👑 Twenty Three~

Durdhara's eyes fluttered open, and she found herself wrapped in Hardik's warm embrace. A tender smile spread across her face as she gazed at his peaceful sleeping features. She leaned in, her lips brushing against his chest, leaving a gentle kiss. Her eyes lingered on his face, drinking in the sight of him.

After a moment, she sat up, adjusting her disheveled outfit to cover her exposed skin. As she looked around, she realized the party was over, and the clock read midnight. Durdhara's hand flew to her forehead, and she chuckled softly, glancing at Hardik's sleeping form.

With quiet movements, she got off the bed and rearranged her saree, ensuring she was properly covered. Noticing the missed calls from Mahendra, she decided to text Sakshi instead, typing out a quick message: "Was feeling tired, so I slept. Hardik was with me."

Her fingers moved swiftly over the keypad, her mind still half-focused on the man sleeping peacefully behind her. With the message sent, Durdhara turned her attention back to Hardik, her heart swelling with affection as she stared at him.

She leaned upon him, running her fingers through his bare chest, murmuring,"My beautiful man,"when she heard sounds of footsteps and whisperings outside their room, and got alert at once.

She moved towards the door and leaned in, trying to hear.

"Tum yaha kya kar rahe ho iss wakt?"she heard Suryavardhan's voice and then peeped outside as she found the voices going away.

"Maharaj, she has returned and I think she's searching for the child,"the unknown man said.

"Who told her about the child?"Suryavardhan asked.

"That is not known yet. Either she got the information from someone or she has guessed something on her own."

"Okay. Thanks for letting me know,"Suryavardhan said and the man left.

Durdhara closed the door softly while thinking,"Who is this 'she' and who is that 'child' regarding whom Dad was being informed?"

In the meantime, Rishabh, who had gone to the terrace, due to lack of sleep, overheard the conversation while returning.

"About whom was Dad talking? Was that man a spy?"he thought before his phone pinged with a message.

He stared at it and smiled as Devangini finally texted him back.

"What if I don't meet you?"she had texted.

Rishabh frowned and walked back to his room, typing,"Then I'll come to your home and pick you up from there. Soch lo. Sabkke saamney se utha le jaayenge."

Devangini recieved the text and clicked her tongue, sitting up at once.

"What nonsense! Aap aisa kuch nahi karenge,"she typed quickly.

Rishabh laid down on his bed, texting back,"Oh yes I will. Get ready before 10:30 a.m. Lene aayenge tumhey. Wait for me at the lakeside."

"Bohot ziddi hain yeh,"Devangini murmured, before replying,"Okay fine."

The next morning, Snehanvi woke up earlier than others and went to the kitchen. She wanted to prepare breakfast for the family, as she wanted to warm up to everyone slowly since she was supposed to live with them forever now.

She prepared detox water for Virat as she had seen him drinking that in the morning. Taking that, she went upstairs and found him working out in the palace gym.

Seeing him shirtless, she stumbled with the bottle but held it somehow, while he looked at her and frowned.

"What are you doing here?"he asked and she replied,"Uh...voh..your detox water."

"Who told you to bring it?"

"No...nobody...I...I thought about bringing it for you as I woke up early to make something for the family."

"And why so?"

"I have seen Jiji doing certain things for the family, even though there are so many..."

"You have got permission to stay here, that doesn't mean you'll do whatever Dhara does often. She's the daughter-in-law of this family,"Virat said, putting on his vest.

"Am I not?"

"What?"Virat asked, turning towards her. "You consider yourself the daughter-in-law of this family?"

"Yes,"Snehanvi replied, looking down, and he moved towards her.

"So that means you consider yourself my wife too!"

"Well...I am. Also, I want to give your kids the motherly love they deserve,"she replied, with courage and added,"But I won't force you to accept me. I just want to perform my duties."

"This is the reason I didn't want to keep you here, but unfortunately many of the family members want you here. Snehanvi, you want to mingle up with the family that's fine, you want to mingle up with my kids, that's fine too, though I don't think they'll consider you as their mother so easily, but remember, don't try to get close to me."

"I...I won't. I won't make you feel uncomfortable, I promise. It's just, these little duties that I want to do. That's it. It's my way of showing gratitude towards you and the family for saving my life,"Snehanvi said.

Virat sighed and said,"You really don't need to do that you know."

"But I want to."

"Fine, but maintain the fine line between gratitude and any other feelings,"Virat warned her and took the bottle from her hand. "Thank you."

Snehanvi gave a nod and walked away while smiling to herself as he accepted the water from her.

Virat drank the water and revived his workout while she peeped back into the gym room, and thought,"Slowly and steadily I'll heal all your wounds and reduce your loneliness, Yuvraj. I promise. If not as a wife, then surely as a friend."

She went back downstairs and walked straight away into the royal kitchen and started preparing breakfast.

By the time Durdhara woke up and came downstairs after getting ready for the day, Snehanvi had already prepared everything on her own.

"Yeh sab kuch aap ne akele bana liya? That's awesome!"Durdhara praised her while the other family members came downstairs for the morning aarti.

"Today's breakfast seems special, as Badi Bhabi Sa has made it,"Shubman said and Rishabh added,"I can't wait for the aarti to end."

"Good to see that you have maintain the standards,"Kadambari praised Snehanvi and asked her to follow up for the aarti.

After the aarti the family gathered at the dining hall, and the maids served them breakfast.

"It's good. I liked the taste,"Suryavardhan said while Kadambari Devi called Snehanvi and gave her a pair of royal bangles, saying,"This is your gift."

"Thank you Daadi Sa,"Snehanvi said and sought her blessings, followed by the other elders.

"Good to see that this girl can do at least one work properly,"Shalakha commented.

"Bua Sa, you khaana mooh bandh karke khaana chahiye. How did you forget your royal etiquette haan?"Rishabh teased her.

"Rishiiii!"Virat called in a low warning tone and he added with a chuckle,"Sorry Dadabhai, but not sorry."

"Accha Bhabi Sa, which university are you planning to enroll in?"Shubman asked Snehanvi, and she replied looking at Virat,"The one Yuvraj will select for me."

Virat looked at her and so did Hardik while Durdhara said,"Haan bilkul. Veer Dadabhai should decide it. He's her guardian afterall. Moreover, it's a matter of family image, she should study in the best institution out here. Hain na Ranaji?"she nudged Hardik, who frowned and said with a nod,"Uh...yah. Dadabhai, I think she should get enrolled in the best university out here."

"Okay, then since she'll be doing a her Masters in Computer Science and Technology, I think MGIT will be good for her,"Virat said, and Snehanvi got elated to see him participate in the matter.

"Veer, talk to the principal and get her enrollment done by today itself then,"Suryavardhan said.

"Jee Baba Sa,"Virat replied while Akay and Vamika's caretaker came downstairs and informed him that they weren't having their breakfast.

"Okay, I'm coming,"Virat said, about to get up, but Snehanvi stopped him.

"Aap rukiye. Main...uh...hum dekhte hain."

"Are you sure you can manage them?"Meenakshi said. "I don't think so. Let Veer go."

"I have to try, Maa Sa. They're my responsibility too, now,"Snehanvi's declared, and Virat looked at her, saying,"I hope your confidence pays off."

"It will. Trust me once, Yuvraj,"she said and he gave a nod and relaxed back. "Go ahead. Try your luck. They don't accept new people easily, I must warn you beforehand."

Snehanvi gave a nod and went upstairs while the family continued having their breakfast.

Snehanvi came to the kids room and found them throwing things away, one of which almost hit her, but she caught it one time.

"You catch?"Akay asked with excited eyes and threw another toy at her and she caught it again.

He clapped, jumping on the bed, and she walked in, asking,"Where is your sister, beta?"

"Why? Why do you want to know?"Vamika's voice startled her and she stared on her left side to find her sitting on a couch, half ready for school.

"Vamika, you have to go to school, get ready and have your breakfast, dear. Chalo main ready kar deti hoon aapko,"Snehanvi said.

"Stop! Don't come near me. You're not my Mom. You have married Dad and trying to take our Mom's place right?"

"No! No dear. Never,"Snehanvi said, trying to move towards her, but Vamika threw a toy at her. Snehanvi caught it and Akay clapped again.

"Vamika...okay listen, I am just a friend. I am not your Dad's wife, I am just a friend to him, and to you both as well. Really."

"I don't trust you,"Vamika said, before running out of the room and Snehanvi called her in vain.

Snehanvi sighed and stood silent when Akay came to her and tugged at the loose end of her saree.

She looked down and he asked,"Will you play with me?"

Snehanvi chuckled and replied,"Yes I will. I'll always play with you."

The little one smiled and threw his arms upward and she picked him up in her arms, saying,"But before that you'll eat, okay?"

"After that we will play?"

"Yes!"Snehanvi said.

Vamika rushed downstairs to Virat after a while as he was ready to leave.

"Papa!"she called and he knelt before her, asking,"Yes princess?"

"I will not talk to that lady,"she declared.

"See! Yeh toh hona hi tha! Of course she'll not accept that girl. Failed in the most important task already,"Shalakha said.

"I don't think so, Bua Sa,"Rishabh said, as he pointed towards Snehanvi, who was carrying Akay as she came to the livingroom hall.

"Voh, Akay wants to have sandwiches in breakfast, so brought him here,"Snehanvi said.

Virat gave a nod to her, seeing Akay clinging to her, and then looked at Vamika and said,"Go. Someone else will get you ready for school. Hmm?"

"I think Akay has already accepted her, Bua Sa. So technically she didn't fail completely,"Hardik commented, shocking Shalakha.

Vamika gave a nod to Virat before he left for the work and the others followed up, while Durdhara held Hardik back and quickly gave him a kiss on his cheek as nobody was looking at them.

"Yeh kis liye?"he asked in a delightful tone.

"For supporting Snehanvi. Thanks,"she said and he said,"I said what was right. Bye."

"Bye,"she said and he turned to leave but then turned towards her and kissed her forehead before walking away, and she smiled to herself._______________________________________

"Ghar pe bolke aayi hoon important kaam hain. Jaldi boliye kya bolna hain, aur jaiye. Also, my family is looking for grooms for me, and I have said yes,"Devangini said to Rishabh, looking around once.

Rishabh raised a brow and opened the door of the passenger's seat. "Get in."

"I won't! Baujiraj, I have already told you..."

"GET IN I SAID,"he said sternly, holding her hand and she got startled.

"Kiyu zidh kar rahe hain aap?"

"Abhi humari zidh dekhi hi kaha hain tumney? Baitho."

Devangini got inside the car and he came back to the driver's seat, and drove off.

"Where are we going?"

"Away from the city, away from people,"he said, driving faster.

"Can you drive slow please?"she shouted, and he increased the speed.

"No!"

"Obviously! You have to behave in an insensitive manner all the time."

"Tell me you don't like me the way I am."

"I don't,"Devangini lied, looking away.

"Liar!"

"I am not."

"Yes you are."

"Your arrogance will earn you nothing,"Devangini said, looking outside the window, while he halted the car amidst nature, in the outskirts of the city.

"Nothing, but you. And that will be enough,"Rishabh said, holding her hand.

She left his hand and stepped out of the car. Rishabh chuckled and followed up.

"Zidh kiyu kar rahi ho Gini? Maan jao na. There won't be any problem. Bass ek baar haan bol doh humein. Baaki sab kuch hum samhaal lenge."(Please listen to me. There won't be any problems. Tell me yes once, I'll handle everything else)

"What will you handle? Kya samhalenge aap? The disapproval and scoldings you will get from your family or the insults I'll get from them? After your elder brother's wedding, I am sure your parents will look for a royal princess for you, and will never approve a common girl like me."

"And you'll reject my love because of this reason? Seriously Gini?"Rishabh asked, cupping her face.

"What if you fall out of love someday?"Devangini asked, staring at him.

"What?"he uttered in disbelief, staring back at her.

"You're a prince. You'll get any girl any time,"Devangini said, moving away from him. "Are you even sure about this being love? Or are you just infatuated towards me?"

"Don't you think you're insulting my emotions, Gini?"Rishabh asked in a low tone.

"My words are insulting for you, how will you feel when people will insult you for not having a wife belonging to the royal or rich background?"Devangini asked, turning back. "What will you do at that time? Divorce me?"

"Gini!"

"Life is uncertain, Baujiraj. It has surely been a bed of roses for you, but it hasn't been so for me. Moreover, Princess Meghatri, your childhood beloved..."

"What? What did you say?"Rishabh said and then came near her, frowning. "Who told you that she's my beloved? Forget about childhood. She has never been my beloved even in my dreams."

"But I am sure you family will select her over me."

"Gini, what matters to me is what you want and what I desire. Well, my heart desires you. Only you,"he said, pulling her into his embrace, and staring into her eyes. "Tum maano yah na maano. Humein sirf tum chahiye. Humare dil mein sirf tum ho. Aur koi nahi. And about leaving you, or falling out of love. Sawaal hi nahi uthta, Gini. Pyaar aur byapaar mein fark hota hain. I am not bartering with you, I am devoting my heart to you. Abb isey apnaoge kya todh daloge, yeh tumhari marzi. I am clear on my part. I can shout in front of whole world and declare my love for you."

Rishabh's voice trembled with emotion as he confessed his love to Devangini. The air was charged with tension, and her eyes welled up with tears due to the untamed emotions she felt at the moment. The sky above them seemed to respond, and raindrops began to fall, drumming a soothing melody around them.

Devangini's face was a mixture of emotions, and Rishabh's eyes locked onto hers, searching for a glimmer of hope. As the rain poured down, he reached out and gently wiped away the droplets from her cheeks. But then he noticed something - the rain continued to fall on her face, yet there were tears mingling with the raindrops, revealing the depth of her emotions.

"Gini, I Love You. The very day I had seen you, my heart had held you in it with affection and admiration. Please don't remain quiet. Say something,"he urged her to speak and she cried holding his hands, which were cupping her face.

Devangini's arms wrapped tightly around him, catching him off guard, but he quickly reciprocated, holding her close. "I love you too," she whispered, her voice muffled against his chest. "Please don't leave me, ever."

Rishabh's heart soared as he heard the words he'd longed to hear. He squeezed her tighter, feeling an overwhelming sense of joy and relief. His lips brushed against the side of her head, leaving a gentle kiss.

"I'll never leave you. Neither in life, nor in death. That's a promise,"Rishabh replied, bringing a smile to Devangini's face.

************************************Here goes the update. Keep Reading and Keep Vommenting Guys.😘❤️