcomed