CHAPTER 1

Yuvraj Harsh Vardhan (Crowned prince of maheshgarh)

Yuvrani Ridhi harsh Vardhan (Crowned princess of maheshgarh)

Rajkumar Abhimanyu (Younger prince) & Kumarvadhu Priya (Wife of abhimanayu)

The Palace of Maheshgarh is known to be the most beautiful and powerful kingdom of the time. But the most admirable thing about this magnificent place is the bond the children of the king shared.

Only a week after the king's passing, the looming war between Pratapganj and Maheshgarh became the talk of the realm.

"Bhaiya.. you just wait.. Bhaiya.. aaahhh," Nandini exclaimed, running with all her might. Her elder brother, Harsh, quickly caught up to her, lifting her with a gentle smile. "Nandini, why are you running so fast? Look, you fell, bacha. What if you had hurt yourself?" he said, carefully dusting off her dress.

"Jyeshtha bharataa.. this ugly monkey has just said I'm weak... I own neither strength nor intelligence," Nandini pouted, referring to her brother playfully.

Harsh laughed, "Ah, there is nothing like this, my lifeline... Our sister is the most intelligent and brave. You are our strength, Nandini. And you shouldn't call him a monkey. Well, he does act like one sometimes, but as the elder one, he deserves respect. Besides, you know he is back just for a month. He will return soon."

"Yes, bhai. But tell me honestly, am I your strength?" Nandini looked up at him with her innocent eyes.

Harsh gently ruffled her hair, "Yes, you are our strength, Nandini. Not just mine, but also father's. And to be honest, you are even the strength of this 'ugly monkey'," he teased, causing Nandini to giggle uncontrollably. Abhimanyu playfully shook his head at the endearing nickname.

Abhimanyu had returned from Gurukul to accompany Nandini for her education and war study, a decision that went against traditional norms. With just two years of training left, he would soon return to the palace. Until then, he was determined to ensure her comfort and adjustment in his absence, as she would be the only girl in the gurukul.

"You empower us, Nandu. You are the greatest honor of this heavenly kingdom. And soon, you will become an intelligent warrior, naa?" Abhimanyu said, pride and affection shining in his eyes.

"But I don't want to leave you, bhaiyaa" Nandini confessed, her eyes welling up with tears.

"We won't leave you, hamaari jaan," Abhimanyu assured, wrapping them warmly and protectively. Laughter filled the palace corridor, a joyful symphony of sibling love.

"Bhaisaaaaa!!!" Nandini shouted, jolting awake from her distressing dream.

"Nandu!!"

"Bhabishree... Bhabishree... I want my brothers... Call them... Call them, please. I am begging you, bhabhi, please call them. They promised me never to leave me alone. Call them, naa, bhabhishree. Please."

"Calm down, bachhe... Your brothers will return to you soon," reassured Crowned Prince Harshavardhana's wife, Ridhi.

"Exactly, Nandu, calm down. Your brothers will win this war and return with pride. Rest assured, they won't break their promise," affirmed Abhimanyu's wife, Priya.

Priya and Abhimanyu had suffered the heartbreak of losing their baby two years ago when he was born weak and couldn't survive. At the same time, Ridhi faced her own struggles with conceiving. However, Harsh's deep love for Ridhi led him to make a compassionate decision. He chose to crown Abhimanyu and Priya's next child as the rightful heir to the throne, treating Nandini as their own daughter always.

Despite the challenges they faced, Harsh and Ridhi embraced Nandini with open arms, showering her with love and care. To them, she was not just a princess by title, but a cherished member of their family. Nandini's bond with her sister-in-law Ridhi was especially strong, and she found solace and comfort in Ridhi's affectionate presence.

As the kingdom awaited the return of the two brave princes from the battlefield, Nandini found strength in the love and support of her family, especially in the reassuring embrace of her beloved sister-in-law, Ridhi. They all held on to hope, believing that the brothers would triumph in the war and return home safely, fulfilling their promise never to leave Nandini alone.

"Bhabishree, I lost my mother at birth, and now I have lost my father too, but I can't bear losing my brothers now. They mean everything to me, bhabhi. From the moment I understood relationships, they have been with me. When my Jeyshtha bharataa married you, I gained a mother. Bhabhi, I can't handle any more losses. Please call them back. Please, bhabhishree." Nandini cried her heart out, her emotions pouring like a river.

Ridhi embraced Nandini with tender care, soothing her trembling form. "Shh... calm down, my dear... lay down and rest, my love. They will be back. Have faith, dear Nandu. Your brothers are strong and brave. They will return to us," Ridhi reassured, gently stroking Nandini's hair to comfort her.

In that moment of vulnerability, Nandini found solace in her sister-in-law's embrace, knowing that she had someone to lean on during these tumultuous times. As the wait for her brothers' return continued, Ridhi remained a pillar of support, assuring Nandini that hope should not be abandoned.

"Greetings, crowned princess!" a voice interrupted the somber atmosphere, drawing their attention.

"What's the news from the battlefield? Speak quickly," Ridhi asked, her impatience evident.

"It is not a piece of good news, Yuvraani. We have been defeated in the war. The crowned prince has been killed, and there is no news of Prince Abhimanyu yet," the messenger revealed, delivering the devastating message.

The room fell silent, and time seemed to stand still as the weight of the news settled upon them. Their world shattered, and grief gripped their hearts.

"Jiji!" Priya's scream echoed with shock and agony.

"Bhabhi, what is he saying? This can't happen, right? My brother can't be defeated. No, he can't be. It's a lie," Nandini desperately clung to the hope of a different truth.

Ridhi's eyes filled with determination as she issued orders, "Go and ask a servant to start preparations for Jauhar.. be quick. And send the commander's son, Virat, to my room immediately. Go, Priya, and get ready. Get dressed in the love of your husband and for the honor of our nation, one last time."

Clasping Nandini close to her heart, Ridhi prepared to face the harrowing decision before them. The weight of responsibility and love for her family weighed heavily on her, and she steeled herself for what lay ahead.

"Bhabhii ?" Nandini muttered in shock, her eyes filled with uncertainty and fear.

"Greetings, Crowned princess. Kumar Virat seeks permission to enter," announced gatekeeper, entering the chamber. Virat was Abhimanyu's best friend and commander’s son. Everyone considered him as a member of the royal family.

"Send him in," Ridhi replied, her voice steady despite the turmoil in her heart.

"Greetings, Crowned princess. There is bad news from the war zone," Virat solemnly delivered the unfortunate tidings.

Ridhi's eyes glistened with tears as she made a difficult decision. "Virat, take Nandini safely to her uncle's kingdom. He will provide her security. I can't allow her to perform Jauhar... If I let her enter that burning fire, I will never be able to face Harsh. Only married women will do Jauhar."

"Bhaabhhiii maa!" Nandini protested, her voice trembling with emotion.

Ridhi held Nandini's hands, her heart filled with love and determination. "This is right, my dear. Before going to battle, Abhimanyu took a promise from me that I wouldn't let you die. I will save you with my life, Nandu. You are the one I have considered as my child from the day I entered as a bride in this kingdom, in this family. My love, I need to protect you like a shield until the moment I breathe, but I can't leave this kingdom at this moment. Obey my order and go... go, my child... just go."

Ridhi pulled Nandini into a tight embrace, their tears mingling as she conveyed her unyielding love and sacrifice. Reluctantly, she ordered them to leave, sending Nandini away from the impending Jauhar and the sorrowful fate that awaited.

Bidding her last tearful goodbye, Nandini accepted her fate and walked towards the back gate of the palace. A fire of hatred burned in her heart for the person she once loved the most. With each step she took, she felt herself drifting away from the emotions that once bound her. Inside, she felt a part of her dying the moment she heard the heart-wrenching news from the battlefield.

As she left behind the comforts of the palace, she also left behind the innocence and naivety of her childhood. The weight of grief and anger burdened her soul, but she knew she had to be strong. Nandini's journey towards her uncle's kingdom would be a test of resilience, a journey marked by both physical and emotional distance.

In the shadows of her pain, she found strength in her sister-in-law Ridhi's love and sacrifice. Yet, the love that once filled her heart now mingled with the bitterness of loss and betrayal.

With each passing moment, Nandini's resolve grew stronger. She knew that the path ahead would be arduous, but she was determined to reclaim her sense of self, to rise from the ashes of sorrow, and to seek the truth behind the war that had shattered her world.

The fire of hatred burned, but within it also flickered the spark of determination. Nandini's journey had just begun, and she would forge a new destiny, one that would lead her to confront the painful truths of her past and to shape her own future.

CHAPTER 2

Manik's POV:

"Greetings, crowned prince... The king has summoned you to the meeting."

"Alright, you go ahead; I will join later. What could be going on in my father's mind? I can't fathom what's left to discuss with the Maharaja of Kalinga or the army chief. And why am I being assembled for this? I have no fondness for the Kalinga King or his son. Both are known for their cruelty. I wonder what kind of reconciliation my father is trying to achieve."

"Gatekeeper! Grant me entry to meet the Maharaj."

"Permission is granted, Yuvraj. Maharaj is waiting for you."

"Here I come."

"Greetings, father! You remembered me?"

"Yes, my son. We have missed the presence of our most capable warrior!"

"I am nothing but a humble servant, father."

"Indeed, you are much more than that. We want you to lead our army in the upcoming battle!"

"Battle?!"

"Yes, battle! Together with Kalinga, we are launching an attack on Maheshgarh."

"Maheshgarh?"

"Just a few days ago, their king passed away, and that state is in turmoil. The coronation of the crown prince hasn't even taken place yet. our victory be easily attained, and this win will elevate us to the position of the mightiest kingdom in the realm."

"But Father, we have no vested interest, so why engage in a conflict with them? Moreover, they are currently grieving. Wouldn't it be inhumane to attack them in their vulnerable state?"

"We have spoken to the King of Kalinga's son and promised him that you will lead our army in this war and emerge victorious."

"But won't they gain the kingdom? There is no real benefit for us. Instead, we may only gain enmity and curses!"

"No, my son, we will gain the kingdom."

"Then what will be the benefit for them, Father?"

"I don't know, son... they have expressed that after the victory, they will inform us about their desires. I have promised them that they can take whatever they want from the state!"

"But Father..."

"Now is not the time for ifs and buts, son... prepare for war!"

"Yes, Father! May I have your permission to leave?"

Entering his room...

"Soldier, go and summon Aakash to my chamber."

"What happened, friend?" asked Pratap's best friend, Akash, as he entered the room.

Pratap explained everything to him, sharing his concerns and fears.

"I feel strange, Akash... I have a feeling that I will lose everything in this battle... everything!"

"Is the reason for this Nandini?" Akash questioned. "Tell Maharaj about your love. Perhaps this war can be stopped."

"No, Akash! Father has already given his promise. Now they won't listen to anyone."

"Then there is only one way left... do the duty of being a prince... fight and be victorious!"

"Hmm... prepare the army... I need your support."

"I am standing by your side like your shadow," Akash affirmed.

They embraced each other, their friendship serving as a source of strength as they parted ways to prepare for the impending disaster.

Jai Bhavani! Jai Bhavani! Jai Bhavani! The resounding cheers of the massive army filled the air as they stood on the ground, ready for battle. With permission from the king, Yuvraj Manik Pratap addressed the soldiers.

"I expect a singular vision from each of you on the battlefield. We must make the enemy shed tears of blood. I order you to advance towards the battlefield. Jai Bhavani!"

The army marched towards the field, and soon the clash of swords and battle cries commenced. However, the condition of Maheshgarh was dire, and they struggled to hold their ground. Despite the challenges, Manik emerged victorious, leading his army back to their kingdom. Yet, an unsettling fear lingered within him, as if he could lose everything he had gained.

CHAPTER 3

"Manik... We didn't receive any information about the younger Prince Abhimanyu after winning the war. Maybe he ran away like a Coward." Akash expressed concern.

"No problem, Akash. Our orders were to raise the victory flag for our kingdom. If Prince Abhimanyu displayed cowardness on the battlefield, there's little we can do about it."

As the echoes of battle faded, Manik couldn't help but wonder what lay ahead for him and his kingdom. The victory came at a cost, and uncertainties loomed on the horizon.

"Pranipat, Yuvraj."

"Pranipat, Senapati. Tell me, what is the news?"

"While the prince was entering the palace, the married females along with the wedded princess performed jauhar."

My heart clenched at the devastating news. In every war, women of every empire faced the gravest of trials. Their dignity, life, and self-respect hung in the balance. They endured the loss of loved ones and were tragically compelled to face death, not of their choosing. But this news weighed heavily on my heart, particularly for Nandini. No word from her had reached me yet. I looked up at the sky, seeking solace, and found some semblance of peace in its tranquil vastness.

"Hmm."

"Another piece of news, Yuvraj. Princess Nandini attempted to leave the kingdom through a secret route, but our soldiers intercepted her and confined her to her room as a prisoner."

A surge of distress coursed through me. She was a prisoner, confined within these walls. She was my prisoner now. I couldn't fathom what she must be going through or her current state. My heart longed to see her, to hold her close and shield her from any harm that might befall her. The conflicting emotions of duty, love, and concern swirled within me, creating an agonizing turmoil that I grappled to contain.

"Senapati, ensure she is treated with respect and care. I must see her immediately."

As I spoke, a sense of determination took hold. I needed to find her, to understand her plight, and to protect her with every fiber of my being. The tension mounted, and my mind raced with thoughts of what lay ahead. Whatever obstacles I may face, I knew I had to find her and free her from the confines of captivity.

The Senapati nodded in acknowledgment, and I turned to face the path that lay ahead. I was ready to confront the challenges, to navigate the trials that fate had set before me, and to rescue the woman who had captured my heart. The journey ahead was treacherous, but the strength of my love for Nandini propelled me forward, emboldening me to face the uncertain future with unwavering resolve.

In the corridors of the palace, a storm raged within me- a tempest of emotions that would shape the course of my destiny and the fate of the woman I held dear. With each step, I delved deeper into the heart of the turmoil, prepared to confront whatever awaited me and to fight for the love that would withstand the tests of time and adversity.

Nandini's POV:

"Rajkumari, sheegharh kren!" Virat said, leading me to the secret passage in the back of the mahal. As we stood there, he lit the Mashaal, and in the flames, I saw the scene of destruction that awaited us. The fire seemed to mirror the death of my beloved brothers and the Jauhar my bhabhi were about to perform. I wiped my tears away, trying to gather my strength as we took a step forward.

But just then, an arrow struck the wall beside us, narrowly missing us both. I turned and saw the soldiers of our enemies, their smirks filling me with dread.

With a swift motion, Virat drew his sword and attacked the enemies, roaring like a lion. Fear gripped me, yet I couldn't tear my eyes away from the sight of Virat fearlessly defending me, acting as a shield against the onslaught of evil. The enemies kept coming, but he fought them off with ruthless determination.

Amidst the chaos, I saw a sword stained with blood drop near my feet. The sight sent shivers down my spine, reminding me of the dangers that surrounded us. Yet, Virat's bravery and selflessness gave me a glimmer of hope even in the darkest of moments.

I wanted to do something, to fight alongside him, but fear held me rooted to the spot. My heart pounded with each clash of swords, and I could feel the adrenaline coursing through my veins.

In that moment, I realized that Virat was not just a friend or a protector- he was a brother to me, someone I cared deeply for. His courage and loyalty had won my heart, and I knew that he would do whatever it took to keep me safe.

As the battle raged on, I couldn't help but feel grateful for his presence. In the midst of danger, he became my strength, anchor, and protector. and suddenly I heard a few voices echo in my head...

"Nandini, hold the sword firmly and attack!"

"But, Brother Virat is not giving any opportunity for a counterattack."

"There is no chance for hesitation on the battlefield, my dear. The enemy does not grant opportunities, nor does he discriminate between a woman and a man. All he sees is a foe in front of him. You must always remember that you either have to strike him down or he will strike you."

The clash of swords shattered my thoughts, pulling me back to the brutal reality. In that split second, I spotted an enemy soldier aiming to backstab Virat Dada. Reacting instinctively, I grabbed the sword lying at my feet and launched a fierce counterattack, sparing my protector from harm. The adrenaline surged through my veins, fueled by the determination to shield him at all costs. However, the enemy ranks swelled rapidly, overpowering our resilience, and soon we found ourselves surrounded and defeated, taken as prisoners.

Virat Bhaisaa's visage bore the weight of disappointment, and I keenly felt the intensity of his emotions. He carried the burden of believing he had failed to safeguard the princess of his realm, but I knew it wasn't his fault. He had fought with unwavering bravery, yet sometimes, fate decides the course of battles, and victory and defeat remain elusive concepts.

As a captive, I stood tall, refusing to let the chains of defeat shatter my spirit. With my head held high, I reminded myself that I was more than just a princess; I was a warrior with unyielding determination coursing through my veins.

CHAPTER 4

Minutes dragged like an eternity, and their commander approached with a disdainful smirk plastered across his face. Rage ignited within me, burning like an inferno. I yearned to not only wipe that insufferable smirk off his face but also to cleave his arrogance into countless pieces. Captivity could not subdue the fiery spirit that surged within me. With every fiber of my being, I vowed to rise above their malice, reclaim my freedom, and defy their expectations.

"Hahaha... Look at that! Princess Nandini, now under our control. Keep the warrior princess locked in her room and this commander's son as well; we'll deal with them after meeting the crown prince."

The touch on my upper arm sent a jolt through my body, and my instinctive reaction was immediate. "Don't even think of touching me. I am the princess of this kingdom."

"Princess? Huh... you are nothing more than a slave now, a pathetic, slutty slave," the enemy sneered, reveling in his vile taunt.

Anger surged within me, and I refused to let his degrading words break my spirit. Despite the vulnerability of my situation, I stood tall, ready to defy them with unwavering determination. I may be a captive, but I am a warrior, a princess of valor, and my worth is not defined by their contemptuous labels.

I glanced at Virat Bhaisa, who was being held captive as well, and saw his eyes burning with the same indomitable resolve. We might be trapped in their clutches, but our spirits remained unyielding. In the face of adversity, we would fight, we would resist, and we would never surrender our dignity.

In the depths of my heart, I silently vowed that no matter what they threw our way, I would not let their taunts tarnish the legacy of my ancestors. Our strength and courage, passed down through generations, would endure, even in the darkest of times. And one day, when the tables turned, they would witness the true might of a warrior princess, rising from the ashes to reclaim her rightful throne.

I was roughly pushed back into my room, where I had spent my entire life as a princess, cherished like the most precious gem of my empire. As I looked around, memories of my childhood with my brothers and father flooded my mind, and tears welled up in my eyes. I felt utterly drained, emotionally and physically exhausted. Sitting on the bed, I gently caressed the cushion, seeking solace in the familiarity of my room.

Suddenly, a forceful blow landed on my face, jolting me awake from the peaceful afternoon nap I was savoring.

"Bharataashreeee!"

"What kind of princess are you? Is there no limit to your laziness, Nandini? You call yourself a warrior? Is this how warriors behave? Get up now, it's time for your combat training. Come on!"

"Bharaata, couldn't you have woken me up with love? You hit my face so hard, it felt like my nose was going to break!" I protested, my voice laced with pain and frustration.

But he showed no mercy, no understanding. It seemed like he took pleasure in breaking me down, in shattering any semblance of warmth or affection. The relentless demand for perfection, the harshness in his tone, left no room for vulnerability. As a princess and a warrior, I was expected to be strong, fearless, and invulnerable. Yet, the weight of expectations felt suffocating, like a heavy armor I couldn't shed.

Deep down, I yearned for a moment of tenderness, a gesture of love and care amidst the rigors of my training. I longed for the understanding that I, too, was human, with emotions that could be bruised, even if I tried to conceal them behind a facade of bravery.

In this world of war and duty, I struggled to find a balance between being a fierce warrior and a compassionate soul. But perhaps, one day, I would learn to embrace both aspects of myself, to become a warrior with a heart that remains open, unafraid to feel and love amidst the battles of life.

"Nandini... haven't you prepared yourself yet? It's time for combat training." said Harsh while entering the chamber.

"Jeshth bharaata (elder brother)... You know this inhuman being broke my nose," I whined like a baby. But my brother, standing right next to me, seemed to have no mercy in his blood. He firmly pulled my ear and said, "Brother, I just woke up the goddess of laziness and bestowed upon her the amazing title of 'sleeping beauty' in the most incredible way. I must say, I did a great job since even the roar of a lion couldn't wake up the princess."

Before I could complain further, I heard a chuckle escape from my eldest brother's mouth. Just as I was about to utter nonsense, he ended the conversation, asking us to get ready and reach the practice field downstairs, as we were already running late. Then, he left the room with my brother Abhimanyu, settling the entire matter.

As memories flooded my mind, a bittersweet smile tugged at my lips, and my eyes brimmed with tears, yet I refused to let them fall. "I'm getting weak, jeshth bhraata (elder brother). I am getting weak today. I can't fight them... I can't. How will I, brother? How will I?" My voice trembled with pain and desperation. "He is the man I loved. He is the man I admired. How can I fight him? HOW CAN I? How can Manik Pratap Singh be so cruel to wage a war against us? He loved me. We were deeply in love, so why? Why did he betray me, brother? Why?"

The emotions inside me surged, and I wanted to scream, to let the turmoil consume me, but I couldn't. Love, they say, weakens the strongest of hearts, and today, I bore witness to that truth, with Manik as the cause. Yet, amidst the pain, my determination burned fiercely. My love for my brothers and my kingdom would become my armor, and I swore to seek revenge. It was a solemn pledge etched in my heart. This wasn't the time to be weak. I brushed away the tears, and with unwavering resolve, I stood tall before the mirror, locking eyes with my own fiery reflection.

To my brothers, who defied the norms of the kingdom and taught me the art of war, making me one of the strongest warriors in the realm, I vowed not to falter. Today's failure would not define me, for tomorrow would be a new battle. Your sister won't weaken, my dear brothers. Manik Pratap Singh, mark my words, you will regret this war for the rest of your life. The fire within me would blaze brighter than ever before, fueled by love, determination, and the thirst for justice.

I really hope you liked these chapters.