Veer

''Where is he?'' Dipu ranted frantically searching for my naughty son across the suite.

''He must be in some corner, where can he go from the suite.'' I tried calming her knowing Vikram's habit. The moment he is set free, he crawls away in jet speed as if freed out a jail.

 I had asked Dipu to calm down and next moment she was standing on my head with her hands on hip, ''Do you really care?'' Looking at her angry expression, I quickly kept my laptop aside and decided to join her expedition. She kept calling his name out, but the brat decided to stay hidden. Moving to the dresses, I saw a pile of clothes moving. A smile covered my lips realizing he must have got into it to play but couldn't get out. Shaking my head, I helped him out of the maze he had created. As I lifted him up, he dramatically faced palmed himself, ''Now, stop copying me.'' I scolded him and he laughed. This guy definitely keeps making fun of me.

''Why does he keeps face palming himself ?'' I asked Dipu handling Vikram to her.

She chuckled, ''You do it too much around him, he picked it up.''

''Trust me, he will grow up into a brat.'' I concluded, he clapped and Dipu laughed.

''See, I told he keeps making fun of me.'' I complained pinching his cheeks, he let out an annoyed squeal curling his lower lip, ''Now, that looks like Ananya to me.'' I said watching his expression.

''Yes she is teaching him to make a puppy face to blackmail the family, and this guy learns so fast. '' She replied changing his clothes. I just rolled my eyes, Dipu took another half an hour to make him settle down in his crib. She crashed next to me on the bed all tired, ''Vikram is nothing less than a complete work out.'' She said taking a deep breath. Wrapping my body around hers', I pulled her closer, ''You need to relax a bit.''

She was about to reply , when her eyes went wide. I turned around to find Vikram sitting on the edge of the crib, ready to jump on the bed. ''I am not sharing my bed with this guy.''

''Catch him before he falls.'' Before I could, he landed safely on bed with a squeal. On all four, he crawled towards us , crossing me with lot of effort he made his way to his mother settling down on her. ''This is not done.'' I whined.

She smiled staring down into the eyes of the little man, who looked happy snatching my time and wife , ''I will put him back once he sleeps.'' She patted him lovingly till he slept. I smiled at the perfect picture, the brat looks so innocent when he sleeps. Wrapping my arm around my son and wife, I closed my eyes to drown into complete bliss.

***

''Ananya, why did you refuse the bassinet and pram?'' Granny asked on the breakfast table. Ananya smiled, ''because she can use Vikram's ''

''She deserves a new one, she is a princess.'' I intervened. I saw Bhai's lips twitching, Ananya served herself and replied, ''Every girl is a princess, let her live upto that title, and Vikram is her elder brother she can use his old things. About a new one, let's give to someone who can't afford.'' 

 Granny smiled, the new Queen was definitely different. It had been a week since Rolli came home, and filled our lives with sunshine. Bhai and Ananya's guards have been fighting to guard the new Princess. For now, Bhai decided to let Sitara watch over the kids, and I find it to be the best choice. No one can be tender and lethal at the same time like Sitara. Our Palace in now filled only with squeals

We kept discussing about various topics when granny raised her palm gesturing us to be silent. In that silence, we could hear tiny voices which made us smile, Rolli had been making those sound all along as we started talking. She is way too responsive and active . her light eyes shine in excitement if she spoken too. Granny asked Bhai to bring Rolli to her, lifting Rolli up she smiled down at her, ''So we have a talkative Princess here.'' The little girl kept responding as granny cooed her, ''Get ready Ranvijay, you have a second Ananya.'' That made Ananya cough, as we chuckled at Granny's pun.

''How is the preparation for her naming ceremony Dipika?'' granny asked.

"Almost done, priority invitations have gone just have to work on the other list.'' She replied Granny nodded turning to Vikram who enjoyed his food in Dad's lap, ''Did you meet your sister?''

I don't why but he suddenly giggled hiding his face in Dad's chest. ''That's not the girl you should be blushing at. I will teach you later which girl to shy from and not'' Ananya said as Vikram stared at her all attentive. Dipu is right he is smitten with his A.

''Ananya!!!'' that was collective from all of us as she laughed. With she training him, My son will definitely grow into a certified punk.

***

''Can you be early today?'' Dipu asked as I got ready to leave

''Will try'' I replied packing the necessary stuff.

''What the hell is this project that keeps you busy all day?'' She asked annoyed

Leaving al I walked to her, taking her palms in mine I assured, ''It will be over and soon. I promise.'' She nodded, ''How is your NGO work going?''

''We have successfully placed few women as hotel staff, and now working for the others. I am planning to get an approval for a small school for the girls within the vicinity of the building. Ananya too agrees on that.''

''Good job. I will see you at dinner.'' I left leaving a peck on her forehead.

***

''How is renovation going'' I asked Nahar Singh stepping in the Surya Palace. He nodded showing me around. ''I have something for you prince.'' I waited for him to answer, he added, ''Netra secretly visited the Suryagarh. I guess she is planning something.''

I thought, ''She is just trying to create an army for herself. Let her, I am ready. By the way, I would want to know what happened about the usurped lands. Could you find the papers?''

''yes, I broke the secret safe. What do we do?'' He asked

''Give them back to the ones it belongs, that wins me the favour of people here. Netra doesn't know what she is messing with''

''No Prince, you don't know her. And now even the Queen favours her, I fear for Dipika and your son.'' The old eyes glistened

''Don't be, when I say I am ready I mean it.'' He nodded. Checking my watch I made my way to the exit to leave. I walked out giving in instructions for the further work when something burning touched my shoulder. Bhanu was on his feet as he pulled me down, ''Are you fine.''

''Yes, its just a scratch. Let's move.''

When I stepped out, I found my guards encircling someone. The guard had shot the shooter down, ''Send him back to Netra with a warning, her bullet missed my won't.''

''Hukum, you should change.'' Bhanu suggested and I nodded.

After around 3 hrs long drive, we reached the Palace and I made my way to the suite. I had to get rid of my soiled shirt and tend my wound. Dipu shouldn't know of it.

''Suryagarh is your new project.'' My plan to hide everything from her fell flat on face as he stood teary eyed behind me in the dresser. I stayed still, not knowing how to react. The bigger question was who told her?

''Dipu, I am fine. Don't worry'' I tried calming her. She turned me around with a jerk , her eyes on my wound, ''I asked bhai to hire a manager, why you had to step in? I am done with that place and don't want any of my loved ones to step there. Tomorrow I will hand it over to Netra.''

''You have no right to. As per the will, it goes to Vikram.'' I reasoned

''Screw the will.'' She looked mad. I pulled her close with a jerk, ''You went through hell to keep your Grand Mother's last wish and now you want to throw all. Sorry, not happening. As an individual, I can't kill the hope of the people who have started breathing in fresh air again.''

Her anger didnt seem to calm at my  words, pulling her closer I added,"and if you feel like screwing some one, it should be me." She glared at me and finally gave in with a smile. Resting her head on my shoulder she confessed her fears, " I am scared of that place Veer"

"don't be, because I will change it for you for Vikram and your late granny" she kept staring into my eyes emotionally. My face dipped to capture her lips, but she pulled apart hearing a squeal, " when did he crawl in? Such a bone." I whined and Dipu slapped my hand. Vikram sat opposite of wall size mirror quarrelling with his own reflection.

"baby no, its nothing." Dipika tried dissuading him but he seemed to be fighting the greatest war. Pulling out a bed sheet I covered the mirror vanishing the enemy off, ending the great war of mirror. He stared at the sheet and then crooked his face to look at me. Smiling I lifted him up, "couldn't you wait for a minute for us to complete the kiss, such a bone"

He giggled thinking I am praising him. Dipu took him from me , she walked out reprimanding me for talking rubbish to the toddler.

***

It was a day to introduce the Royal Princess to the world. Ananya kept ranting about keeping things simple but granny refused to budge. Ananya had suggested a joint function on Vikram' first bday , that did'nt really impress anyone. Granny wanted to give Rolli her share of importance.

" look who is early this morning " Dipu walked into the study with Rolli in her amrs. I couldn't help but smile looking at my tiny cute niece. " has Ananya come too"

"NO, I went to her suite and asked the permission to have Rolli for sometime " She cooed the baby as the littled girl stared at her unblinking, "she will grow into a beautiful girl"

" Yes, and we will have to look for the best gaurd" Dipu gave me a flat stare . " I know it sounds ridiculous but its true." I added unflinching 

"She will have the best gaurd , the one who will let her breathe. Her brother, Vikram. Right miss cherry cheeks." We played with kids for some time before moving to our duties, leaving Sitara in charge.

Evening we were dressed regally to welcome our guests. Dipu looked angelic, best part she looked happy and that made her beauty enchanting. We had kept a small Pooja ceremony and then the party.

Bhai and Ananya sat with their bundle as priest performed the Pooja. He suggested few letters and Ananya turned to Dipika, " so do you have anything in mind"

Dipu choked all emotional. She had once told about wanting to name her nephew but the brother rebuffed her. And when she nick named the Princess, it was being readily accepted by the family. Ananya asked again and I replied, " Aahana! Our Sunshine" 

"Princess Aahana Ranvijay Rathore " Granny gleamed with pride. We moved to mingle with are guests, taking turns with Rolli. We introduced her to guests, as they blessed her lovingly. It was my turn to hold her and I felt really protective about the little angle in my arms. I will make sure she gets her dreams without any fight. 

I held her protectively to my chest to make sure she was comfortable. The guests kept rocking on the slow music enjoying the delicacies. The music went loud and she jumped in my arms. I rubbed her tiny head. She looked up with her light innocent eyes, and then smiled slightly. I realised she had a small dimple on her cheek. She took that from bhai, " you took best of everyone my cuite." She replied with a little voice, making my smile grow wider. I moved to hand her over to Ananya, My eyes moved around , after days we are all are so happy. I just hope these smiles stays forever.

Ranvijay 

After the party concluded, we sat as a family in grand hall. Vikram had  dozed of in Dipika's arms, but my Princess was still active. She kept moving her head in every direction the sound came from, making few sounds. ''It seems she is upset about no one talking to her''  Veer said pecking her head. 

''IF i go by her, I will have to sacrifice my sleep talking to her all night.'' I said and others chuckled. 

''Ranvijay, Veer give your children all the freedom they need to fulfill their dreams. I couldn't because of lurking dangers , but I know you would .'' Granny sounded emotional. Dad pulled her fragile form into a hug. None of us had ever seen her in such vulnerable state. Since she retired, her emotional side had turned dominant. 

''No, I will be a strict mom. I will twist her ears every time she commits a mistake.'' Ananya's words bought a sudden silence. Granny gaped at her, only she could say such words . 

''I am going to punish you bad if she ever cries.'' Granny warned and Ananya started laughing, we joining her the next moment. She had lighten the moment so easily. Granny ordered us to disperse as my wife gave her a mock salute.  We walked to our room with my Princess still mumbling in her own language. 

''How much more you want to talk.?'' I asked playfully as she rested her head on my chest.

''Once she has a more talkative sibling, she will turn quite.'' Ananya replied undoing her ornaments and hair

''We are not having a second baby.'' I said in a serious tone placing Aahana in her crib.

''why?''

''Because I can't stand you in pain.'' It was true, the day my daughter was born I had decided never to put Ananya through same pain. She stood up and walked to me. Placing her feet on mine she went on her toes, ''There was a time when your madness scared me.Now, its just a part of me. I LOVE YOU RANVIJAY.'' She pressed her lips on to mine in a sweet surrender. 

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A glimpse of future

She walked out of the book shop into the dark alley. The air could make any one go numb, but she wasn't scared. She was being bought up that way, pushing her hands into the pocket Rolli walked towards the deserted parking humming her favourite song, ''How did I get so lucky?'' Came a gruff voice, but it didn't scare her, ''You are doomed Simon , get lost.''

''Not so soon honey'' He grabbed her arm pulling her petite form to his large one. ''Today he will know, what it means to mess with a bad guy.''

She frowned and then laughed hysterically , ''You don't get it do you? When it comes to him, he is the ULTIMATE BAD GUY.'' With that her leg moved bringing the bulky man on his knees. She lifted her eyes to return the sinster smile of her brother, ''You called me a bad guy, you broke my heart Rolli.''

''Finish the drama here, I will be in the car.'' She knew what her brother would do with the who dare to threaten her. Vikramjeet Singh Rathore didn't know what mercy meant.

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Don't ask me when this one will be out. There is still time for this one. It was just an introduction that came to my head.

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