CHAPTER – 9
After a couple of days, Abhyansh started feeling much better, and he immediately wanted to leave for Ajmer so they decided to leave the next day. In these few days, Isha didn't let Abhyansh concentrate on things that could aggravate him as the doctor told that his blood pressure needs to be under control. So, Abhyansh took updates from John and Bhairav only regarding his business and work. Isha didn't let him ask about Rizzo or Singhania for that matter, she strictly warned Bhairav too not to disclose anything to Abhyansh and this time Bhairav obeyed Isha willingly out of respect and trust in her word, not because his Maharaj asked him to respect her.
"Rani sa... We have just this night and we still don't have Abhay Singhania with us...", Bhairav said, his stress audible in his tone...
"But, we have his father Neil Singhania, that man is the one who was responsible for Rana sa's condition...", Isha said with confusion etched on her face
"But Hukum... Maharaj wanted to capture him as well...", Bhairav said, and seeing the conviction in Bhairav's tone, Isha frowned...
"Bhairav... What's the matter ?", she asked knowing there's something more to Bhairav's words... Bhairav having no option told her that Abhyansh had ordered him for the capture of 'Abhay Singhania', Neil Singhania's son immediately... Abhyansh told Bhairav that they could even miss Neil Singhania or Marcus Rizzo but not Abhay... Bhairav didn't know why, and neither could he ask Abhyansh.
Isha sighed hearing this but then suddenly everything made sense. When the men came to attack the family in Ranawat palace, they never tried to harm her, in fact, they were talking about taking her unharmed with them, and that's why her father-in-law who hated her too got ready to sacrifice himself, he told her to leave him there and save herself as he thought those men were behind her respect. Isha didn't know what was the exact matter but she knew it was related to her and this old a**h*le's son Abhay Singhania... and Isha knew what kind of news could trigger her husband and turn him into a BEAST so it didn't take a genius to figure out the whole thing.
"I have got a plan...", Isha said and Bhairav nodded enthusiastically as that's the most intriguing thing for him these days, previously his king's plotting and planning used to intrigue him the same way but since he took a temporary break from it or should say his queen forcefully made him take that break.
"Ishu... Why do I feel, there's some risk involved in it ?", Ranveer doubted seeing Isha's demeanor...
"Bhai... You always doubt me...", Isha said
"Yuvraj... we trust our Rani sa", Bhairav said in his usual robotic and cold tone to which Isha gave a smile while Ranveer rolled his eyes... God! he thought he was exempted from his brother-in-law's torture for teasing Isha but he left his robotic tail to suffer him, thought Ranveer.
"Yes, Of course!", Ranveer said sarcastically...
Isha hid her smile looking at her brother's irritation, she enjoyed the jealousy on her brother's face whenever her husband asked him to tone down while talking to her or ask him not to talk to her in a certain way... But, at the same time, she was happy to see her importance in her bhai's life... She was so lucky to have such a loving and caring brother but she wouldn't tell that to him, otherwise he would fly in air and she wanted to clip his wings.
Isha explained her plan and Bhairav looked stunned, that was a very dangerous plan, Bhairav couldn't say 'No' to Isha out of respect but in no way he was ready to keep her security at risk either.
"Aur bolo(say again!)... We trust our Rani sa", Ranveer imitated Bhairav who kept looking down and here and there as a child caught in between the awkward relatives discussing education.
"Bhai... Sh...", Isha said earning a glare from her brother...
"Sh.. Sh.. mat kar Ishu (Don't Shush me Ishu...) If I go and tell this plan to your Rana sa... he would wash you and your this chamcha's brain together...", Ranveer said and Isha opened her mouth widely in offense...
"Whom did you call 'Chamcha' huh ? How dare you say that to Bhairav ? and you are blackmailing me ? Dare you tell this to Rana sa... I'll also tell him about what word you used for Bhairav, then we'll see whose washup would happen", Isha said and Ranveer raised his brows in frustration at his sister's game-turning tactics.
"Fine... let's compromise... but we wouldn't go with this plan", Ranveer negotiated
"Fine... We'll modify it", Isha obliged and after making some changes they reluctantly agreed to her... they were still not ready as they couldn't take even 0.1% of risk as the recent events have shaken up their confidence and Isha wanted to bring it back. Her husband's loyal men need to believe in themselves that they can pull off anything easily if they try with determination.
Abhyansh slept after taking his medication since he had very deep wounds, he was given high dosage and painkillers as well, he wasn't ready to have them but Isha forced the pills into his mouth leaving him no option.
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It was in the early hours when a man in his late twenties walked into a narrow and dark alley... He saw a woman and as he recognized who she was, a sinister smirk appeared on his face but it was soon replaced with dread and soon he was taken out of there.
After 10 minutes, the same man was tied in one of Abhyansh's better-looking dens as their king wouldn't appreciate if their queen visited those horrible dens which would instill a dread equal to death when entering inside them.
Blood was oozing from his abdomen side and Isha remembered how he got that.
He wanted to capture her, and he was about to strangle from behind with one arm and hold her at the gunpoint with the other one. Well that was his plan but thanks to Isha's quick senses, even from behind, she instantly took out the knife she kept with herself and stabbed him in the abdomen, not too harshly, but enough to keep him away from her. Ranveer was so shocked to see his kind sister's this angle. There was no remorse, guilt or fear on her face and that didn't go well with Ranveer.
Isha gave an appreciative nod to the men who did the job.
"Wake him up", Isha said and one of their men woke him up by slapping his face multiple times that brought him out of drug affect. "Bring that old twat here and Rizzo as well", Isha ordered and soon they were brought there. Neil Singhania is shocked to see his son tied to a chair barely conscious.
Color drained from Neil's face as his son was the only arrow they have against Abhyansh, they knew he wouldn't kill them until he captured Abhay Singhania and tortured him in front of their eyes, so they were at least glad as they kept Abhay in a safe place, no one could find him unless he himself chooses to come out. Isha smirked looking at their faces, she loved that expression on his face.
"You threw him(Neil Singhania) as a trap and used Rana sa's worry for his family as a trap to capture the fish i.e my husband but in reality he was a BEAST, that's why he fought like one, but I didn't have to do much hard work because according to me he isn't any fish...", she said pointing towards Abhay Singhania... "He was just a rat, so the bait and trap I laid for him are the same...", Isha said and seeing the confusion on Neil's and Marcus's faces she decided to explain further to the dimwits... "I'm that bait as well as trap... whichever way you would want to call it", she said... Neil's eyes widened understanding what she meant. That meant she had an idea that he wanted to get his son married to her.
Isha knew it was not possible to find Abhay Singhania in one night, so she came up with a plan... She asked some of her loyal men to act as a mole and made the news reach Abhay. Since Abhyansh's whole army of men was bought out by his father(Neil) and his friend (Marcus), it wasn't difficult for Abhay to believe in this. But, he didn't know the BEAST maintained a much larger network that's full of loyal men. He was desperate to free his father and Isha knew in his desperation he would definitely fall into their trap and he did.
Abhay wanted to get hold of Isha and trade her for his father and Marcus, if at all he happened to capture her, and Isha just took use of his desperation. Her husband's men were very efficient and looking at their careful planning and meticulous execution, she understood how much hard work they all put into becoming what they were, especially her husband! She could see his blood and sweat, the amount of effort he put into developing such a strong and close-knit loyal network. Her respect for her husband grew tenfold when she saw all of it. And at the same time, her heart went out to him imagining the extreme struggles and dangers that were lurking around him and his family that he had to create such a strong, challenging, and efficient network and army of men to protect themselves.
"Rani sa... He is awake... What should we do now ?", one of the well-trained men asked, shifting her focus from Marcus and Neil to Abhay.
"Nothing... Just let them see each other and feel their misery. I would like to see them in Ajmer... Yuvraj Avyan and I would deal with them together", Isha said walking away...
She knew the anticipation and uncertainty of the future make up the worst fear and anxiety in a person and Isha wanted them to experience that. Abhyansh always told her that the best of the pains could be given to a person without even touching him, mental trauma and anxiety could be much stronger than the most painful physical injuries, but one should know how to cause that mental pain. And she understood those words recently when she experienced uncertainty when her husband was being treated. Those 6 hours were the most painful time in her life and she would never want to face it again. And the people responsible for that should be treated with utmost cruelty. She determined.
Ranveer and Isha walked inside Abhyansh's ward and seeing him awake startled them both. Doctor said the pain killers would keep him out for at least 8 hours but here he is awake in about 3 hours...
"Of course... The pain killer is for humans... Your husband is a beast, understandable if it didn't work", Ranveer murmured in Isha's ears who shot a glare at her brother.
"You need something ? Water or anything to eat ?", Isha asked moving towards her husband's bed...
"Where were you ?", he asked and her face paled... She couldn't lie as he would catch it instantly...
"You'll know soon... for now, take some rest", she said and he didn't like her answer
"Rajput... Call Bhairav in... I need to speak to him right away", Abhyansh said glaring at his wife, by looking at her face, he very well knew she might be up for an adventure, he wanted to know what it was...
"No... Bhairav won't come in, close your eyes and sleep now... I told you, I'll take care of the people who hurt you... You cannot involve in that Rana sa", she said sternly...
"Isha... Don't do this... I'm following your every word, taking all these damn medicines & treatments just because you wanted me to... Don't expect too much from me now", he said in his icy tone, Ranveer's heartbeat quickened as he felt the argument between the couple intensify, he feared his brother-in-law hurting his sister with his words again...
"I will... You are my husband and it's your responsibility to fulfill your wife's expectations...", Isha declared occupying the seat beside his bed.
Abhyansh understood it's no use in arguing with his wife, so he decided to keep silent for now. He knew she was very upset regarding what happened to him and the effect of it, the fear and pain didn't leave her head till now. He could only imagine how she held herself in that situation because it was extremely difficult and painful for him to even imagine her getting hurt, but she's been through that horrible reality. He could only appreciate his wife's strength and giving in to her words is the only relief he could provide her with right then.
After a few hours, all of them started their journey to Ajmer, after Isha took all the instructions from the doctor. She didn't have to worry as the two head doctors and two junior doctors among the lot who treated Abhyansh would be coming with them to India and stay with them until he completely recovered.
After a few hours of journey, they all reached the Ranawat palace. Abhyansh frowned at the walls that are not repaired till now after the attack. It has small cracks here and there caused by the bullets the men fired when they attacked on the family. Bhairav looked down unable to take his king's anger and Isha noticed.
"I asked him not to get any work done... I want the work to the repairs begin on an auspicious day... After we punish everyone who caused this destruction", Isha said, her tone calm and soft but Abhyansh could see the hatred and anguish underlying it. He gave an understanding nod to her and Bhairav took a deep sigh in relief.
When Abhyansh was about to step in, Isha stopped him, she explained that Amruta would be welcoming him traditionally since he was coming home after a deadly attack on him.
"Rani sa ?", he said, she understood his hesitation, he didn't want his mother to welcome him, yes, things had changed, he started worrying for his mother, caring for her yet didn't start showing it, but all this didn't change the fact that she betrayed him and he would never forgive her for that. Only he knew what her betrayal did to him, for a while he lost respect in women. He started hating all women and disgust filled in his heart for the whole gender as the two most important women in his life did that to him. His mother and grandmother. He shook his head not thinking about the past now.
"I have to take a bath, then do your Aarti... Will you be standing here till then ? No right... that's why I asked ma to get it ready...", she said and he nodded unwillingly, a bitter expression spread across his face, others couldn't notice it but Isha did and her heart went out for both her husband and her mother-in-law, how much pain that betrayal might have given him that he became so aversive towards his mother, and how much painful it was for the mother to see her child hating her. "Ansh... I might not understand what you are feeling but trust me I know what it is... But it's time you realize one thing, You may have disagreements with ma, you might be mad at her but you have no right to take her right away as a mother, welcoming you now is her right, and let her do it, heartfully", she said holding his palm...
Last night she spoke to Avyan who informed her that he told Amruta and Pratap about the attack on Abhyansh and Amruta was a sobbing mess, she was uncontrollable, she wanted to talk to Abhyansh but Avyan handled her citing his brother needed some rest and she could meet him when he would be there the next day and that calmed her for a while, but she didn't sleep for the whole night awaiting her son's arrival.
As in cue, Amruta walked out with the 'Aarti' plate, tears of relief flowing out looking at her elder son safe and sound... But the shawl around him told his condition to her, her strong son always wore his usual clothes even with injuries, but seeing his pale face and wrapped in shawl, she realized the attack was deadly and more tears broke out...
"Ma... He is fine...", Both Isha and Avyan told her who nodded and continued with the rituals, after that, Abhyansh walked into his chamber and Isha followed him... Amruta wanted to hug his son, and feel that he was safe and sound now but he didn't give her the chance. She hated herself for earning so much hatred from her son, for hurting him so much that he couldn't even look at her face.
"I have got the guest chamber ready for the both of us, we'll be staying there till you recover", she said entering inside... She knew her husband didn't like anyone entering their chamber and till he was completely fine, the doctors were supposed to be with him so Isha arranged for it.
"Okay... I'll freshen up...", he said
"I'll help you... just give me a minute...", Isha said taking out his clothes and his necessities.
She helped him with the bath, she did it according to the doctor's instructions making sure the water didn't touch his wounds...
"You are being too careful Rani sa... This keeps happening to me... stop worrying so much", he said and she glared at him...
"Your body is made of skin and blood Rana sa, not iron that you take everything so lightly... Don't even open your mouth, I feel like blasting your head...", she said helping him dry himself. Both of them got ready and she took out some clothes of both hers and her husband's and asked the servants to shift them to the guest chamber.
She saw Amruta just outside their chamber and looking at her face, Isha understood why she was here... Isha felt so bad for her mother-in-law. Being a woman, she could understand the mother's worry and pain.
"Ma...", Isha softly took Amruta in a warm hug...
"I just need 5 minutes Isha... I promise, I won't irritate him... I will see him from far and leave from here calmly... Can I ?", Amruta asked
"Ma... he is your son, you don't need to ask me to see him... In fact, go and talk to him, even he didn't have the right to stop you... you are his mother... Abhyansh Singh Ranawat's mother, take that confidence with you...", Isha said and took her mother-in-law with her...
"Isha...", Amruta stopped at the door fearing her son's anger...
"Okay, first I'll talk to him and then will call you, okay ?", Isha said and Amruta nodded, Isha walked to their bedroom.
"Is everything set ?", Abhyansh asked his wife who walked in...
"Yeah... the doctors are setting up the machines...", she said and he could hear the hesitation in her tone...
"Isha ?", he called and she sighed before opening her mouth...
"Ma is here... talk to her for 5 minutes...", she said and before he opened his mouth to say 'No', she cut him off... "Rana sa, I understand your pain, I know you don't forgive your betrayers but she is your mother, I told you multiple times thatI'm not asking you to forgive her. Just talk to her, she is a mother, you know her worry more than anyone... You are capable enough to protect your family and keep it safe Rana sa, that's why you have your parents with you, not everyone has mother's worry and father's care in their fate, I just want you to feel them a little, I know your father doesn't care much, so I never forced you to improve your relation with him, In ma's case too, I'm not forcing you for anything, just please let her be with you for 5 minutes... Please", she said blurting everything that came in her head.
Her husband faced much worse things than her in his life, his life might be much more difficult than her and she respected him a lot for what he is today, but he was lucky in one thing compared to her, he didn't have to go through the pain of losing his parents which is worse than hell, and she wanted him to acknowledge this fact. She tried to understand his pain as much as possible but somewhere she wanted him to put an end card to this 2-decade long hatred and step into happiness again. She want him to move on and be happy again but she can't force that on him, it should come within himself and she decided to wait for that day, but till then, the least he could do is at least let his mother take a step towards him.
Abhyansh stayed silent, he didn't say a word, not in agreement nor disagreement, so Isha took it positively. She went and got back with Amruta.
"You both keep talking... I'll look after the arrangements", Isha said and left from there... she could feel her husband's glare but she ignored it for now, dread-filled her as she knew she would hear it for the stunt later but for now she took that step bravely.
Amruta kept staring at her son, while tears flew from her eyes... Abhyansh's heart pinched seeing his mother weeping in front of him... He remembered taking her in his arms whenever she sobbed because of his a**h*le of a father's accusations or during his sister's death. He could never tolerate his mother's tears, it always pained him but after that betrayal he made a wall around his heart, which is resistant to her tears, her pain and everything, he did everything only to fulfill the responsibility of a son, but now thanks to his wife, his wall is cracked up and emotions and warmth seeped in for his mother.
"I'm sitting fit and fine in front of you, why are you crying now ?", he asked in his cold tone.
"I...I was so scared to lose you", she said controlling her sobs...
"I'm fine...", he said dismissively and that's his cue asking her to leave from there, but she didn't, but thankfully, she didn't say a word more, she kept staring at her son, and his bandages... She noticed his bobbling throat and understood he needed water, she quickly got up and poured water and gave it to him, he took it calmly making her sigh in relief. After a few more minutes, she left from there calmly thanking the god for letting her this moment with her son. On her way, she met with Isha and hugged her before going down to look after the arrangements for the doctors to stay there.
Isha and her husband shifted to the guest chamber and the senior doctors checked Abhyansh to see any adverse effects in his recovery due to the tiresome journey though they knew the BEAST's body was strong enough to handle these easily but still they did because they now feared Isha more, as she kept posing questions about her husband's health every hour. They now understood even the Beast was just a husband to his wife and would obey her when required.
The whole day passed with Isha looking into the matters involving the palace, and her husband's diet as well. She tried to prepare a meal that satisfied her husband's craving at the same time fit the doctor's criteria. It was tough but she pulled it off. At times, she felt it very challenging to deal with her husband but her love for him made everything bearable.
At night, after giving him the medicines, she ruffled his hair and he slowly dozed off due to the effect of painkillers. Looking at his bandaged bullet wounds on his skin boiled her blood, and her fury returned with double intensity.
She asked her mother-in-law to stay with him as it would help Amruta too and Isha didn't trust anyone with Abhyansh other than her at this time. She left for the den along with Bhairav, her brother, and brother-in-law.
They walked through the dark alleys of the den, Ranveer expected his sister to waver for a moment looking at the dangerous surroundings but she didn't, instead her steps were confident, and her eyes filled with rage. She occupied her husband's throne-like chair while everyone else stood there.
"Bhairav...", Isha said nodding her head, Bhairav understood what the queen wanted to hear, he knew she was in a hurry as Abhyansh would wake up in 3 hours and she needed to get back before that. Bhairav knew the king had a fair idea of what his wife is up to but he kept calm, and didn't involve in it respecting her choice, more than that, he trusted her with it and so did Bhairav, because he realized their queen deserved all the confidence and respect after all that she had done for the family and their king.
Without wasting time, Bhairav signaled his men to bring in there everyone behind the attack. Bhairav told everyone's role in the destruction that took place and Isha listened to him patiently. She spotted the two men at the last. Bhairav nodded and brought them to her.
"They are the masterminds behind the attack on Maharaj... These two are strategists Rani sa, people hire them to make a strategy... they are loyal to none, so technically they don't belong to neither Rizzo or his allies", Bhairav finished.
"Your Highness... Forgive us please... We have made such strategies for His royal Highness too...", they begged Isha... Isha looked at Bhairv to confirm.
"Ji Rani sa(Yes Rani sa), 5 years ago, we were new to Senegal and they helped Maharaj form a strategy suiting the government and people there", Bhairav said
"And now made a strategy to end Rana sa", Isha said, her tone unwavering, but cold rage filled it instead.
"Who was the mastermind ?", Isha asked looking at the two, Bhairav pointed at the man on the left side...
"Forgive me Your highness... Forgi...", he started begging but Isha slit his throat picking up the knife beside her...
Everything happened in a second that no one could believe their eyes... The kindest person they have ever known just slit a man's throat and sat there with unwavering confidence and pride in her eyes. Ranveer was the most shocked out of all...
"Ishu....", Ranveer muttered in shock but Isha was too much in her rage that she didn't hear him...
She was about to slit the other man as well when Ranveer quickly jumped into action, pulling away the sharp knife called 'Chura' from her...
"Give it to me bhai... they deserve it for plotting against Rana sa...", Isha asked, her tone calm and cold but Ranveer knew this would affect his sister later...
"Avyan... Take this and end this ba***rd", Ranveer said throwing the knife at Avyan who caught it and slit the throat of another strategist, Isha looked at it with calmness looping up.
Ranveer sighed joining his forehead with his sister's. His eyes were filled with pain and worry. He thought he understood what she was going through seeing her husband suffering but he didn't. His sister was a person who cried for two hours and didn't have food for 2 days because she stepped on an ant unintentionally. The very same sister today killed a man without a single tear escaping her eye, and that itself explains how much she loved her husband and how badly all this affected her.
"I just couldn't control it, every breath they were taking was making me suffocated, they don't have the right to stay alive, but the others won't die so easily", Isha declared
"Bhairav, implement 2, 7, 9, and 11 on them for today, will decide on tomorrow's schedule after seeing their condition", Isha said and turned to walk away.
"What are these codes ?", Ranveer asked but before Avyan could answer, they heard Bhairav ordering the trained men to implement the punishments.
The 4 codes involved very painful sorts of torturous punishments from pricking the body to pulling away the nails, scrapping the skin to breaking bones...
Hearing Bhairav's instructions, Neil Singhania shivered in fear and decided to use one final card he possessed, to escape punishment.
"Isha... beta, don't do this to me... I did everything for you, I'm not your enemy, I'm your father's best friend... Please trust me...", Neil vents out halting Isha's steps... Bhairav's and Ranveer's eyes widened, they didn't expect Neil Singhania to actually blurt it out but he did. Ranveer obviously knew he was his bhabosa's friend but he didn't see him much with Amar in his last days, Ranveer didn't know what happened but seeing Neil now, he knew his uncle might have severed ties with him after knowing his real face. Ranveer just hoped his sister wouldn't melt now, hearing her father's name or seeing anyone talking about him or anyone who knew him had always melted Isha's heart. She was so vulnerable that she went to any lengths to just hear a single word about her father, she didn't remember much of him so she craved to hear about him and know him.
Ranveer just hoped she wouldn't do that now and hurt Abhyansh's feelings.
"So ?", Isha asked, her nonchalant response startled Ranveer while Bhairav had a proud smirk on his face. "You are a man who plotted against my husband and you deserve only pain, nothing else, I don't care if you are my father's best friend or his brother or anyone related to him... To me You are just my husband's culprit and you will suffer, that's all...", Isha said... "Bhairav... Make him suffer double... This man has no spine, he betrayed his dead best friend by trying to kill his son-in-law", Isha said and walked away.
Avyan didn't know why but he laughed looking at Neil Singhania's face.
"Avyan Singh Ranawat...", Neil shouted, but Avyan stormed towards him and gave a tight slap across his face making him fall down, this step surprised everyone... He was never the violent prince, but looking at his fury today, and remembering how he slit someone's throat just a few minutes back, made their men wonder what has happened to their yuvraj.
"Dare you open your mouth... I will see your end for trying to harm my bhai sa... Bhairav... You can go home with Bhabhi Ma and Ranveer, I'll make sure all the punishments are implemented correctly", Avyan ordered... Now he knew only when he sees his brother's perpetrators suffer, the fire inside him would calm down a bit.
Ranveer saw Avyan's innocence, and playfulness burning into ashes there. He saw the same happening with his sister too the very same day. He hated Neil Singhania and Marcus Rizzo and all of their allies more for destroying the two kind souls. Abhyansh and Ranveer had to kill their innocence and take up a harsher route to protect what they believed in, but they at least thought of protecting their siblings' innocence but today they failed, and this anguished Ranveer.
"Bhairav... We'll drop Isha and come back... I need to have a long conversation with Singhania", Ranveer said and Bhairav nodded.
Both of them walked out and seeing Isha already settled in the car, Ranveer silently moved to the back seat to sit beside her and Bhairav settled in the passenger seat.
"Ishu... Bacha... it's okay...", Ranveer tried to get an emotion out of his sister but she sat there like a cold rock, he knew her ruthless act might be running in her head, he wanted her to respond to him, react on what has happened but she just sat there.
Ranveer closed the partition thinking she may open up now but she didn't.
"Are you regretting it bacha ? It's okay if you do...", Ranveer started but Isha shook her head.
"Why would I regret bhai ? They deserved to die, the only regret I had is I couldn't give them enough pain, I gave them an easy death, but no problem, that's the right thing to do, as they were the strategists, they didn't have enmity with Rana sa, I'm sure he might have done the same if he was in my place", she said and Ranveer recollected how Abhyansh killed Alvizze Rizzo just with a bullet and didn't torture him. He was amazed with the knowledge his sister had about her husband though he was sure Abhaynsh might have never discussed with her his plans on how he tortured his enemies.
Her coldness is affecting Ranveer but he knew she needed time to come to terms with what had happened and then she might have a breakdown.
"Bacha... Whatever it was, you did the right thing... Don't ponder over it much... If you want to talk about it. just come to me, hm ?", Ranveer said softly and Isha nodded.
They reached the Ranawat palace, Isha went to the guest chamber, and sighed in relief seeing Abhyansh sleeping, she asked Amruta to leave and her mother-in-law walked away asking her to freshen up and take some rest.
She sat on the chair beside her husband and kept staring at him...
"You are back ?", his voice brought her out of her reverie... She was startled by his question...
"Where would I go ?", she asked trying to be nonchalant...
"We both know where...", he said and she sighed...
He opened his eyes and looking at her cold form he was taken aback for a moment...
"Isha... Bacha... come here", he said trying to reach out but she moved away. She didn't want her sins to touch her husband. That moment she understood why he moved away from her all those times not letting her touch him whenever he came back from the den.
Abhyansh's eyes widened realizing why his wife moved back... She killed someone... Like his wife, his Rani sa killed someone for him ? He wasn't disappointed, he was proud at her courage and her love for him but he was equally concerned on how this would affect her mentally.
"Isha... bacha... come to me... please", he pleaded softly but she shook her head and rushed to the washroom...
She sat in the shower for an hour and after washing up thoroughly she came out, changed into nightwear, and settled beside her husband who is now sitting leaning his back to the headboard waiting for her.
"Rani sa...", he called softly...
"I killed him, I... I slit his throat...", she fumbled, her tone made him realize that finally her rage was calming down and the fact was sinking in...
"Okay... and ?", he asked calmly... he knew how to deal with his wife... She was not guilty, she didn't regret it but she couldn't accept that she did it, because for her, killing another person was an act that was unacceptable, and today she herself committed it and that's what was pinching her heart.
"And I don't regret it", she added
"I know... and what does that show ?", he asked her
"That I'm not wrong", she said confidently...
"You are not, my bacha... But it's okay to feel dejected even when we know we did the right thing, it's okay to feel upset even doing the right thing... I know how it feels when you take a life... and I know you might be feeling it 100 times more than I do... I'm here for you... hm ?", he said softly, and slowly her sobs made their way and soon she broke down and he was there to join those pieces, handling her...
After some time, she dozed off in his arms, he knew it had been a tiring few days for his wife and he hated himself for letting her go through so much, for shouldering her with so much responsibility. Now is the time he took control of things but for that, he first had to convince his wife.
The next few days, Abhyansh tried to get a hang of things happening but Isha acted as a barrier in between him and truth i.e Bhairav. Well, that's what her drama king of a husband was saying for the past couple of days. These days his drama has reached another level, her brother is thoroughly enjoying it while she is irritated with the both of them.
"Rani sa... Just because you have power, doesn't mean you stay in the path of truth... I would reach to it no matter what... You cannot control the force of righteousness", Her husband threw another punch dialogue at her, and she rolled her eyes at her communist husband who is being too much of a revolutionary leader these days.
"Woah... Am I late ? Looks like Ranawat's drama started early today", Ranveer said walking in... Abhyansh glared at his brother-in-law while Isha ignored her brother as well. He only came there to increase her husband's blood pressure and she let him only because due to medication and recovery, Abhyansh's BP kept falling, and her brother acted as a natural cure.
"F**k you Rajput", Abhyansh said
"Chi... No... I am straight and I have a fiance Ranawat... and you are my sister's husband... How can I ?", Ranveer said...
"ISHA... Throw this idiot out of the chamber", Abhyansh shouted throwing the remote at Ranveer...
Isha came back with the BP machine and checked her husband's BP as she was advised to do so before giving him the medication.
"Your BP seems fine... Bhai you can leave, your work is done for today", she said, Abhyansh just stared at the crazy siblings...
"God! How am I gonna stay with these two idiots... I guess it runs in your blood", Abhyansh said
"What did you just say ?", Isha and Ranveer said at the same time...
"Madness runs in your blood...", Abhyansh said earning a glare from his wife and brother-in-law, but did he care, absolutely not.
"Enough of this drama now, take this tablet and go to sleep", Isha said
"You are right, enough of this drama, now I'm fully recovered, I'm leaving to my study, send Bhairav there", Abhaynsh said throwing the pill she gave, away.
"Rana sa...", Isha tried to stop him but this time he was adamant...
"No Isha... I listened to you, obeyed you because you were very worried about my health, I did everything you asked me to, I worked from home, I took care of myself but now I'm healed and I have to get back to work", he said and walked away to his study. Isha paced to and fro in the room in worry and Ranveer calmed her down.
"He is actually right Ishu... you are worrying too much... He is healed completely and now he didn't need this medication as well... He was about to go to work from the 3rd day he was shot but just because you asked him not to, he stayed back in the hospital and also took rest at home after getting discharged. It's a feat no one achieved till now, you successfully locked the BEAST in his home for more than 2 weeks, you should be happy, instead here you are...", Ranveer said and Isha sighed in worry.
"But he still feels pain when he moves his arm much", Isha said
"That's common Ishu... See, even a small cut on our body gives us pain for many days, then imagine how long it would take for a bullet wound to completely heal... Doesn't mean we sit at home leaving all our work waiting for the pain to completely disappear... We need to carry on with our works, pain becomes a part of it and after some days, it completely fades away. Ranawat is not a man to sit idle and take rest, work gives him peace and satisfaction, so let him do it", Ranveer made his sister understand
"Hm... I think you are right bhai... but one thing that's making me suspicious is you taking Rana sa's side", Isha said
"Stop using your little head, I'm sure it might have exhausted since you used it a lot in the past few weeks", he teased her flipping her head...
"Bhai...", Isha whined... "Huh... I don't have time to fight with you... I'll have to talk to Bhairav and ask him not to disclose the state agency's deed yet", Isha said walking towards her husband's study and Ranveer followed her.
But her husband's angry growls coming from the study told her she was late.
"Hm... let's go back, otherwise he would eat us alive for hiding it", Ranveer said but before he could escape, Ramlal informed them that Abhyansh was calling them in.
Isha and Ranveer walked in... Isha tried to say something but her husband's glare didn't let her...
"How dare they come into R Empire and accuse us of something like that ? Out of all, they left back alive even after questioning the Queen ? Why Bhairav ?", Abhyansh questioned, Bhairav looked down having no answers...
"Ranawat... That time our priority was to find you and get you back safe, so we thought to let it go for the time being", Ranveer answered
"I asked Bhairav to not concentrate on them, like bhai said, we were focussing on you Rana sa", Isha defended Bhairav...
"Was it the reason or you thought I wouldn't make it out alive so didn't go after them Bhairav ?", Abhyansh asked Bhaiarv sternly...
"Hukum... No... I never thought that way", Bhairav was quick to answer... "We were lacking in loyal men and Rani sa said we couldn't waste our resources for something petty and instead concentrate on finding you, and I obeyed her willfully Maharaj... In that situation, I felt it was the right thing to do", Bhairav said lowering his head but his tone expressed his confidence in Isha's abilities and his pride in the decision he took to support her.
Abhyansh understood the whole scenario but he was disappointed that they didn't tell him even after things got fine with him. If a state agency could dare to attempt to tarnish his empire's reputation, question the age-old practices, and try to question the queen, it wasn't a normal thing and this couldn't be ignored at all.
"Though people taught them the right lesson, it's time I remind them who they are dealing with...", Abhyansh said and looked at Bhairav giving him a nod. That meant they needed to leave for the den right away.
"At least have lunch and go Rana sa", Isha said
"There are still 2 hours left for lunch, we'll be back by then...", He said and left with Bhairav... Isha asked Ranveer to go with them too as Avyan was in the den supervising the royal treatment given to Rizzo and his allies.
On his way, Abhyansh devised a plan and Bhairav implemented it till they reached the den with Ranveer's help.
Ranveer tried to let Avyan know about Abhyansh's arrival but he didn't pick up his phone neither did he check his text messages, Avyan was very involved in punishing his brother's culprits, and Abhyansh was stunned to see his brother's cruel form... This is what he was trying to avoid from years but at the end, it happened. Ranveer felt Abhyansh's anguish because he too went through the same a few days back when he had to see his sister's ruthless form.
Ranveer slowly patted Abhyansh's shoulder in a comforting manner. Abhyansh gave a nod at him but both of them knew that this image would remain in his head forever.
"Avyan...", Abhyansh called his brother, who was startled by his brother's tone.
"Bhai sa...", Avyan greeted his brother rushing to him.
Abhyansh gave a nod to him and settled on his throne. He must say, looking at the condition of his foes made his day but his happiness was short-lived, the fact that this was all done to them by his wife and brother whom he wanted to prevent exposing to the cruelty, snatched his happiness.
"Marcus...", Abhyansh called, Rizzo lifted his blood-filled face to look at Abhyansh, but never into his eyes...
"If I could kill your brother for supplying arms for an attack on my wife provided, he didn't even know the attack was on my wife, then you could imagine what I would do to you for this brutal attack on my family. You even planned to get my wife abducted and married again ?", Abhyansh's fury is uncontrollable, Marcus shivered hearing his tone...
"What ?", Ranveer shouted, hearing Abhyansh's statement... Marcus planned to get Isha married again, to whom ? and Why ? All his questions were answered when Ranveer took a look at Abhay and Neil Singhnaia... That explains Abhyansh's rage to get to Abhay Singhania.
"You bas***d, you are still the same huh", Ranveer said, kicking Neil's face and landing a punch on Abhay.
"Rajput ?", Abhyansh asked, what was his brother-in-law talking about... Ranveer took a deep sigh and started narrating everything as there was no point in hiding it anymore. He thought that was a childish wish and they might have moved on but Neil and Abhay still stuck to those, and even that thought disgusted Ranveer.
"He was bhabhosa's best friend and he always wanted Isha to marry his son but Bhabhosa didn't like that idea... He never liked Abhay, he always felt that the child (Abhay) had so much negativity and cunningness in him and he rejected the idea, but this a** didn't stop asking him... Then Bhabhosa strictly warned him not to raise that topic again...", Ranveer said looking at Neil.
"Strictly warned ? No, insulted might be a better word, Your bhabhosa told my son was not suitable for his daughter and she deserved much better, all this in front of my son... he broke my innocent son's heart and that made him what he was today", Neil muttered with difficulty. They understood his unspoken words, Neil thought of getting Isha married to Abhay to avenge that insult... 'God! crazy people... Amar Rajput and his friends are too cunning and crazy', Abhyansh thought, but Neil's next statement blew out Abhyansh's mind.
"Amar wanted Isha to marry someone like you...", Neil said looking at Abhyansh shocking him... "He discussed it with me many times, every time we come back from your place after visiting your father, he used to talk about you... He told Isha deserved someone like you... Despite knowing what my son and I wanted, he shared all that with me... that cruel a**h*le", Neil said and Ranveer slapped his face for cursing his uncle.
"Don't talk ill about my bhabhosa... I would cut that tongue of yours...", Ranveer said beating him mercilessly.
Abhyansh, Avyan, and Bhairav remained in shock hearing Neil... Amar Rajput wanted his daughter to marry Abhyansh ? Not in literal terms but still... He did? But he did all that to him, plotting his siblings' abduction, killing his sister in front of his eyes? Trying to use his mother by bringing her ex-fiance into the picture? Handicapping his father? Joining hands with their enemies and plotting to take away all of their properties pretending to be their friend? What were all those games then? And by remembering the past, Abhyansh's fury on Amar Rajput returned... No, that man could never think good about anyone, especially for his(Ranawat) family.
Abhyansh stormed away from there to the other wing of the den asking Bhairav to come there to solve the state agency matters.
-----------------------
A few days passed, and Neil Singhania's statement somehow made a permanent stamp in Ranveer's head, he trusted his bhabhosa, he knew he couldn't do any harm to the Ranawats, now, hearing Neil, he was sure that there must be a huge misunderstanding. He also shared this with Isha who was very happy to know her husband was her father's choice.
But, neither Abhyansh, Avyan nor Bhairav believed in it. Avyan though wasn't aware of the whole truth of how his mother was involved in all this mess or why his brother was made with her, he did know that Amar Rajput was responsible for Advaita's death, in fact, he was the one who killed her, that's the reason for his hatred for Isha at the beginning but soon her pure heart won over him, but he could never forgive her father, he couldn't even think of Isha as that man's daughter, for him Isha is his bhabhi ma, his brother's wife and Ranveer's sister.
Ranveer started digging the truth again through Nandini Rana, and at the same time, she too wanted to take that daring step which she had been hesitant for years now. This fatal attack on Abhyansh developed a fear in her, what if something happened to Abhaynsh ? She could never be able to tell him the truth and her sister and brother-in-law would never be in peace. Abhyansh would continue thinking of her brother-in-law as the culprit which she could never let happen. She promised her sister that she would make the truth reach its rightful owners but she failed. She might sound selfish for thinking so but now is the time to let Abhyansh know the truth before another fatal attack on him. She needed to take off the blame on her brother-in-law's head before that.
She loved and cared for Isha, and always prayed for her happiness and for her niece's sake, she would always want Abhyansh to be safe as well but she couldn't run out the possibilities of another attack knowing his work. So she hurried her moves.
She approached Ranveer to arrange a meeting with Abhyansh, in turn, Ranveer asked her for the truth but she told him that Abhyansh had the right to know the truth first, and she would definitely tell everyone after that and that term was non-negotiable, so Ranveer had to give in.
He took Nandini to the Ranawat palace, and directed her to Abhyansh's study. He knew his brother-in-law might throw a few punches at him for doing so but he didn't have a choice, he had to do it. Ramlal stopped Nandini from entering in, Ranveer sighed and took Nandini to the opposite room and made her sit there before walking to his brother-in-law. Ranveer got Abhyansh to the room where Nandini was waiting for him without telling him about Nandini waiting for him.
"Rajput...", Abhyansh gave a glare understanding what his brother-in-law did...
"Please Ranaat... hear what she has to say", Ranveer said
"ENOUGH NOW, TAKE THIS WOMAN AND GET OUT", Abhyansh screamed at the top of his lungs... Isha who heard her husband's scream rushed to the room opposite to his study, so did Amruta, Rajmata, and Avyan.
"You have to hear me out Maharaj... You have no option... You have run enough from the truth", Nandini said gathering her courage...
"GET.OUT", Abhyansh said coldly
"Maasi... Please leave... Maasi please, We'll talk later", Isha tried to pull her Aunt away but she didn't budge...
"Ishu... You are afraid of your husband's anger, but what about your parents' pain ?", Nandini said confusing Isha...
"Nandu... Please No...", Amruta said, Isha frowned hearing the name her mother-in-law addressed her aunt with... So, it's not just her husband, but her mother-in-law too knew her aunt for years. Now, Isha felt so lost, what are the secrets that she was unaware of? Why was her husband so stubborn in keeping the things under wraps and how long would this continue ?
"Your son was being stubborn and blaming my dead sister and brother-in-law for years, and you want it to continue ? Pallavi was your friend, how could you let her suffer like this even after their death ?", Nandini asked Amruta...
"Amruta can do nothing to change Abhyansh's mind... Stop guilt-tripping her, she was suffering for years for what she had done then, and now she knew better than to repeat that", Rajmata Devyani Devi said harshly... She knew her harshness towards Nandini might upset Isha but she had no option, just when she thought things were getting better, and her grandson started showing some signs of the person he was before that disaster, Nandini Rana jumped in and was trying to spoil all of it. She had to step up and protect her family this time.
"Guiltripping! How did you even say that Rajmata ? You very well knew my brother-in-law was not that kind of a man, what would happen if Abhyansh hears me out once", Nandini argued
"This is the last time I'm telling you, LEAVE OR I'LL GET YOU KICKED OUT", Abhyansh screamed scaring everyone including Isha...
"Maasi... Please Maasi... Let's go... Please don't anger him", Isha said and Nandini lost it seeing Isha taking her husband's side instead of her parents'. She knew Isha was just trying to control the damage but her condition didn't allow her to think rationally. She was worried that she would die without fulfilling her promise to her dead sister.
"I will tell you the truth today, no matter what... That day my brother-in-law...", Nandini started but Abhyansh took out his revolver and kept it on Nandini's forehead losing his patience. He was furious and the animalistic anger took over him...
"Ranawat... Put it down, Ranawat", Ranveer tried to pull the revolver away from Abhyansh's palm but he pushed Ranveer.
"You can kill me if you want to, but please listen to me before that...", Nandini pleaded joining her hands, tears slipped from her eyes... Isha stood there in shock at her husband's reluctance to hear to the truth and her aunt's equal determination to reveal it.
"Rana sa... take off the gun, please... I'm scared", Isha said but Abhyasnh didn't pay any heed. He was done with the woman called 'Nandini Rana'. He wanted to end her game now.
"You are ready to die, then die", Abhyansh said pulling the trigger, Isha screamed in horror, and so did Amruta... Nandini stood there in a paralyzed position, but the gunshot wasn't fired, Isha opened her eyes, and shock filled her senses...
She understood her husband was not going to listen to any of them now, so it was better to send her aunt away for now.
"Rana sa... Maasi would leave from here... Please put the gun down... Please... Please", Isha said joining her hands...
"I want her to say it", Abhyansh said standing emotionlessly.
"Maasi, please tell him... Please", Isha requested as she is hell scared of her husband's madness.
"I didn't know my sister's daughter would be this selfish...", Nandini said shocking Isha...
"Maasi ?", Isha said
"Your parents have been weighing this guilt for 2 decades Ishu... I beg you to give them peace at least now...", Nandini said
"Maasi, what are you talking about ? I don't understand anything", Isha asked perplexed...
"Get out or die", Abhyansh said coldly, his finger on the trigger again... "You won't get another chance to live Rana... choose wisely...", Abhyansh said, the determination in his tone confirmed Nandini that he would definitely kill him if she wouldn't leave now. So, she walked back and left from there. Abhyansh threw the gun away and stormed out.
Isha sat there stunned at what just happened. The thought of truth has made her uneasy many times, it scared her too but now it started destroying her peace. She wanted to know the truth, why does her husband hate her parents, especially her father ? and why did her aunt risk her life, to tell the truth to her husband ? And why is he so reluctant? All these questions started causing a permanent headache to her, and her husband's madness she just witnessed was the peak of her patience. First, she needed to get answers from her aunt, so she rushed there...
"Maasi... what were you saying ? What guilt What is it, please tell me", Isha pleaded, and Nandini knew Abhyansh would kill her but never hear her, so it was better to approach him through Isha so she tried to tell her why she was so desperate.
"Your husband knew only half-truth, the complete truth is altogether different Ishu... And based on that half-truth, he started hating your father, your parents tried to tell him the truth many times but he didn't give them a chance, during the day of their accident too... they were coming to Ranawat palace to try once again... Just a day before that, I spoke to your mother, she told me her plan of confessing the whole truth to Amruta and Abhyansh. I came here to support your parents but instead got their accident news... Your mother took a promise from me that I would clear Abhyansh's misconception... and that's it, she lost her life... Now tell me Ishu, your parents gave away their life in trying to make this truth reach your husband, don't they deserve at least a single chance to hear their side ? The last days were very painful for them, they were struggling, distressed, and the guilt was eating them up and I know they wouldn't be in peace till I convey the truth to Abhyansh. Your husband denied them peace for almost 2 decades even after their death, Now it's your responsibility to get them that...", Nandini said and left from there leaving Isha in distress and pain.
Hearing their dead parents' soul never rested in peace was very painful for any child and after almost 20 years of their deaths, Isha got to hear it and the irony was she didn't have any inkling of the truth. Neither her husband nor her aunt tells her the truth... The truth that destroyed her life, reason for her husband to torture her, the reason she had a nightmare in the name of marriage, and now the reason for the destruction of her peace, is still a mystery to her and she absolutely hated it.
Nandini didn't know if Amar and Pallavi attempted to disclose the truth to Abhyansh or not, but she assumed they tried, seeing their desperation to convey the truth to Abhyansh but the truth was they didn't. They wanted to but the situation didn't allow them, the night they had the accident was the first time they attempted to confess but before that, they were killed in an accident. And she told the same to Isha who was now determined to make her husband listen to the truth.
She didn't have control over his beliefs, whether he chose to believe her aunt or not but he could at least listen to what she had to say right ? She didn't understand her husband's reluctance. She always understood his pain, she didn't want to pressure him for the truth so she remained patient. Her heart and mind kept nagging her to know the truth behind his behavior and only then could she give her marriage a chance wholeheartedly but she ignored everything and put him and his feelings above everything. But, now after hearing about her dead parents' situation, for once she wants to put herself, her feelings, and her parents' above her husband, and she is determined to do it, no matter who thought what.