👑Fifty Six~

A year has passed since the turbulent days surrounding Meenakshi's trial and subsequent sentencing. The shadow that had fallen upon the Shekhawats and the Amber Taj, a pall of betrayal and heartbreak, has slowly begun to lift, replaced by the gentle light of new life and renewed hope. The rhythm of the palace, once disrupted by turmoil, has found its way back to its familiar tune, albeit one tinged with a quiet understanding of the fragility of happiness.

The most significant reason for this resurgence of joy lies in the arrival of three precious children, each a beacon of hope for the future of the Shekhawat lineage. Durdhara, having weathered the storm with grace and resilience, blessed the palace with Hardik's son, now eight months old. They named him Hriday, a name that resonated deeply with the family, signifying a heart filled with love and the continuation of their legacy.

The echoes of Hriday's laughter were soon joined by the sweet cooing of Raagini, the five-month-old daughter of Devangini and Rishabh. Her arrival brought a different kind of joy, a gentle, nurturing energy that permeated the palace walls. Watching Rishabh, once burdened by the truth of his mother's doings, dote on his daughter, brought a smile to even the most stoic faces.

The most recent addition to the growing Shekhawat family is Sahitya, the three-month-old son of Snehanvi and Virat. A tiny bundle of joy, Sahitya's presence has invigorated his parents, filling their days with a newfound sense of purpose and love. His arrival completed a circle of new beginnings, cementing the hope for a brighter future, with Akay and Vamika running around as the elder siblings to their new playmates.

The Amber Taj is now filled with the sounds of children's laughter and the soft murmurings of their parents. While the memory of the past remains, it is now tempered by the promise of what is to come. The three new additions to the family have not only strengthened the bonds between siblings but have also breathed new life into the heart of the Shekhawat legacy, ensuring its continuation for generations to come.

[Play the song "Chaudhary" from Coke Studio MTV, mentioned in the video box above, as the background music here]

The air buzzed with a unique blend of joy and heartwarming camaraderie. Today wasn't just about one wedding; it was about two. Two couples, each with a distinct story etched into their journey, standing on the precipice of a new chapter, bound together by friendship and love. Andrew and Meghatri, now entwined in romance, had cultivated a deep, abiding friendship, a testament to their mutual respect. And across the beautiful, golden venue, Shubman and Chandrika, their eyes sparkling with a love that had blossomed over time, were finally living the moment of their dream wedding.

The ceremony unfolded in a beautiful synchronicity, mirroring the intertwined narratives of the two couples. As Andrew and Meghatri offered each other supportive smiles, Shubman and Chandrika stood poised for the garland exchange, the symbolic beginning of their union. Chandrika, radiant in a traditional red lehenga, delicately placed a garland of vibrant jasmine and marigolds around Shubman’s neck, his eyes reflecting the depth of his love for her. He reciprocated with equal tenderness, signifying their mutual acceptance and commitment to building a life together.

Simultaneously, further down the venue, the rhythmic chants of the pandit resonated as Shubman and Chandrika began their "saat phere," the seven sacred vows around the holy fire. Each step, each vow, a promise whispered between them, binding their souls together. With every rotation, the flames danced, symbolizing the hopes and dreams they shared for their future. They promised trust, respect, loyalty, and unwavering support through life's joys and challenges, their hands clasped tightly as they circled the fire.

Meanwhile, Andrew and Meghatri, watching with genuine happiness, reminisced about their own journey, the comfortable silence between them speaking volumes. The respect they held for each other shone through as brightly as the wedding lights illuminating the venue.

The culmination of the ceremony arrived with the sacred "sindoor daan." With a gentle hand, Shubman applied a pinch of vermillion powder to Chandrika’s forehead, marking her as his wife and invoking blessings for a long and prosperous life together. The vibrant red stood out against her forehead, a powerful symbol of their commitment and the start of their marital journey. Chandrika’s eyes glistened with tears of happiness as she looked at Shubman, a love deeper than words could express radiating from her.

As the last rituals drew to a close, and the blessings of family and friends showered upon them, it was clear that this wedding was more than just a celebration of love. It was a testament to the enduring power of friendship, the evolving nature of relationships, and the beautiful diversity of love in all its forms. Andrew and Meghatri, bound by respect and camaraderie, and Shubman and Chandrika, embarking on their romantic journey, had created a truly unforgettable wedding day, a celebration of two unique stories woven together in a tapestry of joy, love, and unwavering support.

Food was served to the newlyweds after all the rituals were over. Both the couples sat down, relieved, as the past few days had been immensely tiring for them with whole loads of rituals and ceremonies going on.

"Tired?"Andrew asked Meghatri who gave a nod and replied,"So are you. You seem more tired than me in fact. Aadat nahi hain na itney saarey rituals wagera ki."

Andrew gave a nod while Devangini tried to ease out Raagini who was crying aloud.

"What's wrong with her suddenly? Itni der toh thik hi tha,"Snehanvi asked, coming to her.

"Pata nahi. Achanak se roh rahi hain,"Devangini replied before Rishabh came there and the little one threw her arms towards him.

He took her in his arms at once and she stopped crying.

"Of course! She wanted Papa,"Devangini said with a frown while Snehanvi laughed as Rishabh added with a smirk,"Did you see that Bhabi Sa? Jealousy at it's peak."

Chandrika ate from Shubman's hand while Hardik clicked their picture."Perfect! Lovely click,"he said while Durdhara gave Hriday to Sakshi and Mahendra asked her,"Is Jamai Raja better now?"

"Hmm! He was heartbroken initially. Sach bataye toh Hrid ke aaney ke baad he regained his happy self. Warna Mom ke wajah se jo trauma mila hain unhey aur Rishi ko. Kya hi bataye, Dadabhai,"Durdhara replied looking at Hardik who was busy clicking the pictures of the family members and smiling at the clicks.

"The way Queen Meenakshi got executed due to her crimes, any son would feel dejected to know about his mother's ill fate,"Sakshi said.

"But she deserved it. She created her destiny by her own wrongdoings,"Mahendra said.

"I am just happy that we won't face any problem further. Everything is fine now,"Durdhara said.

"Sneha,"Virat called Snehanvi who was holding Akay and Vamika's hands, taking them towards the dinner table.

"Sahitya ko khila dijiye aap pehele,"he said, while the little one was almost falling asleep on his shoulder as he carried him.

"Inn dono ko bitha deh, Maharaj. Phir..."

"Nahi, you seem to be negligent towards Sahitya because of our elder children, Sneha. That's wrong. He needs you the most."

Snehanvi frowned and then asked the caretaker to take the kids to the table and serve them the food. She then took Sahitya from Virat's arms, saying,"He's my son, Maharaj. I do care for him, but I don't want to be second Meenakshi Devi for my elder children."

Virat's eyes softened and he said,"I am sure you'll never be like her. You cannot. That's impossible."

"What if I grow too much fond of my own son and..."

"Shhh! You'll never do that Sneha. I think I know you more than you know yourself. Don't distance yourself from Sahitya because of such a trivial matter. I promise you, I'll think of a way through which nobody will ever turn out to be like Meenakshi Devi ever. Be us or our future generation."

"Promise?"Snehanvi asked extending her hand and he gave a nod with a smile and held her hand saying,"Promise. Hum sahi wakt pe sahi raasta zaroor dhund lenge."

Suryavardhan sat in his room writing down something when Charan Singh arrived there.

"Aap ne humein bulaya Hukum?"

"Jee haan. Charan Singh, aapke wafadaari humesha se ek misaal rahi hain. Hum aaj apna naya will banwa rahe hain aur hum apne paanchon beto mein sab kuch barabar baatna chahate hain. I want your suggestion on it."

"Maharaj, yeh toh bohot acchi baat hain. Five of them are gems. They deserve the best. However, you have to keep the Amber Taj in Veer Baba's name as he's the king."

"Hmm! Right. Hum yahi pucchna chahate theh."

"Amber Taj ka batwara nahi ho sakta hain kabhi bhi. Aur vaisey bhi, jab tak yeh mahal Veer Baba ke naam rahega, I am sure sab saath saath rahenge."

"Thank you,"Suryavardhan said and added,"you too have a part in the will."

"I don't need anything, Hukum. My whole family, starting from my ancestors had been serving the royal family. My future generation will also do that. That is all we ever wished to do."

"No Charan Singh, this isn't a reward, it's a right and you have to accept it. It's my command. Bhaley hi Veer maharaj hain, par aapka raja humesha hum hi pehele rahenge,"Suryavardhan said patting on Charan Singh's shoulder and he said with a bow,"Hukum."

"Akay aur Vamika ko bithaiye pehele aur unkey godh mein teeno babies ko rakhiye,"Shubman said as the family was clicking pictures.

"Haan uskey baad hum log pics lenge,"Rishabh added.

"Let me click one. I love photography,"Andrew said and asked his attendee to bring his camera.

"Arey Big Bro, aap toh Megha ka pics lo abb,"Rishabh teased and laughed as Meghatri punched him away.

"I'll hit you up. Devangini, take hold of your husband or he'll be beaten up. Subha se dimag kha rahe hain yeh,"Meghatri complained.

"Beat him. I don't care,"Devangini said and Rishabh frowned.

"Harry, hatiye hum dekh nahi paa rahe hain agey, aapke height ki wajah se,"Durdhara said.

"Seriously? Aap khud bhi toh lambi hi hain. Upar se itna jagah hain khade honeh ka, phirbi humein hi hatana hota hain aapko!"he said and then smirked and added,"asal mein yeh sab toh bahana hain humare aaspaas rehene ka."

"As if,"she said with a chuckle and he added,"What? Am I not correct? Aapki nazrein humare iss handsome face se hatt ti hi kaha hain?"

"Tareef karwa lo koi insey khudki,"Durdhara said and giggled while Vamika and Akay held their younger siblings and Suryavardhan walked in.

"Arey Baba Sa, aaiye na. Family pics liya jaa raha hain,"Virat called him, bringing him ahead, holding his hand.

"I think Manyata Mom ko bhi bulana chahiye for the pic,"Andrew said.

"Your Hindi is improving, but I don't think she will agree,"Shubman said.

"Why won't she?"Chandrika added and then went towards Manyata, taking him along as they were tied through the sacred knot of wedding.

"Maa, please aaiye na,"she pleaded.

"Nahi bete. Hum baad mein lenge pic. This pic is of Shekhawats,"Manyata said.

"You're one too know,"Hardik added, coming there. He held her hand and said,"You're the nearest we have to a figure called mother, now. Please mana matt kijiye."

"Yes. Please come,"Andrew added and looked at Virat who gave a nod and brought Manyata ahead, holding her hand.

"Aaiye Maa,"Snehanvi said.

"Chaliye jaldi apna apna position set kijiye,"Durdhara said while the family gathered around for the click.

Everyone sat cosily and the photographer took their pictures.

"I'll frame this pic after laminating it into a huge wall-sized frame,"Suryavardhan said, seeing the picture in which everyone was smiling, conveying the happiness and peace that finally surrounded the Amber Taj Palace and Chandraprayag.

************************************Here goes the Last Chapter. The Epilogue is coming up next and that marks the end of this book. Keep Reading and Keep Vommenting Guys.😘❤️