The Heir and the Humble

The Shadow

Rani Devi and Radha sat in the quiet of the old living room, the weight of the Pandit's words heavy on their hearts. The search for the kadiyem had become a relentless pursuit, consuming their thoughts and energy.

"Perhaps it's hidden in plain sight," Radha mused, her voice filled with doubt.

Rani Devi's mind drifted to Devraj. She remembered the day of his grandfather's passing. Among the many gifts and blessings bestowed upon her son was a peculiar Kadiyam with golden thread tied around his wrist. It was said to be a symbol of protection and prosperity.

A chill ran down her spine. Could it be? The kadiyem, the sacred thread that held the key to her son's happiness, was it around Devraj's wrist all this time?

Her heart pounded with excitement and disbelief. She had to be sure. A flashback of a young Devraj, his eyes wide with wonder, emerged in her mind. Her father-in-law, a towering figure of wisdom, had placed the thread on Devraj's wrist, his voice filled with solemn reverence.

"This, my son," he had said, "is a sacred thread, a conduit to our ancestors. It carries the blessings of generations. Wear it with pride and honor. It will guide you through life's challenges."

The words echoed in her mind. Could this be the answer to their prayers?

A surge of determination propelled Rani Devi to Devraj's room. Ignoring the 'Do Not Disturb' sign, she entered. Devraj was engrossed in a call, his face etched with concentration. Without a moment's hesitation, she pulled him gently towards the couch.

Startled, Devraj tried to protest, but Rani Devi's urgency silenced him and made him disconnect the call. Her eyes held a mix of determination and desperation.

"Mother, what is it? This is important," Devraj managed to say, his voice laced with concern.

Rani Devi ignored his plea. "Devraj, listen to me carefully, We visited our family guru ji. He said something which is not a good thing." she began to tell him bits and pieces of it, her voice trembling slightly. "We have been searching for something, a sacred thread, a kadiyem. It's crucial for Anika and your future together. if that's what you wanted."

She paused, taking a deep breath. "The Pandit said it's a family heirloom, a symbol of protection and prosperity that can save your marital life. It's essential for a ritual that will ensure your happiness and long married life with Anika."

Devraj's world seemed to tilt on its axis. The kadiyem. The thread his grandfather had given him, a constant companion since childhood. It was more than just an ornament; it was a part of him. A symbol of his heritage, his identity.

His mind raced, grappling with the implications of what his mother was saying. Anika, his love, his future, depended on this Kadiyam. And yet, it was a part of him, as indispensable as his heartbeat.

His voice, when it finally came, was barely a whisper. "Mother, it can't be..." His eyes, filled with a mix of fear and determination, met hers. 

Rani Devi's heart ached seeing her son's distress. She reached out and held his hand, offering silent comfort. "I know, Devraj. I know. But this is crucial. For you, for Anika, for our family."

A battle raged within Devraj. Love, duty, and self-preservation warred within him. The decision was not his to make, yet it felt like the weight of the world rested on his shoulders.

Rani Devi's heart pounded in her chest as she looked at her son, her eyes searching his face. "Devraj, do you still have it?" she asked, her voice barely a whisper.

Devraj's grip tightened on his arm. His eyes, filled with a mix of determination and vulnerability, met hers. "I've guarded it with my life, mother," he responded, his voice firm. With a swift movement, he rolled up his shirt sleeve, revealing the golden thread wrapped around his wrist.

A wave of relief and excitement washed over Rani Devi. It was the kadiyem, unmistakable in its radiance. "Yes, this is it," she breathed, her voice filled with awe.

She studied the thread, its glow seeming to intensify in the dim light of the room. It was more than just an ornament; it was a symbol of their family's history, a testament to their lineage. "This thread, Devraj," she began, her voice filled with reverence, "has been passed down through generations. It's not just a piece of gold; it carries the weight of our ancestors' blessings. It's a symbol of protection, prosperity, and unity."

Her gaze shifted to Devraj. "And you, my son, are the guardian of this legacy. Those who wore this thread before you were protectors of our people, pillars of strength in times of adversity. You carry that responsibility, that honor."  "The symbol on this thread is the mark of the Varma dynasty's chosen one. It is a sign of destiny, a testament to the bearer's sacred role."

Devraj felt a surge of pride and responsibility. The weight of the world seemed to rest on his shoulders. He looked at the thread, a connection to his past, a bridge to his future. "I understand, mother," he said

A sense of relief washed over Rani Devi as she realized the significance of the thread around Devraj's wrist. It was a breakthrough they had desperately sought. Yet, a new wave of concern replaced her initial joy.

"But Devraj," she began, her voice filled with apprehension, "the Pandit said a sacrifice is required. We must offer the kadiyem to the divine."

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Hi guys,

Next chapter is out now....

What is devraj going to do? Will he betry his ancestors by sacrificing the kadiyam or will he loose the love of his life?

Give it a guess and let me know in comments if you are waiting for the coming chapters.

The most awaited chapters of dev and Anika are coming.