👑Forty Seven~

"I am glad to declare, I have found my real mother, Manyata Shastri. My own biological Mom. She had waited years, shredded tears, thinking I am dead. Now, as fate wanted, as God wanted, we have crossed paths and I am not leaving her side,"Shubman said. "I know there will be questions, you all will be answered soon, but I want my fans and audience to be happy in my happiness, will I get that from all of you?"

The silence got evaded by a clapping and he looked aside to find Rishabh clapping from the VIP section. Slowly others followed up, clapping after him, and the entire crowd clapped for them.

"That's lovely news. Shubman, Manyata ma'am we will like you both to take some rest, also the choir team, Vishwajeet Sir and band, please take some rest till the winner is announced,"the host said in a humble way and everyone left the stage eventually.

Chandrika stood backstage, the sting of defeat fresh on her cheeks, tears threatening to spill. Her performance had faltered, her overconfidence getting the better of her in the final stretch. Shubman really knew her better than she thought.

As if summoned by her distress, her parents, Chirag and Ambika, appeared. "Dad! I am sorry. I tried but... my classical base isn't up to the level of Shubman and I got overconfident in between... and..." she stammered, the weight of her disappointment pressing down on her.

But instead of recrimination, she was met with warmth. Chirag and Ambika enveloped her in a comforting hug. "You did really well, my girl. At one moment you were winning. I am very proud of you,"Chirag said, his words unexpected and profoundly reassuring.

Chandrika looked up, surprised. "Really?"

"Yes, beta, this was your best performance so far. You'll do very well from here on," Ambika added, her gentle encouragement painting a smile on Chandrika's face.

Just then, Shubman ran up to her. He stopped short upon seeing Chandrika's parents, a flicker of hesitation in his eyes.

Chirag stared at him and then broke the tension. "Oh! Raja Maan Singh! Come here, Prince of Music. You finally overtook my daughter in the end," he said, extending his hand. Shubman shook it, a respectful, "Thank you, Sir," escaping his lips.

"Sir? Still maintaining the rivalry, are you? Call me uncle,"Chirag chuckled, putting Shubman at ease.

Ambika stepped forward, her expression sincere. "You're really a gifted talent, Shubman. Congratulations. It's great to know that you got your mother finally. That shows from whom you have received your talent of music,"she said.

"Thank you, Aunty,"Shubman replied, his gaze then shifting to Chandrika. "Moon, you really did very well. Better than any of us had thought."

Chandrika, humbled by his words, confessed, "But I couldn't maintain the line and went after your Mom, rather than keeping the competition only against you." She reached out and gently took his hand. "I am happy for you, Maan. You deserve the winner's title. There's no doubt you were the best among us."

A subtle sigh escaped Shubman, his internal struggles perhaps hidden behind his stoic demeanor. Chandrika, sensing his unease, asked in a soft tone, "Are you okay?"

"Better," he replied, a simple word carrying a wealth of unspoken emotions.

Before more could be said, the host's voice boomed through the speakers, announcing their names and summoning them to the stage, ready to bask in the spotlight, winner and runner-up alike.

"Maan! Chandri! Come on guys, go to the stage,"Ishan said while running up to them, followed by Abhishek and Sharon.

"Thank you so much for choosing my side,"Chandrika thanked Sharon who gave her a hug.

"You did really well today, Chandri,"she replied and then gave a hug to Shubman. "Congratulations Mr.Winner."

Shubman passed her a smile before they were taken away.

"That boy is very humble, unlike his father,"Chirag said.

"But Suryavardhan is his foster father right?"Ambika asked.

Chirag chuckled and said,"Can't you see their resemblance, Ambika? That man wasn't an angel ever. He had his inside demon which always won. Anyways, I feel bad for this young man."

"Do you approve him for our daughter?"Ambika asked.

"Given how much our daughter is into him and how much you prefer him as well, I think he won't be that bad as a match for our girl,"Chirag replied.

"Itni badi baat kaisey nahi bataya unhoney humein? How could he hide such a thing?"Meenakshi said while sitting in the backstage VIP room while Hardik paced to and fro.

"I want answers from that man. Right now!"he hissed before walking towards the door, but Virat held him.

"Not now Harry. We will return home and the discussions will take place after that. Let's go! Our Maan is getting felicitated as the winner. It's his moment."

"Jo ki already kharab kardiya gaya hain,"Hardik said.

"Isiliye humein aur kharab nahi honeh dena hain. Chalo. Let's go,"Virat said and then looked at Meenakshi,"Maa Sa."

"Hum nahi jayenge Veer. Maan unka apni Mom milgayi hain. Abb humari kya zaroorat unhey?"she said.

"Mom! Chaliye na Mom. Please,"Rishabh said holding her hand and she looked at him and sighed before getting up and they took her with them.

"Humein toh dar lag raha hain ki ghar jaakar kya hoga,"Snehanvi said.

"Daadi Sa aur Bua Sa ka call aaya tha. They have seen the live telecast. Pareshaan hain already,"Devangini said.

"Filhaal yeh discussion bandh rakhte hain. The media must be going gaga to cover up this scandalous story,"Durdhara said.

"And the winning trophy for the ultimate winner,"the host said while the judges presented the trophy to Shubman.

Chandrika had been already felicitated. She held her trophy and other prizes and stood aside, clapping for him as he received all the accolades as the winner of the first season of Rising Stars.

"The music contract for Shubman and the registration card for representing India in the international competition next,"the host elaborated as he received the prizes while Ishan and Abhishek clapped and jumped around for him.

Showers of confetti spread around while Shubman looked at Manyata and she smiled back at him. Her words echoed in his mind. He had really made his identity by his voice and not by his surname.

Chandrika gave him a hug and he hugged her back before getting down from the stage and going towards his family. The brothers hugged him at once and he relaxed in their embrace before looking at Meenakshi.

"Mom! Thank you for everything,"he said coming forward to her and touched her feet.

Meenakshi blessed him and said,"Don't forget your Mom because you got your Maa."

"Never,"he said and hugged her._______________________________________

A day or two later, the Shekhawats had gathered in the livingroom hall, as Suryavardhan had called for a family meeting. The maids and servants had been sent out for sometime and no outsiders were allowed to be in the meeting, hence Andrew and Meghatri stayed confined to their respective rooms.

Suryavardhan had returned alone from Mumbai, before the rest of the family members. Shubman, though had returned with the family, went to stay with Manyata at her home in order to get some peace in the presence of his own mother and spend time with her, giving her the joy of motherhood which she had missed for so many years.

"Doh dino se kisi se baat nahi ki Baba Sa ne. Naa hi apne kamrein se baahar aaye hain. Harry, you won't react,"Virat warned Hardik and then looked at Rishabh and added,"Rishi, you too. You have done enough. Today be quiet."

"Dadabhai! You can see our behaviour, can't you see the frustration behind it?"Hardik asked.

"Yes I can. But that doesn't mean you will misbehave with Baba Sa. He's still our father, don't forget that. Also, he is the king. Rishtey mein aur rutbey mein voh hum sab se badey hain,"Virat said in his usual calm yet serious tone.

"Fine!"Rishabh said with a huff and stood up as Suryavardhan walked down the stairs, followed by Charan Singh.

Everyone stood up as per the protocol and sat down after the king took a seat.

"Hum jaantey hain humsey aap sabko kaafi shikayat hain. Honi bhi chahiye. But I am not here to discuss about past. I'll rather be talking about the future,"Suryavardhan said. He looked at Virat and asked,"Maan nahi aaye, Veer?"

Virat nodded a no and said,"Manyata Ji ke saath Delhi gaye theh. Aaj hi lautey hain."

"Lucky woman,"Suryavardhan said with a low chuckle.

"Yes! Seems like I am the unluckiest here,"Meenakshi said.

"Oh ho! Bhabi Sa. Aisa matt kahiye,"Shalakha said, holding her hand.

"Surya, jo kehena tha kehe dijiye. We all are waiting,"Kadambari commanded.

"Jee Maa Sa,"Suryavardhan said and then added in a serious tone,"After all the negative media coverage and the flashing of Shubman's birth's secret, it will be very bad for the image of the royal family and Chandraprayag, if I continue reigning as the king, hence..."he looked at Virat and added with a smile,"it's time for the new king to take over the reign. Hum bohot dino se hi soch rahe theh ki humare Veer ka rajya abhishek karwa deh. Because of the wedding and celebrations, I couldn't declare it. But today, I declare Crown Prince Virat as the next king. Charan Singh!"

"Jee Hukum?"

"Yeh ghoshna poorey rajya mein karwa dijiye and also make sure that the new channels cover it too."

"Jee!"Charan Singh said with a bow and walked away to do his work, immediately while the family members rejoiced hearing it.

"Baba Sa itni jaldi..."Virat was about to protest.

"Nahi Veer, humein bhi lagta hain ki aapko abb apna taj pehen lena chahiye,"Meenakshi said.

"Dadabhai!"Hardik said coming forward and gave Virat a hug as he had stood up. "I am so happy for you. Finally!"

"I'll always need you by my side, Harry,"Virat said.

"Till my last breath,"Hardik replied while Rishabh came and joined them.

"I can't wait to see you sitting on the throne,"he said.

Virat patted on his cheek while saying,"I am missing Maan."

"We too,"the other two said.

"Veer!"Suryavardhan said, coming forward and Virat touched his feet.

"Jee Baba Sa?"

"I know you'll be the best king our family had got so far. Remember whatever you have been taught and whatever you have learnt from your life so far."

Virat gave a nod and earned a hug from him before walking up to Meenakshi and Kadambari. He took their blessings, followed by Shalakha's while Durdhara nudged Snehanvi.

"Congratulations Maharani Sa,"she teased.

"Haan haan, humein bhul hi jayengi abb yeh,"Devangini added.

Snehanvi frowned and then looked at Durdhara and said,"Sach bataye Jiji? I am yet to learn so much. Wish there was a rule that anybody from the royal ladies can be a queen. I am sure you would have got the crown then."

"One doesn't gets the crown by just being royal, Anvi. It's the capability of showing compassion to one's people, the ability to handle responsibilities, being strict when needed, being soft when situation demands, being rich by heart, swift by mind, and being able to make the right decision at the right time, that makes a person deserving for the crown. I am sure you have all these qualities, it's just a matter of time and experience. You'll do great,"Durdhara said.

"Jashn ki taiyaari ki jaay. Hum aaj hi pandit ji ko bulake tithi nikalwate hain rajya abhishek ka,"Kadambari said. "Harry, the invitations should go to place far and wide."

"Yes Daadi Sa. Don't worry. Hum khud invitation list taiyaar karenge,"Hardik said.

"Badi Bahurani, aapke maayke walon ko..."

"Nahi Daadi Sa. Humara maaykewalon ko bulane ki koi zaroorat nahi hain. I just have one family now. They got whatever they wanted. They get all the advantages from the royal family. That's enough for them. They don't deserve to be present in such an auspicious day. I didn't let Rishi Bhai send invitation to them during his wedding too, they won't come in this occasion too. Not in this, not in any,"Snehanvi said in a strict tone.

"Haah! Finally Dhara's training worked. Speaking like a queen see,"Hardik said.

"Bhai! Pehele Maan ko toh khabar de,"Rishabh said.

"Haan haan, go tell him right now."

"Hum yeh kaafi accha bana lete hain,"Manyata said while feeding Shubman, Cream of Chicken Soup.

"Hmmm, kaafi tasty hain,"he said. "Journey karke aaye hain, yeh sab banane kiyu chali gayi aap, Maa? The cook was there."

"Yes, but now that you're here, I'll cook on my own and feed you everyday. Pata hain bete, itney saalon tak kabhi socha hi nahi ki dobara khaana banane ka mann bhi karega. Abb tum mil gaye ho, abb mann lagega,"she said.

"Maa, ek baat puchhe aap se?"

"Hmm. Bolo."

"Why did you let Dad break your heart? Why didn't you block him out at once?"

Manyata smiled sadly. "I was young. Madly in love. Your Dad had been the first and the last man in my life. He was special. So special."

She seemed lost in past memories when Shubman held her hand and she said with a chuckle,"Aur agar hum unhey block kar dete toh humein tum kaisey miltey? You're everything I ever had and ever lost. All my properties, all my achievements have meaning now. They belong to you. I have my heir. My perfect heir, both to my heritage and wealth."

She caressed his face when his phone rang.

"Haan Rishi,"Shubman said, receiving the call.

"Dadabhai is becoming the king. Unka rajya abhishek hoga parso, Maan,"Rishabh's joyful voice made him smile.

"Sachmein?"he asked getting excited.

"Haan sachmein, humare bhai. You have to come. Hum kuch nahi sunenge."

"Yeh bhi koi kehnewali baat hain, Rishi? Of course I will come,"Shubman said.

"Aur Manyata Aunty ko bhi lekar aana. We all want her to come."

Shubman looked at Manyata and said,"Let's see about that. I can't give a guarantee regarding Maa. But I will go for sure."

"Good Boy. Abb hum chalte hain. Taiyaariyan dekhni hain. Shaam ko aajana na. We are missing you so much. Kab lautega ghar?"

Shubman sighed and said,"Let's see."

Rishabh frowned and said,"This is your own home. Kya let's see?"

"I know, Rishu. But for the time being, let me be with Maa."

"Fine!"Rishabh said in a dejected tone.

"Kya baat hain?"Manyata asked Shubman and he replied with a smile,"Dadabhai ka rajya abhishek hain parso. Aapko bhi bulaya hain."

"Hum nahi jaayenge, Maan. Aap jaiye. Hum nahi chahata aap humari wajah se apnon se dur rahe. They are your own brothers. They love you a lot. I have seen that."

Shubman gave a nod and rested his head upon her lap, and she ran her fingers through his hair.

"Yeh kya baat hui Sneha? Why won't you contact your family ever?"Virat asked with a frown as Snehanvi had said that she will not keep any relationship with her family, nor will she contact them.

Snehanvi was making notes. She looked up and replied,"Because I don't want to. Simple!"

"But why? I have forgiven them already."

"You have, but I haven't. Yuvraj, you have forgiven them because you have accepted me and our marriage. But what about the wrongs they had been doing with me before our marriage? I would have been with that Baldev, getting beaten up every day, assaulted every night, and treated like a puppet throughout my life, if you wouldn't have married me. They didn't think about me even for once,"she said in a complaining tone.

Virat sighed and came and sat beside her. Taking her hand in his, he said,"But you're still their daughter."

"I don't want to remember that. I am just the daughter-in-law of this family."

"Oh! And nothing else?"Virat asked with a frown.

"Yah! Akay and Vamika's mother."

"And?"

"Sister-in-law of your brothers and their wives."

Virat frowned and asked,"And why do you have these relationships with them?"

"Because I am your wife,"she replied.

"Wow! Badi jaldi yaad aaya tumhey,"he said, making her laugh. "But, you're also going to be the queen now. It's a huge responsibility, Sneha. I wish you luck."

"You're there. I don't have any problems. I will learn with time, from you and from Jiji of course."

"Haan! Dhara is there for you, right."

"Just like Bhai is there for you."

"Hmm! Harry has always been like this. Bachpan se hi humsey sabse zyaada close rahe hain voh. He's like my right hand."

"Accha, tell me something...did you all have any other brother? I mean..."

Virat furrowed his brows and asked,"Why this question, suddenly?"

"Aisey hi...actually I..."before Snehanvi could say, Andrew knocked on the door.

"Arey, Mr.Sinclair, please come in,"Virat said, standing up.

"A King shouldn't stand in front of commoners,"Andrew said with a chuckle, walking in, carrying a box in hand.

"Arey, these protocols are for outsiders. You have almost become a part of our family now."

"Good to hear that. Here, a small gift for you,"Andrew said, giving him the box.

Virat accepted it humbly and said,"What was the need for this? What's there in it?"

"Open and check,"Andrew said and he opened it to find a vintage watch in it.

"Wow! That's really..."Virat's brows suddenly furrowed and Andrew asked,"What happened?"

"This watch...I have seen a similar watch somewhere."

"Oh come on. There were many editions like this one for sure,"Andrew said.

"Haan! Right. That's true though. Thank you so much, Mr.Sinclair,"Virat said giving a hug to Andrew and he hugged him back.

"You reminded me of a childhood memory,"Virat added.

"Childhood memories are worth to be remembered, Prince. Those are sweet,"Andrew said, looking at him.

Snehanvi looked on, thinking of something and as the men walked away discussing business, she took the watch box which Virat gave to her before going, asking her to keep it safely.

Taking the box she ran up to Durdhara and Hardik's room.

"Humein nahi khaana hain,"Durdhara said while walking around the room and Hardik walked behind her, holding a plate of food.

"Aapko yahi khaaney ka mann tha toh Mom ne banwa diya. Abb kya matlab nahi khaana hain? Chaliye khaiye,"he said.

"You're scolding me?"she asked looking at him.

"No! Why...arey...why will I scold you baby? Aaiye chaliye khaiye. You're my good girl right?"Hardik said and she nodded a no and turned away.

"Of course,"Hardik added with a frown.

He fed her forcefully and she ate twice, before nodding her head sideways again.

"Eatttt!"Hardik said strictly, feeding her again when Snehanvi knocked on the door.

"Aajao. The door is open,"Hardik said.

"Jiji akeli hoti toh aah hi jaatey. Feeding game is going on here?"she asked with a chuckle.

"Haan! But yeh kha nahi rahi hain,"Hardik said, feeding Durdhara again and she bite his finger this time.

"Ouhhhh! Dhara yaar."

"Dhara yaar? Where's the royal protocol, Bhai?"Snehanvi teased.

"Aye be quiet. You're not the queen yet. Huh!"

"Yah whatever! Yeh dekhiye kya laaye hain hum,"she said and showed the watch to Durdhara, telling her about Andrew gifting it to Virat, stirring his childhood memory.

"Which memory?"Hardik asked, checking the watch. He took it out of the box and scrutinized it as he had a fascination towards watches while Durdhara said,"Where are they now?"

"Went away while discussing business,"Snehanvi replied when Hardik noticed something at the backside of the dial of the watch and his expression turned serious.

"Dhara! I think our guess is right,"he said and showed them the watch. "Look!"

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