I had everything that a person could ask for - a loving family, wealth, respect in the kingdom of Kshatra Gadh and engagement to the love of my life.
But life had other plans, I lost everything within the blink of an eye. Everyone left me and I was...
It has been 4 years since that nightmarish evening. 4 years since I lost everything. 4 years since everything changed.
And now I have adjusted to my new life.
After that incident, I came back to the University to withdraw my admission because I knew that my uncle wouldn't pay for it. But I came to know that my parents had paid for my entire education in advance. I couldn't stop my tears that day. Even if they were not here, they made sure that I achieve my dreams. Thinking of it as their last wish, I decided to continue my education.
At that time, I had lost my will to live but my friends stood strong with me and here I am today. It was a tough journey but I persevered. And the result of it is that, I am set to graduate tomorrow. Nakul and Yash graduated two years back and Vanya graduated last year. Today, I was roaming the institute's premises for the very last time. I was thinking about how I came here happily and now when I'm leaving, I do not feel anything.
Although, I aced my subjects, became a exemplary student and topped my swordsmanship class, I didn't feel anything. None of that mattered. I had lost my happiness. I don't remember the last time I actually smiled out of happiness. After I came back, Keshavi and Vanya tried their hardest to make me happy. I appreciated their efforts but I just have become numb to everything.
I thought that Nakul would break off the engagement since he doesn't love me and now I don't have a powerful family to back me up. But surprisingly, he hasn't ended our engagement. But our relationship also isn't going anywhere. I doubt if we would ever get married. Since that day, I have stopped trying to win his heart because I know that he doesn't like me. And also because I'm so pre-occupied with my own emotions that I have forgotten my feelings for him. Maybe he is staying with me out of pity or maybe it is sympathy. Or maybe he understands me because he too lost his mother when he was young. I would never know.
I have not gone home since I came back here 4 years back. It's because I know that there is no one to welcome me at my home. Vanya gives me updates about my uncle and they are not very pleasant. All the servants have left the mansion except Mohan ji and Reeta ji. It is because he fired everyone saying that he doesn't have money to pay them. The family business is in shambles and more than half of the wealth is wiped out because of his alcohol addiction. My family name is crumbling and I'm helpless.
I thought that no family member would be here at my graduation but Vanya is coming here with her family for me. I don't know if I will ever be able to repay her support and kindness. Keshavi and Vanya have been my biggest support systems through my tough times.
I came back from my stroll and started packing. I had to leave tomorrow. I can't hide here any longer. I have to go back home and face my circumstances.
I was doing my work when I heard a knock at my door. I opened it and found that it was Keshavi.
"I just came here to check the status of your packing..."
I nodded to let her in.
"So...we are graduating tomorrow...I don't know when I will be able to meet you again so I came because I missed you already."
I nodded and she hugged me.
"You know I would have preferred it if you would have shown me your smile one last time", her voice broke.
I tried to smile for her but it was more of stretching facial muscles rather than smiling. She laughed when she saw that and it made me smile. This time it was genuine.
"You know that I would miss you, right?"
"Yes, I know. I will write to you regularly so that you won't forget me," I replied.
One good thing about studying here was that I made some really great friends. We chatted for a bit and then she left my room. I resumed my work because I didn't have much time.
Next morning arrived and it was our see off ceremony. We greeted all our Gurujis and they gave us a scroll stating that we have completed our education. The letter in the scroll had a seal of Gyanadeep proving its authenticity. I said my final good byes to my friends and promised to stay in touch. The ceremony ended and I headed towards Vanya. She hugged me out of happiness. I decided to keep my graduation letter with Vanya because I didn't trust my uncle. I greeted her parents and they also congratulated me. They have always treated me like their own daughter which warms my heart. We decided to stay at an inn for the night.
The next morning, we started our journey back. A lot of thoughts were floating in my head. How would I react when I see my uncle for the first time in 4 years? How would he treat me? What if he tries to abuse me? I know he can't do that because I have connections with the crown prince. But, there was nothing I could do against him.
Days passed and we reached the borders of our kingdom. The familiar kingdom and its people do not make me happy now. Instead of being happy, I was dreading going back.
A few days later, we finally arrived in Vijay Nagar. I already didn't want to go home but I have to. Vanya's carriage dropped me in front of my mansion and left. Mohan ji and Reeta ji came to pick up my luggage. They welcomed me and were genuinely happy to see me. As soon as I entered, I saw my uncle standing and waiting for me.
He said, "Welcome, welcome, welcome my dear niece. You are showing me your face after so long and you have grown so much in the time I didn't see you..."
I was absolutely disgusted to see his face. But still, I replied, "Thank you for welcoming me, uncle. I came to know that you have started gambling now. What a way to welcome me."
"I see that you are still arrogant as ever. If you had been my daughter, I would have disciplined you in a better manner", he sneered.
"Thankfully, I'm not. Don't worry, I won't bother you. Just pretend that I don't exist..." He doesn't scare me anymore.
"Good. You can live here but live as if you're dead."
I had no other option. I had to live here. There's no other place which I can call home. Also, I have to keep an eye on him.
I accepted this new life as my reality and kept a close eye on my uncle's actions. I can't just lose everything which my father has built in his entire life. Sooner or later, I will claim back what was rightfully mine.
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Hello 👋🏻
Laxita is older now, wiser and more fierce. How will she claim everything back? Keep on reading to find out 😌
