Vasudha walked backwards, her eyes on Sitara. Lowering her body next to her grandson she whispered. ''Look at her, she is a murderer . She killed your dad.'' Sitara could hear all but her face reflected nothing. She smirked , her eyes moving to Dev. He wasn't hearing what his grand mother said, he just kept staring into Sitara's eyes. He wanted to know what it held for him.

Not trusting Mahendra Singh's blood was a habit for her; Dev's eyes couldn't scare her. The longer she looked, she released he wasn't one of them. He was just another version of Dipika. 

Dev smiled and she returned it. He was glad she had no ill feelings for her. ''She is right, I did kill your father but to save Dipika hukum. He was ready to kill his unconscious, injured sister. He had no sympathy or love for her. He along with your grandfather were ready trade her for money. If given a chance, I will kill him again.''

Dev took a deep breath. ''I have no ill will towards you or anyone. You did what you felt was right.''

''Dev! She is a murderer.''

''So was your husband and son.'' His words made Vasudha retreat. Sitara took a step back settling on a couch, her eyes again freezing on Vasudha. With the old woman around, she wasn't ready to trust her. The old queen felt  defeated. Though, she had the guilt for not being there for Dipika; that didn't lessen her hate for Rathores and the woman siting in the room. She decided not to let a Rathore step into there lives. Come what may Vasudha was determined not to let Rolli step into Suryagarh .

Vasudha blinked when her eyes fell on smiling Sitara. ''Don't even bring that thought in your head.'' Sitara's face turned hard. Her intention was to warn, she was very well aware that Rathore Princess if rubbed the wrong way,  was nothing less that her father.

***

Rolli stood at the window of her room, her thoughts lingering around her future. The attack and Dev's condition had left her shocked. Though his love overwhelmed her, she knew he wanted to nothing with violence. Rolli was aware that her father would end all that would threaten her but will all end that easily. After so many years, it kept coming back. She shook her head, why was life this complicated

''May I step in your highness.'' Her grandfather's voice made her smile. Turning around, she flew into her grandfather's comforting embrace. ''You know we don't like you worried.''

''I don't want to..but. When will this all ends.''

Giriraj Singh ruffled her hair. ''The day Ranvijay bought you home, we knew you would make us proud. You are not some ordinary woman Rolli, you are special. You are great grand daughter of Rudrani Devi; she believed in you, so do I. All these small things should never bother my Princess. Once out of Jaigarh; you will be on your own, Vasudha will not make things easy for you, and once Netra is up on her feet , your problems will increase.  ''

''Do you  doubt me''

 ''No, I can never doubt you but understand one thing, a battle is half one when your opponent realizes that the one opposite to them can be dangerous  to their life. '' Rolli knew what her grandfather meant.He was right, she had to step out of her parents shadow.  She nodded, got up and dialed Neelambari. ''Patti.....'' Giriraj Singh smiled, Rolli played a master stoke. Dev's adopted family meant  more than anything and Neelambar's presence was enough to threaten and show Vasudha her place.

''That's like a Rathore.'' Her grandfather applauded her move

She smiled. ''Hail the new Queen of Suryagarh!'' Rolli declared with a proud smile 

***

''How is he now?'' Ranvijay asked his man Friday. Hemant huffed, crossed is arms and stood opposite to him . ''What do you think you are doing? You aren't 20 Ranvijay Rathore.''

There was a moment of silence and then Ranvijay smiled. ''I like when you address me with my name. It kind of reminds me of our childhood.''

''I am not in mood of this.'' Hemant warned

''All is in control Hemant. Nothing will happen.''

''You want to fight this man. He is a beast. He can hurt you.'' Hemant's voice was laden with concern.

''Hemant, he is going to fight me in my den, among my people. He does something wrong, he dies.''

''But if you lose before he dies; your reputation dies with it.''

Ranvijay held his friend by arms. ''I need to make things safe for my girl. I want fear to go deep in their nerves. They should think 10 times before thinking of harming anyone who belongs to me.''

''Then let me fight.''

''No Hemant. This time all my enemies will know what can be the repercussions of messing with me.''

''But I won't wait for your command to kill him if I see any danger around you.'' 

''Deal!'' Hemant walked satisfied. Ranvijay's eyes moved to his captive. He wasn't even bothered to know what was his victim called. All he wanted was to make his daughter's life safe.

***

It was close to midnight when world slept in their homes ; the dungeon of Rathore Palace came alive . While men decided to be a part of it, it was just Ananya among the women of the family who decided to be a part of it. She wanted to make sure Ranvijay wasn't harmed. 

''Won't you ask my name.'' The man asked. He had a sinister smiled on his lips. ''Even if I die, someone will one day defeat you.'' 

''Scared all ready.'' Ranvijay challenged. '' Fine, defeat me and I will hand Suryagrah to you.'' Veer was about to protest but Ranvijay's lifted palm made him retreat.

''What is he doing?''

''Greed is the biggest bait, and Ranvijay is using that.'' Ananya replied

''Why is this needed?'' Veer asked again. Ananya pointed towards the corner. ''They are his family. He will fight, for them. And why is this needed, because we are ending this now.''

The man smirked. ''I know its a bait but I will fight. And my name is Mahendra as well, my mother named me after her love. After me, my kids will fight.''

''If they leave my prison alive, and after hearing your name, I have given up the idea about leaving any of you alive.'' 

Dipika rocked back and front. Her mother's presence has opened the old wounds and presence of her father's illegitimate family  had left her restless. Those dark days started coming back. ''Mom, where are you going?'' Sona asked worried. Vikram had assigned her job to take care of his mother .''

''I have to go. Bhai has been fighting my battle for long. No more.''

''Its ours mom, and we are going to win it.'' Dipika stared at Sona. The young girl had started her journey to be one of them. Dipika cupped her cheek. ''I know Sona, but I should be there.''

''Then I will join you as well.''

''No, you still need to learn more. Stay here.'' Sona wasn't sure but obliged. The moment Dipika left, she made her way to the Chitra's house. She needed someone to talk and Chitra seemed like best companion.

Dipika's heart started beating mad not on welcomed by the silence. She quickly descended the stairs letting out a sigh of relief when she heard Ranvijay's voice. ''You die anyways. So its better you fight and die, and if you don't I will start killing from the younger ones of your family.''

Mahendra looked shocked. ''I thought you were honorable.''

''I was until you decided to harm my daughter.'' Ranvijay's voice came hard. Mahendra pounced but Ranvijay held him at arm's length by his throat. ''Try more. I have heard about your strength. Your beastly fighting skills.  Show me now!'' Ranvijay challenged as Mahendra gasped for breath. With his eyes focused on the enemy, his mind replayed the vision of his daughter crying over a very injured Dev. It could have been her. Though he knew  his daughter was capable but life was unpredictable. His body started shaking as he lifted Mahendra my neck dumping him on the hard ground with force. Mahendra screamed as Ranvijay kicked his stomach hard. "Here on no one will ever dare to raise their head against me.'' Grabbing Mahendra by neck , Ranvijay dragged him up and then throwing him in the other corner against the wall. ''You wanted me to play fair. I won't. This is because I wanted to vent my anger. '' 

''Stop him.'' Giriraj Singh commanded Veer noticing Ranvijay's madness.

''I don't wish to die. he looks mad.'' Veer refused

''Enough! Hand them over to the cops.'' Giriraj Singh ordered

''No, I won't give them a chance to return. None of my children will face what we did.'' The roar shook all. For a moment all stepped back. ''just because I chose peace that doesn't change my power and authority. I am still the same.'' He lifted Mahendra's lifeless body throwing it against the stone wall. ''You dared to touch the one who is my life, my pride. How dare you thought about harming her. Now watch me drain every drop of your body.'' Ananya eyes went to the other captives, they looked visibly shocked. She knew it was time to conclude it but Ranvijay wanted to inflict maximum pain on the one who harmed his daughter. She didn't know what to do next when came two gunshots. 

Mahendra withered in pain as Ranvijay looked shocked. Dipika waited for a moment before aiming at his elbows taking another two shots. ''He will never be able to use his limbs and same is going to be the fate of his mother.'' She replied her eyes still on Mahendra.

''Why?''

''Because there is no point is killing and setting free, let me live this miserable life.''   She replied without a flinch

''Then will keep coming back.''

''No, they won't. I promise you this bhai.'' She sounded confident. Her eyes moving to her son. Vikram understood. He picked up a rod and struck Mahendra' mother's knees hard. The woman groaned but before she could recover from the impact when cam another on her arms. Mahendra watched shocked as his eyes met that of Vikram's. ''Look at him. He is my son; he is exactly what my father was. I am sure you would never want to see his other side. Mahendra stared at the young man, Vikram looked mad. All Vikram wanted was one chance to punish all those who inflicted pain on his mother.

''I am ..your brother too. I too have rights on that wealth.'' Mahendra argued.

Dipika smirked. ''Legally, its just me. My father wasn't the only man your mother slept with. So back off.'' 

Mahendra groaned when Ranvijay crushed his wound with his foot. ''She is giving you a chance and I will respect it. But none of you will go free. Veer, I need them handed to the cops before morning.'' Veer nodded. They all stepped back as a very angry Ranvijay stormed out. ''Is bhai angry with me.''

''Don't worry, I can handle him.'' Ananya consoled Dipika. ''Dipika, lets get Dev and Rolli engaged before he leaves for Suryagarh.'' Dipika blinked

''Why hurry?''

''no, its time now.'' Ananya smiled dragging her long time friend out of the dark dungeon. ''Vansh will be back in a week. So much happened, he would feel bad we didn't inform him.'' Dipika said

''After Rolli's engagement, I will deal with him.''

***

''So the so called Royal refused the fight.'' Leela  rolled her eyes at the voice. Anuj hated her because she read his intentions about Urvi.

''What's your problem?''

''You servant girl.''

''Then you are doomed.'' SHe replied with a smirk walking away. Anuj grabbed her by back of her neck pressing her against the wall. ''Listen to me, if you ever cross my path, I will squash you like a bug.'' Leela tried to free her neck of his grip but it was difficult. She wasn't the trained one but knew how to use her brain. Her eyes landed on a wall piece, grabbing it she hit Anuj hard. His grip loosened.  ''You..'' Before he could curse her, she banged the show piece on his face. ''You don't scare me and stay away from Urvi.'' She warned before walking away

''how did you get hurt.'' Urvi asked worried

''I slipped.''  Leela decided to close the topic as Advay was present along with Urvi. ''Urvi, I will see you later.''

''She is pretty loyal to you. Even our staff is like that.'' Advay said

''She is not my staff and never call her that again.'' Urvi's demure changed.

Advay lifted his palms in surrender. ''I didn't mean that way.''

''Not in anyway. I can't take anything negative about Leela.'' Advya held his ears in apology and that made her smile.

Leela moved to the deck, she wanted some alone time time and decided to spend it watching the sunset. The wind made her smile, and the orange tinge gave immense calmness to her angry mind.

Vansh checked the stop watch after completing the 6th lap of the pool. With Urvi and Advay lost in each other he found his heart craving for the same love desperately. He stepped out of the pool; took the stairs up to the upper deck.  He took in deep breath inhaling the fresh air. 

He smiled at the clam waters when low music filled in the air. His walked around to the other side and found Leela dancing lost in her own world. He pressed her lips, she was a pathetic dancer. Yet, she looked graceful. He laughed when did a weird dance move . ''You call that dance? Its pathetic.''

Leela switched off the music. ''And what exactly dance is?''

''Its about elegant, flowing movements which touches the mind of audience.''

Leela laughed. ''No! Its the free will of soul that sets one free. If you do things to please, then you aren't free Rathore. Now try some dancing with me.'' Switching the music she started grooving like kid pulling Vansh along. He tried to refuse but her roll of eyes seemed like a challenge. He accepted and started copying her moves. She did some elegant and other goofy, and he followed. After days, Vansh felt free. Opening his arms he celebrated screaming aloud as his voice got absorbed by the air around them.

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Dev- Rolli's engagement. An actress sets her eyes on Vikram and Beginning of Siddhant and Raina's story.

About Vansh Chitra and Leela. Please be patient. If I give in now what will be the fun od reading ahead.