👑 Thirty One~

Meghatri's room was heavy with despair and darkness when Heerabai stepped cautiously into the gloom. Belongings were strewn haphazardly across the floor, a reflection of the tempest raging within the young princess. Meghatri was consumed by heartbreak. Prince Rishabh, the object of her lifelong affection, was to be betrothed to another woman, and she was unable to control her emotions because of it.

Yudhishthir had tried his best to make her understand the matter, but had given up eventually after the princess continued behaving hysterically and breaking things in rage.

For years, Meghatri had nurtured a silent, unwavering love for Rishabh, due to which, her possessive heart, blinded by its own desires, refused to accept this reality. The impending engagement to Devangini felt like a cruel betrayal, a theft of a future she had meticulously crafted in her mind.

"I hate her, Heerabai! I hate Devangini!"Meghatri cried, her voice raw with anguish. "She stole him from me! She ended my love story even before it could begin!"

Heerabai's heart ached for the princess she had watched grow. It had been a week since Meghatri had barricaded herself in her room, her meals untouched, her spirit withering. "Megh Kanwar,humari bacchi," Heerabai said, her voice laced with concern,"you need strength. You haven't stepped outside in days, nor have you eaten properly. You are growing weak."

"Does Rishi know about it? Does he know about my sufferings?"Meghatri asked holding Heerabai's hands tightly.

Heerabai nodded a no and then delivered the blow that she knew would either break the princess entirely or spark something within her. "Nahi Megh Kanwar, he is busy in his wedding preparations. Tomorrow, Prince Rishabh and Devangini are to be legally engaged."

A strange silence fell, broken only by the sound of Meghatri inhaling sharply. Then, a chilling, maniacal laughter erupted from the princess. It was a sound Heerabai had never heard before, a sound that sent shivers down her spine. It wasn't the laughter of joy, but of something dark and unsettling.

Abruptly, the laughter ceased. Meghatri turned to Heerabai, her eyes gleaming with an unnerving light. "Bring me the food,"she commanded, her voice sharp and surprisingly composed.

Heerabai, both relieved and disturbed by the sudden shift, quickly presented the tray she had been carrying. Without a word, Meghatri began to devour the food with a ferocity that belied her weakened state.

Heerabai watched, her brow furrowed with worry. The princess was eating, yes, but what fueled this sudden appetite? Was it a desperate attempt to regain strength, or was it something far more sinister brewing within the shattered heart of the princess? The engagement of Rishabh and Devangini had ignited something in her, but was it the beginning of healing, or the start of a game?

"Pasand aaya decoration?"Virat asked Rishabh, who was looking around, adjusting his neck chain.

"Bohot! It's beautiful. Gini aur humare outfit ke saath matching bhi hain,"he replied.

Shubman came and stood beside them and Rishabh asked,"Megha ka kuch pata chala?"

"She's fine. She ate her meals yesterday."

"Thank God,"Rishabh heaved a sigh of relief.

"You don't think about her now. I know she's your friend, but right now you should focus upon your wedding first as that's what is disturbing your friendship with her. Once you get married, then approach her peacefully. Let her calm down a bit by then,"Virat suggested.

Rishabh nodded and then asked,"Bhabi Sa kaha hain, Dadabhai?"

"I guess bacchon ko taiyaar kar rahi hongi. I'll see and come,"Virat replied and walked ahead while Shubman said,"See Rishu, Dadabhai understood that you were referring to Snehanvi Bhabi Sa and he didn't mind it. Kitni casually chaley gaye unhey bulane."

"Finally things are getting better between them. I am glad about it,"Rishabh said.

Virat entered the children's room and found out that Vamika and Akay were already impeccably ready for the grand event. Beside them stood Snehanvi, radiating elegance in her green saree, while Vamika clicked her picture and uploaded it.

"Thank you,"she said to Vamika and Akay made a face. "Thanks to you too, Akay,"Snehanvi added and he smiled.

Virat cleared his throat and the kids ran up to him.

"Looking beautiful,"he said to them and then looked at Snehanvi.

"The engagement ceremony will be starting soon, chalo,"he announced, his voice warm and inviting.

"Jee! We are ready,"Snehanvi replied, a gentle smile gracing her lips.

Hardik walked past the doorway, calling for Durdhara, his presence instantly captivating the children. Eager to join their favourite uncle, the children scampered off with him, their childish laughter echoing down the stairway.

Snehanvi, left alone with Virat, gathered their belongings, preparing to follow. As she turned, a stray skater belonging to Akay, carelessly abandoned, rolled under her feet.

In a flash, she lost her balance, stumbling backwards. Reactively, she reached out, her fingers instinctively grasping for support. Virat, standing close by, became the unintended anchor. The momentum of her fall pulled him along, and with a collective gasp, they tumbled onto the soft mattress of the nearby bed.

The world seemed to be momentarily still. Snehanvi landed awkwardly, Virat instinctively shielding her from the full impact. He found himself gazing down at her, her dark eyes wide with surprise, a faint blush creeping up her cheeks. Her hair, intricately styled for the occasion, had come slightly undone, a few strands escaping to frame her face. He suddenly felt an unfamiliar flutter in his chest.

For a beat, time suspended. The vibrant colour of her dress seemed to intensify, the soft scent of her perfume filled the air, and the nervous tremor in her hand, still clinging to his arm, was undeniable. In that brief moment, Virat glimpsed a vulnerability, a quiet strength in Snehanvi that he hadn't fully appreciated before.

He had been so focused on familial duties, on navigating the complexities of their forced marriage, that he had perhaps overlooked the woman standing before him. He was still grappling with accepting her as his wife, the weight of responsibility and Anushka's memories, his love towards her, heavy on his shoulders. But in this accidental intimacy, something shifted. He saw not just a responsibility, but a woman, years younger than him, graceful and charming, who evoked a stirring he couldn't ignore.

Regaining his composure, Virat quickly righted himself, gently helping Snehanvi to sit up. "Are you alright?" he asked, his voice a touch huskier than usual.

"Yes, I'm fine,"she replied, her voice barely a whisper. She avoided his gaze, her cheeks still flushed.

The moment had passed, but the memory lingered. It was a fleeting glimpse into a potential future, a future where obligation could perhaps evolve into something more. Virat realised it and he didn't like the way he reacted. He knew he should have been indifferent, but there was no denying that Snehanvi was gradually making her place in the family, in the lives of his children and maybe in his too.

The royal garden shimmered in the broad daylight with the sparkling decoratives around and all eyes were drawn to the radiant figure who had just made her entrance - Devangini.

She glided down the aisle, a vision in white. Her lehenga, an ethereal creation of delicate embroidery and shimmering fabric, was more than just a garment; it was a symbol of Rishabh's love. Knowing her preference for simplicity and elegance, he had personally selected the design. Now, seeing her framed within its flowing folds, Rishabh felt a wave of contentment wash over him.

As she reached the altar, the weight of tradition settled upon her shoulders as she gracefully placed the veil, a symbol of royal heritage, upon her head. It was a moment of profound significance, a merging of her spirit with the lineage she was now joining.

The marriage registration documents lay on a table draped in ivory silk. The moment had arrived. Devangini's heart fluttered against her ribs, a frantic hummingbird trapped in a gilded cage while she took blessings from her in-laws.

Durdhara and Snehanvi made her sit on the beautiful sofa which had been set for the couple. Beside her, Rishabh offered a reassuring smile, his eyes, reflecting the love he held for her.

He picked up the ornate pen first, his hand steady as he signed his name with a flourish, giving his required signatures in the official pages. Then, he offered the pen to Devangini. Her fingers brushed against his as she took it, the fleeting contact sending a jolt of electricity through her.

Taking a deep breath, she penned her name, the elegant script a testament to her own strength and grace. As she finished, Rishabh gently took her hand, his fingers interlacing with hers.

"Are you still nervous?"he whispered, his voice a low rumble that only she could hear.

Devangini met his gaze, her own shining with unshed tears. "Terrified," she admitted, her voice barely audible. "But also...incredibly happy. I can't believe this is happening."

Rishabh's smile widened, reaching his eyes. "This is the truth. Our truth. We are legally married now. Just the social marriage awaits now."

Devangini gave a nod while the cameras flashed at them.

He reached into a velvet cushion and retrieved the wedding ring he had selected for her. He slipped it onto Devangini's finger, the cool metal a comforting weight against her skin. It fit perfectly, as if it had been waiting for her all along.

Then, Devangini took the ring brought for him, her fingers trembling slightly. She looked into Rishabh's eyes, a silent promise passing between them. With a deep breath, she slid the ring onto his finger and everyone from the family did flower shower upon them while the guests clapped for the couple.

Rishabh kissed the side of her head. "Congratulations Mrs.Rishabh Shekhawat."

"Congratulations Baujiraj,"Devangini replied and chuckled seeing him frown.

"Done with you chitchats? Now it's our turn to take pics,"Shubman said and Durdhara added,"Yes! Let's go click family pictures."

Suddenly a loud clap echoed around while the other clapping had subsided, and everyone looked ahead to find Meghatri walking towards the stage where the couple was seated.

"Sorry for the delay,"she said while Rishabh stood up, followed by Devangini.

"Megha tum..."

"Oh come on Rishi, bachpan ke dost ka engagement ho aur hum naa aaye aisa ho sakta hain bhala?"she asked and congratulated Devangini, giving her a hug. "Kya khoob jeeta hain, Devi. Mubarak ho."

Devangini looked at her as Meghatri made her eat a sweet and then made Rishabh eat it, while saying,"Congratulations Rishi."

"Glad to see you like this. Thank you so much Megha,"he said with a smile and she asked,"Galey nahi lagoge humare?"

He gave a nod and gave her a hug, and she closed her eyes, hugging him back. Putting on a smile she looked back at him and said,"Keep smiling like this."

"Bhabi Sa, is this a dream?"Shubman asked. "This lady had attacked me in childhood for taking Rishu's time."

"I don't know Maan. Abhi kuch kehe nahi saktey,"Durdhara whispered back.

"Yeh kya khusurphusur kar rahe ho dono? I too want to know,"Hardik said coming between them.

"We are saying that something seems fishy regarding Meghatri's behaviour,"Durdhara said.

"Offh! Stop being detectives. She has accepted and is moving on. That's fine. Aur vaisey bhi, Rishi and Devi are legally engaged now. Megh can't do anything now."

"Bhai's right though,"Shubman said.

"I am always right,"Hardik boasted.

"Huh! Tareef karwalon insey koi apna,"Durdhara said and walked away to greet the guests.

"Bhai! Hum hotey toh naa sehetey,"Shubman mocked Hardik who smirked and walked ahead saying,"Hum bhi kaha sahenge?"

"Offh yeh romance!"Shubman said and giggled.

"Hass kiyu rahe ho Maan Bhai?"Snehanvi asked.

"Arey Bhabi Sa, aap bholi ho bohot. Aapka nahi huya na abhi isiliye nahi samjhogi,"he said and chuckled as she passed him a confused look and asked,"kya nahi huya humara?"

Durdhara was smiling and talking to Mahendra and Sakshi when Hardik came and stood beside her.

"Ah haan! Humare Jamai Raja,"Mahendra said and gave him a hug.

Hardik patted on Ziva's head and asked,"How are you all?"

"Well and fine. As fine as old wine,"Mahendra said.

Sakshi hit his hand lightly and said,"We are very proud of you for signing back to back deals successfully. Congratulations."

"Thank you so much, Bhabi Sa. Uh, have you tried the Pulled Pork Jalapeño Poppers With Raspberry Sauce?"Hardik asked.

"Oh not yet."

"Please have na. Mahi Bhai Sa ka favourite Korean Buldak and Butter Chicken rolls ka counter set kiya gaya hain."

"Wow! That's very sweet of you. Sakshi dear, we shouldn't disappoint our prince. Let's go,"Mahendra said and walked ahead with their children while Sakshi said,"Butter Chicken sunkey hi chal diye yeh. Dhara, I'll be back hmm?"

Durdhara nodded and then looked at Hardik and asked,"Agaye humare peeche peeche? Baat bhi nahi karne dete hain maaykewalon se!"

"Arey this risk cannot be taken. Kya pata maaykewaley aapko saath le jaaye. Tab humara kya hoga, Rani Sa?"

"Huh! Sab samajhte hain hum,"she said and started leaving, but he held her hand and asked,"Kya kya samajhte hain aap?"

"Ranaji, log dekh rahe hain."

"Arey dekhne dijiye. Abb kisine kaha hain ki hum khudke tareef zyaada karte hain. Log bhi toh dekhe asal mein hum kinsey tareefon mein khoyen rehetein hain,"Hardik said with a smirk.

"Toh iss baat ke liye sataya jaa raha hain humein, hmm?"she asked with a chuckle.

Andrew, who had been eyeing them for a while, walked up to them, saying,"I hope I am not disturbing?"

"Oh absolutely not,"Hardik said, regaining his royal composure.

"Kamaal hain Mr.Sinclair, firstly you interrupt a romantic moment and then ask whether you did any such thing or not? How generous!"Durdhara said, a taunting smirk playing on her lips.

"The queen seems to be angry. My heartiest apologies,"Andrew said. Extending his hand, he added,"actually this common man was hoping to dance with Your Highness, if she permits."

"Well and fine. You're pardoned, since you're the royal guest,"Durdhara said, giving him her hand, while Hardik felt a tinge of disappointment. This was the second time Andrew had interrupted their special moment, the first being their weekend plan which was disrupted due to the game of cards.

As the duo went towards the dancefloor, Hardik noticed the way Andrew looked at Durdhara. "Is it possible that he...nahi nahi, yeh hum kya soch rahe hain?"he said to himself, brushing off the thoughts, before walking away to his brothers.

Rishabh and Devangini were having a dance in the meantime, staring at each other. "Kya dekh rahe hain aap?"the latter asked.

"Humare khubsurat Gini ko,"the former replied.

"It's you who's looking more beautiful. Your personality will always shine against mine."

"Bogus! Sawaal hi nahi uthta. Vaisey, honeymoon pe kaha jaana hain tumhey?"

"Jaha aap kahe."

"Uh huh! Jaha tum kaho."

"Mountains?"

"Perfect!"

As the duo swayed around and Devangini rested her chin upon Rishabh's shoulder as he pulled her closer, she noticed Meghatri sipping a drink, staring at them from afar. Devangini's smile faltered as she felt that Meghatri's stare towards her was nothing but cold and threatening.

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