Beyond The Palace Walls| ONGOING

Chapter - 22

In Pali

Achintya revealed to Sumitra that Veer has had a past of mistreating women .

Sumitra's voice trembled as she spoke, "Cancel the marriage, Maharaj. We can't let Meera marry someone like that."

Achintya's expression turned grim, his eyes avoiding hers. "We can't, Sumitra. It's too late. The arrangements are made, and Veer's family is expecting the marriage to take place."

Sumitra's shock turned to anger. "You knew about this and still agreed to the marriage? How could you, Arya?"

Achintya sighed, rubbing his temples. "I didn't know the full extent of it, Devi. And even if I did, we can't just cancel the marriage. It would be a diplomatic disaster."

Sumitra's face fell, her mind racing with the implications. "What have we done, Maharaj? What have we done to our daughter?"

Achintya's expression softened, but his voice remained firm. "We did what we thought was best for the kingdom, Sumitra. But I promise you, we'll do everything in our power to protect Meera."

Sumitra's eyes welled up with tears. "Can we really, Maharaj? Can we really protect her from someone like Veer?"

To which Achintya's silence was the answer.

---------------------

Meera's chamber,

Meera's heart skipped a beat as she opened her chamber door to find Abhimanyu standing there, a concerned expression on his face. She hadn't seen him since her return from Jaipur, and his sudden appearance brought back a flood of memories.

"Abhimanyu!" she exclaimed, a small smile on her face.

He smiled back, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "Meera, I was worried sick about you. What's going on?"

Meera stepped aside, letting him enter. As soon as the door closed behind him, she flung herself into his arms, tears streaming down her face.

Abhimanyu held her tightly, his voice soft. "What happened, Meera? Tell me everything."

Meera pulled back, wiping her tears. "Veer...he asked me to remove my veil. Aur unhone gandi baate bhi ki aur unki aankhein toh...aisi thi jaise woh mere malik hai."
(And he also spoke dirty things and his eyes were like he owns me)

Abhimanyu's face darkened, his jaw clenched. "I knew it. I knew he was trouble. That's why I told you to go to Jaipur, to get away from him."

Abhimanyu sighed, running a hand through his hair. "I don't know , Meera. If you escape, it could mean war for our kingdom. But if you stay...I don't know if I can protect you from him."

Meera felt a chill run down her spine. She knew Abhimanyu was right. Her situation was precarious, and she didn't know what the future held.

Meera sat down on her bed, her body shaking with sobs. "I know my future is going to be worse...and yet I can't do anything," she whispered, feeling helpless.

Abhimanyu sat beside her, pulling her into a warm hug. "Shh, baccha, ro mat. I'm here for you," he whispered, stroking her hair.
(Shh, don't cry)

As Meera cried, Abhimanyu held her, feeling a pang of guilt. She was like a little sister to him, and he couldn't bear the thought of her suffering.

After a while, Meera's sobs subsided, and she fell asleep in Abhimanyu's arms. He gently laid her down on the bed, covering her with a blanket.