Set in 1650s

Armaan sat there numb.

The house, once brimming with life and warmth now stood abandoned and dusty. As he forced himself up from the floor, his knees threatened to give out anytime soon and he leaned against the wall, gathering support from it's solid presence. The light streamed in through the almost broken window and he sucked in a breath. His knees wobbled and he walked to the cupboard. Removing the dust off the wooden cupboard, he coughed, inhaling the smell and sneezed. His fingers traced the wooden cupboard, the touch tender and as light as the whisper of the wind, each corner of the house whispered memories. He gulped softly as the memories crashed over him, each memory more precious than the last. He could still hear the echoes of whispered promises, playful banters and gentle scoldings were still fresh in his mind like a bittersweet reminder of good times.

He gulped the lump that formed in his throat. He felt a heavy weight pressing down at his chest, his chest seemed to tighten a bit more. Each breath felt like a task. The force of grief was overwhelming and he shuddered. The ground swayed beneath his feet. His breath trembled out in the form of a ragged gasp and he barely stood there.

Baba sahab.

Armaan cried out, his voice chocked with emotion.

Armaan.

Rajveer called out, his voice quivering with panic as he grasped Armaan,s shoulder, steadying him over his feet. Armaan leaned onto his shoulder, the greif felt too overwhelming to be contained within the coffins of his chest.

As Rajveer hugged him, Armaan let out an anguished sob which was muffled as he bit onto his bottom lip trying to hold it down with pain.

Kaise?

He asked, his voice a pained whisper.

Rajveer looked at Armaan, his heart aching with a mixture of anguish and regret as he watched Armaan.

He placed a hand on his shoulder and spoke, his glossy eyes staring into nothingness, his face hollow but voice pained

Yeh sab 20 varsh purv shuru hua.

Armaan looked at Rajveer, listening to what he was saying, the pain in his voice had Armaan,s full attention.

Maharaj chal diye apna singhasan tyag ker...

Aur baba?

Armaan asked, his voice barely above a whisper. His heart pounded in his ears, a mixture of anticipation and denial flooding through him.

A ghost of a smile played on Rajveer,s lips,  his eyes filled with sadness.

Woh bhi Maharaj ke sath chal diye.

Armaan,s heart clenched painfully in his chest hearing Rajveer, pounding in his ears. His hands clenched at his sides as if holding onto something.

He gulped softly and asked, his voice tight with pain

Maharaj aur pitashree ka rishta hi aisa tha.

Armaan looked up, staring at the doomed ceiling, a tear trailed down his cheek and he lifted his head to prevent more from falling

Jahan Maharaj, wahan pita ji.

Armaan said, the tears chocking him up and he coughed not allowing himself to cry, the pain almost overwhelming.

His head jolted and he stared down in the old man

Bahot khush hoge na aap?

Armaan asked, his tone biting.

Rajveer shook his head, his tears falling.

Nahin Armaan.

The old man said, his voice heavy.

Humara aur unka khata meetha naata tha.

Armaan looked at Rajveer, his eyes searching Rajveer,s for the touch of mockery he had anticipated.

Rajveer laughed, the sound hollow, his eyes clouded with sadness.

Aise kya dekh rahe ho?

Armaan crossed his arms across his chest, his chest tightening with greif, a wave of anger crashing over him.

Main kaise maan loon?

Armaan asked, his voice trembling with barely controlled anger.

Rajveer,s shoulder slumped in defeat, pain etched across his face.

Samey bahot balvaan hota hai.

He trailed off, gulping the lump that formed in his throat.

Aur ab hum iss yogya nahin rahe ke kisi se badla le sakein.

Armaan looked at him, his face softening a bit.

Yeh rajya barbad ho raha hai.

Armaan swallowed hard, a flicker of determination crossing his face.

Mujhe karya chahiye raj mehel mein.

Armaan said, his voice tinged with determination.

Kya kerne wale ho tum?

Rajveer asked, his voice carrying a hint of understanding.

Armaan looked at him, a smile playing on his lips.
........................................

Beautiful hazel orbs, stare out from the balcony.

Her lips quiver into a smile and she hurried out, her anklets chiming creating a beautiful melody of it's own, her beautiful white lehenga swirling with each hurried stride she took, her eyes crinkling as she moved through various passageways.

Rajkumari Rukiye...

But she didn't stop, climbing down the flight of stairs, she stopped by the entrance of the garden. She rushed forward, her breath catching.

She breathed out and smiled standing midst of colorful blooms, each one more beautiful then the last. She twirled around, a gentle smile playing on her lips as she reached out, caressing the Patels with a gentle touch. They were soft under her touch as she bent over allowing the fragrance to weft into her nose.

She closed her eyes, clenching the necklace , wrapping her fingers around it tightly, a gentle breeze caressed her cheeks and she turned, her eyes crinkling at the edges as she breathed.

Pita ji.

She breathed out, the word carrying the weight of her affection for her father as she stepped forward, her smile softened. A mixture of affection and respect flooding through her.

She lifted her lashes, her eyes brimming with affection.

Amu.

He called out, an endearment she has come to love. She stepped forward and he held her hand, caressing the back of her palm, his heart swelling with love for his daughter.

Kab se dhoomdh rahe hain hum aapko.

He said, his voice soft, filled with worry.

She looked at her father and smiled, her heart swelling with affection.

Kyun?

She asked gently.

Aapko pata hai na kitni chinta rehti hai humein aapki.

He said in a questioning manner, holding her hand and caressing the back of her palm.

She looked at him, her eyes brimming with affection.

Hum jante hain.

Then with a soft smile, she spoke with an intension to distract her father

Humein bhook lagi hai.

Her father's eyes widened, a wave of realization washing over him.

Are hum toh bhool hi gaye. Aapko bahot bhook lag rahi hogi.

He said holding her hand and walked inside with her following him, his worry evident.

End Of Chapter No 1!!!!

Here's the chapter no 1 of fated series. Don't forget to vote and comment. Love you all take care stay home and stay safe ❤️

Rajkumari Amrit