Deepika

These months have been nothing more than a battle. Dad wouldn't let me in one of his factory, that claims to a block printing place. In reality, it was a place where he hid his dark secrets. I hated the blood that runs in my veins , looking at the group of girls in late teens and early twenties. They were being kept like animals in a barn. They whimpered when I stepped in the basement. I didn't believe when my granny wrote about my dad being involved in human trafficking. But now, I loathe him. The girls seemed hungry and tortured. The foul smell of the place had me choked, it was damp cold and scary. When I approached them, they all bundled themselves in the corner. Trying to escape the unknown. I flinched, that moment I decided to free them all. I don't care of repercussions. But these lives were equally important as mine, and they deserve to breath in fresh air. ''Leave them all and make sure they reach their destination safely.'' I asked

The men flinched. I understand their concern, they think that I am just a temporary arrangement and once my father takes the reign they will have to face his wrath. Sitara came close and whispered, ''Hukum, it can be dangerous. It will unleash his anger. Don't risk yourself, not now.'' I understood her concern for me and my baby.

We kept the pregnancy under wraps for 5 months but by 6th, it was too evident. And once the truth was out. Maherdra Singh celebrated the grand way. He was about to get his heir. The puppet he plans to rule. They started treating me like a Queen and why not. I am the only one who could give them what they wanted. That night I couldn't sleep. I was scared worried for the one growing in me. I wish him to be more like his father. I fear that the blood in my veins might transfer my father's trait into him. Him, I thought. I don't know if it's a boy or a girl, but I wish for a son. What if I am not able to save the child from my father? And if it's a girl he might exploit her too. But one thing was sure, from now till the birth of my baby I will all that is necessary to get Suryagarh free off Mahendra Singh.

''Hukum!'' Sitara's voice broke my thoughts but I had made the decision. ''Take this as an order , free these girl now or I kill your families.'' The men were alert now. In these months I have gained few trustworthy people who had been wronged by my dad and Jai Singh, my granny's guard had also laying the foundation of my freedom. My dad kept my request to have him as my guard. Not a request, I threatened to kill myself and he feared losing all the money. My eyes met Jai Singh's and he understood. Its 3 weeks for my child to open his eyes in this world and I promised him the better one. Tomorrow, will the first day of Mahendra Singh's public humiliation.

***

''Who the hell gave you the permission to malign my name?'' My father snarled as I sipped the my first tea in the dinning area impassive of his anger. When I didn't respond he snatched the cup smashing it on the floor. The other members on the table got up scared. He grabbed me by arm pulling me up roughly. A wave of pain hit my body but I stayed calm, ''What is this.?''

He asked smashing the news paper on my face. I smiled, my work was done. The world knows of his reality. These months here I had been collecting necessary proofs against him. I stayed quite because I wanted to reach those innocent girls. Their plight felt that of mine. Those dark dam dungeons of my home still scare me in dreams. It was just Veer's arms where I have a clam and peaceful sleep. Veer, the mere thought bought smile on my face and next minute the cheek stung with pain

''This is the last time you are smiling you bitch.'' He snarled pushing me. Another shot of pain hit my body. ''Lock her and kill her once she delivers. Finally, I will be the free of the curse of this ungrateful child.''

I wasn't listening. All I feared was for my child. Two hands gripped my arms, pulling me up and then came a voice, ''Touch her and I will end your lineage this instant.'' Taking deep breaths I looked up, Sitara stood there with menacing green eyes and a knife against the neck my 2 yr old nephew. One were the veil and drapes. When Mahendra Singh didn't relent she pierced his arm and the child wailed. ''Have on doubts Mahendra Singh, I am no ordinary staff.'' I saw my dad gaping at her, he understood who she was. Her tattoos represented the deadly tribe. He ordered two men to grab her and in second next they were on floor holding their necks as blood poured out. I smiled, she chose the right target. My dad can die for his grandson , he doted the boy like he doted my brother. He kept his eyes locked with Sitara not ready to let me go , she smirked and her knife went in air slashing my brother's chest, who was slowing moving in her direction. ''Have one thing clear Mahendra Singh, I I don't win, I will kill Deepika Hukum and the unborn child. But I won't let you have them.'' My dad's eyes went to my withering brother and then Sitara. He eyes held no emotion, she resembled nothing but a clod blooded assassin.

The grip on my arms suddenly loosen, I smiled and moved behind Sitara, ''Take the kid to out wing Sitara he will saty with us. One mistake , kill him.''

''For heaven sake Deepika , he is your nephew.'' My mother wailed. And the dam of patience that I held it date broke, ''I am was your fucking daughter, if my life doesn't matter to all you , you don't matter to me. Move Sitara.''

''Sitara, I can offer you better than Ranvijay. Don't waste your talent.'' My father tried bribing her

''I would rather slash your heart.'' She snapped.

''Fight me then you cowered .'' He challenged and she smiled, ''Wait for your turn Mahendra Singh, I will bless you with that pleasure soon. Just like I did with your favourite men.'' His eyes widen, as realization dawned. There were no moles it was just this girl who single handily shook my father's foundation. Sitara threw the wailing boy over her shoulder as I led the way. She locked the doors as soon as we were. Taking the boy she locked him in one of the adjoining rooms, rushing to me. ''Hukum, are you in pain.''

'' Sitara, the manhandling has triggered it. I don't want to lose him.'' She hugged me. ''We will leave tonight, I know the secret tunnel out. Just hold on till the night.'' She ensured that I was safe and disappeared again.

It was past midnight when I heard the door clicked open and group of teenage boys walked in. I recalled they were the folk singers who performed the day my dad celebrated my pregnancy, and then gave them shelter as they pleaded being chased by cops. I knew he would shelter them after hearing this, to strengthen the army of his wild dogs. My heart started beating mad in fear, I looked around frantically for Siatra. I wanted to scream, but I couldn't. And then a second wave of pain struck me and this time hard. Before I could scream one of them covered my mouth, I struggled when a familiar palm touched my forehead, ''Relax Hukum, they are with us. They were send by Ananya Hukum .''

Ananya! As her name fell On my ears , I calmed. I knew she would keep my words. I chose the right one while leaving. ''Hukum, we leave in an hour.''

''I can't, my water just broke.'' There was horror in the eyes of those around me. I could see panic striking them . But Sitara stayed composed, ''Hukum, you will be fine trust me.'' And I did. Every time I wanted to scream, Sitara would cover my mouth . I felt my muscles stretching beyond my limit of endurance. I felt I would die this instant, but I cannot. For the one who will fill my life with colours, for my Veer. Sitara had turned on the music system on full volume, I knew why. With one last push I collapsed. Evven in that hammering music sound , I could hear the first cry of my baby, as room started filling the first rays of dawn. ''Congrats Hukum, our Prince has arrived.'' Sitara hugged me like a sister. I watched the little creature I bought in the world, ''Vikramjeet Singh Rathore.'' Turning to Sitara, I gave my first order as Veer's wife, ''And you will be his guard form hereon. Make sure he reaches home. ''

''She is bleeding.'' One of the girls pointed and Sitara gasped. With tear stricken face she curled up into a ball, ''I failed you.''

''Go, take him and tell Veer I am waiting.'' I ordered.

''I can't leave you. They will kill you.'' She pleaded.

''Mahendra Singh will keep me alive, he still needs an heir. He will save me. Go, for him.'' One of the girls cooed him to sleep. Sitara pulled the little bundle to her chest and walked backwards with her eyes on me. Tears kept pouring as she walked away and the she stopped, ''Hold on please, I promise I will come back.'' With last glance she disappeared in my Granny's study . My mind relaxed, one of the girls sat next to me. ''Hukum, soon there will be a chaos in Palace. We have to do this to keep you safe.'' I nodded, and the group left. Leaving me reluctantly , bleeding in pain yet happy. I am not sure if I will survive this, but I will die content. My child is safe so is my Veer. My family will love him more than I could ever. I closed my eyes letting the grief take over me, what an unlucky mother. I never got a chance to hold my baby. My Vikram.

I don't know what time, but I heard the commotion and the the door was opened by force. ''Get a doctor, she must live.'' I heard him. ''Where is the baby.'' He shook me hard and I laughed , ''Gone, I won Dad.'' I replied with a sarcasm . ''Get her treated, nurse her to health . I don't care with whom she has to sleep, but she will give me an heir.'' His voice came little defeated, I don't remember what happened next as I allowed the dizziness take over me.

From far, I saw him dressed casually smiling at me. He kept walking to me and then pulled me in his arms, ''You are mine. Mine to Save. Mine to punish. Hold on, I am coming.''

''She needs to be admitted and soon.'' Came a voice, but I don't care. I will wait. For him, My Veer. He promised and a Rothore always keeps his promise.

 Ranvijay 

I had been floating in sea of happiness after hearing of Ananya's pregnancy, when an early morning call from Granny shook my insides. I ran to the main hall and Hemant briefed me , how he got the call from Jai Singh and escorted Sitara back to Palace.

The Sitara, who never showed any emotion stood broken infront of my eyes. Blood all over her attire and a small bundle cuddled to her chest, ''Sitara what..''

''Deepika's baby, heir to Jaigarh.'' Ananya voice send jitters to my spine. ''You knew'' She nodded, ''She left me a letter. This is why I was behind you to find the mole in the Palace. She was scared for Veer's life.''

''What's his name?'' granny asked. Sitara smile softly looking at the sleeping baby, ''Vikramjeet Singh Rathore.'' And then she turned to me, ''Hukum, we have to go back or Princess will die.''

''When was he born?''

''This morning, he is 3 weeks ahead of schedule.'' I heard the gaps and granny odered to get a doctor. I walked slowly to the little bundle, our future. The next king. I touched his forehead and found my eyes turning glassy with love. I pecked his forehead , he made a small sound before setting again. I promised him his mother and I will get her hale and hearty Ananya extended a clean soft cloth and Sitara handed him to her. ''Tell me the way.''

''I will lead Hukum , its my kill ''

''You are hurt'' Came Ananya's concerned voice. Sitara replied in a pained voice, ''Its Princess' ''

That was it, without wasting a minute we marched out. Veer too joined us. But what hurt me was his reluctance to see his own son. I turned once and saw Granny holding him as mom and Ananay leaned on him doting the first born of this generation. Mahendra Singh, you have less than 24 hrs of life.

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Next-

Veer winced watching her unconscious form. She lay there in a secluded   room with tubes attached all over. he could make her body was bare under that white sheet. Someone lunged at him and he shot without  removing his eyes of her. ''Veer, take her and these doctors till you reach the Palace. move now. '' Ranvijay's voice fell on his ears but he didn't move. ''I will kill her if you move.'' He lifted his eyes to the man who was supposed to protect her. She deserved it he thought, she left him for all this but she will live. he will save her.But not for love argued his mind, for his hate. For the pain he which he would return with interest. There was a sound and her brother fell down. Sitara slashed his neck , ''Princess, I am here.'' Sitara's voice broke his thoughts , ''I will take her cover me.'' She nodded and pointed her gun at the doc, ''you will come with us. He lifted her in his arms walking through the dark lobby of Surya Mahal. As he got in she whispered , ''Veer'' His eyes met hers tired ones and she smiled. His throat dried, he will punish her because he hated her but she was the only one he loved so much till date. His arms pulled her to chest in a protective embrace commanding the chauffeur to drive fast.

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