Rathore Palace buzzed with activity, everyone had some or the other duty assigned with respect to Vikram's wedding. Almost everyone had something to do. Shivangi had been too busy supervising all the arrangements. She couldn't do much when Veer got married but she was doig max in Vikram's 

''Granny, why am I being chucked out of my suite.'' Vikram asked as he entered his grandparents chambers

''Its being renovated to suit the new bride.''

''What about the old grand son.''

''He too will have a small place in a corner.'' Vikram gaped at his usually silent and calm grandmother as his grandfather burst into a laughter

''When did you started talking like Rolli?'' Shivangi's smile faded, she huffed, ''I wish , she gets her smile back. I miss my little girl, her questions, her ranting. She has changed.'' Turning to Vikram she held his hands in hers, ''She tells you everything. Do you know the reason for her state?''

Vikram was unable to answer it, shaking his head he stepped back walking out of the room. One side, his family was preparing for a grand wedding and  in a corner, his beloved sister sat mourning her broken heart. He cursed himself for forgetting her pain so easily.  He wanted to ease her pain out and made a promise to himself to do the same.

***

Dev had been doing in and out of his room for very long. Sagar sat watching his over anxious brother munching on snacks, ''Anaa, what's the matter.''

''I am trying to figure out if we have missed something.'' He replied

''You and I both know nothing is missing. What are you tensed about? " Sagar's words froze him, he realised he was making his nervousness too obvious. Sagar walked to Dev, ''You need to get rid of this guilt. It wasn't your fault and haven't we forgiven Vikram, he too shot Sona.''

''But not with the intention to kill. My intention was to kill Ranvijay Rathore. Moreover, I am Netra's son. This truth will never leave me.''

Sagae knelt opposite to his brother, taking Dev's hand into his he locked his emotional eyes with Dev, ''I lost my mom. I had a father, but he too was a little reclusive. I am not saying he was bad with me but he wasn't the father I always wanted. It was you. I know Akka was rude to you before but for me, you were like an epitome of perfection. So, for my sake, never undermine yourself. You are your mother's son, no one can change that but you are Dev as well. My Anaa, and I won't let anyone change that.'' Dev leaned his forehead against his younger brother, ''when did you grow up this much?''

'' Don't know but please let me be your little brother.'' The brothers hugged, they had a decade of age difference but for Sagar, Dev was his hero . he would rather prefer sticking to Dev than stay any where else.

''Hukum, everything is ready.'' Their moment was broken by a staff, who had come to inform them that it was time to leave. Dev nodded, he walked to the staff, ''Please make sure Sona is fine and taken care off till I am back, and she shouldn't step out of this Palace.'' The satff left with a nod

''But why Anaa?'' Sagar asked

''Because this is Suryagarh. I don't know what corner darkness still prevails.'' With a shake of his head he dragged Sagar along to avoid anymore questions. Though, he wanted to stay back a little uncomfortable but his heart wanted one chance to meet the girl he broke o bad.

***

Rolli went through few reports and frowned, she picked up file and decided to see Veer immediately. She smiled at the staff running from one corner to the other busy in decorating their home. 

''may I come in.'' She asked knocking Veer's study door. He smiled, pushed his chair back and opened the door for her. ''You never needed a permission.''

She smiled, ''I have a question. Why are we depending on 3rd party for selling the local crafts and work. We practically make nothing.''

''Because they are known in the market. Our platform just has the reach in some places of the country.''

Rolli thought, ''We have brand stores in our hotels, lets make space for one of our own.  We would no longer sell the best online on 3rd party. If they want to buy, it has to be through us Moreover, the Tourist who visit our hotels are more interested in handicrafts. They will buy without much bargaining.''

''Do you understand that we don't do this business for profit but to support the ones who are not given what they deserve.''

''Yes Chachu, and the net earning they get is still less. Okay, lets try it out for few months.'' Veer smiled, it was a good sign she was getting back to her older self. Time and again her childhood would flash to him, she had always been their darling. He still remembered how she would run to him opening her tiny arms when anybody pushed her to do something she hated. And then she would fight him  over small  things.  Veer got up and moved to his niece, ''Am I pushing you too hard child?''

She smiled, ''No, you are actually saving me. If not for you, it would have taken dad just a minute to know what's running in my head. Chachu, I won't be attending today's event.''

''And give bhai a chance to question you. No, you will be there, as the  princess of Jaigarh. Right?'' She nodded but her insides churned.

***

Dipika dug the pile of clothes to pull out something good for the day. Her eyes landed on a beautiful traditional outfit. It was a gift from her granny when she had been 15-16. She smiled looking at the beautiful mirror and shell work. She inhaled deep,taking in the fragrance of her memories when a knock made her turn. The visitor made her face split into two.

''Hukum, you called.'' Chitra asked with a smile.

Dipika stared at the dress and then at the young girl. ''Yes, come in and try this.'' Chitra blinked, not moving an inch.

Dipika huffed, walking to the frozen girl she dragged Chitra inside and pushed her into the changing room, ''You have 5 minutes.'' Chitra stared at the rich dress. Though, the pattern was common but fabric and intricacy of worked made it look rich. She quickly changed into it and stepped out.

Dipika took a good look at Chitra. Moving closer, she untied her hair, moving them front over her shoulder. ''You look like a Princess. Just right for my Vansh.'' Chitra froze, ''Hukum, this is not right. I should change.''

''No, don't. My granny gave me this as a gift and today, I am giving this to you. Its precious, and I wanted someone precious to have it.''

Chitra started trembling like a leaf, Dipika noticed her nervousness. A drop of tear trickled down her cheek and Dipika wiped it off. ''I understand your fears but trust me.''

''I should leave.''

''But keep this on when bride's  family visits.'' Chitra just nodded. Dipika wrapped the stole around her beautifully and then did her hair. ''Now go and show it to your parents.'' Chitra walked out all the way more worried. She didn't know how her parents were going to react to the gifts.

Lost in her thoughts about her complicated present and future she missed Vansh walking to her from opposite direction. He took in all of her, he knew she didn't notice him. He looked around and moved inside an open door, waiting was Chitra to cross him.

Chitra couldn't react when she was suddenly being pulled into a room, a palm prevented her from screaming while an arm held against a warm hard chest. He eyes widen when they met that of Vansh's dreamy ones. He kicked the door shut as he held her close.

Her eyes spoke fear while his pour love. Leaning his forehead against hers, he allowed silence to scream his mind. Vansh leaned closed as her fingers started curling around his shirt. ''Why are you running from me?''

''Because that is the right thing to do.'' She whispered timidly

''How can you alone  deiced what is good for both of us.'' He asked leaning closer, his eyes focused on her and hers staring at their feet .

''One day, you will be the reason for my death.'' She accused. Vansh studied her for a moment, he smiled and kissed her. Her lids drooped as he pulled her up so she could match his height. Her body started curving into a ball, and he started deepening it. He wanted her to respond but she refused to. Vansh's fingers pulled over her back squeezing her ex[posed soft flesh. She pulled back, ''Stop forcing yourself on me.''

He frowned, his nerves started tensing, he pulled her up, ''You can't just go hot and cold on me as per your wish. Do you hear me Chitra.''

She smiled, ''My wish? Did you ever bother to respect any of mine. All you want is show your feelings off. You don't know how difficult it is becoming for me.''

Vansh jaw ticked, his palms gripped her arms hard pulling her up, ''Listen to me and  for the last time carefully. I don't care and won't care if someone knows of my feelings. I love you and you love me. That is what matters and here on, dare not ignore me.'' He pushed left her with a jerk, ''Go before whole Jaigarh discovers you with me.'' He turned away from her, he hated when she pulled back and she had started doing it a lot.

Chitra ran off without turning back,  her palms wiping her eyes continuously, failing to notice Ranvijay and Sitara, whose jaw started ticking when Vansh walked out after Chitra.

''Hukum, I am sorry. I will give her a lesson.''

''You will not touch her. That's an order Sitara. I I will handle this, my way.'' Sitara nodded, but her anger knew no bounds. How many times she had warned her daughter to keep the distance and here she walks out looking like a mad girl.

Ranvijay raked his fingers through his hair, ''All have forgotten who am I. So many things are happening under my nose and no one bothered to inform me. Fine, time to set things straight.''

***

Ananya welcomed Aadhavan and his sons with her in laws. They were being welcomed Royal style with flower shower and scented water. Aadhavan looked impressed, he had kept his eyes on the surroundings since their vehicle entered Jaigarh. The place looked peaceful and calm just like his home. He was happy that his daughter was going in a family which believed in keeping strong family bonds.

Ranvijay joined his family apologising for being late, his eyes turned mad when they fell on Vansh but he controlled. For now, setting Sona's life was important.

Dev felt a wave of disappointment  when he didn't find Rolli with her family. He knew she didn't wanted to see him and he couldn't blame her. He had no hopes on her forgiving him . All he wanted was her one glance. 

All his life, he never asked much from the almighty but that moment he begged for her one glance. It did got answered, the room echoed with sound of bangles as proud Princess made her presence felt. Dev's heart picked up, his eyes moved to her feet and then slowly moved up.  Dressed in a Royal attire, she wore her pride on her face. their eyes met and she turned hers away taking a seat next to her mother.

Dev swallowed the dryness, he still loved and was going to love her for this life. The flow of conversation forced him to pull his attention off Rolli but time an again their eyes would get locked and all would disappear for them. 

''I wanted to express my gratitude for accepting Sonakshi back. Even after all that happened.'' Aadhavan thanked Ranvijay.

He smiled, ''I have a habit of taking what's mine.'' Ananya sucked her cheeks . Ranvijay added,  Sona belongs to all of us. She is a Rathore and she will remain that. About what happened, I have forgotten all of it. Its a new start so lets just keep the past aside.'' Ranvijay's voice held so much assurance that Aadhavan felt calm, his daughter was going to a family who wouldn't just protect but love her as well.

''Let's begin the ritual.'' Ranvijay nodded, his lips curved into a smile. 

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 

Next-''You are like the first rain that takes away the pain of blazing earth.'' He voice held the pain of his heart

''And you are land that deserves to die in thirst.'' She replied with anger. He smiled, ''So be it then. Stay happy love.''

****

''She is too young to get involved , she isn't even an adult.'' Ranvijay reprimanded vansh. The young mad locked his eyes with his father, ''She is 18, and I assure you I haven't kissed once till she was a minor.'' That earned him a slap.

----

Please ignore my mistakes, this one is not that grt.