𝐍𝐚𝐲𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐚~ 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐄𝐩𝐢𝐭𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐎𝐟 𝐁𝐞𝐚𝐮𝐭𝐲||𝟏𝟖+

53. Apologies.

Anirudh's POV

The grandeur of the royal palace slowly came into view, a place that had once been filled with love and joy but now felt like a distant memory, buried under the weight of misunderstandings and hurt.

For the past week, I had been plagued with guilt, regret, and an overwhelming desire to make things right. The broken bonds between our families, the ones we had once cherished had left an emptiness in my heart.

But I would try my best to erase the distance between both the kingdom and family.

Yesterday, when Maasa told me her wish to visit to Somgarh, I felt mixed emotions. On one hand, I knew it was the right thing to do, to apologize, to heal old wounds. But on the other hand, I wasn’t ready to face everyone yet. I felt ashamed of my past actions. But then I realized, delaying it wouldn't make things better. The sooner we apologized, the sooner we could move forward.

In the past, due to misunderstandings, I had wronged Nayantara in so many ways. My anger, my stubbornness, my misplaced sense of control led to preventing Nayantara from meeting or even contacting her family, and I regretted that deeply. Although she had forgiven me, I couldn't shake the shame of what I had done.

She had all rights to meet her family, had all rights to take decision of her life. But unknowingly I had tried to take control of her life when I had no right to.

Which was wrong, completely wrong. And I hated myself for it.

After Maasa spoke of going to Somgarh, I made the decision to go—no more hesitating, no more waiting. The next morning, we set out from Rajgarh.

As we reached the gates of Somgarh, the towering stone walls seemed to stand as a silent reminder of the kingdom’s power and pride. The guards, recognizing us, opened the gates without hesitation. The royal palace loomed in the distance, and I felt a knot tighten in my stomach. My grip on the reins of the horse tightened as well.

I gazed at the royal family waiting near the gates, my heart heavy with uncertainty. I had sent a messenger ahead yesterday, informing them of our arrival. As I climbed down, I looked over at Maasa and Nayantara, stepping out of the palanquin behind me.

This was it. This was the moment to begin repairing everything.

Just then, I felt a presence beside me. I turned to find Nayantara standing there, her gaze soft but steady. She gave me a small, reassuring smile.

"Everything will be fine,"

She said, her voice a gentle balm to my nerves. I nodded in response.

Abhimanyu helped Maasa as we walked together toward the palace gates. The royal family stood there, watching us. The sound of drums echoed in the air, signaling our arrival.

As I looked at Nayantara, I noticed the tears shimmering in her eyes. I felt a pang in my chest. This was all because of me. I had been the one to separate her from her family.

As we stopped just in front of them, I looked at everyone. I moved towards Nayantara's father, and bent down to touch his feet.

I thought he would stop me but instead he blessed me by keeping his hand on my head. I gulped and bent down to touch Kakisa's feet, she hesitated at first but then blessed me.

I looked at Nayantara who was looking at her family with a teary gaze, she gazed at me for a moment before she came towards her father and hugged him tightly.

"Baapusa"

A sob left her mouth as soon as she hugged him.

"My princess."