Mujhe Pyaar Hua Tha~ Short Stories Collection

2

Author's POV

The room was dimly lit as Keisha paced back and forth, her blue satin saree rustling with each step. Ishank sat at the edge of the bed, watching her with a calm, detached expression. The aftermath of the meeting with ministers had left Keisha visibly agitated.

"I can't believe he spoke to me like that," Keisha said, her voice strained with frustration. "How dare he question everything my family has built? It's as if he's trying to erase our legacy."

Ishank looked up from his papers, his gaze steady. "Keisha, you need to stay calm. Raghav's remarks are just part of the political game. It's not worth letting him get under your skin."

Keisha stopped pacing and turned to face him, her eyes flashing with anger. "It's not just about the remarks, Ishank. It's about what they represent. He's not just challenging me; he's challenging everything we stand for. My family's reputation, our history—he's trying to undermine it all."

Ishank stood up and walked over to her, placing a hand gently on her shoulder. "I understand how you feel. But reacting with anger won't solve anything. We need to stay focused on our goals and not let personal attacks derail us."

Keisha shook her head, pulling away from his touch. "It's not just about staying focused. I feel like there's this huge gap between us. You're so calm, so unaffected, while I'm here, struggling to hold everything together. I thought we were in this together."

Ishank's brow furrowed slightly. "I am with you, Keisha. But sometimes, showing strength means not letting emotions cloud our judgment. I'm trying to help us navigate this situation logically."

Keisha's expression softened, but a sense of emptiness lingered. Ishank sighed, understanding the depth of her pain but feeling powerless to bridge the gap that had formed between them.

The next morning, Ishank and Samar sat in the royal office, the room filled with a quiet tension. Ishank, in a white shirt and black trousers, looked calm but attentive. Samar, had a serious expression as he spoke.

"Ishank, you know why I was against your marriage to Keisha," Samar began. "It wasn't about doubting your love for her. It's about the world she belongs to—politics, power, and the enemies that come with it."

Ishank nodded. "I understand, Papa. You've always been protective of her. But I love Keisha, and I'm committed to keeping her safe."

Samar leaned forward, his tone more intense. "This isn't just about politics. There's an old grudge involved. Minister Raghav Deshmukh isn't just against the monarchy; he has a personal vendetta against our family. He's targeting Keisha to weaken us."

Ishank's expression hardened. "I won't let him or anyone else harm her. I'll protect Keisha, no matter what."

Samar's eyes were sharp with concern. "You need to be careful, Ishank. Deshmukh is dangerous, and his motives run deep. Your duty as her husband is to shield her from this. Remember, this isn't just about power; it's personal."

"I understand, Papa," Ishank replied, determined. "I'll do whatever it takes to keep her safe."

Samar looked at Ishank with a mix of trust and lingering concern. "Bas yeh yaad rakhna, Ishank. Kabhi kabhi dushman door se nahi, nazdeek se vaar karta hai."

Keisha and her mother, Inaya, sat in the palace garden, a tranquil spot surrounded by blooming flowers and ancient trees. The soft morning light bathed the garden in a golden glow, creating a serene atmosphere. 

Inaya and Samar had arrived in Madhya Pradesh the previous evening, taking a private jet from their home in Delhi. It wasn't a planned visit, but something had compelled them to come. After dinner, they had noticed the tension between Keisha and Ishank, though neither said anything at the time. Now, Inaya decided it was time to talk.

Inaya observed her daughter, noticing the faint lines of worry on her face. "Keisha, beta, you seem troubled. Kya baat hai?" she asked gently.

Keisha hesitated before replying, "Maa, things have been tense lately. The ministers are pushing hard to dissolve the monarchy, and it feels like a constant battle."

Inaya nodded, her expression calm but understanding. "It's not easy, I know. Tum pe bohot zimmedari hai, and it's natural to feel the weight of it. But remember, you were raised for this. You have the strength to handle it."

Keisha nodded, her expression guarded. "Maa, sometimes I wonder if I'm strong enough. It feels like everyone is against me."

Inaya reached out, placing a comforting hand on Keisha's. "Beta, I understand it's overwhelming. Strength isn't just about fighting battles. It's about knowing when to stand firm and when to bend."

Keisha sighed, appreciating her mother's words but still feeling the pressure. "I understand, Maa. Sometimes I feel so trapped. "

" Trust Ishank, and trust yourself. Together, you can overcome whatever comes your way." 

"I'm trying..." she said, her voice laced with uncertainty.

"There's something else I want to talk to you about. Ishank... he's trying, Keisha. He loves you deeply, and he's committed to standing by your side. But marriage is new for both of you, and it's important to give each other time."

Keisha looked away, her voice quieter. "I know, Maa. But sometimes, it feels like he doesn't understand what I'm going through."

Inaya sighed softly. "He may not fully understand, but he's trying his best. You both are navigating new roles—he as your husband and you as his wife. Tum dono ko ek dusre ko samajhne ke liye waqt dena hoga. Ishank's role in your life is different now, and it's essential to nurture that bond."

Keisha nodded slowly, absorbing her mother's words. "I'll try, Maa. It's just hard, especially with everything that's happening."

Inaya smiled warmly. "I know, beta. But remember, you're not alone. Samar and I are always here for you, and so is Ishank. You just need to let him in a little more."

21 YEARS AGO

It was a warm summer afternoon in Delhi, years before the weight of crowns and responsibilities had settled on their shoulders. Keisha was just a young girl of four, full of curiosity and energy, while Ishank, ten years older at fourteen, was already showing signs of the sharp intellect that would define his future. Their families, both influential and intertwined through history, often spent time together, and it was during one of these visits that their paths first truly crossed.

Keisha, dressed in a bright yellow frock, had been chasing butterflies in the garden of her family's estate. Ishank, who had been reading a book under a tree nearby, couldn't help but smile at the sight. She was a tiny whirlwind of laughter and excitement, her joy infectious. Despite the age gap, Ishank found himself drawn to her innocent charm. He put down his book and joined her in the garden, showing her how to gently cup her hands to catch the butterflies without hurting them.

"Like this, Keisha," he said patiently, his tone warm and encouraging. Keisha watched him with wide eyes, mimicking his actions. When she finally succeeded in holding a butterfly in her small hands, her face lit up with pure delight.

"Ishan, dekho! I did it!" she exclaimed, her voice filled with wonder. Ishank laughed softly, ruffling her hair. "You're a quick learner, Isha," he said, smiling at her innocence.

7 YEARS LATER

Keisha was 18, on the cusp of adulthood, and the world seemed to hold endless possibilities. Yet, for her, the only thing that mattered was the return of Ishank. He had been away in the USA for nearly a decade, pursuing his education. They had kept in touch over the years, exchanging letters and occasional phone calls, but the distance had been painful for Keisha, who had realized that her childhood affection had grown into something much deeper.

When Ishank turned nineteen, he left for the United States to study law, and Keisha, then only nine, was heartbroken. She didn't fully understand why he had to go, only that her closest friend, the one who always made her feel safe, was leaving. Ishank, too, felt a pang of regret as he said goodbye, knowing that he would miss the little girl who had brightened his days.

Years passed, and they both grew up. Keisha blossomed into a graceful young woman, taking on the responsibilities of her royal lineage, while Ishank returned from the U.S. as a confident, successful lawyer. 

TBC