The Royal Tatvas

Chapter 36

Heer was in the garden, busy planting a new sapling, when she suddenly felt a hand on hers. She spun around, ready to scream, but the person quickly covered her mouth with his hand.

His face was concealed by a cloth, leaving only his eyes visible. Heer's eyes welled up with tears, but then the man removed the cloth to reveal himself as Nikhil.

In a hushed tone, Nikhil said, "Did you want me to die? I came here just to see you." Heer blinked back tears, which now streamed down her cheeks. Seeing this, Nikhil became alarmed and whispered, "What's wrong? I'm sorry, I didn't mean to frighten you."

Through her sobs, Heer replied, "You terrified me. I thought you were going to kill me."

Nikhil gently took her hand and assured her, "How could I ever harm you, Heer? You know that, right? But first, tell me, why did that scoundrel fire you?"

Heer met his gaze, then looked away, murmuring, "Nikhil, he tried to force himself on me... I resisted, and just then, Sonali ma'am returned and discovered what was happening."

Nikhil's eyes blazed with anger. He gently seated her on the bench and declared, "Heer, I will take you away from here forever once this matter of the sir's marriage is settled."

Embracing him tightly, Heer responded. Nikhil planted a kiss on her forehead, murmuring, "We've been together for two years, Heer."

With a smile, she embraced him once more.

*****______******

Karan was looking at a file. His shirt was unbuttoned, and he was roaming in his room. Just then he heard something falling down. Riya was looking at his muscular open chest and then she looked at his face. 

She came to him and pulled him by collar. She said buttoning up, "You shouldn't roam around this way. If someone sees you, how will she control huh? Then I will kill her." 

Karan smiled and abruptly drew her closer by her waist. "When did I ever stop you? Did I mention control?" Riya's cheeks turned pink, and she stared at him, astonished.

Riya fought to break free as she felt his warm breath on her neck; she pushed him away and fled. Karan sighed deeply and observed his trembling hands. "Now she won't approach me," Karan muttered to himself. "I don't know why I did that."

Karan buttoned up his shirt and left.

****_____*****

Vidhi was sleeping soundly. Vivaan entered her room to wake her up. He gazed at her face and smiled. Sitting beside her, he gently brushed a strand of hair from her face.

Then he moved to her feet and touched her wound. Vidhi stirred, turning to her side. Vivaan decided to let her sleep and quietly exited the room.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Months had passed in this manner. Aditi and Abhay seldom spoke; both were perpetually immersed in their work. Abhay attempted to strike up a conversation, but Aditi would simply walk away.

With only a week remaining until Vidhi and Vivaan's wedding, both the Pratap mansion and Abhay's palace were adorned like brides. Abhay was overseeing the security arrangements with Karan.

Heer approached Abhay, presenting him with a tray of flowers. In her melodious voice, she asked, "Is this sufficient, Hukum sa?" Abhay responded with a smile, gently placing his hand on her head, "Yes, Heer, it is perfect. The maids will handle the rest. You should go and rest, child."

Over the months, Abhay had grown fond of Heer, feeling a brotherly affection towards her. Heer, in turn, had become quite comfortable around Abhay. She glanced at the Rakhi she had tied on Abhay's wrist four months earlier. Noticing it was still there, she smiled and departed.

Abhay observed Aditi as she handed a piece of paper to a man who then departed. He approached from behind and encircled her waist with his arms, resting his chin on her shoulder. Aditi turned away and said, "Leave me, Hukum sa."

Abhay released her, but as Aditi attempted to leave, he grasped her hand and lifted her into his arms. Before she could protest, she noticed the workers observing them.

He carried Aditi to his room. Despite her efforts to escape, he gently placed her on the bed. Before she could react, he sat down near her legs on the floor and said, "For how long, Hukum rani sa, will you deny loving me? Why did you return my protection when it was meant for you?"

Aditi gazed into his mesmerizing eyes and blurted out, "Because Yug was planning to attack..." She halted, turning away. Closing her eyes, she realized she had disclosed something she shouldn't have.

"So Yug was plotting against me. But that would have been to your advantage, right? All my property is in your name, princess. So it hardly matters if I d..." Before Abhay could finish, Aditi dropped to her knees and embraced him tightly, tears streaming down her cheeks.

"Why does this pain you, Princess? Why do you weep at the thought of my demise?" Aditi clung to him even tighter.

Aditi's POV

I came to this realization the night I saved him from being poisoned. I had been fleeing from these emotions, yet they only intensified. I once believed Yug was my first love. How could I forget him? However, it was Abhay's subtle gestures and the small things he did that taught me the true meaning of love.

It was Abhay's love that made me fall for him. Yes, because of him, I could believe in love once more. I am in love, but I am terrified that if I endure the same heartache again, I might not survive.

Abhay was softly running his fingers through my hair. I am aware that he knows about my feelings. He is nudging me to acknowledge them and confess. But what if he is merely exploiting me?

I found solace in Abhay's embrace, and before I knew it, I had fallen asleep in his arms.

Author's POV

Believing Aditi to be asleep, Abhay carefully lifted her and gently placed her on the bed, resting her head on the pillow. He caressed her hair and whispered, "One day, you will share everything with me openly, Princess. Good night." After kissing her forehead, he turned off the light and exited the room.

******__________*****

Yug was asleep when he experienced a strange sensation. His body began to sweat, and he clutched his bedsheet tightly. Suddenly, his eyes snapped open, and he sat up. Looking around, he glanced at the mirror before him and realized he was invisible.

He approached the mirror, and as he touched it, the glass shattered, startling him.

At that moment, a chilling, eerie sound filled the room. The fragmented reflection spoke, "Yug, you have been chosen to bring about the downfall of these elements. Their time ruling the world is over; now it is our turn. The powers of Mayavi Kal have been bestowed upon you." As it spoke, the eyes of the reflection turned pitch black, as if dark clouds had engulfed the sky.

 Yug gazed at his hands, now emitting black fumes. Outside, the rain poured heavily.

Suddenly, someone's eyes snapped open. An ancient man was seated on a rock, the setting reminiscent of a cave, yet his radiance made the cave glow brightly.

In a voice aged but firm, he declared, "They have returned, Abhay. You must act quickly."

Amidst the downpour, Abhay stood with a smile. "So, you have returned. Welcome to my realm where your fate is mine to decide. Now, the true battle commences," he proclaimed, his aura turning sinister.

Vidhi watched the rain from inside. "The war has begun," she murmured, tension seizing her.

Karan turned to her, questioning, "Vidhi, what's wrong? You know he will manage, right? Once he acquires the ultimate power of all elements."

"Do you even comprehend the path to such power?" Vidhi retorted, meeting his puzzled gaze before returning her attention to the rain. "The path is to..."

What is the way? Will Aditi ever confess?

To Know Keep Reading The Royal Tatvas.

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