''Take care of your grandma.'' Rolli mocked Vashudha hugging Dev as he was ready to leave. SHe greeted Aadhavan and Neelambari who promised to come back to take her with them soon.  

Vasudha couldn't put her feelings to words. Her daughter and grandson didn't give her any attention neglecting her completely. Rolli stepped aside to have a word with disgraced Queen. 

''I know how you feel, but I don't sympathize with you. Just like now, I will always remind you your place.''

''You are inviting trouble.''

''I am the real trouble.'' Giving Vashudha one glance she moved back to join her family. The smile she threw at Vasudha time and again was more of an reminder that she was being watched every moment.

***

Dipika had been on toes all the days till her mother was in Rathore palace.  She wanted a break from all and decided to take a break from all.

''Mom, where are you going.'' Sona hopped around her mother in law, a little worried. She was aware that had been under stress with Vasudha around. After knowing what Dipuka had to go through in past, she wanted to comfort her mother in law. Dipika read the worry in Sona's young innocent eyes, she smiled. ''Like to join.''

Sona nodded and Dipika took her along. She wanted her daughter in law to know all about her. 

''ZOO!'' Sona exclaimed making Dipika smiled. ''I didn't wanted to part from Rani, so bhai got her a nice home here.''

The staff greeted her as Dipika made her way to Rani's enclosure. ''Are you going to step in?'' Sona asked worried, the memory of Rani attacking Netra going fresh in her mind. She was scared about her mother in law stepping in the enclosure of the fierce wild cat. Dipika smiled, leading the way she passed on a lesson she wanted Sona to remember. ''Learn this from my life Sonakshi. ''Its not blood that defines your bonds, its the ones who stand by you in worse. And above, a human can forget the good you did to them, an animal never forgets the favor. People fear the likes of my Rani, yet it was her who saved me.'' 

Sona stood thoughtful, this reminded her of Dev. He went beyond the blood and stood up for her. She smiled feeling blessed. ''Come inside Sona.'' Her thoughts broke when Dipika called her out. Sona gulped  at the guard stood waiting for her step in.

''I am scared Mom.''

''Don't be! She is more intelligent than humans.'' Sona shut her eyes once and decided to step in. Her mind was made up never to let down anyone in this family. She stepped in, her eyes on the lioness who had its head on Dipika's lap.  When her eyes met that of the lioness, her feet froze.

''I am scared mom.''

''Don't be. I am here, you just need to trust me. Can you?'' Sona took these words as a test. Even if it meant facing the lioness, taking long steps she sat next to her watching Dipika showering her love on the Lioness. Dipika placed Sona's palm on Rani's head. She understands who are her own. I just bought her up and she repaid by saving me.''

''Mom, you bought me here for a reason.''

Dipika smiled. ''I am glad you are growing. You step out first, she wouldn't like you taking me away.'' Sona nodded walking away. Stepping out she watched Dipika with adoration. She was one of the calmest humans she had known, yet she was one of the bravest humans she had ever met. Dipika kissed Rani's head, leading her to the inner calm room. After some five minutes she stepped out.

''You look happy mom.''

''I am.''

Sona thought for a moment and then asked. ''Can I have a pet, a dog?''

''Bhai won't allow. He never allowed these three. This is why you don't see any kind of pets around our home, but we have few in other properties for security.''

''Can someone melt him.''

''Not the current ones, but chances are bright with future Rathores.'' Sona blushed. As they drove home, Sona asked a unusual question. ''Ma, did you take time to open up with family like I did? Did you make any mistakes like me?''

Dipika smiled. ''I became Veer's wife and then a Rathore. We married without letting our families know, just like you. The first person to make me feel home was bhai, he made sure I was accepted and then came Ananya. Like all women, I took it to be my duty to love my husbands family but one day all changed.'' Dipika took a pause. ''The day I decided to leave for my maternal home, bhai understood my unsaid words. He send Sitara with me so I was protected and Ananya made sure she removed the reason of my silence and help my return. Bhai kept me and Veer safe from Netra without anyone knowing about it. The reason, because he promised little Vikram that he would keep his parents safe. It wasn't his war, yet he stood up for me. This is how I became a Rathore. I can do anything for this family''

Sona sat thoughtful, she too wanted to be one but she had a long journey ahead.

*** 

Jasmine faked the smile every time the tour guide explained the history of Rathores. She was deaf to all that. The only thing she heard was they owned many more properties like that. She had done her research  sweet talking to the staff, awarding them with few selfies. 

Vansh Rathore was young but single and that won't give her the thrill and publicity she was looking for. Vikram Rathore seemed right for the purpose. She smiled, like others she had plans to first win Sonakshi Rathore and gain entrance in Rathore palace.

Ananya watched Jasmine from the other side. ''I know what you are planning. It won't work here, not with my family.'' Ananya made her way out, it was time she let Dipika know about Jasmine and her motives

***

''I am going to peel her skin off.'' Dipika watched Ananya pacing around cursing Jasmine. She shook her head, ''SIT!" Ananya obliged. Dipika smiled to her friend. ''How long are you planning to spoon feed these kids?''

''I am not spoon feeding them.''

''Ananya, we fought our battles. Now, let them fight theirs. Its not your job to save the Vikram Sona's marriage, its their job. We did once, now we won't.''

''What will I do then? I don't want to retire '' Dipika laughed. ''We watch them and step in when required. Deal''

''But I will give her a warning.'' Dipika agreed with a roll of her eyes.

***

''Is Urvi asleep?'' Dhahnanjay asked his wife Nandini. She replied with a nod moving to the dresser to removed her jewelry. ''You look worried. Is it about Urvi?''

Nandini took a deep breath. ''There is another child in this family who needs a lot we have deprived her from. What about leela.''

''She is getting what's required.''

''As a staff, an orphan. When she is not. She has her uncle aunt and grandparents, but she doesn't have our name because of the stupid family honor.'' 

''Its enough Nandini.''

''Its not. What happened wasn't her fault, yet she has been punished for years. Every time I look into her eyes, I am ashamed that I couldn't do a thing for her.''

Dhananjay sat silently. He knew what his wife said was right but honor meant all for his dad. ''Its late Nandini, we should sleep.''

''Its already late Dhananjay, its time for this family to wake up. I am giving you a week, you do it or I will do as I feel.'' Switching off the lights she turned away from her husband. 

***

Sitara blocked the attack from two ends as Rolli and Chitra pushed harder, she stared at her pupils. With a shake of her head, she pushed them away taking a step forward.  ''WOW, you both will get yourself killed.''

''I don't think so. If we can stop you, we can defeat anyone.'' Rolli replied

''Stop talking and get up.'' Sitara ordered. Chitra came to her feet and lunged towards Sitara, the latter stepped aside making her lose her balance. Instead of falling on the floor, she went straight on Vansh who had come there in search of her. 

Vansh fell flat on his back with Chitra on his chest. he groaned and she made a face . ''Kids are not allowed in here.'' She threw the words at him before going back to her practice. Rolli watched the exchanged at got slapped on head by Sitara. ''Focus girl!'' 

''Whom did you call a Kid?'' He asked as he watched her defending Sitara's attack. Chitra blocked her mother's hand. ''You! Now moved before you break another bone.''

Vansh jumped aside as the two girls fell flat on their faces not being able to continue against Sitara.

Vansh clapped. ''You are awesome Kaki!'' Sitara stared at the youngest Prince. ''You have missed to many lessons. Go change, I am waiting.''

''We can start tomorrow.'' Vansh replied. He wasn't prepared to fight when Sitara looked so ready

''Such a wuss! Go and update your pictures, that will suit you.'' Chitra taunted about his pictures with Leela.'' Rolli looked on to other before stepping out. Sitara had drained all out of her.

''I can defeat you.'' Vansh challenged 

''Bring it on.'' Chitra accepted. Vansh wasn't expecting that, but since it was him who had challenged and backing out would meant she making fun of him. ''Fine''

Sitara looked from one to other. She decided to watch the drama and speak to Chitra later. Vansh decided to take all possible precaution before getting into the ring. Little did he knew that nothing would work. She was like a scorned female ready for one chance to break his bones.

Vansh stepped in like a hero. ''You go first.''

''Scared already!''

''Its called chivalry.''

''OH MY! To me it sounded like fear.'' Chitra taunted. Siatara rubbed her forehead, her daughter seemed to have forgotten all manners. The one she was speaking to was the Prince and son of the king. 

Vansh grabbed on to his stick. ''I would still stick to my words. Ladies first.''

Chitra smirked and whispered. ''You are so going to repent it.'' With that Chitra took a step forward. Vansh was all ready to block her but she confused him. She pretended attacking from right, but quickly changed her move and attacked from left making him lose his stick and then kicked his butt.

''Chitra behave!''

''Ma, I am just helping him in recalling forgotten lessons. And right now, I am just his opponent.'' She replied innocently

''I am good Kaki. No worries.'' Vansh replied, not able to understand what revenge she was extracting from him.

Vansh took a deep breath before attacking again. Chitra pushed down his stick with hers pushing him to the floor. ''Social Media had made you lazy. See you can't even fight me.''

Vansh couldn't understand why was she so taunting about his social media life. He decided to accept defeat and catch hold of her some other time. He took his leave after wishing Sitara as Chitra watched him with a smirk. 'I will turn you into a hermit.'

''What was that?''

''being a good sports person. I didn't care who he was and fought with valor. I know you must be so proud.'' Chitra replied with big grin walking away leaving her mother confused and wondering as to what got into her girl.

***

''Sona will join you from now.'' Ananya informed Vikram.

''What will she do in hotel?'' He asked confused

''Keep an eye on you for me.'' Ananya's reply made him roll his eyes but he was aware what his A said was an order and he accepted that.

''You are not going behind them.'' Dipika pulled Ananya back

''I need to warn that woman once.''

''Just this one time, after that Sona will fight her battle.'' Dipika declared

''Yes my darling Dipu.''

***

Jasmine didn't leave Sona's side doing all to impress the young Princess. On the other hand Sona went all gaga overall the fact that a popular actress wanted to befriend her. In her innocence she didn't notice it was Jasmine's way of getting close to Vikram

Every time he came to his wife, he had eyes just for her. Jasmine was little jealous about the fact that her beauty didn't charm him anyway. He greeted her once and then never spoke, even when she tried to

''I wish I was as lucky as you. You have such an amazing family. Jasmine spoke rather too sweet for anyone to believe. Little did she know, the plan she was so confident about was a far thing. She was being watched every moment

''Think before you wish, it might be your last one.'' Aananya's commanding voice broke the conversation. Sona smiled but Jasmine's insides trembled meeting the eyes of the elder lady. Ananya gave her one glance before taking Sona away with her.

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