CHAPTER – 10
It was night, Isha and Amruta prepared dinner. Everyone was present at the dining table but none spoke a word. They were waiting for Abhyansh but he didn't come. So, she sent his food to his study.
"Isha... I think you should take it to him beta... If you go, you'll make sure he had it", Amruta suggested.
She knew Isha is upset with what happened in the morning but Abhyansh was still healing and food intake is important for him, she was scared he would skip his meals.
"He will have it ma... Don't worry...", Isha said
"But...", Amruta started but surprising everyone, Pratap opened his mouth.
"She said, didn't she ? He would have his dinner...", Pratap said, Isha gave a small smile to her father-in-law for understanding her. Isha is happy that now there was no hatred in his eyes for her but he still need to make up for a lot of insults but now she didn't think about it much.
Someone told it right, you would know a person's true character at the time of crisis and both Pratap and Isha got to know it at the time of their near death experience. Isha's determination to save him made Pratap see the real Isha, his daughter-in-law, not Amar Rajput daughter, while Isha saw the real Pratap Singh Ranawat when he didn't care for his life over her dignity. He hated her yet he decided to die but save his daughter-in-law's dignity, he forced her to run and save herself when he heard they wanted to abduct her. She realized his true character then, his hatred for her was just a mask which was now no more.
Everyone in the family noticed the word exchange and positive changes between the father-in-law & daughter-in-law and are happy about it.
Isha served herself but didn't take a single morsel as she was worried for her husband but tried hard to conceal it. He scared her with his behavior in the morning, she was upset with him for a lot of things but her love for him dominated all of it.
"You guys continue... I'm not hungry", she said and left from there. But everyone knew where she went. Amruta and Avyan gave a small smile at Isha's love for Abhyansh while Ranveer is upset. He was worried for his sister. He was scared that her love would make her helpless and choose her husband over herself.
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Isha walked to her husband's study but didn't find him there. She looked at the food trolley there untouched and sighed deeply. She knew where he might be, she dispersed the servant and strolled the trolley to the back palace. She avoided him from the time all that took place in the morning and Abhyansh too didn't try to approach her, she understood he needed time to calm his fury.
She entered the back palace and locked the doors. She saw him lying on the floor with Sharah and Veera leaning on him. His past was running in his head as a reel and that was too much to bear for him. His regrets, guilt, pain and anger rushed and above all that, his careless attitude towards his wife in the morning is hurting him. How could he not control his fury ? He didn't disrespect her with words but not respecting her words was enough disrespect and his tone was set in a similar manner and he was disappointed in himself.
He sensed her presence but he wasn't in the right frame of mind to talk to her.
"Rani sa... We'll talk later", he said tiredly...
"I didn't come to talk to you", her tone was stable and in control. "Have your dinner, take your medicines and I am out of here", she added, he sat up looking at her face trying to decipher her emotions. He knew she was hurt, confused and needed answers but he was not in a state to do any of it. But looking at her, he couldn't stop himself from asking for forgiveness...
She sat beside him and he pulled her into his arms holding her tightly.
"I am sorry... I was unable to control my fury when she spoke about the past", He said but she didn't respond instead tried to free herself but he tightened his hold. "Please...", he said and his tone slightly cracked there and she rubbed his back trying to calm him down...
"Have your dinner now", she said and started feeding him...
"You didn't have either...", he didn't ask but stated and she nodded. "Have this", he said trying to feed her but she shook her head.
"After feeding you, I'll go and have it, I prepared this just for you, I am not the patient, you are", she said and he nodded finishing his dinner quickly. After giving him his medicines, Isha got up to leave but Sharah and Veera didn't let her...
"Sharah... Veera... I'll come again... For now let me go", she tried gently patting them but they growled refusing to let her go. She stayed back having no option.
"I'll ask someone to bring your food here", he said picking up his phone...
"No, I'll have it there... I'll be leaving soon anyways", she said...
"So, you are going to office tomorrow ?", he asked trying to make a casual conversation with her, trying to avoid the heated topic.
"This time I won't forget the matter nor let it sideline Rana sa... I need to know the truth, I deserve to know and it's time I get what I deserve... I won't pretend as if everything is fine between us... The truth is things aren't fine and they would stay that way until I get my answers. I think I have given you enough time, it's time I stand up for my own rights, because if I am incapable of fighting the injustice that's happened to me, then I don't deserve to represent or fight for the women in the empire", she said, her words gave him a clear picture and he knew this time she is going to stay strong on her decision and he was proud of her too.
He made her sit between his legs holding her from behind. She leaned her head on his chest trying to find solace, she didn't understand how can the same man be the cause of her distress and home to her peace. She ran away from the pain his actions inflicted, to hide in his arms that provided her the relief.
He entangled his fingers with hers and she played with his fingers, especially his ring, the one she gave him. From the time she made him wear it, he never took it off, She remembered how he didn't let the doctors take it off even during his surgery.Little things like this assure her about the abundant love he had for her, and that love made her oversee her desire to know past but now it became inevitable. She needed to know it at any cost.
He laid on the floor with her head on his stomach.
He gently massaged her scalp with his fingers, she closed her eyes letting a relieved sigh out. The past few weeks has taken a toll on her and her husband knew how to relieve her stress, always. Veera leaned on Isha while Sharah half lied on Abhyansh with their paws lying on his body.
"Everything is fine bacha... Don't take stress now, something like this won't happen again... I'll make sure of it", he said talking about the attack and everything that followed it. His tone held conviction and she knew he would do anything to prevent something like this from repeating but the assurance didn't completely eliminate the fear inside her. Only she knew what she went through when she saw him with his wounds, the doctor taking off bullets from his body. "Sh... Rani sa...", Abhyansh rubbed her cheeks softly feeling her shiver...
She wanted him to assure her, she wanted him to love her but the recent happenings and the bitter unknown past was hindering her thoughts. Her mind is filled with all kinds of emotions and she wanted to run away from everything.
"I am tired... Mentally exhausted Rana sa... I want to run far away from all this, I want to break all the barriers between us, I... I can't take it that there are secrets between us...", she said and he held her waist and pulled her to completely lay on him, slightly pushing Veera aside earning a growl instead but Abhyansh's glare shut it up instantly.
"I know you can't ignore the past anymore... I'll have to find the courage within to tell you everything, but it's not about my feelings I am worried about bacha... You understand what I am trying to say right ?", he asked cupping her face. She knew he was worried about her condition more. If his single sentence of hatred towards her father could trigger that severe panic attack, then he was even scared to imagine her condition when she would hear the whole truth of her father from him.
"Rana sa... I will be fine... Trust me", she tried to assure him but he shook his head.
"Your assurance is not enough Isha... I can't ignore tha fact that you haven't shared the reason for your panic attack with anyone till date", Abhyansh said and she closed her eyes trying to block her nightmare, the figment of memories of it where her kaku sa was confessing how he killed her father... Choking her... She shook her head vigorously to avoid those thoughts and he hugged her tightly ruffling her hair...
"I am sorry... I am sorry... Nothing... It's nothing... Stop thinking about it... Bacha... Please", he begged, his tone breaking, fear clearly audible in his tone... Fear of seeing his wife in the same pain again...
She stopped shaking her head but her shivers didn't stop, he lifted her head making her face him...
"Bacha... Look at me...", he said softly kissing her forehead... She slowly opened her eyes looking into his eyes, the eyes she fell in love with... Most beautiful pair of eyes she had ever seen.
"The only truth you should know is I LOVE YOU the most, and I would do anything for you... You need to stay strong for me, stay healthy for me, because without you, there will be no me", he said, his eyes spoke volumes than his mouth did... A small tear escaped her eye...
He leaned and gently took her lips into his, kissing her pouring all the love he had for her. He felt her visibly relaxing, her fingers fisting his hair pulling him more into her. He deepened the kiss, his lips and teeth caressing her petals, and soon it took a wild turn when she bit his lower lip, gasping for breaths yet unwilling to part with his lips. Abhyansh fisted her hair and kissed her till her lips are swollen. He left her when she slapped his chest going out of breath. He placed open mouth kisses on her neck and cleavage and she moaned heavily but suddenly stopped realizing they have audience.
"Sharah... Veera... Go", he ordered in his strict tone signing them towards their habitats. His stern tone made them scurry away immediately. He was about to pull her into a kiss again but she held his wrist stopping him. She was still breathing heavily feeling his intense kisses.
"Isha... Don't stop me from loving you... Please", he said softly cupping her cheeks... He knew she needed him as much as he needed her.
"In the bed of roses, the presence of even a single thorn is enough to take away all the softness the petals provided, I fear this 'Truth' is becoming that thorn in our relationship Rana sa", she said, a tear slipping from her eye...
"It's not necessary that every bed of roses will have a thorn", Abhyansh said trying to make her understand that their relationship would never take that turn, he wouldn't let it.
"However careful you decorate it, a thorn or two would remain in the lot, most of the people are lucky to not step on it but I know I am not one", Isha said getting up and walking out leaving him in distress... He wanted to make things right between them, if telling her the truth is what it takes, he was ready but every time he thought about her reaction, he took a step back. He loved her too much to see her suffer, he needed to know what caused her panic attacks and get it cured, only then would he disclose the truth. He decided to talk to her on this soon and explain to her calmly. He understood her point of view and realized it was unfair to keep her in the dark, untill now, he avoided telling her not to hurt her, he was trying to prevent the damage it would cause her to know her father's real face but he realized the damage, hiding the truth would cause is much worse and he wasn't ready to face it.
She walked to the dining hall, had her dinner quickly, and walked to her room. The next whole day, she didn't talk much to him... She avoided him as much as possible and after lunch, even he didn't try to approach her.
She worked from the guest room, and after dinner, she sat with her brother talking about random things to pass the time as she didn't want to go to her room and face her husband, she knew he was working from his study in their chamber the whole day, neither he came out or he let anyone in, he only came out for his meals.
"Ishu... Wanna come with me to Rajput palace for a few days ? Maybe distance would help you both and Ranwat might tell you the truth ?", Ranveer said but Isha shook her head.
"I tried it once, Did he open his mouth? In the end, I had to break my resolve and come here because of Ma's accident... That stubborn head would never give up bhai... There is no use, in return, I would suffer more worrying about his health. It's better I stay here", Isha said and Ranveer nodded. "How is maasi ?", she asked
"She is fine but still a little shaken up", Ranveer said, well he used the term 'little' to calm his sister, but it's not just little, in fact a lot. Who wouldn't be scared seeing the BEAST growling, and more like threatening you with a gun on your head and pulling the trigger?
"Hm... She should have backed away bhai... Honestly, I didn't think Rana sa would ever be ready to listen to her... I know him very well, if he decided on something, it's hard to change it, and he decided not to hear maasi", Isha said
"You are taking your husband's side ?", Ranveer asked her genuinely, he wanted to know if she was saying that statement as a wife defending her husband's act or as a queen who is responsible for thinking in an unbiased manner.
"No, I am not... He should have controlled his anger... But sometimes, the loss you face in life won't let you do it, I won't judge if what he did was right or wrong but his behavior yesterday was just a reaction to his past wounds", Isha said, her heart went out to her husband, because only she saw the immense pain and suffering in his eyes, it's as if something is burning his whole existence.
Ranveer nodded and after a few more talks, he went to the guest chamber while Isha sighed before taking steps towards their chamber. She slowly opened her chamber door to make her presence as discreet as possible but a loud gasp escaped her throat as soon as the sight of their chamber came into view.
Every inch of the floor is covered with rose petals. She stepped in, the soft petals made her feet feel so much better. She walked towards the stairs which were filled with rose petals again, she took steps towards their room but on her way, she saw the other two bedrooms and study too were filled with rose petals. She took a deep breath and entered her room, the look surprised her, not just the floor, the rose petals were lying across all surfaces and their bed was decorated full of them.
When she reached the bed, she was rained on with roses, the softness of the petals touching her skin caused her goosebumps.
"Not just a bed, but the whole chamber is full of rose petals, but I promise you wouldn't step on a single thorn because there are none", Abhyansh said walking towards her... "You don't have to be the lucky one to not step on thorns, I would always be there to create a thorn-free path for you... I don't trust in your luck but I do trust in my love for you", he said cupping her face and she felt the roughness of his skin, she took his palms and the sight brought tears to her eyes... She felt the pricking of thorns on his palms, she kissed his palms sobbing at his love.
"Wh.. Why would you do it... Huh ?", she said slapping his chest...
"Sh... No tears... No... And all that pricking didn't pain me a bit... But the pricking because of these tears are causing too much ache, Just don't cry... I told you, I can handle anything except for these", he said wiping her tears...
"That's wrong... There are many things you can't handle... Not just my tears", she told him kissing his palms... He realized she was talking about his anger and how he behaved with her aunt.
"Are you still upset ?", he asked cupping her face...
"About what Rana sa ? About you pointing a gun and pulling the trigger, on my aunt, the only woman related to my mother I am left with ? Or keeping me in the dark regarding the truth involving my parents ? Or the injustice I was subjected to by not making me aware of why was I hated and tortured at the beginning of our marriage ? Or for suffering me for no fault of mine? Be specific about what you are asking", she asked him, and his eyes held fury for himself...
"I only showed how sorry I was for hurting you till now, but I have never verbally apologized to you, because a single apology wouldn't justify the pain you went through... I was scared even to ask an apology from you because there was no justification for what I did... I was cruel, brutal to you... You didn't deserve any of it... I wanted to go back and kill myself for all the pain I have given you Rani sa... There wasn't a single day that passed without this ache of regret and burn of rage for myself. I am extremely sorry Isha... I'm not saying this expecting forgiveness from you but because you deserve this apology...", he said. She stood there emotionless... She didn't understand how to respond or react... He never asked 'Sorry' from her neither did he express how he felt about that whole fiasco. He always faced that pain alone, she knew it's because he thought he didn't even deserve the comfort she provided.
If she forgets about that horrible nightmare of torture in the beginning of her marriage, he was a great husband who cared about the smallest of things when it came to her, he would sacrifice his life and his everything in a blink for her, that's the amount of love he held for her but unfortunately, she couldn't forget the pain she was subjected to, but she could definitely try forgiving her husband but that would happen only when he gives her a reason for his behavior if not justification because nothing could justify his acts.
She knew forgiving him seemed far from reality for now, and he was okay with it, he decided to burn in regret for his whole life for what he had put her through but she wasn't okay with it. She loved him and she couldn't see him suffering.
"I want to end all this Abhyansh... I want to live in a future where I could see only love in your eyes for me, not regret, guilt, or pain...", she said
"This guilt would never end Isha...", he replied
"It will, when you find me happy, so happy that I don't even remember the past suffering, and all that happiness is because of you, then this guilt would end... And for my own sanity, I want to forgive you and move on from it... I want to be peaceful and see you peaceful", Isha said
"I know... That's why I have decided to tell you the truth...", he said and she was shocked to hear him... "But for now let's not talk about it... Tonight I want to concentrate on proving my Rani sa's 'Thorn theory' wrong...", he said drawing an amusing smile from her.
"I think you already did", she questioned pointing around the room but he shook his head.
"This is just a start... May I ?", he asked forwarding his hand and she nodded giving in... She knew things are gonna get hard for the both of them for the next few days but for now, she wanted to enjoy her time with him. Being with him always provided her happiness and she wanted to pamper herself with that bliss before they get ready for the battle.
He slowly started twirling her and the petals started raining on them making her giggle with childlike glee on her face. She loved feeling of soft petals below her feet, on her skin, and everywhere around. She was a princess for sure but was never treated like one, of all the people, she didn't expect her husband to do all this for her considering how much he hated those type of things. For him, all that was so cringe.
The slow music and the dance, the slow twirls, and moving in each other's arms felt so romantic to her. She thoroughly enjoyed it. By the end of it, she was a laughing mess while he had a soft smile on his face looking at her happy. She was right, looking at her happiness, he tends to forget the world, his guilt was nothing but he wouldn't let it happen, he deserved to suffer in that pain.
Abhyansh gently took her lips into his, pulling her into a soft kiss. He sucked her lower lip while she bit his upper lip and sucked it to lessen the pain... He groaned in desire but controlled himself as he didn't want to do something that his wife didn't want... He respected her wish, he would only move forward if she wanted it.
Isha wounded her arms around his neck and deepened the kiss fisting his hair tightly, her body pressing to his like a second skin, and her this little act unleashed the beast in him, he pushed her onto the bed without breaking the kiss with his rough palms exploring every inch of her skin causing loud moans to escape from her throat which he silenced with his mouth. Sensing her breathlessness, he left her lips and started dropping open mouth kisses on her neck, shoulder, and cleavage. His hand stopped at her shoulder, he looked into her eyes to find any hesitation but didn't find any, instead, there was only raw passion and love in her orbs.
He quickly unpinned her saree... She thought he would now make love to her, but he poured the soft petals on her bare skin and started slowly picking each petal on her with his mouth and teeth, sometimes licking them with his tongue causing havoc in the pit of her stomach. The intensity in his eyes and his sensual acts raised her heartbeat to the highest level, she was a moaning mess, writhing under him...
" Ansh... Please", she moaned asking him not to torture her anymore and he obliged...
He took her lips into an intense kiss and till the wee hours, he made sure she felt only rose petals, all of them but not felt a single thorn fulfilling his promise.
"Sleep now...", he said kissing her forehead earning a glare from her...
"It's 5 in the morning, it's time to wake up, not sleep", she said, and he chuckled at her irritation...
"You were tired... get back to sleep", he said ruffling her hair... she is about to protest but he shook his head... "I'll take care of everything, just close your eyes bacha...", he said
"What about all this ?", she asked
"The maids will clean the rest of the chamber while I'll clean our room...", he said kissing her forehead... She blushed looking around... last night was magical for her, her husband showed heaven on earth, he took her in every corner of the room...
"I can't let anyone else touch these petals, where I have made love to my Rani sa...", he teased her more looking at the red hue on her face...
"Stop teasing me and get to work Mr. Ranawat... Don't keep our huge untidy room waiting...", she teased him back, he sighed looking around their magnificent room... He wouldn't have imagined he would have to clean his chamber all by himself one-day while getting it designed...
"I'll finish my puja first and then get back to this...", he said, he knew if he started cleaning their room first, he could only be able to do his Mahadev's aarti till afternoon.
"Well... That's your choice... but I need the room clean till I wake up", she ordered her husband, that was his punishment for tiring her the whole night.
"Yes Your Royal Highness, I would clean the room and will keep the hot bubble bath ready for you by the time you wake up, anything else ?", he asked bowing in front of her making her smile...
"No... will let you know about the other things after I wake up", she played along...
"Okay now... close your eyes and sleep", he said shutting her eyes with his palm, she took his palm and kissed it tightly...
"I love you", she said and closed her eyes and soon drifted into slumber.
Abhyansh freshened up, went to the temple, completed his prayers, and then got back to his cleaning parade, true to his word, he kept everything ready by the time she woke up. She took a relaxed bath and found her clothes ready, she knew it was all her husband's doing, she wore it...
She found her brunch on the cozy dining table they have in their chamber, she quickly had it and that's when she found his note asking her to come to his study when she was done. She walked there with a wide smile on her face as she is in a very happy mood but her smile dropped seeing the serious faces of her husband, brother, brother-in-law, and Bhairav.
"What's wrong ?", Isha asked
"Nothing can get wrong now...", Abhyansh said..."Bhairav...", he said and Bhairav quickly closed the doors...
"Rana sa... What's going on ?", Isha asked
"Don't know what's running in your husband's head, we are waiting here for hours, he didn't speak a word, and now I understood he kept us waiting for you...", Ranveer whined
"So ? You had any important things to do Rajput ?", Abhyansh asked coldly tired of his brother-in-law's tantrums
"Me ? No No ? What could be more important than waiting for the queen to complete her sleep ?", Ranveer taunted his sister and brother-in-law...
"Good, that you realized, my queen's sleep is much more important", Abhyansh said
"Okay... both of you... enough...", Isha shut both of them...
Till now, Bhairav and Avyan should get used to it but no, they still find it very shocking that Isha controls Abhyansh and his emotions effortlessly.
"Take these 3 of you...", Abhyansh said handing a key each to his wife, his brother, and his brother-in-law... All of them looked confused at him waiting for him to elaborate... "This would keep you safe from anyone in the world no matter how powerful they are, with or without my presence...", he said and his statement reminded Ranveer of the 'Baba' giving the black threads to keep people safe from spirits.
"Ranawat... You also do black magic ? I didn't know", Ranveer said and Avyan couldn't control his laughter hearing Ranveer, Isha too cracked up but soon stifled her laughter...
"It's not black magic you idiot... These are the keys of those lockers that hide the darkest secrets of the people or organizations that could act as potential threats to you people or R Empire", Abhyansh explained, the irritation on his face made Avyan chuckle but he stifled it fearing his brother... He kept remembering Ranveer's 'kala jadu' comment and it became impossible to hide his laughter and Abhyansh got irked with his brother.
"Now laugh", Abhyansh told Avyan, strangling him with his arm...
Isha and Ranveer looked at Abhyansh with amusement and surprise at his fun-filled act. Isha quickly took out her phone and recorded the moment.
"Bhai sa... sorry...", Avyan apologized but soon he burst out into laughter unable to hold it. Abhyansh glared at him but it soon turned out into a small smile as he saw his brother laughing this loud and carefree in his presence for the first time. "Sorry bhai sa...", Avyan said in his between his laughter, unable to hold it as Ranveer's face expressions kept coming in his head and Abhyansh knew it. His brother had this problem always, he couldn't hold his laughter much but the fear he had for his brother always didn't let him laugh openly in his presence, but now he saw the fear is fading slowly, and Abhaynsh couldn't be happier... He wanted his brother to be confident in his presence always.
Seeing Avyan, Isha, and Ranveer too laughed, even Bhairav had a small smile on his face, after some time, the laughter subsided and Avyan apologized to his brother again who nodded at him and now everyone concentrated on the ongoing serious discussion.
The reason he created the vast empire was because of the support it would give his family in his absence but when he got to know how the state agency probed his wife and R Empire just after 4 days after his disappearance shocked him. The empire he created for their protection actually acted as a vulnerability for his family ? No, he can't let it pose as a threat, so he came up with a solution, his presence and absence shouldn't affect his family drastically... He had to secure them in every way possible, determined he and started working towards that direction and finally got ready with the solution.
"These carry the most vulnerable secrets of every probable person that could become a possible threat to you people, once they know you are not under my protection anymore. So use their weaknesses accordingly to save yourself. With this, you would never be vulnerable for at least the next 20-30 years. I'll keep updating this from time to time, but there's a clause, the whole data is divided among the three lockers, so you could only defeat anyone when you are together... I know you all would be together always, but still I could never take a chance", he said, Ranveer and Avyan remained stunned at the BEAST's forward-thinking, planning, and how far he could go to protect his family. But Isha was furious... She threw the key at him furiously...
"Ishu...", Ranveer tried to stop his sister...
"How dare you Rana sa ?", Isha asked her husband, anger filled her veins... She didn't like the way he was talking, as if something would definitely happen to him and they had to deal with things in his absence and she didn't like that thought even a bit...
" Isha... ", Abhyansh tried softly... Tears were about to flow but Abhyansh shook his head and she tried hard to stop them... "You will listen to the functionality and how this works... Only after all that will we talk", Abhyansh announced, Isha glared at her husband but he ignored it for now... He asked Bhairav to explain them about how this database works in detail.
Bhairav was done after 2 hours and after the brief, he left from there excusing himself and as soon as he did, Isha slapped her husband's arm in fury...
"What's all this nonsense ? What do you think of yourself ? Are you God ? OR you think you are the smartest huh ? Use this cunning brain of yours to end all your enemies, protect yourself... to prevent all possible attacks on you... Nothing would happen to you... You hear me ? Nothing... I would kill everyone if they think of harming your hairstrand... I'll slit their throats... I'll...", Isha said slapping his arms, her words breaking at the end...
Abhyansh hugged his wife ruffling her hair calmly while she kept slapping his chest harshly for his stupid words and he calmly took her blows calming her patiently. Ranveer and Avyan looked at their siblings with tears in their eyes... Their siblings' behavior did shock them as both of them behaved out of character, while Isha was never the violent and burst out kind of person, she did when it came to her husband while Abhyansh was never the patient, calm and tolerating kind of person, he handled his wife lovingly, calmed her with patience. Both of them got out of character and the reason was purely their love.
Ranveer for the first time approved of Abhyansh, from the time he realized his sister got married to the BEAST seeing the amount of love his eyes held, and the determination and his will to change for his sister, to become a better person, a person she deserved.
"I wasn't going anywhere... It was just an act of preventive measure Rani sa...", he started but she cut him off
"I don't need any such things... Don't you understand ?", she blasted
"Okay... Okay... I understand... Calm down... It was my fault, I am sorry... Calm down", he said softly, looked at his brother and Avyan quickly understood his brother.
He brought water and handed it to Abhyansh who gave it to his hyperventilating wife.
"Feeling better ?", he asked softly taking the glass from her hand. She nodded, he understood her fear. After the attack on him, she feared even the thought of it, it became a triggering point for her anxiety... He sighed deeply, here he wanted to cure her anxiety forever but instead he was becoming a reason.
"You know I keep all my promises right ?", he asked softly ruffling her hair and she nodded tightening her hold on him. "Then trust me, I promised to be there with you all our life, and I intend to keep that promise... Stop worrying... Nothing would happen to me", he assured her and she felt a lot better hearing his words... She needed his assurance about his safety from time to time these days.
"Keep this key with you Rani sa...", he said calmly, she is about to protest but he shook his head sternly... "I understand you don't want to imagine that situation where you would have to use this key but it's your responsibility, take this and keep it with you... As the queen of this empire, you have to protect it in my absence... It's your responsibility and I know my Rani sa would never backs out from her responsibilities", he said and she nodded with difficulty.
"I am leaving for office, it's been more than 3 weeks I haven't been there...", Isha said
"But you are working from home all these days... Take today off for yourself", Abhyansh suggested, concerned for her well being, he knew she might be tired and in pain because of their night marathon the previous night but was he guilty ? No...
"I am fine... I won't stay for long, just need to check a few things for the summer collection...", Isha said
"Avyan... You are coming ?", Isha asked
"Yes bhabhi ma...", Avyan replied
"Okay then... I'll go with you", Isha said, Avyan nodded...
"Which one do you want to drive today ?", Ranveer teased Avyan... Since the time Avyan got access to his brother's exclusive fleet of car collection, he was having the time of his life driving all of those, changing cars as if changing shirts... and Ranveer wanted to put him in a spot by asking about it in front of Abhyansh who didn't like the fact that his brother gets the access to his babies.
"It would be nice if your standard of work match the cars you drive", Abhyansh taunted his brother... No matter how good Avyan did, Abhyansh kept taunting him because he knew his brother was capable of doing better.
"It would be nice if your words match that of a brother's instead of a saas's (mother-in-law)", Isha taunted her husband, Ranveer and Abhyansh glared at her for always coming to Avyan's rescue while Avyan hid his chuckle.
"Rani sa...", Abhyansh tried his wife though he knew that would do very little to stop her.
"Ishu... What wrong did Ranawat say ?", Ranveer defended his brother-in-law surprising everyone.
"When did this Ram-Ravan jodi turn into that of Ram-Vibhishan?", Isha asked raising her brows at her brother and then to her husband who looked clueless as well.
"Hawww Ishu... How can you compare your husband with Raavan ? I agree that's the truth but you can't just say it bacha... Humne yeh sanskaar diye ?(Where are the values I taught you)", Ranveer started his drama earning a glare from his sister as well as his brother-in-law.
"Bhai... Dare you to call my husband Raavan...", Isha warned showing her forefinger to Ranveer.
"I didn't, you did", he fought back, irritating his sister.
"I didn't", she shrieked in protest.
"Sh... Relax... It's okay...", Abhyansh pulled his wife by her shoulder and calmed her.
"Look at him... he is talking nonsense", Isha complained to her husband... She was offended by the way her brother's reference to her husband.
"Well, he wasn't wrong ?", Abhyansh said and Isha glared at him too but soon her glare turned into a giggle... "Since he was smart to figure that out... I'm sure he is smart enough to know what kind of treatment to expect from a 'Raavan' ", Abhyansh said quoting 'Raavan'.
"Ranawat... Don't be like that... I was just kidding", Ranveer whined, he knew his brother-in-law's beast form was unbearable, so it's better not to irk him. Isha & Avyan laughed at him while Abhyansh just smirked.
"Ishu... Stop laughing idiot", Ranveer said acting like choking her but quickly got pulled away by his beast of a brother-in-law.
"I'm not the only one laughing... Avyan is too...", Isha told her brother...
"Doesn't matter, you shouldn't laugh... that's all", Ranveer argued, Abhyansh shook his head and walked to his chair to finish his work not wanting to waste his time on brother-in-law's childish antics.
"Okay... then we'll leave...", Isha informed her husband who nodded at her, Avyan greeted his brother and bid bye to Ranveer before leaving.
After Isha and Avyan left, Ranveer and Abhyansh started their discussion about Isha's condition in detail. After some time, they looped in Dr. Sangeeta and Dr. Parthasarathy, a world-renownedpsychologist, he was an Indian-origin American doctor, and after getting his profile verified, Abhyansh hired him, and asked Dr. Sangeeta to brief him about it months before. All four discussed Isha's case, and Ranveer answered the questions posed by Dr. Parthasarathy, related to Isha. And they discussed various possibilities and based on the past scenarios and Isha's possible reaction. After 4 hours of continuous discussion, Dr. Parthasarathy gave a conclusion statement.
"After carefully considering all the options, I think Maharaj had to make a hard choice either way. As a doctor, it's my duty to tell you about the consequences... The truth might have adverse affects on her, and as you said, if a figment of the past could trigger a panic attack of that level, then the whole past could be catastrophic for her, but there are chances she could fight back, getting stronger but the chances are bleak, considering her emotions towards her parents especially her father like Mr. Rajput has mentioned. I would suggest you not to take that risk of revealing the truth now... But, if you don't, it would also be fatal... Hm, maybe it would be better to tell Rani sa after we get to know the cause of her panic attack in the first place, if we get to the root of the problem, it would be easy to figure out a solution", Dr. Parthasarathy put forward his opinion after a careful analysis of ifs and buts. "Your thoughts on this Dr. Sangeeta ?", he asked
"um... the same sir... I believe it's safe to wait for Isha... I mean Rani sa to disclose the truth that's sowed deep in her head, that would solve the whole problem I feel", Dr. Sangeeta said
"When can I expect you in India Dr. Parthasarathy ?", Abhyansh asked coldly
"Next Month Maharaj... I'll see Rani sa then... Hope it's enough time for you to convince her to see me ?", Dr. Parthasarathy asked and Abhyansh nodded.
"Can I say something ?", Ranveer pointed out... everyone waited for him to continue... "I think telling Isha the truth would be a better option... We don't know what lies in it but I feel the knowledge of the truth could calm Isha like none, it might hurt her, ache her, but she would come back stronger, she would handle herself and Ranawat and I are there anyways", Ranveer said
"If it's only hurt and ache, it's fine, but if at all it triggers her panic attack, it could get fatal for her. As much as I understood from the case I studied, she feels a shortage of breath and choking the struggle was really bad... these are very sensitive issues and we need to think a lot before acting, to be brutally honest with you, one impulsive act is enough to end her life", Dr. Parthasarathy said, Ranveer's and Dr. Sangeeta's eyes widened at the statement he used in front of the beast
"Watch that mouth Dr. Parthasarathy...", Abhyansh said coldly.
"My apologies Maharaj... What I meant was I need to study Rani sa's condition closely before deciding on anything... Till now, Rani sa hadn't subjected to a proper session, she was only treated temporarily when she suffered panic attacks according to Dr. Sangeeta", The old doctor quickly reframed his words correcting his spects. "I need her to cooperate in the sessions and only then could we figure out a solution, because she has revealed how she feels at the time of the attack and Dr. Sangeeta has explained it to me but I need to hear it from the patient myself before concluding anything", He added, Abhyansh fisted his palms hearing the term 'patient' for his wife but he controlled himself.
After discussing a few more things, the call was ended.
"Ranawat... How are you going to deal with this now ?", Ranveer asked his brother-in-law. Now, he understood his brother-in-law's urgency. Though Abhyansh didn't voice out, Ranveer understood that now the BEAST was ready to reveal the truth at least to Isha, but he was waiting for her to get fine.
"She had to agree", Abhyansh said and Ranveer noticed the tenacity in his brother-in-law's tone but Ranveer wondered how Abhyansh would convince his stubborn sister, he had been trying to cooperate with the treatment for years but she was adamant on not taking any kind of treatment. His sister obeyed his every word, especially if something was worrying him, she always complied to his wishes, she did anything to lessen his worries but when it came to her health, she refused any kind of medical help despite his extreme worries and he didn't understand why ?
Isha was scared of seeing his brother devastated, how would he handle when he gets to know what she thought about his parents, though it was her subconsciously speaking, she still was in the delusion that it was all a nightmare and if she agreed to take any treatment, the truth would be out, so she avoided. She didn't worry much about her panic attacks as they were never life-threatening, except the very first time she suffered them. She had to be a little careful only during that one time of the year, when her parents' death anniversary was around the corner, and even then her brother and Vikram made sure they were with her during that time and so she was all covered.
But, the attack she suffered seeing her husband's hatred for her father was fatal, after that, for once she wanted to give in to the treatment but the fear of seeing her brother in pain pulled her back. She wouldn't mind suffering to prevent any kind of pain for her brother.
"Don't hurt her in the name of convincing her Ranawat...", Ranveer warned strongly earning a glare from Abhyansh, but didn't get to hear anything, so he understood the BEAST wasn't interested in talking about this topic now. The both of them started working on other things, tackling the after-effects of the mishap that took place.
Abhyansh was restructuring everything from the backend at the organizational level and Ranveer helped his brother-in-law with it. Abhyansh this time didn't want to repeat that one mistake he committed earlier, by keeping the whole power with himself. Because of that, his wife, his brother or brother-in-law, or for that matter Bhairav were helpless and the state agency fu**ing dared to enter R Empire and question his queen. His blood boiled even thinking about it. His anger hadn't calmed down despite destroying the whole team of planners and plotters of it. He even planned to topple the government but even that didn't give him peace. No one dares to question his wife, he wouldn't let them live in peace if they even thought about it.
This time, he decided to involve his brother-in-law & Bhairav in a majority of the things related to his arms and other businesses, while looping in his brother and wife in other things related to R Empire organizational things planning a power redistribution. Though the majority of the power laid with him even now, they get access and control in his absence. He wouldn't let them take the blow or burden in his presence, he would be handling everything but they needed to have a knowledge of it.
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Isha walked in to her workstation, put her bag down and walked to Ragini who is biting her nails in worry.
"Let's go, hm ?", Isha told his friend who nodded and walked with Isha.
"I am worried, What if Akshay rejects our collection ? We hardly have any time to re-do everything Ishu... Also, I'm going on leave from the first week of coming month to help my parents in the preparations, though Maharaj is kind enough to handle everything regarding the engagement preparations, we need to look after the arrangements for our guests, their travel and return gifts etc", Ragini said
"I know Ragini... I still don't understand why were you adamant in arranging all of it yourself ? at least let me help, I'm not saying it as your groom's sister, but your best friend ", Isha told Ragini for the nth time.
"I'll handle it, if I need any help, I'll call you, don't worry too much love", Ragini said and Isha nodded in understanding. "for now, my only worry is Akshay, I wish Reetu is here, I would have never asked you to come to office... I'm so sorry Ishu... I know you were needed at the palace and also to look after Maharaj... By the way, how is he doing ?", Ragini asked
"He is fine... and don't think so much, things are better at the palace, the renovation was about to be completed, Rajmata is looking after the rest of the things... my only worry was Rana sa's meals which isn't there today", Isha said remembering how her husband made the bland food for himself and also had it by the time she woke up... He also prepared food for her.
"And why is that so ? Usually, your husband is a fussy eater", Ragini said
"No he isn't", Isha is quick to defend her husband... "Don't go by my bhai's words, I don't know what enmity they both have with each other, they never have good things to say about each other", she added, shaking her head at her husband and brother.
Ragini laughed at that. She knew that and she did enjoy joining hands with Abhyansh in teasing Ranveer. They reached Akshay's cabin. He was an easy person to talk to despite being the all-India design head for R Empire but when it came to work he was very picky. Ragini took a deep breath sighing at the door.
"Don't worry, things will go as planned", Isha said
"Hope so", Ragini said, knocking the door.
They entered the door after hearing a 'come in'.
"Rani sa...", Akshay greeted standing up, with a small bow. He stood up for the queen in respect but called them to his cabin considering they were his subordinates. Isha liked it that way, professionalism and her respect as a queen went hand in hand. "Ms. Shah", he shook hands with Ragini after that.
Isha sat and he and Ragini got seated after her and soon the meeting commenced. After a lot of discussions, it concluded and to Ragini's relief, the meeting went well, he asked to make some minor changes and they are good to go. When Akshay first got to know about Isha being the queen, he was quite surprised,he never felt that pride or arrogance in her before in all his interactions with her.
"Rani sa... I want to discuss a few other things with you, if you have time ?", Akshay said
"Sure Akshay... Go ahead", Isha said and Ragini understood it's confidential, so she excused herself.
After she left, Akshay proposed his plan of expansion and also his promotional strategy for the upcoming collection. He recently got to know Isha also has a leadership role in the top, and a say in the decisions. No one knew this, when all the state agency fiasco took place and how they questioned Isha made all the employees understand she is not just a queen of the Empire for the namesake, she also had the power.
"I did like the ideas you proposed Akshay... I'll have a word with Mr. Chaudhri about it and get back to you...", Isha said and Akshay thanked her. After exchanging pleasantries, Isha left from there.
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A few days passed and the tensions in the Ranawat palace were the same, in the evening, Isha finished her work, she was about to call Avyan when she received her cousin, Anuj's call. She picked up and he asked her to come out as he was waiting for her outside her office. She informed Avyan and texted her husband that she was leaving for the palace and walked out. On their way, Anuj told Isha how important it was for Nandini to convey the truth to Abhyansh. Both the cousins discussed it on their way and Isha promised him that she would definitely talk to her husband about it soon.
"I need to discuss something with you", Isha said, after both of them settled on their bed after changing into night wear.
"Me too", he said and she looked at him with furrowed brows...
"What is it Rana sa ?", she asked but he asked her to go first. She took a deep breath before starting the conversation... she knew he wouldn't agree at once but she needed to keep talking to him... "I met Anuj today, he said Maasi's health was deteriorating, she was worried about...", She started
"I don't want to hear about it", he cut her off but she isn't backing now...
"You have to Rana sa... You have to hear me", she said sternly... "You can't avoid the truth... I'm not asking you to trust whatever she had to say, but at least hear her once...", Isha said
"Why should I ? When I knew she is gonna spat lies at my face", Abhyansh expressed his frustration
"You don't know that Rana sa... I don't understand why you are so adamant about it... Your rigidity and stubbornness have started becoming unbearable now...", Isha said rubbing her forehead...
"You mean to say I'm becoming unbearable to you now ?", he asked sharply
"Stop twisting my words, Tell me this Abhyansh, Why are you so stubborn ?", Isha asked
"Why are you so stubborn to make me hear that woman ?", he questioned in return
"You still have to ask that question ? It's been more than 17 years my parents passed away, the least any child wants is their souls to rest in peace, but that wouldn't happen until you hear the truth... I'm clueless about everything, I don't know why you hate my parents, I don't know what truth my maasi wanted to tell you, she claims you have a misunderstanding while you say you don't... What the hell is the truth and why are you people hiding it from me ? Why are you all taking me for granted ? Especially you... Just because I love you more than my life and can't leave you, you think you could do as you please huh ? I'm going insane, it's surprising how am I sane even after all these things running in my head...", Isha bursted out holding her head...
"Calm down...", he said trying to massage her head but she pushed his hands away...
"No... Not anymore... Just because I'm compromising every single time doesn't mean I don't know how to stand up for myself... Don't forget that you made the strong woman that's in front of your eyes, if not me, trust your capabilities at least... This time I'll get what I want...", Isha challenged...
"I won't hear that woman, period.", Abhyansh declared.
"Fine then, at least tell me the truth", Isha demanded
"Talking about that... Dr. Parthasarathy, a renowned psychologist, is coming here the coming month, get ready to see him", Abhyansh said shocking her
"No I won't... and don't divert the topic...", she started but he cut her off
"I'm not diverting the topic... This is the centre of the discussion... I want you to get completely fine before I talk about the past", he said
"I'm fine... I won't see any doctor", she said stubbornly
"You are not fine Isha... I want you to see Dr. Parthasarathy...", he said getting angry at how his wife was being stubborn
"No...", she shook her head
"You have to... tell me why don't you want to see him ?", Abhyansh asked his wife
"Because I don't want anyone to know the cause of my panic attacks...", she finally said it
"But why ? How would you get fine ? How would anyone treat you without knowing the cause ? Why are you doing this Isha ? Don't you see my worry ?", He asked
"And Don't you see my unwillingness ? I was always understanding, in every aspect, if I'm saying 'No' for this one thing, why don't you understand ?", she asked
"Woman! are you serious ? It's about your health ? How would you be cured ? It's like a ticking bomb Rani sa, I'm scared of losing you, try to understand", he tried though he knew he is making futile attempts.
"I'm not going anywhere... I'm fine, I did try to tell you the reason once, gathering my 16 years of courage but you pushed me away, now I can't muster my courage again", she said shaking her head... Even thinking of letting the truth out was creating that uneasy feeling in her. she started rubbing her neck trying to gasp for air...
"Please don't punish me like this... You can do anything to me, but don't suffer yourself for my mistakes", he said taking her in his arms... The regret his behavior is causing him is unbearable...
"Rana sa... Why can't you let me be ? I don't want to see the doctor, please", she pleaded, he broke the hug and glared at her.
"You have to see the doctor, if you want to know the truth", he said, she gasped staring at him... Did he just blackmail her ?
"So you mean to say you wouldn't tell me the truth until I see the doctor, correct ?", she asked and he sighed deeply... He needs to be ruthless if he wants her to take the treatment... He tried to convince her with love, used the emotional card as well but nothing melted her.
"No, I would tell you the truth when you take the treatment and get fine", he said
"Why don't you tell me straight? That you don't want to tell me the truth ?", she said and he got furious...
"What does that mean Isha ? You don't want to get fine ever ?", he asked, his wife is testing his patience...
"No, I will not see a doctor", she said, she hated being so adamant and denying he husband but she was scared to face the truth, it was too painful and more than anything she was scared that the truth of her panic attacks would destroy her brother's peace. She wanted to run the things as they were...
"Fine then, I will not tell you the truth, don't utter about it anymore, the discussion is over", Abhyansh said and attempted to walk away from her, but she held his wrist.
"You have to tell me the truth Rana sa... It's my right... You hate my father, and it's pricking my heart... and you don't even tell me the reason", she shouted
"Fine... You want to know th truth right ? I would tell you but before that choose one... Me or your father ?", he screamed startling her...
"W..What do you mean ?", she stuttered...
"If you chosse me, you should never ask me for the truth again, until you get fine, or if you choose your father, you will gain the truth but lose me forever", he said, his face hardened seeing her welling up eyes...
"You didn't mean it right ?", she said hoping he didn't
"I do, choice is yours now", he said
She didn't have any words... Her brain started working for a second... How could he even say that ?
He knew she would never choose anyone else over him, and he is an a** for using his wife's love to stop her from pondering over the truth but he had no other choice, he wanted her to agree to see the doctor. He was selfish, he wanted his wife fit and fine, he didn't want her to suffer ever, he now knew hiding the truth from her was not an option he had, so he wanted her to get strong enough to handle the truth first. He was ready to die with the guilt of hurting his wife but wasn't ready to suffer her.
"When is he coming ?", she asked after several minutes of silence, he understood she was talking about Dr. Parthasarathy
"second week of next month", he said
"I'll see him", her tone was too calm "But I have a condition", she said making her husband frown... "I don't want my treatment progress to be shared with my bhai... any outcome, any fact coming into light would stay among the three of us, i.e myself, you and the doctor", she added
"Why is that so ?, Rajput had the right to know about his sister", Abhyansh said, he didn't feel it right to hide it from his brother-in-law... He knew how worried he was for Isha's well-being. Abhyansh suspected his wife was trying to protect her brother from the truth, but why would it hurt him until he was the reason, but that couldn't happen, Abhyansh thought Isha's panic attacks might be because of Ranveer's parents and maybe Isha is trying to save Ranveer from that guilt but why would she be so adamant for that as Ranveer already knew how his parents suffered her.
He didn't understand what his wife was hiding, he cursed himself for not hearing her when she wanted to tell him. F**k his anger on Amar Rajput.
"My condition is non-negotiable Rana sa... Either agree to it or I'm not seeing the doctor...", Isha said coldly... He knew his ultimatum had stung her badly.
"Fine... This would stay among the 3 of us", Abhyansh promised
"If ever my bhai gets to know about it, I'll go to live with my brother forever divorcing you", she said shocking him
"Rani sa...", Abhyansh shouted getting furious... "Talking about divorce is forbidden... I already told you, how dare you say that again ?", he roared
"I thought so too, but when you spoke about it, I thought I could too, since I know you won't be unfair to me in case of my rights", she said
"I didn't talk about our divorce", he said
"Stop with your bl**dy games,You meant the same... You talked about our separation first, I didn't know you meant it or not but I mean it... Disclose anything to my brother, and you'll see me leaving you forever", she said and was about to storm out when he held her wrist.
"Where are you going ?", he asked
"Away from you... Your presence is irritating me", she said trying to free her hand from his grip... "Everything might change between us, but one this is constant always... you hurting me", she said and he loosened his hold, she stormed out of their room.
He closed his eyes in pain but he knew it was needed, he tried a lot to convince her, he was trying from months, He approached Dr. Parthasarathy a week after her last panic attack, from then, time to time, he kept talking to her, trying to convince her but she is adamant so he thought this was the only way.
On the other hand, Isha felt like slapping her idiot husband, she understood everything, why he did it, she also knew he gave the ultimatum knowing she would never go away from him, that cunning husband of hers played her, that's the reason she too talked about divorce, she knew it would push his buttons but she was too furious to think about his feelings. He deserved it for giving her an ultimatum.
The next morning, Isha left for Rajput palace with Ranveer as she needed to talk to her aunt and at least try to know the truth from her. Nandini was disappointed that Isha failed to convince Abhyansh to hear her and now Nandini didn't have any other option other than disclosing the truth to Isha. It's better to reveal it to someone as that would at least give her hope that one day it would reach its rightful owner even if she wasn't there to witness it. And There could be no one better than Isha who could handle it.
"I want to talk to Isha alone", Nandini said
"I won't leave my sister alone, she has suffered enough, I can't risk her health, especially when I don't what lies in the truth and how it would affect her", Ranveer said sternly
"Please Ranveer... Isha is like my daughter, I love her too and I won't let anything happen to her", Nandini said
"No Mrs. Chauhan... I agree you love Ishu but you don't love her enough to keep her your priority, you have your own issues, like the promise given to your sister was more important to you... I don't say it's wrong but I can't trust you with my sister completely... I'm sorry but at this moment, I can't trust anyone with my Ishu except for Ranawat", Ranveer made it clear
"Maasi... You can say it to both of us, bhai has an equal right to know the truth", Isha said
"How could it be ? Excuse me for my words, but since we are talking honestly, let me make it clear, Isha, you have the right to know because Amar Rajput was your father... but for Ranveer he was his uncle", Nandini said, and Isha got angry hearing it...
"My brother might not refer my father as 'baba' like I do, that doesn't mean he wasn't his child... My bhai is my father's successor... and this is the last time you are saying it Maasi", Isha said
"You don't understand Ishu...", Nandini started but was cut off by Isha...
"Have I ever asked you why you are involving Anuj in all this ?", Isha asked shocking Nandini and Ranveer. He didn't think Isha knew about Anuj being adopted but again, if Abhyansh could tell him that, he could also tell this to Isha.
"How do yo know ?", Nandini asked
"Rana sa told me, Anyways the point is don't talk about my bhai like that maasi... I don't like it, neither do my parents.... My bhai was my father's successor... It was a conscious decision my baba and ma took... They never differentiated between me and bhai... and I want it to stay that way", Isha said, Ranveer pulled his sister in a side hug... His sister wasn't a harsh talker, but it didn't take a minute for her to become one, to defend him.
Nandini hesitantly nodded.
" According to your husband, Your father was the one who got the Ranawat twins abducted and got the Ranawat princess killed ", Nandini finally said it, and it shocked Isha and Ranveer.
" WHAT ? ", Isha and Ranveer screamed...
"Ranawat has a sister ?", Ranveer asked, then he remembered how Abhyansh got so furious and was about to kill him when he talked about his sister. Now it all made sense to Ranveer.
"Abhyansh... Abhyansh thinks baba killed Advaita ?", Isha muttered to herself but Ranveer and Nandini heard it.
"You need to be strong Ishu...", Ranveer said hugging his sister, rubbing her shoulder to calm her... though he himself was shaken up wth the truth... Was this the reason Abhyansh hated his bhabhosa and even his blood ? Was this the reason he tortured Isha ? To avenge his sister's death ?
"Not just that... Your husband thinks, it was your father who plotted against the Ranawats, who caused their destruction, he was their friend, a well-wisher but Abhyansh thinks he just acted to be their friend to backstab them in the end... I don't know much in detail about this, Pallavi could only say this much to me on phone, she said we would talk more about it when we meet in person but I only met her lifeless form", Nandini said bursting out into tears...
Isha and Ranveer are in shock, they didn't understand a thing... How could Abhyansh misunderstand... Then Ranveer remembered how Abhyansh told him that whatever Amar Rajput has done was in front of his eyes...
"But Ranawat said he witnessed it, whatever bhabhosa had done, he...he witnessed it...", Ranveer said, his words fumbled... His brother-in-law was a beast, he was utterly clever, then how could he make a mistake ? Ranveer was hell scared for the truth... He hoped his bhabhosa wasn't at fault.
"I don't know about it, and how he witnessed it, but yes Amar was the one who killed the Ranawat princess but it was an accident...", Nandini finished and tears fell from Isha's eyes... No... she couldn't bear that her father was the reason behind her husband's pain, every time she saw that immeasurable pain in his eyes, she hated the cause so much but knowing it was her own father, her brain stopped working...
"Tell us everything you know", Ranveer asked, his voice hoarse...
"Your father went to Jaipur for some business work that morning, but the very same day you fell off and hurt yourself, so Pallavi called him to return, he was returning back and the car was on high speed, he realized the car was accelerating more than normal but he ignored it as he was in a hurry to reach the palace and take you to hospital, suddenly the little girl came in front of his car, he tried to pull brakes but it was too late, she was dead... Your kaku sa who was passing by gave his car to your baba to reach the palace and take you to hospital while he took care of the accident. Your baba asked your kaku sa to send the body to the Ranawats and he did. After that, your kaku sa managed the police despite your baba's denial. He wanted to confess his crimes but your kaku sa begged him not to... Your mother told me Kailash said he couldn't handle this huge empire if his brother goes to jail", Nandini said, both Isha and Ranveer frowned at this... Kailash Rajput wasn't that kind of person definitely, he was a kind to jump at such an opportunity... "And then your grandmother Saanghvi Devi suggested your baba to go and seek forgiveness from the Ranawats but Abhyansh Singh Ranawat waged a war by then... he started destroying Rajputs... He started isolating your father, he threatened everyone to severe ties with Amar, and then one day, Your father received a call from Pratap, he accused your father of conspiring 'the Ranawat Downfall' and backstabbing him and his family, and plotting his daughter's killing, almost killing his son(Abhyansh) he tried to clarify but Pratap Singh Ranawat didn't hear... From then your father tried to clear Abhyansh that he didn't plot that attack on him but Abhyansh never gave him the chance", Nandini said, Isha and Ranveer sat there stunned at the revelation.
"Is there anything ? Please remember if bhabho had told you any other details like someone must be framing against bhabhosa", Ranveer asked
"As I said, we talked only briefly, she was supposed to tell me everything when we meet in person but...", Nandini trailed wiping her tears... but then suddenly she remembered something... "Yes, I remember now... she mentioned something like she got to know some things that shocked her, according to her, Amar suspected his best friends's hand in framing him, in fact after meeting Abhyansh and clearing him about the truth, they were going to the police to report this, as Amar felt his car was tampered and everything was set up... But, before that they were killed in an accident", Nandini said... "I suspect your husband in their killing Isha", Nandini added furiously...
"No maasi... Abhyansh said he didn't kill them", Isha said remembering his words before her severe panic attack... He told her he hated her father so much that he wanted to kill him brutally but before that he died in an accident... Isha shook her head to shake those thoughts away...
"I don't trust him Isha... You don't know how much destruction he caused your father... He was so worried, his health was deteriorating, the physical and mental stress was taking a toll on him, and the guilt was eating him from within, above that he was accused of something he didn't do... Above all that, your husband isolated him spreading lies about your father, such an a** he was...", Nandini started...
"Maasi... Don't say anything against Rana sa... He wasn't someone who would go behind people's back, if he wanted to, he would attack from the front, never from behind", Isha said furiously...
"I can't believe you are still defending him", Nandini asked, bewildered
"I'm not... I feel hurt for what happened to my baba, but you just can't ignore that he lost his sister, someone brutally killed her... The least I could do was not judge him... I'll wait for him to reveal his side of the truth... Only then will I choose to react to it... I refuse to acknowledge what yu said is the truth until I hear his side", Isha said getting up and leaving for her brother's chamber... Ranveer followed her...
He found her sobbing holding her parents' picture he has on one side of his bedside table while the other side has his sister, Vikram, and himself.
"Baba... ma... I don't know what's right or wrong... it's hurting mumma... please come back and hold me", Isha said sobbing hard... Ranveer rushed to his sister taking her in his arms...
"Sh... bacha... I'm here... bhayyu is here na... I'll be always there for you bacha... You have me... Sh... don't cry... baba and ma won't like seeing you crying...", Ranveer consoled his sister hugging her... Isha hid her face in his chest hugging his back fisting his shirt sobbing hard.
"Bhayyu... I want ma-baba... Please...", Isha said, she remembered her parents hearing the past... Isha somewhere blame herself as her father had to driver in high speed to tend to her... Was it the reason why her husband hated her ? But he didn't even know the truth... He was thinking her father plotted against them and did everything intentionally. But her heart knew her father wasn't that kind of person but still he was the culprit. She couldn't bear the truth that her father killed her sister-in-law and gave her husband and his family a wound that would never heal...
"Bhai... I...", she didn't know what to think, she felt as if her heart is bleeding and Ranveer understood her... He is feeling a similar ache in his chest but he knew hers was much more... She couldn't imagine that somewhere her father was the reason for her husband's pain and her husband was the reason behind her father's horrible last days and even at his funeral, Abhyansh made sure no one visited him. Ranveer knew all this would hurt Isha a lot from both sides as she loved her husband and father a lot.