Kashi Vishwanath: Two Eclipsed Hearts 💕

CHAPTER 67 : "THE LOST BONDS"

Please don't go without reading the note at the end❤️
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The morning sun filtered softly through the curtains of the car window, painting golden hues across Kashi's anxious face. Her fingers twisted restlessly in her lap, betraying the storm inside her. Beside her, Vishwanath sat steady and composed, his large veiny hands enveloping hers, his thumb tracing slow, calming circles against her skin.

Her head rested against his broad shoulder, drawing quiet strength from his steady presence.

"No matter what happens inside, I'm right there beside you," he murmured, his deep voice carrying the kind of certainty that steadied her heartbeat.

Kashi closed her eyes briefly, letting those words sink into her heart. She hadn't told her mother about this, she knew her Maa would never have allow her to come here. But something inside her pushed her forward. If there was even the slightest chance to heal old wounds, to ease her mother's silent suffering, she had to try.

The driver focused on the road while Rudra sat in the passenger seat up front. He had insisted on accompanying them, despite Vishwanath warning him it was a serious matter. Rudra had promised he wouldn't create any mischief. He only wished to stand by his bhabhi (sister-in-law) and brother. Kashi, touched by his sincerity, had agreed.

The royal convoy rolled to a stop before the massive iron gates of the Bundela mansion. The guards stationed there froze in shock at the sight of the emblem of Royal family of Bundelkhand on the cars. One immediately stepped forward, saluting sharply.

"The King and Queen of Bundelkhand seek to meet the Bundela family," the head guard announced. The Bundela guards exchanged surprised glances but immediately nodded. The gates swung open, and a call was placed to the mansion, informing the family of their unexpected guests.

Inside, the atmosphere carried an easy Sunday calm. Yet, beneath the relaxed air, there was a sense of quiet authority that never left the Bundela household.

Rajbir Bundela, still commanding even in his late sixties, sat in the living hall. His stern yet dignified face reflected years of leadership and discipline. Though serving as the Chief Minister of the state, he never loosened his grip on the family business. This morning, he was in deep discussion with his son, Viraj, going over shipment details. Beside them, Viraj's son, Yuvraj, joined them learning the ropes of the family legacy.

On another sofa, Kalyani Bundela sat in her golden silk saree, knitting a soft cream-colored sweater, her silver-streaked hair shining under the warm light. Ratna, Viraj's wife, was chatting quietly with her mother-in-law in between. It was Sunday. Almost the entire Bundela family was home, gathered in one place, a rare sight where duty and power gave way, if only briefly, to moments of togetherness.

That's when Viraj's phone rang. He lifted it, his face changing as he listened. "What? The King and Queen of Bundelkhand?" His tone was one of shock. Everyone's heads turned towards him instantly. "Bring them in respectfully," Viraj said firmly into the phone, then hung up.

A stunned silence gripped the Bundela's. Rajbir looked up sharply, his eyes narrowing. "The King and Queen? Here? Without any notice?"

Kalyani lowered her knitting, the cream-colored sweater slipping into her lap. Her brows knit together in surprise. "Did Rajendra say anything about this visit, Viraj?" she asked, her voice calm but edged with curiosity.

"No, Maa," Viraj replied, still unsettled.

Before another word could be exchanged, the heavy wooden doors of the hall swung open. The royal entourage stepped inside with measured grace.