Chapter 1: The Princess of Daulatabad

3 years ago

Mahi

@Mannmohanaa

Chapter One

The hall was bustling with activity. From media personnel to celebrated high profile people of the town, everyone was excited this evening, in anticipation of the big announcement. Silk curtains adorned the windows of the palace with the velveteen cloth radiating brilliant yellow light casted upon them by the numerous bulbs illuminating the chandeliers. The setting was both calm and serene. As soft music played on the records, all eyes were fixed upon the staircase. The to be Princess of Daulatabad was to descend from the stairs any moment. The photographers were handy with their cameras, ready to spring into action as soon as their eyes caught the first glimpse of the young woman.

A hush fell over the crowd as she slowly walked towards the gathering. After the initial wave of sudden enthusiasm subsided slowly, Rani Nalini Devi escorted her to the podium, extremely proud of this budding talent. She sat beside Kunwar Veer Pratap Singh, who gave her an assuring smile. Grief and resentment was gnawing at him from the inside but he did his best to maintain a less dramatic happy face. They had a quick exchange of gestures soon after which Ranisa began her announcement.

"Jis ghadi ka sabko besabri se intezaar tha woh aa chuki hai. I feel extreme pride and pleasure in announcing Mrs. Amrit Singh as the Princess Of Daulatabad!"

The statement was followed by a huge round of applause. Amrit calmly got up and folded her hands in front of the press, media and various people present in the crowd. Also in attendance were Mr. and Mrs. Raizada, who could not stop smiling and were absolutely beaming with happiness. She looked at them and smiled. Most of the faces were unknown but these two warm heads were giving her a lot of strength and satisfaction. She quickly scanned around for one more face which should had been present by then but wasn't there somehow. After momentary disappointment, she walked upto Nalini and whispered something into her ears. Nalini smiled back at her and spoke again -

"Apologies ladies and gentlemen. Please note the slight change in the name, it's Mrs. Amrit Singh Raizada."

Post the brief QnA session, the crowd dispersed for dinner and drinks.

Vashma Sahani was seated at one of the many small tables meant for special guests She was circling the rim of the empty wine glass feeling bored, when a brooding young man walked upto her. He warmly extended his hand, politely inviting her to have a dance with him, when Vashma declined the offer by looking away. She got up to leave when he blocked her way.

Shocked, she spoke, "Kya main aapko jaanti hoon?"

He smiled back at her and gently tapped onto her forehead. Amrit joined the duo right then, laughing at their antics.

"Jab tak ek chapet na maaro iss kam-akal ko samjh mein nahi aata kuch, dekha Amru. Main pehchaan mein nahi aaraha iske."

Vashma opened her mouth in complete surprise.

"Accha ji? Poochle apne Veer ji se, jab main iske haath mein haath daalke andar aarahi thi toh isne kya bola? Oye Vashma, aaj main tera jhalla Uday nahi, Uday Kishore Sahani bannke aaya hoon, bakaayda Ranisa ke invitation par."

He pulled up his collar and had his head held high.

"Kyun nahi kyun nahi. Inhone Hindustaan ke liye London Olympics mein gold jeeta hai. Itna hi nahi, poori tournament ke highest individual goal scorer bhi reh chuke hain."

"Haan toh theek hai na phir main nahi jaarahi kisi International Hockey player ke naal."

"Accha bhai, maafi."

Uday accepted defeat, in accordance with the universal law of nature - the boss is always right. He held his ears cutely. Vashma immediately pulled his hand into hers. "Oye pagal koi dekhlega toh!" she whispered softly.

She dusted his shoulders with a broad smile. "Tune iss Vashma ka hi nahi, poore desh ka naam roshan kiya hai pagle."

"Chaal phir?"

He extended his arm towards her which she gladly grabbed and off they were, with hand in hand. 

Amrit stood back, smiling at the adorable couple. She could not stop herself from taking a small balaayi of the two people most important to her.

"Kispar vaari jaa rahi hain aap?" asked Veer, walking slowly with his favourite whiskey in hand.

"Kuch nahi, inhein dekh rahi thi aur soch rahi thi ki kitne bure din dekhkar hum yahan tak aayein hain."

The partition had been worse than the gloomiest dream anyone had ever seen. Amrit shuddered at the thought of being separated for four long years, all those sleepless nights and uncomfortable days, full of apprehension and diminishing hope. Yet, here were they, standing together and strong.

"Lekin ab aur dukh nahi, ab sirf aage dekhna hai," he said. 

"Kya aap taiyyar hain?" she asked. He nodded in approval.

"Humaare Prince kahin dikhaayi nahi de rahe par, hain kahan?"

"Pata nahi, subah se gayab hai! Aane do aaj, khabar leti hoon inki!" 

"Hogayi hai yeh gustaakhi oo sanam, par kya milegi humein maafi?"

Amrit turned around to see him standing right behind her. "Randheer!" she exclaimed in relief and hugged him softly. "Kahan the aap?"

She raised her eyebrows to indicate a long awaited question but he stood silent. The sadness in his eyes spoke volumes and Amrit asked no more. She brushed aside her thoughts and smiled again, not to spoil the happy mood.

"Miyan biwi ki ishaarebaazi khatam hogayi ho toh ek toast ho jaaye? Rukiye hum sabko leke..."

"Veer ruko. Pehle yeh batao ki yahan kis taiyyari ki baat horahi thi?"

"Oye chote, chodd yeh sab. Pehle chal mere saath."

Uday stood amidst some established dignitaries of Delhi, coyly smiling at all the appreciation and responding occasionally in monosyllables. 

Veer rescued him at the right moment and soon, everyone gathered in a corner and raised their glasses.

Uday, Vashma, Veer Amrit and Randheer cheered on loudly, "To the Princess of Daulatabad!"

Vashma soaked in this feeling of happiness and togetherness and made a small prayer to never part ways with this feeling. Uday understood her qualms and held her shoulders with one arm and gently patted her back assuringly. 

-..-..-

Chapter Two Teaser: Veer leaves the Palace much to everyone's grief while Randheer feels guilty, holding himself responsible. Amrit shares her sadness with Vashma and Uday.