''Chitra, that table 20 guest wishes to see the chef.'' Chitra frowned at Amy who sounded a little worried.

''Why?''

''I don't know, but his face looked mad. I think he didn't like the dish.'' Chitra's lips thinned, damn the man. She had been the best chef at the restaurant for more than a year. SHe had scored the job even before completing her degree. Customers flocked the the restaurant just for her signature dishes, and over the weekend it would be mad rush.

''We served him what he asked? He has ordered close to seven dishes. Which normal human eats that much.'' CHitra's outburst made her colleagues giggle.

''Can you just see him once.'' Amy requested

''If he criticizes my food, I am going to grill him and serve him to the next guest.'' Chitra removed her head cover and apron, picked a knife to look more intimidating but Amy snatched it. ''Girl, just don't create a scene.'' 

Chitra marched out of the kitchen leaving a flapping door behind. The servers gave her a worried look as she marched towards the table. Her mind was prepared, she was not going to let some random person put her food down. After all, The Rathore King applauded her cooking, rest were nothing. ''You asked for me.'' She said, her arms crossed and brows furrowed, it was time for attack.

***

Vansh stepped into the crowded restaurant, a smile stretched on to his lips. He was going to see his love after three years. Though she had completed her degree in two years, she wished to stay longer to gain some professional experience. Vansh had agreed, he too had taken job and had traveled around the globe representing his organisation. It was a week back when his mother called, she wanted to check when he will be returning. Vansh knew his parents were missing him; he did as well but without Chitra all seemed dull. He had so many memories with her around the Palace. It wasn't just about adulthood but their childhood as well. They had been friends for very long before crawling into each other's heart.

Vansh was directed to his table and after minute a waiter took his order, he had known about the dishes through her mails, and he ordered everything she said was her specialty, and kept complaining that the food wasn't good. The manager tried to pacify him and Vansh demanded to see the chef. He smiled visualizing her anger, and then he heard a voice ''You asked for me.''

He cleared his throat , kept the menu down and smiled at the blazing chef. ''I did, what are you going to do about it.''

Chitra's face went from being mad to surprised and then she blushed. Vansh watched her with a smile. He was aware that she would be boiling at the fact someone criticized her food, she always had been a possessive about her food, and somewhere Ranvijay was responsible for that. If he liked it, Chitra hell cared about others. She would make small things for him and he would applaud her efforts as if she bought him the world. Vansh intentionally decided to rile her up and now, all he wanted was to hug her mad. 

Chitra felt eyes on her back, her colleagues have been watching her move. She had maintained a strong nonsense attitude and her colleagues believed she can be dangerous. Her brow went up; no way she was going to let him spoil her mood. Clearing her throat, she lifted a finger at Vansh; he moved back shocked. ''Listen mister, if you don't like the food, don't come back and better clear the bill.'' With that she walked away; her fingers crossed; scared that he might react and put her in a tough spot. Chitra's colleagues were in awe, while Vansh just smiled, he was going to get back at her.

***

''Patti, mommy daddy are bad.'' Two year old Suryagarh Prince complained to his great grandmother, his face wet with tears and lips drooped. Neelambai stared at the boy caressing his red warm ear. Anirudh Dev Singh just got his ears twisted. Shaking her head, she lifted him on to her lap. ''What did you do?''

''I never do anything but they always scold.'' Neelambari smiled as he innocently wiped his face. Clearing her throat, she called out. ''Dev!''

''I am getting spanked because of you.'' Dev poked his wife. She refused to go and see Neelambari scared of being scolded for making her favorite great grand child cry . Rolli gave birth to Anirudh at Dev's real home, with Aadhvan, Sagar and Neelambari around. The whole estate celebrated and blessed the child. Anirudhu, aka Ani instantly became favorite and his parents got reprimanded by every possible member of the estate and village if found scolding the child. Only if they knew, Ani was very naughty handful child. He knew he was the favorite one and used it to his benefit. Dev Rolli made sure they visited Neelambari more as they wanted their son to learn empathy and strength from her. It had been a treat to watch the way little Ani had his grandfather and uncle wrapped around his finger. Aadhavan dotted on the boy the way he did on Dev for all those years.

''Go, what are you thinking.''

''I am glad Appa and Sagar are not at home or I would be sentenced to death.'' Dev replied and then jumped when he heard his grand mother again. ''This boy will get me killed.''

''Patti, Ani misbehaved.'' Dev shot as soon as he saw his grandmother. She pressed her lips to hide the smile. ''Come here Dev.'' He did, taking smallest steps possible. Neelambari caught hold of his ear twisting it hard. ''Who pulls a child's ear this hard? He is two, and you guys punish him as if he is 20. I see any of you pulling his ear, I will chop yours.'' Dev rubbed his ear. ''But he misbehaved.'' 

''He will never do a thing which is bad. I know my Ani.'' Turning to Anirudh she smiled. ''Right Ani!'' Ani nodded throwing his arms around Neelambari, While Dev narrowed his eyes on his son, Ani was the male form of his wife.

Ani squealed as Velu made his grand entry, it was Velu's daily routine to give Ani a round around the estate. ''Bring him back on time and now going to river.'' Neelambari commanded Velu nodded lifting up the boy on his shoulders. Ani squealed happily waving at his family. ''He is so happy here and irritated at Suryagarh.'' Rolli said watching her son.

''He feels alone. Don't worry, with time, he will learn.''

''Patti, I am fine when he is here but back at Suryagarh, we still are scared about letting him go alone.''

''Time will set things right. You are a brave girl, I know you will do the best.'' Neelambari patted Rolli is cheek.

''Patti, come along with us. Sona is expecting, and will deliver in a month. You can stay close to her.''

The old Queen of Tanka Nilam smiled, ''She needs her family and they are with her. You need yours and I will be there with you, whenever you need me.'' 

***

Naren Ranawat smiled watching his precious grand daughter as she went about instructing her staff. Raina Ranawat had molded into a fine young woman in past three years. Her stay in London, helped her mature emotionally. ''What grandpa?''

''You look so smart.'' She laughed pecking his cheek. ''For you, I will always be perfect.'' Anika made Raina do odd jobs making her learning journey smooth. The Princess, who had always been sheltered protected . learned that world was rather too different from what she thought it to be. Over the years, Raina had soften and turned more thankful towards the people around her. The only feeling that never change was her anger towards Siddhant.

''Raina, I will drop you.'' Maan pitched in. He and his family had come down for weekly family get together and now was ready to leave for work. Though, the ranawat Princess changed, her family's protectiveness towards her didn't . 

''Raina, keep the Friday free. We have a party to attend.'' Raina nodded at her mother, little did she know , after three years she was going to see him again. Her eyes moved to Maan who stole and adorable smile with his wife. Leela took time but gradually she went deep in hearts of Ranawat family. She was respected loved in the same way as Raina. Her marriage with Maan took a funny start but over the years, they had learned to be a couple. The only problem, none confessed that they loved the other.

''When are you going to confess your love?'' Raina asked. Maan chuckled. ''What made you say that?''

''You guys keep stealing glances , smiles yet, something is missing. Answer this, is all normal.''

''Raina, you are sister and younger. You are not supposed to talk censored stuff.''

''God Bhai! letting someone know you love them makes them happy.''

''All these things are cheesy and bookish. Look at Advay and Urvi, 2 years, I can't live without you and since last year, they haven't spoken to each other.''

Raina nodded. ''I never expected Advay bhai to be that twisted.''

''Chachi (Raksha) was right, Advya need to get his head together before painting the town red.''

''Do you think things will sort out?'' Raina asked

''Depends on Advay and Urvi, they are the only one who can set things right.'' Raina nodded being thoughtful. She smiled and then chirped. ''Are you guys planning a baby any time soon.''

Maan looked horrified. ''I am a kid, I need to grow up first.''

''You are married for 3 years.'' 

''That was child marriage. We should be glad no one reported, and I need few more years to be an adult'' He replied tongue in cheek. Raina watched her brother, Maan was exact opposite of Advay. Even is worst, he bought the best out of him. He dropped his sister to her office and drove off once she was in. Maan missed the bike that stood on the other side of the building, the rider watching Raina Ranawat movements.

Siddhant had returned after a tough posting of more than two years in Himalayan range and now was on a break. He had stalked Raina for 3 years on social media, still sure that she neglected him to gain his attention. During his stay at home, he had attended few gatherings and heard about how Ranawat princess was making her family proud. He had scoffed then, sure that she must have bought that fame. The day he got to know of her arrival, he had the urge to see her, and since then, he would daily watch her from distance. 

***

''How is Sona Ananya?'' Shivangi asked in a worried voice. Ananya let out a breath. ''Its a difficult pregnancy. Even at eighth month she is having bad morning sickness. Poor girl.''

''The baby is gaining weight but Sona isn't. I am worried" Dipika voiced her thoughts. Sona was in her last trimester. Though the news bought lot of happiness for the Rathores, Sona's health remained a concern. While the couple never spoke openly, Ananya Dipika understood that they weren't ready, but before they could think, the family got to know. ''If needed, we will get the best doctor in the world, just let me know.'' Shivangi Rathore walked away leaving his two daughter in law in deep thought.

''I will kill Vikram. He should be more with her.'' Dipika sounded mad. Her son had suddenly turned too busy.

''The more they spend time, the more they fight. Vicky is worried and Sona scared. She is in a emotional state. Don't worry, we will handle all.'' Ananya rubbed Dipika's arm . 

''What if something goes wrong? The family is so excited.''

''Dipika, the worst is over, and nothing will go wrong. I won't let it happen, trust me.'' Dipika nodded, she trusted Ananya. Over the years, Sona had formed a strong bond with them but with Ananya she was like a child, Ananya too pampered her understanding her need for a mother. Sona could raise the alarm any day, the just prayed for things to be fine.

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Happy reading. I have to study so early update.