''And these are the lands I am planning to turn into a farm lands.'' Dev took Neelambari around explaining her his plan about Suryagarh.

She scanned the area with her experienced eyes. She could see the greenery on the either side but the big patch she was standing on looked lifeless. She was aware the Suryagarh didn't share the desert , the big dry patch surprised her.

''This land is barren Patti, but I will do all to bring life to it.'' When he heard no response, he turned and found her examining the soil. ''What are you doing Patti?''

''We need to go back now." Without any explanation, she turned and made her way to the waiting vehicle. Dev followed a little shocked, she had been excited to see his hard work but her the sudden change in her mood made him wonder about the reason. Nevertheless, he followed her.

Neelambari couldn't believe that someone was spoiling Dev's hard-work on purpose. For a minute, she felt sudden rage for Dipika for not standing by his side. She shook her head, there was no point thinking about things beyond her control , it was the time of action. She dropped a message to Rolli and decide to wait for the response before deciding on next course of her action.

***

''I will be out in a minute.'' Sona replied , hopping into her room to get ready to attend her first gathering as Sona Rathore. She was excited about being introduced to new people an hopped to find few new friends.

''You seem so excited about everything other but us.'' Vikram taunted. She froze for a minute before making her way to the changing room. Her silence and uncaring attitude was making him go mad. 

Sona stepped out dressed in a beautiful saree paired with pearls, she huffed giving him a look before checking her appearance in the mirror. Vikram turned her around with a jerk, ''I don't like being ignored.''

''Then learn to do better things.'' She replied pulling her arm out of his grip. 

''What's wrong with you?''

''Ditto!''

''Sona, why are you acting as if this means nothing.'' He asked agitated. Sona scrunched her nose. ''Can you please elaborate.''

''Why couldn't you just refuse uncle? You could have done the degree next year.''

Sona froze, turning around she met his gaze with confidence. ''Why should I? Isn't my education important? Didn't I leave everything for you then? Why couldn't you support me?''

''See, this between us.'' He said gesturing towards the argument. ''  I wanted to sort this out.''

''Yes, but by your will and not by my choice. Sorry Vikram, but one thing I have learnt from this family is to demand respect if you deserve. You need to learn that too. And about not refusing Ranvijay Uncle, I will never refuse any of his command.'' He was about to retaliate but a knock halted the words. He gave one glance at the visitor before walking out.

Sona smiled at Chitra. ''He is little short tempered but a good man.'' Chitra spoke in favour of Vikram.

''I am not scared of him, but can you forgive me, for everything.'' Chitra smiled with a nod and in returned she was being pulled in a tight hug. ''Can't breathe.''

Sona slapped her back. ''Such a drama. So I have my first friend in Jaigarh.'' 

''I will be your friend, but I will always be Vikram Hukum's sister.'' Sona rolled her eyes. Chitra gave her Ananya's message and both stepped out to join the family.

***

Advay stared at his reflection, not sure why he was doing what he is was about to do. He had to attend a gathering with his family and finally the day had arrived when he had to face his fate. Something he had been avoiding to do for long. He had met her as a child and then as a teenager , but the day he got to know she was his betrothed, something flipped. He just had a faint memory of the dark haired girl, she wasn't talkative but appeared to be very calm.  

''Advay, we are ready to leave.'' Aditya called out after his son. Advay huffed, stared once at his reflection an stepped out. He felt jealous of Vikram and Rolli. At least they had something in name of choice, he didn't. 

Oblivious to the coming future, he took long steps to join his family. Advay wasn't aware that the course of his life was about to change , and forever.

The open air party turned out to be a crowded one. Advay looked around, he wanted  to find his cousins and disappear with them in some corner. He took a breather when Vikram waved at him. Excusing himself, he quickly joined his cousins.

''All set.''

''I am going to refuse.'' 

''don't be so quick. Just meet her once.'' Vikram explained but his mind was made up

***

Rolli kept checking her phone time and again. She was aware, like them and other present Dev too would have received the invitation , but he had refused. He was too ashamed and hesitant to face the world. 

Rolli hoped he changed his mind, she wanted him to step out. He had to prove worthy of being Suryagarh's heir. She understood the pressure he was under but hiding wasn't going to help. Crossing her fingers , she shut her eyes once to make a prayer an when she opened them again, her eyes met smiling ones of Neelambari. Rolli grinned wide, as if her feet got wings, she ran and hugged the elder lady. ''I knew you would make it possible.''

''I had to. Its high time he steps out of that guilt of his.'' Neelambari replied. 

''Pattiiiii! You are here, and you didn't tell me.'' Sona squealed excited. Neelambari steadied her. ''As if you missed me!''

Sona pressed her lips. It was better to keep mum in presence of her grandmother. Neelambari patted her cheek. ''I will see you later. For now, I have to meet few old friends.''

''You have friends here.'' Rolli asked surprised

''I am a Royal too. Now if you girls will excuse me.'' The two girls watched her walk away with pride. ''Wow! she never fails to impress me.'' Rolli whispered. Neelambari stared at Dipika, she had come here with an intention. Dev was giving his all but he didn't have that training to deal with hidden faces. Today, she had decided to speak her mind. Dev deserved all.

Rolli's heart ached watching Dev cowering in a corner. How she wished he could leave all behind. She shook her head, not sure what step she should take next. 

***

''How have you been?'' Adi hugged a tall man. They greeted one another like old friends. ''Have you told Advay everything?''

''He knows what he should. My father promised yours and that's the truth he will have to respect.''

''Still, I don't want Urvi broken again.'' 

''Trust me Dhananjay, nothing will go srong. Let's introduced our kids.'' 

Advay groaned when Adi summoned him. Vansh patted his back. ''Your time is up.''

''I will get back to you for this.'' Advay replied with annoyance before making his way to his family.

***

''She is beautiful." Ananya  whispered 

''I don' care. All matters to me is my son's will.'' Raksha replied. It took her all to control the rage she felt at everyone for forcing Advay. Ananya shook her head , her friend was back being a kid again. He eyes again went to the young girl who sat her eyes lowered. She kept fiddling her fingers nervously. Her mother walked around and caressed her head, Urvi smiled. So did Ananya, she found no reason for Advay to reject the beautiful maiden

''There he is.'' Adi exclaimed , pulling his son closer. ''Advay, meet Dhananjay , my friend.'' Advay greeted the family, not giving Urvi a single  glance.

Dhananjay moved to the place where is daughter sat. ''Advay, she is my daughter Urvashi.''

Advay's uninterested eyes moved to the young girl, she finally lifted her eyes to meet his. Advay felt his heart flip. She was nothing like what he had imagined, he had met many beautiful maiden but Urvi seemed to hold him . He wanted to look away but her eyes held his. 

The parents smiled. ''I guess they like each other.'' And Urvi broke the contact.

''Are you okay to marry the girl of my choice.'' Adi asked. Before Advay could utter a word, Urvi interrupted all. ''I have something to say.''

Advay's eyes moved again , something about her was intriguing and he got his answer the moment she stood up, supporting her wait on a crutch. Raksha's hand flew to her mouth, her anger a notch higher. 

Adi shut his eyes tight, he knew this would  eventually happen but for now he had wished the things to go smooth. He had plans to explain his family later but Urvashi killed his plan. Dhananjay's family had been close to their family for 4 generations and he had hoped his son  would understand.

''I am sorry, but I never wanted this relationship to begin with a lie.'' Urvi's words bought a complete silence. Advay stepped back, his eyes still on Urvi. Taking a deep breath, he met that of his father's before walking away. 

His feet picked up the pace, he undid the top buttons, he felt restless cheated. For the first time Advay doubted the love of his family. How could they treat him  like a sacrificial lamb. Just because Dhananjay couldn't find a guy for his lame daughter, his father decided to be the generous  one. Getting in his car, he drove off. He just wanted to go far from everyone , specially from the dark eyes of Urvi, which still held his.

***

''How could you Adi?'' Raksha screamed, once they were alone in a room. Her anger had flared and Veer had dragged her away before she could make a scene.

''Why? What wrong did I do? She is the best one for Advay and the way he behaved, he let me down''

''My son is not a sacrificial lamb.'' She retaliated louder. Veer watched the two and decided to intervene. ''Raksha, no more. Your anger is justified but Advay's behaviour isn't. Urvi is indeed a brave girl but the way he walked out, he insulted her. Have you forgotten how you felt when Adi refused you?'' 

''Bhai, my son deserves perfection.''

''Which no one can find. I suggest, you guys sit and talk about it. Hear out his reason for choosing Urvi. There is no harm in knowing her. '' Sona stared at Veer with respect. She felt lucky to be  the part of an amazing family.

***

''Why does my doll looks so sad?'' Ranvijay asked his daughter. 

''I am worried about Dev. He doesn't think the way he should.'' Ranvijay watched Dev, he stood in a corner with a drink in his hand. He avoided interacting with anyone, as if hiding. Ranvijay thought, he knew Dipika was equally worried but for Ananya, she kept her distance from Dev. Breathing deep, he decided to take the first step.

Walking to Dev, he wrapped an arm around his shoulders and pulled him along. ''Sir!''

''Look son, if you want my wife to agree, you need to prove your worth to her, and you can't do that standing in a corner.'' Ranvijay introduced Dev to his circle praising his hard work. Dev just stood frozen watching the man he tried to kill. Another wave of guilt struck him hard.

Dipika smiled watching Ranvijay , the respect she had for him grew by many folds. ''It should be you not him.'' Neelamabri's voice broke her thoughts. Dipika blinked, ''I didn't know you were visiting.''

''That's not what I came for. How long are you going to punish Dev?''

''I am not punishing him''

''Then why aren't you with him when he needs you the most. Don't you feel responsible towards him.'' Dipika's silence irritated her. ''Dev, has gone through a lot and his still getting consumed by the guilt. He is working hard to make you proud but there is someone who doesn't want him to succeed. Help him, he is like a son to you.''

Dipika felt guilty.  Her memories took her back to the day he was born. Though, she wasn't allowed around him, she still was excited to be an aunt. Facing Neembari she replied, ''I cannot in person, but He will get the support he needs. I promise.''

Dipika shared few contacts with Neelambari . ''I know you are here to teach him what his own couldn't. And I will do what I can.''

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