Neelambari smiled recalling the little spat between Dev and Rolli. Today, Rolli stood up against her own brother and soon she would fight the world. It was the time for the little push and things would fall into place.

Her grun turned wider recalling the young Dev she had met the first time. She had instantly hated the boy but there was something about his eyes that she couldn't ignore.

It was one of those days when used to visit Aadhavan an had witnessed Netra trying to hit Sona. It was Dev who took the whip, not once but every time. Neelambari had visited with the thought of taking away the kids but she changed her mind when she watched Dev's love for Sona and Sagar.

She had returned the next day knowing that Dev would keep the kids safe. Moreover, she never wanted her daughter's kids to lose their right on Aahavan and his assets. They didn't but she lost to a giving and lovingDev. He became from no one to her eldest grandchild. For the village and estate , Dev came first and then Sagar. If it was in Neelambar's will, she would never have allowed him to step into Suryagarh but she understood his responsibilities. And now, she wanted him to be happy and she had seen that it in the Rathore Princess and decided to give him the same.

"This is what I want for you Dev.'' She whispered to self

"This is what I too want Paatti" Jyoti chorused

Neelambari gave her a gentle arm hug, "I hope you are not upset with me"

"Why should I be upset? And with you?"

Neelambari caressed her hair, "Just because I am using you as a pawn help Dev get his love.''

"Ayyo, Paatti. Don't worry at all, I am not upset. On the contrary I am excited to play this love game. I noticed Rolli's anger and jealousy whenever I am around him. She is so possessive paatti"

Neelambari smiled, "I know that. If everything goes as per my plan, and you keep doing your part , Aahana Rathore will express her heart openly."

Jyoti gave her a thumb up "Done." Neelambari gestured her to get into the role. Jyoti grinned wide running off to find Dev.

Neelambari smiled watching Dev playing with kids, "Dev will get what he deserves"

Her thoughts are distracted hearing one of the servant's call, "Amma, muttrathula nichayathuku vendiya ella erpaadum mudinjathu. Ayya ellaraiyum kootitu vara sonnaru" (Madam, All the preparations for the Engagement has been done. Sir send me to inform you and get everyone there). The Rathores wanted a small ring ceremony and Neelambari readily agreed for it. This was the moment , she was going to drop a bigger bomb.

"Fine. I will be there in a moment."

Neelambari laughed watching irritated Vikram. She gestured the girls to take Sona away and moved to Ananya. "Preparations for ring ceremony are done. We will be waiting for all of you in the main hall.''

Ananya nodded, "Sure. Will be there in a few mins"

She was about to leave when Neelambari's words froze, "After Vikram & Sona's engagement, Dev will get engaged to Jyoti. I want you all to be part of that function too. He is my family. "

Ananya froze. She knew Rolli wouldn't be able to take this. Neelambari walked away with a proud smile on her face.

The two families gathered in the main hall to bless the couple. It was just the night that stood between their union.

Neelambari took her highchair with Aadhavan and Dev on either side of her. Dev had gestured Sagar to take the seat but the young boy refused pushing him down next to his grandmother.

Rathore family took their place on the other side with groom and bride in centre on the dais made for them

Rolli took her place right opposite to Dev, her eyes narrowed at him in a warning. Dev looked everywhere but her. She was now making him nervous and he didn't want any scene on the most important day of his sister's life.

Jyoti noticed everything, she smiled before getting into her role. She leaned onto Dev whispering something. He nodded with a smile before replying. Rolli's fingers clutched her dress hard. With every moment her anger and jealousy were touching new heights. Ananya moved palm over Rolli's , ''You need to control.''

''I have ...and enough.'' Came the response and the mother could sense the rebel rising in her daughter. Ananya's eyes moved to Ranvijay who just smirked, and why not, things were happening as per his will.

The Priest's voice broke the chain of personal thoughts as he read the marriage confirmation details called Lagna Patrikai in Tamil announcing the names of bride and groom adding with their family details and finally asked their permission to seal this marriage.

Aadhavan and Ranvijay gave their nods as they exchanged the betel leaves plate with new dresses for Vikram and Sona.

Neelambari called Sona out, "Sona, go and change into the saree you just got." She then asked Vikram to do the same.

Ananya move to Neelambari, "Just to add, we had bought the rings for them to exchange." Neelambari nodded, Ananya gave them the rings to put into each other's finger sealing the bond. 

Vikram held sona's hand gently, sliding the ring into her finger and all the while he kept his eyes on her face . Sona blushed under his piercing and possessive gaze. She hoped,none around them noticed the little exchange. The family and relatives applauded showering the couple with flower petals and blessings.

''Sona looks happy.'' Jyoti said

''And I want that to be permanent.'' Dev replied, his eyes emotionally watching his beloved sister. Jyoti rubbed his arm and Rolli fumed. She wanted to rip that arm and the girl from her Dev. Yes, her heart declared. He was hers and just hers and she was going to fight. She made her mind up to talk it out with her parents ,not aware of the shock waiting for her.

Neelambari's experienced eyes read all. She had been watching the young Princess for long. She knew, it was the right time to strike. She took the attention of the gathering with a clap, "There is going to be another engagement.'' Turning to Dev she extended her hand, he huffed but gave in. Neelambari locked her eyes with Rolli, ''Jyoti and Dev will exchange the rings now.''

The sudden declaration bought a wave of shock and silence. Aadhavan eyes moved from Neelamabri to Dev and then back. He knew his son's heart . Shaking his head , he decided to interfere "Athai?" (Aunty?)

"Right now!" The old scion looked determined. Her commanding voice killed any protest or question in her family but not in Rathores. They were clearly uncomfortable, but it was the family matter and they didn't wanted to question it. Dipika's eyes went to her nephew , who stood like a statue. His eyes on his shoes. She was sure they were wet with sorrow. The rathore family shifted their attention to the one who hasn't moved an inch. Their beloved Princess, her form shaking in anger and pain

Stunned by the sudden turn of events . Rolli moved her eyes to Dev, waiting for him to protest but he didn't. Her vision blurred as tears started filling her eyes and slowly, they made their way to her cheeks. She took a step but Ananya pulled her back, "Rolli, Relax"

''This is the last time I am going to relax...Mom!''

Dev felt a strange pain in his chest. His eyes met Rolli's and he knew he couldn't just leave her. She meant all to him. He opened his mouth to protest but got cut off by Neelambari, "I'm not asking  but ordering you. I hope you will obey me Dev and not doubt my love for you.''

Dev knew Neelambari loved him. She never differentiated between him and her gandkids.No way he could break her heart . He relaised he had been breaking hearts of many he loved and decided to keep the heart of one person who loved like her own

"It's just a simple engagement. I was not prepared for this but watching Sona getting engaged , I realised it should have been Dev first. He is the eldest in family. Jyoti doesn't have parents and I took her as mine since she was a kid. I bought her up and I know , no one can keep him happy the way Jyoti can.'' She joined their hands asking Aadhavan to perform the ritual as Dev's father.

Aadhavan recluctantly exchanged the plate with Neelmabri, rubbing the arm of his son. His heart pained for the boy he bought up as his own. Dev whom Rathores hated was the most gentle soul he had ever know. Aadhaven hugged his son, ''Refuse now.''

''I won't break any heart.''

''You breaking your own.''

''Doesn't matter. It had been broken several times.'' Aadhaven decided to talk it out to Neelambari. He wasn't ready to sacrifice Dev's happiness.

Ranvijay kept his eyes on his daughter, he was sure she would do something but went she didn't, he shook his head in disappointment. His daughter needed a little more push and he decided to do it himself. Walking to Rolli, he gabbed her wrist, ''let's wish the new couple.''

Rolli stared at her father shocked as he dragged her along and other followed.

Ranvijay wished the couple and so did his family . In the last, it was Rolli's turn, she took a stern step . Her eyes on Dev, "Congratulations! On your engagement Mr Devansh Singh.'' The anger and hate in her voice shocked everyone. Ananya knew the strom was close and it would uproot everything with it. Rolli walked away but felt a grip on her wrist. She glared at the hand and then met the challenging eyes of Neelambari, , " You forgot to wish Jyoti.''

Rolli narrowed her eyes at the competition , "Congrats". Her voice held warning and a threat. Jyoti blinked . She wondered if the drama went too far as she watched the angry Princess walked off , Jyoti's eyes went to Dev. He had been watching her, with pain and longing.

''Its late and the we all have to be up by early morning for the wedding. We will see you all at the temple.'' With that Neelambari walked off taking Jyoti along. Ranvijay walked to Dev, ''If it was easy, it wouldn't have been called precious. True love should be fought for. You decide what you want.''

***

''It hurts doesn't it?''

''Not now Raina. I might not take your taunts nicely.'' Rolli warned her cousin.

''And you think I am scared.'' replied the Ranawat Princess. Rolli made swift turn but Raina was closer, ''I am not here to taunt you. I am here to shake you up. I know how it feels when the one you love isn't by your side. I have loved Sid for years but he loves you. Yet, I decided to fight. I fought you and my family. I even fought him and I am going to till he agrees.''

''Why are you telling me this.'' Rolli asked irritated

''So that you fight. If It was me, I would have beaten my man black and blue for getting engaged to someone who is not me. Why didn't you protest?''

''for family and guests. It was Vicky's engagement.''

''He will get married anyways as they already are. Is he thinking about your pain , then why are so thoughtful. Dev got engaged today. Who known his grandmother might get him married tomorrow after Vikram bhai's wedding.''

Rolli was thoughtful, ''I will kill him.''

''Then do it now. Fight it out, make you stance clear.'' Raina left her cousin alone. SHe knew Rolli needed a push and she just gave her that.

***

''Its a no Rolli.'' Ananya warned

''I wasn't asking mom. I am telling you, I won't let Dev marry anyone.'' Rolli declared , matching her mother's stare. 

''We will talk in the morning.'' Veer tried to dissuade.

''My morning just started . And we will talk now.'' Rolli sounded adamant

''He tried to kill your father.''

''Vikram too tried to kill Sona. He locked her, abducted Sagar. If he gets a chance , so does Dev.''

''Vikram meant no harm to Sona.'' Ananya argued

''And Dev was misled. And Mom, if not for Dad you would have shot Dev too.'' 

''So now you fight us ...for him.''

''For love Mom and I am asking you to be on my side.'' Ananya turned away 

''I will support you.'' Ranvijay decided to stand up for his daughter. Turning his eyes to his family he said, ''He is the best we can find for her.'' Ananya walked away not ready to hear. Veer decided to follow. It was just Ranvijay's mother and Dipika who remained. ''Dipika, I expect a diffrent opinion from you.'' Ranvijay requested

''even if I have a different opinion, I won't hurt Ananya.'' She pecked Rolli before walking away.

''What next Princess.''

''I am going to thrash him.'' Rolli walked away leaving a laughing Ranvijay behind. He was now curious about the coming morning

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