The Royal Tatvas

Chapter 45

5 years later

Aditi was working on her tablet, her face glowing with the unmistakable radiance of motherhood. The recent changes in her life had only enhanced her beauty, giving her an even younger and more vibrant look. Suddenly, a boy dashed past her like a gust of wind, causing her hair to fly wildly in the air.

She shot a knowing look at Vidhi, who sat nearby. In the distance, Karan chased after the boy, shouting, "Shiv, give me the file back!"

Shiv turned around with a serious expression, firmly holding the file. "No," he replied, his tone resolute.

Meanwhile, Abhay, working in his study, overheard the commotion. Curious, he stepped out to see what was going on. Spotting Shiv, Abhay caught him with ease and retrieved the file from his grasp. Folding his arms, he looked down at Shiv and said sternly, "Study your books, not this. You won't understand a word in that file."

Shiv gave him a solemn look but said nothing as he began to walk away. Just as he reached the stairs, a cheerful voice called out, "Mamoo!" A young boy came running towards Abhay, a wide grin on his face.

Abhay's serious expression softened into a warm smile as he scooped the boy up. "Anant, my hero. How are you, kunwar sa?" Abhay asked, his signature charm shining through.

Shiv, observing from a distance, allowed a faint smile to slip through at the sight of Anant's excitement. Anant eagerly approached him, his eyes sparkling. "How are you, Shiv?" he asked, bouncing on his feet.

Shiv nodded, keeping his response short, "Fine."

Without hesitation, Anant hugged Shiv tightly, his enthusiasm contagious. Karan, watching from the corner, couldn't resist a teasing comment. "Anant looks more like your kid, Abhay. Are you sure the babies weren't swapped at the hospital?"

Abhay, still gazing at the two boys, chuckled. "Shut up, Karan. I know, I can see my own childhood in Anant. But in Shiv... I see my pride. He's a quiet one, but believe me, he'll handle this 'siyasat' better than I ever could."

Karan raised an eyebrow and smirked. "Whoever does better between the two will get the siyasat. But I know my kids. They're loyal to each other. There won't be any betrayal to get to that throne."

As Karan spoke, he glanced over at Heer, who was engaged in conversation with Aditi. Everything seemed perfect now. Everyone was content in their lives. Heer had completed her studies, and with Anant by her side, she had found happiness. Unlike his father, Anant was a ray of sunshine. Karan had married Riya, and together they had a boy named Prajval, born a year after Shiv and Anant.

Both boys, Shiv and Anant, shared something special: they were born on the same day, with Shiv being just one hour older.

Evening

The grand courtyard of Abhay's ancestral haveli was bathed in shimmering lights and vibrant rangolis. The rhythmic beats of dhol echoed through the air, blending with the laughter and celebration of Navratri. The golden hues of the setting sun added an ethereal glow to the festivities as the family gathered around the decorated mandap for the puja.

After the final mantras were recited, Aditi passed the aarti lamp to Vivaan, who smiled reverently as he waved it before the deity. One by one, Karan, Riya, and the others followed. When it was Abhay's turn, an unexpected chill ran down his spine. He looked around, a sense of unease creeping in, as though someone was watching them.

Once the aarti was over, Vivaan took Vidhi's hand and led her to the dance floor, where Riya and Karan joined them for dandiya. Aditi noticed the concern etched on Abhay's face and quietly led him behind one of the pillars, away from the crowd.