2 Days later!!!!

Valabhgarh!!!

Everyone including Astha were shocked at the revelation of maharaj Udaybhan,s murder mystery that happened 30 minutes ago.

However Astha heard a low hiss. Her heartbeat stopped and she looked up only to notice blood dripping from Dhruv,s hand.

Dhruv.

Astha called out anxiously as she ran towards him. She held his bloodstained hand delicately. She looked at Dhruv. Her eyes flickered across his face anxiously looking for any injury.

Aap aaye humare sath.

Astha said holding his hand and walked ahead, her fingers locking with his as she walked a step ahead with Dhruv behind her.

Tara was about to walk towards Dhruv but stopped as Astha rushed towards Dhruv calling out his name. Her voice full of fear and anxiety. Tara stood rooted to her spot as she watched Astha holding Dhruv,s bloodstained hand in hers, her movements looked purposeful and delicate. Tara watched as Astha,s eyes laced with anxiety flickered across Dhruv,s face and how she relaxed a little when she didn't find any other injury. Tara felt a pang of uncertainty in her chest and she felt her stomach churn. Her heart started pounding in her chest thinking about the worst possibilities.

She watched as Astha walked with Dhruv and made him sit on the golden couch . She sat besides him. The herbal paste was brought. Tara thought that Astha will let someone else to tend to Dhruv but she surprised everyone when she herself started to clean his wounds. Her touch conveying an overwhelming softness. Tara watched as Astha applied the herbal paste over his wound. Tara felt a pang in her heart as she watched Dhruv hiss slightly in pain and Astha slowly looked at him anxiously.

Bas thoda sa dard ho ga.

She heard Astha,s soft whisper as Astha finally bandaged his wounds.

Tara felt a mixture of uncertainty and fear flooding through her heart as she watched them.

Astha ka kya rishta hai Dhruv se? Yeh Dhruv ke itna kareeb kyun hai?

Tara thought. A mix of uncertainty and fear flooded through her heart as she walked towards them.

Astha...

Tara called out reaching them. Astha and Dhruv stood up. Dhruv shut his eyes watching Tara as a series of blurry memories flashed across his mind.

Tara watched as Astha held his hand interlocking their fingers. She stroked the back of his palm, her touch conveying a mix of tenderness and warmth.

Dhruv humari taraf dekhiye.

She heard Astha saying softly. Dhruv forced his eyes open and their eyes met. His deep brown orbs met her walnut brown ones. She blinked her eyes at him. He breathed deeply. His features relaxing.

Shh hum theek hain.

Dhruv said softly cradling her face in his palms. His touch gentle and tentative which prickled Tara,s heart like sharp darts.

Tara inse miliye yeh hain Dhruv HUMARE PATI!!!

Tara gasped and stepped back feeling earth shaking below her legs as Astha introduced Dhruv as her husband. Her heart twisted rather painfully in her chest as she watched Dhruv holding onto Astha,s hand and gazing at her with a small but soft smile.

Dhruv aap theek hain?

Tara heard Astha asking Dhruv. She couldn't help but notice how tender Astha,s tone was with Dhruv.

Haan.

Dhruv replied softly Tara watched as he reached out to clean the small wound Astha had on the right side of her forehead.

Dhruv hum...

Shh.

She watched Dhruv placing a finger on Astha,s lips and Tara noticed Astha tremble slightly under his touch.

It was a simple act but Tara felt as if she has watched something more than she should have and averted her gaze away. She gulped and looked at them once again.

She saw how Dhruv cleaned her wound with utmost care, keeping in mind to not to hurt her. His movements were gentle and purposeful as he applied a small bandage over her wound.

Tara felt her heart clutch rather painfully in her chest as she watched the tender moments between Dhruv and Astha. Their tender gestures towards each other spoke volumes about their growing bond.

Tara felt her heart twist rather painfully in her chest. Her breath caught in her throat. She couldn't help but feel a sense of pain and longing wash over her.

Dhruv ji. Itni bhi chot nahin thi.

Astha said making a face.

Toh humari bhi toh Itni nahin thi.

Dhruv said sarcastically giving her a knowing look.

Astha crossed her arms across her chest as she responded, her voice a mix of concern and tenderness.

Aapko chot lagi thi Dhruv ji. Dard ho raha tha na aapko. Dekha nahin kitna khoon beh raha tha.

Tara,s heart skipped a beat hearing the level of concern Astha holds for Dhruv.

She watched as Dhruv responded, his voice sarcastic but she could feel the care and tenderness Dhruv holds for Astha.

Jaise aapke toh pani beh raha tha.

Astha,s laughter danced in the air filling the atmosphere around them with a joyous energy. Tara knew that It was a playful banter but she could feel the tenderness and care Dhruv and Astha hold for each other.

Tara felt her heart clutch rather painfully in her chest as the realization that Dhruv now can't be hers washed over her like ice water. Tears of pain, longing, argony, yearning and hurt streamed down her face like an endless waterfall. The realization left a bitter taste in her mouth.

Night

Dhruv was sitting in the balcony. He smiled hearing the sound of anklets chiming, a gentle breeze hit his face. Astha came and sat beside him.

Kya soch rahe hain aap?

Astha asked tenderly smiling at him.

Dhruv smiled at her making her heart flutter.

Astha. Humein Rajkumari Tarapriya ko dekh ker acha nahin lagta.

Dhruv confessed sincerely. He looked into her eyes holding her hand in his.

Astha grew confused. She reached out and gently cradled his face in her palms, her touch conveying the comforting warmth which enveloped his heart in a warm, comforting embrace.
He closed his eyes feeling his heart skip a beat.

Kyun?

Astha asked softly.

Dhruv opened his eyes and looked at her. He took a deep breath playing with his fingers before clearing his throat.

Astha watched as Dhruv tapped his chin, a gesture he often did whenever he's thinking something or is hesitant about something.

Astha reached out and gently cupped his cheek. He looked at her coming out of his thoughts.

Dhruv ji kya hua hai?

She asked, her voice gentle and unknowingly kinda affectionate.

Dhruv sighed, his heart skipped a beat at her touch.

Pata nahin. Per aisa lagta hai jaise hum unhein jante hain. Woh yadein aur tezi se aane lagti hain humein. Humein kuch samajh nahin aa raha.

Dhruv said tiredly.

Astha heard him carefully. She gently cradled his face in her palms, her touch tender.

Shant ho jaiye Dhruv. Itni chinta aapke liye achi nahin hai.

Astha said, her affection for him clear that washed over him like a gentle wave.

Humari itni chinta kerna sahi nahin hai Astha.

Dhruv said, his voice holding a gentle tease.

Kyun?

Astha asked holding his hand. She locked her fingers with his.

Hum toh karenge. Akhir adhikar hai humara. Pati hain aap humare.

Astha added mischievously.

Dhruv felt his heart skip a beat as his cheeks turned warm.

He breathed out tightening his hold on their interlocked hands.

Theek hai ker lijiye.

Dhruv said softly.

Per humein iss sab ki adat nahin hai Astha. Itni parwah ker ke humari adatein mat bigadiye

Dhruv said, his voice was gentle.

Astha smiled gently cradling his face in her palms. Her touch a blend of tenderness and affection. It was a rare moment when Astha saw the raw vulnerability shinning in his eyes which she strongly desliked. She felt her heart clutch rather painfully in her chest. She watched as his features relaxed under her touch and he shut his eyes. She smiled caressing his face with trembling fingers.

She inched closer. Dhruv,s cheeks flamed as he felt her warm breathe fanning his cheek. Her lips touched his ear as she whispered, her voice gentle and affectionate.

Adat dal lijiye Dhruv ji. Kyunke hum aapki parwah kerna kabhi nahin chodenge.

Dhruv breathed sharply. His cheeks flamed. Dhruv,s breath caught in his throat the moment her soft lips brushed over his bearded cheek in a tentative, affactionate kiss. Dhruv felt his heart racing in his chest as shivers ran down his spine. Dhruv,s eyes welled up with tears as he felt his heart swell with a mixture of tenderness and warmth and he held her tighter to himself.

Humein kabhi mat chodiyega.

Dhruv whispered huskily breathing into the scant of jasmine and sandalwood of her hair. Astha,s heart started pounding in her chest hearing him.

Dhruv gently cradled her face in his palms making her shiver. His touch unknowingly affectionate and tender. She closed her eyes. Dhruv inched closer and planted his lips on her forehead. Astha,s breath caught in her throat the moment she felt his lips on her forehead. Her cheeks flamed because of shyness and a slow smile spread across her face.

Astha held his face in her palms as she responded, her voice laced with a blend of sincerity and unknown affection.

Kabhi nahin.

Her hold tightened on his face as their eyes locked. Dhruv searched her eyes looking for the love and tenderness he was unknowingly craving for. Astha gazed into his eyes and found vulnerability with a tinge of hope lurking somewhere deep in them

At this moment Astha badly wanted to gather him in her arms and never let him go but she knew she had to control. They both smiled at each other knowing that they were exploring the new bond that formed between them.

He held her hand gently locking his fingers with hers.

They walked inside the chamber and sat on the bed.

Dhruv looked at her. Dolled up in a parrot grean Saree, Various jewels adorning her frame. Her beautiful walnut brown orbs shaded by thick, long lashes, the candle light highlightening her features making her look angelic to him. Her long, silky, black hair were unclasped and were onto her right side. This was the first time maybe Dhruv was looking at her properly and she was indeed beautiful just like a fairy.

Dhruv felt his heart skip a beat as he looked at Astha. He reached out and gently cupped her face in his palms, his hold gentle as he gazed into her eyes, as if captivated by them. He didn't wanted to look away from her. His eyes traced her features. He reached out, his heart pounding in his chest as he very gently planted his lips on her forehead once again. Astha shut her eyes in anticipation. Her breath hitched. Her heart was beating loudly in her chest matching the rhythm of his raced and equally loud heartbeats.

Later!!!

Tara was walking towards Astha,s chamber. Her heart was racing loudly against her chest and her breath hitched. She clasped her hands and then unclasped them. She entered inside the chamber. Her heart stopped beating for a moment and discomfort enveloped her.

She watched as Dhruv softly tucked a strand of Astha,s hair behind her ear, his touch gentle. Dhruv,s hand lingered on her cheek for a few more moments then necessary according to Tara.

Tara felt her heart being twisted rather painfully in her chest. Her eyes burned with tears that blurred her vision. She harshly wiped them with her hands. Tara watched as heat raised over Astha,s cheeks. Tara walked a little closer to them and heard Astha mummer, her voice tinged with a blend of shyness and affection

Aise kya dekh rahe hain?

Dhruv moved towards her ear and whispered something which caused Astha to shut her eyes as the blush on her cheeks deepened. Tara felt her stomach churn as she watched the intimate interaction.

Rajkumari Tarapriya.

Dhruv called her out finally noticing her presence.

Aap yahan kya ker rahin hain?

Dhruv asked emotionlessly.

Tara,s heart pained hearing Dhruv. His voice was emotionless, lacking the usual warmth it held whenever he talked to her.

Woh hum poochne aaye thy ke kisi cheez ki avashakta toh nahin aapko?

Tara asked, her voice wavering as she tried to hide the tears that burned her eyes.

Astha noticed the way Tara was looking at Dhruv. Her eyes holding love and yearning along with guilt that threatened to consume her entire being.

Astha felt a burning sensation in her heart. She curled her fingers into a fist noticing the way Tara was looking at Dhruv. She felt a tug at her heart. She struggled to compose herself and took a forced deep breath.

She smiled at Dhruv and turned to Tara with a stoic expression.

Nahin Rajkumari Tarapriya. Agar humein kisi bhi cheez ki avashakta hogi toh hum khud le sakte hain aur rahi baat humare pati ki toh unki avashaktaon ka khayal rakhne ke liye hum hain. Aap ja ker senapati Samrat ke vishe mein sochiye ke unhein kya dand milega.

Astha said standing up from the bed and crossing her arms across her chest expressionlessly.

Aap ja sakti hain.

Astha added. Tara felt hurt as tears blurred her vision. Tara turned and was about to go.

Rajkumari Tarapriya.

Dhruv called her out.

Tara stopped and turned feeling her heart clutch rather painfully in her chest as Dhruv addressed her with her name respectfully but his voice lacked the usual warmth it once held.

She looked at him, their eyes locked. Tara searched his eyes for the usual warmth his eyes held whenever he adressed her. She felt her heartbeat stop upon not finding anything.

Agli baar pooch ker aaiyega. Ek Rajkumari ko kisi ke kaksh mein yun aana shobha nahin deta.

Dhruv,s words made her heart bleed. The tears that burned her eyes, now were on the edge of rolling down.

Kya aap...ne sach mei....n viva...h ker liya As...tha se?

Tara asked. Her voice was breaking as she chocked on her breath in the middle of her sentence as she struggled to control her tears.

Koste hain uss gadhi ko jis ghadi hum tumse mile.

The words rang in his ears. His heart suddenly felt too shattered and heavy for him to carry and he closed his eyes. His hands curling into fists. Astha saw the change in Dhruv,s expressions and immediately locked her fingers with his.

The feeling of Astha,s fingers slipping through his spread a familiar, comforting warmth through his entire being. Dhruv managed to open his eyes and looked at Astha. He let out a small, shaky smile. His vision blurred and he closed his eyes feeling a throbbing pain in his head.

Kyun kya farak padta hai? TUM TOH USS GHADI KO KOSTI THI NA JIS GADHI TUM MUJHSE MILI?

Dhruv screamed out the final words as the pain in his head overwhelmed him. His hold on Astha,s hand loosened as he slipped into the world of darkness.

DHRUV!!!

Astha screamed as she watched him falling. She kept a hand under his head before his frame could touch the ground.

Tara felt a wave of shock wash over her as she heard Dhruv,s words. Her heart shattered loudly in her ears. The tears that burned her eyes now finally rolled down her cheeks as she sobbed. However she came back to her senses upon hearing Astha,s scream and she saw Dhruv fainting.

She rushed towards Dhruv and sat besides him feeling her heart shatter loudly in her ears all over again.

Dhruv ji. Ankhein kholiye na.

Astha pleaded tapping his cheeks trying to wake him up.

A guard came inside the room running.

RAJ VAID JI KO BULAO TURANT.

Astha and Tara screamed in unison, panicked.

Later!!!

Astha sat beside Dhruv on the bed running her fingers through his hair. Her touch filled with tenderness and affection as she closed her eyes. The feeling of his soft, velvety hair slipping through her fingers calming her restless heart a little as she waited for Raj Vaid ji. Her patience was wavering.

Dhruv ankhein kholiye na. Apni Tara ke liye.

Tara chocked out. Tears rolled down her cheeks. Astha heard her. She felt a burning sensation in her heart. Her stomach churned and she shifted uncomfortably. But she chose to ignore Tara for now because her concern was Dhruv.

Kya hua hai inhein?

Astha asked the Raj vaid ji.

Raj vaid ji looked at Astha, his voice tinged with fear as he responded

Inko mansik aghat laga hai.

Astha,s breath caught in her throat. Her heartbeat stopped as her flickered between Raj Vaid ji and Dhruv,s unconscious figure.

A mix of guilt and pain flooded through Tara,s heart as she gazed at Dhruv. A tear rolled down her cheek and fell over his hand.

Hosh kab tak aayega inhein.

Astha asked composing herself.

Aaj raat ya kal subha tak aa jana chahiye.

Raj Vaid ji said. Astha nodded her head in positive and Raj vaid ji left from there.

Jaiye Tara.

Astha,s voice sharp cut through the air.

Hum...

Dhruv ji ka khayal rakhne ke liye unki patni jeevit hai abhi.

Astha cut her off, her voice sharp cutting through Tara,s heart like a sharp knife.

Bhai sa.

They head Anusuya,s voice trembling with concern and a deep sense of tenderness.

Anusuya rushed to them. Astha was slightly doubtful at first but as she saw him concern and tenderness in Anusuya,s eyes, she stood up from the bed and took some steps back.

Anusuya came and sat besides Dhruv. Her eyes full of tears as she said, her voice tinged with remorse.

Humein shama ker dijiye Bhai ji. Hum aapko iss peeda se nahin bacha sake.

She cried holding onto Dhruv,s hand. She looked up and found Tara.

She felt a shiver of disgust running through her spine as she looked at Tara.

Her eyes blazed with anger as she spoke, her voice tinged with vinom.

Yahan kya ker rahi ho tum? Chali jao yahan se.

Anusuya...

Tara was about to say something but Anusuya raised her hand in front of her asking her to stop.

Anusuya was glaring at Tara with fiery eyes. If eyes could burn then Tara would have been turned into ashes by now.

Niklo yahan se abhi. Hum nahin chahate ke humare bhai ji ki peeda ka karan unke aas paas rahe.

Anusuya said harshly. Her eyes burned with tears that threatened to escape any moment.

Dhruv bhai sa se jeevan mein bas ek galti hui hai Tara, aur woh thi tumse prem kerna.

Anusuya added, her voice a mix of bitterness and pain.

Astha was shocked at Anusuya,s revelation. She looked at Tara who was looking down ashamed. Doubts clouded Astha,s mind. She sat besides Dhruv. Her fingers locking with his. Her touch was delicate yet protective. Her eyes softened as she looked at Dhruv. Her heart swelled with a blend of tenderness and affection for him.

Tara felt from there trembling as the weight of her past actions settled over her heart making it feel heavier than ever.

Anusuya kya hua Dhruv ke sath unke ateet mein. Bata do Humein.

Astha pleaded, her voice tinged with pain and argony.

Mahaveer ke ganth thi jisko theek kerne ke liye Tara chikitsak Dhruv ki khoj mein gayi thi. Dhruv bhai sa mili woh. Dhruv bhai sa isse itna prem kerte thy ke apna sab kuch chod ker yahan aaye. Kya kya nahin saha Dhruv bhai sa ne.

Anusuya said gulping the lump that formed in her throat.

Astha,s heart suddenly felt too heavy as she gazed at Dhruv,s unconscious figure. Her grip tightened on their interlocked hands as she asked,

Phir kya hua?

Anusuya wiped the tears that rolled down her cheeks without her permission and continued trying to keep her voice steady.

Dhruv bhai sa ne na sirf Mahaveer ko bachaya balki Raaj Mata Saraswati ko bhi bachaya, Senapati Samrat Singh se raksha ki humari, Tara ke liye apne seene per talwar li.

Astha,s breath hitched as she heard Anusuya. She looked at Dhruv, her eyes full of tenderness and affection.

Uske maksad mein uski madad ki badle mein unhein kya milta hai, mritiyu dand, woh bhi ek aise gunah ke liye jo unhone kiya hi nahin.

Anusuya cried, her eyes a mix of love and tenderness as she caressed Dhruv,s hair tenderly.

Astha,s heart shattered loudly in her ears. It's broken shreds piercing her insides mercilessly as she heard Dhruv,s sufferings. Her lower lip trembled as she struggled to remain composed.

Inhone Shayam Mohini se vivah kerne ko haan kar di kyunke yeh valabhgarh aur Navrangvan ko bachana chahate thy. Dhruv bhai sa se jeevan mein kevel ek galti hui Jo ke Tara se prem kerna thi. Dhruv bhai sa ne bheek mangi thi Tarapriya se ke ek baar inki baat sun li jaye. Per nahin suni kisi ne. Kisi ne inpe vishvaas nahin kiya. Hum mante hain ke Dhruv bhai sa ne krodh mein kaha tha ke woh sabki jaan le lenge. Per aap hi bataiye Astha ke agar aapko apke jeevan se judi koi bahot badi baat pata chale aur woh bhi aapki hone wale jeevan Sathi se nahin, balki apne shatru se. Toh kaisa lagega aapko?

Anusuya said, her voice cracking in between.

Tears burned Astha,s eyes as she felt her heart fill with pain and greif. She looked at Dhruv. Her vision blurry with tears and smiled shakily at him. Astha palmed her mouth and gulped the huge lump that formed in her throat. She coughed.

Shukar hai ke Dhruv bhai sa ne apni yadasht kho di.

Anusuya said, her voice tinged with relief.

Warna aaj....

Bas!!!

Astha commanded not being able to hear further.

Astha,s eyes burned with tears. Her lower lip trembling as she took a shaky breath.

Dhruv hum vachan dete hain ke poori koshish karenge ke aapko kabhi koi peeda na hone dein. Bas aap hosh mein aa jaiye.

Astha said, her voice gentle and affectionate, holding a vow.

Anusuya left his hand and felt a sudden coldness travelling through her vains which made her shiver.

Astha stood up from the bed and faced Anusuya who cried bitterly standing up from the bed.

She embraced Anusuya and rubbed her back as she cried her heart out.

Hum aapke jeevan mein pehle kyun nahin aaye Dhruv. Aapko bacha sakte thy iss peeda se hum...

Astha thought gulping the lump that formed in her throat.

Later!!!

The room was dimly lit by flickering candlelight. Dhruv laid on the lavish bed. Astha sat besides him, gently holding his hand. Her eyes burned with tears which she struggled to control and she whispered

Bhaghwan ji humari Prarthana sun lijiye. Humare Dhruv ji ko hosh aa jaye. Hum unhein aise nahin dekh sakte.

Astha paused for a moment, silently wiping away the unshed tears that burned her eyes. She took a deep breath and continued to pray, her voice trembling with desperation

Bhaghwan ji aaj tak humne aapse apne liye kuch nahin manga per aaj mangte hain. Humare pati ko har peeda se mukt ker dijiye. Humein aur kuch nahin chahiye.

Astha,s voice trembled slightly as she gazed at Dhruv,s face, her heart ached seeing him motionless.

Astha felt something wet on her cheek. She touched her cheek and found the tears that escaped her eyes unknowingly.

THE GIRL WHO NEVER CRIED WAS CRYING TODAY!!!

She leaned over and planted a kiss on her forehead. She looked at him with soft eyes as she said.

Uth jaiye Dhruv ji AAPKI pratiksha ker rahi hai.

Per aap uthe usse pehle humein Tarapriya se kuch hisab poore kerne hain, balki poore Raj parivar se.

FINALLY End Of Chapter!!!

Hash!!!!!

*Sighs in relief* the longest chapter I have ever written.

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RainbowRoses21. ❤️

Minhasmansi92 ❤️

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