Memento Mori
Chapter Thirty-Eight
Memento Mori: Beware of death, for it will come around.
It had been five months since the death of the Earl: and life was just getting back to normal. It's strange isn't it? How one person's death can affect everyone, how someone's demise can change another's future? And of course, Earl Vijay Singh was no ordinary man, he was the Great Vijay Singh, the one who won the War and brought Chandrilasia to victory. Perhaps death isn't always a bad thing, despite what, that person is now in a better place; paradise. And perhaps, that's where everyone else will end up. Paradise; the unthinkable place where not even dreams can dream it.
After the Chandrilasian's had learnt the real circumstances of the Earl's death, they were completely in shock and anger overwhelmed them, their sole thought was getting justice, and Princess Tanya of Areenia, a heavy sentence. Yet somehow, it was the compassion of the Vadhera's that prevented that, only giving her a few years in prison for the Earl's death. Whatever the situation, it was purely accidentally, and they understood that, after all, Vijay loved everyone no matter how good or bad they were, and this would be the way to keep his memory alive.
Her family however, had relegated her as the Princess and as future Queen of Areenia. No one would dare to be under her power, not after what had conspired and thus the King and Queen of Areenia had no choice but to take her off the throne. Vijay Singh Vadhera had become a close friend to King Chandran and Queen Latifa, and so even after his death, they were forever indebted to the Vadhera family. As they had no other heir to inherit the throne, they had decided (with the agreement of the two countries as well as Rishania as a witness) to bring Chandrilasia and Areenia together, to rule both countries under one's power. With their deaths, the throne to Areenia would be handed over to the heir of Chandrilasia; the eldest child of Prince Viren Singh Vadhera and his wife.
It was a bright and sunny day, with not a single cloud in the sky. The birds were tweeting in the background, the grass greener than it had ever been. The trees seemed alive, splashing with colour. It the far distance, people rejoiced. Many were dancing on the streets, some even barefooted as they made their way through to the middle of the country to where the big celebration was happening. There was no specific dance move, everyone were moving as far as their body would allow them, not caring whether they looked silly or whether their clothes were getting sweaty from the sunlight. Behind them, a group of dhol players banged their drums, all synchronised. It started off slow, getting louder and faster as the rhythm kicked in. Everyone started to dance along, moving their arms and legs as fast as they can, letting their body move with the sound of the dhol. There were young children, adults, and even the elderly dancing. Nothing was going to stop them.
This was a joyous moment in the history if Chandrilasia. The coronation of a new King and Queen.
Jeevika, the Queen to-be looked over the balcony at the far distance. She could hear the obvious joy out of the streets whilst the outside of the Palace was being decorated for her and Viren's coronation. It was also the day when her beloved sister-in-law Maanvi would be crowned the Duchess of Chandia, after the demise of the Earl. Strange, she thought. Just a few weeks before his demise, they had been talking about bringing Maanvi into their family through Royal ties, and yet no one realised just how quickly that would happen. Perhaps, fate is already predestined but we don't realise it. We don't realise how something we do can end up changing our life. She missed the Earl, they all did. But there was one person who missed him the most; her brother-in-law, Virat.
She knew about the bond both grandfather and grandson used to have, once upon a time, but no one realised just how quickly destiny can separate you. But Virat didn't cry, nor break down. Jeevika had noticed how long Virat would spend in the Earl's orchid garden, reminiscing on the past years, but he didn't break down, not even once. She had asked him once, but to her confusion, he had only replied one thing, "Dadaji taught me that life is too short to make mistakes, and think about the 'what ifs', it's better to live your life through love, than live it through tears." She understood it though, albeit slightly – Virat had begun to accept Maanvi, and expressed his love for her, just like it was destined to happen.
Looking out, Jeevika felt nervous yet excited at the same time; being the Princess of Rishania, she was used to this sort of excitement, but the only difference was this time, she would be the Queen. In just a few hours, she would be undertaking the most important duties ever, and she was extremely nervous! Brushing back her wet hair, she looked on at the servants getting the front of the Palace looking sturdy. Her emotions were blaring, her hands shaking out of anxiety. Would she be able to do this? Could she become a good Queen? Especially in the eyes of every Chandrilasian?
"Jeevika?" A voice called out. Vanshika stepped into the room with a gown in her hand. She smiled as she noticed the nervousness on her daughter-in-law's face. "Are you nervous?"
Jeevika nodded slowly. "I don't know how to feel. I'm happy but at the same time, I'm scared. What if I don't do my duty as the Queen as well as people want me to?" She sighed, looking away from the scene out from the balcony.
"Look, beta life is not always simple. Sometimes things happen and it completely takes us off track. But it is our duty as the Queen and protector of this country to fight through this. No matter what, if you have belief in yourself then positive things will happen." Jeevika began to feel better as Vanshika confided in her. "When Viren's father died, I felt completely alone. I was only a commoner, and I didn't know anything about these rituals and duty and responsibilities, so when he left, everything just came all at once. Viren and Virat were young and they still needed me, but the country needed me too. I found it difficult but there's one thing I quickly learnt…" She placed her hand into Jeevika's. "…I was never alone. I had the support of Bauji, Swamini di and the whole country. Everyone was behind me, helping me, and they will be there for you. I'll be there for you, and Viren will be there for you. And you'll make the most perfect Queen." She smiled through her tears and she took Jeevika into her arms.
"Ma, so much has happened in this past few months. Virat marrying Maanvi, Dadaji's demise and now this…" She pulled away, sighing. "…I'm just scared that I'll mess up."
"I know you won't. And you know how I know that?" Jeevika shook her head as Vanshika smiled. "Remember that day when it was supposed to be Virat and Maanvi's roka?"
Jeevika nodded. How could she even forget that day? What was meant to be the happiest day for them, suddenly became dark. A turn of events. One thing led to another. The riot, to Viren getting hurt, to Virat's sudden marriage. That day was imbedded in her mind. "Yes, I remember."
"When the riot was taking place, and Viren got hurt, you did what a wife would do. You fought for him even if you got hurt. You told them to hit you didn't you? But they didn't. Even when you hurt yourself on purpose, they still didn't hit you, but rather they told you to stop. Because why? Because you are their Princess, and they couldn't see you get hurt. And now you'll be their Queen and trust me, the people will protect you as soon as you believe in yourself and help them."
She smiled, hugging her mother in law tight. "Thank you, Ma. For everything."
Vanshika sniffed, wiping away the slight tears from her face. She picked up the gown that she had placed on the bed and held it out. "Your Coronation gown. Today you'll give away your Princess status and take in the duty of a Queen. I'm so proud of you, of everyone. And I'll make sure this would be the most perfect day."
Jeevika smiled, holding the gown. It was light and silky, the hem of the dress was laced in gold and silver, the skirt part was plain white apart from the bottom where golden embroidery was placed. A small clear dupatta was hooked onto it one of the shoulders, matched with the same decorative patterns. "It's beautiful." She said, almost whispering. "Thank you…"
"You're welcome beta, now quickly get ready. The coronation will be just about to start and I still need to see if everything is ready." Vanshika hugged Jeevika goodbye and walked out, shutting the door behind. Jeevika smiled, her anxiety subsiding, and now begun to wonder just how well the day would go.
Outside, in the Palace gardens, Virat sat besides the small pond. He watched as a petal from a flower on a tree, broke free and fell slowly on top of the water, creating a ripple effect. It was one of his daily routines, now. Every day, or whenever he found the time, he would come down to the gardens and just soak in the beautiful atmosphere. He hadn't realised before why this was his granddad's favourite place, until now. It was just so picturesque. The smaller trees in a line leading to the pond to where he was sitting, whilst the larger, more older trees surrounded the outside, almost as if to stop the intruders from passing through. Virat closed his eyes for a second, and focused on the simplicity of the world. Flashbacks of a younger him and the Earl emerged; the younger Virat laughed, running as he teased his grandfather for not catching up. He opened his eyes, the reality seeping through. He missed his grandfather so much, yet knew that he could not cry, as his grandfather had taught him one thing; to love and not cry.
Virat found himself smiling at the thought of Maanvi, his love. He hadn't realised just how much he loved her, until life completely threw them off track. He couldn't live a day without seeing her, and each moment spent apart, would be spent in her memories. He would give his life for her, if it made her happy. If it made her safe.
"Thank you Dadaji." He whispered into the wind. "Without you, I would have never told Maanvi I loved her." He smiled, looking up at the sky, as if to look for the Earl.
"Virat, you're here? And I've been looking for you, everywhere!" He stood up as Maanvi hurried towards him with two dresses in her hand. She looked at him, slightly sad. "I'm so confused!" Virat gave her a look, wondering what she meant. She held up her two arms. "Look, Ma gave me these two dresses and told me to choose one for the coronation but I don't even know which one to wear!" She held up a dark purple dress with a silver embroidery and a navy blue long dress. "This purple one, or this blue one? Both look nice."
Virat grinned as Maanvi began to look frustrated. She looked up and creased her forehead, before nudging her husband. "Virat! Why are you looking at me? Look at these dresses and tell me which one to wear?"
He smiled and used his arms to pull her towards him. Maanvi gasped, dropping the dresses to the side of the pond. He held her tight from the back, his fingers placed just behind the hem of her blouse. She tried to pull away, shy but he just pulled her tightly until there was bare an inch of space between them. "Virat…" She whispered, trying to look away. In her shyness, she couldn't help but smile. She couldn't believe just how perfect life was for them. She loved him so much that it began to hurt. "Virat…" She whispered, still trying to not meet his eyes. "…let me go. Someone will see."
"So let them see." He whispered into her ears, the warmth of his breath touching her skin. "You are mine, and the whole world needs to know that."
"No seriously though, someone will see…" She giggled, trying to free herself but Virat didn't let her. He smirked as she tried to force herself free to she was just petite in his arms. Finally, she gave up and looked up pretending to be annoyed. "What? So now we romance in the garden as well?"
He smirked at her comment. "We can do much more if you wish."
"Virat!" Maanvi gasped, slapping his chest in jest. "I came here for your help and you're doing this?"
Virat looked over at the dress and whispered into her ears. "You want my help?" She nodded slightly. "I think, you'll the best in….nothing." He chuckled as Maanvi groaned, finally pushing him away.
"Seriously, Virat. You're such a bad help."
"Nope, I'm just madly in love with this girl who doesn't want to romance in the garden." He pretended to be sad.
Maanvi smiled cheekily, before taking his arms and wrapping them around her. "Oh really? I wonder who that girl is, she can't be nice. And don't worry, I'm here, I'll romance with you." Virat chuckled at his wife's act. It was why he loved her so much. She was someone who was real and true, she was passionate in every thing she did and believed in. And Virat knew how much Maanvi would do for him. And why not? After all, the only reason she had married him in the first place was to save the country. He couldn't believe that this selfless girl was now his wife, in honesty. He smiled at her, completely lost in her beauty. Swamini, his Aunt was right – Maanvi would bring luck to the family she marries, she was the illuminated light that brightened his darkening life.
"What are you thinking about?" Maanvi asked, noticing his distracted expression.
"About you." He said in a heartbeat.
"Me?"
"I was just thinking about how lucky I am to have you in my life. You took me through my bad days, you helped my family and restored my faith in being a Royal. And I know, I always say this but not even my words can express my feelings. Even if like the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan building the Taj Mahal for his Mumtaz, it still wouldn't be able to fully express my feelings. I could give the moon to you and it still wouldn't be enough. I would even end my life for you-"
"-Virat please!" Maanvi interrupted him. "I don't want anything!" She looked up at him, looking into his eyes. "I don't want the moon, nor the Taj Mahal nor anything. I want only you. And only you." His eyes began to water and a drop leaked out, without a second thought Maanvi wiped it off, her face extremely close to his. He shuffled slightly so that her lips were just directly below his. It looked soft with a tint of red. Beautiful, just like her. He pulled her closer, binding her arm towards his, and slowly leant forward.
"Madam!" They broke apart, Maanvi blushed as Tarun, their servant waltzed in, unknown of what was happening. Tarun cleared his throat, totally uncomfortable by what was going to happen. Besides her, Virat groaned, sending silent death messages to Tarun. "M-Madam…" Tarun stuttered, clearing his throat again. "…Urm…Y-You…" Virat couldn't listen to his stutters and told him to stop. Tarun had already ruined his moment with Maanvi, and was already wasting more time.
"Wait." Tarun stopped and looked up at Virat, waiting for his command. "You've already interrupted us, so turn around, close your eyes and count to thirty."
"What? Virat?" Maanvi objected, confused to what Virat was saying.
"Come on, Maanvi. This Tarun had already ruined our moment, and now he can't even say what he was going to say. And I'm not waiting for him to finish so that's why he should turn around so I can kiss you." Maanvi instantly blushed at his open comment. Tarun looked left and right, anywhere but at the couple. He nodded quickly and started to turn around when Maanvi stopped him.
"Stop Stop Stop! Tarun, Virat is only joking, tell me what you wanted to say…" Tarun began to turn around until Virat stopped him.
"I'm not joking Tarun." He looked at Maanvi. "Maanvi, I'm totally serious."
Maanvi gasped. "Virat! What are you saying? Here?" She started to redden, embarrassed to what they were talking about.
Virat glanced at Tarun. "Tarun, I'm going to kiss my wife now, so if you want to turn around then turn around now, I don't care." Tarun hurriedly nodded and turned around, closing his eyes and counting to thirty, extremely slowly. Maanvi tried to object just as Virat pulled her closer. "I told you, I was serious." He whispered into her ear. He moved closer, pulling her lips onto his and kissed her, as if she was his addiction. Virat pulled away couple of seconds later and glanced over at Tarun who had covered his eyes with his hand. He gave Maanvi a cheeky grin, and used his fingers to wipe away the fading lipstick on her lips. She blushed at his antics, despite wanting to be annoyed with him, she couldn't. Virat cleared his throat as Maanvi moved away from him. "Tarun, you can turn around now. It's done." Tarun hesitated for a second, before opening his eyes and slowly turning around. "Tell Maanvi what you wanted to say to her. And this time, please don't stutter."
Tarun cleared his throat and looked at the ground before addressing Maanvi. "Madam, you have a phone call waiting." He replied quickly before looking up at Virat. "I'll take your leave." Virat nodded, and so Tarun instantly started to walk away, slightly power walking.
"Phone call, for me?" Maanvi said. "I wonder who it is…"
Virat shrugged. "Go and see." She nodded, picking up the dresses and dusting them. She was about to leave when Virat called her. "By the way, wear the purple one, it'll suit my Sherwani." He smirked as Maanvi nodded, turning away from him and blushing. She couldn't believe for one thing, it had taken so long, and that to Tarun's awkwardness. Nevertheless, she couldn't help but smile at everything.
Maanvi hurried into the study and placed her dresses onto a chair. She wondered who had called her, knowing that everyone would normally call her mobile. "Hello?" She picked up the phone and waited for an answer.
"Finally! Dude, I was waiting for you for ages!" Maanvi instantly formed the biggest smile, she had ever had.
"Shiv!" She shouted out, slightly shrieking that she was finally speaking to her best friend after ages. Since the past few months, since the death of Dadaji, Maanvi did not see Shiv as she was preoccupied with her in-laws, just like how Shiv was beginning to get busy with his work.
"Oh God!" He groaned. "I know I'm pretty amazing and all, but seriously did you have to get that happy to hear from me? You nearly burst out my ear."
She laughed, imagining him rubbing his ear lobe and pretending to be in pain. "I'm sorry." She giggled. "I'm just so excited to hear from you! It's been months! I can't believe that we didn't see each other in a long time!"
"Hey, since you haven't been around me, my life has been perfect." He joked around.
Maanvi rolled her eyes at his words. "So, you are coming to the Coronation right?" She asked eagerly.
"No, yaar." He replied with a hint of sadness. "I'm still in America, I won't be able to come back to Chandrilasia until a few days after."
"What? Shiv, come on! You promised that you'll be here in time for this day. I can't not have my best friend with me!" Maanvi's heart begun to sink in dismay. A few months back, Shiv had gotten a call from a CEO of a business management company, asking him if he wanted to join their company. Though it was primarily based in America, there was also a branch in Chandrilasia but he needed to first go through a few months in America for introductory purposes. Shiv had promised Maanvi that he would be home in time for the coronation, and it seemed like that promise was already broken.
"I'm sorry Maanvi, I know I said I would be there but there was a slight delay. I wanted to call you up earlier but your phone was off so I called here. But I promise, I'll be there in a few days and you can beat me up as much as you like, okay?"
Maanvi smiled. "Beat you up as much as I like, huh? Now this, I will enjoy." She laughed. "So tell me Mr Missing In Action, how is America? Is it that great that you've forgotten all about me?"
"America is amazing! But our Chandrilasia is even more amazing." He laughed. "But seriously, I love working here! I'm so glad that the CEO of this company had given me a managerial role at the Chandrilasian branch. I'm so excited." He sighed. "It's so strange isn't it? In just a few months, our life has completely changed. Who knew you were going to marry a Prince? And who knew I would be in America? And who even knew that we would be separated?" Maanvi laughed lightly. "It just feels like yesterday when we were playing around and everyone made fun of us because we would always be together."
"I remember." She smiled. "They used to call us ShAan, and tease us but we'd never get annoyed. Because we'd always be best friends no matter what."
"Exactly! Whatever happens in life, I'm always here for you, whenever you need me, I will be there in a heartbeat."
She smiled at his words. "Anyway how is Aarti Aunty? Does she even remember me?"
"Oh please, don't you start! Mom asks about you every time. It's like she loves me more than you." He replied in mock anger.
"Everyone loves me more than you." She replied cheekily.
"And Virat?" He asked. "Does he love you and does he look after you? Because seriously, I will hurt him if he ever hurt you."
Maanvi rolled her eyes. "Hey Devdas! Don't be silly, Virat will never hurt me. He loves me so much that he can't even express it enough. Every time, he says that he's lucky to have me in his life, and every time I tell him to be quiet." She laughed softly, her memories taken over by Virat once again.
"Already thinking about him?" He teased. "This is not fair, in front of Shiv Agnihotri, you are thinking of another man? Shame on you!" Maanvi fell into a fit of laughter. "What happened to our extra marital affair, hm? That time, you were giving such big talks that Maanvi Chaudary – sorry, now Maanvi Vadhera – will have Virat on one hand and the other, me. Gosh, I wonder what magic this guy did to you, that you completely forgotten about me."
Maanvi gasped. "Hey! You were the one that left me to go to America! When did I say no to our affair? You were the only that left in the first place… and besides, what if it's you who is giving such big talks?"
"Meaning?"
"I mean, do you have any girl in mind? Look, my marriage has already happened. You have got a good job, and are now earning enough… so… do you have a girl in mind?"
"What?!" Shiv coughed out. "Me and marriage? God, no! I don't want to fall into that mess."
Maanvi pulled a face. "Come on, Shiv! I want to dance in someone's wedding."
"Then go dance in a random person's wedding."
"No, I want to dance in your wedding. And I also want a bhabhi who I can tease you with." She giggled.
"Oh, I see! So Mrs Maanvi Vadhera wants me to get married so that she can use my wife to tease me with? Wow, excellent! What a brilliant plan!" He said sarcastically. "But seriously, Maanvi. Getting married now is not for me. But I promise, if I ever decide to get married, you'll be the first person to know. After all, you are adhi patni!"
"That I am!" She smiled. A servant walked into the room, gesturing to Maanvi. She asked them to wait, completely forgetting that there was a coronation to get ready for.
"Anyway, Maanvi. I have to go. I promise I'll be back soon." She smiled and said her goodbyes, ending the call.
He was right. Life had changed so much for them. Here she was married to the love of her life, a Prince, which other girl would ever have this fairy tale love story? She closed her eyes, remembering the time when Virat had forcibly put sindoor in her forehead. At that time, she was confused, and emotional, but never realised just how quickly it would soon become her life. Strangely, she felt quite indebted to Shiv, as he was the one that told Virat to marry her there and then. She couldn't dare think about how different life would be if that didn't happen. Maybe things are just fated to happen.
Destiny has already been written for them. And what happens between her and Virat is left to destiny…
Celebrity Fan Clubs
