Raunak: The Essence of Life(Completed)

Chapter 37

Next few moons we passed in the cantonment rounds of negotiations were held for signing off the peace treaty. I signed in relief at last it ended. I was feeling so sad and depressed. Few soldiers were martyred in the battle. It feel responsible for their death so I go to meet their family and provide some aid to them. I know it was not enough but I did what I could. I wrote to Maasi informing her about my well being. I told her that I would soon come to meet her.

After settling the dispute between the Kingdoms we all started departing towards the palace of Malwa. I was feeling scared and nervous. I did not have the confidence to face Maa sa after what I did and the things Soni told me were not very pleasant either.

A hand suddenly was on my shoulder making me startled. It was Rana sa's hand he was riding beside me on a horse. He insisted for me to sit in the palanquin but I wanted to ride on a horse back. I do not want to sit there lonely, miserable in my own thoughts. I want to travel with them and also I do not deserve to get respected like that. It just does not feel right.

"What are you thinking Raunak?" He asked sincerely. He has been very patient with me. I can see him trying to trust me again but I know it is not easy for him to do. No matter the reason but I have broken his trust. He is different now a little closed off. Previously he was always smiling around me, with a very light personality and fun loving nature but now it has hardened making him unrecognisable to me. 

"I was just wandering will Maa sa even accept me? I have done so much wrong to you all and still you are giving me a chance once again to enter in your life" I told him truthfully. We both were riding ahead of all the soldiers.

"It will take time for them to accept you but they will. I can not say that I have completely forgiven you but I am trying it is hard for me to let it go. I was very devasted. Now I know why you did that, I can understand you far more better now and I apologise to you too that I could not become the person you could trust. I thought you knew I will support you no matter what my love for you was far more greater than you being blue blood" He looks sad and dissapointed in himself.

"No Rana sa you were never wrong. It was my insecurities and trust issues. You all are the people I met after my mother. I love you all too and that is why I was scared" I said to him 

"Promise me that you will always come and talk to me if something happens you will never run away" He asked me out of blue and I promised to him without thinking for a second. 

After a long pause and silence I asked him, "Rana sa will anything ever be same like before? We were so carefree, happy and so in love but now you seem distant and so far away from me."

"I know and I believe that yes things will be back to normal for us my family, my people will slowly learn to accept you but please give them a little time" He said to me.

After our short talk we fell to a complete silence which was comfortable. Two days long journey and we were back at the palace grounds. I can say that people were not very happy to see me but Rana sa did not leave my hand for a second. He was walking beside me the whole time supporting me. 

At evening we reach at palace gates the welcome was grand because even if the treaty was signed it was on Rana sa's terms and they were celebrating it as if to show me my value. I do not know how much bad it is going to face them but it was not entirely their fault.

I stood with others and let Rana sa go alone for Aarti, Maa sa is holding to do but he hold my hand into his tightly and stood in front of her with me. Her eyes were filled with anger and I looked at ground. She is like a mother to me and her angry eyes made my eyes teary. I hold them back not wanting to break out in front of so many people.

"Vikram why is she here? Did her brother once again trapped you into his clever tricks?" She asked Rana sa

"Maa she is still my wife and I have forgiven her. I have told you why she did that did not recieved my letter?" He asked her

"Yes  we all have read that but she could have told us. We are fooled they have cheated us. She is a commoner Vikram not a princess we do not  believe or accept her" His father said.

"Baba it does not matter  to me if she is commoner or royal, legitimate and illegitimate I love her and accept. If you do not want her here then I am going with her she is my wife" Rana sa said and I looked at me asking him to not do anything like this for me.

"Vikram you are going against us for her she does not deserve it. She must be fooling you do not believe her" Maa sa said.

"She has not said anything to me nor her brother has given her to me. I have asked her to come back with me. Why are you behaving like this Maa did you love her because you thought she was some princess and your love for her dissipated knowing she was not one. Why Maa" He asked her standing in front of him.

"Vikram I feel betrayed. I taught her so much loved her like my own daughter why she did this to me" She said hugging Rana sa.

"Maa please give her one chance for me" He requested with her in a very silent voice as if he is whispering to her. She looked from me to him and nodded her head at him. Whatever she saw on his face she become silent and agreed with him.

"Come stand in front of me you both" She said looking at us. Now there was no hate on her face for me but no love either. She was neutral. 

"What  are you doing? Why ?" Baapu sa asked Maa sa.

"Believe on me Ranjit I am doing it for best and it's time when you try to accept her in our family because we like it or not she is Vikram's wife and he loves her" She said and continued to do our Aarti. 

After the welcoming rituals Rana sa departed with his father in the court and I go into  my Chamber with Soni.

There was not much difference it was still the same.

"Raja sa did not come inside this chamber since you left and no one was allowed to enter inside it too" She told me. I nodded my head in acknowledgement.

Soon Maa sa entered inside the Chamber. I go to greet her but she stopped me.

"No need of this. If you are planning to break Vikram's heart and want to run away from here just go now, I will even help you in it" She said to me. It was harsh but I composed myself and answered her calmly.

"No I am not here to run away from him. I accept that it was my mistake and I am going to mend it" I said to her calmly.

"Maa sa I apologise to you too but I was really scared that you will not accept me" 

"Raunak I will not say I would have accepted you but Vikram wants you and he really loves you so I accept you for his happiness but you have to prove yourself trustworthy, I will not be cheated ever again" She said to me.

"That is what I will ever ask Maa sa" I told her with smiling face and she departed from here. 

It was so awkward last time everyone was so accepting except Baapu sa but this time I have to prove myself to everyone. At least Rana sa was with me that is what I will ever want.

A/N: HI GUYS!!!

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