Hey guys,

I am back with the last chapter of this story. This story is so close to my heart and also the very first story that I have ever completed. Me and my commitment issues. But anyway epilogue is coming soon. This story was named after a specific line related to this chapter do comment if you find it lol. (easiest find ever)

As always ignore grammatical errors and typos. 

XXX

COURTROOM-DAY

As Tara clung to her brother, seeking comfort in the wake of the shocking revelations, Maharani entered the courtroom, as the news of Senapati's treachery reached Maharani, who wasted no time in making her way there. Her eyes fell upon the scene unfolding before her - Senapati standing in disgrace, Tara in tears, and Maharaj with a resolute expression.

Fueled by a mix of anger and sorrow, she stormed into the room, her eyes fixed on Senapati, who stood there, his face still bearing the red marks of Tara's slaps. Without a moment's hesitation, Maharani slapped Senapati on the face, her voice filled with fury, "You have destroyed my children's lives! How could you betray their trust and bring such pain upon them?"

Anusuya, Mahaveer's wife, stepped forward, trying to hold back Maharani, as she was about to deliver another blow. "Please, Maharani, let the authorities handle this," Anusuya urged, concerned for her mother-in-law's well-being.

Maharaj spoke up, his voice firm and unwavering. "Senapati Samrat Singh, you are no longer the Senapati. You have betrayed the trust of the kingdom and your own family. You shall relinquish all your titles, property, and possessions immediately. From this moment on, you are no longer associated with the royal family."

Senapati's face contorted with anger and disbelief, but he knew he was powerless against the consequences of his actions. He had lost everything - power, respect, love, and trust. His trial was announced, and the punishment for his heinous crimes would be delivered in two days.

Maharaj continued, "Your trial will take place in two days, where you shall be held accountable for your crimes. You will be punished according to the severity of your actions, and no one who attempts to shield you from justice shall be spared either."

The gravity of the situation settled upon the courtroom, and the atmosphere was filled with tension and apprehension. Senapati's actions had not only shattered the lives of Tara and Mahaveer but had also tainted the trust and stability of the kingdom.

Tara stood beside her brother, her emotions still raw and tears streaming down her cheeks. Mahaveer held her close, offering silent support and comfort. Maharani, though filled with anger, could not help but feel the weight of the pain her children were enduring.

The guards escorted Senapati out of the courtroom, and the reality of his betrayal continued to reverberate throughout the kingdom. Maharaj addressed the gathered audience, his voice firm, "We must remain steadfast and united during these trying times. Justice will be served, and we will rebuild what has been broken."

Maharani, still trembling with anger and sorrow, nodded at Maharaj's decision. She knew that there could be no mercy for such a grave betrayal that had harmed her beloved children. Tara, who was still in her brother's embrace, wiped away her tears and looked at her parents. Though heartbroken and wounded, there was a glimmer of hope in her eyes, knowing that the truth had been revealed, and justice would be served.

As the proceedings came to an end, the courtroom cleared out, leaving behind an atmosphere of somber reflection. The kingdom awaited the trial of Senapati Samrat Singh, where the truth would be laid bare, and justice would be sought for the destruction he had wrought upon the lives of those he once called family.

DHRUV'S ROOM- DAY

Tara sought solace amidst the memories of their love. Holding a photograph of Dhruv close to her heart, she spoke to it as if he were there. "I did as you said, Dhruv. I fought for our love, and Senapati ended up revealing the truth himself. I can't express how relieved I am to be free from the promise given by Maharaj," she said, her voice tinged with a mix of joy and sadness.

Suddenly, there was a knock on the door. Tara, accustomed to the practice of not entering Dhruv's room without knocking first, permitted the person to come in. As she looked up, she saw her father, Maharaj, standing there. Tara remained silent, gazing at him with a blank expression.

Maharaj spoke, his voice filled with remorse, "You still wouldn't talk to me?" Tara continued to remain silent, not knowing how to respond.

"I am sorry for whatever I did to you, due to the promise I gave to Senapati. I know I am at fault for everything that happened in the last few weeks,"
Maharaj's regret was evident as he apologized for the consequences of the promise he made to Senapati. Tara's emotions were still raw, and she found her voice, asking, "Then what should I do?" The pain she had endured was not easily forgotten.

"I just want my bubbly and smiling daughter back, the one who always loved me as her father," Maharaj continued, hoping for reconciliation.

Tara's heart softened slightly, but the wounds ran deep. She retorted, "Where was this father when I pleaded to be heard just once?"

Acknowledging his errors, Maharaj's remorse deepened as he admitted, "My judgment was clouded, and I did things I shouldn't have."

Tara couldn't deny the immense pain she had experienced due to her father's actions. Questioning his sudden plea for forgiveness, she asked, "Why to ask for forgiveness now?"

With earnest eyes, Maharaj replied, "Because I can't live with the guilt of almost destroying your life. Will you ever forgive me?"

Taking a moment to gather her thoughts, Tara responded, "I will try, Pitashree, but forgiveness won't come instantly. Perhaps in the near future."

Maharaj understood the gravity of his actions, accepting her response with a mixture of regret and hope. "That's all I ask for," he said.

As Tara and Maharaj stood in Dhruv's room, a sense of unease lingered between them. But there was also a glimmer of hope for reconciliation, a hope that the wounds could eventually heal with time and understanding. They both knew that rebuilding the trust and bond between them would be a journey, but it was a journey they were willing to embark on together. 

RESTRICTED AREA PALACE -LATE EVENING

Mahaveer greeted the guards with a nod and entered the room. He saw Rajvdiya sitting at his desk, diligently writing down Dhruv's progress. Hearing the door open, Rajvdiya looked up and quickly stood to greet the Yuvraj.

"Rajvdiya ji, I want you to stay here for the next two days," Mahaveer said with a serious tone.

Rajvdiya was curious and asked, "Why, Yuvraj?"

Mahaveer explained, "Senapati Samrat Singh, in frustration and anger, blurted out the truth himself. He mentioned your name in all of this and left the Rajpurohit out of it. I believe he is counting on the Rajpurohit to help him escape punishment."

Understanding the situation, Rajvdiya nodded in agreement. Mahaveer then inquired about Dhruv's health, "How is Chikitsak Dhruv doing now?"

Rajvdiya replied with a reassuring smile, "He is doing great. I am positive he will wake up within the next few days."

Mahaveer felt relieved to hear the positive update about Dhruv's condition. He then shared his plan, "Once the Senapati is given the punishment for his crimes, I can finally tell everyone about Dhruv being alive."

As they continued their conversation, neither of them noticed that Dhruv had moved a little in his unconscious state. He whispered Tara's name softly as if calling out to her in his dreams. Meanwhile, Tara, leaning against the balcony railing elsewhere, looked up as if she had heard someone calling her.

Mahaveer glanced up from his conversation with Rajvdiya and asked him, "Did you hear anything, Rajvdiya ji?"

Rajvdiya shook his head and replied, "No, I didn't hear anything."

Unaware of the faint connection between Tara and Dhruv at that moment, Mahaveer and Rajvdiya continued their discussion, strategizing how to handle the upcoming trial and the revelation of Dhruv's survival.

DHRUV'S BEDROOM-NIGHT

As Tara gazed at the moon, her heart filled with bittersweet longing. The stars twinkled above, echoing the promise she made to herself. She knew deep within that her connection with Dhruv transcended time and space, that their love was destined to endure.

Lost in her thoughts, Tara looks to her side to see, Dhruv standing beside her, his presence warm and comforting. His smile, a beacon of hope, ignited a spark within her. Despite the physical distance between them, their souls remained intertwined, bound by an unbreakable thread.

With a sigh, Tara wrapped her arms around herself, seeking solace in the chilly night air. The words whispered in her mind, carrying the weight of determination and devotion. "I will find you, Dhruv. If not in this century, in this birth. I will find you in my rebirth. Dhruv's Tara will find him, in every century, in every birth, in all 7 births that were meant to be. Dhruv's Tara will find him no matter what."

As the scene faded, Tara's yearning lingered, a tale of love left unfinished. She whispered softly, "Ishq ki dastan, adhuri thi, adhuri hai. Mirza bhi mit gaya, sahiba adhuri hai. Jeene ke har wajah, adhuri thi, adhuri hai. Ishq ki dastan, adhuri thi, adhuri hai." These poignant words encapsulated the essence of their love story, a tale of incompleteness, yet to find its closure.

And so, Tara carried on, guided by an unwavering belief that one day, their paths would intertwine again, and their love would transcend the boundaries of time and space.

XXX

So this is where the story comes to an end. Epilogue will be up soon A little sneak peek at the absolute end. A one-shot that was supposed to be Tara-centric ended up becoming a five-short story. I hope all of you have liked this story.

With love
Mansi

SNEAK PEEK 

Tara didn't respond as she stood up abruptly from her seat and rushed towards the courtroom entrance, hoping to escape the overwhelming emotions flooding her.

However, before she could reach the exit, she collided with a solid chest, jolting her back to reality. She looked up and saw Dhruv standing before her, his eyes filled with worry and determination.

Tara couldn't believe what she was seeing. Her mind was telling her that Dhruv was gone, but her heart refused to accept it. She stood there in shock, unable to find her voice.