Raja Ko Rani Se Pyar Ho Gaya

Part II: The Haunting Begins

Chapter 10: The Whisper of Death

The palace was eerily quiet that morning. The usual bustle of servants going about their daily tasks had ceased, replaced by murmurs and furtive glances exchanged in the corridors. A somber atmosphere gripped the heart of the kingdom, for a tragedy had struck within the palace walls.

In the grand hall, Raja Vikram paced back and forth, his face a mask of tension and frustration. General Bhanu stood by his side, his hand resting on the hilt of his sword, while Rajguru, the palace's spiritual advisor, watched the scene unfold with a grim expression. The news had spread like wildfire-one of the palace servants had been found dead.

"Who was it?" Vikram finally asked, his voice low but demanding.

General Bhanu hesitated before responding, "It was Meera, one of Rani Aranya's former dasis. She was found in the east wing... near Rani's chambers."

The words hung heavy in the air. Vikram clenched his fists, a sharp pang of grief slicing through him. Meera had been a loyal servant, always devoted to Aranya. He couldn't understand how such a tragedy had occurred.

"Are we certain it was foul play?" Vikram's voice was tight as he addressed Bhanu. "Perhaps it was an accident?"

Before Bhanu could respond, Rajguru stepped forward, his expression grave. "Your Majesty, the circumstances of her death are... unnatural."

Vikram turned to the wise man, frustration boiling beneath the surface. "Unnatural? What do you mean by that?"

Rajguru spoke carefully, aware of the delicate nature of the topic. "There were no visible signs of injury on her body, no wounds that could explain her death. Yet her eyes were wide open, as if she saw something... something terrifying in her final moments."

Vikram's jaw tightened. "Fear alone does not kill, Rajguru."

"I understand, Your Majesty. But it is not only Meera's death that concerns me. The whispers have begun once more. People are saying... they are saying it is Rani Aranya's spirit."

Vikram's patience snapped. "Enough!" he shouted, slamming his fist onto the table. The echo of the impact reverberated through the hall. "I will not tolerate these superstitions any longer! My late queen is at peace. She would never harm anyone, least of all Meera."

Rajguru remained calm, though his eyes betrayed his concern. "I know you believe that, Vikram. But the people-your people-are frightened. This death, the strange occurrences in the palace, the whispers... it's all connected. We must tread carefully."

General Bhanu cleared his throat. "Your Majesty, if I may... the guards who were patrolling the east wing last night reported hearing strange noises-footsteps where there was no one present, and the sound of... of crying."

Vikram's head snapped toward Bhanu, his eyes flashing with anger. "And you believe this nonsense too?"

Bhanu straightened, standing tall. "I do not believe in ghosts, my king. But I cannot ignore what I have seen and heard. Something is not right in this palace."

Before Vikram could respond, the door to the grand hall swung open, and Maya entered, her face pale and drawn. She had heard the news, and the fear that had been simmering within her since the wedding now surged to the surface.

"Maya," Vikram said, softening his tone as he approached her. "You shouldn't be here. This is a matter I need to handle."

Maya looked at him, her eyes wide with dread. "Vikram, I need to know what's happening. I've heard the servants talking... they're saying Rani Aranya's spirit is angry."

Vikram's expression darkened. "That's enough of this. You, of all people, know how dangerous these rumors can be."

"But they're not just rumors!" Maya insisted, her voice trembling. "I've felt her presence. I've heard the whispers at night. I've seen her, Vikram. And now... now Meera is dead."

Vikram grabbed Maya's hands, trying to steady her. "Listen to me. I know you're scared. But Aranya is not behind this. She was a kind, loving queen. Whatever is happening here, it is not her doing."

Maya pulled her hands away, shaking her head. "How can you be so sure? She loved you deeply. Maybe she feels betrayed... betrayed because you married me."

Vikram's heart sank. He had never wanted Maya to feel like a replacement, but now it seemed that very fear had taken root inside her.

"Maya," he said softly, "you are my queen now. Aranya is gone, but she would never harm anyone. This is just the work of fearful minds. The palace is old, and strange things happen in old places. But I will get to the bottom of this."

Just then, a servant rushed into the room, his face pale with fear. "Your Majesty," he stammered, "the servants... they refuse to enter the east wing. They say it is cursed."

Vikram's temper flared once more. "Cursed? There are no curses here! Tell them to return to their duties, or they will face my wrath!"

The servant bowed hastily and scurried out of the hall.

Rajguru, who had remained silent for a moment, finally spoke again. "Vikram, we cannot ignore the fear that is spreading. If the people believe the palace is haunted, it will lead to unrest. We must take action-whether or not the spirit of Rani Aranya is involved."

Vikram stared at him, torn between reason and frustration. "What do you suggest, Rajguru? That I perform some meaningless ritual to appease a spirit that doesn't exist?"

Rajguru met his gaze evenly. "Sometimes, Your Majesty, it is not about what you believe, but what the people need to believe. If it will ease their fears, we must consider it."

Maya stepped forward, her voice barely above a whisper. "Please, Vikram. Do something. I can't live like this... feeling like I'm constantly being watched, hearing whispers in the night. If not for the people, do it for me."

Vikram's heart softened at her plea. He sighed, running a hand through his hair. "Very well. If this is what it takes to put an end to these rumors, I will do it. But know this," he said, looking between Rajguru and Maya, "I do not believe in spirits or curses. This palace is not haunted."

Rajguru nodded solemnly. "As you wish, Your Majesty. I will begin preparations for a cleansing ceremony."

As Vikram dismissed the group and turned to leave the hall, a chilling gust of wind swept through the room, snuffing out the candles in one swift motion. The cold that followed seemed to sink into everyone's bones, leaving them silent and unnerved.

And as Vikram walked away, the faint echo of a woman's cry seemed to linger in the air.