chapter contain : violence and brutal punishment 🔞

As Vedanti sank into the soft mattress, her body heavy with the day's burdens, she let out a contented sigh.

The weight of her responsibilities as queen seemed to dissolve as she felt Abhirath's gentle hands begin to press into her tired legs, easing away the tension that had built up over the hours.

This was something Abhirath had done from the very beginning of her pregnancy, a ritual that had become as much about their connection as it was about soothing her aches.

She closed her eyes, savoring the tender care in his touch, the way his fingers knew just where to apply pressure to bring her relief.

When she opened her eyes again, she saw him watching her with a question in his gaze, as if seeking her permission to come closer. Without hesitation, she reached out, pulling him toward her, and before he could say a word, she pressed a long, lingering kiss to his cheek.

"After working all day," she murmured, her voice lazy with contentment, "if I get you at the end of it, it's all worth it." She gazed into his eyes, her love for him glowing in her expression.

Abhirath's response was immediate and tender. He leaned forward, his hand finding the back of her neck, and kissed her slowly on the lips. The kiss was unhurried, deep, as if he wanted to savor every moment, every detail of her mouth against his. It wasn't just a kiss; it was an expression of everything he felt for her, the connection they shared, the love that was their foundation. When their lips finally parted, they were both breathless, and Vedanti couldn't help but giggle, playfully pinching his nose.

"I lovvvvvvve yooou", her voice light with affection.

"No one else could make me feel like this." he kissed the tip of her nose, her heart swelling with love.

Abhirath grinned, his hand moving to rest gently on her swollen belly. "I can't wait to meet her," he said softly, his voice filled with excitement. "Enough of you holding her in your stomach."

Vedanti laughed, a soft, melodic sound. "Babies aren't in the stomach, Abhi," she corrected him, playfully slapping his forehead.

He chuckled, tickling her neck in return. "Oh, Maasa is very smart," he mocked, his voice dripping with playful sarcasm.

As Vedanti laughed, her laughter filled the room with warmth and love, but the weight of something she had been carrying for a long time pressed on her. She shifted, pulling herself up to sit on the edge of the bed. Abhirath, noticing the change in her demeanor, immediately became concerned.

"What's wrong, Vedu?" he asked, his voice filled with worry as he sat up beside her.

Vedanti hesitated, her heart pounding in her chest. She took a deep breath, trying to steady herself before speaking. "Abhi, there's something I need to tell you. It's about Omkara..."

Before she could continue, Abhirath gently placed his finger on her lips, stopping her. "It doesn't matter," he said softly. "I trust you. Whatever happened in the past, it's in the past. The way I had to kiss Trupti to make Omkara believe that the rumors were false and that the baby girl is mine—it was just a necessity."

"Abhi," Vedanti cut him off, her voice trembling. "This is different. I'll only find peace if I share it with you. Please, let me."

Abhirath sighed, sensing the seriousness in her tone. He nodded, his hand resting on hers. "Alright, go ahead."

Vedanti took another deep breath, feeling the weight of her confession looming over her. "Omkara and you both came into my life around the same time, and neither of you knew about each other. At first... IwasattractedtoOmkara," she whispered, her voice barely audible.

Abhirath's expression hardened, and he sat up straighter, his hand tilting her chin so she had to meet his gaze. "Say it clearly, my rabbit," he demanded, his voice low and dangerous.

Vedanti's heart raced. She knew she was treading on dangerous ground, and any wrong word could create a rift between them. Closing her eyes, she gathered her courage and continued. "I was attracted to Omkara. He was physically appealing, but as I spent time with both of you, I realized something important. I felt more like myself when I was with you, Abhi. Not the princess, not the queen, just me. All the laughter we shared was real, and I don't even know when I fell for you. Maybe it was the way you helped others, or how you celebrated all my small successes, or how you anchored me to achieve things I always wanted to do. You convinced my parents to let me learn swordsmanship and politics. You were proud of me, even when I failed."

Her voice wavered as she looked into his eyes, her heartbeat the only sound breaking the silence of the night. Abhirath's tense expression softened, a small smile tugging at the corner of his lips as he gently caressed her cheek.

"But there's more," she continued, her voice trembling. "Once, I visited a temple alone, and Omkara found out about it from one of my close servants. He followed me there. As I was climbing a tree behind the temple to rescue a cat, I slipped and fell into the waterfall. I didn't know how to swim back then. I shouted for help, and Omkara... he jumped in after me and saved me. When we emerged, I was barely able to breathe. He came close, hugged me, and told me to breathe. It was the first time I was so close to a man. He tucked a strand of hair behind my ear, and I—" she paused, her voice breaking. "I closed my eyes, feeling his hand, and he took it the wrong way. He kissed me. I was shocked, frozen. He deepened the kiss, and after a few seconds, I pushed him away and slapped him. He laughed, pulled me close again, and said I should be ready to be his wife."

Abhirath's eyes darkened with anger as he listened, his jaw clenched tightly. "And then you came back," he finished for her, his voice cold. "And you proposed to marry me. Why didn't you tell me this at the time, Vedu? I would have killed him right then."

Vedanti's eyes filled with tears as she looked into his angry gaze. "I was scared, Abhi. I didn't want to lose you. I didn't know how you would react."

Abhirath shook his head, his anger and hurt evident. "You should have told me," he whispered, his voice thick with emotion. "I would have protected you. I would have taken care of it."

Tears spilled down Vedanti's cheeks as she nodded, her voice cracking. "I know, and I'm sorry. I was just... so scared. But I love you, Abhi. I've always loved you."

Abhirath's anger seemed to dissolve as he pulled her into his arms, holding her tightly. "I too love you,my rabbit. But you don't need to hide anything from me. Ever. We're in this together."

As he held her, the tension in the room eased, but the weight of her confession still lingered. Abhirath's grip tightened around her, his protectiveness evident. "Omkara will die the most painful death. I'll make sure of that."

Vedanti nodded, her heart still heavy but relieved to have finally shared the truth. As they lay back down, the darkness outside seemed to echo the storm of emotions swirling inside them. Abhirath's hand rested on her stomach, a silent promise to protect both her and their unborn child.

Next Morning

The atmosphere in the kingdom was electric, charged with the anticipation of what was about to unfold. The entire populace had gathered in the central square, where the royals were seated with a clear view of the proceedings.

The subjects, standing in awe and trepidation, watched as justice was about to be served to Omkara and his men. The air was thick with tension, a mixture of fear, excitement, and a thirst for retribution.

Abhirath, noticing the anxiety in Vedanti's eyes, gently gestured for her to speak. Steadying herself, she stood tall and addressed the crowd with authority. "All of Omkara's men will be hanged to death first," she announced, her voice firm, carrying over the gathered masses. "And then, Omkara will be buried alive. The elephants will walk over his head."

The crowd erupted in cheers, a wave of approval sweeping through them as they celebrated the harsh sentence. The sheer brutality of the punishment was a testament to the severity of Omkara's crimes, and the people felt a grim satisfaction in witnessing his downfall.

On the other side of the platform, Trupti was pale, her heart pounding in her chest. She had goosebumps, her body betraying her fear as she watched her step-brother—once a prince then king, now a condemned man—stand helplessly in the face of his impending doom. Omkara, who had never known anything but luxury and privilege, was about to face a fate so cruel that Trupti could hardly process it.

Seeing her distress, Dev, who was holding the baby girl, walked over to her on the stage. He handed her the child, hoping to offer some comfort. The baby, sensing her mother's turmoil, began to cry as soon as she was placed in Trupti's arms. Desperate to soothe her daughter, Trupti began playing with the baby, momentarily distracted from the horror unfolding before her.

As the executions began, the crowd roared with approval. Each of Omkara's men met their end at the gallows, their deaths a grim reminder of the consequences of their loyalty to a tyrant.

Vedanti watched it all with a stoic expression, but beneath the surface, she felt a wave of unease in her lower abdomen. Dismissing it as nothing more than the heat and exhaustion of the day, she tried to focus on the task at hand.

Finally, it was Omkara's turn. He stood in the middle of the square, surrounded by a deep hole that had been dug in the ground. Only his head remained above the surface, exposed to the world that he had once sought to dominate. As the hole was filled in around him, leaving only his face visible, the women who had been victimized by Omkara stepped forward, their faces a mixture of relief and vindication. They had suffered at his hands, and now they would witness his demise.

But Vedanti's discomfort was growing. She shifted uneasily in her seat, her hand instinctively going to her belly. Abhirath, always attentive to her, noticed her distress. "Are you alright, rabbit?" he asked, concern lacing his voice.

"It's nothing," she replied, trying to smile. "Just the heat. I'm feeling a bit warm, that's all."

Abhirath didn't press further, but he kept a close eye on her as the final act of the execution approached. The elephants were led toward Omkara, their massive feet ready to crush the life out of him. Just as Abhirath gave the signal for the elephants to proceed, a sudden, terrifying event unfolded.

Arrows shot through the air, one landing just inches from Vedanti's throne, the other near Trupti's. Panic erupted as the crowd screamed and scattered, everyone running for cover. Abhirath immediately reacted, pulling Vedanti toward him and shielding her with his body. The royal guards sprang into action, forming a protective barrier around the royal family.

Dev, who had been close to Trupti, instinctively wrapped his arms around her and the baby, holding them close as the soldiers surrounded them. The chaos was overwhelming, but their priority was clear—protect the royals at all costs.

The square, once filled with cheers and anticipation, was now a scene of chaos as people fled in every direction. The guards ushered the royal family back toward the palace, their weapons drawn, eyes scanning the crowd for any further threats. Abhirath kept Vedanti close, his hand tightly gripping his sword, ready to strike at any moment.

Inside the palace walls, the tension remained high. The soldiers were on high alert, and the doors were secured to prevent any intruders from entering. As they reached the safety of the royal chambers, all the family members were gathered in one chamber.

The atmosphere inside the palace was charged with a mixture of fear and determination. The royal family had gathered in a single chamber, seeking solace in their unity amidst the chaos. Abhirath, Vishwanth, and Devansh huddled together, devising a plan while their wives supported them, offering strength and comfort. The tension was palpable as they moved to the terrace, scanning the kingdom for signs of further danger.

Dev, after ensuring that Trupti and the baby girl were safe, descended to the ground where the attack had occurred, accompanied by the palace soldiers.

The head soldier reported with a grim expression, "Your Majesty, the attack wasn't significant—only about 15 to 30 men, half of whom are already dead. But... Omkara has escaped."

A wave of disappointment and anger swept through Abhirath and the others. Vedanti's voice, sharp with fury, cut through the air. "How could you be so careless? You had one job—to keep him under control. Now we have to clean up this mess in secret!" The soldiers, shamed by their failure, hung their heads low.

Suddenly, a loud crash echoed from the terrace entrance, drawing everyone's attention. Omkara, disheveled and enraged, appeared, flanked by two of his men. His eyes, wild with obsession, locked onto Vedanti as he screamed, "I told you, Vedanti! If you can't be mine, I won't let you be his either!"

Abhirath and Vedanti's fathers instinctively moved to shield her, while the soldiers swiftly formed a protective barrier around them. Omkara laughed, his voice filled with bitter madness. "You fools think I'm as weak as you? Think again!"

In that chilling moment, the sound of a baby crying pierced the tense air. Everyone turned to see Trupti, Roopmati, and Radika being held at swordpoint, with Omkara's men standing menacingly behind them.

Omkara, reveling in the horror he had created, handed the crying baby girl to one of his men. He sneered, "So, my dear king and ex-king, what will it be? Save your wives first, or your daughter? One life for four—I know I'm going to die anyway!" His laughter rang out, a macabre accompaniment to the unfolding nightmare.

Vedanti's father stepped forward, desperate. "Omkara, please, leave my daughter and wife alone. Take whatever you want, but spare them!" He pleaded, his voice breaking.

But Devansh, filled with righteous fury, shouted at Omkara, "Leave my daughter, granddaughter and my wife, or face the consequences!"

Abhirath, echoing his father's tone, added coldly, "We'll give you Vedanti. Just release them."

Omkara's lips curled into a smirk. "Tell your soldiers to empty this place," he commanded. Abhirath hesitated but then gestured for the soldiers to retreat, their faces etched with helplessness as they obeyed.

Omkara's men first released Roopmati and Radika, who stumbled forward, their eyes wide with fear. "Now, drop your weapons," Omkara demanded. The royals, already outnumbered, complied, leaving Omkara and his men as the only ones armed.

Vedanti stood quietly, trying to steady herself, but her contractions were growing stronger and more painful. She bit her lip, trying to hide the pain, but it was becoming impossible to ignore.

Seeing there struggle, Omkara's confidence grew. Omkara's men then released Trupti. Vishwanth, Devansh, and their wives stood at the entrance, blocking any chance of escape. Omkara, his eyes narrowing in suspicion, barked, "You, Trupti, leave as well. And you too, Abhirath."

Abhirath moved cautiously, his eyes never leaving Omkara. Vedanti remained where she was, her heart pounding as she struggled with both pain and fear. Omkara, seeing her distress, smirked wickedly. "Move faster!" he commanded, before cruelly tossing the baby girl toward Abhirath. "Catch her if you can!" he laughed.

Abhirath's heart leaped into his throat as he lunged forward, catching the baby girl safely in his arms. He held her close, kissing her tiny head in relief. But his relief was short-lived. A scream tore through the air—Vedanti's scream.

Abhirath's heart stopped as he turned to see Omkara grabbing Vedanti and dragging her toward the terrace edge. Without thinking, Abhirath sprinted towards them, but Omkara was faster. In one swift motion, he forced Vedanti over the edge, and they both plummeted from the terrace.

"No!" Abhirath's voice was raw with terror as he rushed to the terrace's edge. He knew Vedanti wasn't helpless—she had killed men before, and he was certain she had hidden a dagger in her dress. But the sight of her falling made his blood run cold.

The rest of the family rushed down the stairs, panic gripping them. Trupti, clutching the baby girl, ran after them, her heart pounding in her chest. Abhirath, consumed with fear, raced down as well, desperate to reach Vedanti in time.

As they all reached the ground, Abhirath pushed through the chaos to find Vedanti. His breath caught in his throat when he saw her—she was on the ground, Omkara's lifeless body beside her. Her face was pale, her body trembling from the exertion and the contractions. The dagger in her hand was stained with Omkara's blood, her grip on it still firm.

"Vedanti!" Abhirath shouted, dropping to his knees beside her. He pulled her into his arms, his voice trembling with emotion. "Are you alright? Vedu, talk to me!"

She nodded weakly, her body trembling. "it's... save my baby...