Amidst the strange happenings in the Pratapgarh palace, will Abhimanyu and Tapasya's love blossom? Tapasya Singh, who came to India from London to travel, where she met Abhimanyu. Will their love also fall victim to the conspiracies and witchcraft ha... Amidst the strange happenings in the Pratapgarh palace, will Abhimanyu and Tapasya's love blossom? Tapasya Singh, who came to India from London to travel, where she met Abhimanyu. Will their love also fall victim to the conspiracies and witchcraft happening in the Pratapgarh palace, or will their love triumph? To find out, read, "Ishq-e-Anhonee."<br />
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The dense darkness of night was spread over the Pratapgarh palace. Silence reigned all around. It felt as if there wasn't even an ant alive there. Amidst this silence, there was a commotion in the basement of the palace.
A Tantric ritual was underway in the basement. Loud sounds of different kinds of mantras were echoing there. Apparently, only a few people were present, but the voices didn't belong to any of them.
Amidst those voices, a black shadow was walking with three women. The women were well adorned and wore long veils. Their faces were not visible due to the veils. As soon as they arrived, an eerie gloom enveloped the atmosphere. A stench like that of dead animals spread throughout the place.
The three women began to move towards the standing princess. The prince was also present with the princess. The two had just gotten married. There was fear on both their faces.
The three women started approaching the princess. Before they could reach her, the prince took out a dagger he had and stabbed the princess in the chest. A man standing there became angry at this act and, without thinking, severed the prince's head from his body. Even after killing him, there was not a single expression of sorrow on his face. Whereas, the one he had just killed was none other than his own son.
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"Oh my God!" Wiping the sweat from her forehead, a girl quickly closed the book. The girl was quite disturbed after reading the book. Even in the sharp cold of London, beads of sweat appeared on her fair face. Her lips were trembling.
She reached for the water bottle to calm herself, but it was empty. "It had to be empty now." The girl said irritably and took the bottle towards the kitchen.
As soon as the girl left to drink water, the face of the princess in the picture on the book had a smile. The pages of the book fluttered and it disappeared from there.
After a while, the girl came back to the room after drinking water and tried to sleep. After some time, she was in the embrace of sleep.
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There was an atmosphere of a grand wedding in the Pratapgarh palace. A newly married couple stood at the threshold of the palace. The groom standing there looked at his bride with a smile. As soon as they both were about to step inside, someone pulled the girl inside and the boy remained outside knocking on the door.
The newlywed saw many women dressed in black clothes, carrying plates in their hands, crying and moving towards her. Their hands were full of bangles. Hearing the sound of their weeping, the girl put her hands on her ears and screamed loudly.
"Someone save me...!" Screaming, the girl woke up from her sleep. Even in the cold, her body was drenched in sweat due to fear. Her heart was beating fast.
"Why did I... Why did I see myself in place of the princess in that palace? How... How could I be there? It was just a story, right? That book...!" The girl looked around the room. But she couldn't find the book anywhere.
"Maybe... Maybe it was my illusion. I had read that book before going to sleep at night and I was very scared after reading it. We often dream about what we read or think about before going to sleep. Moreover, my name is also Tapasya, so maybe that's why I imagined myself in place of Princess Tapasya." Tapasya started trying to convince herself.
She looked at the clock, it was 5 in the morning. There was still time for her to get up, so she tried to sleep again. Her dream was repeatedly coming in front of her eyes, which she could not forget even if she wanted to. In the dream, she was seeing all the things that had happened to the princess... only this time she herself was in place of the princess.
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In the 16th century, Maharaj Suraj Singh ruled the state of Vikramgarh in Rajasthan. Suraj Singh was a Chandravanshi king. His valor and kindness were renowned everywhere.
Vikramgarh was bustling with activity. There was an atmosphere of happiness all around. All the subjects there were being fed and housed in the palace for two days. Nothing was being spared. The reason for this celebration was the wedding of Princess Tapasya, which was to take place in 2 days.
Maharaj Suraj Singh had two elder sons, Prince Uday Singh and Vijay Singh. Princess Tapasya was his youngest and only daughter.
The Maharaj had raised Princess Tapasya like a fairy. Tapasya, besides being beautiful, was also very virtuous. When the beloved princess of the palace laughed heartily, it was as if even inanimate objects laughed along with her.
Time passed, and before anyone knew it, the beloved little princess had crossed 17 springs of her life.
The palace of Vikramgarh was shining with light even during the day. Even the sun had hidden behind the clouds because of its brilliance. Today, everything paled in comparison to the beauty of Princess Tapasya, except for the palace. There was an atmosphere of happiness all around, and auspicious songs were being sung.
Princess Tapasya had chosen the groom for her wedding herself. Although her relatives and close ones did not like her choosing her partner in this way, the Maharaj, without any questions, fixed her marriage with Prince Mahendra Pratap Singh of a nearby small state, according to the princess's choice.
Soon, the wedding procession was about to reach the border of Vikramgarh. Preparations for their welcome were being carried out in full swing. Amidst these preparations, some maids were whispering among themselves.
Sukhi Bai said in a low voice, "Have you heard, Baisa... who the Princess Sa has chosen to marry? She is naive, but the Maharaj? How can he support her?"
Another maid working with her continued her point, "I myself am surprised, Badi Bai Sa. The princess has chosen a prince from such a small state. And who knows what rumors are circulating about him."
"Speak softly, Kakisa! Someone might hear. I have even heard that new brides are sacrificed there. A lot of black magic happens in their place..." Another maid, Ravi, whispered softly.
Sukhi Bai joined her hands in prayer and said, "I am very worried about the Princess Sa. May the Kuldevi Maa keep her safe after the wedding."
"These are matters of the royal family, Kaki Sa..." Ravi whispered, "I have heard that the Princess Sa is having a love marriage with the Prince... To me, this seems less like love and more like an impending disaster..."
Hearing her, Mohini said a little angrily, "You shut up, girl... If someone hears, we'll be in trouble. The Princess is a great devotee of Mata Ravi... Mata will never do anything wrong to her."
Mohini scolded them all and silenced them. She was older than all of them, so they all went back to their work after being reprimanded by her.
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On the other side, Maharaj Suraj Singh was arguing with his Rani Saroja Devi in a room of the palace. Saroja Devi was not at all happy with this marriage. She repeatedly tried to convince Tapasya not to marry... But every time, she dismissed all the things, calling it rumors and avoided Saroja Devi's words.
Saroja Devi wanted till the last moment that she could somehow stop this wedding and protect Tapasya from the impending disasters.
Saroja Devi said crying, "I will never let my beloved get married into that royal family. Maharaj, why don't you make Tapasya understand? How can we forget how your Bua Sa died? She was also married into the same royal family. Bua Sa was ready as a bride... And after that, what happened... No one got any news."
Suraj Singh said a little angrily, "What are you talking about, Rani Sa? Other people spread rumors... We can't stop them from going there. But you are also like them.... Today is such an auspicious day. It is my beloved's wedding. She is going to start a new life. How will she feel when she sees you crying like this?"
"How can we knowingly allow our beloved to jump into the well of death? We keep remembering everything that happened to your Bua Sa after her wedding. People even say that... that she was sacrificed that night."
"You have also believed in the words of servants and maids. These are nothing but fabricated stories and tales." The Maharaj tried to convince her.
Saroja Devi shouted angrily, "Keep these false consolations for the children. Don't forget, we also belong to this royal family and we know everything."
The Maharaj was trying his best to convince Rani Sa, but she was still adamant. On the other hand, he also did not want people outside to know that Saroja Devi was unhappy with this marriage. He had not even said anything to Princess Tapasya about this.
Saroj Devi did not attend any of Tapasya's wedding rituals. The Maharaj stopped everyone from going to her by saying that she was very unwell. But today his beloved daughter was about to leave this palace. He did not want to deprive Saroja Devi of her rights either. Just thinking this, he had come to convince her again.
The Maharaj and Saroja Devi were arguing with each other. Just then, their elder son Kunwar Uday Singh came there with his wife Darshana. They had heard the words of both of them.
Kunwar Uday Singh said as he came inside, "What are you talking about, Maa Sa? The Bua Sa you are talking about was Dada Sa's Bua. Her era was different. That was a long time ago and there was more black magic at that time. Now all this does not happen."
Darshana also agreed with him and said, "Maa Sa, you are unnecessarily worried and because of this worry, you have been deprived of all the happiness in which you should have been with Bai Sa. Now leave your stubbornness and come down."
Saroja Devi said crying, "You should understand my pain, Kunwar Sa. Era may be anything... whether it has passed or is about to come. Some things never change. If anything happens to my beloved today, this royal family will be destroyed."
Hearing Saroja Devi's words, the Maharaj got very angry this time. He left Saroja Devi there.
Suraj Singh said, "We thought you would give up your stubbornness today. Perhaps it is not written in your destiny to see the marriage of your beloved. You stay here... We can do all the work even without you."
Rani Sa kept screaming there while the Maharaj came to attend the wedding with Uday Singh and Darshana.
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On the other hand, Princess Tapasya had gone to the temple to worship the Kuldevi before the wedding. The temple was built in a part of the palace itself. Even then, many maids had come with her to worship. She told them all to stay outside and went alone to the temple to pray to the Goddess.
Princess Tapasya folded her hands and closed her eyes and prayed in her heart, "O Mata Rani! Kulbhvani! Today, with your blessings, I am going to start my new life. The whispers of people are not hidden from me. But we have full faith in you. You will not let anything wrong happen to me. Matarani, never leave my side and hand."
After praying to the Goddess, Princess Tapasya started performing aarti from the worship plate. As soon as she put that worship plate down, the fire from the lamp that was lying there caught her dupatta. In haste, Tapasya could not understand anything so that the fire would not spread more, and she extinguished the unbroken lamp with the water present there. Somehow, she also extinguished the fire of her dupatta with water.
After extinguishing the fire, Tapasya's attention went to the lamp and she got scared.
Tapasya said in a worried voice, "O Kuldevi! What disaster has happened from me? We have extinguished the unbroken lamp of worship in haste. Whereas there is always someone present here to keep an eye on this lamp so that it never goes out. And... and this chunri.... Daadi Sa herself had made it with her own hands for us. While giving it, she had said that her blessings would always be with us in the form of this chunri. Matarani, may this just be a coincidence... and not a knock of some impending disaster..."
Tapasya calmed herself and left from there. There was little time left for sunset. The wedding time was approaching. Many maids were engaged in preparing the princess. She did not want there to be any shortage in the adornment of everyone's favorite princess today.
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On the other hand, the wedding procession of Prince Mahendra Pratap Singh from Pratapgarh had reached Vikramgarh. They were resting in the Janwasa built on the border of Vikramgarh. The wedding procession was preparing to reach the palace. There was a lot of pomp outside. Drums were being played.
Actually, Prince Mahendra Singh was the prince of a small state, Pratapgarh, nearby. But the other truth was that the heritage of Pratapgarh was now only in name. Most of the people living there had migrated. In such a situation, the public also liked Princess Tapasya's choice of Mahendra Pratap Singh for marriage a little less.
Preparations for the procession to leave from Janwasa were complete. Aarti was being performed before the wedding procession of Prince Mahendra Pratap Singh left. After the aarti, Prince's father Tej Pratap Singh came to him to perform some traditional rituals.
Tej Pratap Singh said while adorning the Prince with Kalangi, "Today, you are truly going to repay the debt of my motherland, Prince. Our descendants will repeat your sacrifice for centuries."
Hearing Tej Pratap Singh's words, Prince Mahendra Pratap Singh's eyes bowed down and sadness spread on his face. Tej Pratap did not like seeing his faded face. He did not want Mahendra Pratap to back down from his duty now in the final hour.
Tej Pratap said, "What is the matter, Prince? Why is there this sadness on your face? Will you forget your duty by being in love with the Princess? All this is illusion and nothing else."
Prince Mahendra– "No, Father Maharaj! We will never back down from our duty. But is it necessary that... that the life of the Princess should be involved in all this....."
While speaking, Mahendra Pratap's words stopped there. While hearing his words, Tej Pratap became apprehensive that the Prince might not back down at the last moment. He was trying his best to convince him that when his elder Dada Sa Pratap Singh came there. Seeing him, both of them became silent.
Pratap Singh asked smiling, "What duty are father and son talking about fulfilling?"
Mahendra Pratap replied in a dull voice, "Elder Dada Sa! Bapu Sa was telling us about the duties related to marriage."
Pratap Singh said laughing, "Then you should tighten your belt, Prince. After marriage, your life will be spent according to your partner."
Tej Pratap said, avoiding the matter, "The auspicious time for the wedding procession to leave has come, Dada Sa.... Shall we leave now if you permit?"
"My permission and blessings will always remain on my royal family. Now don't delay... You have to bring the Lakshmi of the house home soon." Pratap Singh said stroking his head.
Tej Pratap had avoided the matter in front of Pratap Singh. As soon as he left, Tej Pratap had made him understand in his eyes that now Mahendra Pratap could not back down from his duty. While Mahendra Pratap was being used as a puppet in his hands even though he did not want to.
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The wedding procession of Prince Mahendra Pratap Singh had set off from the rest house with great fanfare. The rest house wasn't too far from the palace. Before sunset, the procession was standing in front of the Vikramgarh palace. On one hand, Rani Saroja Devi was sitting in her room shedding tears, while on the other hand, the daughters-in-law Darshana and Sudarshana, along with other women of the royal family, were welcoming Mahendra Pratap with aarti.
The princess, adorned and beautified, was ready with her friends. Dressed in a red wedding attire, adorned with jewelry, the princess looked like a manifestation of the goddess herself.
"Today, the prince will be mesmerized upon seeing his bride. May no evil eye befall your beauty," Tapasya's friend Suman said, applying a black tika to her.
"Hasn't Mother's health improved yet?" Tapasya's eyes were searching for her mother. The sadness in her heart was clearly visible in her empty eyes.
Suman didn't respond to Tapasya's question.
"What could have happened that Mother can't attend our wedding? We can still go to meet her. Suman! Take us to Mother's room."
Tapasya veiled her face and proceeded towards Saroja Devi's room with Suman. Rani Sa was still sitting there, weeping over her helplessness.
Seeing Tapasya there, she was very happy and signaled Suman to leave.
Saroja Devi caressed Tapasya's head and said, "Why are you bent on inviting your own death, my dear? I had forbidden you from this marriage, didn't I? Mahendra Pratap is not worthy of you, my dear. It's not too late yet... run away from this wedding."
Tapasya was stunned to hear Saroja Devi's words. She distanced herself from Saroja Devi.
"What are you saying, Mother? A mother teaches her daughter about the traditions of the family, and you are...! Father was right, your mental state is not well. You need rest," Tapasya said and left from there.
"Listen to me, my dear..." Ravi Saroja Devi tried hard to stop her, but she ignored her and left.
Tapasya was angrily returning to her room when she glanced out of the window nearby, and her anger melted away in an instant, replaced by a smile.
Prince Mahendra Singh's procession had reached the palace. She saw her sisters-in-law Darshana and Sudarshana performing the aarti along with other women. The maids were showering flowers on him, while others were busy welcoming the guests in the procession.
Tapasya was watching them from afar when someone pushed her from behind. She steadied herself against the wall.
Looking back, Tapasya said, "Wh...who is it?"
There was no one around. She said to herself, "Maybe I'm imagining things."
Considering it a figment of her imagination, Tapasya went back to her room. As she left, a strong gust of wind passed through and took the form of an incomplete figure. The figure was of a woman, heavily veiled and with her hands covered in countless bangles.
No one noticed her, and she started wandering slowly around the palace.
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Meanwhile, Princess Tapasya was overjoyed to see Mahendra Pratap Singh as the groom, as she was getting the life partner of her choice. Tapasya had worked hard to convince her family for this wedding.
Tapasya was lost in the thoughts of the prince when her two sisters-in-law came to her room with some maids.
"Come, Bai Sa..! It's time for the pheras. Today, your palanquin will leave from here," Darshana said, veiling Tapasya's face.
"And you will be a stranger forever," Sudarshana said in a sad tone.
Hearing their words, Tapasya's eyes welled up, and she hugged them.
"Come, Bai Sa... The Pandit Ji is calling you for the pheras," a maid said, coming in.
Tapasya nodded in agreement and proceeded towards the mandap with them. Seeing her, Maharaja Suraj Singh thought, "Saroja had raised her dear daughter with so much care... and today, she isn't even present to witness her farewell."
Thinking of Saroja, the Maharaja's eyes welled up. He hid his sadness behind a smile.
Tapasya came and sat beside Mahendra Pratap Singh for the wedding rituals. The shadow of that woman was still wandering around. Even after so much gaiety in the palace, an ominous feeling was looming.
"I don't know why, but my heart isn't feeling the joy that I had imagined," thinking this, the princess looked at Mahendra Pratap, who was sitting with his head bowed.
Tapasya smiled at him and turned her face forward. The bowed eyes, which she considered Mahendra Pratap's modesty, were actually bowed out of shame. Mahendra Pratap was compelled by the promise he had made to his father.
Princess Tapasya's wedding with Prince Mahendra Pratap Singh was completed with all the rituals. After performing the remaining customs for a while, in the twilight of the morning, the Maharaja, along with his family, was giving her a tearful farewell. Saroja Devi was also present there. Maharaja Suraj Singh didn't want to deprive her of the right to bid farewell to her daughter, so he had called her there.
Weeping, Tapasya hugged her mother, and Saroja Devi secretly tied an amulet in her hand, hiding it from everyone's eyes. Tapasya felt a little suspicious about her mother's action, but considering it her mother's love, she said nothing.
"My dear, you got this wedding done by your own will, but soon you will know the whole truth, and then this amulet will protect you," Saroja Devi whispered in her ear. Tapasya was shocked to hear her words, but she couldn't say anything amidst so many people.
After all the wedding rituals, Tapasya was bid farewell with auspicious songs.
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After the farewell, Tapasya's palanquin departed for Pratapgarh. After about 3 days, the procession reached the threshold of Pratapgarh with the new bride.
Tapasya was very excited about her new in-laws' house and was dreaming of her new life like a new bride in her heart. She had thought that as soon as she stepped there, the women of the house would welcome her with auspicious songs. Everyone would bless her and wish her a happy and successful married life. Like ordinary girls, she was also very excited about her new life.
As soon as Tapasya stepped on the threshold of the palace with Mahendra Pratap Singh, all her dreams vanished like air. Upon going there, she saw that there was not a single woman in the house, and the whole palace was filled with only men.
Tapasya looked at Mahendra Pratap with suspicious eyes, but his eyes were lowered. Tapasya was not able to understand the meaning of his lowered eyes. Before she could ask him anything, she saw many women coming from the front in black clothes, heavily veiled. Their entire bodies were covered with clothes, and they all had plates in their hands. Everyone had filled their hands with bangles.
"We were scared; we thought there wouldn't be any women in your house, but why are all these wearing black clothes? Black color is not considered auspicious in our place," Tapasya was talking to Mahendra Pratap Singh when suddenly someone pushed her from behind.
She had barely steadied herself when the doors of the palace were closed. Tapasya looked back in panic, but Mahendra Pratap Singh was not there. She was surrounded by those women in black clothes.
"Who are you people? Stay away from me..." Tapasya said, standing up.
Instead of answering, those women started wailing loudly in a shrill voice. The sound of their weeping was so intense that no normal person could bear it.
"Shut up... Your voice... your voice is piercing my ears," Tapasya said, putting her hands on both ears and shouting loudly.
Instead of being silent, all those women started weeping even louder. She couldn't understand what was happening here. Where had all the men present there disappeared? Blood started oozing from Tapasya's ears. She couldn't bear that sound and fainted there.
_______
The third watch of the night was going on. Tapasya was slowly regaining consciousness. She opened her eyes, but she couldn't see anything clearly. The sounds of faint mantras were echoing in her ears. She tried to get up, but it felt as if someone was controlling her body. She couldn't stand up from there even if she wanted to.
Even after trying for a long time, Tapasya couldn't get up. She couldn't understand anything. In the dim light, she saw the shadows of three women. Even though everything was blurry, these women were different from all the women who were wailing in the courtyard. Their faces were covered with hair, making it impossible to tell if their mouths were in the front or the back.
It didn't take long for Tapasya to understand what danger her mother was warning her about. Seeing death in front of her eyes in the final moments, she started remembering the faces of her mother Saroja Devi and father Suraj Singh, who had bid farewell to their beloved daughter with so much love and blessings. Thinking about them, tears welled up in Tapasya's eyes.
"O Goddess Mother! Protect me. Get me out of this trouble, Mother..!" Tapasya started remembering the family goddess in her heart.
Time was slipping away like dust from her hands. Every passing moment was bringing her closer to death. Those women were slowly moving towards Tapasya.
"Someone save me," Tapasya shouted loudly and closed her eyes in fear.
"What happened, Princess? Why are you shouting like this? And where did you suddenly disappear?" Hearing Prince Mahendra's voice, Tapasya opened her eyes and found herself on a bed in a room.
Terrified, Tapasya's body was drenched in sweat. She opened her eyes and, seeing Mahendra Pratap in front of her, hugged him and started crying.
"Where... where did all those women go? You... you save me. They will all take my life."
"Princess, there isn't a single woman alive in my clan. Then... it seems like you had a bad dream. You rest for a while," Mahendra Pratap said and started leaving her there.
"But..." Tapasya tried to stop him, but by then, he had left from there.
Tapasya was still trembling with fear. Mahendra Pratap angrily went to his father.
"Do whatever you have to do, quickly. They are all awakening again."
Tej Pratap signaled him to be silent and said in a hushed voice, "Go and take that thread off her hand... otherwise, all the hard work will be wasted. After taking off the thread, bring her here as soon as possible."
After giving the order, he went back to his rituals.
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The fourth watch of the night was also about to pass. Mahendra Pratap wanted to save Tapasya from all this, but he couldn't do anything even if he wanted to. He wanted to hug Tapasya one last time and express his love. He went to her room, but she was sleeping.
He came close to Tapasya and lovingly caressed her hair. She woke up in fear because of his touch.
"Oh..... it's you..! You scared me," Tapasya got up and sat beside Mahendra.
Mahendra Pratap was about to tell her what was in his heart when he remembered his father's words and secretly opened the amulet on Tapasya's hand and threw it away.
"Come with me. I want to show you something," Mahendra Pratap took Tapasya's hand and led her outside.
"But what?" Tapasya asked in a soft voice. Seeing the love in Mahendra Pratap Singh's eyes for her, all of Tapasya's pain and fatigue disappeared.
"You'll see for yourself," Mahendra Pratap Singh only said that and, holding Tapasya's hand, was leading her to the lower part of the palace. She started hearing the same crying sounds again; because of being with Mahendra Pratap, she considered it an illusion and started moving forward with him.
As soon as Tapasya came down with him, the ground slipped from under her feet after seeing the scene there.
Tapasya tightly gripped Mahendra's hand in fear.
★★★★
Tapasya came to the basement of the palace with Mahendra Pratap Singh. Seeing the scene there, the ground slipped from under her feet.
She started running away in fear. As Princess Tapasya began to flee to save her life, Mahendra Pratap's father intensified his chants. That part of the palace was filled with ghostly spirits and negative energies.
Tapasya still couldn't understand what was happening there. She felt as if her feet were planted in the ground. She couldn't even move from there.
"Another Chandravanshi sacrifice! No one can stop this lineage from growing." Countless voices echoed there.
Tapasya could only see Mahendra Pratap and Tej Pratap there.
"Why have you brought me here? I am scared," Tapasya asked, trembling.
Hearing her voice, Tej Pratap laughed horribly and said, "All your fear will vanish in a moment, girl."
He offered the final sacrifice into the fire, and with it, darkness fell. The fire of the havan was the only source of light. Tapasya saw a black shadow approaching with three women. The women were elaborately adorned and wore long veils. Because of the veils, their faces were not visible. As they arrived, an eerie gloom filled the air. The entire place smelled like dead animals.
"You are the new bride of this clan. Come and fulfill your duty." The three said in unison and forcibly took Tapasya to Tej Pratap. Mahendra Pratap stood there like a puppet. There were tears of remorse in his eyes, but he couldn't do anything.
The women forcibly took Tapasya and laid her on an altar. The princess was begging Mahendra Pratap to save her, but every scream was stifled in her throat. She couldn't even utter a word.
"You must have many questions as to why you? Before dying, I will answer all your questions. So listen, Princess...! You are a Chandravanshi. The power of the Chandravanshis is connected to the moon. The moon is the symbol of night, and night is of darkness and dark powers...! The women you met as soon as you came here were the Chandravanshi brides of our clan who have been sacrificed. You are about to join them... so they came to welcome you." Saying this, Tej Pratap laughed loudly.
Tapasya shed tears of helplessness and suddenly remembered all the stories her grandmother used to tell her in her childhood about how some evil people worship dark powers in the desire for power and immortality. They often sacrificed new brides or pregnant women for the immortality of their clan.
"Now meet them...! These are the three brides of our clan who started this tradition and gave their lives. And these are their husbands...! They are immortal. I also want to become immortal like them. The sacrifice of a Chandravanshi and fresh blood keeps them eternally alive."
Hearing Tej Pratap's words, Tapasya trembled with fear. She understood what was about to happen to her in the next moment.
"No...! We cannot let the princess wander like those hundreds of souls. We were helpless... but we also love them." Mahendra Pratap said in his mind. He still wanted to protect Tapasya from all of them.
The black shadow, along with those three women, began to worship Tapasya. They were reaching the final stage of their worship, where only a few moments were left before Tapasya's sacrifice. A special kind of dagger lay in the worship. Mahendra Pratap Singh quickly picked up the dagger. Before they could ritually sacrifice Tapasya, Mahendra Pratap Singh plunged the dagger into the middle of Tapasya's chest.
Tapasya groaned in pain. Mahendra Pratap's act enraged them all. As soon as Mahendra Pratap plunged the dagger into Tapasya's chest, the next moment, Tej Pratap angrily severed his head from his body.
Because the worship was incomplete, they became very angry. They could not sacrifice Tapasya, but Tej Pratap imprisoned the souls of Tapasya and Mahendra Pratap in the black magic of the palace.
It is said that even today, the souls of Princess Tapasya and Mahendra Pratap Singh are imprisoned with those countless souls. That black shadow and his three wives still sacrifice Chandravanshis to protect their clan.
★★★★★
"Oh my God!" Wiping the sweat from her forehead, a girl quickly closed the book. After reading the book, the girl became quite nervous. Even in the sharp cold of London, beads of sweat appeared on her fair face. Her lips were trembling.
She reached for the water bottle to calm herself, but it was empty.
"It had to be empty now. Did I only get the night time to read this scary book....! But I didn't even get this book sanctioned. I don't know how it came into my bag." The girl quickly picked up the book from there and placed it on the nearby table and went to the kitchen to drink water.
As soon as the girl left from there, the picture of Princess Tapasya on the book slowly opened her eyes and smiled, and the pages of the book fluttered. After that, the book disappeared from there.
It was 3 o'clock at night. The cold was at its peak in London as always. Light snowfall outside had made the winds even colder. The view outside looked very beautiful.
The girl went to the kitchen to drink water. She was also feeling shivering due to the cold. After drinking water, she came to the room, turned off the light and went to sleep. In all this, she did not pay attention to the book which was not present there.
The girl was shivering with fear even in her sleep.
_________
There was an atmosphere of a grand wedding in the palace of Pratapgarh. A newly married couple was standing at the threshold of the palace. The groom standing there looked at his bride with a smile. As they were about to step inside, someone pulled the girl inside and the boy remained outside banging on the door.
The newlywed saw that many women dressed in black clothes were coming towards her crying with plates in their hands. Hearing the sound of all of them crying, the girl put her hands on her ears and screamed loudly.
"Someone save me..!" The girl woke up from her sleep screaming. Even in such cold, her body was drenched in sweat due to fear.
"Why did I.... I saw myself in place of the princess in that palace? How... how could I be there? That was just a story, right? That book....!" The girl looked around the room. But she could not find that book anywhere.
"Maybe.... maybe it was my illusion. I had read that book before sleeping at night and after reading it I was very scared. We often dream about what we read or think about before sleeping. On top of that, my name is also Tapasya, so maybe that's why I imagined myself in place of Princess Tapasya." Tapasya started trying to explain herself.
She looked at the clock and it was 5 o'clock in the morning. There was still time for her to get up, so she tried to sleep again. Her dream was coming in front of her eyes again and again, which she was not able to forget even if she wanted to. In the dream, she was seeing all the things that had happened to the princess... only this time she herself was in place of the princess.
After some time she fell asleep. Tapasya's sleep was broken by someone's call in the morning. Although she could not pick up the call, but when she took her mobile and saw the time in it, she shouted loudly, "Oh my God! It's 10:00 and what am I doing here? I had to reach the university at 9 o'clock and where did that book go? I have to submit it back. Otherwise.... Miss Goldburg will kill me."
Tapasya ran into the bathroom and quickly got ready and came out. Tapasya Singh was about 23 years old and originally from India; but she was born in London. She lived in London with her mother Tina Philip and father Naman Singh. By the time she got ready and came out, her mom and dad had gone to their respective work. She wore a reddish brown overcoat over jeans. Putting a scarf around her neck, Tapasya reached the university in her car.
"Now, as soon as I go, I will first submit that scary book back to the library. Ever since I read that book, I have been feeling every moment as if someone is following me." Tapasya took her bag and got out of the car and went inside the university.
As soon as she came inside, she ran straight towards the library.
"Let me check once if any page of the book is damaged; otherwise Miss Goldburg will get a chance to tell me two things as always." Standing in front of the library, she was rummaging through her bag.
"Smile please...!" A girl's voice came from the front, who was long and thin to look at. Long blonde hair suited her white face very well.
"Stop it yaar Hazel! You keep shooting with the camera whenever you see. Leave me alone sometime." Tapasya looked at the girl with a complaining look, so she lowered her camera.
"Just as books are your life; this camera is my world. So please.. don't say anything to it." Hazel hugged her smiling.
Hazel was Tapasya's best friend, who studied in the same class as her. Where Tapasya was very fond of reading books; Hazel used to capture the things and events around her in her camera.
"What happened baby doll? Today, for what happiness is so much sorrow being celebrated? Has something happened?" Hazel asked seeing Tapasya upset
"Nothing happened yaar. Do you remember we took a book from the library two days ago. I had just come to submit it back. Yar I am not getting that book....."
"Oh! I am sorry Tapu. I forgot to tell you that your book was accidentally taken by me. Some guests had come at home, so I didn't get a chance to call. I know you will be angry with me. But I will talk to Miss Goldburg and get permission to keep that book for 2 more days." Hazel said, interrupting Tapasya.
"What? That book was with you? But how can this happen Hazel? I have read that book completely." Now it was Tapasya's turn to be surprised.
She quickly started rummaging through her bag again but she could not find that book anywhere. Seeing her so upset, Hazel quickly took out a book from her bag and handed it to her. Tapasya saw that it was the same book that she had got sanctioned from the library. She was looking at that book in surprise.
"Now you believe me? Come on, stop being upset now and quickly go and give this book to Miss Goldburg." Hazel handed the book to Tapasya and left from there herself.
Tapasya was standing there looking at that book, on the cover of which was written in big words "The Dark Secrets".
"This was the same book that she had taken from the library two days ago. Then which book did I read last night? I didn't even see the title of that book in a hurry. Just a photo of a princess was made on the cover. Was everything written in that book correct? But why was that book incomplete? If this really happened, then why didn't the family members of Princess Tapasya try to find out about her? Or what did they do when they came to know about Tapasya's death? If Princess Tapasya's soul is still imprisoned there today, then is she also wandering with those black-clothed souls or does her and Mahendra Pratap's soul sacrifice other people along with that black shadow and his three wives? Everything is so confusing." Tapasya was still standing outside the library thinking.
"Are you still standing here?" Hazel slowly held Tapasya's hand. Tapasya was startled by her sudden hand holding.
"Hazel! Do one thing..! You give this book to Miss Goldburg. I have some other work." Tapasya handed over the book to Hazel and started going somewhere in a hurry.
"But Tapu..! Yar listen to me....!" Hazel kept shouting from behind but Tapasya did not listen to her and left from there to go somewhere.
"Now I will not be at peace until I solve the mystery of this Princess Tapasya. Somehow I have to solve that mystery. Otherwise, I will keep thinking about it all the time. And I will not feel like doing any work." Tapasya was talking to herself while climbing the stairs of the university from there.
★★★★★
Tapasya arrived in the basement of the palace with Mahendra Pratap Singh. Seeing the scene there, the ground slipped from under her feet.
She started running away in fear. As Princess Tapasya began to flee for her life, Mahendra Pratap's father intensified his chanting. That part of the palace became filled with ghostly spirits and negative energies.
Tapasya still couldn't understand what was happening there. She felt as if her feet had been planted in the ground. She couldn't even move from there.
"Another Chandravanshi sacrifice! No one can stop this lineage of yours from progressing," countless voices echoed there.
Tapasya could only see Mahendra Pratap and Tej Pratap there; no one else.
"Why have you brought me here? I am scared," Tapasya asked, frightened.
Hearing her voice, Tej Pratap laughed horribly and said, "All your fear will vanish in a moment, girl."
He offered the final sacrifice into the fire, and with that, darkness fell. The fire of the havan was the only source of light. Tapasya saw a dark shadow coming with three women. Those women were well-adorned and wore long veils. Their faces were not visible because of the veils. As they arrived, an eerie gloom filled the air. The entire place reeked of dead animals.
"You are the new bride of this family. Come and fulfill your duty." All three spoke together and forcibly grabbed Tapasya and took her to Tej Pratap. Mahendra Pratap stood there like a puppet. There were tears of regret in his eyes, but he was helpless to do anything.
The women forcibly took Tapasya and laid her on an altar. The princess was pleading with Mahendra Pratap to save her, but every scream was stifled in her throat. She couldn't utter a single word from her mouth.
"You must have many questions as to why you? Before you die, we will answer all your questions. So listen, Princess...! You are a Chandravanshi. The power of the Chandravanshis is connected to the moon. The moon is a symbol of the night, and the night is of darkness and dark powers...! The women you met as soon as you arrived here were the Chandravanshi daughters-in-law of our family, who have been sacrificed. You are about to join them... so they came to welcome you," Tej Pratap said, laughing loudly.
Tapasya was shedding tears of helplessness and suddenly remembered all the stories that her grandmother used to tell her in her childhood about how some evil people worship dark powers in the desire for power and immortality. They often sacrificed new brides or pregnant women for the immortality of their clan.
"Now meet them...! These are the three daughters-in-law of our clan who started this tradition and gave their sacrifice. And these are their husbands...! They are immortal. We also want to become immortal like them. The sacrifice and fresh blood of the Chandravanshi keeps them immortal."
Hearing Tej Pratap's words, Tapasya began to tremble with fear. She understood what was about to happen to her in the next moment.
"No...! We cannot let the princess wander like those hundreds of souls. We were forced... but we also love her," Mahendra Pratap said to himself. He still wanted to protect Tapasya from them all.
That dark shadow, along with the three women, began to worship Tapasya. They were approaching the final stage of their worship, with only a few moments left to sacrifice Tapasya. A special dagger lay in the worship. Mahendra Pratap Singh quickly picked up the dagger. Before they could ritually sacrifice Tapasya, Mahendra Pratap Singh stabbed Tapasya in the middle of her chest with that dagger.
Tapasya was groaning in pain. Mahendra Pratap's actions had angered them all. As soon as Mahendra Pratap stabbed Tapasya in the chest, Tej Pratap, in anger, severed his head from his body the next moment.
Because the worship was left incomplete, they became very angry. Although they could not sacrifice Tapasya, Tej Pratap trapped the souls of both Tapasya and Mahendra Pratap in the black magic of the palace.
It is said that even today, the souls of Princess Tapasya and Mahendra Pratap Singh are trapped with those countless souls. That dark shadow and his three wives still sacrifice Chandravanshis to protect their clan.
★★★★★
"Oh my God!" Wiping the sweat from her forehead, a girl quickly closed the book. The girl was quite nervous after reading the book. Even in the cold London weather, beads of sweat appeared on her fair face. Her lips were trembling.
She reached for the water bottle to calm herself, but it was empty.
"It had to be empty now. And I had to find the time at night to read this scary book...! But I didn't even get this book sanctioned. I don't know how it ended up in my bag." The girl quickly picked up the book from there and placed it on a nearby table and went to the kitchen to drink water.
As soon as the girl left; the picture of Princess Tapasya on the book slowly opened her eyes and smiled, and the pages of the book fluttered. After that, the book disappeared from there.
It was 3 o'clock at night. The cold was at its peak in London, as always. The light snowfall outside made the air even colder. The view outside was very beautiful to look at.
The girl went to the kitchen to drink water. She was also feeling shivering due to the cold. After drinking water, she came to the room and turned off the light and went to sleep. In all this, her attention did not go to the book which was not present there.
The girl was trembling with fear even in her sleep.
_________
There was an atmosphere of a grand wedding in the palace of Pratapgarh. A newly married couple was standing at the threshold of the palace. The groom standing there looked at his bride with a smile. As soon as they were about to step inside, someone pulled the girl inside and the boy kept beating the door outside.
The newlywed saw that many women wearing black clothes were coming towards her, crying with plates in their hands. Hearing the sound of all of them crying, the girl put her hands on her ears and screamed loudly.
"Someone save me..!" Screaming, the girl woke up from sleep. Even in such cold weather, her body was drenched in sweat due to fear.
"I.... why did I see myself in place of the princess in that palace? How... how could I be there? It was just a story, right? That book....!" The girl looked around the room. But she could not see that book anywhere.
"Maybe.... maybe it was my illusion. I had read that book before going to sleep last night and I was very scared after reading it. We often dream about what we read or think about before going to sleep. Moreover, my name is also Tapasya, so maybe that's why I imagined myself in place of Princess Tapasya," Tapasya started trying to convince herself.
She looked at the clock, it was 5 o'clock in the morning. There was still time for her to get up, so she started trying to sleep again. Her dream was coming in front of her eyes again and again, which she could not forget even if she wanted to. She was seeing all those things in the dream which happened with the princess... only this time she herself was in place of the princess.
After a while, she fell asleep. Tapasya's sleep was broken by someone's call in the morning. Although she could not pick up the call, but when she picked up her mobile and saw the time in it, she shouted loudly, "Oh my God! It's 10:00 o'clock and what am I doing here? I had to reach the university at 9 o'clock and where did that book go? I have to submit it back. Otherwise.... Miss Goldbug will kill me."
Tapasya ran into the bathroom and quickly got ready and came out. Tapasya Singh was about 23 years old and originally from India; but she was born in London. She lived in London with her mother Tina Philip and father Naman Singh. She got ready and came out, by then her mom and dad had gone to their respective work. She wore a reddish brown overcoat over jeans. Putting a scarf around her neck, Tapasya reached the university in her car.
"Now, as soon as I go, I will first submit that scary book back to the library. Ever since I read that book, I have been feeling every moment as if someone is following me." Tapasya took her bag and got out of the car and went inside the university.
As soon as she came inside, she ran straight towards the library.
"Let me check once if any page of the book is damaged; otherwise Miss Goldbug will get a chance to tell me two things as always." Standing in front of the library, she was rummaging through her bag.
"Smile please...!" A girl's voice came from the front, who looked tall and thin. Long blonde hair suited her white face very well.
"Stop it yaar Hazel! You keep shooting with the camera whenever you see it. Leave me alone sometimes." Tapasya looked at that girl with complaining eyes, so she lowered her camera.
"Just as books are your life; this camera is my world. So please.. don't say anything to it." Hazel smiled and hugged her.
Hazel was Tapasya's best friend, who studied in the same class as her. Where Tapasya was very fond of reading books; Hazel used to capture the things and events around her in her camera.
"What happened baby doll? What happiness or sorrow is being celebrated today? Has something happened?" Hazel asked seeing Tapasya upset
"Nothing happened yaar. Do you remember we took a book from the library two days ago. I had just come to submit it back. Yaar, I can't find that book....."
"Oh! I am sorry Tapu. I forgot to tell you that your book had mistakenly gone to me. There were some guests at home, so I didn't get a chance to call. I know you will be angry with me. But I will talk to Miss Goldbug and get permission to keep that book for 2 more days." Hazel said interrupting Tapasya.
"What? That book was with you? But how can that happen Hazel? I have read that book completely." Now it was Tapasya's turn to be surprised.
She quickly started rummaging through her bag again but she could not find that book anywhere. Seeing her so upset, Hazel quickly took out a book from her bag and handed it to her. Tapasya saw that it was the same book which she had got sanctioned from the library. She was looking at that book with surprise.
"Now you have faith, right? Come on, stop being upset now and quickly go and give this book to Miss Goldbug." Hazel handed over that book to Tapasya and left from there herself.
Tapasya was standing there looking at that book, on whose cover "The Dark Secrets" was written in big words.
"This was the same book which she had taken from the library 2 days ago. Then which book did I read last night? I didn't even see the title of that book in a hurry. Just a photo of a princess was made on the cover. Was everything written in that book correct? But why was that book incomplete? If this really happened, then why didn't the family members of Princess Tapasya try to find out about her? Or what did they do when they came to know about Tapasya's death? If the soul of Princess Tapasya is still trapped there today, then is she also wandering with those souls in black clothes or does her and Mahendra Pratap's soul sacrifice other people along with that dark shadow and his three wives? Everything is so confusing." Tapasya was still standing outside the library and thinking.
"Are you still standing here?" Hazel slowly held Tapasya's hand. Tapasya got startled because of her suddenly holding her hand.
"Hazel! Do one thing..! You give this book to Miss Goldbug. I have some other work." Tapasya handed over that book to Hazel and started leaving from there in a hurry.
"But Tapu..! Yaar listen to me....!" Hazel kept shouting from behind but Tapasya did not listen to her and left from there to go somewhere.
"Now I will not get peace of mind until I solve the mystery of this Princess Tapasya. Somehow I have to solve that mystery. Otherwise I will keep thinking about it all the time. And I will not feel like doing any work." Tapasya was talking to herself while climbing the stairs of the university from there.
★★★★★
Tapasya Singh, who lived in London, had borrowed a book from her university library to study. The books she had checked out were English, but the book in her bag was in Hindi. It was the story of Rajkumari Tapasya, after reading which Tapasya began to experience strange things around her.
Going to college, Tapasya found out that her book had mistakenly gone into her friend Hazel's bag. Telling Hazel to return the book to the library, Tapasya left to go somewhere in the university.
“If the book I checked out went into Hazel’s bag, then whose book did I get? There are no Hindi books in the lower library, and I haven't been to the upper library in a long time,” Tapasya was talking to herself as she climbed the stairs. She reached the third floor of the university.
Her gaze was fixed on a large hall in front of her, with 'Library' written in large letters above it. Tapasya quickly went inside the library.
The library was much larger than the one downstairs, and there were different sections. Each section had the name of a particular country written on it. Tapasya went a little further. She went into the section that had 'India' written on it.
“Mr. Rajput.....” Tapasya said a little loudly, so Mr. Rajput put his finger on his lips and signaled her to be quiet.
Tapasya had been there before, so she knew Mr. Rajput quite well. Mr. Rajput was sitting at his table with a lot of books. Tapasya quietly sat down on the chair next to him.
“What happened, Miss Singh? You seem worried.”
“Have you read all the books in this section of the library? Especially the books that are related to the history of India,” Tapasya asked.
“Not all of them... but yes, I know all the titles. Which book are you talking about?”
“That's the problem, I don't even know the title. Actually, yesterday I checked out a book from the lower library, but another book mistakenly came with me. It was related to places named Pratapgarh and Vikramgarh, and it had a story about their royal family.”
“What did you say?” Mr. Rajput was shocked to hear Tapasya's words. “A Hindi book in the lower library... that's impossible. You know that there is a separate section in the library for books related to each language. The lower library has books related to the university syllabus.”
“Maybe by mistake.....”
“Tapasya, this is London University, not just any place. There is no chance of even a mistake happening here by mistake,” Mr. Rajput said.
Hearing his words, Tapasya became thoughtful. What Mr. Rajput was saying was true. Then suddenly, the book coming into her bag like that was also surprising her.
“I was also surprised. That book was also a bit strange. It was about Princess Tapasya of Vikramgarh, who was married into the royal family of Pratapgarh, and later.....”
Tapasya was telling Mr. Rajput everything when a girl present there noticed her words. She was also a student of the same university. She came to them and said, interrupting Tapasya, “Sorry to interrupt you..... what place did you mention?”
“Pratapgarh and Vikramgarh? Have you also read that book?”
“I haven't read any such book, but the Pratapgarh you are talking about is my hometown. We moved from there...” the girl said.
Tapasya looked at her carefully. She was a fair-skinned, tall girl with a slight yellow tinge. Introducing herself, she said, “My name is Unnati Pratap Singh. We also belong to the royal family there, but who are the kings and maharajas in the time of democracy? A long time ago, our family left Pratapgarh and settled all their business in Delhi.”
“Have you ever been to Pratapgarh?” Tapasya's curiosity about that girl and Pratapgarh was increasing.
“Yes... many times in childhood... we haven't been there after growing up... but this time we are all going to Pratapgarh again.”
“And what is so special this time?” Tapasya asked.
“My elder brother's wedding..... My future sister-in-law wants a grand royal wedding. For her happiness, the family has decided to have the brother's wedding there.”
As soon as Unnati mentioned going to Pratapgarh, Tapasya blurted out without thinking, “Can I also come to attend that wedding?”
Hearing Tapasya's words, Unnati and Mr. Rajput looked at her in surprise. She had not even met Unnati for 15 minutes and she was ready to go to her hometown with her.
“But we don't know each other,” Unnati replied, shrugging her shoulders.
“So what if we don't know each other? We can become friends.”
“Just because you want to go to Pratapgarh, you are ready to even be friends with me. If you want, you can go there for a walk. You don't need to be friends with me for this,” Unnati replied a little rudely and started to leave.
Tapasya also got up to go after her, but Mr. Rajput stopped her and said, “That girl is right. It was a normal book and the things written in it are a story.....”
“For the first time, a story didn't seem like a story. It felt like there was a lot missing in that book. Something to which this book itself wants me to go.” Tapasya said in a lost voice.
“You are overthinking. You need a vacation, not to find out the truth about a book.”
Mr. Rajput saw Tapasya's words as pure delusion and was not taking her too seriously. Tapasya took the way that book came to her quite seriously. After reading it, many questions arose in Tapasya's mind about the princess and her story.
“Nice to meet you sir..... Have a good day ahead.” Saying this, Tapasya turned to go back.
When she came out of the library section, she saw Unnati in another section. After seeing her, Unnati turned her face away.
Tapasya also did not consider it necessary to say anything further and came out of there.
___________
Tapasya was going to her class reluctantly. She had many questions in her mind about the story of Princess Tapasya. She was moving towards her table in a daze when Hazel saw her and ran to her.
“Where were you? I had looked for you everywhere. Do you know how much Miss Goldbug scolded me because of that book.” Hazel started complaining as soon as she came to her.
“Which is not the first time she scolded you.” Tapasya said, squinting her eyes.
“By the way, why is your mood off?”
“I met a girl a little while ago. I just tried to be friends with her but..... she refused.”
“It's good that she refused. How dare you..... how can you be friends with someone else when I am here.” Hazel replied, making a face.
“You don't know, that girl is very useful. I had to go to her hometown India with her. Now that she has refused, everything is ruined.”
“If you try to be friends with someone for a selfish reason, then this is what will happen, right.....”
Hearing Hazel's words, Tapasya realized her mistake. She said in a very low voice, “You are right..... Maybe she also felt bad about this, that's why she refused. You stay here, I'll talk to her.”
“Hey, talk to her later. Wait a bit.....” Hazel called out to Tapasya to stop her, but she ignored her and left to meet Unnati.
Tapasya returned to the library but Unnati was not there. “Now, her class can be found out by her name itself.” Tapasya said sadly. “But which class could she be in.”
She turned back to take her class when a voice echoed in her ears.
“MBBS..... Second Year.....”
Hearing that voice, Tapasya was shocked, she looked around but no one was there.
“Looks like someone is joking.” She said in a worried voice. “Mr. Rajput is right that the things written in that book are just a story and nothing else..... I shouldn't think too much about it. If that girl Unnati, meets me again, I will apologize to her and also say that I don't want to go anywhere with her.”
Considering all those things as an illusion, Tapasya forgot about them and went to her class from there.
__________
By evening, after all the classes were over, Hazel and Tapasya had gone to their respective homes. Tapasya's parents' shift ran late, so she was often alone at home.
When she reached her house, no one was there. As soon as she came home, she changed and took coffee and sat down with the books again.
Suddenly she saw that the story of Princess Tapasya was visible on every page of the book. Considering it a delusion of her mind, Tapasya opened another book, but the same story was written in it too.
“How can this happen? It seems like I am overthinking.” She explained to herself. “I should rest for a while.”
She left those books there and came to her room and lay down. In a short time, she was in the embrace of sleep.
Like yesterday, today she again found herself in the palace of Vikramgarh, where she was in a bridal dress and a boy was standing next to her. The boy's face was covered with a sehra, so his face was not visible.
In a short time, all the scenes that she had read in that book started revolving in her dream, but this time she was in all those scenes instead of Princess Tapasya.
As soon as someone sacrificed her, she woke up screaming. Hearing her scream, a maid who was cooking in their house ran in.
“What happened...“ She touched Tapasya's hand and saw that she had a fever and was shivering. It was just a dream, but all this had scared her badly.
“I will call Mr. Singh...“ Saying this, she started to leave from there.
“There is no need for that. I will take medicines.”
Hearing Tapasya's voice, she stopped there. Suddenly she turned towards Tapasya and came to her.
“You will not be able to escape all this.” The maid shouted loudly. While speaking, her voice became heavy. It felt as if her voice was echoing in a microphone and many women were speaking together with her.
This was the next shock for Tapasya, where after that strange dream, the maid who was cooking at her house said all this to her.
★★★★
Ever since Tapasya read the story of Princess Tapasya, she had become quite restless. She constantly felt someone around her, and sometimes she saw herself in her dreams as Princess Tapasya.
When the maid who came to cook at Tapasya's house suddenly told her that she wouldn't survive, Tapasya became even more frightened.
Before Tapasya could respond to her, the maid fainted and fell right there.
"Aunty... Aunty, please get up..." Tapasya tried to wake her up.
She splashed water from a nearby glass to try and revive her. Still, the maid didn't regain consciousness. Tapasya was already worried, and her fainting made her even more anxious. She quickly called her parents and asked them to come home.
Soon, Tapasya's mom and dad, Tina and Naman, arrived there.
"Baby, is everything fine? When you suddenly called and said it was an emergency... I got so worried," Tina said as she entered the house. Naman was with her. Both were in office wear and had left their work in the middle.
"See, Mom, what happened to Mary Aunty? She suddenly fainted and isn't regaining consciousness."
"Beta, her BP must have dropped. Did you call the doctor or not?" Naman asked.
Tapasya shook her head in response. They both rushed inside and found Mary lying unconscious on Tapasya's bed. Naman checked Mary's pulse.
"Her BP had dropped... Looks like she didn't take her medicines today," Naman said.
"I'll get her medicines, they must be in her bag," Tina said and went outside to retrieve Mary's medicines from her bag.
Naman gave her the medicines. After a while, Mary regained consciousness, but she didn't remember anything. Seeing this, Tapasya breathed a sigh of relief.
"Thank God... Mary Aunty doesn't remember anything. If Mom and Dad found out about this, who knows what they would do," Tapasya said to herself.
"Mary, don't forget to take your medicines. Tapu got scared looking at you. Today, your low BP made our princess's BP high," Naman said jokingly.
"Baby, don't worry like this... I have a BP problem. Today, I had a lot of work, so I didn't get time to take my medicine," Mary said.
"Dad is right, Mary Aunty, you should take care of yourself."
Mary just smiled at Tapasya's words. Due to her illness, Tina sent her back home and was cooking herself in her place. In the chaos of Mary Aunty's fainting, Tapasya had forgotten about her own poor health.
"Before Dad finds out and lines up doctors here, I should take my medicine," Tapasya thought and went to her room. She took her medicines and closed her eyes to rest.
Because of taking the medicines, she soon fell asleep, and because there were no bad dreams this time, she slept soundly.
_____________
The next day when Tapasya woke up, she felt better. She decided to go to university. She got ready and came outside. There was no one else at home besides her. As usual, Tina and Naman had gone to the office.
"I hope there isn't another incident like yesterday evening. From now on, I'll stay away from such ghost-related books. Yes... I also have to meet that girl Unnati, say sorry, and also tell her that I'm no longer interested in going to Pratapgarh with her," Tapasya was talking to herself in her mind while having breakfast.
After having breakfast, she picked up her bag and took the car keys. Soon, she was standing in front of the university. After parking the car in the parking area, Tapasya had just stepped out when she saw Unnati with a boy in front of her.
"This is Unnati, but who is this boy with her?" Tapasya thought and moved her steps towards Unnati and the boy.
Seeing her coming towards them, Unnati said to her boyfriend in a low voice, "This is the same girl I told you about yesterday. She was saying very strange things and was ready to come with me to my house."
"She also looks Indian. Whatever, stay away from such people who become friends for their own selfish reasons," her boyfriend cautioned her. Seeing Tapasya coming towards them, both stood with full attitude.
Tapasya went to them and said, "I'm so sorry, Unnati... You must be thinking how strange I am. Yesterday we met for the first time and I asked to go to your house. A place that is miles away from here, that too with a stranger. I apologize to you for my behavior yesterday," Tapasya said very gently.
Hearing her words, Unnati and the boy looked at each other. The boy said in response, "Hello... I am Parth."
"I think you are Unnati's boyfriend," Tapasya said, guessing after looking at him.
Parth nodded in agreement to her words. "Well, how did you change so suddenly?" Unnati was still talking to her rudely.
"This change didn't come suddenly. I really feel bad for my behavior. Yesterday we met for the first time and yesterday itself... By the way, I have come here to tell you that I don't want to go to your hometown anymore," Tapasya finished her sentence and started to leave from there.
Just then, Parth called her from behind, "Hey stop... Why do you even want to go to Pratapgarh?"
Hearing his voice, Tapasya stopped there and came back to talk to them, "Just like that, I read about something and then I have a desire to go there. Yesterday I read about Vikramgarh and Pratapgarh in a book, so I just became curious to go there."
"By the way, my hometown is Bikramgarh." As soon as Parth said that, Unnati widened her eyes and said, "Why are you telling her? Tomorrow she will insist on going to Vikramgarh."
Hearing her words, Tapasya smiled and said, "No, I don't want to go anywhere now." Due to her poor health, there was sadness on Tapasya's face. The way Unnati was talking to Tapasya, Parth didn't like it at all.
"You seem upset. Is everything fine?" he asked.
"Yes, everything is fine. I am leaving, it's time for my class." Saying bye to them, Tapasya left from there.
As soon as she left, Unnati made a face and looked at Parth and said, "Aren't you getting a little too worried about her? I found this girl a little too strange. Yesterday, she suddenly asked to come along and today she is coming to apologize."
"I am worried about her because she seemed upset. At the same time, she is a good girl. That's why she is coming today to apologize for her behavior. You shouldn't be so rude," Parth tried to explain to her.
"I wasn't rude."
"Okay, if you weren't rude, then why don't you make friends with that girl? What's the problem with taking her to Pratapgarh with you?"
"Parth, she is a stranger. How can we suddenly take her with us? What will we answer to our family members and..." Unnati was talking when Parth pulled her close and said, "I am also a stranger to your family members. Still, you will take me with you, right? I know we don't know her, but by the time we leave from here, we will get to know her well. If she is good, we will take her along, right..."
"Are you starting to like that girl?" Unnati moved away from him.
"There is nothing like that Unnati... You know me well, I only love you," Parth said expressing his displeasure.
"Okay, if you say so, then I am ready to talk to that girl. But first let me tell you, I am not at all in favor of taking her to Pratapgarh. She has taken the initiative by saying sorry, that's why I am ready to be friends with her."
"Whatever it is... I don't want you to talk rudely to anyone. Especially when the person in front is coming forward to say sorry," Parth had convinced Unnati. He was a well-meaning person.
Parth was Unnati's senior and was studying psychology. Both met at London University itself, and because they were in the same country, their friendship soon turned into love.
After much hesitation, Unnati was also ready to agree to Parth's point. Both left from there to their respective classes.
___________
After the classes were over, Tapasya was going home. Unnati and Parth were waiting for her in the parking area. Tapasya was a little surprised to see them there.
"If I am not wrong, you guys were waiting for me here?" Tapasya asked in surprise.
"Yes, we were waiting for you. London University is so big that it is impossible to find any student unless you have complete information about them. Saw your car parked here so thought of waiting for a while," Parth replied.
"We'll talk later. First, tell us your name?" Unnati asked.
"My name is Tapasya Singh. I am a first-year MBA student."
"Okay... I shouldn't have talked so rudely to you in the morning. I know your reasons were quite selfish and weird yesterday but today you came and said sorry... And it shows whatever happened to you, it happened by mistake. Can we be friends?" Unnati said in one breath.
Tapasya smiled and nodded in agreement to her words. Parth was also happy because of them becoming friends. After talking lightly for a while, Tapasya said in a slightly humorous way, "Okay... now I am leaving... And one more thing, I really don't want to go to Pratapgarh now."
Hearing her words, there was a smile on Unnati and Parth's face. Saying bye to them, Tapasya left from there to her house. She was feeling good after becoming friends with both of them.
Now she was also feeling a little relieved because now she was not feeling those strange dreams and strange experiences.
★★★★
Indian Air Force Headquarters
New Delhi
It was 10:00 PM. Two officers were heading towards their respective living quarters after finishing their duty. Both were tall and had fit bodies. Their discipline and the way they walked clearly indicated that they were part of the Indian Army.
"I heard you've applied for leave, Abhimanyu," one officer asked the other as they walked.
Abhimanyu smiled, raising his eyebrows, "Mom wants me to attend my cousin's wedding."
"Of course, you should go. Last time too, you went to attend your brother's wedding. Family is important too."
"I know family is important, but the one who's getting married is younger than me. If I go there, they'll force me to get married again. You know, Gaurav, I don't want to get married."
"Yes, I know... Won't I know this much as your friend? I wish you find a girl of your choice at the wedding... otherwise, I'll have to find a girl for your wedding," Gaurav said, laughing.
Hearing him, Abhimanyu took a deep breath and said, "Are you a friend or a relative, who brings up marriage in every conversation?"
"I'm just a friend who brings up the topic. If I were a relative, I would bring a proposal," Gaurav said jokingly. After that, both laughed.
"I'm also excited to meet my family, especially Mom... If I'm close to anyone in my family, it's her... I don't have a problem going to the wedding, but this time the wedding is in Pratapgarh. I don't want to go there," Abhimanyu said, his eyes becoming serious.
Some scenes flashed before his eyes, where he was sitting huddled in his mother's lap in a room in the Pratapgarh palace, trembling with fear. Thinking about all that made Abhimanyu shiver.
"You should be happy that the wedding is in Pratapgarh. I've always wanted to see your palace. I wish I could attend the wedding too."
"What a brilliant idea... I know you can't attend the wedding, but you can come to Pratapgarh with me. Spend a day or two there, enjoy, and then come back. This way, I won't be bored there."
"So, you're taking me there for your own entertainment..." Gaurav said, raising his eyebrows.
"Yes... I'll tell Mom that you're coming with me tomorrow."
"But when did I say yes?"
"Do you think I need your yes?" Abhimanyu said, running his hand through his hair. "Good night, Officer... Be ready at 5:00 AM, to go for a long drive... Now our ride will only stop at Pratapgarh."
Abhimanyu had gone to his quarter. Gaurav smiled after hearing him. He came home and quickly started packing.
__________
On the other side, Tapasya had also received permission to go to India. When she told Unnati and Hazel about it the next day, they were very happy.
"Yeeeyeeeaaaaa..." Hazel hugged Tapasya, jumping with joy. "Now this girl gang will turn Pratapgarh upside down. I've packed my stuff and camera properly. I'll capture every moment there perfectly."
"Okay, Tapu and Hazel..." Parth said in a serious voice, "In this wedding, Unnati and I want to tell her family about our relationship. I don't think Unnati's parents will refuse for the marriage. But still, if needed, please help us both there. It's not easy to say such things."
"Yes, we'll convince Unnati's parents. And what if you both get married in the same mandap along with Unnati's brother," Tapasya said teasingly.
"Oh, not yet... Until Abhimanyu Bhai says yes to marriage, I don't think our family will be in such a hurry for our wedding," Unnati said, making a face.
"Okay Unnati, we're going there anyway, so tell us something about your family... so that we don't have trouble recognizing them," Hazel asked.
"Yes, yes, sure, I'll tell you, but order some coffee and something to eat. My family is very big. By the time I tell you about them, our order will also arrive," Unnati said and gestured to the waiter present there. She ordered some food and drinks for them and then started telling about her family. "Yes, so listen guys... We have a big family, in which our great-grandfather, who is the head of the family, Mr. Pratap Singh... Everything happens according to his wishes."
"Great-grandfather? You mean your grandfather's father? He is still alive?" Tapasya asked in surprise.
"Yes, not only very much alive but also quite fit and fine in appearance. My great-grandfather is quite young and energetic to look at... The most important thing is that despite being so old, his thinking is quite modern. If I am studying in London today, it is because of him..."
"So cool... Now we have to meet great-grandfather," Hazel said.
"Yes, my great-grandfather loves the Pratapgarh palace so much that he lives in it. Whenever we have to meet him, we go to Pratapgarh, but he doesn't go anywhere outside from there. After grandfather comes my elder uncle Mr. Ravindra Pratap Singh and my elder aunt Urmila Devi, who have two sons, Rohit Bhaiya and Abhimanyu Bhaiya... Rohit Bhaiya is married, and my sister-in-law's name is Sakshi. Abhimanyu Bhaiya has decided not to get married yet. Then comes my father Mr. Deepak Pratap Singh, and my Mom Janki Devi... The one who is getting married now is my elder brother Kartik. Then comes me and then the youngest and most mischievous member of our house, Bhavya, who is only 10 years old."
Hearing about her family from Unnati's mouth, Tapasya, Hazel, and Parth were staring at her with wide eyes.
"Is this a family or a neighborhood? How do you people remember the names of so many people?" Parth asked in surprise.
"Unnati, in school time, instead of a family tree, you would have been given to make a family garden or loan, right... because so many people cannot fit in one tree," Hazel said laughing.
"Yes, there are many people, but everyone does not live together. Everyone gathers together at weddings or any other function in the family. I am very excited to meet all of them... especially Abhimanyu Bhaiya. You know, he is an Indian Air Force officer and because of this, he takes very few holidays. It has been a long time since I met him. We also talk very little on the phone."
"Okay, okay, fine. Now go and meet everyone when you go and introduce us too. By the way, what time is our flight?" Tapasya asked.
"Tomorrow early morning... So please guys be ready," Parth said.
Saying bye to each other, all four went to their respective homes. Coming home, Tapasya was packing her things. She still had thoughts about Unnati's family running in her mind. Somewhere in her mind, there was also a desire to meet her family.
"We also have a family, which is perhaps as big as Unnati's family, but I don't even know who they are and where they live. If I go to ask Mom or Dad, their mood gets spoiled. I wish I knew their address, I would have definitely gone to meet them in India," Tapasya said in an emotional voice.
She was busy packing when Tina called her from outside.
"Tapu... Baby, if you're done packing, come outside."
"Coming, Mom..." Tapasya said and went outside.
As soon as she went outside, the zipper of her bag opened automatically. She had kept her personal care items in a box. Suddenly, the box opened, and a vermillion box came into it from somewhere.
Unaware of all this, Tapasya was present outside with her mom and dad. She wanted to spend time with them before leaving.
"I still don't feel like sending you away from me. If you hadn't insisted, I would never have wanted to say yes," Naman said.
"Stop it, Naman..." Tina scolded him, "Now our Tapu has grown up. Okay Tapu, you're going to India, so I thought of making a list for shopping. Although everything is available here, but there are some things that are special there and no one can match it." While speaking, Tina handed Tapasya a long list, after reading which Tapasya and Naman were looking at Tina in surprise.
"Mom, such a long list... When I come back, they will keep me at the airport itself... And why have you made such a long list... You don't have to open a shop, do you?"
"I don't have to open a shop, बेटा, but it's not like you're going to India again and again. I have written down the things of some of my friends and my own with great effort, remembering them. Not even one thing should be less from this," Tina gave her decree.
Tapasya agreed to her point and then looked towards Naman and said, "Dad, don't you want anything?"
"No, बेटा, you just come back as soon as possible, that will be the biggest gift for me."
Hearing Naman's words, Tapasya hugged him. After talking lightly for some time, they had gone to sleep.
__________
The next day, Tapasya bid farewell to Naman and Tina and left for India. After covering a long journey, all four of them reached the airport near Pratapgarh and from there they were coming to Pratapgarh by the car sent by Unnati's family.
On the other hand, Abhimanyu and Gaurav also traveled by car in the morning to go to Pratapgarh. Due to the long journey, they also reached the border of Pratapgarh around 11:00 PM.
As soon as their car entered the border of Pratapgarh, there was a terrible storm. Due to the very strong sandstorm, small plants were uprooted while large trees almost shook from their place. Suddenly, a large tree trunk flew from somewhere and fell heavily in front of both cars.
The cars on both sides stopped there immediately. Nothing was clearly visible in the dark, still Abhimanyu and Gaurav came out of their car from one side, while Unnati, Tapasya, Hazel and Parth came out of their car from the other side.....!
★★★★
Hello Readers.....
Here comes the entry of our hero... Let's see, who proves to be the hero, or the villain... What do you think...
Do comment in the review section
As Tapasya and Abhimanyu entered Pratapgarh's borders with their respective friends, the weather changed. There was a very strong sandstorm. They got out of the car, but it was so dark that they couldn't see anything.
Everyone turned on their mobile phone flashlights to see outside.
"Well, that's quite a welcome in your hometown..." said Gaurav. His gaze went towards the front. "Looks like your hometown has welcomed someone else quite well too..."
At Gaurav's words, Abhimanyu shone the flashlight towards the front, and he saw four people outside a car. Parth was trying to check the car's bonnet after opening it. Abhimanyu and Gaurav went to them.
"Excuse me..." As Abhimanyu said this, approaching them, Unnati recognized his voice. She turned towards him quickly and said happily, "Excused, Bhai..."
"Unnati... How are you here?" Abhimanyu was also happy to see her. Forgetting his own troubles in the midst of the storm, Abhimanyu lovingly hugged Unnati.
"So good to see you... Didn't think we'd meet like this in a storm after so many years," Abhimanyu said, stepping away from her.
"Yes, Bhai... I just arrived from London with my friends a little while ago. We didn't know there would be such a strong storm here, otherwise we would have stayed at the hotel," Unnati said.
"Alright, are you two siblings going to keep talking to each other, or will we get introduced too?" Gaurav said.
"Unnati, meet him, this is my friend Gaurav. He's in the Indian Army with me and came here for a visit." As soon as Abhimanyu introduced Gaurav, he said, laughing, "Yes, came for a visit, but now it feels like I'm not walking, but flying. It's quite a strong storm."
"Guys, if you're done talking, can we find a way out of here?" Tapasya said. She was quite bothered by the dusty storm.
"Unnati, it seems your friends don't like India. This is all common here; I don't think you'll be able to stay here for long, Miss..." Not knowing Tapasya's name, Abhimanyu left his statement unfinished.
"Bhai, these are my friends, Tapasya, Hazel, and Parth..." Unnati quickly introduced the three, pointing to each as she said their names.
"I don't think this car will be fixed now. Let's call someone from home for help," Abhimanyu said.
As soon as he raised his mobile phone to make a call, the network was gone. The same was true for everyone else's mobile phones.
"Looks like Pratapgarh doesn't like new guests," Gaurav said. "How many days will it take us to walk to your palace?"
"It's about a three- or four-hour walk. It's so dusty that we can't see anything; walking so far will be even more difficult," Abhimanyu replied.
They were talking amongst themselves when a large iron sheet was blown by the storm towards Tapasya. Abhimanyu saw it, quickly went to Tapasya, and pulled her to the other side. They were all quite frightened by this incident.
"Are you alright, Tapasya?" Parth asked, coming to her.
"Yes..." Tapasya's voice clearly showed her nervousness. She was quite scared. Hazel came to her and hugged her, trying to calm her down.
"It won't be safe to stay here. We should get in the car," Gaurav said.
They were about to get into the car when they saw a car coming from the front. "Let's try to ask them for help," Abhimanyu said.
They didn't need to ask for help. The car stopped right next to them. A woman came out of it, wearing a traditional sari and expensive family jewelry. She was tall, thin, and had a slightly dusky complexion. It was Urmila Devi.
"What are you doing here at this hour, Maa... Who goes out in a storm?" Seeing them there, Abhimanyu expressed his displeasure.
"We know there's a storm; that's why we're here. We thought something might have happened, so we came this far. Leave these cars here. We'll get them picked up in the morning. Come on, quickly come with us now," Urmila Devi said.
"Auntie, you're a savior for us," Hazel said, getting into the car.
Because there were too many people, they barely managed to adjust in the car. After facing this storm after such a long journey, everyone was tired. No one spoke during the entire journey.
After some time, they were standing in front of a large palace. This was the ancestral palace of the Singh family. It looked old-fashioned but had been renovated with many changes.
The entire palace was well-decorated because of the wedding. By the time they reached home, the storm outside had completely subsided.
"Alright, alright, quickly come inside. You can see the palace properly in the morning; you all are quite tired now." Seeing them all standing there, Urmila Devi asked them to come inside.
Everyone agreed and started coming inside. No one could see each other clearly in the darkness, but as soon as they came inside, everyone saw each other's faces.
"You've grown up quite a lot, Chhutki..." Abhimanyu said, pulling Unnati's nose.
"And you're even more fit and fine..." Unnati replied.
Gaurav and Parth started talking to each other, while Hazel and Tapasya felt like strangers amongst them.
While talking, Abhimanyu's gaze fell on Tapasya. He came close to Unnati and said softly, "Is Tapasya the one who's wearing the black dress?"
"Yes, but how did you recognize her?" Unnati asked in surprise.
"The nervousness from the accident a while ago is still on her face. Do one thing; show the guests to their rooms to rest."
Unnati agreed to his words. She took Tapasya, Hazel, and Parth with her. Gaurav also went with them. Parth and Gaurav stayed in one room, while Hazel and Tapasya stayed together.
After coming into the room, everyone went straight to sleep.
____________
The next day, everyone got up, got ready, and were in the hall of the house, where Unnati was introducing her friends to everyone. Except for Unnati's great-grandfather Pratap Singh, the rest of the family was present there. Abhimanyu also introduced his friend Gaurav to everyone.
Everyone was having breakfast together.
"Alright, Abhimanyu..." Gaurav said softly to Abhimanyu, "That girl Hazel who came with your sister... She is something different."
"Oh, really? We belong to the Indian Army; don't forget your decorum... Did you come here to ogle at girls?"
"Absolutely not... I'm not looking for myself. I was looking for you. I know who I want to spend my life with, but Hazel, you two would make a great pair."
Abhimanyu's attention was on Tapasya instead of Hazel. "And that other one?"
"Meaning you liked the other one." Gaurav said to tease him. In response, Abhimanyu glared at him.
"How many times have I told you not to talk while eating?" Urmila said, coming near them. "And Abhimanyu, you... We have a lot of complaints from you."
"We also have a lot of complaints. Look, Mummy Ji, we've been waiting for the past 3 years for when our sister-in-law will come. But Abhimanyu Bhaiya isn't ready for marriage at all," Abhimanyu's sister-in-law, Sakshi, said, supporting her.
Sakshi was wearing a sari like Urmila Devi.
"But this time, it's not going to happen... If not marriage, we won't let him leave from here without an engagement," their aunt, Janki, said, supporting Sakshi.
"Looks like I really shouldn't have come here this time. You all have formed a gang against me," Abhimanyu replied.
"If not a gang, we have really thought something for you," Urmila Devi said in a serious voice. Abhimanyu understood what she meant, but he didn't say anything at that moment.
After breakfast, Urmila Devi called Abhimanyu to her room. His father, Ravindra Pratap Singh, was also present there.
"Pranam, Papa..." Seeing him there, Abhimanyu touched his feet. "Got late coming last night, so didn't get time to meet."
"Not just late coming at night, you've really come very late this time. That's because you don't have any attachment to us anymore, right?" Ravindra Pratap said in a stern voice.
"It's nothing like that, Papa... You know very well I've never disobeyed you."
Hearing Abhimanyu's words, Urmila Devi lovingly caressed his cheek and said, "Yes, that's why you're your parents' darling. You haven't disobeyed us until now, so don't do it in the future either."
Abhimanyu nodded in response. Urmila Devi looked towards Ravindra Pratap Singh. They spoke something in their eyes, and after that, Urmila Devi took something out from the drawer near her bedside. She had a picture in her hand, which she showed to Abhimanyu.
"This is Raavi. She is studying for graduation. It will be completed by next year. We're not in a hurry for the wedding, but we want you to leave from here after getting engaged this time." As soon as Ravindra Pratap said this, Abhimanyu looked at him in surprise. He hadn't even looked at the girl's picture.
"But Papa, I'm not ready for this," Abhimanyu said in a low voice.
"When you first thought of joining the Indian Army, we weren't ready to send you there either... Still, for your happiness, we convinced ourselves and also the entire family... This girl has been found for you by Bade Dada Sa himself, and someone is known to him. If not for us, don't say no for him." Ravindra Pratap Singh put his point forward.
"Your engagement will happen on the day of the wedding... The engagement function has been arranged for the morning. Yo..." Urmila Devi hadn't even completed her sentence when there was a knock at the door.
"Who told you that Abhimanyu and Raavi will get engaged? Abhimanyu and Raavi's wedding is exactly one day before Chhote's wedding... It would be better if you people, along with Abhimanyu, prepare yourselves for this by then." A stern and strict voice echoed.
In response, no one said anything. Just lowered their gazes and nodded in agreement. Abhimanyu's face was on the other side. There was anger in his eyes against their decision.
★★★★
Abhimanyu had reached Pratapgarh to attend Kartik's wedding. After arriving there, he received another shock when he learned that his own wedding was scheduled for just one day before Kartik's.
Abhimanyu was standing with his parents, talking, when his great-grandfather's voice echoed at the door, "You better prepare yourself for the wedding in this one week. Ravi is from my friend's family's new generation. She'll be here soon. This week, both of you should understand each other well and prepare yourselves for this relationship."
He came inside as he spoke. Even though he was Abhimanyu's great-grandfather, he didn't look a day over 60-65. The traditional kurta pajama and the thick, painted black mustache on his face suited him well. Urmila and Ravindra didn't dare to speak in the face of his commanding voice.
Abhimanyu wanted to voice his opinion, but sensing the situation, Urmila held his hand and gestured for him to remain silent.
"When will Ravi arrive, Bade Dada Sa?" Urmila asked.
"Her Kaka called. She should be arriving any minute now," Pratap Singh replied. He noticed that Abhimanyu's face was downcast. He went to him and lovingly stroked his head, saying, "I know you're not ready for this relationship, but it's better to do everything on time. Kartik is younger than you, yet he's moving forward in his life. We don't want you to dedicate all your time to your professional life. Personal life is also important. You'll understand this after Ravi arrives." Pratap Singh lovingly explained to Abhimanyu.
"Bade Dada Sa, if your thinking is so modern, you could have at least asked me once before finalizing this match," Abhimanyu expressed his feelings to him.
Hearing him, Pratap Singh chuckled lightly and said, "Even though we might be modern for you children, our traditions still hold just as much importance for us. Your father wasn't ready for marriage either. But when we found your mother for him, and he spent time with her, he understood that there couldn't be a better life partner for him than Urmila. You'll understand the same after meeting Ravi, how important it is to have a good partner in life."
"Bade Dada Sa is right, despite being from such old times, he's giving you the opportunity to spend time with Ravi. He's even allowing her to stay here with you before the wedding, what more could you want? Even though I'm younger than Bade Dada Sa, my thinking still isn't as modern as his. Now that he's given his permission, who am I to speak in between?" Ravindra said with a laugh. Pratap Singh also smiled at his words.
"Okay, no more arguing now..." Urmila said, bringing the conversation to a halt, "Abhi, like you, we're also meeting Ravi for the first time. By the way, you didn't tell us, Bade Dada Sa, who else is coming with Ravi?"
"No one for now... We sent our driver to pick up Ravi. They should be arriving any minute now."
Hearing Pratap Singh's words, Urmila said in surprise, "It would have been good if the girl's parents had come. There's so little time left for the wedding. They could have also sized up Abhimanyu."
"I wish that were possible." Pratap Singh's face was serious as he spoke. "Ravi was raised by her aunt and uncle. Her parents are no longer in this world. The girl is very virtuous, that's why we chose her for our Abhimanyu. As for family, even though her aunt and uncle raised her, they couldn't give her the love of parents. They will arrive for the wedding to fulfill the formality."
Pratap Singh gave a complete introduction to Ravi's family. Urmila Devi left to prepare for Ravi's welcome, while Ravindra Pratap and Pratap Singh became busy discussing the wedding preparations.
Abhimanyu came out of the room with a downcast face. "How can these people fix my marriage with a girl like this? Disgusting... Forget about me, even Mom and Dad haven't seen her yet. I don't understand how they all blindly follow whatever Bade Dada Sa says."
Abhimanyu was very angry. He came to the garden to calm himself and get some fresh air. Unnati was there with her friends. She was showing them around the palace. Bhavya was also quite happy with these new guests. He was also walking along with them.
"I've never seen flowers of so many different species before... And what can I say about your palace... It is just amazing..." Hazel was taking pictures of every corner.
While Hazel was busy taking pictures, Parth and Unnati were talking to each other with their eyes. He saw Tapasya, different from all of them, lost in her own world, swinging on the swing. Bhavya's entire attention was on Tapasya. He was staring at her.
"Come here, little prince..." Abhimanyu called Bhavya to him. When he called out loudly, everyone's attention went to him for a moment.
Bhavya ran to Abhimanyu. "Tell me, Bhaiya... Is there any work? You see, we're a little busy."
"We can see where you're busy. We noticed that you were looking at Unnati's friend a little too closely."
"Yes, because we like her, and we'll marry her when we grow up. But our wedding will only happen after you get married... Now that Kartik Bhaiya is also getting married, why don't you say yes?"
"Son, don't try to be older than your age because this age is the best," Abhimanyu said, lightly pulling his ear.
"If you're waiting for Abhimanyu Bhai to get married, then you won't have to wait much longer, Bhavya..." A boy's voice came from behind. Abhimanyu and Bhavya turned around and saw Kartik behind them. He had overheard everything they were saying.
"Where were you until now, oh groom-to-be? We arrived last night itself... And you're meeting us now," Abhimanyu said.
Kartik went to him, hugged him, and then pulled away, saying, "The groom-to-be is you too. The breaking news for now is that Abhimanyu Bhai's wedding is going to be one day before mine." Kartik shouted and gave this news to everyone. Everyone ran to Abhimanyu.
"Let us also know who Bhai has chosen as our Bhabhi Sa? You turned out to be a hidden gem, Bhai. You found a Bhabhi and didn't even tell us..." Unnati said, teasing him.
"Let me meet her first, then I'll introduce you all..." Abhimanyu replied in a soft voice.
"What do you mean by let me meet her?" Tapasya was surprised to hear him. "Your wedding is going to be in the next one week, and you don't even know who you're marrying? Are you kidding me?"
"Bhai, are you joking or something?" Unnati asked seriously.
"The joke was played on me when Mom and Dad told me about this. On top of that, Bade Dada Sa has selected the girl for me. It's his decision that my wedding will be one day before Kartik's," Abhimanyu briefly explained everything to them.
"Unnati, you said your great-grandfather is very modern, then fixing Bhai's wedding without his permission like this... It is completely unfair. He has to spend his entire life with her, what if the girl isn't good?" Parth said.
"Unnati, now I'm worried about you. When your Dada Sa has selected a girl for your brother, then he might have selected a boy for you without telling you? If that happens, then what will happen to you and Parth?" In his hurry to speak, Hazel told everyone about Unnati and Parth. Everyone looked at them in surprise.
"Unnati... Is this boy your boyfriend?" Abhimanyu asked in a stern voice.
Tapasya saw that Unnati was nervous, so she spoke in response, "Why are you scolding Unnati? She has the right to live her life according to her wishes."
"I'm not talking to you, I'm talking to Unnati. It would be better if she answers," Abhimanyu said in a slightly angry tone. There was silence for a while. Then Unnati nodded her head in agreement, nervously.
"Please, Bhai, don't tell the family about this yet. They'll take everything the wrong way. If they get angry and marry me off to someone else... I won't be able to live without Parth."
Hearing Unnati's words, Abhimanyu held her hand and said, "As long as I'm here, that will never happen. I promise, you'll marry the one you like. As long as I'm here, you won't be married off to someone else against your will."
"Yes, big words are being spoken while they can't even stop their own wedding. You should take a stand for yourself first and then support Unnati," Tapasya taunted.
"If I loved someone like Unnati, then I would definitely take a stand," Abhimanyu replied.
A heated argument started between the two, which the people there were quietly listening to. "It's not necessary that you always take a stand for your love. Sometimes you have to take a stand for your own independence and your own happiness. I don't understand, when you don't even love that girl, how will you spend your whole life with her? You haven't even seen her yet, who knows what she'll be like."
"Whatever she's like, she's definitely not going to be like you," Abhimanyu said, showing his eyes. "I'll take care of myself, but what about the boy you'll marry."
"He'll be the luckiest boy in the world who marries me. And yes, if I'm not ready for that wedding, I'll tell my family about it, rather than quietly obeying them like a puppet."
"Abhimanyu Bhai... Tapu... Why are you two arguing? And Bhai, if you don't like that girl, then we're ready to talk to the family in your favor," Unnati said to quiet them down.
"Yes, Bhai... If you don't want to marry that girl, then we can all put your point in front of the family together," Kartik also agreed with Unnati.
"There's no need for that," Abhimanyu said, looking angrily at Tapasya.
They were talking when a car came speeding through the main door of the palace. It was their great-grandfather's car, which no one used except him. Abhimanyu remembered that Bade Dada Sa had sent that car to pick up Ravi.
"Ravi has arrived." As soon as Abhimanyu said this, everyone's eyes were fixed on that car.
★★★★
Abhimanyu was standing with Unnati's friends in the palace garden, where he and Tapasya got into an argument during their conversation.
They were talking when a car arrived, which belonged to his great-grandfather. Everyone's eyes were fixed on the car because Abhimanyu's future wife, Raavi, was in it.
"Dada Sa had told me a little while ago that he had sent for Raavi. She has probably arrived," Abhimanyu told them.
"Oh, so our future sister-in-law's name is Raavi. Let's see what our future sister-in-law looks like..." said Unnati.
They saw a girl get out of the car, who was of average height and fair complexion. She was wearing a simple but branded saree, and expensive Kundan jewelry was enhancing her beauty. She had heavy makeup on her face and goggles on her eyes, and she was looking at the palace. There was innocence on her face.
"Beautiful... Looks like our future sister-in-law has decided to impress brother in the first go," Kartik said to tease Abhimanyu. Abhimanyu made a face at him in response.
"She is dressed up like her wedding is today," said Tapasya.
"Abhimanyu... why don't you go and receive Raavi, I will capture a photo of you both. You can cherish your first meeting through this photo," said Parth, taking the camera from Hazel's hand.
"There is no need to do all this, and beware if anyone tells her that I am Abhimanyu... and if any of you leaves me alone with that girl here, it won't be good," As soon as Abhimanyu said this, everyone looked at him in surprise.
Before they could react to his words, Raavi came to them. She extended her hand towards Abhimanyu and said, "Hello Abhimanyu Ji... it's nice to meet you."
"By the way, who told you that he is Abhimanyu? He could be someone else," Tapasya said with the intention of teasing Abhimanyu.
"Great-grandfather had already sent me his pictures. By the way, who are you all?" Raavi asked, seeing so many people together.
Kartik introduced them all one by one. After everyone was introduced, Raavi said, "It was very nice to meet you all, especially Abhimanyu Ji..."
"Really? I thought you would be angry with us, we didn't let you meet your Abhimanyu Ji properly. Anyway, you can meet him now if you want. We will leave from here. Okay guys?" Tapasya asked them all.
"Okay..." everyone said together in unison and left from there smiling. Tapasya turned back and winked at Abhimanyu. Abhimanyu was very angry with her.
"I won't spare you," he muttered softly. He looked at Raavi who was smiling and looking at him.
"Wasn't it good that everyone left?" Raavi said in a low voice.
"Yes, it was very good, now I can know what's in your heart. Look Raavi, if you are being forced into this marriage, then I am with you. We will together tell the family that we don't want to get married."
"What are you talking about, Abhimanyu Ji? Who will force us? I liked you at first sight."
"Photos are a different thing. We have to spend our whole life together. You don't know me, I am very aggressive. I can even raise my hand on the person in front of me in anger. When I am troubled, I first look for a solution to my problem in alcohol... What to say about my financial condition, despite having such a good salary, I had to take so much debt. I had invested money in share marketing and it all went down."
Hearing his words, Raavi looked at him in surprise. She paused for a while and then said in response, "It's okay Abhimanyu Ji, now that I have come, I will get rid of all your bad habits. As for the debt, I will sell my jewelry to repay your debt. When I am with you, trouble won't even come near you, if you are not troubled, then why will you turn to alcohol?"
Hearing Raavi's words, the sound of loud laughter suddenly came. Abhimanyu and Raavi turned around and saw that all those people were hiding and listening to their conversation.
"Abhimanyu Ji, you don't have any problem now, do you? Raavi is ready to do everything for you," Tapasya said to tease him.
"Yes, where do you find such girls nowadays? Look how cultured she is. Otherwise, some girls nowadays forget their values while living abroad and start arguing over everything," Abhimanyu taunted Tapasya.
"No, Abhimanyu Ji, I am not like that at all. I will accept all your words without question," Raavi replied.
"Come on, future sister-in-law, you have talked a lot with Abhimanyu Ji. Now meet the rest of the family members too," Unnati came to Raavi and took her inside. All those people were also going inside together when Abhimanyu came to Tapasya and said softly, "I wanna talk to you..."
"But I don't want to..." Tapasya said in reply and went inside.
"I have been unnecessarily trapped by all these people... I don't want such a girl for marriage who blindly agrees without thinking about right and wrong. She should be like my friend... not make me feel old by calling me Abhimanyu Ji, Abhimanyu Ji." Abhimanyu didn't like Raavi at all. He rejected her at first sight.
He went inside to his mother to talk about this. Everyone was inside with Raavi. She had won everyone's heart in a short time.
Urmila Devi saw Abhimanyu inside, so she went to him and said, "Abhi, Raavi has won all our hearts in a short time. The child is very virtuous and cheerful."
"Mom, I need to talk to you in private," Abhimanyu said softly.
"Oh, so you are ashamed to tell in front of everyone," Hearing Urmila Devi's words, Raavi lowered her eyes shyly.
"Looks like Raavi is also feeling shy along with Abhimanyu," Tapasya said.
"Yes, she should be shy. After all, this is not London, where everything is open and obvious," Janki replied.
"Whatever it is, we like our sister-in-law very much. Great-grandfather's decision can never be wrong. Whether it is about Abhimanyu's marriage or our marriage..." Sakshi said.
"We know that's why we accept his every decision without question. Kartik has already chosen a girl for himself, otherwise all the marriages in this house are done with the will of great-grandfather. You know Raavi, all the marriages here are fixed in about 10 to 15 days, yet everyone's marriages are successful today... and everyone is also happy," Urmila replied.
Tapasya was very surprised to hear Urmila's words. She didn't think it was right to say anything at that time but Hazel spoke up, "Aunty, does that mean everyone in your house had an arranged marriage? Getting a big surprise like marriage suddenly, I don't think so it is a good decision. Nowadays time is changing and it is better to know each other before marriage."
There was silence after hearing Hazel's words. Raavi replied to her words saying, "Hazel Ji, you have not lived in India that's why you are finding all this strange but even today most of the houses have arranged marriages. Very few people get married on their own wish. I have always liked arranged marriages... Our parents can't think wrong for us."
"Okay, okay, stop it... you children have started arguing among yourselves. Neither love marriage is wrong nor arranged marriage, yes, you find your life partner sometimes in the form of love marriage and sometimes in the form of arranged marriage... It doesn't mean that those who do love marriage commit a sin," Urmila's words stopped their argument there.
Everyone agreed with her words. Abhimanyu was still looking for a chance to talk to Urmila in private but he was not getting an opportunity to say his words due to the presence of everyone.
____________
In the second part of the night, there was a strange silence. A part of the palace was lit up with torches. There were three women sitting with their faces veiled. A man was present with them. Those three were doing tantra sadhana while that man was sitting in front of them.
"Are you three sure this time that Chandravanshi has entered this palace?" On being asked by that man, the three women nodded their heads in affirmation.
"See, we are getting quite weak. Now we are in dire need of sacrifice. Earlier also we got our descendants married in a hurry. We thought all those girls would be Chandravanshi but now Abhimanyu is the only boy left in our lineage. If the girl to be married to Abhimanyu does not turn out to be Chandravanshi then we don't think we will be able to survive till Bhavya grows up. If we are destroyed then along with us all our clan will also be destroyed."
"Don't you worry Maharaj... This time our tantra sadhana cannot deceive. We had already found out through tantra sadhana on which day Chandravanshi is going to come to this palace," said one of the women.
"Sunaina, Subhadra, Sukriti... We trust you three blindly. What you have done for us and our clan, no one else can do. We just want to be sure because we don't have much time left."
The names of the three women present there were Sunaina, Subhadra and Sukriti. They were the man's wives. Suddenly those three stood up and all three of them had inverted feet. With a jerk, they removed their veils and their noses were longer than necessary, in which they were wearing big nose rings. Big eyes exactly like a black fish and a braid swaying in the air, it was clear to see those three were not human.
"Neither did we let this lineage get harmed then nor will we let it get harmed now. We have sacrificed every first Chandravanshi daughter-in-law for the happiness and prosperity of this clan. Even today all their screams echo in this palace. It is not so easy to break our tantra... Believe me that girl Raavi will now play the main role in your immortality," said Subhadra.
The man nodded in agreement to her words. "You people keep doing your work. Remember with your eyes closed if you need anything. I will always be present for you."
"And we are always present at your service Swami..." those three women said together and bowed down in front of that man.
He had a smile on his face on them doing so. He left from there after talking to those people. Those three women got involved in their tantra sadhana with full force.
★★★★
Deep within the bowels of the palace, a secret and intense tantric ritual was underway, unknown to anyone above. While the upper levels of the palace resonated with an atmosphere of joy, a sinister aura permeated the depths below.
The tantric ritual stirred many restless spirits, those who had been sacrificed in the name of clan prosperity.
As the night deepened, most of the household retired to their beds, while the younger members gathered in a room, engaged in casual conversation.
"So, Unnati, you still haven't told us how you met Parth?" Unnati's brother, Kartik, inquired, tossing a pillow in her direction.
"Well, you haven't shared when and where you met Raavi Bhabhi either," Unnati retorted, making a face.
"If only you guys could ask Abhimanyu the same question," Tapasya teased, nudging Abhimanyu.
"You all know very well how we met," Raavi responded.
Abhimanyu listened attentively to their banter, his gaze fixed on Tapasya, drawn to her despite himself. He found in her the very qualities he sought in his ideal life partner.
"Guys, I'm feeling sleepy; I'm going to my room," Abhimanyu announced, rising to leave. Raavi quickly interjected, "Stay a little longer, Abhimanyu ji, these moments don't come often."
"Yes, Abhimanyu ji, please stay. Since Raavi ji is asking, you really should," Tapasya chimed in.
Without a word, Abhimanyu settled back down. They continued with lighthearted conversation. Raavi's eyes were fixed on Abhimanyu, while Abhimanyu's were drawn to Tapasya.
Unnati, recounting her meeting with Parth, shared, "Since we were in the same stream, we first met at a seminar. We also had a common group of friends, so we became friends, and as we spent time together, we fell in love without even realizing it."
"That's nice, Unnati, but you haven't mentioned how you and Tapasya became friends?" Abhimanyu asked, looking at Tapasya.
"Oh, that's a very interesting story," Hazel chuckled. Unnati and Hazel exchanged a high five, while Tapasya fell silent, clearly not wanting to discuss it.
"Let's go to sleep, guys... It's getting late," Tapasya said, attempting to change the subject.
"How can we sleep? When Hazel ji says the story is interesting, it sparks our curiosity. Tell us, Unnati didi, how did your friendship blossom? You two seem to have a very strong bond," Raavi pressed, determined to know.
"Yes, the bond is quite strong, but you'll be surprised to know we haven't known each other for very long. Our friendship actually started with a sweet quarrel," Unnati was telling them about her friendship with Tapasya. Then Parth interrupted, "Sweet quarrel? Madam, I call it a bitter quarrel. You should be grateful I convinced you to be friends with Tapu. I knew from the start she had a good heart."
"Okay... what was the reason for your fight?" Kartik asked.
"I don't know, she read some book that mentioned our Pratapgarh. She was discussing the book with Mr. Rajput in the library, and when I heard her mention Pratapgarh, I told her I was from Pratapgarh. And then, without a second thought, Madam was ready to come with me to Pratapgarh."
Unnati's words drew laughter from the group, while Tapasya glared at her. "Why do you need to tell them all this?" she said.
"I was very angry at first that she could be so impulsive and agree to come with me to Pratapgarh without even knowing me. But the next day, when she apologized, and Parth explained, we became friends."
"Tapu and I have been friends since childhood. When Tapasya and Unnati became friends, our bond became even stronger," Hazel completed the story.
"So, Tapasya, what was so special about that book that made you want to come to Pratapgarh?" Abhimanyu inquired.
"Nothing..." Tapasya brushed off the question.
"Okay, if you don't want to tell us, don't. It's 2 AM, and we should all go to sleep now. If the elders see us, we'll get a good scolding," Kartik said.
Everyone agreed and went to their respective rooms to sleep. Abhimanyu couldn't shake the thoughts about Tapasya and the book from his mind, while Tapasya also began to recall things related to the book and Princess Tapasya.
________
Tapasya returned to her room and tried to sleep, but the image of Princess Tapasya and the cover of that book kept flashing before her eyes.
"Can I ask anyone here about who Princess Tapasya was? This is the only palace in this town. If the story in that book was true, was she sacrificed in this palace? According to the book, the first wife of this house is sacrificed, but Urmila aunty, Janki aunty, and Sakshi Bhabhi... they are all their husbands' first wives. Then how is this possible? Abhimanyu and Kartik are also getting married. Will their wives also be sacrificed?" Thousands of questions swirled in Tapasya's mind.
Despite her best efforts, Tapasya couldn't sleep, and strange thoughts kept racing through her head. She got out of bed and went outside.
Once outside, she saw Abhimanyu also leaving his room and heading somewhere.
"Where is Abhimanyu going, sneaking out at this late hour?" Tapasya wondered, and she started walking towards Abhimanyu.
"Abhimanyu..." she called out from behind. He turned around and said in surprise, "What are you doing here at this late hour?"
"You're also out at this late hour?"
"Tapu, it's not safe to be out in the palace at night. Go back to your room and sleep," Abhimanyu urged, trying to send her back to her room instead of answering her question.
"First thing is that don't call me Tapu. Only my friends and family call me that. And second, until you tell me where you're going, I'm not going back to my room either," Tapasya insisted, standing her ground and arguing with him. Abhimanyu tried to reason with her, but she wouldn't listen.
"It's not necessary to be stubborn or argue about everything... Are you going back to your room, or should I call Mom?"
As they stood there arguing, Abhimanyu's friend, Gaurav, arrived.
"Oh, so there's a cold war going on here," Gaurav joked.
"Where have you been all day? I thought you'd gone back."
"How could I go back like that? I came here just for a visit, but now I hear you're getting married. How could I leave without seeing your downfall? Good friends are there for you in times of trouble, if not in times of happiness."
"Yeah, make fun of me too..." Abhimanyu noticed Gaurav and Tapasya laughing at him.
"I agree with your friend. If the marriage is against your will, it's definitely a downfall. Listen, Abhimanyu, for once, forget all our arguments and fights and tell me honestly, do you really like Raavi?"
Upon Tapasya's question, Abhimanyu grimaced and said, "She is damn irritating..."
"Then you're doomed, my friend... I say there's still time. It's the middle of the night, let's go back to Delhi. We'll say there was an emergency, and we had to leave," Gaurav suggested.
"I like your friend's idea too," Tapasya agreed.
"But we don't like any of you three's plans," Urmila Devi's voice came from behind, startling them. They turned on the hall light. Seeing her, Tapasya, Abhimanyu, and Gaurav lowered their gazes.
"What are you three doing here at this late hour?" Urmila Devi asked in a stern voice.
"Nothing, Mom, we were just about to go to sleep," Abhimanyu replied.
"You may not understand it now, Abhimanyu, but Raavi is a good girl. You can't judge her like that after meeting her only once."
"Mom, I'm not judging her. Of course, Raavi is a good girl, but she's not my type..."
"If she's not your type, you can try to make her your type... It's not always necessary for a girl to change; you can also adapt to her," Urmila Devi explained.
Tapasya and Gaurav listened to their conversation in silence. Abhimanyu repeatedly refused to marry Raavi, while she tried to convince him to marry her.
"We all like Raavi, Abhimanyu. You spend tomorrow with her... take her shopping and all. The day after tomorrow is your engagement," Urmila Devi announced her decision.
"What?" Abhimanyu was shocked by her words. "How can you do this to us? We never expected this from you, Mom... Will you still remain silent as before, even knowing the truth?" Before Abhimanyu could continue, Urmila Devi glared at him, signaling him to be quiet.
She didn't want Abhimanyu to say anything in front of Tapasya and Gaurav, but Abhimanyu was very angry. "It would have been better if we had never come here..." Abhimanyu said and stormed off to his room in anger.
"You two go back to your rooms and sleep. We'll talk to Abhimanyu," Urmila Devi said and started to leave, but Tapasya stepped in front of her and said, "You don't need to explain to him, aunty, you need to understand. He has to spend his entire life with her. Marriage is not a joke... especially not in India... I know it's easy to say that if a relationship isn't working out, then separate, but separating isn't easy. When you're not even prepared for a relationship in the first place, why waste two lives by binding them together unnecessarily?"
"Aunty, I also agree with Tapasya. Abhimanyu and I have been together for the last 3 years, and I understand his choices very well. If he doesn't like something at first sight, he can't accept it later either. He's your son; you understand him better. I'm not saying Raavi is not a good girl or that she's not worthy of being Abhimanyu's partner, but when Abhimanyu himself has no hopes or happiness from this marriage, I don't think this marriage will be the right decision," Gaurav added his opinion after Tapasya.
They both thought that Urmila Devi might have understood after hearing their words, but she said nothing. She left them without a word and went to her room.
★★★★
Abhimanyu, with some effort, confided in Urmila Devi, stating that he did not wish to marry Raavi. Tapasya and Abhimanyu's friend, Gaurav, were also present at the time, so they both tried to reason with Urmila Devi, supporting Abhimanyu.
Tapasya and Gaurav thought Urmila Devi had understood their points, but she left for her room without saying a word.
"I thought she would understand us, but she just..." Tapasya said, disappointed.
"I thought so too. It seems like Auntie didn't even hear what we said from her reaction," Gaurav replied.
"Now I understand why Abhimanyu hasn't told them about his feelings until now. What's the point of telling them... Urmila Auntie is still being stubborn."
"Abhimanyu is her son. You don't know him yet, Tapasya... If he's made up his mind that he won't marry that girl, no matter how much anyone forces him, Captain Abhimanyu will not agree," Gaurav said with a slight smile. It was clear from his words how deep his friendship with Abhimanyu was. He understood Abhimanyu very well.
"You two seem to have a very old friendship?" Tapasya asked.
"Yes, but not as old as your name," Gaurav said jokingly. "By the way, living in London, it doesn't seem like someone can be named Tapasya... Don't you find it strange? Have you ever asked your parents why they named you Tapasya?"
Hearing this, Tapu laughed and said, "Yes, it felt very strange at first, but my dad named me. My dad is from India. I asked him, and he said that's how names are given in India."
"And you accepted that?"
"There's nothing to not accept," Tapasya replied, shrugging.
Gaurav smiled and nodded in agreement. "I'll try to talk to Urmila Auntie and reason with her. Can you talk to Abhimanyu?" he asked.
"We don't get along very well. Do you think he'll listen to me? I troubled him a lot today about Raavi. Let's do this, you talk to Abhimanyu, he's your friend and will understand you... And I'll go and try to reason with Urmila Auntie."
"He's my friend, so I know him well. Right now, he doesn't need someone to reason with him but someone to be with him, it doesn't matter if it's his friend or not. But Urmila Auntie... Tapu, you're new and not from India, so you don't know what to say and what points to make in front of her. So, it's better if I do this."
Tapasya agreed this time. "But where will I find him in this huge palace?"
Gaurav didn't answer her and started calling Abhimanyu on his phone. "Hello... I need to talk to you. Where are you?" he asked.
"Right now, I really need to talk to someone. Otherwise, I'll go crazy from overthinking... Come to the palace roof." Abhimanyu replied from the other side.
"Okay, I'm coming," Gaurav said, cutting the call and looking at Tapasya, "He's on the palace roof. And yes... Don't trouble him about Raavi for now. Otherwise, he'll get even more irritated."
Tapasya nodded and started looking for the stairs to go to the palace roof. After she left, Gaurav also went to talk to Urmila Devi.
____________
After climbing many stairs, Tapasya reached the top. She was tired from climbing so many stairs. She saw Abhimanyu standing in front, looking outside.
"Couldn't these people install a lift in the palace? Who would come up after climbing so many stairs?" Tapasya said, panting.
She walked slowly towards Abhimanyu. Abhimanyu heard someone coming. "Thank God you came, man..." Abhimanyu said, turning around, but instead of Gaurav, it was Tapasya.
"What are you doing here?"
"I came to get some fresh air. What are you doing here? I thought you would have gone to sleep after arguing with Urmila Auntie."
"And what do you think, can I sleep after arguing with her? Mom is the closest to me in our family, and she's the one who doesn't understand me. Nothing can be more painful for me than this," Abhimanyu said sadly.
"Yes, I know. Why don't you talk to Raavi directly?"
"I don't want to hurt her by rejecting her or saying anything wrong."
"You're so smart. I agree with you on this. Every person is perfect in their own way, so who are we to find faults in them... It's not necessary that we get along well with everyone," Tapasya said, shrugging. Abhimanyu had a smile on his face after hearing her words.
"Oh, so Miss London gives motivational talks too."
"Don't call me that... I'm from India too."
Hearing that she was from India, Abhimanyu asked, "Oh, you never told me where you're from?"
"I would have told you if I knew myself. I was born in London. I've never met my family, and this is my first time in India."
"Strange..." Abhimanyu expressed surprise. "It's okay, you ask your mom and dad everything, and now that you're here, meet your family too."
"I wish that were possible. Leave me aside and tell me how you'll back out of this marriage?"
"I don't know myself. This alliance was fixed by great-grandfather, and there's no one in the house who would go against any of his decisions," Abhimanyu said.
"Unnati was saying your great-grandfather is quite modern... and quite young too... I mean, no one can tell his age by looking at him. He must look quite young, right..."
Tapasya kept talking to Abhimanyu. As soon as great-grandfather was mentioned, Abhimanyu went into a different world. He was there but not really there.
Some scenes floated before his eyes, in which an old man with protruding bones and barely any skin on top was walking around the palace with the support of a wooden stick. Suddenly, he turned towards him. His entire neck had turned backward, but the front of his body was still facing forward. Seeing him, Abhimanyu ran away in fear.
Thinking about all that, Abhimanyu had beads of sweat on his forehead. His heartbeat had become very fast. Tapasya noticed the change in his facial expressions, and she also became worried.
"What happened, Abhimanyu? Are you alright?" Tapasya asked, holding his hand. Abhimanyu was very nervous.
He didn't give her any answer. Tapasya hugged him to calm him down and said, caressing him, "Don't worry, we'll find a way out."
Tapasya thought the reason for Abhimanyu's distress was the fixed marriage, while Abhimanyu was very nervous thinking about old things. He couldn't forget what he had seen in this palace in his childhood, and whenever he remembered those things, his condition would become like this.
_________
On the other side, Gaurav went after Urmila Devi to talk to her. She was alone in the room. Finding her alone, Gaurav went to her. He saw Urmila Devi had worry on her face and moisture in her eyes. She had a photo frame in her hand with a picture of her and Abhimanyu.
"Can I come in, Auntie?" Gaurav asked, knocking on the door.
Hearing his voice, Urmila quickly wiped away the tears from the corners of her eyes and put the picture on the bedside. She gestured for Gaurav to come in with a slight smile.
"Being Abhimanyu's friend, I know very well how close he is to you," Gaurav said, picking up the picture in which Urmila Devi and Abhimanyu were. Looking at it, he said, "It seems our Captain has been Mom's favorite since childhood."
"Yes, Rohit was his father's, and Abhimanyu was our favorite. Everyone used to tease him by calling him 'Momma's boy,' yet he didn't want to go away from us. Even today, if something happens, he tells us first," Urmila Devi was telling him about Abhimanyu.
"And today also, he came to you first and told you that he doesn't like Raavi. Auntie, think for yourself, how can he spend his whole life with a girl he doesn't like?"
"That's exactly why our heart is torn apart, that we can't do anything for our son even if we want to. Abhimanyu's father will never go against his great-grandfather," Urmila Devi expressed her helplessness.
"Auntie, when you could convince everyone to let Abhimanyu join the army, what is marriage? Abhimanyu told me that when he thought of joining the army, everyone had refused him. No one was happy with his decision. At that time, it was only you who not only supported him but also convinced the rest of the family."
"This time the whole family is together, we can't do anything alone, Gaurav."
"Who told you the whole family is together? All the children in the house are with Abhimanyu. We just need your support. Will you support us?"
Hearing his words, Urmila Devi fell into thought. On one side was her whole family, and on the other side was her beloved son Abhimanyu. Last time also, she had to face a lot of troubles because of supporting Abhimanyu.
"Auntie, please, there is still time. If something goes wrong after the wedding, you all will be responsible for it."
Hearing Gaurav's words, Urmila Devi immediately said yes without wasting any time. "We are with you."
Gaurav had a smile on his face as soon as she said yes, while Abhimanyu also felt better with Tapasya up there. He felt a sense of belonging when Tapasya hugged him.
Just then, a strange, harsh sound echoed in the palace. It seemed like many women were wailing together.
That sound was echoing throughout the palace. When that sound reached the basement through the corridors of the palace, Subhadra, Sunaina, and Sukriti, who were absorbed in tantric rituals, smiled and looked at each other.
"She has awakened... The sleeping clan brides have awakened," Subhadra said.
"And this is a sign that we are going in the right direction this time. This time, the new bride of our clan is going to be a Chandravanshi. All these have awakened to stop this marriage, but we know very well how to control them," Sukriti replied.
Hearing both of them, Sunaina expressed her happiness and said, "Now, all three of us will also become immortal and start looking like ordinary humans. We will also be able to live a normal life... be able to live with our king. We won't have to be imprisoned here in this basement."
The sound of their wailing was increasing, while Subhadra, Sunaina, and Sukriti, who were present in the basement, were dancing together, celebrating their happiness.
★★★★
Tapasya was with Abhimanyu on the palace's roof. Abhimanyu was feeling quite alone. To support him, Tapasya hugged him and tried to make him feel better by caressing him.
Due to their being together, the palace's dormant, unfulfilled souls awakened, and they began to wail loudly together.
"What is this sound?" Tapasya was quite frightened upon hearing the sound.
Abhimanyu separated from her and looked around. Neither of them could see anyone there. "I don't know either. But who would be crying so loudly at this time of night?"
"I'm scared. Is this palace haunted?"
"No..." Abhimanyu took a deep breath and exhaled, saying, "Let's go and see."
Tapasya agreed with him. Both moved towards the palace wall and leaned over to look down. Abhimanyu saw everything as normal, but Tapasya became terribly frightened looking down.
"Abhimanyu... who are all these people?" she said in a frightened voice. She began to tremble with fear.
"Where? Who are you talking about? I can't see anyone." Abhimanyu leaned down to look, but Tapasya grabbed his hand and pulled him towards her.
"Have you gone mad? Please stay with me. I'm very scared. They will kill us all."
"Who are you talking about, Tapu? I didn't see anyone there. Don't worry, I'll take a look. If there's anyone there, I'll see them too." Abhimanyu peeked down, but he still couldn't see anyone. No one was present in the palace courtyard. The sounds of crying were still coming.
"How is it possible that Abhimanyu couldn't see anything?" Tapasya thought, and to reassure herself, she peeked down again. Upon looking down, she again recoiled in fear.
"Who are all these women who are wearing black clothes? Why have they covered their faces?" Tapasya said in a trembling voice.
"Maybe you're tired, that's why you're seeing all this. It's quite late at night, you should rest," Abhimanyu said.
"No, Abhimanyu, this is not my illusion, this is the truth. I feel like I've seen all this somewhere before," Tears started to flow from Tapasya's eyes in nervousness. She was quite frightened seeing all this.
Abhimanyu calmed her down and caressed her hand, saying, "Maybe you've watched a horror movie... try to remember or a book... Unnati was saying that you read a strange story that was related to Pratapgarh. You took that story too seriously, which is why you were so insistent on going to Pratapgarh. Whatever you're saying, it was all written in that book, right?"
Tapasya nodded in agreement without saying anything.
"Look, you shouldn't take these kinds of things so seriously. It has a deep impact on our minds. Come with me, we'll both look down together. As I said, if there's anything down there, I'll see it too."
"I'm very scared."
"There's no need for you to be scared when I'm here," Abhimanyu said lovingly and, holding Tapasya's hand, took her to the palace wall. Both of them looked down, but this time Tapasya couldn't see anything down there. Everything was completely normal.
"Did you see anything this time?" Abhimanyu asked.
Tapasya shook her head in disagreement without saying anything.
"I told you, it's all in your mind. Let's go from here now. If you rest for a while, everything will seem fine."
"But what about those crying sounds?"
"You didn't notice in your fear. All those sounds stopped coming a long time ago. This village still follows old customs. It's possible that someone in the village has died and a Rudaali has been called to cry," Abhimanyu was trying in every way to reduce Tapasya's fear.
"Rudaali? I haven't heard this name before," Tapasya asked in surprise.
"How would you hear it? It's part of an old tradition. When someone died in a house, Rudaalis were called to cry. Their arrival in the house was considered inauspicious. I don't know what kind of superstitions were prevalent in the olden days."
"Among which was sacrifice," Tapasya suddenly blurted out.
"It seems you've taken that book too seriously. We'll talk about this later, and yes, don't say anything to anyone about what you saw or read in that book. Otherwise, people will think you're crazy," Abhimanyu explained to her. Tapasya didn't like the way Abhimanyu said it, and she said irritably, "Yes, like you understand me right now."
"I don't think you're crazy, but tell me yourself, what you're saying or what you're claiming to see, is that possible?"
"I'm very sleepy and I'm not in the mood to talk about this right now," Tapasya brushed aside Abhimanyu's words and left him there, going downstairs.
Even after she left, Abhimanyu stood there, looking down from the roof. "There's no one here. But I don't know why I can't bring myself to believe that Tapasya is lying."
Abhimanyu sat down there and closed his eyes, thinking about something.
____________
It was evening. Some children were playing in the palace garden. There was some kind of function being organized there. Because of this, the palace was decorated, and many guests were gathered.
"Now catch us if you can, Abhimanyu... you can't run faster than us," a boy said, running away.
Instead of running after him, Abhimanyu sat down on the stairs and shouted in response, "But why should we catch you, Rohit Bhaiya? We don't want to play this boring tag game..."
"It's not the game that's boring, it's you, Abhimanyu Bhaiya," a little boy replied. With this, Rohit and a little girl laughed and giggled.
"You're right, Kartik... Abhimanyu, you can never do anything. Even Unnati runs faster than you, you just sit here. We don't want to play with you," Rohit teased him.
Seeing Rohit tease him, Kartik and Unnati also did the same, and then all three started laughing at Abhimanyu together. He got very angry at this act of theirs. He looked around. There was a big stone lying in front. Abhimanyu quickly went towards it and picked up the stone and threw it at Rohit.
He often did this when he got angry, but today, unfortunately, his aim was perfect. The stone hit Rohit's forehead, and blood started coming out from there.
"Aahhh..." Rohit groaned in pain.
"What have you done, Abhimanyu Bhaiya? We'll complain to your elder mother, you hit elder brother," Kartik said. He and Unnati were busy taking care of Rohit. Seeing the opportunity, Abhimanyu ran away in fear from there.
"If mother finds out, she'll scold us a lot. But what's our fault in this? We don't want to play with him... then why does he keep bothering us for no reason," Abhimanyu was talking to himself while running.
To save himself, he went to the lower part of the palace. He hid in the stairs of the basement below. He knew that not many people came to this place.
"When everyone is together at night, I'll go there. Mother won't scold me in front of everyone either," Abhimanyu said to himself and waited for night to come. After a while, he fell asleep sitting there.
_________
Upstairs, there was chaos due to Rohit's injury and Abhimanyu's disappearance. Unaware of all this, Abhimanyu was still sleeping comfortably there.
In the second watch of the night, he suddenly opened his eyes and found himself on the stairs of the basement.
"Where is this light coming from?" Abhimanyu's eyes fell on the faint light coming from the front. "Could there be a secret house here, like the ones that are often made in movies? If so, it could be very useful to us."
There was a glow on Abhimanyu's face, and he started going in that direction, following the light. After walking a short distance, he saw that torches had been lit in the basement, providing light. He hid and started looking towards the front. There was a Havan Kund lit in the middle. In front of it, three skeletons were sitting, who were wearing women's clothes. There was another skeleton present in front, who was wearing men's clothes.
Seeing them, Abhimanyu became terribly frightened, and a scream escaped his mouth in fear.
As soon as he screamed, all four of them turned their eyes on him. Their eyes were glowing golden.
"Save me..." Abhimanyu started running away from there, screaming.
While running, he slipped and fell on the stairs. He was trembling with fear. "Mother... please take us away from here," Abhimanyu cried out, weeping.
He saw that suddenly someone put their hand on his shoulder. Abhimanyu's heart leaped into his mouth in fear. He felt like death itself was standing near him.
"What happened, Abhimanyu?" Hearing a familiar voice from behind, Abhimanyu quickly turned around and clung to the man in front of him.
"Elder Dada Sa, please save us," Abhimanyu said, running. Pratap Singh was present in front. Abhimanyu was so frightened that he didn't even find it necessary to open his eyes and see that Pratap Singh was present in the form of a skeleton. As soon as Abhimanyu hugged him, he took on a human form and started caressing him.
"What are you doing here, child? And why are you so scared?" he asked softly.
"Dada Sa, we don't want to stay here. Th... there are ghosts there. We have seen them with our own eyes."
"It seems you've had a bad dream. Let's go upstairs."
"No, we don't want to go from here. We accidentally hit Rohit Bhaiya with a stone. Mother will scold us a lot," Abhimanyu was still not ready to go from there.
"There's nothing to worry about. No one will say anything to you while we're here," Pratap Singh picked him up in his arms and started taking him upstairs.
After seeing all that, Abhimanyu's condition was bad. He was burning with fever. Seeing his condition, Urmila became terribly frightened. Abhimanyu kept muttering only one thing in his sleep, that there are ghosts in the basement.
___________
Thinking about that night, Abhimanyu felt a slight shiver. The terror of that scene was still lingering in his mind.
"Is Tapasya really telling the truth? What we saw that day was also quite strange, but everyone forgot about it, considering it to be our illusion. I should talk to mother about this. I was a child then. That's why no one believed me, but that basement must still be there. What I saw was not my illusion or any delusion. There was really something strange present there, thinking about which my head feels like it's about to explode today," Abhimanyu said to himself.
He once again went to look down in the same direction, so that he could see something, as Tapasya had said. But everything was completely normal.
"No one believed what we said then, and today, what you're saying is not being believed. I know very well that there is something strange present in this palace, which requires being special to see... Whatever it is, this time I will find out the truth," Abhimanyu resolved in his mind and went downstairs from there.
★★★★
The next morning, Urmila went to Abhimanyu's room to persuade him. She had tea and breakfast in her hand. She had come to wake him up. As Urmila stepped into Abhimanyu's room, she saw Abhimanyu was engrossed in his laptop instead of sleeping.
"We thought you would still be sleeping," Urmila said, sitting beside him. "We made your favorite toast and ginger tea for breakfast."
"Thank you, Mom..." Abhimanyu replied in a low voice. His attention was still on the laptop. He didn't even look at Urmila.
"Still angry with your mother that you're not even looking at her?"
Abhimanyu closed the laptop and looked at Urmila, saying, "It's nothing like that. But yes, if you've come to give me reasons to marry Raavi, I'll definitely be angry with you."
Hearing his words, Urmila smiled slightly. "Well, the girl is nice. We don't know why you don't like her?"
"Seriously, you don't know? I thought no one would know me better than you. Okay, if you don't know, I'll tell you. You know very well that I've always objected to you and Aunt agreeing to Papa, Bade Dada Sa, or the other men in the house without question."
Abhimanyu was speaking when Urmila interrupted him, "What's wrong with that? You know, Abhimanyu, we belong to the royal family. In our family, the men of the house have always made all the decisions."
"And the women accept them without question. You may not see anything wrong with it, but I don't like it. I want a life partner who corrects me when I'm wrong, not someone who blindly agrees with my wrong decisions. That's why I didn't like Raavi's behavior."
"If you spend time with her, then..."
"Even then, I won't like her. There's nothing wrong with Raavi, Mom... I didn't like her thinking, and no one's thinking can be changed." Abhimanyu flatly refused to marry Raavi.
Hearing his words, Urmila Devi's face showed concern. She knew very well what the consequences of Abhimanyu's refusal could be.
Seeing Urmila silent, Abhimanyu said, "What happened? Look, don't worry about me. I'll go and talk to Bade Dada Sa myself."
"No, you won't do anything like that," Urmila said sternly. "We'll talk to him first. We don't think he'll agree. If he does, good, otherwise, it's better you go back to work."
"But I came to attend Kartik's wedding. You can't just throw me out like this."
Urmila was upset because Abhimanyu was being stubborn about everything. She stood up and said in a heavy voice, "Why are you so stubborn? Either leave or marry that girl Raavi."
"I won't leave without attending Kartik's wedding, and I won't marry Raavi," Abhimanyu shrugged and replied.
"It's useless to argue with you," Urmila said and left.
As soon as she left, Abhimanyu quickly picked up his laptop and started looking at it again. He was looking at the history of Pratapgarh on the laptop.
"If we go by the history of Pratapgarh, there was a time when this town was completely destroyed. People here started getting sick and dying. Even the royal family couldn't escape this disease. This town was completely destroyed. Then suddenly, what happened in one year that this town was populated again? Not only populated, but it became the most powerful and wealthy among the surrounding states," Abhimanyu said to himself.
"Let me try to find the book Tapasya was talking about. Maybe it's available on some site." Abhimanyu tried very hard to find books written about the stories and history of Pratapgarh, but he found only a few books that contained stories of the royal family or the origin of Pratapgarh.
"There's nothing here. I'll have to talk to Tapu and ask her about the story she read in that book." Abhimanyu quickly closed the laptop, ate the tea and breakfast brought by Urmila, and came outside.
___________
Outside, everyone was busy with the wedding preparations. Someone had come to show clothes in the hall of the house. All the women and girls were sitting around him.
"Should I buy a saree for myself?" Hazel asked, looking at Tapasya.
In response, Tapasya nodded. Unnati was also sitting near them. Hearing Hazel's words, she said, "If you buy a saree, then I'll select one for myself too. Tapu, should I select a saree for you too?"
"Okay, but it shouldn't be too loud," Tapasya replied.
"Okay... Sakshi Bhabhi, please help us three select a good saree," Unnati called out to Sakshi.
Everyone was talking and looking at the sarees there. Raavi was also present there. When she saw Abhimanyu, she quickly draped a saree over herself and called out to him, "Abhimanyu ji, how do I look in this saree? If you like it, I'll buy it."
"Now will you wear clothes according to my choice?" Abhimanyu said.
"Yes, yes, why not?" Raavi replied.
Hearing her words, Abhimanyu came to her and started looking at the sarees lying there. He picked up a saree that looked quite ordinary and handed it to Raavi, saying, "I like this saree."
"If you like this saree, then I'll wear it," Raavi replied with a smile and kept the saree with her.
Everyone was looking at them in surprise. The saree that Abhimanyu had selected was dark pink in color and had very old-fashioned handwork on it.
"But honestly, this saree is not good at all... Then how can you buy it?" Tapasya asked in surprise.
"If Abhimanyu ji likes it, then it's the best saree in the world."
Hearing Raavi's reply, Abhimanyu had a smile on his face. He came to Urmila Devi and said in a low voice, "Now you must have understood why I don't want to marry Raavi."
Urmila Devi held her head and muttered softly, "He can do anything to prove his point. We thought you would have stopped being stubborn after growing up, but now you've become even more stubborn."
Urmila Devi looked at Raavi's face. She was looking at the saree carefully. "Now even I'm starting to feel that this girl is not right for Abhimanyu," she said to herself and got back to work.
Tapasya was getting bored with all this, so she got up and started going outside. Seeing her going out, Abhimanyu also started following her. Everyone was busy looking at sarees, so no one saw them going out.
"Tapu... Tapu, wait," Abhimanyu called out to Tapasya, running.
"How many times have I told you not to call me by that name?" Tapasya said, coming to him.
"Why can't I call you by that name? You only said that your friends and family call you by this name. Now we've become friends, haven't we?"
"And when did this miracle happen?"
"Last night..."
Tapasya did not reply to his words. She didn't want to talk about it, so she changed the subject, saying, "By the way, your choice is very bad. I haven't seen a worse saree than that in my whole life."
"Okay, if I gifted you that saree, would you wear it?"
"Absolutely not... On top of that, I would wrap that saree around you and throw it at you hard," Tapasya replied.
Hearing her words, Abhimanyu had a smile on his face. "But I really liked that saree. See, I'll only marry the girl who wears that saree."
"Then there's no problem at all. Raavi will wear that saree for you, and you won't have to argue with your family day and night about that matter. Congratulations, Mr. Abhimanyu Singh..."
Hearing her words, Abhimanyu's face fell. In the process of talking to Tapasya, he had forgotten why he was coming to meet her. Suddenly he remembered, and he lightly slapped his head, saying, "I had forgotten why I came here to meet you?"
"If you remember, then tell me why you came here to meet me?"
Abhimanyu looked around and then took Tapasya's hand and started taking her somewhere. Tapasya freed her hand and said, "Where are you taking me? Will you tell me anything?"
"I want to show you something. Just don't ask any questions, and I want to know a lot too, but for that, we'll have to go somewhere."
Tapasya agreed to his words. Abhimanyu was bringing her to the lower part of the palace, where he had some strange experiences years ago.
___________
In the same hall, everyone was still busy selecting sarees. In the midst of all this, Urmila Devi's attention suddenly went around, and Abhimanyu was not there.
"We should try to stop the wedding by talking to Bade Dada Sa. Raavi is really not right for our Abhimanyu," Urmila Devi thought to herself and got up to go upstairs.
Pratap Singh's room was built on the top floor of the palace. No one was allowed to go to the top floor of the palace. Pratap Singh lived there.
Urmila Devi reached Pratap Singh to talk about Abhimanyu. "Greetings, Bade Dada Sa..." she said, bowing her head with both hands joined.
"What brings you here today?"
"I want to talk about Abhimanyu."
"We also have a lot to talk about. But in the midst of all this, we didn't get a chance to meet you alone," Pratap Singh replied with a smile.
Urmila Devi's face showed a mixture of fear and worry. She didn't understand where to start the conversation.
Somehow she mustered courage and suddenly said, "Abhimanyu doesn't want to marry Raavi."
Hearing Urmila Devi's words, Pratap Singh's face showed anger. In anger, the skin on his body started burning, and a dilapidated skeleton of bones inside was clearly visible. Seeing him like that, Urmila stepped back a few steps in fear.
"If he doesn't want to, then explain to him..." Pratap Singh growled in anger.
"W...we...will...ex...plain." Urmila's words were failing her due to fear.
As soon as she said yes, Pratap Singh returned to his normal state and gestured Urmila to sit down.
"You know very well how special you are, yet you're saying such things. Despite everything, we've spared your son, and you know the reason for that very well..."
Urmila nodded.
"We don't want to hide anything from you. Abhimanyu and Raavi's marriage will be just for name's sake. Tell him he won't have to spend his whole life with that girl, so he should be carefree."
Urmila Devi understood the meaning of Pratap Singh's words very well. Her heart started beating faster just thinking about what Pratap Singh was thinking. The situation was going to be even more difficult for her now. Knowing everything, she still said to Pratap Singh, "We didn't understand anything."
"We'll explain everything," Pratap Singh replied mysteriously and was ready to reveal his entire conspiracy to Urmila in the next moment.
★★★★
Urmila Devi had come to Pratap Singh's room to speak on Abhimanyu's behalf. Pratap Singh became angry after hearing her and sternly warned her to convince Abhimanyu for the marriage.
"You know very well that we don't do anything without a reason," Pratap Singh said, sitting on the couch there. "If someone else was in your place and questioned us, we might have considered it, but we didn't expect this from you, Urmila. Knowing everything, you are still questioning us."
"You know how stubborn Abhimanyu is, don't you, Bade Dada Sa?"
"If he is stubborn, then you explain to him. Tell him how lucky he is to be chosen for this task. He is special, that's why he is still alive after seeing so much."
Hearing Pratap Singh's words, Urmila's mind was flooded with memories of the day when Abhimanyu was locked in the basement as a child. He had accidentally seen Pratap Singh and his three wives performing tantric rituals.
"What guarantee is there that Ravi is a Chandravanshi?" Urmila asked.
"Do you doubt us?"
"It's not about doubt, Bade Dada Sa. Even when Janki and Sakshi got married, you thought they were Chandravanshi. But after the marriage, the prayers performed by them were not successful. Deepak Bhai Sa accepted Janki, but you know very well that Rohit liked someone else. He is still not happy with this marriage. We don't want what happened with Rohit to happen with our Abhimanyu too," Urmila tried her best to explain.
"Your concern is justified, but this time we have not been deceived. Ravi is indeed a Chandravanshi."
"On what basis can you say this?"
"Remember when all the children were talking together at night, Abhimanyu and Ravi were present together. With them together, a wonderful energy was transmitted, which was immediately recognized by the other daughters-in-law of this palace."
"Which daughters-in-law?" Urmila asked in surprise.
Pratap Singh had a smile on his face. Responding to Urmila's question, he said, "A coincidence that no ordinary human can see or hear. Whenever a Chandravanshi girl enters this palace, the sacrificed Chandravanshi daughters-in-law awaken on their own. They greet them with reverence. We heard their reverence with our own ears last night. Urmila, after Ravi and Abhimanyu's marriage, we will become immortal. This will be our final sacrifice. No more blood will be shed." Pratap Singh lied. He named the weeping of the daughters-in-law at night as reverence.
Pratap Singh had told Urmila everything. Hearing all this, her eyes were wet. She felt very bad for Ravi and Abhimanyu. Seeing her sad, Pratap Singh stood up from his place and went to her.
"You don't need to be sad for them. You have performed each of your duties well. Our Ravindra is lucky to have you for marriage." Pratap Singh affectionately stroked her head.
"Will Ravi also be like the other Chandravanshi daughters-in-law....." Urmila stopped speaking.
Pratap Singh understood the meaning of her words. "Yes, Ravi will also be imprisoned in this palace like the other Chandravanshi daughters-in-law. But there is good news. Ravi will be imprisoned, but our Sunaina, Subhadra, and Sukirti will be freed."
Urmila Devi did not respond to his words. Seeing her silent, Pratap Singh said, "My three wives were sisters and sacrificed themselves to fulfill their duty."
"We know about this," Urmila said in a low voice.
"Yes..... that's because you belong to the same family as those three. You should take inspiration from them. Our Pratapgarh and clan were on the verge of complete destruction, then those three sacrificed themselves and saved it from being destroyed. They found a way to make it green and prosperous again. We also don't feel good sacrificing Chandravanshis, but if we don't do this, our clan will be destroyed."
The story that Pratap Singh was telling, Urmila had been hearing since childhood. There was a time when Pratapgarh was on the verge of complete destruction due to disease and famine. Pratap Singh was the king there at that time and he could not escape that disease either.
In such a situation, his three wives Subhadra, Sukirti, and Sunaina, who were sisters, took the help of tantric rituals. They sacrificed themselves and made Pratap Singh healthy again. Through tantric rituals, they were still alive and with the help of those same rituals, they had found a way to sacrifice Chandravanshis to save their clan.
Due to not giving any sacrifice in the past several years, Pratap Singh had become quite weak. This time, after much effort, he found out about Ravi and, suspecting her to be a Chandravanshi, immediately fixed her marriage with Abhimanyu.
"Now a lot has been said. We know you cannot tell Abhimanyu the truth, but somehow convince him for this marriage." Pratap Singh said.
"You know how stubborn he has been since childhood."
"But he is also his mother's darling..... he doesn't refuse any of your requests. Tell him that he only has to marry Ravi, not to live with her."
Urmila nodded in agreement. She joined her hands again and bowed, saying, "Now, allow me to leave."
Pratap Singh nodded and blessed her by stroking her head. Urmila came out of his room but was still in a state of confusion. Neither Abhimanyu nor Pratap Singh was ready to listen to her, and after hearing Pratap Singh's entire plan, she was scared for Ravi.
"O Goddess, please help us now. Ravi is very innocent, and she doesn't even have parents..... Save her from this crisis that has befallen her." Urmila prayed in her mind.
She was looking for Abhimanyu to talk to him, but he was nowhere to be seen.
___________
On the other hand, Abhimanyu had gone to the basement with Tapasya. Tapasya couldn't understand anything and she kept asking Abhimanyu again and again, but he didn't tell her anything.
Abhimanyu and Tapasya were descending the stairs of the basement. Looking at the palace and the stairs, Tapasya remembered the story she had read about Princess Tapasya.
"This palace also looks somewhat like what was written in that book. Princess Tapasya was brought to a similar basement for the last time for sacrifice, which comes down through the stairs," Tapasya thought in her mind.
"A little while ago, you were bothering me by asking questions. What happened now that you have become silent?" Abhimanyu asked, seeing her silent.
"Nothing, let's go down," Tapasya replied.
They both reached down, then the basement was dark. Abhimanyu and Tapasya turned on the torches of their mobiles and started trying to see there.
The place was completely empty. Due to the light, some bats came flying and started making noise. As soon as they came, Tapasya and Abhimanyu quickly turned off the lights of their phones.
"It feels like no one has been here for years," Tapasya said.
"Yes, that's why these bats have made their home here," Abhimanyu replied.
"Abhimanyu, please let's go back from here. I am feeling suffocation. This place hasn't been cleaned for years, there is so much dust that I can't even breathe," Tapasya said, panting.
Abhimanyu thought that what he had seen here years ago, he would see it again, but nothing was present there. The basement was filled with dust, and on top of that, bats had made their home there, due to which it was difficult to breathe in that place. There was a smell of dampness throughout the basement.
"Okay, let's go up and talk," Abhimanyu said and came up again with Tapasya.
As soon as they came up, both of them breathed a sigh of relief. "Were you creating so much suspense to show that place?" Tapasya asked.
"I don't know why I am telling you all this, but when I came here years ago, this place was completely different."
"Meaning?"
"Once in my childhood, I angrily threw a stone at Rohit Bhaiya. To avoid the scolding of the family members, I came here."
"Oh, so you were very naughty in your childhood," Tapasya said to tease him.
"I was not naughty, but I liked to be alone. Now listen further, when I came here, it was evening time and I fell asleep. When I woke up from sleep in the middle of the night, I saw some skeletons here, who were wearing clothes and they were sitting in front of a sacrificial fire and worshiping. Even today, when I think about all of them, a different fear arises in my heart."
"This is really very scary." After listening to him, Tapasya also felt fear. "When I read that book, strange things started happening with me too."
"Yes, I wanted to ask you about that book. I could not find any such book on any site."
"I am still surprised today thinking about how that book came into my bag. I did not get it issued from the library."
"What was written in that book? Will you tell me?"
Tapasya nodded in agreement to his words and started thinking about that book. She started telling Abhimanyu about the book, "It was the story of Princess Tapasya, who was the princess of Vikramgarh princely state. She had fallen in love with a prince from Pratapgarh. I don't know if I should call it her good luck or bad luck that she got married to that prince."
"If she got married to that prince, then how can her luck be bad?" Abhimanyu said with a slight laugh.
"Because that marriage became the reason for her destruction. The one she loved, deceived her. The prince was not bad, but his family members..... his family members sacrificed Princess Tapasya. Mahendra Pratap took her life with his own hands to save Tapasya from the sacrifice and their family members killed Mahendra Pratap at the same time when he did so."
"This is really very strange. How can someone deceive someone like this after falling in love with them. If the prince knew all the things beforehand, then he should not have married the princess at all." Abhimanyu replied. He was getting angry after listening to that story.
"You are right. After reading that book, I also felt the same. I don't know whether you will believe me or not, but after reading that book, I started getting strange dreams, like I am sitting as a bride in place of Princess Tapasya and someone is going to sacrifice me."
As soon as Tapasya told about her dreams, Abhimanyu was looking at her in surprise. He did not reply to her words, but there were signs of fear on his face.
"What happened Abhimanyu? Why have you become silent?" Tapasya asked.
"Because some such dreams also trouble me a lot like..... like after marriage, I am killing my own wife with my own hands," Abhimanyu said in a lost voice.
Tapasya and Abhimanyu were surprised after listening to each other's story. How was it possible for both of them to have the same kind of dreams, both of them were troubled thinking about this.
They both were standing there looking at each other, while on the other hand Urmila had heard all their words.
★★★★
Tapasya and Abhimanyu were telling each other about their dreams, how they saw themselves as a bride and groom in their dreams. In the dream, Tapasya's groom kills her, while Abhimanyu kills his bride.
Standing at a distance, Urmila Devi was stunned to hear all their बातें.
"Abhimanyu never told us why he sees such dreams. It is understandable for Abhimanyu to have such dreams, but Tapasya? Why did she have such dreams?" Urmila Devi said to herself.
She was still standing some distance away, listening to them.
"It's quite strange that we both have the same kind of dreams," Tapasya said. "A lot of strange things have happened to me after reading that book. Having such dreams is one of them."
"And I have been having such experiences since the night I accidentally reached the basement," Abhimanyu replied in a low voice.
"I don't know why, but Princess Tapasya's story seems true. When I read it, I could feel everything."
"That's why you wanted to come to Pratapgarh. By the way, where did Princess Tapasya belong to?" Abhimanyu suddenly asked.
"Vikramgarh? But why are you asking me?"
"Pratapgarh's history may have forgotten Princess Tapasya, but Vikramgarh's history cannot forget her. If Princess Tapasya's story is true, then her name must be recorded somewhere in the pages of history," Abhimanyu replied. Tapasya also agreed with him.
"You are right. Maybe I should have gone to Vikramgarh instead of Pratapgarh."
"Let's search on Google," Abhimanyu replied and started coming inside with Tapasya, when he noticed Urmila standing in front.
They both got startled seeing Urmila in front of them. They thought Urmila might have heard their बातें. At the same time, Urmila Devi also got nervous due to their sudden turn.
She handled the situation and said, "We have been looking for you since when, Abhimanyu? What are you two doing here in the garden?"
Hearing her, Abhimanyu and Tapasya breathed a sigh of relief. Abhimanyu said in a very subdued voice, "If Mom hasn't heard our बातें, then please behave normally. Don't let her doubt."
"I was getting bored inside, so I came out," Tapasya replied, composing herself.
"And I got a call. I came out to talk and Tapasya was here. Then we both started talking lightly," Abhimanyu also gave his explanation.
Hearing their बातें, Urmila said in her mind, "We all three have to pretend in front of each other that everything is normal. Before Tapasya comes to Bade Dada Sa's attention and he finds out about their dreams, we have to do something."
Seeing Urmila Devi silent, Abhimanyu asked, "By the way, you didn't tell us why you were looking for us, Mom?"
"The food was ready, that's why..... Okay, if you children's light बातें are over, then come inside," Urmila Devi said and went inside from there.
After coming from the garden, Urmila Devi went straight to her room. No one was present in her room at that time. She locked the room from inside and went towards her cupboard.
From the secret locker in her cupboard, she took out a jewellery box.
"Never thought that it would be needed suddenly like this. From Tapasya's बातें, it seems that whatever she is experiencing is not ordinary. God forbid something untoward happens but..... we are even afraid to say this..... somewhere Tapasya..... that girl might turn out to be Chandravanshi." Urmila thought in her mind and started opening the box.
A small silver dagger was present in the box. Looking at its structure, it was clear that it was quite old. Despite being inside for a long time, it was shining. The gems studded on its hilt were further enhancing its beauty.
Urmila took that dagger in her hand and started looking at it.
"This dagger looks ordinary..... so ordinary that it doesn't even have a sharp edge. Thank God that we have it. Through this, we can find out which girl, Ravi or Tapasya, is Chandravanshi, but we have to use it carefully. This dagger is thirsty for the blood of the Chandravanshis. If any of those two girls turns out to be Chandravanshi, then it can even take their life," Urmila Devi said to herself. To check that dagger, she struck her palm with its sharp part, but far from getting hurt, she didn't even get a scratch.
Urmila Devi put that dagger back in the box and started taking it downstairs hiding it in her saree.
____________
Downstairs everyone was sitting for lunch. Abhimanyu and Tapasya were also present there. Urmila Devi reached downstairs with the dagger and went straight to the temple.
"Those dark powers will never be able to reach Mata Ravi's temple," Urmila joined both her hands and started praying by placing the dagger at the feet of Mata Ravi.
"We know which family we belong to, yet we have never reduced our devotion to you. We were never in favor of shedding innocent people's blood, neither in the name of sacrifice nor in the name of prosperity..... only you can help us. Please get our son and that girl out of all this."
Urmila Devi bowed down to Mata Ravi and turned to the other side. Standing in the temple itself, she called out to Ravi, "Ravi..... please come to the temple."
Ravi agreed to her and reached the temple after washing her hands and feet. "Tell me, Mom..... are you doing any special kind of pooja, which is done in the afternoon?"
"Yes, this is a very special kind of pooja, don't tell anyone about it. This has to be done by the future daughter-in-law of this house before the wedding."
Ravi nodded with a smile. She picked up the pooja plate and started doing the aarti of Mata Ravi. Everyone was surprised to see Urmila doing pooja with Ravi at this time, but no one thought it right to interrupt.
"I have done the aarti. What to do now?" Ravi asked.
"This is our family dagger. You take it in both your hands and offer it at the feet of Mata Ravi." While saying this, Urmila Devi handed the dagger to Ravi in both her hands.
"This is so beautiful." Ravi said with a smile and applied the dagger on her forehead. After this, she offered it at the feet of Mata Ravi.
As soon as she did this, Urmila Devi took both her hands in her hands and checked. Ravi did not have any kind of injury. Seeing her hands safe and sound, Urmila Devi breathed a sigh of relief and said in her mind, "Thank God this girl is not Chandravanshi." She asked Ravi to leave and then looked towards Tapasya.
"Didi, which pooja are you doing at this time?" Janki asked in surprise.
Sakshi also agreed with her and said, "As far as we remember, you have already done pooja in the morning. Then at this time?"
"Nothing special, we are just praying for the upcoming life of Ravi and Abhimanyu. It is not necessary to remember God at a particular time," Urmila Devi replied. Hearing her, there were expressions of anger on the faces of Tapasya including Abhimanyu.
Abhimanyu had made it clear in front of Urmila Devi that he did not want to marry Ravi, yet she was praying for their future life. Seeing this, Abhimanyu got angry and left from there leaving the food in the middle.
"Abhimanyu, stop....." Tapasya tried to stop him but he did not listen to her. Tapasya was also getting angry at Urmila Devi and she went to the temple to talk to her.
"Aunty, I don't understand you, sometimes you talk to Abhimanyu so lovingly and sometimes, despite knowing everything, you want to get him married against his will." Tapasya said going to her.
"Whatever we are doing, we are doing for the good of our son," Urmila Devi replied in a stern voice.
"How can there be any good in all this for Abhimanyu? If he gets married to Ravi, he will live suffocating his whole life."
"We will talk about this later. Right now you have come to Mata Ravi's temple. Pray to her, maybe she will listen to you and your Abhimanyu."
Urmila Devi cleverly avoided Tapasya's बात. Tapasya also did not think it right to argue further. Instead of praying silently in her mind by joining hands in front of Mata Ravi, she said loudly, "Goddess Maa, please give wisdom to the people of this house so that they understand that a new life cannot be started with anyone by forcing them." While saying this, Tapasya looked towards Urmila Devi.
Urmila Devi did not give any answer to her बात. Then Tapasya's eyes fell on the dagger kept there.
"What is that? Can I see it?" She asked Urmila Devi. On which Urmila Devi nodded her eyes in agreement.
Tapasya took that dagger in her hand and started looking at it, but in the very next moment, the dagger attacked her and her hand was covered in blood.
"Aahhhh....." Tapasya screamed in pain.
Urmila Devi quickly snatched that dagger from her hand and put it back at the feet of Mata Ravi. The blood on it quickly disappeared and it started shining just like before, as if it had drunk that blood. At the same time, Urmila Devi got worried seeing blood in Tapasya's hands.
"Our suspicion turned out to be correct. It means this girl is Chandravanshi, that's why she gets all those dreams. Bade Dada Sa had said that the Chandravanshi daughters-in-law of this palace had awakened at night, so was Abhimanyu with Tapasya at night?" Thousands of questions were running in Urmila Devi's mind. At the same time, everyone ran towards her seeing Tapasya injured in her hand.
"How did everything happen suddenly?" Sakshi said looking at Tapasya's hand. The wound on her injury was quite deep.
Tears were in Tapasya's eyes due to pain.
"You come, we will go to a doctor. There might be an infection." Hazel said.
"I will call the doctor and call him here. Wait, I will tie a handkerchief on it so that the bleeding stops." Kartik took out a handkerchief from his pocket and tied it on Tapasya's hand.
Everyone got very worried because of Tapasya's injury. They brought her outside with them. Everyone was standing around her and Kartik was calling the doctor.
Urmila Devi was still standing in the temple, surprised and worried. She was not understanding how to react.
Then Parth's eyes fell on the dagger, which had injured Tapasya. He went to the temple and picked it up and said, "You should not keep such things in the open like this. Someone..... Aahhhh....." Suddenly Parth screamed in pain. His hand was also covered in blood just like Tapasya's hand.
Everyone's attention went towards him on his screaming. Unnati got very nervous on Parth's injury and she ran towards him.
"You should be careful Parth. As if Tapu got injured, what was the need to take it in your hand after that." She quickly brought Parth outside and started tying a handkerchief on his wound.
Seeing the injury on both their hands from the dagger, Urmila Devi looked towards the idol of Mata Ravi and said, "What kind of untoward incidents are these signs, Mata Rani..... where in the last years, the Chandravanshis were not found, now two Chandravanshis themselves have come walking to the palace. I have to save both of them somehow."
Urmila Devi took the dagger back and went to her room to put it back.
★★★★
Urmila had performed a procedure to find out if Tapasya and Ravi were Chandravanshi, which was done using their family dagger. As a result of that procedure, Ravi was not proven to be Chandravanshi.
Urmila was standing in the temple in a troubled state because the procedure revealed the truth that Tapasya, as well as Parth, were Chandravanshi.
Urmila was putting the dagger back in the closet.
"These two are Unnati's friends and both have come from abroad, then how can they be Chandravanshi?" Urmila said to herself. After finding out the truth about them, Urmila became even more worried and her heart rate increased. "Before Bade Dada Sa finds out about this, I have to send them both away from here. If Abhimanyu and Ravi get married, then the truth will come out that Ravi is not Chandravanshi. Ravi is not in danger... so somehow I have to convince Abhimanyu for this marriage. Once Abhimanyu gets married, he can divorce her later. By the time Bhavya grows up, things will change a lot. Mata Ravi, please help us."
Urmila was talking to herself quickly in distress. She composed herself and came downstairs.
_________
When Urmila came downstairs, she saw that Abhimanyu was still not there. The doctor had arrived and had dressed Tapasya and Parth's wounds.
Urmila went to them and said, "Are you both alright?"
"Are you asking this question now, Aunty? Where were you when the doctor was here, and Tapu and Parth got hurt because of you," Hazel replied angrily. She was quite upset because Tapasya was hurt.
"Hazel, I'm fine," Tapasya said to silence her. "I'm so sorry, Aunty, Hazel is angry because I got hurt, otherwise she had no intention of being rude to you."
"We can understand. If you all are feeling better, then we need to talk to you three," Urmila replied.
"But Badi Maa, you saw that Parth is still hurt like Tapu, the doctor has told them to rest," Unnati wanted to avoid the conversation.
"Unnati, we need to talk to you too, and right now... you four come to my room now," Urmila said and started walking towards her room.
Her behavior seemed very strange to them. Sakshi said, "Mom behaves very strangely sometimes. The guests got hurt because of her and she didn't even say sorry once. On top of that, she has issued a separate decree to talk."
"Yes, and today's afternoon puja was really strange," Janki said, agreeing with her.
"It's okay... we'll see," Tapasya said and gestured for the three of them to go upstairs.
Unnati was feeling quite nervous. While going upstairs, she said to her friends in a low voice, "I hope Badi Maa hasn't become suspicious about my and Parth's relationship? Abhimanyu Bhaiya is also nowhere to be seen."
"Don't expect anything from Abhimanyu, Unnati... he can't do anything for himself," Hazel said, glaring.
"If she has found out anything like that, I'll handle everything," Parth said, holding her hand.
They were talking as they reached Urmila's room. Urmila was pacing back and forth in the room, waiting for them. As soon as the three of them came inside, Urmila closed the door from the inside.
"Isn't she creating a little too much suspense?" Hazel said in a very low voice.
Urmila was back in front of them after closing the door. The four of them were standing in a line in front of her, trying to guess why Urmila had called them here.
"Unnati, I want to know about your friends. You have told me their names and also that they have come from London, but you haven't told me anything about their family background."
As soon as Urmila said this, Unnati's nervousness increased even more. It was clear from her face that she would get flustered while answering Urmila's questions. Tapasya took control of the situation and said, "So what, Aunty? If you want to know something, then ask us now."
Hazel was standing first in the line. Introducing herself, she said, "You must know my name. My mom is Indian and also a doctor, my dad is from London. He is also a doctor. They were both from the same batch in college and that's when they fell in love with each other and got married. Tapasya's mom and dad and my mom and dad are very good friends, that's why Tapu and I have known each other since childhood."
"You said your mom is from India. Where in India is she from?" Urmila Devi asked to clear her doubts. She thought Hazel might also turn out to be Chandravanshi.
"My mom is Indian but she was born in London. Actually, her hometown is in Hyderabad City in South India," Hazel said.
Urmila was completely satisfied with her answer. Next to her was Tapasya. She didn't know what to answer because she herself didn't know where her hometown was in India.
"Tell me something about yourself, Tapasya... Don't you think it's rare for people to have a traditional name like Tapasya while living in London? Forget London, it's not easy to find such a traditional name even in India," Urmila asked.
Tapasya took a deep breath and exhaled, answering, "My mom and dad are Indian but my mom is Christian."
"And your hometown?"
"I don't know," Tapasya replied in a very low voice.
"How is it possible that you don't know about your family or is there something you are hiding from us?"
"No, Badi Maa... Tapasya is telling the truth. We already know that she doesn't know anything about where her family belongs to," Unnati replied.
"I have tried to ask my parents about this many times but they both don't want to talk about it. Whenever I ask them about coming to India or about our family, they get upset."
Hearing Tapasya's answer, Urmila Devi thought, "Surely her family wants to protect her from some mishap, that's why they took her abroad. They must have gotten a hint about this, the rumors of Chandravanshis being sacrificed in Pratapgarh are true."
"What happened, Badi Maa?" Unnati asked, seeing Urmila silent.
Urmila smiled slightly and said further, "Tapasya, now that you have come to India. You should ask your parents about your hometown. Maybe they are waiting for you to come."
"I asked them about this before coming here but they refused to tell me."
"It's okay... Parth, now you tell me about yourself, where are you from?" Urmila Devi was also very eager to know about Parth.
Parth looked at Unnati and blinked, telling her to relax in his eyes. Answering Urmila Devi's question, he said, "Like Unnati, I also belong to India and had gone to London to study medicine. Aunty, our family also belongs to a royal family like yours. Basically, we live in Mumbai but my hometown is Vikramgarh. You must have heard about the royal family of Vikramgarh... Maharaja Suraj Singh? We are descendants of him."
Hearing Parth's statement of being a descendant of Maharaja Suraj Singh, Urmila Devi as well as Tapasya looked at him in surprise. The story of the princess Tapasya that she had heard in that book was of Maharaja Suraj Singh's daughter.
Just as Urmila Devi opened her mouth to say something, Tapasya spoke before her, "Parth, why didn't you tell me before that you belong to Vikramgarh?"
"What's there to tell in this? We live in Mumbai now and Vikramgarh... I myself have never been there, so what would I tell you about it. My family believes that Vikramgarh is not lucky for them," Parth said.
Hearing his words, Urmila Devi started feeling nervous. She asked further, "Parth, who all are there in your family? Do you have any sister..." Urmila Devi stopped while speaking.
"No Aunty, for the time being, there is me and my younger brother Nakul besides Mom and Dad in my family. Dad also had a younger brother but maybe there was some problem between them, we don't know where they live."
Hearing Parth's words, Urmila Devi breathed a sigh of relief. Now there is no girl present in their family.
Hearing about Parth's family, Urmila Devi's anxiety had reduced somewhat but Tapasya was quite worried. Now she was convinced that the story she had read in that book was not just a story.
"Parth, you didn't tell me you are Chandravanshi?" Tapasya asked.
"And how do you know about Chandravanshi?" Urmila Devi said in surprise. "You have been living in London since childhood. How can you know about Chandravanshis and things related to them? Are you yourself a Chandravanshi somewhere?" In the course of the conversation, Urmila asked Tapasya.
"How would I know Aunty whether I am a Chandravanshi or not. I read about it in a book, then I asked Parth about it. I have read about the history of Maharaja Suraj Singh and that's where I came to know that he was a Chandravanshi king," Tapasya replied.
"By the way, what are these Chandravanshis?" Hazel asked.
"I had read in a book that Chandravanshis were the most powerful clan after Suryavanshi. People often used to sacrifice them for powers or while trying black magic," Tapasya's words were giving Urmila Devi one shock after another. The things that she used to try to hide the most. Tapasya was telling everyone comfortably.
"If this girl has said all these things in front of the family members or Abhimanyu, then there will be trouble," Urmila Devi thought in her mind and then said to Tapasya, "We didn't know that students studying in London could also be superstitious. All these are stories and not reality. Okay, now you kids go."
"But Badi Maa, you didn't tell us why you called us here alone. You must not have called us just to take the introduction, right?" Unnati asked.
"I just called to find out about these people. It would have seemed strange to ask in front of everyone. More relatives will come to the wedding tomorrow. They should know about them if they ask about them, right?"
Urmila Devi's answer did not satisfy any of the four of them, yet they said nothing and went straight downstairs from there.
As soon as they left, Urmila Devi sat on the bed. "This boy is Chandravanshi and belongs to the family of Maharaja Suraj Singh. By mistake, this should not come in front of Dada Sa. Maharaja Suraj Singh's daughter Princess Tapasya and the prince of this clan Mahendra Pratap Singh, they were the last couple who were to be sacrificed but everything got messed up at the last moment and all this happened because of their love. If Dada Sa finds out about this boy being from Tapasya's family, he will kill him to take revenge. Parth is understandable but Tapasya? She is Chandravanshi, why doesn't she know about this... Leave being Chandravanshi, she doesn't even know her hometown. Whatever it is, we have to keep these children away from Dada Sa's eyes."
Many questions were going on in Urmila Devi's mind. At this time, her priority was to save Parth and Tapasya from Pratap Singh's eyes.
"We have to talk to Abhimanyu. He alone can get us out of this trouble now," Urmila Devi said and came out to find Abhimanyu.
★★★★
After leaving Unnati's friends' room, Urmila Devi came downstairs looking for Abhimanyu. Urmila Devi's family was present there, but Abhimanyu was not in the hall.
"Has anyone seen Abhimanyu?" she asked the people present there.
"I saw Abhimanyu Bhaiya going out with his friend Gaurav," Kartik replied.
Urmila Devi did not respond to his words and walked out with quick steps. Outside, Abhimanyu and Gaurav were getting into the car to go somewhere.
Before they could start the car, Urmila ran and stood in front of it.
Abhimanyu quickly got out of the car and went to Urmila and said, "What are you doing? If you had some work, you could have called us."
"You are not ready to listen to us, then who else could we call?"
"We are taking Gaurav to the temple for a tour."
"Your friend Gaurav can go alone."
Hearing Urmila's words, Abhimanyu replied, "He was going alone, but I insisted on going with him. I am not feeling well here, I thought I would feel a little better if I went outside."
"You can go some other time. We need to talk to you right now."
"But I don't want to talk to you." It was clear from Abhimanyu's tone that he was angry with Urmila Devi. "Can I know what you were doing with Raavi in the temple in the afternoon and what did you tell everyone, that you were getting prayers done for Raavi and my marriage? You decide whether you are on my side or on the side of your family...."
"You are also a part of our family. We can understand your displeasure, that's why we came to talk," Urmila Devi tried to explain to him.
"I am very angry right now. I don't want to talk to you disrespectfully. We will talk later," saying this Abhimanyu again moved towards the car.
Before he could get into the car, Gaurav locked the car from inside. He started the car and lowered the window and said to Abhimanyu, "See you later, Captain Sahib. You should talk to your mother, maybe she wants to say something important, that's why she came running in front of the car like this."
"Gaurav....." Abhimanyu called out to Gaurav to stop him, but he left before that. "He will never improve," he muttered angrily.
Seeing Gaurav do this, there was a smile on Urmila Devi's face. Her smile irritated Abhimanyu even more.
"I will still not talk to you," saying this Abhimanyu went inside.
"Why are you so stubborn that you don't want to listen to anyone?" Urmila Devi was coming behind him muttering.
While going inside in anger, Abhimanyu collided with Tapasya coming from the front in a hurry. "Sorry....." saying this Abhimanyu's eyes fell on the injury on Tapasya's hand. "Why is there dressing on your hand? Did something happen?"
"If you stay here, you will know what happened and what didn't," Tapasya replied in a low voice.
"Get angry later, first tell me how did you get this injury?"
"When Urmila Aunty was worshiping with Raavi in the afternoon and you left from here in anger, I didn't feel good. I went to the temple to talk to her and I got hurt by the knife kept there. Not only me, but Parth also has a similar injury on his hand."
"I don't know what has happened to mother these days. She doesn't even realize when her actions and words hurt the person in front," Abhimanyu said in a lost voice. Urmila Devi was behind them and was listening to their conversation secretly.
"We don't want to hurt anyone, but we want to save you and all of you from a very big danger," Urmila thought in her mind. Her eyes were moist. "It hurts us a lot Abhimanyu, when you misunderstand us."
"I got the injury because of my carelessness, not because of Aunty. Stop saying bad things to her and go and talk to her," Tapasya said.
"I used to like being with her before. I just wanted to talk to her all day long..... I didn't tell my heart's feelings to anyone except mother, but now I am afraid to go to her. Whenever I go to her, she starts convincing me to marry Raavi instead of listening to me," Abhimanyu expressed his feelings to Tapasya, hearing which Urmila's eyes filled with tears.
"You go and talk to her. She was looking for you before too. She is your mother and she can never think wrong about you," Tapasya said, placing her hand on Abhimanyu's arm.
Abhimanyu blinked and agreed to her words and thought about talking to Urmila Devi. Urmila Devi also liked Tapasya explaining to Abhimanyu in this way. She came out of her hiding place.
"Abhimanyu, can we talk to you?" she said in a normal way.
This time Abhimanyu replied without any stubbornness. "Let's go and talk in your room, mother."
Urmila Devi agreed to his words and started going to her room. Abhimanyu was also going with her. While going, he turned towards Tapasya and whispered thank you to her.
In response, Tapasya smiled.
_______________
As soon as they came into the room, Urmila Devi hugged Abhimanyu. Abhimanyu also forgot everything for a moment after getting her affectionate company.
"Mother, I missed you a lot. Only you seem like my own in this house, and if you also stand against me, what will happen to me," Abhimanyu was getting emotional while speaking. It happened very rarely that his emotions outweighed his words.
Urmila separated from him and said, "You sit in our lap with your head like before. We will stroke you and protect you from all the evil in the world."
"Mother, there is no evil on me, just that I don't want to marry Raavi please....."
Urmila Devi gestured him to be quiet and she went and sat on the bed. Abhimanyu kept his head in her lap and she was slowly stroking his hair.
"It feels like the old times have come back. Do you really like that Raavi?"
"I don't know Abhimanyu, but we want you to marry her. I know it is very difficult to spend your whole life with someone you don't love. How can someone fall in love with someone in 2 days?"
"It is not necessary that it takes 2 days or 2 years to fall in love. Sometimes you spend years with someone, yet you don't feel connected to them, and sometimes someone feels like their own in just one glance," while speaking, Tapasya's face was flashing in front of Abhimanyu's eyes. There was a slight smile on his face.
Urmila Devi did not take long to understand the meaning of Abhimanyu's words and the smile hidden behind them. She said in her mind, "We know that you have started liking Tapasya. But your love for Tapasya is nothing but an mishap. You have to stay away from her to save your love."
Seeing Urmila silent, Abhimanyu said, "Mother, sometimes we don't understand how Rohit Bhaiya can love Sakshi Bhabhi in a week? It's good that Kartik has already chosen a girl for himself and he has been saved from all this."
"Rohit has also not been able to make Sakshi his own, Abhimanyu." As soon as Urmila Devi said, Abhimanyu stood up in shock.
"It is true that the relationship between Sakshi and Rohit is not normal." Urmila Devi took a deep breath and said, "That's why Rohit has shifted all his work to Canada."
"Knowing and understanding everything, how can you do injustice to Sakshi Bhabhi? Why don't you get them divorced? Leave them, you want to do the same with me too."
"Abhimanyu, it is Sakshi's decision not to divorce Rohit. We had asked her for a divorce but Sakshi refused. She says that if not Rohit, the rest of the people have given her a lot of love," Urmila Devi told.
There were expressions of sadness on Abhimanyu's face. He felt very bad for Sakshi. "Now after knowing about Sakshi Bhabhi, I will never marry Raavi."
"What if I say that you both will have a contract marriage then? You just have to stay with her for 6 months."
"And why would Raavi be ready to do any kind of contract?"
"I have noticed that Sakshi and Raavi have a lot of things in common. Just like Sakshi was raised by some of her relatives in her family, Raavi also doesn't have parents. Both were troubled by their circumstances and marriage seemed to be the right way to escape from them. If we promise to give Raavi a good life after marriage, then she will easily be ready for divorce."
Hearing her words, Abhimanyu got angry and started laughing. "I don't understand what kind of family I live in. Sometimes they become so narrow-minded that they get their son married without asking and forcibly pressurize him for marriage..... And sometimes I come into such an ultra-modern world that things like contract marriage are also acceptable. I don't understand mother, why don't you stop this marriage," Abhimanyu shouted angrily.
"If we had the option to stop it, we would have definitely stopped it. Nothing is more important to us than your happiness, but for now it is very important for this marriage to happen."
"It may be important for you to get me married, but not for me....." Saying his words, Abhimanyu was about to leave from there. Then Urmila Devi came in front of him.
"If I say that someone's life and death are linked to this marriage, will you still not marry?"
"Of course, life and death are linked to marriage. My and Raavi's life, which will be equivalent to death after this marriage."
"Please understand our point, Abhimanyu."
"We would have happily given our life if you had asked for it with a smile..... But not this marriage. We have started liking someone else."
"And that someone else is Tapasya, right?"
Abhimanyu was shocked to hear Tapasya's name from Urmila Devi's mouth. He nodded his head in yes without saying anything.
"When you know that we have started liking Tapasya, then there is no question of arguing," Abhimanyu shrugged and started leaving from there.
He had just opened the door that Urmila Devi said from behind, "And if we say that Tapasya's life and death are linked to your marriage, will you still not marry Raavi?"
Hearing Urmila Devi's words, Abhimanyu's steps stopped there. His eyes were moist. Instead of going out, he turned back towards Urmila Devi.
"We didn't want to tell you, but you have forced us. For the sake of us or this family, but for the sake of your love, you will have to marry Raavi. We will tell you the reason, after hearing which you may not believe our words... but the truth is this."
By taking Tapasya's name, Urmila Devi had forced Abhimanyu. Now she was going to tell him the secret that was recorded in the pages of the history of this palace.
★★★★
Abhimanyu casually mentioned to Urmila Devi that he liked Tapasya. Urmila had almost convinced him to marry Ravi by swearing on Tapasya.
The moment Tapasya's name was mentioned, Abhimanyu stopped and went back to Urmila Devi's room.
"What are you saying, Mother? I don't understand anything. I love Tapasya, how can it be dangerous for her life?" Abhimanyu asked in surprise.
"We will tell you everything, but promise us you won't misunderstand us."
Abhimanyu still didn't understand what Urmila Devi was implying. He looked at her with confused eyes.
"We are about to tell you something that no one here knows except us. Please don't misunderstand us, but this morning when you and Tapasya were standing and talking in the garden, we overheard everything you said."
"If you overheard everything we said, then why didn't you tell us?"
Urmila Devi replied, "If we had told you then, you would have misunderstood us. Abhimanyu, the dreams you and Tapasya are seeing are not ordinary. We can understand you having such dreams because you are a descendant of this royal family, but Tapasya? She doesn't belong to any royal family."
"Mother, I don't understand anything. Every word you say raises a new question in my mind. Why am I having such dreams just because I belong to this royal family? Has Father or Brother experienced something like this?"
Urmila Devi nodded in agreement. "If I were to say that every word written in the book Tapasya read was true, would you believe me?" she asked.
Hearing her words, Abhimanyu fell into thought. He didn't answer for a while. "Maybe not..." Abhimanyu said after much thought.
"Anyone in your place wouldn't believe it, but Princess Tapasya's story is true. Centuries ago, she came to this royal family as a bride."
Hearing Urmila Devi's words, Abhimanyu was stunned. Every word Tapasya had told him flashed before his eyes, how Princess Tapasya was married into this royal family and how she received death in return for love.
"You're lying, aren't you?" Abhimanyu asked in a heavy voice.
Urmila Devi shook her head in disagreement.
"How can anyone betray in the name of love? It's a feeling that makes you completely devoted to the other person. You won't believe it, Mother, I've only met Tapasya two days ago, yet it feels like I've known her for years."
"Control your emotions here, Abhimanyu... The person Tapasya saw taking her life in her dream could very well be you."
"But why would I take her life?"
"No one wants to take the life of their loved one, but Tapasya is a Chandravanshi. If you marry her first, you will unknowingly be bound by the vow that the sons of this royal family must fulfill: the sacrifice of their first Chandravanshi wife... Once bound by the vow, you will neither be able to step back nor stop yourself." Urmila Devi revealed the entire truth to Abhimanyu. She still hadn't told him anything about Pratap Singh.
"If that's the case, then I won't marry anyone. But I can't ruin Ravi's life for that." Abhimanyu replied with tearful eyes.
"Ravi's life won't be ruined... nor yours or Tapasya's, if you marry Ravi first."
"I don't understand, Mother, who made these rules? And is our family such that it takes the lives of its own daughters-in-law? I wish I hadn't come to attend this wedding."
There were tears in Abhimanyu's eyes. Urmila Devi hugged him and began to comfort him.
"Can we know why this sacrifice and all these things are done?"
"We don't know," Urmila Devi lied to Abhimanyu.
"It can't be that you don't know anything. If you know this much, then you must know about this as well. Who started this game after all?"
"We have told you everything we knew. We hope you will understand our point." Urmila Devi said, separating from Abhimanyu.
Abhimanyu didn't want to believe Urmila Devi's words, but at the same time, he couldn't deny the truth. The dreams he and Tapasya had seen were proof that there was some truth hidden in Urmila Devi's words.
"Are you ready to marry Ravi?" Urmila Devi asked once again.
Abhimanyu took a deep breath and nodded in agreement. He didn't say anything further and left from there. Hearing him say yes, Urmila Devi breathed a sigh of relief.
"If everything goes according to our plan, there won't be any trouble, nor will anyone's life be lost. We just have to somehow convince Ravi for this contract." Urmila Devi said and went to talk to Ravi.
__________
Meanwhile, Tapasya was waiting for Abhimanyu to come. As soon as Abhimanyu came out after talking to Urmila Devi, Tapasya quickly ran towards him.
"Hopefully, there wasn't any argument between you and Auntie," Tapasya said, going up to him.
Abhimanyu had become quite sad after talking to Urmila Devi. He didn't want to marry Ravi, but he had said yes to the wedding to save Tapasya's life.
Seeing him silent, Tapasya asked again, "What happened? Why aren't you saying anything now? Why are you so sad? Did Auntie say something? Don't worry, she can't force you. Whether anyone else supports you or not, I am with you." Saying this, Tapasya held Abhimanyu's hand, but Abhimanyu pushed Tapasya's hand away.
"I don't need anyone. I have said yes to marrying Ravi," Abhimanyu replied and left from there.
Tapasya was stunned by his behavior. "Did he say yes under everyone's pressure? This Urmila Auntie also doesn't understand. She's just holding on to her stubbornness. I have to make Abhimanyu understand. He can't ruin his life like this."
Despite Abhimanyu's rude behavior, Tapasya ran after him.
"I don't understand how I will face you. I wish I could tell you my compulsion... Never thought that in just two days, I would love someone so much that I would be ready to do anything for them." Abhimanyu was lost in his own thoughts, when Tapasya ran in front of him.
"I know we don't have a very good bonding between us right now, but we have spent some time together. In that time, I have understood that you are very sensible and will not take any decision that would ruin someone's life. Then how can you say yes to marrying Ravi?" Tapasya bombarded him with questions one after the other.
"I talked to Ravi and I liked her," Abhimanyu replied in a very soft voice.
"You don't even know how to lie properly. Look how you are avoiding eye contact and your eyes are also wet... Were you crying?" As soon as Tapasya asked, the pain in Abhimanyu's heart began to come out. He hugged her tightly.
"Please never leave me," Abhimanyu said emotionally.
"I'm not going anywhere, but what happened to you?"
"I can't tell you anything right now. Will you stay with me for a while? I'm feeling very lonely."
Tapasya agreed to his words and went with him to the roof of the palace. Since it was night time, everyone had eaten dinner and gone to sleep. Abhimanyu was sitting with Tapasya's hand in his, looking in one direction.
"I don't know what happened to him that he's feeling so broken. I can't even ask him anything right now. Never thought that in such a short time, I would have a different attachment with you." Thinking this, Tapasya looked at Abhimanyu. His eyes were closed and he was leaning against the wall.
"Looks like he fell asleep." Tapasya tried to free her hand from his, but Abhimanyu was holding her hand tightly.
"I won't leave you anywhere," Tapasya said in a very soft voice and laid her head on Abhimanyu's shoulder.
_____________
After everyone had gone to sleep, Urmila Devi went to Ravi's room to talk to her. Urmila Devi knocked on the door of the room and Ravi opened the door of the room without delay.
"Looks like you weren't asleep yet," Urmila Devi said, coming inside.
"You had asked me to talk during dinner. I was just waiting for you to come, Mother."
"It felt good to hear you say Mother. Abhimanyu also calls us Mother," Urmila Devi said, stroking her head.
In reply, Ravi smiled. Urmila didn't understand where to start the conversation from.
Seeing her silent, Ravi herself asked, "What did you want to talk to me about?"
"Do you like Abhimanyu?" As soon as Urmila Devi asked, Ravi smiled and lowered her head, nodding in agreement.
"And if I say that Abhimanyu doesn't like you, would you still want to marry him?"
"It's only been a short time since we met. Love doesn't happen in 1 day, especially since our marriage is arranged. As we get to know each other, we will fall in love and Abhimanyu Ji will start liking me."
Hearing Ravi's answer, Urmila became worried. "I don't feel good about breaking your heart, but Abhi loves someone else."
Hearing Urmila Devi's words, Ravi became sad. "It's okay, Auntie Ji, you get him married to her. We will go back to our house."
"I feel very strange saying this, but Ravi, will you marry Abhimanyu?"
"We don't understand what you're saying. Sometimes you say that Abhimanyu Ji loves someone else, and sometimes you're asking us to marry him."
"I can't tell you much, but will you marry Abhimanyu for a particular time? It's only a matter of 6 months... after that the contract will be dismissed automatically."
Hearing Urmila's words, Ravi became angry. She stood up from her place and said, "If you weren't older than us, we would have given a good answer to your words. Have you ever thought about what will happen to us after those six months? Our aunt and uncle won't let us live in peace like this, and on top of that, they will make our lives even more hell by calling us a husband's reject."
"I won't let that happen, Ravi. After Abhimanyu and your divorce, you won't have to go back to your aunt and uncle. You can go to any country and spend your life well. You can start your new life with someone else."
"Are you fixing the price for spending 6 months with your son? Please leave from here before we misbehave." Ravi said in a stern voice.
"Think once again," Urmila said, getting up from her place.
"We don't have to think anything. We will refuse this marriage tomorrow itself and leave from here. Now you can also leave from here."
Ravi clearly refused to marry Abhimanyu on a contract. Urmila tried to convince her, but she was not ready to understand. Hearing her no, Urmila went back to her room with a heavy heart.
★★★★
