Destined Love

#1

Words- 1119

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Setting: Medival India

Places: Kingdom of Vaishnav's {Sukhadhara}

                Kingdom of Suryavanshi's {Maitradhanva}

Main Characters:

Amrita Hansraj Suryavanshi
                                     
Virdhawal Darsh Rai Vaishnav

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The cool evening breeze swept through the vast corridors of Prem Mahal, carrying with it the delicate scent of marigold and jasmine. The two kings, regal in stature and bound by friendship, stood on the palace balcony, overlooking the peaceful gardens.

"I wish to turn our friendship into a close relationship, Raj," said King Darsh Rai Kalyani Vaishnav, the mighty ruler of Sukhadhara, his voice filled with warmth and determination. His eyes, sharp as a hawk's, fixed on his dear friend, King Hansraj Rai Vikram Suryavanshi, ruler of Maitradhanva.

Hansraj smiled softly, the weight of their shared past visible in his gaze. "Tumne mere man ki baat cheen li, mitr," he replied, his voice heavy with affection, as though they had both silently longed for this day.

Before they could speak further, their conversation was interrupted by the sound of tiny footsteps echoing down the corridor. "Ba... ba... baabaa!" came the shrill cry of seven-year-old Amrita, the beloved daughter of King Hansraj. The little princess, with her flowing hair and beaming smile, ran as fast as her small feet could carry her, her playful innocence filling the air.

Hansraj turned, beaming with pride. "Haan bolo, meri gudiya," he said, scooping her into his strong arms.

But instead of answering her father's gentle queries, Amrita's curious eyes fell upon the unknown man standing beside him. Her brows furrowed as she asked boldly, "Aap kaun aur mere baba se aapka kya kaam? Hmm?"

Darsh smiled, kneeling slightly to her eye level. "Hum Darsh hain, bitiya, aur aapke baba se aapko lene aaye hain."

A frown creased Amrita's face, her small frame suddenly tensed with defiance. "Aapki himmat bhi kaise hui aise vichar karne ki?" she demanded, her young eyes blazing with the fire of loyalty, unwilling to part from her beloved kingdom and family.

Hansraj chuckled lightly at her fierce reaction but quickly intervened. "Amrita, aise baron se baat nahi karte," he said, gently chiding her as he set her down.

"Koi nahi, Raj," King Darsh Rai Vaishnav said softly, his gaze warm and patient as he addressed the little girl. "Bitiya, aapke baba bhi yahi chahte hain ki hum aapko apne ghar le jaayein... beti bana kar."

Amrita's wide, curious eyes darted from Darsh to her father. She tugged at her father's sleeve, her voice trembling slightly. "Aap bhi yahi chahte hain, baba sa?" she asked, her lower lip quivering as though her world was shifting before her.

Hansraj's heart ached seeing the uncertainty in her eyes. He hesitated, the words of reassurance caught in his throat. But before he could speak, Amrita, with all the courage her small frame could muster, interrupted him.

"...Agar baba chahte hain," she said, her voice steadier now, though a flicker of hesitation remained, "toh hum bhi maante hain aapki baat. Kahan chalna hain humein?"

Her innocent submission startled both kings. Hansraj's hand tightened around hers instinctively, a surge of fatherly protectiveness rising within him. He admired her strength and trust in him, yet it was bittersweet. This was no small decision, and though she was too young to understand the implications fully, her words carried a depth that tugged at his heart

King Darsh chuckled softly, the seriousness in his gaze replaced by a playful glint. "Rehne do, beta, hum toh mazak kar rahe the," he said gently, realizing how his words had affected the young Amrita.

Before she could respond, a familiar voice echoed through the grand corridors of Prem Mahal, calling out with concern, "Amru, Amru beta kahan ho?"

Queen Rama, regal yet warm, hurried into view. Her eyes softened as she took in the sight of her daughter nestled in King Hansraj's arms, speaking earnestly with King Darsh. Relief washed over her face as she approached, her graceful movements showing a mother's love intertwined with a queen's poise.

"Humein maaf karein," Queen Rama said, slightly out of breath. "Amrita itni jaldi bhaag gayi ki humne dekha hi nahi. Aasha karti hoon isne aapko pareshan nahi kiya hoga, Raja Darsh."

King Darsh quickly shook his head, a soft smile spreading across his face. "Nahi, nahi Maharani, pareshan? Hum toh bas aise hi baat kar rahe the," he said, his tone light but respectful.

"Yeh to humara khush naseebi hai ke Amrita ke saath baat karne ka mauka mila," Darsh added, glancing fondly at the little princess. "Par lagta hai, ab samay aaya hai hum vichar karein kis din humein phir milne ka mauka milega."

Hansraj exchanged a meaningful glance with Darsh. The air hung heavy with unspoken promises as Queen Rama gently lifted Amrita into her arms. The little girl nestled against her mother, her small fingers curling around Rama's neck, seeking comfort amid the shifting dynamics of the day.

"Hum ab chalte hain," Rama announced softly, casting one last glance at King Darsh and King. As Queen Rama disappeared from view, the atmosphere shifted again, filled with the gravity of their earlier conversation. King Hansraj turned to King Darsh, sensing the importance of what was to come.

"Mein Darsh Rai Vaishnav, apne bade bete, Virdhawal Darsh Rai Vaishnav ke shaadi ka prastav tumhe dete hun," Darsh announced, his voice steady but filled with a weighty significance. "Asha hain tum swikar karoge, Raj."

Hansraj's heart raced at the unexpected proposal. The thought of his daughter, Amrita, becoming the bride of Virdhawal filled him with a mix of pride and protectiveness. He had seen the bond between their families grow, and now it seemed they were on the cusp of solidifying it in the most profound way.

"Yeh ek bada kadam hai, Darsh," Hansraj replied, choosing his words carefully. "Amrita aur Virdhawal ki umar abhi choti hai, par yeh rishta kabhi bhi pyaar aur samarthan ki ek misaal ban sakta hai."

Darsh nodded, understanding the concerns behind Hansraj's words. "Hum jaante hain ki samay abhi hai, lekin yeh dosti humare rajyon ko ek naye shikhar par le ja sakti hai. Amrita aur Virdhawal ka rishta sirf unka nahi hoga; yeh dono rajyon ki ekta ka pratik hoga."

After a moment of silence, Hansraj took a deep breath, weighing the future of their families. " hum is prastav ko swikar karte hain," he declared, a sense of determination in his voice. "Inki shaddi jab Virdhawal 15 saal aur Amrita 12 ki hogi, tab hum is rishtay ko aage badhayenge."

Darsh smiled, a sense of relief washing over him. "Yeh ek samay anusar faisla hai. Is dauran, hum dono apne rajyon ko aur majboot karne par dhyan denge, taki jab woh shadi karen, tab sab kuch tayaar ho."