Rakshash Aur Rajkumari (The Devil And The Princess)

23•राक्षस

Rudraksha sat in his sun lit room at the headquarters, surrounded by stacks of intelligence reports. The faint glow from his computer screen cast shadows across his determined expression as he sifted through the documents. Suddenly, the shrill ring of his phone pierced the silence, breaking his concentration.

Rudraksha glanced at the caller ID, recognizing it as his mother's, and answered the call. "Subh Janmdin," his mother greeted.

Acknowledging his birthday, which had almost slipped his mind, he responded with a detached, "Yeah. Thank you." He had never been one for the spotlight on his special day; in fact, he found the attention burdensome.

His mother's voice turned stern. "When was the last time you celebrated your birthday with family?"

"I can't recall, Maa," he replied, his attention still fixed on his work.

"That's exactly my point! When are you planning to visit home?"

"Soon...."

"Soon? Why not today-"

"Okay, Maa, I'm quite busy right now. I'll have to end the call. Thanks for the birthday wishes." Without waiting for her response, he hung up and returned his focus to his work.

Standing up, Rudraksha moved to the other side of the table, intent on locating the air force reports. Frustration gnawed at him as he couldn't spot the confidential file amidst the clutter. Ignoring the buzzing of his phone, he scoured the surface until his eyes landed on the elusive document, hidden just beneath his phone.

"How foolish of me," he muttered to himself, chiding his oversight. Retrieving the file, he finally answered the call, noting it was from his sister, Minakshi.

"Happy Birthday, Bhaiyaaa," Minakshi's cheerful voice rang through the phone.

(Bhaiya: brother)

"Thank you," he replied, sinking back into his chair, feeling a sense of ease wash over him.

"Okay, Damru wants to wish you," she said, passing the phone to her son.

"Happy Birthday, Mamu," Damru's youthful voice chimed in.

(Mamu: uncle)

"Thank you, Damru," Rudraksha replied affectionately, his attention fully captured by the call.

Minakshi reclaimed her phone and inquired, "How are you?"

"Fine... And you?" Rudraksha responded, though his mind was burdened with guilt.

"I'm alright... It's just that the family's condition isn't good," she confessed.

Rudraksha's heart sank as he acknowledged his role in their suffering. "How are they holding up?" he asked, mustering the courage to address the painful topic.

"Everyone misses Ambika terribly. Initially, it was embarrassing, especially for Trishul, who had to handle the media and Vissarion... But as time passed, the sorrow only deepened. It's our fault... We pushed her away from her true love, trying to force her into a marriage she didn't want. In the end, she did what she felt was right, but we're shattered without her," Minakshi explained, her voice heavy with grief.

"Hmm..." Rudraksha could only offer a vague acknowledgment, his guilt weighing heavily on him.

Changing the subject, Minakshi asked, "So, when are you planning to visit me?"

"Soon," he replied, though he knew deep down that entering their home was an impossibility.

"I can't believe the last time you were here was during my wedding! Ishaan bhaiya visits at least once every two months," she remarked with a hint of disappointment.