Kindle to Rekindle

55. Priorities

Why is it that the one you love the most is last on your priority list?

The heartbreaking news of the death of Swarnima's brother made everyone feel like a loser. They were expecting everything will get better once the throne was claimed, but he died before D-Day, shattering everybody's hopes.

Nivedya was not allowed to go to the funeral, even though he wanted to comfort Swarnima and be with his family. However, the next day, after a lot of pleading, he got permission to meet the heir and his protector at the safe house where they were staying.

The moment he entered the safe house with Maan, Tara, Arya, and Aadya, they witnessed Abhedya and Swarnima lost looking into each other's eyes. They teased them a bit, careful enough to not hit any wrong emotion in Swarnima who was still grieving her brother's untimely demise.

"Nim," Nivedya called Swarnima in a soft voice. He came near her and went down on his knees, pulled out a velvet box from his pocket, and said, "I love you, Nim. I always have and I always will."

Swarnima was stupefied and Abhedya was stumped. He couldn't believe his younger brother, fell for his sweetheart. He was taking baby steps in their relationship and he didn't want Nivedya to add another roadblock.

Nivedya opened the box and tied a thread to Swarnima's hand. With intense emotions dancing in his eyes, he asked her, "Will you give me the honour of becoming your brother and call you D? Please. I am not replacing your brother, but I want a sister of my own. I don't know if, I am capable of protecting you, but I know, you are capable of protecting yourself and me both."

Swarnima bent down to Nivedya's level and tying a thread to his hand, she replied, "Nivi, I have loved you since the day you were born. Nandini Masi says you were born when I kissed her baby bump and I used to call myself your 'god sister'. So, even if you want it or not, I was always and will always be your sister. Call me whatever you want. I know we both together can protect each other and this state of ours from enemies, right? Nivi, Hukum."

Nivedya's face instantly lit up hearing Swarnima address him with his new royal title, Hukum and he shouted, "group hug" taking his cousins and their lovers in a big hug. Swarnima was sad, but she knew her brother was gone for good, and Nivedya's words made her overwhelmed. What more could she ask for? A brother like Nivedya who chose to call her D, just like her own brother did.

When Nivedya reached home, he decided his family, the state, and his new sister Swarnima, were his priority. If his family was born to rule and protect the state, then he wanted to do everything in his capacity to help the state prosper. His love for Nimrit was intact and even stronger than before, but he wanted to explain to her the changing dynamics. He was no longer a simple boy, but a royal with responsibilities. He suddenly felt burdened but happy. Furthermore, he was a prince, and he valued his new title.

Nivedya's exam the following day didn't go too well, and he told his friends he won't get an A. When Nimrit learned about it, she felt sad and decided to talk to him. She thought he was probably missing her too hence he could not concentrate on the paper.

Nivedya threw a paper ball in Collin's direction, but Nimrit caught it. "I want to speak to you, can we talk?"

"Just order, captain. He is all yours." Collin faked a salute to Nimrit and went away from there, giving a thumbs up to Nivedya.

Nivedya walked up to Nimrit and observed her closely after a long time. Her star and moon earnings were replaced by simple golden dots that suited her, but he loved the jingling of the little stars in her ears.

Nimrit also observed him with a longing in her eyes, but she didn't find any major change in Nivedya. She thought she was stupid to think he would grow a beard or drink like Devdas in her absence. He was just a little above fourteen, too young for a proper beard or drinking alcohol.