𝐍𝐚𝐲𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐚~ 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐄𝐩𝐢𝐭𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐎𝐟 𝐁𝐞𝐚𝐮𝐭𝐲||𝟏𝟖+

58. Replaced Bride.

Nayantara's POV

Today was the day.

Wedding. Abhimanyu's wedding.

Past four days went in other pre wedding rituals, even though Abhimanyu was injured, but the wedding could not be postponed. According to the astrologer, Abhimanyu had to get married in this month only otherwise he could not get married for next four years. And it could result his life in danger.

The shocker was the attacker. He was captured and when investigated, he spilled that he was sent by none other than Karanveer bhaisa.

I was shocked when Anirudh told me that. I did not expect Karanveer Bhaisa to send someone to kill his own brother. But Anirudh explained that since he had killed his father, he now saw us as his enemies and wanted revenge.

I did not know how he got to know about Abhimanyu's wedding, because it was a close ceremony and we had thought to announce it after the wedding was done. But surely, Karanveer bhaisa had some spies in Rajgarh who was sending him information.

After the attack Anirudh made sure that the security was tight around the palace as well as inside the palace. We did not want any other bad thing happening amidst the celebration. Anirudh was more alert now, taking care of everything by himself.

I looked at the sacred fire litting and the priest chanting hymns. The hall was decorated beautifully for the wedding. Only bride's and groom's family members were present including soldiers who were gaurding the area and attendees for help.

Abhimanyu sat in front of the priest looking disinterested. His face was blank, without any emotion like he was not the one who was getting married.

The conversation I had with Kashmira four days ago played in my mind. I wanted to help her, I wanted to talk with Abhimanyu. Even though he was my brother in law but still I wanted to shout at him and demad answers that if he did not plan to marry Kashmira then why did he involve her in his life.

I wanted to have a good chat with him but Kashmira's words stopped me everytime. She wanted me to not involve in her things. But how could I not, when she looked so heartbroken from last few days. I saw her everytime during every wedding ritual, her sad forced smile at everyone. Her trying her best to control her tears during rituals.

After looking at her condition, I did not want her to see Abhimanyu getting married. So, I asked her to not attend the wedding and remain in her chamber, to which she happily obliged.

The priest suddenly looked at bride's family and asked them to bring the bride. Samyukta's mother stood up and moved out of the hall.

We waited for her to arrive with bride, one moment passed, second passed, third passed but no one came.

Unease began to spread.

After half n hour when still there was no sign of bride and her mother. The priest again asked for the bride. This time King Avirath stood up, worry lines creasing on his face. Before he could move, queen Ragini, Samyukta's mother came. Her face nervous. She moved towards king Avirath and whispered something in his ear.

Listening to her King Avirath's face lost it's colour. Anirudh instantly stood up moving towards him.

"What happened?"

He asked, King Avirath didn't respond anything and looked down.

"Where is your daughter, king Avirath?"

Anirudh again demanded, his voice firm. Before King Avirath could reply, his wife replied,

"Princess Samyukta is not in her chamber."