👑Forty Eight~

A pre-dawn stillness presented the promise of a new beginning. Though the sun remained a hidden promise below the horizon, the oppressive darkness of night had already surrendered to a soft, ethereal glow. In the heart of Chandraprayag, the Amber Taj palace garden stood transformed, a canvas of vibrant colors and fragrant blooms and royal seats, prepared for the grand occasion of Virat's rajya abhishek. His coronation ceremony was a much anticipated event and everyone was happy for getting the rightful king.

The eager citizens of Chandraprayag, their faces etched with hope and excitement, began to converge near the palace gates. They had awaited this day with bated breath, eager to witness the dawn of a new era under Virat's leadership. Royal guests, emissaries from neighboring kingdoms and allies, who had arrived the previous day, were now stirring within the palace walls, preparing themselves for the momentous ceremony.

Inside, amidst the hushed reverence of the palace chambers, the rituals were already underway. Virat was being meticulously prepared for his ascension. He had been bathed in a sacred mixture of milk, honey, and turmeric, a ritual believed to cleanse the body and soul, bestowing upon him the blessings of prosperity and wisdom. The air was thick with the scent of incense and the murmur of ancient mantras chanted by the royal priests.

Adding to the auspiciousness of the occasion, Snehanvi participated in the rituals alongside Virat. She performed the sacred duties traditionally reserved for the new queen, her presence lending an air of profound significance to the ceremony. Her actions spoke volumes, hinting at a bond that transcended mere duty, suggesting a partnership built on respect and shared purpose.

A palpable sense of joy permeated every corner of the Amber Taj. The atmosphere was electric, brimming with hope for a brighter future under Virat's reign.

"Maan!"Virat exclaimed happily as Shubman entered the royal temple.

Hardik and Rishabh brought him ahead, holding his arms and he took Virat's blessings before congratulating him.

"Congratulations Dadabhai."

"I am so happy to see you here. Aao chalo,"Virat said and he gave a nod.

The brothers went ahead while Durdhara gave a religious plate, telling her,"Jaiye, pooja karke aayiye kuldevta ka."

Snehanvi held it and went ahead while Durdhara and Devangini stood behind with their attendees.

Snehanvi performed the pooja before Virat was brought there and they did the aarti together as per Kadambari's direction.

"Chaliye, rajya abhishek ka muhurat hogaya hain,"Meenakshi said, coming there. She did Virat's aarti and said,"Humare pyaare Veer aaj finally raja banenge. The state will get a benevolent and perfect king. I won't ask you to be like your father, I know you can do far better than him. You were born to wear the crown."

"You have trained me well throughout my life, Maa Sa. I don't know how I would have been if you wouldn't have taken care of me,"Virat said, holding her hands.

"I'll always take care of you, my boy,"Meenakshi said and then looked at Snehanvi while adding,"nobody can match a mother's love."

"Chaliye yeh sab baatein hoti hi rahegi. Abb pehele Veer ko taj pehenaya jaayega, uskey baad Snehanvi unkey bagal mein baithengi,"Kadambari said.

Suryavardhan came ahead and blessed the couple. "Humein yakeen hain ki aap dono rajya ka bhaar bohot acche se samhalenge."

"Hum poori koshish karenge, Baba Sa,"Virat said.

The couple walked ahead and the entire family followed up till they stopped at the royal courtyard where almost the entire Chandraprayag had gathered to witness the ceremony.

Suryavardhan walked ahead and addressed his people. His voice, though tinged with a hint of emotion, resonated with strength and finality.

"I, King Suryavardhan Singh Shekhawat, step down from my position as the king of Chandraprayag, today, and present the crown and the title of the king to my eldest son, Yuvraj Virat Singh Shekhawat!"

A thunderous applause erupted, washing over the scene as Virat stepped forward, his face a mixture of solemnity and excitement. A shower of flowers rained down upon him as he approached his father, who presented him with the ancestral royal sword and the other regal accessories that symbolized the monarchy.

Queen Meenakshi followed suit, bestowing similar honors upon Snehanvi, officially declaring her as the new Queen of Chandraprayag, half-heartedly as she murmured,"Kaha Princess Anushka aur kaha yeh! Humara taj iskey sirh pe charr rahi hain? Iss ladki ke sirh par?"

The newly crowned couple, bathed in the adoration of the crowd, were then guided to the throne, which had been brought out specifically for this momentous occasion. Virat, with a deep breath, took his seat first, followed by Snehanvi. King Suryavardhan then placed the heavy, jeweled crown upon Virat's head, while Queen Meenakshi adorned Snehanvi with her own queen's crown, sealing their reign.

"Finally! Our new king and queen,"Rishabh said while clapping. Beside him, Devangini clapped hard too, smiling in delight.

Andrew stood at a distance, clapping for the new monarch while Kadambari said,"It reminds me of the day when me and the late king were crowned."

Durdhara clapped and then held Akay and Vamika close to her while Hardik went ahead, smiling in joy.

The atmosphere was euphoric. Flowers cascaded down, their fragrant petals a symbol of hope and prosperity for the new rulers. But the joy was short-lived.

Among the cheering, Hardik, who has always been a keen observer, noticed a disturbing anomaly. A small, crimson stain was blossoming on Virat's abdomen, slowly creeping upwards towards his chest. His eyes darted frantically through the throng of crowds, desperately trying to identify the source. Though he couldn't pinpoint the culprit, a chilling realization dawned upon him: Virat was in imminent danger, and the security system has failed to do their task.

In a horrifying instant, a faint, sharp crack echoed through the air. The joyous cheers transformed into a collective shriek of terror as Hardik, with lightning-fast reflexes, lunged forward, pulling Virat down with him. A wave of crimson blossomed on the carpet as Hardik had absorbed the impact of the projectile meant for the new king.

The scene plunged into chaos. The vibrant celebration was shattered, replaced by screams and cries of anguish.

"RANAJI!"Durdhara's scream echoed as she rushed forward, coming to Hardik's side, breaking down into tears while Suryavardhan yelled at the guards.

"Bhai! Bhaiiii,"Shubman and Rishabh called out reaching out to him.

A chaos took place while Meenakshi sat on the floor with a thud, saying,"My son...my Harry is dead?"

"How is this possible in such tight security?"Meghatri asked and then looked at Andrew who walked away from there, towards the crowd. _______________________________________

Durdhara sat in the royal temple room, her slender fingers moving with precision as she lit the hundredth lamp. Her lips whispered a mantra, a soft murmur that filled the air with an aura of devotion. Sakshi stood at a distance, her hands folded in prayer, her eyes fixed on Durdhara with a mix of concern and compassion.

As Durdhara continued her task, tears rolled down her cheeks, her eyes brimming with worry and fear. Her thoughts were with Hardik, who had been shot at the back, and was currently undergoing an operation in the royal palace itself. Neither Virat nor Suryavardhan wanted to take him out of the palace. The decision to keep him within the safety of Amber Taj's walls was a testament to the uncertainty and danger that lurked outside. The attacker might take a chance again. Nobody knew who was behind the attack and what other motive they had.

Devangini entered the temple room, her voice calling out to Durdhara. "Jiji!" she said, but Sakshi quickly intervened, holding her back. "Don't go, Devi," she said gently. "Let her pray. Let her do whatever she wants to." Sakshi's words were a gentle reminder that Durdhara needed this moment, this space, to pour out her heart and soul in prayer.

Everyone walked to and fro outside the room where Hardik was being operated. Required medical equipment were brought in and taken inside, people of medical team, busy in their task.

"Jisney ne bhi yeh hamla karwaya hain, that person's target was Maharaj,"Snehanvi said in a dreaded tone, holding Virat's hand.

"I am fine,"he whispered to her. "Only because of Harry,"he added, his voice filled with remorse. "Wish I could just..."he looked down, unable to speak further and Snehanvi held his hand tightly.

"If Bhai hadn't come in between then..."Shubman went quiet, wiping his sweat, thinking about what would have happened by now.

"Toh Dadabhai ko direct heart pe goli lagti. Mom and Daadi are already in shock. Room mein baith ke roh rahe hain,"Rishabh added. "But the question is, how did that person breach the security system?"

"That's the question. Kahi aisa toh nahi hain ki yeh kaam kisi aisey ka hain jo humare aaspaas ho?"Devangini asked.

Meghatri, who was leaning against the pillar, found Andrew sitting away quietly on a couch. She walked up to him and asked,"Right after the incident, I saw you going towards the crowd. Where were you going?"

"Not only you. Even I have seen him going towards the crowd. Mr.Andrew Sinclair, please let us know, where did you go? Are you the one who is behind this attack?"Suryavardhan said, coming from behind, shocking both of them.

"What?"the other family members asked, standing up in shock.

"I haven't done anything suspicious, trust me,"Andrew said, standing up too, and glared at Suryavardhan, saying,"how dare you accuse me of such a heinous act? Everyone isn't like you."

The doctor came out at that moment and said,"Kunwarji is out of danger. The bullet has been operated out. He is a strong and healthy man. He will recover soon, don't worry. Unko hosh aatey hi aap sab mil saktey hain unsey."

"Oh thank Godddd!"Virat said, while Suryavardhan walked ahead, thanking the doctor.

"Thank you so much for saving my son, doctor. Thanks a lot. I'll give you anything you demand. You saved my Harry. Thank you,"he said, breaking down into tears, his fatherly affection taking over the royal protocols.

Virat held him while Snehanvi ran downstairs immediately.

Durdhara sat, leaning against a pillar, staring at Hardik's picture which she had clicked months back when they had gone to attend a royal event together. It was their first official public appearance after their wedding and he had selected her outfit and accessories on his own.

She then stared at the earthen lamps she had lit for him, and Mahendra came near her and said,"Kuch kha lo Dhara. You haven't eaten anything for a long time. Think about the baby."

"We both won't eat anything, Dadabhai. Jab tak humare Hardik ko hosh nahi aajata, tab tak hum yaha se kahi nahi jayenge,"Durdhara replied, staring at the idols of the deities.

"Jiji! Jiji, Hardik Bhai is out of danger. Unhey thodi der mein hosh aajayega,"Snehanvi said running in and coming to her side.

"Ranaji thik hain?"Durdhara asked, the stone of sorrow getting dissolved as she stood up.

"Haan Jiji!"Snehanvi replied, pulling her into a hug.

Durdhara hugged her back before going towards the idols and lit another lamp, and did aarti, thanking the almighty, after shouting and calling Chitra, who rushed in to hear her command. "There should be a community feast in all the nearby temples. Jaiye aur bhandare ki taiyaari kijiye. Kal subha hi hona chahiye. Humare Ranaji ke naam pe hoga."

Chitra had bowed and left while Sakshi said to Mahendra,"We should check on Kunwar Hardik once. Maharani Snehanvi and Kunwarani Devangini is here."

"Dhara?"

"She'll be fine now, Mahi. Our girl is strong. We shouldn't stay here for long now. The family should be given privacy. Other royal guests have left already. Come,"Sakshi said and he gave a nod.

They caressed Durdhara's head and gave her a hug after she kept the aarti's thaali down, and left from there while Durdhara called her other maids. "Yeh diye raat bhar jaltey rehene chahiye,"she commanded and they bowed at once before Devangini and Snehanvi held her and took her along.

On the other side, Meenakshi rushed into the room Hardik was in and came to his side at once.

"Harry! My boy,"she cried out, holding his hand and Hardik stirred a bit.

He opened his eyes slowly as she cupped his face. "I am fine, Mom,"he said in a low weak tone.

"No you aren't! Look at you. Who told you to jump in like that?"she cried.

"Dadabhai...Mom...I couldn't let... anything happen to him."

"Goodness! Meenakshi, let the boy rest. He has just regained his senses. How strong he is! Be very proud,"Suryavardhan said coming there. "I am so proud of you son. So proud."

Hardik just let out a groan before looking around, his eyes searching for Virat and he relaxed as he came in and sat near him, running his hand through his head.

"A king doesn't cry,"Hardik said.

"Keep quiet! Don't act oversmart again. When will you learn Harry?"

"To be selfish? Never,"Hardik said and closed his eyes.

Virat placed a kiss on his forehead and said,"I would have gone happily, knowing my brothers are behind me to look after the family. But you...what on earth would I have done if something would have happened to you today? Dhara ka toh socha hota."

"Where's she?"Hardik asked.

"She's coming,"Mahendra said, walking in with Sakshi. "Aap ne dara hi diya tha aaj, Kunwarji. You should have been more careful."

"There wasn't...time,"Hardik said, his eyes half closed.

"Jamai Sa, hum chaltey hain. Aapke hosh mein aaney ka intezaar tha. We know you all need some privacy. Please take care. Apne aur Dhara ke baarein mein socha kijiye thoda,"Sakshi said.

"Aaplog bhi apne hi hain. Ruk jaatey toh..."

"Nahi aaj nahi. We will come again to check on the prince. Please be careful,"Mahendra said to Suryavardhan. "I'll send a special troop to look after the safety of my sister and Prince Hardik specially, if you don't mind."

"Sure. Haq banta hain aapka,"Suryavardhan said.

"Accha, agya dijiye. Chalte hain,"Mahendra said, folding his hands towards the family members, and Sakshi mirrored the same. They passed a comforting look to Hardik who gave a nod and they left.

"Bhai,"Rishabh and Shubman called while coming in with Kadambari Devi.

"Oh my boy,"she said and came and sat in Virat's place as he stood up, moving aside, making place for her.

"I am fine,"Hardik said and then patted upon Rishabh and Shubman's face with his other hand, as they almost lied near him, hugging him and crying. "Baby boys. I am not dead,"he added, only to earn scoldings from the elders and chuckled softly.

"Mom...Dhara,"he murmured and Meenakshi said,"Hum bulate hain unhey."

She stood up and found Devangini and Snehanvi bringing Durdhara there.

"I think we should give some space. Hardik needs rest,"Virat said and the brothers moved away. Meenakshi too left, and Kadambari caressed Hardik's face, saying,"Abb sirf araam. Okay?"

He nodded and she placed a kiss on his forehead before leaving, holding Shubman's hand.

"Ranaji!"Durdhara called and Hardik extended his free hand, weakly and she ran up to him at once.

Lying near him, she rested her head upon his chest, crying her heart out finally, her fear, pain and anxiety flowing away with the tears.

"Humein jaana chahiye,"Devangini said to Snehanvi and she gave a nod and they went outside.

In the meantime, Suryavardhan dragged Andrew away into an open space used as a seating area, while saying to Rishabh,"Call the police. I am sure he has done something. The royal will is also missing. I found it today morning itself but had thought that I will tell Veer about it later on after the ceremony gets over. I should have taken an action beforehand."

"Oh please! I have nothing to do with the royal will,"Andrew said jerking Suryavardhan's hand away.

"Didn't you sneaked into the study room?"Suryavardhan asked.

Andrew looked at others before looking back at him and saying,"Yes I did."

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