CHAPTER 5

Manik's POV:

The evening had settled in, and as the birds returned to their nests, a haunting calm enveloped me, allowing me to hear the echoes of my own heartbeats. Gazing at the stars above, I felt the weight of regret pressing down on me. Yes, we had emerged victorious in the war, but the cost was immense. The one who had lost everything was the very person who meant everything to me. Nandini, the one who loved me with all her heart, and now I stood as the one who had killed her family with my own hands. How could I face her? How could she ever forgive me for this act of brutality? The love she had shown me was the lifeline that kept me going. In the darkest of nights, she had been my beacon of hope. She was my reason for survival, and now, I had taken everything from her.

I regretted not revealing our love to father. Perhaps, if he had known, things could have been different.

"Manik!"

My best friend, Aakash, called out to me, breaking through my thoughts.

"Yes, Aakash, do you need something?"

"Manik, I understand what you're going through, but we can't avoid this situation. We won the war, but Nandini is now our prisoner. We are leaving for Pratapgarh tomorrow morning, and it's best if you talk to her before we leave."

"I can't face her, Aakash."

"You have to, Manik, whether it's today or tomorrow. The sooner, the better. It won't be easy, but it's necessary. We must confront the consequences of our actions."

"I agree. I must face her, but the turmoil inside me is unbearable. How can I look into her eyes after causing so much pain and loss? Will she ever find it in her heart to forgive me?"

"Manik, time is running out. Tomorrow, you will meet her as a Yuvraj, not just her 'maan' (beloved). This might be your last chance to talk to her as the person she once loved. Go and meet her, Manik. I'll take care of the final preparations and arrangements."

As Aakash mentioned the word 'maan,' tears welled up in my eyes. The weight of my actions and their consequences hit me like a tidal wave. But I can't afford to wallow in regret any longer. I need to face Nandini, to have an honest conversation with her. Aakash is right; this could be my last opportunity to speak to her as her beloved 'maan.'

Determined yet apprehensive, Manik advanced towards Nandini's chambers. With every step, he couldn't help but fear the enigmatic woman before him. Nandini was like water, capable of being calm and life-giving, but when hurt or angry, she could unleash a fury akin to a devastating tsunami. This girl was anything but weak and failure was not in her vocabulary. In an era when girls were confined to the kitchen and denied education, when royal ladies were expected to be mere adornments and please their husbands, Nandini defied the norms. What he admired most about her family was their progressive mindset. They had the courage to send her to the gurukul to acquire knowledge of literature and politics, to train in the arts of war. However, she was not yet prepared to go to battle. She was a strong-willed girl with an aura that commanded respect. Facing her now, in this situation, was akin to inviting one's own demise. Manik was about to confront the wrath of this formidable goddess.

Nandini stared at her reflection in the mirror, her light pink outfit now tattered, stained with blood, and caked in dirt. The jewels she wore sparkled, but the radiance that once glowed in her eyes was now absent.

In an attempt to find solace, Nandini made her way to the restroom, where only a few lamps provided dim light. With each step she took on the stairs, she shed her ornaments, symbolizing the loss she had endured. Finally, she stood by her private pond, clad in a single cloth. As the chilled water embraced her, she closed her eyes, trying to escape the harsh reality. The events of the past few hours replayed in the darkness behind her closed eyes, but strangely, her tears had run dry. Her voice felt lifeless, her heart numb, unable to process the enormity of the tragedy that had befallen her.

After taking a moment to collect herself, Nandini opened her eyes. Once these eyes had held the beauty of a lotus flower, vibrant with emotions, but now they were dull and lifeless. They mirrored the soul of a girl who had been robbed of everything but hatred.

Nandini moved to her dressing area and retrieved a complete black outfit, symbolizing the darkness that now enveloped her heart. She carefully draped the black cloth around herself, as if mourning the loss of her former self.

As she stood before the mirror, Nandini absentmindedly tied her hair into a half bun, leaving the rest cascading down her shoulders. When she caught her reflection, she noticed the hairstyle - a style he used to love. A single tear escaped her eye, tracing a path down her emotionless face. The sight was a poignant reminder of the love they once shared, now lost in the chaos of war.

CHAPTER 6

Childhood is often considered the best phase of one's life, filled with love and warm memories. But for Nandini, being born as a princess didn't guarantee a life of ease and comfort. Her journey began amidst struggles and challenges that would shape her into the warrior she was destined to become.

Nineteen years ago, darkness draped the palace on a fateful night, and the queen's agonizing screams echoed even in its silent corners. The atmosphere was tense as the queen battled through labor, giving birth to her third child. However, the circumstances were grim; she had conceived just seven months ago, and her life and the child's life were hanging by a thread. The entire kingdom was on edge, praying fervently for the well-being of the mother and the unborn child.

The night was long and arduous, and every passing moment was fraught with anxiety. The precarious situation gripped everyone's hearts, and they braced for the unknown. Then, in the midst of that tension, a cry pierced the air- the newborn baby had arrived. But with the infant's cries, the queen's screams faded, and a hushed silence enveloped the room. For a fleeting moment, every soul held their breath in anticipation.

The baby was born, but the joy was laced with sorrow. As the kingdom celebrated a new life, they mourned the loss of a beloved queen. And in that moment, Nandini's journey as a princess commenced- a journey marked by fortitude, resilience, and the unwavering spirit of a true warrior.

The lady entered the chamber across the labor room, cradling the newborn in her arms, where the royals, the king, and his two sons eagerly awaited. Their faces beamed with anticipation and joy, but the lady's countenance told a different tale. Her eyes glistened with tears, and her face bore the weight of profound pain. The king noticed her distress and stepped closer, concern etched across his face. "Is everything alright, dear lady?" he inquired, reaching out to hold the newborn in his arms.

With a heavy heart, the lady replied, "The girl born is a bad omen, Your Majesty. She devoured her mother at the very moment of her birth. The queen is no more. The queen has left us."

The words reverberated in the chamber, turning the atmosphere into one of mourning and sorrow. Everyone present shared in the grief, and the king stood motionless, unable to comprehend the depth of his loss. The lady he loved dearly had passed away, leaving him adrift in a sea of despair. His mind was blank, and his heart seemed to have ceased to beat as he stared at the void before him. However, amidst the melancholy, the cries of the little one reached his ears, pulling him back from the abyss.

He looked down at the tiny being in his arms, struggling and vulnerable, and in that moment, he felt a surge of strength coursing through him. This girl, with her almond-shaped eyes and chubby cheeks, swathed in a delicate, skin-colored silk cloth, was the embodiment of the dreams he had shared with his wife. She carried the essence of their love, and her very existence became his anchor in the storm of sorrow. In her, he found the will to carry on, to protect, and to cherish the memory of his beloved queen forever.

"This girl... this girl ate her mother. Kill her, just kill her. She doesn't deserve to live. She's nothing but a bad omen," screamed the queen mother, her words dripping with venomous hatred. "Yes, brother, just dispose of this piece of meat. She brought bad luck with her birth. She doesn't deserve to live. Kill her. Bury her alive!"

"What do you mean, aunt? She is our sister, born just a few moments back. What fault does she have in all this?" pleaded Abhi, trying to reason with his aunt's rage.

"Abhi, my son, she killed your mother! She made you an orphan, my boy! She isn't your sister. She should be put to death," she insisted.

But Harsh, their elder brother, couldn't bear the hatred in their words any longer. "She shouldn't be killed!" he cried out passionately. "If we lost our mother, then so did she. If we became orphans, then so did she. Our mother sacrificed her life for her birth, and it's now our duty to ensure she is given the best life. She is our sister. She is the princess of this kingdom, and she will rule it in the future. We will protect her with our lives. From now on, we will be her golden armor."

"But Harsh..."

"Enough!" The king's voice boomed, silencing the room. "Be careful, everyone. You are talking about my daughter, the girl born of Swati. She is my NANDINI, who will bring life and happiness to this kingdom. She is my princess, and I will make sure she is blessed with the best. She is the future of this realm, and no harm shall come to her while I am king!"

CHAPTER 7

It had been a month since that dark night, and the royal priest arrived at the kingdom, a revered figure whose presence demanded respect. All the royals, including the princes, who were 9 and 12 years older than Princess Nandini, were gathered in the grand hall. The little bundle of cuteness was cradled in the warm embrace of her eldest brother, while Abhi lovingly caressed her head. Some onlookers watched this scene with envy, while others couldn't help but admire the love and bond that radiated from the trio. Meanwhile, the queen mother and the king's sisters harbored silent curses for the newborn.

The announcement of the royal priest's arrival echoed through the hall, and everyone stood in reverence. The king welcomed the priest, washing his feet and ensuring his comfort in the royal chamber. After conversing with the members of the royal family, the priest finally graced the little princess. He carefully took her into his arms, studying the lines on her palm, his expressions changing as he delved into her destiny.

Returning the baby to her father's arms, the priest requested a pen and paper from his companion. He began drawing intricate patterns and performing calculations. As he worked, his countenance shifted, and finally, he stood up, his gaze fixed on the face of the little princess, who was now playfully sucking on her father's necklace beads. A small smile formed on his lips as he looked at her cute, innocent face.

The air in the room seemed to hold its breath as the royal priest appeared deep in thought, his eyes revealing that something significant had been revealed through his calculations. Everyone's eyes were drawn to him, eager to learn what the future held for the beloved princess. The room filled with anticipation and curiosity, as the destiny of Princess Nandini hung in the balance, awaiting the words of the royal priest.

"EVERYONE! I REPEAT, EVERYONE WILL BOW IN RESPECT. THE UNIVERSE WILL BE IN AWE OF HER. NONE WILL HAVE THE COURAGE TO RAISE THEIR HEAD HIGH, NOT EVEN IN THE SHADOW OF HER PRESENCE. SHE WILL WIELD THE SWORD OF JUSTICE AND CRUSH EVIL BENEATH HER FEET. SHE WILL FIGHT TILL HER LAST BREATH, AND HER NAME, HER LEGACY WILL ECHO THROUGH ETERNITY. YOU ARE BLESSED, MY KING! QUEEN SWATI WAS BLESSED! A QUEEN BIRTHED A QUEEN! THE GREATEST QUEEN OF PAST, PRESENT, AND FUTURE IS BORN."

As the words of the royal priest echoed in the grand hall, a hushed silence enveloped the room. Everyone's faces were etched with awe and disbelief. No one could have imagined that the girl who was once cursed from the moment of her birth would ascend to greatness and become the greatest queen of all time.

The king, who had been looking downcast, felt a gentle touch on his chin. He looked down at the little bundle of cuteness cradled in his arms, her innocent eyes gazing up at him. The princess sucked on his beads, seeking his attention, and with a soft smile, he touched her tiny hand. In an instant, her delicate fingers wrapped around his own, and he could feel the bond forming between them.

Tears of pride welled up in the king's eyes, overwhelmed with joy and emotion. His heart swelled with a mixture of happiness and anticipation, knowing that this precious little princess held a destiny beyond anyone's comprehension. The weight of the priest's words and the future they foretold sent shivers down his spine.

In that moment, as the king held his daughter close, he realized that she was destined for greatness. She would bring honor, glory, and a reign of compassion that would be remembered for ages. Goosebumps erupted on his skin as he looked into her eyes, feeling an inexplicable connection to the innocent soul entrusted to his care. The room was filled with an electrifying energy, and everyone could feel the prophecy's magnitude in their bones.

The king knew that from this day forward, he would protect his daughter with all his might, for she was destined to be the greatest queen the world had ever seen. The tears on his cheeks were no longer tears of sorrow but tears of pride and determination. With newfound resolve, he vowed to nurture her, guide her, and prepare her for the extraordinary destiny that awaited her. The little princess, still unaware of her grand future, continued to suck on her father's finger, her small actions unknowingly setting in motion a chain of events that would shape the course of history.

And so, in that grand hall, the prophecy was spoken, and the little princess, named Nandini, was destined to become the embodiment of strength, love, and power- the greatest queen of past, present, and future.

"I knew she was a warrior, the one who defied death and came into this world. She is my little princess, and I won't let her ever regret her birth. She will receive all the education her heart desires. She may have been born as a daughter to me, but she will enjoy all the rights and privileges that my son does. If she wants to learn cooking, princess manners, and fashion, that will be her choice, but I will also ensure she acquires all the skills of a warrior," declared the king with unwavering determination and immense pride.

The shock from the earlier proclamation had barely settled when another bold statement was made. The queen mother, seated on her couch, stood up abruptly, her face contorted with anger. "NO. This won't happen ever. This girl was a bad omen, but you let her live. Okay, I accepted. You gave her the title of princess, I accepted. But giving her education? NO. I won't allow it. No girl ever had education, touched a sword, and none ever will. I won't allow her to get any..." Her voice trailed off as a sudden loud and adorable scream pierced the air, emanating from the little princess. It was as if she was commanding the queen mother to stop.

The room fell silent as all eyes turned to the baby girl, who continued to mutter in her cute, babyish voice, expressing her defiance. In that moment, the little Nandini became the center of attention, and everyone was captivated by her. Even the queen mother found herself momentarily distracted, her anger replaced by a mix of awe and amusement.

It was as if fate itself had intervened, using the little princess's innocent cry to silence opposition. The king's determination remained unshaken, and his gaze, filled with love and resolve, never left his daughter. He knew that the path he had chosen for Nandini was unconventional, but he was determined to pave the way for her to become the person she was destined to be.

CHAPTER 8

As the door of the room creaked open, Nandini was jolted out of her reverie. Her eyes locked onto the person standing there, and a wave of intense hatred washed over her. It was Manik Pratap Singh, the man she had once loved and admired, now turned into the cause of her pain and suffering.

He stepped into the room, his eyes filled with remorse and guilt. The weight of his actions was evident in his every movement. But Nandini was in no mood to show him any mercy. She couldn't forget the betrayal, the loss of her family, and the heartache he had caused her.

"Manik," she spat his name like venom, "I never thought you could stoop so low. You were the one I trusted with my heart, and you crushed it without a second thought."

Manik's face contorted with pain as he tried to find the right words to say, but he knew that no words could ever undo the damage he had done. He took a hesitant step towards her, but Nandini held up her hand to stop him.

"Don't even try to explain," she said, her voice laced with bitterness. "I don't want to hear your excuses or your apologies. You made your choice, and now you have to live with the consequences."

Her words hit him like a dagger to the heart, and he bowed his head in shame. "I know I can never undo what I did," he said softly. "I don't expect forgiveness, Nandini. I only hope that someday you can find it in your heart to move on."

But Nandini wasn't ready to let go of her anger just yet. She had lost everything because of him, and she couldn't fathom how he could expect her to forgive so easily. "Move on?" she scoffed. "Do you think it's that simple? My family is gone because of you. My kingdom is in ruins. How do you expect me to just move on?"

Manik's eyes were filled with tears as he looked at the woman he had once loved with all his heart. "I never wanted this," he whispered. "I never wanted to hurt you. But I was bound by duty and loyalty to my kingdom."

"Duty and loyalty?" Nandini's voice rose with anger. "Is that what you call it? Loyalty to a kingdom that would attack and destroy another in their moment of grief?"

Manik was silent, unable to find an answer to her accusations. He knew he had made a grave mistake, and he would carry the burden of it for the rest of his life.

Nandini took a deep breath, trying to reign in her emotions. "I don't know if I'll ever be able to forgive you," she said, her voice softening slightly. "But I won't let your actions break me. I will rise from the ashes of my kingdom, and I will rebuild it, stronger than ever before."

She looked him straight in the eyes, her determination shining through. "You may have taken everything from me, but you won't take my spirit. I am still a warrior, and I will fight for my kingdom until my last breath."

"Nandu..." Manik tried to speak, but she interrupted him, denying him the right to address her affectionately. "Naah, Yuvraj Manik, you don't have any right to call me that. Only my people can call me Nandu. I am just a princess to you, nothing more than that."

In Manik's eyes, Nandini could see the agony of being nothing to her. She took a deep breath and glanced at him from head to toe. The boy she once knew at the gurukul had transformed into a real warrior, a well-built man.

"Nandini, give me a chance to explain myself, please. I didn't have any other option. I had to fulfill my duties towards my kingdom, and..." Manik's voice trailed off as Nandini's anger flared.

"And you chose to bury me alive under the dead bodies of my loved ones," she lashed out, her voice rising with every word. "You chose to stain my birthplace red with the blood of thousands of innocents. You brightened the darkness of my palace with the warmth from the Jauhar Kund. You decided to destroy me, to destroy us, all for the greed of land. Congratulations, Yuvraj Manik Pratap Singh, you won this war. Here you have a great feast at your feet – my kingdom and I stand before you."

Her words dripped with bitterness and hatred, and she dared him to inflict upon her the same fate suffered by captured females in war. Nandini's tone turned mocking, taunting him, while she masked her own heartbreak. "Oh, yes, I knew you would surely come. And that's why I'm ready for you. I took a bath, wore your favorite color, applied your favorite perfume, and even tied my hair in the pattern you once liked. From top to bottom, I am decorated just the way you loved once."

She dropped her chunni off her shoulder, trying to provoke him further. "Sun will rise soon, come and enjoy, Yuvraj. I'm ready to serve you like a captured slave." The words rolled off her tongue venomously.

In an instant, Nandini felt a sharp pain on her cheek as Manik's hand delivered a resounding slap. The force made her stumble, but she remained defiant, refusing to let the tears spill from her eyes. The confrontation between the two fierce souls reached its peak, emotions and determination colliding in a tumultuous storm that would forever change their destinies.

"Nandu.." he called out, and I turned my face towards him. My heart ached at the sight of tears wetting his cheeks, but I couldn't let myself give in to his emotions. The pain in his eyes mirrored the turmoil in my heart, the regret, and the disappointment. With a heavy heart, he turned around and retraced his steps, leaving me alone in my chamber.

As soon as he left, I collapsed, falling to the floor with a thud. The floodgates of my emotions burst open, and tears streamed down my petal-shaped eyes. The physical pain I had endured in the past few hours paled in comparison to the anguish my heart had been carrying for the past week.

"You killed me, Manik. You killed US. You had the power to stop all this, but you chose destruction. Now, I will witness your downfall, Manik Pratap Singh. The night may have been dark for me, but tomorrow's sunrise will bring no brightness for you. I will light up my dark night with the fire of destruction, one that will engulf the land of your empire. I will not rest until I have dismantled every person who had a hand in planning, plotting, and executing this war. Be ready, Manik, for the game has just begun."

With newfound determination, I wiped away my tears and steeled myself for the battles to come. My heart was still heavy with pain, but I knew that I couldn't let it weaken me. Instead, I would use my pain as fuel, channeling it into the fierce fire of vengeance. The little princess who once had dreams of love and happiness now embraced her destiny as a warrior queen, ready to face any challenge that stood in her way.

CHAPTER 9

Manik's POV

Each word she spoke pierced my heart like a thousand needles. How could she even think that I went there to use her body? The accusation was a crushing blow, shattering the trust I believed we shared. Yes, I had wronged her family, but I am still her Maan, her beloved. The weight of my guilt intensified as memories of my father's promise to the king of Kaling resurfaced. I was bound to fight that war, trapped in a fate I couldn't escape.

As she stepped closer, I felt suffocated, torn between explaining my actions and simply holding her tight. Her every movement was agonizingly poignant. And then, in a heart-wrenching moment, she let her dupatta slip to the floor, a symbol of her pain and vulnerability. My heart stopped, realizing the depth of my loss.

In the battle I fought and won, I conquered the enemy but lost my nandu, my everything. I grieved for the love that slipped through my fingers like sand. But I refused to accept defeat. I vowed to earn her forgiveness, to rekindle the love we once shared.

With the rising sun, a new resolve surged within me. Sleepless and tormented by pain, I faced the day with determination. My love would be my strength, driving me to win her back.

Aakash informed me that all the preparations were complete, and the general of the army had gone to retrieve the princess from her chamber. I nodded, my mind racing with uncertainty. Aakash had arranged a temporary team of advisors to handle affairs on our behalf until an official order was passed. We had no idea what demands the enemy king might impose on our kingdom. I instructed them to ensure the safety and well-being of our people, especially the women and children. Respect and care should be their priority; no offense should be made against the females here.

As I was giving my instructions to the head advisor, a faint sound of clashing iron chains reached my ears. I turned my head to the left, and my heart sank in shock. There stood Princess Nandini, bound completely in heavy and rusted iron chains. The very same princess who was once treated with the utmost delicacy now lay amidst thorns of cruelty. It looked as if petals were lying on the thrones. The sight before my eyes pained my heart, making it hard to breathe. The wine-colored outfit that once screamed royalty was now obscured by these shackles.

I felt a surge of vulnerability, and my voice refused to escape my throat. My cheeks dampened with tears, and an overwhelming rage coursed through me. I wanted to strike down the person responsible for putting her in such a degrading situation. She was not only a princess but also a woman, and no woman deserved such treatment merely because she belonged to a defeated community. Her suffering was not her fault, and this behavior towards her was utterly unacceptable.

What do u think? Manik kya paa paayega nandini ko waapis??

Do you think nandini should forgive him??

Will he be able to get her forgiveness ever?