love vs hate. Rt and Mc ff chp 17 posted on pg 10 - Page 7

Originally posted by: Meena_J

awesome update....actually the fight reminded me of the fight sequence in JA movie somehow lol

Originally posted by: coderlady

Raj was intending to propose to Saiba? Looks like Prithvi has a reason to hate Raj and Veer. Prithvy seems to be falling for Saiba. That will just hurt him later.

How the hell did this happen, Ali? How did Nandini and Veer end up in the same place? " Vijay asked.

Vijay was striding, back and forth in his living room with a frown etched onto his face, trying to understand what had happened at the party.

"I don't know your highness. No one knew We had thought it was just Anjali's friend's birthday party, it was destiny that Raj turned out to be Anjali's friend," Ali explained.

Vijay nodded in understanding before asking "How was Veer when you took him home last night? After the fight with Prithvi?" Vijay asked worriedly.

"He was ok apart from the head injury. I am surprised Prithvi didn't break any of his bones, as a matter of fact, he was not as hard as he usually is with someone," Ali curious.

"What do you mean ?" Vijay enquired.

"What I mean is that Prithvi is really strong, his one punch is enough to break a bone and I am quite surprised he didn't use all his force on veer," said Ali.

Vijay was surprised ali asked this question and then it occurs to him as well.

"Ali, when was the last time you actually saw Prithvi's face? " Vijay asked.

"When he was ten, Your Highness. That was the last time you came to visit him. Soon after that, he started to wear his mask and no one apart from Baba saw his ever again. But why do you ask Your Highness?"

"That was day Nandini was attacked, right? That was the last time I had seen his face too. He started to wear his mask right after. Am I right Ali ?" Vijay asked.

"Yes, and since then he has never removed it. I tried to remove it or snatch it a few times but never succeeded, " Ali admitted sadly.

Vijay was lost in thought, thinking about Prithvi and the mask and their last meeting that took place years ago.

"How is the queen ?" Ali asked pulling Vijay out from his daze.

"The same as always. She is only my hope Ali and I don't know how long my hope will survive," Vijay said sadly.

"Time is moving fast Your Highness and we still haven't found a solution to our problem," said Ali.

"There is a solution Ali but they will never agree," Vijay said.

"Their hate is stronger than their love. We have to do something soon, with time the hatred among them will only grow stronger " Ali warned.

"Their hate is not connected to the time they had in Canada, it's connected to their childhood, it will not erase until we find the mystery behind," said, Vijay.

"We tried a lot your highness but failed the only people who really know what happen are either dead or is in a coma or they don't remember, " said, Ali.

"We have time till they complete their training, you try to convince veer and I will try convincing nandini to forget the enormity and start a new life with each other and end the bloodline once for all," said, Vijay.

"If they don't agree then, what," said, Ali.

"Then I have another plan for them which will force them to step down said, " Vijay.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Meanwhile, in a garden, a boy sat with a bottle in his hand, drowning himself in the rain. Too drunk to be able to stand on his feet, he trembled and fell to the ground, he sighed and closed his eyes and let the raindrops fall on his face. Images flashed in his mind of the girl just as broken as he was. He didn't know for which reason he hated himself. For reacting the way he did on seeing her? For seeing that she had moved on? Or was it because he still had feelings for her?

After 3 years he saw her, touched her and hugged her. It maddened him that his love was overpowering his hatred for her.

"Damn you Saiba! You knew this is how I'd feel, that's why you assigned the marriage idea, DAMN YOU !" Veer kept repeating to himself.

"If you feel so much pain, Why don't you let go of the hate Veer ?" a voice asked.

Veer got up and looked at Ali "Easier said than done" Veer responded.

"Veer why are you doing this to yourself? Trust me when I say it's not worth it" Ali said.

" your idea is nothing but just a piece of shit, nothing is going to change my decision, nothing, by the way, Where were you all time," said veer?

Ali looked at his suspicious eyes and said: "I had gone to get something for the training why you ask,".

"Who is Prithvi to you Ali ?" Veer questioned.

Ali was quite unable to think what to answer him.

"Don't lie to me Ali, I know he knows you otherwise he wouldn't have stopped hitting me when you asked once," Veer.

"He is my younger brother, Veer," Ali replied honestly.

"What!!!" Veer yelled shocked.

"So what are you a double spy now Ali? Your brother works for the enemy and you work for my grandfather ?" Veer inquired.

"I am not a double spy, Veer. Prithvi is only protecting and training Princess Nandini because she was attacked once," Ali explained.

"What-who attacked her ?" Veer asked seriously.

"Some drinkers, that's when Prithvi saved her and since then she is staying with him and getting trained," Ali answered.

"I will kill them, wherever they are," Veer said, starting to leave.

"They already are dead, Prithvi killed them," Ali said gravely.

Veer turned around shocked again. Prithvi had killed them for attacking Saiba. He should be thankful to Ali for saving his life.

"What are you thinking Veer?" Ali asked.

"Is that the reason she has turned like that I mean... Week... And broken ?" Veer asked, finding it difficult to find the right words.

"She was worse than that but Prithvi took care of her since then. But why are you so concerned?"

"I am not... Just curious as to what happened to her," Veer said quickly.

"Veer can't you just forget everything and live a good life with her ?" Ali asked.

"You expect me to forget that she killed my father? Would you do it, Ali? If you were in my place, would you do it ?"

"Yes, if not for myself but to at least end this bloody unnecessary fight," Ali exclaimed.

"You don't know how much I have suffered because of her Ali,"

"Do you know how much she has? If you are man enough why don't first find out what happened? What happened to her after that incident years ago!" Ali yelled angrily.

"What's that supposed to mean ?" Veer asked.

"Go ask her father or if you have the guts ask her! Hear the story of a girl who died but still lived."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Nandini quietly leaned against her pillows lost in her thoughts. She couldn't stop thinking about the things that had occurred today. The dance with Veer and his hurtful words. She didn't know what happens once a heartbreaks. But every time she gets close to gathering all the pieces, it shatters again. Now she had also become the reason for someone else's heartbreak.

A small knock pulled her out of her thoughts, but she ignored it.

Prithvi opened the door slowly and walked inside with a tray of food. He sat on the edge of the bed and gently said "Nandini, you haven't eaten anything. Please eat."

"I am not hungry, Prithvi," Nandini replied, not even glancing at the food.

"You have to eat something or you will fall sick," Prithvi requested.

"Don't force me Prithvi. I said no," Nandini exclaimed sternly.

Prithvi sighed and started to leave, that's when Nandini caught his wrist stopping him from leaving. Prithvi turned to her confused.

"Prithvi, can I ask you something ?"

Prithvi looked at her curiously before saying "Yes."

"Do you love Pari ?" She asked.

Prithvi closed his eyes at her question. He had expected this question from her. He sighed quietly before asking "Why do you ask? "

"I want to know Prithvi, do you love her ?"

"Don't ask questions that can not be answered Nandini," Prithvi replied.

She let go of his hand and laid down on the bed and closed her eyes. Prithvi knew she was faking her sleep. She was hurt too much tonight, to force her on anything.

"I won't let her or you go through the pain I have experienced Prithvi, I promise," Nandini said.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Sweat dripped down his face as Prithvi continued to punch the bag with all his strength. Images of the night flashing in his mind, with every vivid detail. But the one that made his blood boil was the look on Nandini's face after the b*"#$ had called her that name. He would have killed Veer if he didn't know how much Nandini cared about him.

He wished he could talk to someone about all this. He was physically strong but was not the same when the t came to the matter of his heart.

He took out an anklet from his pocket and looked at, a tear made his way down from his already red eyes.

"I wish I could tell you Nandini, What Pari means to me. I wish I could tell you who she was" Prithvi whispered.

A small girl and a boy were playing in the gardens, it was beautiful, the trees, the flowers, the birds singing, the boy kept looking at his big brother and that man who always comes once a year with his only friend on his birthday. It is the only time when he is allowed to come out and play because she is too stubborn to listen to anyone, her stubbornness is a treat for him as no one dares to say no to her, he looked at her running after him giggling because she couldn't catch him. They were the same age but she kept calling him chote dost, "Chote dost please stop, I can't run any more." He stops at her request and turns to her "Are you alright princess?" the boy asked worried. She laughed at him and started running. ahead of him again, but before she barely took a few steps, she fell and he screamed Nandiniiiiiiii.

Prithvi shouted Nandiniiii as if he was back in his childhood, he looked at the anklet and clutched it against his heart.

"I am so sorry, " Prithvi murmured as his tears fell onto the anklets.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Meanwhile, a girl lay in bed, crying into her pillows. Her secret diary was tossed recklessly on the other side of the bed. It was opened and Prithvi's picture was kept safely between in it which she had stolen from his house. His words had torn her heart apart, every fight she had with him, kept coming before her eyes, she thought he had the same feeling for her as she did, but she was wrong. She had only heard that words could break hearts and souls, she would always laugh about it but today she had learned the hard way.


She got up and looked at the picture in the book. She took it, tore it into pieces then threw it in the dustbin.

She got up and opened her wardrobe. She pulled out the pictures. She opened the drawers and took out the pictures from there as well. She collected every last picture and threw them all in the dustbin.

"I will erase you from everywhere Prithvi but how can I erase you from my heart !" she screamed as she dropped on her knees and cried.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Next morning.

Nandini freshened up and changed quickly. She spent all night thinking about Prithvi and Pari. She wouldn't be able to live with herself knowing that she was the reason for their future to be destroyed. She quickly grabbed her phone and left her room.

"Nandini dear breakfast is ready," said Rahim chacha called out.

"Is Prithvi awake?" Nandini asked.

"No dear."

"Ok, I am going out for a few minutes I will come back soon chacha. Don't tell Prithvi anything".

Nandini knocked on her neighbour's door softly. The door opened revealing Vasuda.

"Namaste aunty, is Pari home ?" Nandini asked.

"Yeah, she is. Who are you?" Vasuda enquired?

"I am Nandini. I live in Prithvi's house," she explained.

Pari came from behind her mom and peeked at her visitor. Her temper grew seeing the reason for her suffering standing at the door.

" Haven't I heard enough? "

"Please can I talk to you for a few minutes ?" Nandini asked.

"I don't wanna talk to you so just leave, "

"Pari please for Prithvi's sake," said nandini.

"Honey at least listen to what she has to say," Vasuda said gently.

Pari looked at her mom and then at Nandini. She sighed and nodded.

She went ahead as Nandini followed.

"Whatever you have to say it; fast," Pari said.

"Pari, I am sorry for whatever happened last night but believe me, Prithvi didn't mean to get mad at you. He was angry at what happened at the party. You were just there at the wrong time," Nandini explained.

"Stop trying to cover for him Nandini. He meant everything he said. Every single word. He doesn't love me. Can't even talk to me without getting in an argument because he loves you. You heard his declaration last night. I was stupid all this time but not anymore. I understand now."

"N,o it's not like that. It's not what you think Pari. There is nothing between us. He may care for me but only as a friend. He can be confusing at times but I know he only loves you. " Nandini said.

"After whatever he said to me yesterday evening. You expect me to believe whatever you said? Well,l you are a fool Nandini. Don't waste your time," Pari scoffed.

"Did you even hear what he said? He said I am someone you cannot be, you took the wrong meaning!" Nandini said.

"What's that suppose to mean then?" Pari asked confused.

"You can never be his friend because you are his love. We only fight with the people who are close to us. I have seen the way he looks at you. The look he has in his eyes is Love and I know it. I just don't understand why he hides it and you are only one who can find the answers. " Nandini explained.

"Say I believe you, then tell me who are you and what are you doing here?" Pari asked.

"I am Princess Nandini Rudra Prathab of Mewar. I am here to be trained by Prithvi, as some goons had attacked me weeks ago. So for my safety, my dad sent me here to train with Prithvi so I can defend myself in case the situation arises, "

Pari's mouth dropped hearing this. " Are you serious !"

"Yes, and if it really helps I am already married to. Prithvi is my guardian and my best friend nothing else. Besides, I will be gone in a few days and he will be all your then." said nandini.

Pari didn't know how to react. Her face lightened up hearing everything Nandini had to say. The horrible night she had spent crying felt like a nightmare which passed. A huge smile crawled onto her face. Both turned around hearing footsteps. Pari's smile widened even more.

Prithvi was looking for nandini when Rahim chacha said she will come soon, he felt worried and started to look for her, that's when he came out saw the 2 ladies talking, he didn't know what nandini had told pari, but pari looked at him and a huge smile appeared on her face before he could think about anything she had started running towards him, and in a matter of few minutes, she had wrapped her arms around his neck and hugged him tightly.

Prithvi looked at pari and then to nandini, she smiled and nodded to him, the smile brought a grin on his face and he hugged pari back crushing her to himself.

"I thought I told you not to come back. Do you ever listen to me ?" Prithvi asked mockingly.

"Say whatever you want but this time I will never ever leave you," Pari promised.

"Is that a promise ?" Prithvi questioned.

"Yes."

"I will make you regret your promise," Prithvi said with a wicked smile.

"Try and I'll kill you this time," Pari said teasingly.

Pari looked at him her tears blurring her vision covered him from her sight. Prithvi took her face in his hands and slowly wiped her tears away and kissed her on her forehead.

"I love you," Pari said hugging his even tighter.

Nandini cleared her throat and they broke apart. She went to her and hugged Nandini.

"Thank you Nandini thank you so much," said pari.

"You are welcome and be happy always together but now let's go and eat I am starving," said Nandini.

The three of them went inside where Rahim chacha had already made lunch. They sat in their places around the table and started to eat.

Nandini was glad everything turned the way it suppose to, now she won't have to live in guilt for an innocents heartbreak.

"Nandini you should eat the pie it's delicious," said Prithvi.

"Ok, can you please pass me the tea Prithvi ?" Nandini asked.

"sure here," Prithvi gave him the teapot.

"Prithvi can I have the pie ?" Pari asked gently.

"No!!," Prithvi said.

"Why not ?"

"Seriously Pari looks at you. This poor Earth already has a lot of weight to handle. It doesn't need you gaining more," Prithvi teased.

"Wha! I am not fat! How dare you say that" Pari said angrily.

"Prithvi stop it, you are perfectly fit Pari. Here eat as much as you want," Nandini said.

"That's very bad Nandini," said Prithvi

"What is ?" Nandini asked.

"You are spoiling the Fatso. If she gains any more weight than I don't know her," said Prithvi.

"You know what Prithvi I dare you to leave me and see," Pari challenged.

"Is that a threat ?" Prithvi asked.

"You bet it is."

"Wel,l then I dare you to gain weight, "

"You know I won't," Pari said.

"Now who is thinking about leaving ?" Prithvi asked.

"Enough you too, eat and then fight," Nandini scolded.

"Where is khan baba ?" Pari asked.

"He is sleeping, he had a headache so I gave him medicine and told him to rest," said Prithvi.

"I should go check on him after lunch," said Pari.

"Yes but don't break him the news of your betrayal, I don't think he would take it well," said Prithvi.

"What betrayal ?" Pari asked confused.

"Yours of course, how would he take the news of his to-be-wife turning into his to- be- daughter in law," said Prithvi.

"What! Prithvi I will kill you for sure, " Pari yelled.

Pari got up and so did Prithvi, she ran after him with a knife that was meant to cut the pie but instead someone was going to use it to cut the throat.

Nandini shook her head in amusement and said " kids, " while laughing to herself.

Pari was running hard after Prithvi but the poor soul was nowhere near to reach "Wait for Prithvi, I will show you today," said Pari.

"First, catch me at least," Prithvi said mockingly.

Pari stopped abruptly, panting heavily she looked at Prithvi who was standing like he just had a walk in the garden, he gazed at her with confused eyes.

"You brought me here purposely didn't you ?" Pari asked.

"Yes, I did, there is something you need to know,w" said Prithvi.

Anxiety rose in Pari's heart "What is it? " Pari asked.

"Pari, before we move ahead, I want you to know something about me, baba is not my real father, I was given to him just to be raised, I can't reveal who I am neither can I reveal where am I from at least for now" Prithvi explained.

"What you mean for no? "

"I mean this place is a hideout for me, I might be gone for some time. It's not just about Nandini it's about you too and my identity. I can't let Nandini go alone, she will be in grave danger, Pari. I want you to trust me. Can you do that?" Prithvi asked.

Pari was quite, she looked him at him in the eyes and she knew he was telling her the truth, what made her heartache was the thought of him going away.

"What are you thinking about Pari ?" said Prithvi

"I trust you more than I trust myself Prithvi, knowing you have feelings for me is enough for me to wait all my life but you have to promise to come back," said Pari.

"I promise Pari, I will come back and take you forever," said Prithvi.

"Prithvi can I see your face?" she asked.

"No," said Prithvi.

Disappointed Pari looked at him and said: "why not Prithvi,".

'You will get the reason to run," said Prithvi.

"very funny but no reason can back me out Prithvi," said pari moving forward and hugging him.

"I can't remove my mask pari, not until I get what was mine not until I get my identity back, that day I will remove it forever," said Prithvi...

"I will wait for that day Prithvi and for you," Pari promised.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

1 month later

Veer and Ali were having a sword fight again. This time Veer was tougher and smarter but Ali was his master and was giving him a tough fight. Veer defended Ali's every attack and quickly attacked Ali back.

At last with the final strike, Ali's sword fell from his hands.

"Wow Veer, I must say you have become a true warrior," Ali said proudly.

"With a teacher like you, who wouldn't," Veer responded.

" I am proud of you. Now you can go to your kingdom tomorrow."

Veer frowned on hearing those words. He knew he had to go. He would take over the throne but what would he do when he turned 26? How will he produce an heir? How would he face his grandfather when he tells him to marry the daughter of the enemy?

"What are you thinking about ?" Ali asked, noticing the look on his face.

"Nothing Ali. It's something that can be thought of later," Veer responded.

"Have you thought about what I said about you and Princess Nandini?'' Ali questioned.

"No, because it's not something to be thought of,"

"Can I ask you something, Veer ?"

"Yeah ask."

"If that incident had n't happened would you have reacted the same?"

"Then for me the kingdom and throne, everything would be nothing but e of trash Ali. No force on earth would have separated me from her." Veer said before walking out. Leaving Ali in deep thoughts before a wide grin crept onto his face.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

A sword was thrown away from a boys hand inches away, the heavy panting was proof he was given a tough fight, but the girl screamed in the excitement of winning from the best warrior.

"That's cheating Nandini! You pushed me " Prithvi complained.

"That's called mind game Prithvi. You said use your own tricks and I did, so stop sulking" said Nandini.

"You are using my own strategies against me, are you," said Prithvi.

"Oh yes, I am!! Now tell me am I ready ?" Nandini asked.

"Yes, you are said," Prithvi said proudly.

"I am so happy Prithvi," said nandini moving forward and hugging Prithvi.

Prithvi hugged her back, and someone cleared her throat telling them they are not alone.

"So who won? " Pari asked excitedly.

"I did," Nandini stated proudly.

"That's like my friend," said Pari sticking her tongue out at Prithvi.

Prithvi looked at Pari, "What are you doing here? I thought you were studying hypnotism on people Pari ?" Prithvi asked.

"I was but took a little break," Pari explained.

"Oh yea, You have already got your first target, poor fellow," said Prithvi.

"Who are you talking about Prithvi?" asked Nandini confused.

"Me of course, imagine a handsome guy like me attracted to her, it's the only explanation," said Prithvi.

"Well that only proves, how good I am at it," Pari said.

"So you agree, you have hypnotized me," said Prithvi.

"Well yes, I did but that hypnotism is a different one," said Pari winked at him.

"Aha!!! I am so doomed, glad you explained my madness," said Prithvi.

"Prithvi, you are too much," Nandini said.

It was true Pari wanted to be psychiatric but was also interested in hypnotism.

"I came to give Nandini her mobile, someone has been calling her non-stop."

"Oh really," she took her phone from pari and looked it was her dad, she called him and went out to talk leaving 2 people alone.

Pari hugged Prithvi, "Everything will be finished today Prithvi and you will be gone tomorrow, I wanna spend the whole day with you," Pari said.

Prithvi was silent, he hugged her back tightly and didn't said a word, and let the silence speak.

Nandini was about to enter when she saw them in their embrace. She felt guilty that they didn't get to spend time together because of her training. Prithvi had made sure she trained, day and night after that night.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Vijay sat in the darkness of his room, the anxiety was clear on his face. He couldn't stop thinking about what would happen tomorrow. Pacing around the room.

"Our last hope of convincing them is also lost, your highness. What are we going to do now?" Ali asked?

"I know Ali, but it's not over yet," said Vijay.

"What are we going to do? "

"Let things remain the way they are. Tomorrow we will head towards Mewar. I will take care of everything over there" Vijay explained.

"But sir it will be unfair to your legacy if you let your nephew take over the Throne if that's what you are thinking," said Ali.

"I don't care about my legacy Ali as long as it stops the disaster from happening ."

"But it won't stop it, even if Nandini doesn't get the throne, The problem is the marriage and under no circumstances, Nandini will break it " Ali explained.

"We come back to the same place we leave Ali, but I do have one more weapon."

"You mean by Prithvi? " Ali asked.

"Yes, it's time for him to get what belongs to him, make sure he comes with us tomorrow, Mewar and Jodhpur both will be unaware of the shock," said Vijay.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

On the terrace, in Prithvi house.

Pari was walking towards the terrace in Prithvi house, confused and sad, not knowing why Prithvi summoned her there.

She resting in her room when a message came to her mobile from Prithvi telling her to dress up nicely and meet him in the Terrace. She quickly wore her favourite black Anarkali gown, with golden embroidery on it and the net dupatta.

Leaving her long hair open and having minimal make up she took her exit.

She entered the Terrace and saw the boy had his back to him but turned as he heard the soft sound of her anklets.

She looked around and felt like it was a fairy fantasy. There were red flowers on the ground that made its way to him, the red heart-shaped balloons, the table in between and 2 chairs on the side, Prithvi looked at her and then a played soft music on his phone, to which she smiled and started walking.

Prithvi offered his hand when she was close enough and she took it.

Prithvi was mesmerized the way pari looked, everything about her was dreamy, the beautiful eyes, the elegance of her skin, he holds her around her waist and pulling her close to home.

Pari cheeks burned like fire and she couldn't help but look down to hide her face but failed as Prithvi held her chin demanding to look at him, they slowly started to sway to the music.

"Was this your idea ?" Pari asked breaking the silence.

"Nope, I am not that good in romance," said Prithvi.

Confused, she glared into his eyes and asked: "Then who's idea was it?"

"Nandini, she wanted us to spend some time with each other before we leave for Mewar," said Prithvi.

"Are you going tomorrow ?" Pari questioned.

"Yes."

"I will be back soon," Prithvi promised.

"I love you Prithvi," said Pari hugging him.

He grinned at her words and hugged her tightly.

"Better get used to saying this, when I get back it's all you will be saying, " said Prithvi and tightened his arms around her, while the blush only kept getting red by the minute.

They smiled under the twinkling of the stars and moon, not in the mood to leave each other soon.

awesome job dear...i really like it ...good way to time pass during covid 19 is too read awesome FFs like yours

Nandidni did well to put Prithvi and Pari together. She understood Pari's pain. Prithvi was friends with Nandini when they were young? Veer does care for Nandidni even if he wants to hate her.

Originally posted by: Meena_J

awesome job dear...i really like it ...good way to time pass during covid 19 is too read awesome FFs like yours

Originally posted by: coderlady

Nandidni did well to put Prithvi and Pari together. She understood Pari's pain. Prithvi was friends with Nandini when they were young? Veer does care for Nandini even if he wants to hate her.

"Decorate, the whole palace with flowers, lights, prepare every kind of snack, every kinda food, burn the diyas, place in a huge rangoli, give blankets, money, clothes, to poor, my family is returning tomorrow, my son, my granddaughter, my heir is returning I didn't know I would live to see this day Sarita," said a tearful voice looking at the servants who had bowed their heads and were listening to the man who was looking at the elegant lady wearing a banarsi saree and jewellery. Who herself was on the verge of crying.

"I know Sumaishwer, it's been a decade since Vijay took his daughters and left. He took the only reason for our living, and now after so many years god has finally answered our prayers." Sarita said breaking out into tears.

" But now they are coming back and the reason for our living too and this time I will not let them ever leave again," said Sumaishwer.

"Your highness, you called?" asked a man bowing before the king.

"Yes, I did, I want you to send an invitation to all the people, each and everyone, friends or enemy let them come. The palace is organising a huge welcome celebration for the arrival of my son and granddaughter everyone is invited, place a pooja for them in the afternoon and the party at night," proclaimed Sumaishwer.

"Yes, your highness. Am I also to send an invitation to Jodhpur ?" the man inquired.

"The first invitation is to be sent to Jodhpur. Also, decorate the Laxmi Niwas like a newlywed bride." Sumaishwer ordered.

"Yes, your highness. Everything shall be arranged," he said as he bowed and left.

" Just twenty-four hours more Sarita. Just twenty-four more" said Sumaishwer.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Prithvi drove his car to the airport with Nandini and Vijay. He had been lost in thought most of the ride. He had left after the sad goodbyes to Pari and Baba. Pari had promised to take care of Khan baba and the house in his absence, he couldn't sleep the whole night. After Pari had left at three in the morning, sleep refused to accompany him.

He missed her already. He didn't know for how long he was going to go but he knew that the separation would be tough to handle. But he had to go, for their future.

Nandini who had been looking at Prithvi then shifted her gaze to her dad, her eyebrows drawn together in confusion. She knew her dad was hiding a lot of things from her. Numerous unanswered questions swirled through her mind, they had been bothering her and no matter what she did she couldn't stop thinking about them. But every time she asked her father, he would change the topic, her father was acting really strange lately. Not to mention his decision for her to patch up with Veer, which would only happen when hell freezes, Nandini thought and rolled her eyes. But the one question that she was most curious about was related to her father's behaviour towards Prithvi. She had always seen the caring, and protective side of her dad when it came to either her or Sara but she had seen some deep emotions when it came to Prithvi.

Vijay's phone rang, breaking the silence and pulling everyone out of their thoughts. He picked up and asked, "Yes, what's the news ?"

He listened to the call for a few minutes and then frowned before he cut the call.

"What happened?'' Prithvi asked, looking at Vijay.

"My father has decided to welcome us with a grand celebration even when I strictly said no but to be fair when does he ever listen to me?" Vijay complained annoyedly.

"Why did you ask granddad not to? Dad, it's his way to celebrate his happiness," said Nandini.

"Because I hate parties and that also such grand ones and being the centre of attention" Vijay explained.

"I know that feeling, even I hate celebrations and parties. It's quite annoying and boring," said Prithvi.

"Exactly, but my dad is quite fond of it. He just needed a reason to throw a party," said Vijay.

"Oh come on dad, granddad is so much more fun than you. I think you are older than granddad,"

" I am not surprised. Even when you were younger, dad always said you were more like him than me and now I see that he was right," Vijay said rolling his eyes.

"Very funny dad but I am proud to be like him at least he doesn't hide anything from me,'' said Nandini.

" Is that a taunt Nandini ?" Vijay asked.

" Maybe, " she replied slyly.

"You are the reason why I'm hiding Nandini, but don't worry I have got someone else to share my secrets with," said Vijay looking over at Prithvi.

"At your service sir,'' Prithvi said, shooting Nandini a smug look who just rolled her eyes at them.

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"I don't understand why Ali didn't come with us," Karan asked, confused.

"He said he will join us on Veer's birthday after 2 days,'' Sumer explained.

"He better make it on time, it feels weird not seeing him around us, don't you Veer,?" Karan said.

He looked at Veer who was looking out of the window, with a frown on his face. He was lost in some other world.

" Veer are you with me? " Karan asked trying to get Veer's attention again.

"Yes Bhai, what were you saying?" asked Veer.

" What are you thinking about Veer?" Karan asked.

"Nothing Bhai, I was not thinking about anything," Veer lied.

Veer was always lost and quite ever since the party incident. No one knew what was going on in his mind. No matter how many times anyone asked he wouldn't say a word. Karan sighed and continued to check his phone.

Lie such a small word but it had the power to destroy the strongest relationships like his and Saiba's. He can lie to everyone but not to himself, since the day Ali had talked to him. He had thought about it continuously, asking himself again and again about what the hell had happened to her. Why did Ali say all those things? But it was useless to keep repeating to himself it had driven him mad day and night. Every time he would close his eyes the picture of that night would flash in his mind. He had to do something to find out even if it meant talking to her, he thought and leaned back with closed eyes.

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(At the airport)

Nandini sat with Vijay and Prithvi looking around bored when her eyes landed on Veer making his way to the waiting area with his family. She knew where he was going but she couldn't care less. The words of that night still echoed in her ears and it only made her blood boil.

Nandini looked around at Vijay and Prithvi who were lost in discussion unaware of the people heading towards them. She turned her back to Veer and sat facing Vijay and Prithvi.

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Veer even from just looking at her back knew that it was her. She had turned around only when she saw him coming. He moved with his family to the three rows behind them and started gazing at Nandini.

Nandini knew his eyes were on her but she didn't try to look at him. She just kept wishing that the flight announcement would happen soon and she could flee from there.

Sumer's phone rang, he took out the phone and checked the caller id. The number he saw made the blood drain from his face, he got up and walked to a corner and took the call listening to the caller.

When he disconnected the phone, he opened his messages and sent a text to the contact with the name of the king, and went back to sit with his family.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Feeling uneasy, Nandini got up and went to the glass window with the view of the aeroplanes taking off and landing, she kept staring at the view when Prithvi came and stood next to her.

"Are you alright Nandini? You seem lost, " said Prithvi.

"No, I am fine Prithvi. It's just sometimes it's hard to shake off your past when it continuously follows you around," said Nandini.

Prithvi looked at her confused and then turned around to see the place where they were sitting and to his surprise, a familiar face was looking in their direction.

" I hope you remember your training Nandini," said Prithvi.

"Yes, I do, that's why I am standing here Prithvi."

"Good," said Prithvi.

He moved closer to her while she rested her head on his shoulder and he put his arms around her shoulder.

Veer's blood boiled looking at the sight in front of him. The image of them standing next to each other and side hugging was unbearable for him. He turned his face from them, he would do anything to break his bones just once he thought angrily.

The flight was announced and they started boarding the plane, it was a short distance flight, they would be going to Jodhpur and taking the cars for Mewar and Jodhpur.

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A lady ran in the long corridor towards the king room, the walls were decorated with pictures of previous kings and queens, the expensive carpet had covered the whole corridor, beautiful flowers were kept in the expensive vases. The king's room was the grandest and the biggest room in the palace, the servant reached the door and knocked before a voice commanded to enter, she entered and bowed to Abhimanyu Singh.

"Your highness the Prince has reached Jodhpur and he will be here any minute," informed the servant.

" Did you hear that Lalita? Our grandson has reached," said Abhimanyu Singh happily

"Yes, I have heard. Savita go and prepare the Arthi thali and tell the servants to put out the red carpet and cover it with red flowers. I want his every step to be on the flowers and come to me," said Lalita Abhimanyu Singh.

" As you wish, Rani ma," said Savita while bowing.

"Let's go Lalita," said Abhimanyu Singh.

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My son and granddaughter's entry should be grand. They will be here any minute, go prepare the Arthi and see if the pandit needs anything," said Sumaishwer Rudra Pratab.

"Your highness the king and the princess have arrived" informed a voice behind them.

"Let's go Sumaishwer! I can't wait to see them," said Sarita as they hurried to the welcome.

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Vijay looked at the Laxmi Niwas, the palace where he grew up, the palace where he has his good and bad memories. The huge two hundred room palace was decorated with flowers and lights. The red carpet was put out for the car to go on it, flowers were thrown on their car, the crackers were fired up, the musician started to play the music.

"I hope my dad hasn't planned something worse than this,'' said Vijay, annoyed.

"Oh come on dad, it's his way to express his happiness, don't be so moody,'' said Nandini.

The limousine came to a stop as the driver stepped out and opened the door and bowed for the king to come out. Vijay came out followed by Nandini and Prithvi.

Sumaishwer and Sarita looked at Prithvi confused and then to each other not understanding who he was. As the three of them stood in front of Sumaishwer, Sarita started doing the arthi of the three of them and did tika, Vijay touched his mom and dad feet as his mom hugged Vijay they started to cry, it was Nandini's turn and she repeated what her father did and hugged her grandfather and grandmother.

"Who is he Vijay ? " asked Sarita looking at Prithvi.

"He is like a son to me mom and he will be living with us," Vijay informed.

Prithvi did namaste to them and they did the same and everyone went inside the pandit was waiting for the pooja. After the pooja ended they started to go to the dining room for lunch as they sat a middle-aged man with a young boy made their way to them and said

"Eating alone Vijay ?" said Arvind Chandra prathab.

Vijay got up happily and walked towards Arvind and hugged him " Arvind my brother it's been so long.

"Yes Vijay, it's been so long I am glad you finally came back", said Arvind.

They broke apart and Arvind brought his son forward.

"This is my son Arjun Arvind Prathab."

Arjun bent and touched Vijay's feet "God bless you son. I didn't know you have grown into such a handsome man Arjun. You have inherited your mom's looks rather than your father's," said Vijay.

"Nandini comes here," Vijay called out.

Arvind this is my elder daughter Nandini, and Nandini this is my cousin brother and his son Arjun" said Vijay.

Nandini touched Arvind's feet while he blessed her, and shook hands with Arjun.

"You know what Nandini, you look so beautiful just like your mom, unlike your father who isn't handsome," said Arvind teasingly.

They went to the dining table, everyone greeted Arvind and Arjun. When Aravind's gaze landed on Prithvi he gave Vijay a questioning look.

"I will tell you everything later Arvind," said Vijay and began to eat.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"You have to eat everything on the plate Veer," said Lalita, feeding him with her own hands.

"I will blow up dadi, I can't eat that much,'' Veer argued, trying to stop his dad from stuffing his mouth any further.

"They had received a grand welcome when they came, different types of food and sweets were prepared, and the poor people were summoned to receive money, blankets, clothes. Surya Bhawan was lightened up with diyas everywhere, and the king had ordered to light them for the coming three days.

"Enough Lalita at least let the poor boy take a breath,'' said Abhimanyu.

" That's not going to happen, at any cost. I want to fulfil every wish I ever had regarding him," said Lalita.

" Ok ok grandma, do whatever you want, but I am really tired. Can I rest a little please ?" said Veer.

"Yes, that you can do,'' said Lalita.

"Mom, dad, you should rest too. It's been a long trip," said Veer.

"VEER! How can you call them mom and dad after knowing that they are simply your caretakers," said Lalita?

"Because they are my mom and dad grandma and nothing is going to change it, and I want you to respect that," Veer stated.

Lalita was going to say something but Abhimanyu put a hand on her shoulder and made her keep quiet,

"Of course, we respect that Veer, now all of you go and rest. We have a big day tomorrow son," said Abhimanyu as Veer and the rest went to their rooms.

"Why did you stop me Abhimanyu ?" asked Lalita.

"Because this is not the right time Lalita we just got Veer back and we can't lose him. He is really attached deeply to this family and they have raised him like a son just as our son and daughter-in-law would have. If he calls them mom dad let him, it cannot change the blood in his veins; our blood," said Abhimanyu.

Lalita got quiet but nodded in agreement it was too early to tell anything, but slowly she would get him to understand who was family and who was stranger.

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amazing work! was waiting for your PM. hope all is well.

Vijay and Nandidni are getting welcomed in their place. Veer in his. Something is about to happen.