Author Pov :-

Wide awake since last night, she hasn't slept a wink.

Sitting on the floor leaning on her balcony's door, discern at the sky, it's thundering and pouring from the moment she came back after having a cathartic revelation of her life that has broken her in chunks.

Eyes that wanted to cry their heart out yet tears refused to grant their wish. Nonetheless it seems, the sky is wailing on her behalf.

She won't cry today.

Neither tomorrow nor in upcoming future.

Crying is for mourning.

Her gaze diverted from the sky to that bracelet, again started twisting it around her fingers; her mind went back to her mother- stepmother, recollecting encounters with her.

That woman had always been over dramatic.

She is like an alligator hiding under the water, silently luring her prey towards itself.

She vividly remembered that day when she returned from her Gurukul one month prior her 18th birthday, arrived in the castle as a princess for the very first time.

It was midnight.

No one came to welcome her, she thought may be they slept as she herself reached late night.

Withal the next day, not a soul came to visited her except that vile woman.

Past Scene :

Sitting on a couch.

She was reading her book.

It was her favourite subject. Medicines and potions

It also includes pathology, anatomy, midwifery, biology, ophthalmology, hygiene.

Herbs and specialized diets. Ayurvedic medicine integrates the balance of the body, mind, and spirit.

Just when she turned the page, the guards outside her chambers announced an arrival.

" Rani Sa padhaar rahin hain " flustered as she was, stood up from the couch with wobbling legs.

(Her Majesty, The queen has come to meet the princess.)

She can't believe her mother came to meet her for the first time in her life.

A woman came inside her chamber, in her extravagant yellow lehenga, Sheesh phool sat proudly on her head,magnificent navratan necklace decorated with amethyst gemstones wrapped around her neck, big round nath, thick golden bangles, real image of elegance, grace and opulence was flashing through her,

She is none other than Her Mother,

Queen of Singhal...Kalavati Maurya.

Although something's off. There's that instinct in the back of her mind.

But she shrugged it away.

She moved forward to touch her feets to take blessings from her mother merrily and said,

" Apka humare kaksh main swagat hai, Maa Sa....kaisi hain aap"

( Welcome to my room, Mother...how are you.)

And,

Hugged her.

Her mother doesn't reciprocated her action. But slightly pushed her away, dusting her choli and dupatta.

Squinting her eyes a little, her mother said

" Urvashi, you have almost become a woman now and your behave like a child, your Pita ji Maharaj will be very angry. "

Urvashi saddened by her mother's words.

" Forgive me Maa Sa, because for the first time in my life I saw my Maa Sa, so I couldn't stop myself. " saying this while keeping her eyes on the marble floor of her room with moist eyes.

" Hmm...it's okay i forgive you but it doesn't mean that you will do something like this again...your Pita Ji Maharaj has sent me here...he said that on the occasion of your birth anniversary and your welcome ceremony is on the same day...he has invited kings from other kingdoms and their families...and he has sent orders...asking you to not do anything that would hurt his reputation...that's why when your welcome ceremony is done...you will return to your chambers... understand..?"

Her mother completed her list of things to do.

Urvashi was upset, aren't they happy to see her back. Why are they so strict ?

But still agreed to her mother saying,

"Ji Maa Sa" while nodding her head.

"Whatever you want will be sent to your chambers…remain in your room till the celebration begins…Your Pita ji Maharaj and Bhai Sa would not like if Rajkumari does anything wrong." her mother said, Urvashi wanted to protest against it but what if her father got to know about her behaviour.

He will definitely send her back to Gurukul.

Sadly clutching her lehenga, she just nodded

" So now i am taking my leave." she was at the door but stopped.

Without turning her body, her mother said

" From next time call me Rani Maa Sa, is that clear?"

Without hearing Urvashi's answer she left.

Leaving behind the girl who just wanted to be loved by her mother.

She stuffed herself in her room for one month, accompanied by books.

Her attendees tried pursue her for a walk in the garden but failed.

Her birthday and welcome ceremony day arrived. Her personal attendees dolled her up from head to toe. Praising her beauty.

When they took her to the banquet hall, everything seemed eye catching, coincidentally everything was decorated according her liking. Peacock blue curtain. Her favourite colour. Her favourite flowers. Roses.

Her father and brother were standing beside her but she hardly noticed them, too scared to meet their eye, at the end decided to ignore them.

But her father came forward to give his blessings to her.

It was the first and last time in life; her Baba Sa's warm hand on her head, that feeling she can't forget ever.

The Priests came for her swagat chandan after that she returned to her chamber.

Past scene ends.

She heard some rustling from outside.

Suddenly Vikrant came inside the chamber, followed by some maids with alot of jewelleries and clothes in their hands

One by one they placed those things on her bed.

During this neither she asked nor Vikrant said anything.

As the servants were done.

Vikrant indicated them to go out.

Only the two of them were left.

All while she was standing like statue. Looking unfazed.

He made his way towards her, pulled her by hairs to stand before him.

And said,

" Jab mein tere samne rahu...to tera pura dhyan mujh par hona chahiye."

(When i am infront of you.....your all heed should be on me.)

She said nothing, wincing as the pain shot through her hair roots.

Nodding her head, her bottom lip quivering.

He said,

" Your brother is coming here today for political purposes.....and you will play sweet, obedient wife's role....understood?"

She was going to nod again but he jerked her hairs making her groan.

And said,

"Is there no tongue in your mouth? "

With shivering lips, she answered

"J..jj.ji"

He pushed her on the bed, and said

"If you try to tell anything to your brother, you know very well what the results will be." with one last look he left.

Chaos in mind.

Why Bhai Sa....why are you coming here....why are you giving me hope, she thought.

Not even a single bird can enter in the Palace without Vikram's knowing.

No one from outside of this palace knows that he has a mistress, nor do they know about the violence he through at Urvashi.

How would she face her brother. what if he asked something.

The thought of ignoring him seem to be the best.

Then, She sighed, picked up those clothes, jewelleries and went to get ready.

⭐

Manavendra Singh Maurya.

Crown Prince of Singhal,

Reaching the gates of the palace mounted his war horse, he looked around inspecting every single details like a hawk.

His others soldiers trailing behind him on their horses.

He saw his brother-in-law, Vikrant standing there to welcome him.

Halting his horse by pulling both reins together.

He came down his equine.

Went close to his brother-in-law, taking his blessings by touching his feets.

Vikrant take him for a brother hug, said

" Welcome....Manavendra Sa, its my honour to have the heir of Singhal in my small palace....we were impatiently waiting for you."

Manavendra gave a small smile and said,

" Thank you for accepting my sudden request for visit Vikrant Sa, how have you been by the way."

Vikrant faked his smile and said,

" Hum to bahut hi ache hai....apki behen humara itna dhayan jo rakhti hain."

(I am absolutely good to you...your sister is taking great care of me.)

Manavendra nodded and Vikrant continued,

"Come on in Saale Sahab, your sister have been so excited since she get to know that you're coming"

Manavendra raised his brow,

She is EXCITED for him, HIM

Since when,

How is it even possible?

As much as he remember she never once talked to him nither did she looked at him.

Even after her marriage, she never once sent a letter to anyone.

Seems now she's changed after marriage. He thought.

Vikrant broke his chain of thoughts and said,

" Shall we move to my study....then we'll have dinner which your sister has made with her love"

Manavendra said,

" Of course, let's go "

I'm having a headache with all this lying and smiling. Vikrant thought as they entered his study.

They started discussing about the ongoing war with Rajasthan,

Manavendra suddenly asked a question.

Catching Vikrant off guards.

" Humari behen khush to hai na, Vikrant Sa ?"

( Is my sister happy, Vikrant Sa? )

Vikrant gulped,

And smiled way too sweetly, said

" Of course she's happy, Manavendra Sa.....she is my utmost priority....i do whatever she ask and why wouldn't i she's my other half."

With this response, Manavendra seemed satisfied and didn't asked questions further.

They continue their conversation.

A servant knocked on th door and informed them about dinner, by then the meeting was almost concluded.

Vikrant told the attendant that they will be  in triclinium few moments.

⭐

From minister's to personal advisor's of Anantha joined them for dinner and sat on their respective places,

All of them were chatting about politics, empires, laws and what not.

From a distance Manavendra saw his sister approaching with her maid-servants who were holding containers of food.

He thought his sister's looking somewhat unusually different, clad in embroidered, off-white lehenga

She was covered from head toe.

Her face was veiled, till her chin,

Only her small hands were visible.

As if she isn't but her lehenga is wearing her,

This wasn't how she used to dress in Singhal, it's exactly opposite of her taste.

But again,

What does he know about her, it's not like they were on bad term but never thought of verbal exchange; he was in his own line of thinking but he heard Vikrant's speaking.

Focusing on Vikrant now,

" Padhariye Rani Sa....aaj aapne bhojan keval apne Bhai Sa ke liye banaya hai ya hume bhi kuch bhojan milega" he said, Urvashi thought, this dog is again faking his affection or whatever it is.

(Come Rani Sa...today you have prepared food only for your brother or will we also get some food?)

Everyone laughed at his teasing, thinking how much their King loves his Queen.

She was enraged.

If only she could slit his throat right then and there, he must've been dead by now.

She also composed herself, acted futher and said,

"Rawal Sa...aisa kabhi ho sakta hai bhala" in her sugary tone,

(Rawal Sa...such a thing can never happen.)

Again laughters can heard in the hall,

Vikrant fisted his palm in anger, she dared to speak like this to me infront everyone, don't worry my Queen. You'll definitely recieve a wonderful reward for this. He thought while gritting his teeth.

He gave a tight lip smile and asked,

"Wese aapne kya kya banaya hai, Urvashi...kyuki sugandh to bahot swadisht maalu ho rahi hai"

(So, what did you make, Urvashi...because the fragrance is very tasty.)

Urvashi said,

" Rawal Sa, humne bhoja main...Hara Maas, Sev Kadhi, Gatte ki sabzi, Dal Baati Churma, Sev Kadhi, Ker Sangri, Laal Maas, Khoba Roti , Korma Paratha, Jhakolma Puri, Pyaaz Kachori.....banaya hai or meethe main...Churma, mava kachori, Ghewar bana hai "

(Rawal Sa, i made…Hara Maas, Sev Kadhi, Gatte ki Sabzi, Dal Baati Churma, Sev Kadhi, Ker Sangri, Laal Maas, Khoba Roti, Korma Paratha, Jhakolma Puri, Pyaaz Kachori…..as for dessert...Churma, Mava Kachori, Ghewar is made.)

Vikrant said, trying to show his excitement

" Then what are we waiting for.....please serve the food to me and your Bhai Sa, Raani Sa"

She served food to Vikrant first,

And the maids served others

Now it was her brother's turn.

She never means never approached him like this, with shaking hands she went infront of his table and sat to serve.

One by one she placed those dishes on his plate, she tried her best to not look nervous or scared, as her Bhai Sa was watching her keenly.

He forwarded his hand to take a bite,

Looking down on his dish.

Except what she didn't know, her face was reflecting on his plate,

Manavendra saw her appearance mirrored on the platter, his hand stopped in mid air and the bite fell from his hand.

Her face,

Covered in bruises.

A little dried blood on the corner of her lips, huge dark circles under her eyes, several cross cuts and bandage on her forehead.

His throat went dry,

He couldn't breathe, No. NO!!. This wasn't how she was sent here, no matter how disconnected their relationship was but he never wanted her to suffer like this.

The most beautiful woman in his kingdom was Urvashi, none saw a beauty like her's but now he can't even recognise her. she's looking anything but beautiful. What she's been facing here he didn't even want to imagine.

His Maa Sa said she'd choosen the best groom for Urvashi. So what's all this.

But,

The story her face describing is something else.

Vikrant interrupted his thoughts,

" Manavendra Sa....kya hua aapne abhi tak bhojan prarambh nhi kiya.....apko pasand nahi aya kya? " He said raising his eyebrows in confusion.

(Manavendra Sa...why haven't you started eating yet...don't you like it?)

Manavendra's body was shaking in rage but he tried to poised himself, because he wants to know everything from Urvashi only. Although it isn't possible here, he'll find a way.

He answered, looking at Vikrant.

"It's not like that, Vikrant Sa....i was just thinking why doesn't Urvashi join us... it's been long since we had dinner like this...if you don't mind i would like her to sit with me and have dinner." He said, trying to maintain his viable cool.

After all this, he has lost his appetite yet asked her join to him so that he can observe what he didn't since the beginning.

Urvashi thought Bhai Sa why are lying, we never even once had eaten together. What are you upto ?

Vikrant looked at him, thought about something but allowed her,

" Of course...why not she's your sister after all... Urvashi go....have dinner with your brother."

Urvashi went to sit beside her brother, settling down while maid prepared a plate for her.

But she was feeling disturbed by her brother's constant gaze,

Eating her food silently, just wanting to go back to her chambers and change into her saree was going through her mind as this heavy lehenga was giving a tough time to her wounds which were on her hands, back and legs.

She was in her thoughts,

While Manavendra was busy, taking in her features, her hands looked rough, like their servants.

She's looking thin, it wasn't like she was chubby back then but the slight hollow hands can be seen from this view.

They all had their food, hustling bustling around them.

After having his dinner he went to his guest chambers.

⭐

Urvashi was wrapping up her work in the kitchen, after that she thought about return to chambers.

She was going towards her room, tired from all the cooking she did.

She still hasn't removed her veil or changed her clothes.

Suddenly she was pulled in a chamber, thought of screaming but a groan escaped her mouth as that someone's hand was pressed against her mouth.

That person whispered yell,

" Urvashi it's me your Bhai Sa....don't make noise "

Her struggle to set free now halted abruptly.

He left her seeing her getting relaxed, he put his hands on her shoulders to turn her around.

Now she's getting scared, Vikrant's warning stuck in her mind. She gulped and whispered,

" Why did you pulled in this room like this....if you wanted something you should have asked the servants."

He listened her words silently and asked,

" Are you happy here Urvashi....is there any problem that i should know about."

She wanted to scoff at him. Why is he even asking, he never cared about me she thought. but still answered him,

" Yes I'm happy...what more i can wish for, you guys chose the best husband that no one can dream of."

He knew the meaning behind her words, but why is she lying.

Then he asked something which made her sprint away from him.

"Urvashi remove your veil....then talk to me"

Now she just wanted run off to her chambers but her brother held her hand as she tried to step back.

" Did you listen to what i said Urvashi.... REMOVE your veil right now" he said emphasizing his words on her.

She started to shiver in fear, didn't unveiled her face.

By now Manavendra was loosing his composer, he swiftly caught her veil and pulled it up.

And his world stopped because of the horrific face of his sister,

His hand started to shake,

Words didn't form in his mouth.

He was just paused,

Tears started pooling from her eyes.

As she joined her hands infront of him and said,

" Please don't make things difficult for me....if Vikrant got to know that you have seen my face he will kill me or worse torture me...just go away from here and never return."

Her head was now resting on her joint hands before him,

When he didn't say anything she looked up only to see those eyes, which were blurred with tears.

He was crying,

But why, she thought

Somehow he spoke, after gulping that painful lump down.

" I want to know everything that has happened to you till this day " vulnerability can be seen through his face clearly.

Her expression changed from miserable to enraged.

" What do you want to know.....that since the day your sister got married...she was raped, abused and tortured....why do you care what's happening to me you never took any interest before why now." As she was finished, Manavendra's body stiffened by her each words.

" Do you know why I am suffering? " She aked while sobbing silently wipping her tear again and again,

He shook his head, unable to even speak now.

She continued,

" Because I'm an illegitimate child - His eyes widened at her words but he knew she can't lie in this situation, " My mother was our father's mistress."

She was wailing, hugging herself and said,

" And the mastermind behind my misfortunes is your mother " her blood red eyes, confirming her rage for his mother.

His mother, how, why

He'll deal with all that later but now his priority was to get her out of this hell.

He decided, he won't let her stay here. He held her shoulders again made her look at him,

He said,

" Urvashi listen to carefully now.... I'm not leaving you here in any case... you will come to Singhal with me right now." She can see his sincerity in his eyes,

But she shook her head.

" I can't...please try to understand if Vikrant got know, things will only get hard, he also killed Moti... because she was helping me to escape, now before he arrive you should go from here please i beg you." She said while hugging his waist, she was a little happy that someone from her family cared for her. Her cries were not turned into hiccups. Only Moti was her loyal maid who was killed by Vikram.

He put his hand on her head, other hand on her back, affectionately rubbing to calm her hiccups,

As he was about say something,

A voice freezed them on their place

CLAP

CLAP

CLAP

They both turned their faces toward the owner of that voice,

Vikrant.

Leaning on the door, clapping while looking at them like an eagle. Hands behind his back he took step towards them as Manavendra held Urvashi's hand and hide her behind his large form.

" Seem like i interrupted a very heart warming reunion of a brother and sister." He said mockingly,

His soldiers came inside the chambers and encircled them with swords in their hands, while Vikrant stood right before her brother. Hands behind his back,

Urvashi is now shaking like leaf in fear,

Now Manavendra don't have to hide his indignant anymore, he grabbed the collar Vikrant's kurta and the soldiers put their swords on his throat for touching the King.

Her brother bawled,

" You call yourself a husband?....why did you do this to my sister, huh...I kill you for harming her....your soul will burn in hell."

His eye spitting fire.

Vikrant looked with a bored expression on his face, he said

" Tch tch..... Manavendra Sa, not even birds enter this castle without my permission and you think that you can kill me..how Brother-in-law.....how will you kill me when you yourself will be dead..." A maniac look in his eyes,

Manavendra raised his eyebrows but sudden felt pain in his chest, when he looked down he saw a dagger pierced through his heart. Looking up he discern Vikrant's smiling crazily, as he twist his dagger in Manavendra's heart.

Urvashi screamed.

" Noooo........no..no...please leave him please...kill me instead." She went on her knees while holding Vikrant's legs but he kicked her, and ordered his soldiers to hold her.

His few soldiers were holding Manavendra, his drew his dagger out of his heart and stabbed him again making him scream.

Urvashi was shivering and wailing horribly, her eyes frozen on her Bhai Sa.

Her brother fell on his knees, as Vikrant continued.

" You thought you can do whatever you want...tch...but do you know what will happen now ?...... I'll burn both of you....here ...in this very chamber of my Castle right now." He ordered his servants to bring oil and spill it on both of them as well as all around the room.

Manavendra was gasping to breathe as the blood ooze out of his mouth.

A soldier was holding shackles, Vikrant took it from him went towards Urvashi, but she didn't reacted just standing there like a statue, eyes on her brother.

Vikrant took her right hand putting shackles on her, he locked it then dragged her by the shackles, he pushed her beside Manavendra. Putting the other side the shackle on her brother's hand, locking it as well. They both were drenched in oil.

Pivoting from them Vikrant at the door he laughed maniacally, clapping his hands.

He looked at them and said,

" Brother-in-law you did a huge favour on me today...do you know what it is....by giving me your Kingdom....yes you gave me your empire, the throne of Singhal.... because it was your last wish as you trust me alot....and the one who murdered you was your sister....who was jealous because your parents loved you more than her...so she burned you and her self in her craze but i did everything to save you at the end when you were on last breaths, you asked me to take over your throne and i couldn't deny a dieing person......this is what I'll tell everyone and your throne will be mine without any obstacle." They both were listening but said nothing.

Vikrant took the fire torch from his soldiers, and threw it on the floor, the fire started spreading everywhere.

He moved out of the chamber, turning around while smiling widely he said,

" Enjoy your stay here, my dear wife and brother-in-law " his soldiers closed the door.

Inside the room, Manavendra started coughing because of the smoke, his blood pooling from his mouth.

Urvashi held him in her arms making him lay his head on her lap, she said

" Bhai Sa please don't loose your courage please, I'll save you..... please don't go.....i got my brother's affection for the first in my life i can't let it go Bhai Sa you have to live." Her action weren't matching her words as she was petrified.

Clutching his chest tightly her brother said,

" Youu...ccalled..mee..Bhai Sa...i wwaited yearss..tooo..heear..it" he said while smiling at her, she was blinking her tears

"Gudiya...ho..sake..to..ap..appne...iis..abh.. abhaage...Bbbhai Saaa...ko..sshama..karr.. dena." Saying as he joint his hands to apologize her.

She shaked her head with great intensity, holding his joint hands and said

" It wasn't your fault Bhai Sa.... please don't talk like this i forgave you for the moment you kept your hand on my head, please don't leave me." She cried loudly like a child who is being separated from her mother.

Her brother lightly caressed her cheeks, and said.

" I...hhavee..ffailed.. too... beccome yoour brrother. I..hhave brokken...tthe prommise...oof pprotec- his words were hung in middle of air, eye lost their shine.

He was dead.

Urvashi patted his cheeks while screaming,

"BHAI SA

BHAI SA

WAKE UP, PLEASE

DON'T GO"

But everything went in vain.

She shaked him by his shoulder. Nothing happened,

She held his hand left hand in her right hand and started rubbing it. But no nothing changed,

She kept holding his hand, didn't even noticed when her lehenga got on fire.

But she wasn't fazed by it,

The fire caught on everything.

When she closed her eyes only one person was there, who she wanted remember while taking her last breathe.

Veer, her Veer, her Love

While outside of the chambers, Vikrant was sitting on a couch his servants placed for him.

Night change into morning, he told his servants to inform Manavendra's soldiers about his fabricated story.

Everything is over.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐