CHAPTER – 18
"Where is Isha ? Why isn't she back home till now ?", Pratap asked when he hasn't spotted his daughter-in-law after breakfast that morning, and now it's dinner time and she isn't seen anywhere.
"She is a queen, Pratap, whatever she does has a reason, you have no right to question her", Devyani Devi made it clear to her son.
"Ma... I wasn't questioning the queen's absence, I am concerned about my daughter-in-law's whereabouts, there is a difference, I wish you could understand", Pratap said getting up from the dining chair.
"Finish your dinner, Pratap", Rajmata Devyani Devi said, she has been noticing her son's gestures all these months, his relationship with Isha took a U-turn from the day of that deadly attack, and right from the day she announced her pregnancy, Pratap has been more vocal about his adoration for his daughter-in-law.
"I will be back", Pratap said and walked away with the help of his crutches. His son's punishment to him hasn't ended yet, though he was spared from the tedious workout and strenuous activities in the back palace now, he was still not allowed to use the wheelchair unless it becomes extremely necessary.
Pratap accepted this punishment wholeheartedly because he now genuinely regretted slapping his wife. Just because he regretted doesn't mean he was ready to forgive her for her betrayal. He would never forgive her, but now he felt he had punished her enough. He knew he can never be the same with Amruta again, but he could at least restrain from hurting her with his words and actions.
Pratap settled on the nearby couch before dialing his daughter-in-law who didn't pick up his call the first time. He frowned before dialing her again.
Isha's sleep was disturbed with the buzzing sound of her phone. Looking at her father-in-law's call, she got up to sit leaning on the bed's backrest before picking up his call.
"Hello... ", she replied, her tone gruff still from sleep and the dryness of her throat due to severe nausea. She had a sip of water to get a better grip at her voice.
"Isha ? Where have you been ? I haven't seen you at home after breakfast", Pratap's tone held complaint though Isha knew he was concerned for her more than anything, but these days, her temper got the best of her... And after knowing the past and how her father's so called best friend (Pratap) so easily trusted Chirag's confession and blamed Amar for all the mishaps, he was angry and upset with him. She closed her eyes to not snap at her father-in-law.
"I was in Rana mahal... Will come home tomorrow", Isha replied calmly
"Rana Mahal ? Why did you go there ? It's far away from home, anyway, who is there with you ? Your brother or husband ?", Pratap asked pissed
"No one is there with me... and I'll speak with you later... I'm not feeling well", Isha said as she couldn't speak much due to her dry mouth.
"WHAT ? You are alone in Rana Mahal ? What the hell is happening ? and You are sick ? Come home right now, I'll ask Avyan to get you", Pratap said, From the time she announced her pregnancy, her father-in-law got more concerned and paranoid for her though he hid it very well. But, right now she wasn't in a situation to understand anyone's emotions. Hearing his tone, Isha lost it...
"Careful with that tone Sasur sa, You are speaking to a queen...", Isha snapped
"Don't play this 'Queen' card on me now... You are sick and no one is there to take care of you... and what has happened to you, in the first place", Pratap questioned and now she completely lost her patience.
"I PUKED MY GUTS OUT AND FAINTED BECAUSE I WENT TO SEE KAILASH RAJPUT WHO TOLD ME HOW HE KILLED MY PARENTS BY TORTURING THEM BADLY...", Isha screamed her lungs out shocking Pratap...
"Your uncle killed your parents ?", Pratap was shocked at this discovery... They thought it was really an accident...
"YES... You must be delighted now, no ? After all, you hated my father for all these years, but you know what, he didn't deserve that... because he didn't do anything... ANYTHING", Isha said coughing in the end and Pratap got concerned...
"Isha... Calm down beta... Relax... I'm coming there, take care until then", Pratap said and hung up, not before dialing to the Rana Mahal staff, he just hoped they would pick up his call, and he was glad that they did. Pratap got to know that Dr. Mrunalini was staying there to keep a check on Isha's health, he also got to know that Ranveer and Abhyansh were there and they were the ones who brought Isha there and then left after a while.
Pratap got worried when the staff told them, Isha was unconscious when Abhyansh brought her to the palace and they haven't seen her out of the king's chamber till now so they didn't know how she was.
"Amruta... Pack some food for Isha... I'm going to her... I'll make sure she eats", Pratap said
"Isha ? Where is she ?", Amruta asked
"Do what I say... I have to leave now", Pratap snapped, he was already upset and worried regarding Isha's health and his wife's questions irritated him even more. Amruta did as he said and he quickly left for Rana Mahal taking the packed food.
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"Eat...", Pratap said, arranging the food on the table himself, he even served Isha...
"I can't believe you are here... You could have sent the food with someone if you want me to have healthy and home made meals", Isha said, frustrated at her father-in-law, he strained himself to do all this, despite his physical condition, he traveled so far at this time of the night.
"Stop talking and eat", Pratap said calmly... "You need to eat healthy and homemade food at this time...", Pratap said and Isha started eating...
"I know, but I'm not sure if I can eat this... I'll ask Dr. Mrunalini", Isha said pointing to another box...
"There are no restrictions on food, I used to have Amruta eat everything when she was pregnant with Abhyansh... The reason, he was such a healthy baby... He weighed more than Avyan and Advaita combined, Amruta's first delivery was more difficult compared to her second one, when she delivered the twins, yet she recovered very quickly after delivering Abhyansh, the reason was the homemade meals", Pratap said, and Isha was left surprised to hear her about husband's birth from her father-in-law who was never interested in talking about his elder son, except for taunting him or complaining about him to her.
She finished her meal while talking to her father-in-law, mostly listening to him... Her anger forgotten for the moment...
"Eat this as well...", Pratap said opening the fruit box...
"I'm done... I can't eat anymore...", Isha said holding her stomach...
"You are limiting your appetite, Isha... it doesn't work like that... I have seen your appetite increase now... so use it to the fullest and have complete meals", Pratap lectured
"I'm eating complete meals, but I can't have this now...", Isha said...
"Isha...", Pratap started but Abhyansh's sharp tone cut through his words...
"What are you doing here ?", Abhyansh's tone was sharp and quipped.
Pratap stood up with the help of his crutches... Before he could say something, Isha interrupted...
"I called him... I was craving for some homefood... So, he brought me some", Isha answered... Abhyansh nodded walking in, followed by Ranveer and Avyan...
"You could have sent it with someone...", Abhyansh asked, his tone clipped... This time, Pratap didn't let Isha cover for him...
"I got to know she was sick and ALONE, so I came here to check on her...", Pratap said, indirectly taunting him for leaving his daughter-in-law alone that too when she was sick. Pratap knew how much Abhyansh loved Isha, still he didn't like how he left her alone...
"Okay... Sasur sa, it's late, I think you should leave now", Isha said, though she has many complaints against her father-in-law, she cared for him and she didn't want her husband to snap at the old man, no matter how upset she is with Pratap, she appreciated his concern and his kind gesture of bringing her food and talking to her about all those things which made her feel better and have her meals peacefully without having to think about the past which was running like a reel in her head, from the time, Kailash Rajput uttered those words.
"There are certain things, he needs to hear before going home...", Abhyansh said sternly...
"Rana sa... Later", Isha said holding her husband's palm which calmed him to a certain extent...
Ranveer looked at his BEAST of a brother-in-law visibly calming down, just with a touch from Isha... Ranveer and Avyan looked at each other in shock, was he the same man who was so furious some time ago... Both of them remembered their car journey to Rana Mahal, which was undoubtedly the most horrendous drive of their life.
"Ranawat... May I ask you something ?", Ranveer asked and Abhyansh by now is fed up with his brother-in-law's questions, he is already very irritated by the truth... He did not regret hating Amar Rajput, because if he was a bit responsible, his sister wouldn't have faced that terrible torture. Amar Rajput was a smart man, he could have easily found out his brother's real face if he had tried, but he chose to blindly trust him. If younger siblings tend to step in a wrong path, the elder ones try to prevent them, if anything, they at least will be aware of what they truly are, as a person, but Amar Rajput completely failed in that department which led to this destruction.
But, Abhyansh did feel bad for hating his blood, he hated himself for cursing his wife's father, causing her immense pain, he from a long time, regretted punishing her for her father's faults and knowing the truth, it didn't have much affect on his guilt of hurting his wife as it was already at peak. No matter her father was at fault or not, he had no right to cause her pain, he suffered every second in pain for being a beast to her and he would continue suffering himself till his last breath.
"Why did you punish Chirag Rathore so harshly ? In fact, his intentions were good, he wanted to protect your family, Yes, he planned to kill you but he tried to protect your family...", Ranveer trailed but Abhyansh's tone interrupted him...
"BHAIRAV...", Abhyansh yelled and the car stopped with sudden brakes... Soon, Bhairav understood what Abhyansh wanted, so he got down and asked everyone to leave to the palace first.
"Maharaj... I'll go with them...", Bhairav said and Abhyansh nodded... This never happened, at least they didn't see Bhairav ever escaping from traveling with Abhyansh. Before leaving, Bhairav gave pitiful looks to Ranveer and Avyan, who quickly understood that they woke up the sleeping beast... Avyan glared at Ranveer for asking such questions...
Bhairav was asked to tie a black cloth on Ranveer's eyes which he did, before walking away... Ranveer was made to stand in between the road while the cars passed at high speed from beside him... He couldn't locate a single thing... He felt lost, he felt he would die if he takes a single step as the car horns and the racing speed of the vehicles caused shivers in his being... Avyan was terrified watching this. After a few minutes, Avyan quickly walked and got Ranveer back and removed his blindfold, after getting a nod from his elder brother.
"How did you feel, Rajput ?", Abhyansh asked Ranveer, who glared atAbhyansh...
"This is how I feel thinking what Chirag Rathore was to my mother... Her betrayal stung deeply... I felt as if one step left or right, I would lose my mother... because that ba***rd planned to take my mother away along with my twin siblings, with or without her consent... How dare he even think of hurting my mother ?", Abhyansh screamed in the top of his voice, which made Ranveer and Avyan stumble back looking atAbhyansh'sbeast self, the one they never witnessed before, well Ranveer did see him like this once when he tried to get his sister divorced. "He was the reason my mother chose to betray us... It was him... It was always him... How would I not have tortured him to the fullest?", He added, Ranveer could see the deep adoration in Abhyansh's eyes for his mother, which he hid all these years... Now he understood how much the betrayal might have stung him if he loved his mother this much...
"Your mother was loyal to your father, Ranawat, she still is...", Ranveer said and his statement raisedAvyan'sbrow... And Ranveer realized he didn't know about Amruta's past...
"Do you think I don't know that ? I don't need you to talk about my mother or her loyalty Rajput... This is the last time you said those words, next time you couldn't even if you wish to",Abhyanshwarned...
Avyan looked at his brother expectantly butAbhyanshdidn't utter a word, and looking at how furious his brother is, now, he didn't dare to say anything. If they thought they were over the BEAST's fury, then they were so wrong...
Abhyanshsettled in the driving seat, Ranveer settled in the passenger seat asAbhyanshasked him to, and Avyan settled behind.
ABHYANSH'S POV
I took the wheel, and started the engine before Rajput or Avyan buckled up, I was too furious to even display an ounce of patience now... Rajput digged that part of my past which I would never like toreminsce, because it causes unexplainable fury and makes me want to destroy everything that meets my eye. 'My mother and her betrayal'
Avyan knew nothing about it. I wanted it to stay that way, because my mother couldn't bear if her younger soon misunderstands her... She is already bearing with me... She didn't need her another son's hatred to darken her days.
The fact I hate the most is I still care for that woman, despite the destruction she caused, despite her stupidity that costed Bhuvan's life... No one knows this, not even my wife, but yes she did have an idea that I do have soft corner for my mother and sometimes, Isha uses it against me, in her trials to bring that woman in front of me. My cute wife thinks that I allow my mother near me becauseIalready have a soft corner for her, but no, though I care for her, I managed to avoid her all these years, but now I am failing badly because of my inability to deny my wife, I feel like doing anything and everything for MY ISHA. The woman I love the most...
I drove at a dangerous speed and Rajput and Avyan are begging me to slow down but I couldn't... They unleashed the beast in me and now they have to bear with it.
I just couldn't forget how my mother's one decision to stay silent, lead to such a disaster. It's not just Kailash Rajput that was involved in my father's accident, It was Chirag Rathore too. Kailash Rajput gave money to handicap my father, but that a** Chirag wanted to kill him. No one knew this, not even Kailash Rajput. Kailash thought it was him who manipulated Chirag telling him how Amar wanted to destroyRanawats, by showing the letters written by him to the royal familes, but the truth is, Chirag always wanted to get my father out of the picture and take my mother away. His job would be easier if my mother becomes a widow. I knew Chirag Rathore's intentions, that's the reason I chose to kill him twice after I extracted all the necessary information from him regarding Amar but my mother betrayed me in the worst way possible not once but twice. That betrayal stung till date and I know it would keep stinging all my life, because I lost my best friend because of her one careless act.
Not just Bhuvan, even Advaita could be saved if my mother would have come clean about her knowing Chirag Rathore from years and he was her ex-fiance. We would have kept him away from our family, Amar Rajput would have also been kept away as he was the one who brought Chirag to our place and introduced him to us. This way, Madan could have never entered our palace and abducted my siblings.
Amar Rajput was stupid, that day when one of our factories were set on fire and my twin siblings were abducted, Kailash thought he was involving Rathore men without Chirag or his father's knowledge, but it was Chirag who gave orders to his men to set fire in one of our factories helping Kailash Rajput, I knew it from the beginning, that's why I called and informed Sanghvi Devi, so that I could get hang of Rathore men through Amar Rajput, We would have gotten to know the truth that night itself, if Amar Rajput didn't kill my men. This is one more reason I hate Amar Rajput even now after knowing the truth.
If my mother would have told at least me, I would have kept an eye on Chirag and nothing of that sort would have happened.
Amruta Singh Ranawat's betrayal and silence has destroyed me in the worst possible way. Every time I think of my little sister's suffering, fury on my mother doubled, every time I remember that I can no more see Bhuvan's teasing smile after mocking me, I feel like someone is cutting deep through my heart. My pain was indescribable, and I like to stay with only my wife or alone because only she could get the beast me in control or I will get it under control after causing massive destruction, but currently neither of them is possible as I am driving and I am sure my brother and Rajput are able to spot my fury in my driving.
"Ra.... Ranawat... Slow down...", I heard Rajput's faint muttering but I was sure he was screaming in terror but Do I care, No... I was driving at such a speed that even his loud scream is heard as a whisper, the only loud sounds I could hear now were the screeching sounds of tires and the roaring engine.
"Ranawat... Slow down...", My brother-in-law kept screaming but my fury was only doubling hearing him... he was the reason my wife fell ill today, she fainted in my arms, and the drops of blood that she puked made my insides churn with fear... I am strong enough to tolerate anything in this world without even letting a 'wince' except for seeing her in pain, it aches my heart in the worst possible way and Ranveer Rajput committed that crime many times... I saw both of them were buckled up and Avyan was in the backseat, so I drove more dangerously as it would have a larger impact only on Rajput, my brother would be fine... It's true that I subject Avyan to tough situations, and that was only to strengthen him, but at the end of the day, he is a child to me and my Rani sa... We think about his well-being as parents more than his elder brother and sister-in-law.
I didn't know how fast we reached 'Rana Mahal' but only when I noticed the time did I realize I had covered an hour and a half journey in less than 15 minutes. Damn! No wonder Rajput was puking his guts out now. I felt sick satisfaction seeing him like that... My wife was in a similar situation this afternoon, because of his negligence... He deserved it... Well, I wasn't used to keeping anyone's favors, I return it in double... Whatever they give, they get...
ABHYANSH'S POV ENDS
AsAbhyanshhad known, Avyan wasn't affected much, hehandled himself first before tending to Ranveer, Avyan gave him some water and Ranveer looked fine after a few minutes... He glared atAbhyanshas if he would kill him, not that he cares...
All three men walked in, Abhyansh frowned noticing the car and driver, he wondered who was there from his family... He knew now that his wife has made a few changes to the rules they were able to use the cars and travel anywhere locally, she allowed Rajmata and Pratap to use cars to go anywhere but she asked one of the security troops to follow them, regarding Amruta, she relaxed the terms but still Amruta needs to let either Isha or Avyan know where she was going. Isha didn't like doing it, but she knew the amount of damage her mother-in-law caused to her husband and she knew he wouldn't be able to stay in peace if Amruta got non-monitored and free access to everywhere.
Abhyanshquickly walked in to see who visited there from his family, both Ranveer and Avyan couldn't match his steps, definitely not now as their recent car experience shook them from within...
"Your brother is such an a*s", Ranveer muttered...
"Have some more water, I don't want my bhabhi ma to worry about your health", Avyan said handing him the water bottle. Ranveer glared at Avyan but nonetheless had some water.
"You too...", Ranveer said, passing the water bottle to Avyan after drinking some, earning a glare from the younger Ranawat sibling for mocking him.
Ranveer and Avyan tailedAbhyansh...
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Ranveer and Avyan were brought back from reminiscing the horrible car drive with Isha's tone.
"We'll be home by morning", Isha said softly, looking at Pratap's concerned face.
"You will be there for breakfast or shall I send...", Pratap started... A crude comment was at the tip of Abhyansh's tongue but Isha pressed his palm stopping him from saying anything.
"We'll be there for breakfast, Sasur sa...", Isha answered
"You can call me with something less formal...Sasur sa sounds too old...", Pratap said surprising Isha, as well as Abhyansh and Avyan. A lot of bitter emotions made their way into Abhyansh's heart and Avyan looked at his brother's face and understood what those might be... Abhyansh never addressed the word 'Papa' or 'Baba' in his life... By the time his senses were alert, he always saw Pratap spitting venom, there was no memory of him being kind or affectionate towards him and the first word Abhyansh uttered was of his 'Ma' and for 4 years, he only said that... and when he started speaking, he never had to speak to Pratap, his grandfather Udai Singh Ranawat was more of a father to him than Pratap ever was...
"You are OLD", Avyan said, stressing on 'OLD'
"Avi...", Isha gasped, because she observed the harsh tone Avyan used, he barely used that tone for his father...
"I would have been happier if you took better care of your sister-in-law, clearly you are terrible at your job, looks like you are only good at taunting", Pratap said, Isha was about to strongly retort his comments, as she wouldn't allow anyone, not even her husband to say something to Avyan, then how would she allow Pratap... But before her, Abhyansh opened his mouth...
"Don't you dare say a word to my brother... Out", Abhyansh sharply told his father, who walked away after the humiliation.
"Now tell me, why are you so upset ?", Isha asked, holding his palm and guiding him to the couch...
Ranveer and Avyan looked surprised because it was now difficult to say that he was upset, as with Isha's presence, he calmed down a lot, but still, she found out that something was bothering her husband badly. Abhyansh silently stood there but didn't open his mouth, Isha understood that he would only say something when they were alone, which meant, his mood was terrible. Isha sighed and asked Ranveer and Avyan to go and rest in the chambers... She asked them to have their food as she asked the chef there to prepare something for them. They nodded and left from there.
Isha was walking to lock the door, but Abhyansh made her sit on the couch before going to lock the door.
"How are you feeling now ?", he asked her, walking to her after locking the chamber gates.
"You tell me, how am I? I'm sure you might have contacted the doctor multiple times throughout", she said and he sighed, how well his wife knew him... Yes, he kept taking his wife's health updates from the doctor, from time to time.
"Hm... My Rani sa is fit enough to taunt me, I see", Abhyansh said with a smirk...
" Ansh... ", she called him cupping his cheek, that one single call told him how much she understood him... "Tell me... what is it ?", she asked, he laid down on the couch with his head in her lap, she softly kept ruffling her hair...
ABHYANSH'S POV
My wife is the best thing that has ever happened to me... I never thought of having a hope of feeling better, whenever the betrayal of my mother pierced my heart leaving it raw and aching but now I hope of it. Just some moments ago, my anger was destructive, The deep ache in my heart made me a beast but one look at my wife and I started feeling my anger dissipating. She was like a balm on my wounds... I wish I met her earlier... but again if I did, I would have given her pain and the beast in me would have made his presence in her life earlier, even the thought scared me... I just can't see this woman hurt... Not in a million years.
"My mother destroyed everything Isha... Will I ever be able to forgive her ?", I whispered, for the first time in decades, my voice sounded vulnerable to me... Yes, I did not have the hope of ever forgiving her before, but seeing 'Chirag Rathore' in blood and flesh made me realize how much I love her... I gave him this disastrous punishment which no human would ever give another, because he thought of hurting my mother... That's the amount of love I have for her, and her betrayal stung so badly for the very same reason...
" Ansh... Please...", She said, her tone being a mixture of surprise and shock, tears slipping her eyes hearing my aching tone but she controlled them for me... my strong queen, she wants to tend to me, she wants to stay strong for me...
Isha ruffled my hair, kissing my head... Her soft touch slowly started healing my pain, though temporarily. No words were exchanged, she knew what I'm going through... I don't have to say anything to her... She would understand me without any words... If one day, I become dumb like my mother thought I was when I was a child, only my wife could understand me completely, Bhairav would too regarding work, as I use minimum words and sometimes only gestures and he would understand what I wanted him to do.
"Abhyansh... Are you okay now ?", she asked ruffling my hair after some time... And I nodded... I was about to get up but she insisted I stay lying... I would have but I'm scared her legs would ache if I laid my head for some more time... "I'm fine Rana sa... If I have any discomfort, I'll let you know", she said and I nodded turning my head and nuzzling it into her stomach kissing it... My babies... 'Just don't trouble your mumma... Dadda has suffered her enough' I silently whispered... The pain I caused her would never let me stay in peace, it would haunt me forever...
" Ansh ... Stop thinking about things that hurt you... Please...", She said, This is what I'm scared of... She could tell if I was hurting, just by the tension in my muscles or the way I take my breath, no one has ever known me so intimately, and I know no one will, except for her... She knows even the intricate details of me.
"Sometimes, I can't help...", I said and she nodded kissing my forehead. Mahadev! I'm so thankful to you for giving me my Isha...
"Ansh! What happened there ? Did Kailash Rajput tell the truth ?", Isha asked me... and this is the part I dread the most... she would hate me if I tell her the truth but I had to...
"Can we discuss it later ? For now, I just want to be with you... ", I asked her, I want this time with her, to handle myself, because I know she is gonna stay mad at me for a long time after getting to know the truth, I know my wife enough... I just hope she won't choose to stay away from me... I can bear anything except for that...
"Okay... But Rana sa, it's high time, you hear your mother", she said and my temper rose, she started softly pressing the nerve on my forehead dropping pecks there, which calmed me to some extent. "I know her betrayal hurt you deeply, I also know there are no misunderstandings about it, but there are things that you need to know from her", she said but from my stoic face, I guess she understood I was not in the mood. "I thought I would let Ma to tell you this but looks like I should do the needful", she said and I frowned.
That's when Isha started narrating what all happened with ma... No! Ma didn't tell us the truth because she promised her father on his deathbed? But she was still wrong, she conceived me with another man in her heart, and it was considered 'cheating'. Anyone would have reacted the way my father did, but the way he verbally abused my mother and hated me wasn't right. I would never forgive for rising his dirty hands on my mother not once but many times.
She should have told my father about 'Chirag' being the one who she was betrothed to, at least when Chirag Rathore entered our palace with Amar Rajput. But, she decided to stay silent and that's what prompted Chirag to do what he did. He knew my mother would never reveal about him, so he daringly came to my place. Now that I remember him entering our palace, having drinks with my father, food at my dining table, how uncomfortable my mother would have been... I'm raging with anger right now, I so wanted to make him alive again and suffer him 1000 times harsher for all he did. Bl**dy Bas***d.
Amar Rajput cut ties with Chirag when he got to know about Chirag and my mother's betrothal, but why did he forgive Chirag and brought him back later ? I know he wanted to help us, but it only complicated our lives. Amar thought Chirag Rathore would actually protect us while he was planning our destruction. Two people and their stupidity caused this entire destruction. 'Amar Rajput' & 'Amruta Singh Ranawat'. Because of these two people, my family and the Rajput family lost everything, especially Isha and I were the worst sufferers of their stupidity. One day, I might forgive Amar Rajput and my mother, for the pain they caused me, but I could never forgive them for what my wife had gone through.
Amar and Pallavi Rajput & Sanghvi Devi Rajput would have been alive today, if Amar Rajput wasn't so stupid, and My Isha wouldn't have suffered so much if they were alive. So Amar Rajput was, is and will be my culprit, I hate that man. Period. My sister & Bhuvan too would be with me today.
"She didn't cheat on your father mentally, for years, like you imagined Ansh... She started loving your father and accepted him as her husband within 1 year of their marriage...", Isha said continuing with the past probably my mother might have told her.
Now, I understood why my mother never allowed me to come with her to temple on her birthday. She visited the temple on her every birthday Alone, now after hearing Isha, I understood she wanted to ask forgiveness from god for her sins of giving herself to my father when she had Chirag Rathore in her heart... She didn't want her sins to rub on me.
I detest even thinking about all these things, all these details make me loathe my existence, no wonder my father hated me. Well he was an a*s, that's another story, but untill the truth about my mother's betrothal was revealed, my father loved my mother. Any man would feel hurt, disappointed and angry if he gets to know this, but the way Pratap Singh Ranawat handled things weren't right.
He hated me so much because of my mother's betrayal that he ignored the fact that I was his biological child. He sent me to abroad without any security, after dada sa's death. What if Bhairav hadn't sent Bhuvan to protect me, or what if Bhuvan and I failed to protect ourselves ? We would have died. That man didn't even show humanity, let alone paternal affection towards me.
Everyone in the family had hurt me in one or the other way, my mother and grandmother with betrayal, my father with his negligence and my brother with his innocence and my sister with her absence. Advaita! I miss you bache... Your bhai sa will be always guilty of not saving you.
Now that I think of another revelation, the deep ache in my heart shoots up again. Chirag Rathore was able to drug me because my stupid mother trusted that moron enough to let him be alone in the dining hall. Avyan and Ranveer thought I got to know about this now, but I knew this from decades, that's one more reason I don't trust anyone with my food. If I wasn't drugged that night, I might have saved my sister from the cruel fate. I don't know if I can ever forgive my mother...
Isha completed telling me the complete truth from my mother's perspective, it's good to learn that she didn't cheat on my father emotionally for years but that wasn't enough to balm the wounds she caused me. She might not love Chirag Rathore but still, she trusted that man more, she thought I was wrongly accusing him and I was wrong in killing him. If she trusted me and my decisions, Bhuvan would have been alive today and I wouldn't have turned into a raging beast, I would have used my brain and maybe brought out the truth that might have prevented Isha's parents and grandmother's death too... No matter in what angle I think, I could only see my mother's fault.
"Rani sa...", I whispered, my tone was raspy, I tried to maintain my usual cold tone but I couldn't, with my wife, my emotions go bare without my consent.
" Ansh... Just calm down... Okay... Things will settle down... I am here with you. You don't need anything or anyone, your Isha will stay with you no matter what... I just can't see you like this", Isha said hugging my face... Her words soothed me... Yes, my wife is there with me, showering infinite love, what else do I want... I know she is holding herself from crying as her tears could throw me in more distress... Otherwise she would be a crying mess right now, because like me, she too couldn't handle me in pain. I know she is hating my mother right now for causing me so much pain, but I don't want that, I admire their bonding, Isha sees my mother as hers, rather than her mother-in-law, and so does my mother, there are many times when my mother chose to take Isha away from me, fearing I would hurt her, even when I was hurting. For her, Isha is same as Advaita, but this time I won't let Amruta singh Ranawat ruin my wife with her stupidity like she ruined my sister.
I don't know how many hours passed, now we are on our bed and my wife is completely lying on me, I am gently ruffling her hair while she kept kissing my bare chest. Now I feel a lot better, the pain and ache are still there but my wife perfectly balmed my wounds, they are not raw or ruptured now, she neatly banded them with her gentle words and touches.
"Talk to her Rana sa... Try to build the bond again... I know you cannot forgive her right away, no need to try forgiving her, but you can try normalizing your relationship right ? And with years passing by, you might eventually forgive her, who knows ?", Isha said gently... Why is she saying all this again ? "I want a healthy environment for our children, Anshi and Avyan-Anshi's future kids... And we have to lay the foundation stone today if we want a bright future for them... They deserve a childhood free from hatred, a childhood which you didn't get...", Isha said cupping my face which softened under her touch...
"You didn't too", I said and she gave a smile to me... That smile is so precious to me, I can do anything for this woman in my arms...
"I was lucky enough to experience a beautiful childhood at least till I was 10. Ma-baba and bhai gave me the best childhood memories and I want the same for my children, in fact even more... Because they have the most amazing father, of course after my baba", she said and a frown appeared on my face which she straightened. "Well, for me my father was the best, but I know you are not any less... Our triplets are lucky to have you", she said, I could see the immense love and trust for me in her eyes... My wife always trusted me to do the best, despite seeing me do the worst to her. Every second I spent with her she gives me a new reason to love her.
"Okay... If that is what you want, then let's do it... But you need to understand it's not so easy to improve my relationship with your mother-in-law", there I said it. I know it would be very tough for me, but with Isha by my side, I know I can do it. This is the first time she has asked me something after announcing pregnancy, for our children, so yeah I am gonna do it no matter how hurting or hard it is for me.
"Every second, you give me new reasons to love you more and more... I love you Ansh... So very much... And I am blessed to have you", She said nuzzling her head in my neck, tightening her hold on me creating a lava inside me... Damn! Wife, don't play with me... Her single touch is enough to create a havoc inside me, my desires have a mad rush to south but I have to hold my self...
"Isha...", I groaned and she understood my pain, why not! She is lying on top of me, she could obviously feel me...
"Sh... Just some more time and you can have me, as you like...", she said softly but I was angry, imagining the so-called 'some more time'. It's freaking more than half a year. I can't have her immediately after the baby birth, she needs a lot of time to recover. My urges and desire for my wife are never ending, I am insatiable when it comes to her...
"Some more time ? I know how long is this some more time", I told her and she giggled, she freaking giggled. She is enjoying this too much... I can't even leave her at the edge like I used to do earlier whenever she teased me. These days her hormones are all over the place and her mood swings, OMG, they scare me a lot. I have no idea when she would start crying and for what... So I am always on high alert ??.
"No, you don't...", she whispered huskily in my ear slightly nibbling it. Why are you doing this Isha.... I groaned, it's so difficult to keep my hands to myself... "When I enter my 5th month, the foetus will get stable, and then you can have me in any way you want... There's no harm... But yeah you can't let me do the work, because that tires me early", she said teasing me... God! This is such a great news... Wait! What did she say ? Foetus ?
"Is it so difficult to call them 'babies' ?", I asked getting offended...
"I was just quoting the doctor baba... Calm down", she said, with her soft palms on my chest that calmed me to an extent.
"Even I was talking about the doctor, I know you don't address my babies like that", I said, I have a problem with how my wife address them... In fact I have an even bigger problem than anything because she calls my triplets the trio of 'Golu-Molu-Laddu'. Can you even imagine, beast's children are called 'Golu-molu-laddu'? She and her stupid brother chose this, but they stay wary enough to not say this in front of me, I heard from the Rajput staff, muttering about the Rajputs' cute way of addressing my children... Like the hell it's cute. But I can't even say anything to my wife as she would get upset or get mad or worse start crying, which I cannot tolerate. "By the way, what were you saying about making you work hm ?", I whispered in her ears nibbling it... She moaned and god that sounds so se*y. "You very well know I don't like to get you to work too much, but I so love to tire you... Badly", I added, She placed her lips on mine, unable to handle my teasing... Well, this is my consolation prize these days... Nonetheless I enjoy these kisses a lot. Her lips are like a drug, my most addictive drug... I love to suck those juicy petals... Damn! I sound cringe to myself but can't help, her lips are juicy...
ABHYANSH'S POV ENDS
"Now let's discuss what happened there, hm?", Isha said and she could see her husband's unwillingness to have this conversation and just by it she understood her husband might have gotten to know about her father's innocence.
"Okay, call Avyan and Rajput, I'll be back after a cold shower", Abhyansh said, she turned her face looking at his hardon visible from his pants. "It's all your fault", he whispered before walking away. She shook her head at his complaints.
She called her brother and Avyan to assemble in their chamber. They immediately came there as they couldn't sleep at all until they tell the whole truth to Isha.
Suddenly she remembered she forgot to warn her husband. So she excused herself and left to the closet. She saw himgetting out of the washroom in just a towel... She quickly took another towel and dried him.
"Don't wear a T-shirt, wear something with a collar", she said while wiping his hair and back.
"Hm... I noticed the hickey on my neck, it's beautiful, I was planning to flaunt it...", he said and she glared at him...
"So that you can give more trauma to my brother", she completed his inner thoughts...
"Absolutely", Abhyansh said earning a swat from his wife...
"You wouldn't do anything of that sort, wear this and come soon", she said thrusting the collar t-shirt and pants into his hands before walking out. Abhyansh joined the conversation after a while.
Ranveer told the whole truth to Isha, which they got to know from Kailash Rajput.
"Chirag Rathore drugged you ?", That was Isha's first statement after knowing everything, she already knew her father was innocent, he never planned anything against Abhyansh or his family, she knew Kailash Rajput framed him, now she got to know how he did it. But what shocked her was her husband was drugged. Abhyansh just nodded in response to her question... "How ?", she asked him again...
"My food", Abhyansh answered, her heart ached at the kind of pain her husband might have felt or still feels, when he got to know it's his mother whose leniency allowed Chirag to do such a thing. It's not so difficult to guess, Abhyansh's food was taken care of Amruta right from his birth, so if Chirag Rathore was able to tamper with his food, then it's purely because of Amruta's negligence. Isha fumed even thinking about it.
Now she understood why he didn't trust anyone with his food. That explains his behavior towards her in the beginning of their marriage.
"Ishu... Don't you want to know how your husband feels, now that he got to know about our father's innocence ?", Ranveer asked, Abhyansh glared at his brother-in-law for his attempts to cause a fight between him and his wife.
"I don't want to hear him, bhai, because I know his answer, and it would only infuriate me...", she said looking at her husband... "He still blames 'Baba' for the mishap, and I accept it some extent... Baba shouldn't have left Advaita in Kailash Rajput's hands... That sin of his will haunt me for life... But, yes, Abhyansh Singh Ranawat cannot ignore the fact that my father tried his best to save the Ranawat clan. He went to an extent, risking his friendship with Sasur sa, and told Rajmata about the royals and their fake friendships towards her son, he tried to protect the family in every attempt, his intentions were pure but what did he get in return ? Abhyansh Singh Ranawat ruined him, isolated him from the world, and made no one attend his funeral ? None was there to express their condolences to us, I still remember that day, my ma-baba were wrapped up in white sheets, Dadi sa sitting beside baba's body, shattered. You were crying too bhai... and I ? I don't even know what was happening, I thought they would come back... Every human gets basic respect at least at their death but Abhyansh snatched it from my parents. I would never forgive him for it", Isha said, with tears slipping from her eyes...
Ranveer consoled her and Avyan held her palm feeling guilty, he too hated her at the beginning for being Amar Rajput's daughter, he hated her father and mother, he misunderstood them and he is guilty of it. Abhyansh sat beside her like a rock, his face was devoid of emotions but yes, he felt guilty for doing that to Amar Rajput. He must say, Kailash Rajput played well when he made the 'BEAST' believe in something that wasn't the truth. Abhyansh wouldn't leave that man for it.
"Your father and my mother are the reason for this destruction, I could never forget how your father brought Chirag Rathore into our lives, I agree he didn't know about the betrothal before, but why did he allow him again ?", Abhyansh questioned
"To help you people, he couldn't be present with your family all the time, he had to undertake responsibilities of our overseas business, so when Chirag Rathore volunteered, he let him, My baba thought since Chirag Rathore wanted the best for your mother and her family, he would do his best in protecting your family", Isha said, Abhyansh didn't like how she used 'our' for her father's business while 'your' for his family. He knew she did it unconsciously because she was talking about the past but still he didn't like it, he is not only possessive about her now, but her past self too.
"Yes, to protect MY family, he sent my mother's ex-fiance to her house, especially when her husband knew nothing about it... Imagine my mother's discomfort and pain, the fear she might have endured every second Chirag Rathore was in my house", Abhyansh asked
"I agree, that's the reason my father kicked Chirag Rathore out when he got to know about the betrothal, he was worried about your mother and her discomfort, but Chirag Rathore came back, apologizing to him, and he came at a time when my father was in a dilemma of how to safeguard your family... HIS intentions were pure", Isha screamed, defending her father...
"But HIS pure intentions became a curse on my family", Abhyansh shouted back
Ranveer and Avyan kept looking at these two, especially at Abhyansh, they were seeing him for the first time, arguing like a normal human, because he never argues, he just states his opinion and walks away...
"Right... And that's why you punished him in the most cruel way... As if that wasn't enough, you denied their souls the peace they deserved by staying ignorant to the truth", she said and he opened his mouth to say something, but she cut him off, she was about to say something but looking at Ranveer and Avyan, she controlled herself...
"I think you guys should go and sleep", Isha said looking at Avyan and Ranveer who understood she wanted to have a conversation with her husband alone.
"Bhabhi ma, before leaving, I wanted to apologize to you... I hated you in the beginning of your marriage, I hated even the thought of my bhai sa getting married to Amar Rajput's daughter, I deeply apologize to you for it... I'm so sorry... But trust me, after the first day of your marriage, when I dropped you till the highway to your office, my hatred vanished, when you told me that you were caged for more than 16 years, I realized you were nothing like your father and I was upset with myself for even hating you... And today, I apologize to you for misunderstanding your parents and hating them for all these years. You don't have to forgive me, I know it's difficult for any daughter to...", Avyan started but Isha cut him off...
"I forgive you Avi... if that makes you happy, but according to me, you don't have to ask for forgiveness, you did nothing wrong, you hated them based on the things that you got to know about them, you were a child... and despite your hatred you never treated me badly, on contrary, you always tried to protect me, and if I was able to survive in Ranawat palace in those initial months of my marriage, it's because of you and ma... I still remember our car conversations, you were the first person to notice my change in personality, you realized I was gradually turning into a robot, with no emotions and you tried your level best to bring me out of that zone, I could never thank you enough, because of you, I was able to retain to my previous self without losing myself... So, there is nothing to forgive... You were never at fault...", Isha said ruffling his hair.
"Bhabhi ma...", Avyan said, hugging Isha tightly... Isha ruffled his hair calming him down...
Abhyansh's pain returned hearing her words, he so badly wanted to hurt himself but the promise he gave his wife kept him at bay, she understood his emotions and held his palm unfisting it. Ranveer who observed his sister's gestures remained surprised at how well his sister and brother-in-law knew each other. He felt angry and furious hearing his sister's past trauma but one look at his brother-in-law's face and his fury disappeared, that man loves her too much and he doesn't need anyone else to punish him, he was more than enough for himself.
Avyan broke the hug and after greeting Abhyansh, he left to his chamber...
"Ishu... you are just recovering, don't exert yourself too much, remember Dr. Mrunalini said you need to retain at least some of the food you eat, throwing up like that isn't very good, so take proper rest and no unnecessary arguments", Ranveer warned and Isha glared at him...
"You think all these are unnecessary ?", Isha slammed
"No Ishu...", he trailed but she cut him off...
"Good Night bhai", Isha said, she didn't want to burst on her brother, because of her fury towards her husband. Ranveer who got her message left from there.
"You told him that you were caged for more than 16 years, in the first meeting of yours ? and why didn't you tell me until now ?", Abhyansh asked as soon as Ranveer walked out...
"Go and lock the door first", Isha said rolling her eyes, her husband's possessiveness sometimes irritates her to lengths. He took a deep breath controlling his fury before locking the door and returning to his wife.
"Now answer me...", he asked and she glared at him...
"I trusted Avyan, I connected with his kind self immediately, I know I could trust him, he was the first person I told I was caged, even before Ragini", she said and he glared at her...
"Yes, You trusted him immediately but you took months to trust me... I know it's my fault, I was a jerk to you, but still this fact burns me...", Abhyansh said and his complaints brought a faint smile on her face.
"Keep your jealousy aside, because Avyan is like our first child, if you can't control your jealousy now, you will do a terrible job when I give importance to our children", she said and he glared at her...
"No matter how much your children needs you, print this in your mind that your husband needs you more than that... ALWAYS... Anyone in the family can take care of your children, but only you can handle your husband, so do yourself and the members in the family a favor by prioritizing me", he said pulling her closer... his dangerous tone sent shivers to her spine... his possessiveness always triggered her deepest desires. She pushed him away straightening herself.
"Don't distract me... We are talking about something else", Isha said and he nodded, his nails digging into his palms again, and she understood it was the result of his fury on himself. She unfisted them again and held both his palms in hers. "Avyan was feeling guilty about the past, I had to assure him that he did more good to me than hurting me... That's why I had to bring the past, I had no intention to hurt you or remind you of it...", she said and he shook his head...
"You should remind me of it, you should suffer me by taunting me about my behavior, every second of our life, why wouldn't you do that Isha ?", he asked her, she could see the anguish in his eyes...
"Ansh... Don't suffer yourself like this... It hurts me more than anything... You gave me more than enough love to forget all those bad memories", she said cupping his face.
"Not enough Jaan, Nothing I do is enough to compensate for your pain... The love I give you is what you deserve, you deserve much more than this bacha...", he said
"If you suffer yourself like this, how am I gonna blame you, taunt you huh ?", Isha said and he smiled...
"Okay tell me, what were you gonna say before ?", he asked and she shook her head.
"I was going to say something which you already know... I don't know how to react to all this Rana sa... I thought knowing the truth would make me forgive you but the knowledge of truth only complicated my thoughts", she said
"Isha, as a daughter you might be feeling your father wasn't at fault, and his intentions were pure but when you have power in your hands, actions matter more than intentions, your father's actions at every step proved costly to us... Let's put everything aside, he failed to recognize the two most dangerous snakes that caused this destruction, Kailash Rajput, his brother & Chirag Rathore, his best friend, he trusted both of them blindly and this doom was the response to his blind trust...", Abhyansh said
"Kailash Rajput and Chirag Rathore were cunning enough to cheat my father...", Isha defended
"Or your father might be a stupid to not realize their true faces...", Abhyansh said
"Abhyansh... Don't call my father that...", Isha said angrily
"You still don't understand ? Kailash Rajput used the cheques signed by your father to hire a contract killer to kill my grandfather, with the same money, he handicapped my father... He imitated your father's name, voice, and handwriting to instigate the royals against us, to loot all our wealth. All the information your father had about my family was stolen from him by Kailash Rajput to pass on to other royals, and amid all this, your father was clueless, tell me something, for a clever man like Amar Rajput, do you think finding out about their true intentions was such a difficult task ? No, but he used his 100% brain in building his empire and helping people, but failed to identify the snakes behind him while he had the chance to, so in a way, his ignorance nurtured Kailash Rajput and Chirag Rathore", Abhyansh said, Isha was anguished about her parents' death, so her emotions were all over the place favoring them, she couldn't hear anything negative about her father.She would defend her father no matter what, she would stand for him.
"Don't say that... My father did not nurture them... What you did to my parents was wrong, accept it... As if that wasn't enough, you married me and tortured me, so that even my father's dead soul can't be at peace... I know you too well Rana sa, and I would never forget what you did to my parents, you ruined my father... Hum ab tak soch rahe the ki humne apne pita ke paapon ki saza kaati thi. Humein nahi pata ki woh sahi tha ya galat, par hum hamesha apne maa-baap ke paapon ka bhoj uthane ke liye tayyar hain. (Till now, I was thinking that I had paid for my father's sins. I don't know whether that was right or wrong, but I am always ready to bear the burden of my parents' sins) But now that I think of the truth, I feel I didn't deserve whatever that happened to me, and I don't understand how to react", she said, tears welling up and he softened up...
"No matter what your parents did, you didn't deserve my cruel behavior... There is no forgiveness for it Isha... And you were right at one thing, your parents didn't deserve that kind of a funeral, they deserved respect at least at their death... I can't turn the time to rectify it, but yes, I know how to make up for it. It's late, sleep now", he said softly, ruffling her hair...
"I'll get your juice, at least have it, you didn't have your lunch or dinner...", she said getting out of bed and he followed her... He knew she wouldn't be satisfied until she made something fills up his stomach, so he let her do it without arguing. He knew she was emotionally drained and didn't have the strength for even a small argument so he didn't tire her much.
After he had it, she left to sleep, he made her wear his t-shirt taking off her suit and helped her lay down.
"I'll ask someone to put some of your clothes here as well...", he said and she nodded
"I would like that, I liked this place and would want to come here again", she responded...
There are many places of his that she would love to visit, so he decided to plan a vacation with her every few months from now on after she gives birth to their children.
"Hm... Sleep... You are tired....", he said ruffling her hair and she soon fell asleep but he kept staring at her the whole night, this became a habit of his... but there was a kind of peace in his heart now. Finally, the dreadful truth is out and it no longer caused anxiety to his wife. He knew she would take some time to come to terms with the truth and he too needed some time to tone down his hatred towards Amar Rajput. He might be a cause of the destruction but that was unintentional and his mother was equally responsible, Amar Rajput deserved his hatred only for leaving his sister in Kailash Rajput's hands. Rest all things deserved his anger, maybe fury but not hate, and Abhyansh will take some time to come to terms with that.
The next day, the Rajput and Ranawat siblings reached the Ranawat palace. Abhyansh was about to assemble everyone in the family hall but Isha stopped him.
"Let's freshen up and have breakfast first", she ordered and walked to her chamber even before getting acknowledgment from her husband as she knew he wouldn't dare to go against her word especially when she is pissed. Avyan smiled at his QUEEN of a sister-in-law while Ranveer chuckled at his BEAST of a brother-in-law.
"I don't think Ragini would approve of your wedding pictures with your teeth broken ?", Abhyansh said, his way of threatening his brother-in-law is always indirect but Ranveer always got it. Now it's Avyan's turn to chuckle at Ranveer.
"Neither would Anshi appreciate you without teeth, Avyan", Ranveer said to chuckling Avyan, whose smile dimmed at the mention of his fiance.
"But I have more than one and half years for the marriage, I can getProsthetic teeth, can't say the same for you", Avyan teased and Ranveer's nervousness kicked in at his impending marriage, he was scared if he would be able to handle a huge responsibility such as marriage or not and Avyan chuckled at the dread on his face.
"Be on time for breakfast", Abhyansh said and started walking away...
"That doesn't require a special mention, Ranawat, I know you wouldn't spare if someone shows up late for the meals", Ranveer said
"Good that you remember, I thought you misunderstood my obliging side, that was only for my Rani sa", Abhyansh said and walked away.
"My sister deserves a Noble Prize for dealing with this man", Ranveer said
"Noble prize ?", Avyan questioned
"Is there a bigger prize than that ?", Ranveer asked
"No, but that doesn't fit in this", Avyan clarified
"Do you fit in this family? But still, you are a part of it, right? This goes the same way", Ranveer said mocking Avayn's straightforwardness and no hidden secrets as except for him, everyone in his family seemed to have one or the other secrets. Avyan glared at Ranveer, who shrugged and left to the guest chamber, which became his own, long back, with his constant visits to the Ranawat palace.
-------------------------------------
After the breakfast, everyone assembled in the Family conference room in the west wing of the palace. Bhairav too was there and he, along with Ranveer and Avyan detailed the family about the whole past which came as a shock to the three of them. Pratap regretted his words to his best friend and his phone call to Amar where he blamed him of conspiring against his family. Unfortunately, that became his last conversation with him. Rajmata Devyani Devi smiled in relief, as her beliefs about Amar Rajput came true once again, her judgment never failed. She trusted her elder grandson's abilities a lot. She believed that he could be a better judge in every situation, but despite her confidence in Abhyansh, she couldn't accept Amar Rajput is the vile force behind her family's destruction. She trusted him to be innocent and years later, her belief turned true.
But Amruta looked completely shattered, while her belief about Amar & Pallavi being innocent came true, she didn't expect Chirag Rathore to turnout to be a co-conspirer. That man whom she trusted so much was actually planning to forcefully take her away from her husband, he even planned to wipe out her elder son, her Abhyansh just because he thought he wouldn't let her go with him ? And she betrayed her son for a man like that ? There are no limits to Amruta's guilt and regrets, all these years as well, all she did was regret her moves, but now, they increased tenfold, the truth shattered her... That explained her younger son's aloof behavior with her from the morning, he might have finally got to know the truth... Now even Avyan must be hating her, she thought. With this revelation, she completely lost hope in regaining her elder son's love and affection, what she did was unforgivable... Chirag was able to drug her son because she trusted him blindly, all her past mistakes ran like a reel in her head, and she stumbled on her feet...
"Ma...", Isha held her... "You don't look fine...", she added...
"Um... Yes... I need some rest... I guess", Amruta fumbled and quickly left from there avoiding looking at her elder son...
"She will be fine, she just needs some time to take it all in", Abhyansh said looking at his wife's face filled with worry for her mother-in-law. On the other hand, Abhyansh could understand what his mother might be going through now. Her emotional turmoil was clear on her face but he didn't want to tend to her, as much as her suffering ached him, he thought she deserved every bit of pain she was going through, that's the least for the stupidities she committed.
Pratap walked towards Isha and ruffled her hair softly.
"How is your health now ?", He asked affectionately
"I'm fine now, Sasur sa", she said
"Yesterday, we had a conversation", he reminded her, she recollected how Pratap asked her not to call him 'Sasur sa'
"I don't know what to...", Isha started but Pratap cut her in the middle...
"Maybe you can call me 'Baba', Advaita used to call me that, and she picked it from your baba, Amar used to talk a lot about you and Advaita sat with me all the time when he was here, she liked Amar a lot, he used to tell me a lot of things about you, how you keep asking him questions, and how you liked calling him 'Baba' in ever sentence you say, 'Baba yeh, baba woh'. Advaita picked that term from his conversations about you and started calling me 'Baba', I was delighted, so yes, you can call me that" Pratap said to Isha.
"I will, one day, but right now, I have many complaints against you, first and foremost, what kind of a father were you ? How did you send your son to another country without any security, Were you even aware of how many times people attempted to kill him ? Bhairav showed more responsibility than you, he sent Bhuvan to protect MY husband, he did what you should have done as a father, so yes, Bhairav will always have that respect in my eyes, more than you", Isha said shocking everyone.
No queen ever compared the royal family to their servants or said something like this, well that's what Bhairav thought, but for Isha and Abhyansh, Bhairav is more a family.
"I regret it... I'm sorry, I failed my sons, especially Ab... Abhyansh... He never called me 'Papa', every time that used to anger me more, and frustrate me even more, reminding me of his mother's betrayal, I used to think that Amruta was feeding hatred against me to my son, but not once did I realize that he didn't call me 'Papa' because I never acted as a father to him...", Pratap said, though his tone was stable, his emotions were wrecked, that man looked like a failure, Isha turned to look at her husband whose face is stoic but she knew what he might be going through.
Abhyansh walked away from there and Isha let him go as she knew he needs to be away for now. She knew he might be angry as his father's apology came a little too late but she knew it was necessary, that's why she questioned her father-in-law in front of her husband, otherwise, her initial plan was to pick this bone up with her father-in-law when they were alone.
"The day when you try to become a father to my husband and Avyan, I will address you 'Baba', because it wasn't just a term to me, it's my whole happy childhood which my father gave me, he was a father not just to me, but his brother's child too, he never differentiated between me and my brother, he gave the same love and affection to my bhai, not for once did my brother feel like he wasn't my father's biological child, but on the otherside, you failed to give affection to your own children, that needs to change", Isha said and Pratap shook his head.
"It's too late now...", Pratap said and Isha got furious on him... That man was still adamant to not try...
"No it's not, too late will be when you get bedridden, and can't even get a word out of your mouth, including the word 'sorry'. That day, you will be helpless, utterly helpless for not trying to mend your relationship with your children, not apologizing to them, so yes, before that day comes, get your actions right...", Isha said and stormed out of there. Ranveer followed his sister out.
Devyani walked to Avyan and caressed his cheek affectionately.
"Don't be upset with your mother, she has faced hell in about two decades, she missed your brother terribly... Don't punish her, she won't be able to handle your hatred", Devyani advised Avyan
"I don't hate Ma, dadi sa... I'm just upset with the truth, I'll talk to her later, allow me some time to cope with my emotions, I can't stay upset with Ma for long, even if I wanted to", Avyan said and Devyani smiled. Avyan gave one last look to his father and walked away.
"It's high time you realized your mistakes and act on it, Pratap, otherwise you would not only lose a chance to seek forgiveness from your sons, You will lose a chance at gaining a daughter or two too. If you have strained relations with their husbands, neither Isha nor Anshi will accept or respect you, I know how much you adore Isha, I see you have given Advaita's place to her, but what is the use when you are not able to take that one step which could make her happy ? Abhyansh and Avyan deserve an apology from you, especially Abhyansh, you gave him so much pain, you hurt him like no father had done to his children, imagine how would you feel if your father was like that to you... You were so offended that your father didn't think you were the right person to pass on his responsibilities as a king, you forgot all the love he has given you just because he chose your son as his successor and not you, but you gave nothing to your son, not even the privilege to call you 'Baba', but still he was taking your responsibilities till date, he tortured and killed people who were responsible for your state, he never backed out from his responsibilities as a son, Abhyansh is a diamond, one in a billion, if he wanted, he could have kicked you out, but he didn't, it's high time, you understand your children and act accordingly. One last thing, The children had had enough of dealing with a dysfunctional family, let's not transmit this to next generation", Rajmata Devyani Devi said and left leaving Pratap in deep thought.