Giriraj Rathore grinned wide when his great grand daughter squealed in delight. Vikram had to lock her arms as in her excitement the baby had started throwing her limbs all over punching and kicking her father.

Rathore family had gathered for breakfast and Laddoo hadn't seen her great grandfather for 2 days as he was out of station. Giriraj gathered the little princess in his arms and she squealed in delight. ''I missed you too. Where is her breakfast?'' He asked and Chitra placed a bowl pinching Laddoo's cheek.

Vikram took his seat next to father. ''I believe doctor was right, for that size; she is the loud one.'' Veer slapped Vikram's head while his grandmother warned. ''Don't put an evil eye on her.'' Vikram whispered an apology before going back to the food.

Chitra took the chair next to SOna. ''What are you staring at?''

''My daughter! She is behaving so good, by night some devil enters her body. We dance like clowns to make her eat.'' After a minute Sona added in a low voice. ''I believe Vikram is right, she is a loud one.''

Chitra chuckled, gently warning her about Shivangi Rathore's reaction. ''But our Laddoo is cute. Look at all the faces; she just lights up the room.''  In that huge room, there was just one who was being spoken to and talked about. Vrushalli Rathore adorably held Giriraj's face between her small palms before placing her head on his shoulder. Giriraj  rubbed her small back talking to her about everything.  ''I was wondering what happens when she grows up and fancies a boy? How will they react?'' Though it was a whisper it bought immediate silence with all eyes on Chitra. 

''We are going to chose for her.'' Came Veer's voice

''And she is a good girl.'' That came from Ranvijay. Chitra pressed her lips trying to hide her smile. Ananya share the same, ''A man once told me, Rathore follows their will.'' She reminded her husband about his time and then kids chosing their partners. Giriraj cleared his throat. ''Laddoo is best of all.''

Giriraj's assistant informed him about a guest and he nodded. Laddoo added her voice pointing out at the assistant. The old man smiled. ''As you wish your highness.'' While elders swelled in pride, Vikram rolled his eyes. He had a tough job ahead of bringing up his little storm. The way she got pampered, he feared her growing into a snob

Before leaving he pecked her cheek. She made a comical face making Vikram frown. ''Hey, I am your dad.'' She still ignored him

''Doesn't matter who you are if you are untidy. You should shave Vikram. Vrushali Rathore hates untidy folks.''  Vikram just shook his head walking out 

***

Sona nodded as she was being explained about the NGO. She and Chitra had decided to slowly step in so that Ananya and Dipika could have their share of rest. Sona went through different emotions meeting different women. While her eyes watered meeting the abandoned baby girls; she boiled hearing the stories of women who were being wronged.

''Sona, come with me.'' She nodded following Dipika to the cabin. "Mom, you and Badi Ma have done an amazing job.''

Dipika smiled. ''This is not a small thing. We still get abandoned babies, women who have no where to go. The idea is not to pity them, we make them self reliant. All handicrafts and things they make are sold over our own ecommerce page and hotel stores.'' Sona nodded

''Sona, I want you to make me proud here.'' Sona nodded. She decided to put her heart into it. After  a moment she asked. ''Mom, why was this place started? 

Dipika smiled, She had been expecting that. ''This happened after Granny took over the estate. The very first woman to come for help was Sitara's mother. She was labelled as a murderer but she was just a mother to granny. Its then, Granny decided to help those who had no help or who were proven wrong to the world and yet they were right somewhere.''

''Hmm...but isn't it like going against the world.''

''Or its building your own set of people who would never betray you. Sona, we don't expect anything from them but we get their loyalty and trust without making much effort.''

''Wow! I was planning to expand the school here.'' Dipika nodded, gesturing her to elaborate the plan.

***

Raina was on a trip with her friends. After few weeks of being grounded she was being finally allowed to have an outing with her friends. The two families had started a dialogue about getting Siddhant and Raina married and she finally got her freedom. 

Raina grinned wide staring out of her hotel room window in Shimla. It has snowed last night and they were being advice to stay indoors. The sky looked clear now and ice clad mountains looked made of gold in bright sun.  She tried to get her group together to venture out but they decided to sleep a little more. Raina got ready with her best winter outfit, stepping out into open. She grinned wide watching kids playing in snow. Couple stood close to each other trying to capture the best of the moments. She just smiled throwing her body on the white carpet. Raina squealed like a baby throwing the snow all over her. She was busy playing with herself when a shadow blocked the beautiful sunlight. She stared at the gloved hand , slowly moving her eyes up on the face.

''Siddhant! Are you stalking me?''

''yes! Is that a problem?''

''Don't you have a job,''

''I am planning to quit.''

Raina stood up. ''Why?''

''I want to stay with you''

''You loved your job.''

''I love you more.'' He replied pulling her inside his jacket. She blinked staring up into his eyes. ''Siddhant, I am not going leave you. Not in this life. But I need the Siddhant who loved his job and passion. I don't want you changed.'' Siddhant stared down her. Her lips trembled in cold, and cheeks flushed red. Her eyes stared back into his for answers. Leaning closer, he pecked her cheek. ''I think I am falling more.''

''You will not quit. Not till its absolute necessary.'' She demanded the answer. 

''I will not. But we might not see each other for next one year. I have taken too many leaves.''

She caressed his face. ''I will wait. Next time when we see each other, we will be exchanging vows.'' Siddhant held her close and she accepted the hug. After a minute, he threw his body on the fluffy snow, taking Raina along with him. She squealed in surprise.

''Raina Ranawat, I love you.'' She smiled burying her head into his chest.

***

Naren Ranawat decided to visit Leela at Chauhan's residence, it came a surprise for Leela and her guardians. "Grand father!'' She whispered bending down to touch his feet but he stopped her. ''Not required. I just wanted to see you, it has been 3 months already.''

Leela nodded trying to peak over his shoulder. ''You are looking for Maan. Don't tell me you are missing him, the boy practically lives here.'' Leela did all to hide her smile. He was right, Maan drove hours to see her once every week. Never in her life she had thought of being blessed with a man like Maan. Naren asked her to rest and made his way to meet Jayant Chauhan, his old friend. 

Leela curled her lip, disappointed about not being able to meet Maan. With heavy steps, she made her way to her chambers. It was true, Maan made sure he met her once in a week but she craved more. Leela pushed open the door and froze. Maan lay on her bed in an ultra dramatic pose, popping grapes into his mouth. ''Missed me!''

''When did you come? and from where?''

''I had noticed grandfather's vehicle so decided to hide. You have know idea how much I am being teased these days.'' Leela took slow steps to him, slowly taking her place next to him. ''Does it bother you, the teasing?''

''No! Not being able to see you bothers me. How have you been.''

''Good, your baby is a good boy.''

''I will be happy if he is a boy.''

''You don't like girls?''

''I don't want my daughter to face what Raina did. Ranawats have not had girl child for generations, and Raina faced the burnt of their love. I don't want my child to be that.''

''I think otherwise. Raina was lucky to have such a loving family and I am lucky to have you.'' He smiled handing her a parcel. ''You got me Chinese.'' She got excited 

''Yes, but had to hide it under my shirt as your aunt is against you eating junk. I am sure she going to put a scanner for me in few days. Better finish it quick and I will take the box back.''

''Why? You can discard it here.''

''Nope! I am leaving no proof.'' Leela chuckled. She happily gorged on the food throwing a kiss at the man who made life a dream.

***

''What are you staring at?'' Ranvijay asked pulling the little princess on it his lap. She sat her legs stretched, staring at them. Laddoo blinked at Ranvijay pointing out at her ankles. He understood, Sona was a smart mother. The little girl hated wearing anything in her feet and Sona intentionally put anklets to keep Laddoo at one single place. he shook his head removing them. The baby stayed calm and then squealed in delight. She had started crawling at times troubled her mother.

Ranvijay stared at the small silver chains, his eyes moving to the crawling princess. She searched a gap but the staff wouldn't let her cross the carpet. He smiled. ''How long can she held? She is bound have her will. A true Rathore.''

''Gloating about Rathore Blood.'' Ananya read his thoughts. He shook his head. It was damn difficult to hide anything from his wife, his Anu.

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3 more to go. 

Next- Ranawats welcome a Princess.