Love and Redemption

Chapter 56

Uday passed through the beautiful gardens of the palace. The castle of Ajeet Singh Rathore was not an opulent one but still modest enough to accommodate the banished Rathores, he thought as a royal guard ushered him towards the private meeting chambers upon the instructions of the Rathore father-son duo.

All the way, a question kept ringing in Uday's mind, "How did Rathores make a lavish palace in Pranathgarh?" Before he could enter towards the alley where the private chambers were situated, Uday was stunned to find the same lady walking timidly in the palace whom he had met in the morning.

With shock written all over his face, he looked at the young lady who just bowed her head and walked past him nervously. He could sense the change in demeanor of the young lady who appeared gloomier inside the lavish walls of the modest palace. Uday could not help but get anxious.

To suppress his anxiety, Uday asked the royal guard tactfully, "Who all live here?" in a thunderous voice laced with unquestionable authority.

The loyal tribal guard was not accustomed to the royal lifestyle and being naïve, he did not find anything suspicious. He parroted, "Honorable visitor! With due respect, I am telling you that the Rathores live here. His Highness! Ajeet Singh Rathore stays with his wife and so does his highly revered son".

Uday was stunned to hear that the royal guard. He had heard about the scandalous son of Ajeet Singh Rathore who was an alcoholic rogue found at the infamous brothels of Vijaygarh which was the primary reason for Maharani Aparajita Singh Rathore being crowned the queen of Vijaygarh.

Uday sighed as he realized Vikrant Singh Rathore was indeed a horrible fellow who could have been the king of Vijaygarh at whims and fancies of Shivgarh. However, it did not happen. He pitied the unfortunate wife of Vikrant Singh Rathore who surely had a cursed fate. He could not help but question the royal guard, "To whom is Vikrant Singh Rathore married?"

"His highness is married to the daughter of our revered tribal headman, Avinash Singh Shekhawat from Pranathgarh. Her highness, Nandini Singh Rathore is lucky to be the daughter-in-law of the Rathores." The royal guard mumbled as he continued to praise Vikrant Singh Rathore.

Uday just chuckled as he realized the innocent tribals of Pranathgarh were manipulated by the guileful Rathores. Uday Singh Chauhan, the commander-in-chief of the Rajputana army of Shivgarh did not appreciate the guileful ways of his kingdom too but being a loyal soldier, he had no say.

Uday entered the private chambers where the father-son Rathore duo was already seated on the upholstered mahogany chairs. Without a sense of respect for them in his eyes, Uday bowed in front of them paying his regards because of his loyalty towards Shivgarh.

"Your highness! Please accept the token of friendship from Shivgarh", Uday said politely as he passed the royal gifts.

Ajeet Singh Rathore saw into the treacherous eyes of his son and simpered as he said, "Finally, Shivgarh remembers their old friends", menacingly.

Receiving the royal gifts, Vikrant Singh Rathore glared at Uday as he said, "We actually don't need these gifts and presents. We would appreciate if you could stand with us."

Uday was flabbergasted at the arrogant man who was constantly eyeing the opulent gems while speaking that he actually did not want them. The helpless commander-in-chief of Rajputana army wanted to bang his head on the walls, snatch the valuable jewels of his kingdom and run away but unfortunately, he could not do that after all, he knew Veer would kill him if he made a single mistake.

Uday nodded rendering the small smile as he said, "The king of Shivgarh, Maharaja Jai Singh Rajput expresses his grief. We were not aware of the mishaps you suffered. We are glad that you finally settled in Pranathgarh respectfully. We would be delighted to help you in your future endeavors."