Heal my heart ~ Royal Tale

21~ CARE

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Author pov:

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The iron gates of Ranawat Palace swung open as Adhya returned home from the hospital. Her heart warmed at the sight of the entire family gathered at the entrance, their faces bright with relief and joy. The marble steps, adorned with fresh marigold petals, led her way home.

Rewati, her grandmother-in-law, stepped forward with an ornate silver thali in her weathered hands. The flame of the diya flickered as she performed the aarti, its golden light dancing across Adhya's face. With practiced movements, she circled the plate seven times, her lips moving in silent prayers to ward off evil eyes. Adhya bowed her head respectfully, a gentle smile gracing her tired features as Rewati's warm hands blessed her forehead.

Abhimanyu, ever attentive, guided her through the familiar corridors to their chamber. His hand rested protectively on the small of her back as they walked. Once inside, he made sure she was comfortably settled among the plush pillows, his eyes scanning the room to ensure everything was in place. "I'll be right back," he murmured, disappearing only to return moments later with a silver platter of freshly cut fruits, the sweet aroma of apples and kiwi filling the air.

He sat down in front of Adhya, smiling as he slowly fed her fruit. Her right hand was still restricted from use, following medical advice.

"Suniye," Adhya mumbled. Abhimanyu looked up at her, attentive.
(Listen)

"Ji boliye, Rani sa?" he replied softly, holding another slice of apple ready.
(Yes speak Rani sa?)

"Did you punish Kashish? Can I meet her?" Adhya asked between bites of apple.

"Yes, Kashish has been punished, and as for meeting her..." Abhimanyu paused, his voice gentle but firm. "That won't be possible."

"Why?" Adhya frowned, lowering the half-eaten slice.

"She's dead by now," Abhimanyu replied, glancing at the clock with a quiet nod. He had wished to shield Adhya from this truth, but their wedding vows during the pheras bound him to honesty. When she asked, he could only answer truthfully.

Adhya's eyes widened, and she broke into a cough. Abhimanyu immediately rose, his concern evident as he helped her drink water while gently rubbing her back.

"What are you saying? Dead? No... I... How?" Adhya stammered, shock clear in her voice.

"Adhya, she got what she deserved. She tried to kill you Rani sa—after such a heinous crime..." Abhimanyu paused, his thumb caressing her hand softly. "Don't think about unnecessary people. Think about me instead."

A teardrop fell on his hand, catching him by surprise. He looked up to find Adhya's eyes brimming with tears.

"Aap ro kyun rahi hai?" He cupped her cheeks, tenderly wiping away her tears. The sight of her crying pained him deeply—if he could, he would have taken all her suffering upon himself.
(Why are you crying?)

"Pata nahi," Adhya whispered, wrapping her arms tightly around him. Abhimanyu sighed, understanding her turmoil. He knew she was in pain.
(Don't know)

Even if kashish betrayed her, still she was her best friend once and Adhya was attached to her. It's not easy for her.

Getting on bed, he kept pillow on his lap and then Adhya's head on it. Then he gave gentle massage in her scalp while saying "let's talk about something" to divert her mind from Kashish.

"What? " Adhya asked.

"Umm... Let me tell you how naughty I was in my childhood" Abhimanyu replied and pecked her forehead .