Chapter 21

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The night was long and stressful. Neither of them slept well, one thinking about how everything had been ruined and the other thinking how to fix everything again. Rani and Veer had been both equally confused and worried. Rani knew that Veer couldn't lie. Eventually, he would end up telling the whole family about Rani's past and present, but she didn't want that to happen. She knew that she would have to tell them the truth, but not so soon.

They tossed and turned and eventually, the sun came up and they both finally fell asleep. Apparently, they changed their sleeping schedules. They were sleeping during the day, but unfortunately not for long enough. About 2 hours later, they had woken up once again. Rani looked at the time and saw that it was almost 1 pm, so she got up and went to shower and get ready. She changed into her modern clothing and realized that today was their anniversary. She walked out to see Veer... cooking breakfast? She was in shock, she had never thought that he had even stepped into a kitchen and here he was making food. Wow. She could smell Aloo Paratha and she felt super hungry. She walked to him and he gave her a tight hug.

Veer: "Happy Anniversary, Rani."

Rani: "Happy Anniversary, Dakter Saab. What's th-. Uh, yeh kya hai?"

(-What is this?)

She didn't know what language to speak with him, so Veer assured her.

Veer: "Rani, English is perfectly fine. You do not need to worry."

She nodded and looked at all the food set on the table.

Veer: "A small gift to start off the day. I hope you like it, I don't cook that often."

He pulled out a chair for her and she sat in and he sat next to her. As they started to eat, Veer's phone rang. It was a video call from the Rajawat family. Probably to wish them.

Vikram: "Good afternoon, this lovely couple! Happy Anniversary to you both. How are you doing? And, oh wow, Bhabisaa, you look amazing!"

Rani and Veer thanked him for the wishes and Vikram passed the phone along to the rest of the family. They were just waiting for Dadisaa to come on the phone and Rani got a text. Her phone was on the table so they both looked down and read it was from Eric. It said:

"Happy Birthday, Riley! From: Eric and the crew. Hope you visit us today, we've got some things planned."

Veer was confused. He muted the phone for a second.

Veer: "Did he make a typo? You told him that it is our anniversary today?"

Rani: "No, he didn't even know we got married. Uh, oh god!"

Veer: "Rani...when is your birthday?"

Rani: "May 21st, which is today...."

That was true. Rani had gotten married on the same day as her birthday. What a beautiful day, but last year she was so stressed that she didn't even remember what day it was.

Dadisaa called out Veer's name and they both had forgotten about the call. He unmuted and she wished them both, giving her prayers for their unity and long lives. She then asked the question that everyone was waiting for.

Dadisaa: "Abhi, khushkhabri kab aa rahi hai? Ek saal shadi ka toh ho gaya hai. Hmm?"

(Now, when are we getting the good news? It has already been a year of your marriage, huh?)

They both understood she was asking about when Rani would be pregnant. Rani looked down in embarrassment and Veer just stuttered, unaware of how to respond to that. Vikram took his phone back, cleared the mood and told them to go enjoy their day. He said goodbye and ended the call. 

Rani and Veer both looked at each other. Not knowing what to say.

Veer: Happy birthday and anniversary. I think you will be receiving double the gifts today."

She smiled at him. 

Rani: "Dakter Saab, I really promise you, I didn't even remember. Last year was very hectic, as you know and I was so stressed about dad and when I got the call from Jai Raja Babu to meet him in the Mandir (temple), everything slipped off of my mind."

Veer: "Rani, Rani, calm down. It's alright, you have nothing to worry about. In fact, it is my fault; I never even cared to ask you when your birthday is. But, let's put all this to the side, huh. Today we have double the celebration, so let's enjoy it and we will make sure to go visit your friends. Also, we leave for the cruise tonight."

When Rani heard that she would be leaving so soon, she stepped back a few steps. Her heart broke, she didn't want to leave so soon. Veer could see the sadness on her face, but what could he do. Even if he switched their cruise dates and postponed it for some time, what would they tell the family? He had to think of something, but in the meantime, he knew that he should try to divert her mind as much as possible.

----

They quickly finished their breakfast and then decided to go to the factory first. It was quite awkward because of Eric and Veer having jealousy over Riley/Rani, but honestly, it was pretty cute. The crew had made a cake for Rani and they all enjoyed it together. Eric even got her a bouquet of flowers which made Rani very happy, but Veer was fuming. He made a reminder to name a floral shop in Rani's name, if possible. He knew that his jealousy was wrong, Eric truly deserved the world for what he did for Rani, but he couldn't help it, he was in love.

After spending two hours with all her friends, Rani and Veer went out for a fancy dinner and they even did a slow dance when they were requested to. It was super cute, Rani was all shy and embarrassed, while Veer enjoyed being close to his wife.

----

Once they reached the hotel, they exchanged their anniversary gifts. Rani had got Veer a very elegant watch, as well as a fancy gray stethoscope for him to use. Veer got Rani a huge bouquet of roses because of Eric's gift, but he also got her a very elegant gold necklace that said "Riley" on it. He wanted to show her that he accepted her and her past which made Rani truly feel very special. She was finally realizing that she loved Dakter Saab very much. She never told him the truth because she was worried he would hate her and leave her which would hurt more than anything she had faced before.

----

Before going to bed, Rani got another phone call. They both looked at each other worried about what happened this time. But, it wasn't from Eric or any unknown number. It was from Ranisa, the one woman who hated Rani the most. She had never called Rani before, so what could be the reason this time?

....


I guess you all will have to wait and see what Ranisa has to say to our Princess!

Here is a short chapter per my promise to you all.

Keep voting and commenting!

With lots of love and wishes:

- Alina <3

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