The Heir and the Humble

A Step

As Anjana left to take charge of the situation, Devraj was left alone with his thoughts. The weight of the responsibility was immense, but he was determined to restore the faith of the people.

A sense of urgency propelled him to action. He needed to confide in Anika, to share the burden of this newfound responsibility. He took out his phone and dialed her number.

"Anika," his voice was laced with urgency, "can you meet me at the temple backyard in twenty minutes?"

There was a brief pause on the other end before she responded, her voice filled with concern, "Is everything alright, Dev?"

"I need to talk to you," he replied, his tone firm. "It's important."

Anika, sensing the urgency in his tone, agreed without hesitation. "I'll be there," she replied, her voice filled with concern.

Devraj hung up the phone, his mind racing. He knew this conversation was going to be difficult, but it was essential. Anika was his anchor, his source of strength, and he needed her support now more than ever.

Devraj paced impatiently in the temple backyard, his mind a whirlwind of thoughts. He had called Anika, his voice laced with urgency, but now, as he awaited her arrival, the gravity of the situation settled upon him.

He was about to share a burden with her, a secret that would change their lives forever if anika couldn't take it well. The revelation would undoubtedly shatter her dreams, her hopes for a family. He couldn't bear the thought of causing her pain, yet the truth was a bitter pill that needed to be swallowed.

He recalled a conversation with Anika where she had expressed her desire for children. Now he is having doubts on himself that can he provide the time of him which she would crave for him. If he has to go for the curse breaking rituals, he needs her the most. Yet, the weight of the kingdom, the legacy of his ancestors, and the survival of his lineage rested on his shoulders.

It was a cruel irony that the very man destined to protect his kingdom might have to sacrifice his own happiness. He was torn between love and duty, between personal desires and the greater good. He could never forgot the fear anika faced during the homam days. He vowed to himself to be more strong for her. 

Devraj was lost in deep thought, the weight of the impending decision heavy on his heart. Anika's arrival broke his reverie. She placed a gentle hand on his shoulder, her touch grounding him.

A gentle hand on his shoulder brought him back to the present. Anika stood beside him, her eyes filled with concern. "You look troubled," she said, her voice soft.

Devraj managed a smile. "Just thinking," he replied, trying to mask his turmoil.

As they stood there, a sense of unease crept over Devraj. He felt a presence, a subtle shift in the atmosphere. He scanned the surroundings, his gaze settling on a figure standing at a distance. It was Anita, Anika's sister.

Anika seemed to sense his discomfort. "I know this is unexpected," she began, her voice filled with apology, "but father insisted to accompany me that I shouldn't go anywhere alone. So Anita helped me."

Devraj nodded, understanding her predicament. It was clear that Anika's father was being overly cautious, perhaps due to the recent threats. Understanding her predicament. The presence of Anita added an unexpected layer to the already complex situation. He wondered about the implications, about the potential security risks. But for now, he focused on Anika, trying to reassure her.

Anita, sensing the tension in the air, suggested, "Bava garu (brother-in-law), I'll wait near the entrance. You both can talk freely."

Devraj, however, had a different plan. "No, Anita," he responded firmly, "You're not an intruder. You're family just like my yuvi. And besides, the guards are posted at the entrance."