CHAPTER 10

Nandini's POV:

These past 48 hours have shattered me completely. I'm no longer the cheerful and vibrant princess I used to be. Today, I stand broken and defeated. Once, I roamed the palace with the freedom and freshness of the wind, but now I'm trapped in my own chamber, a captive of the enemy.

Behind the high walls of the palace, my people suffer, and I fear for their safety. The royal and high-class women may have sacrificed themselves, but what about the poor ladies of our kingdom? I must ensure their well-being, sparing them from any harm.

I need to talk to Manik about this, but the man I encountered moments ago is not the person I once knew. In this situation, I can't easily entrust him with the safety of my people. Nevertheless, I must have a conversation with him, seeking whatever reassurance I can.

I changed into the wine-colored outfit, its royal gold embellishments along the edges symbolizing the strength of a female warrior- a personal favorite of mine. Opting for minimal jewelry, I adorned myself with a few cherished pieces gifted by close family. As I admired the accessories, my gaze fell on my ring finger. I always wore the ring that Manik had given me- a promise and a token of our love. But now, it will be gone forever, and a tear escaped my eye as I realized that this would be the last time it graced my finger.

Attempting to remove it, I found it stubbornly clinging to my skin. In the past five years, I had never taken it off until today. Now, it seemed destined to part ways with me.

A sudden thud echoed through the room, pulling my attention towards the door. The head general entered, accompanied by a group of soldiers. I frowned as I looked at him, bracing myself for what was to come. He took a few steps closer, a smirk forming on his lips. "Come on, princess, oops, not a princess anymore, right?" The soldiers joined in laughter, mocking my misery. "Come, girl, it's time to leave this kingdom and accompany us to the kingdom of the great rulers. Come, Let's go."

He turned away but paused, resuming with even greater cruelty. "But... not as a princess, because you aren't one anymore. Bring the chains. You are a prisoner, and we shall honor you as one."

My heart pounded wildly as the sight of those cruel iron chains came into view. In that moment, time seemed to slow, and I took a sharp breath, my eyes welling up with tears. As a princess, my honor was a precious possession, and I couldn't fathom being bound in chains like a common criminal. This was an indignity I couldn't bear; it was unacceptable.

But before I could fully process the gravity of the situation, a searing pain shot through my hair, and I was harshly yanked forward. The general's grip was callous and brutal, and I winced as he flung me onto a center table. Gathering my strength, I quickly got back on my feet, my mind racing with fear and determination.

"Bind her!" the general barked, and like a swarm of bees, soldiers surrounded me with swift and ruthless hands. The clinking of cold, unyielding iron echoed in my ears as they imprisoned me against my will. It happened so fast; I had no time to resist, and before I knew it, the chains constricted around me, a cruel symbol of captivity.

In that moment, a surge of anger and resentment surged within me, and my heart seethed with fury. Manik Pratap Singh's actions had led me to this wretched state, and I couldn't help but hate him more than ever.

Their cruel laughter mocked my plight as one of the soldiers jeered, "Will you move yourself, or shall we drag you like the bitch you are?"

His words were like a venomous sting, fueling my determination to rise above their cruelty. I wouldn't allow myself to be broken by their heartless taunts.

Another soldier chimed in, "I truly wish to enjoy your beauty, making you a bitch, but... nevermind, we will compromise with some dark-skinned ones of your kingdom. Let's move."

Their vile words disgusted me, but they also ignited a fierce resolve within me. Taking a deep breath to steady myself, I held my head high, refusing to let their callous remarks break my spirit.

"I am not an object for you to demean and insult," I retorted, my voice quivering with emotion. "My spirit is unbreakable, and I will rise above this darkness."

In that moment of darkness, I found the strength to carry on, to defy them and fight for my freedom. My determination burned brighter than ever, and I knew that no matter what they threw at me, I would endure, unyielding and unbroken.

The weight of uncertainty and foreboding hung heavily on my heart as I walked along the path, possibly for the last time. Every step felt poignant, and I took in the surroundings, savoring the familiar corners and details. The east direction led to the meeting hall, where perhaps I could find Manik. I knew I had to be strong; I couldn't afford to show weakness now. My people's lives were at stake, and I was determined to ensure their well-being and safety.

CHAPTER 11

As I entered the meeting hall, I spotted Manik standing at the center, engaged in conversation with a stranger I didn't recognize. I walked with a slight stumble, the sound of the iron chains drawing the attention of everyone present. Instantly, Manik's expression changed from neutral to fury, and his veins seemed to pulse with anger. Did he not know about my situation? The chaos and power dynamics were overwhelming, leaving me lost and confused. I could barely comprehend who was giving orders, who was the ruler, and who were the followers.

"Who in the f*cking hell bound her in chains?" Manik's voice thundered, and fear coursed through me. The look on his face was fierce, and I shivered at the intensity of his anger.

"Crowned prince, my king ordered me to drag this bitch..." the general stammered, trying to explain.

Manik's voice cut him off with unwavering authority. "Shut up. Mind your words, General. Don't forget who is in power here. The King of Kaling may rule in his own kingdom, but within these walls, the flag of Pratapganj flies with pride. This soil belongs to Maheshgarh, and she is the princess of this kingdom. You cannot disrespect her like this. Release her right now, bend in respect, and apologize."

The tension in the room was palpable as silence fell. Manik's command was undeniable, and the general had no choice but to comply.

"But, Crowned prince..." the general hesitated.

"I SAID RIGHT NOW. RELEASE AND BEND DOWN!" Manik's authoritative voice echoed in the hall, leaving no room for defiance.

In that moment, I saw a glimpse of the man I once knew, the one who stood up for justice and honor. His unwavering support filled me with a mix of emotions- relief, hope, and a flicker of faith in a seemingly chaotic world.

A shiver ran down my spine as the tension in the room grew palpable. The general released me, humbled and on his knees, apologizing for his actions. However, my mind felt numb with confusion. How was Kaling involved in this matter? I needed answers, but first and foremost, I had a responsibility to ensure the safety and security of the women in my kingdom.

I mustered my courage and addressed Yuvraj Manik Pratap Singh, "I request some privacy with you. As a princess of this kingdom, I have certain responsibilities to fulfill."

Joining my hands in a humble plea, I continued, "I request you, Crowned Prince, kindly hear me out once."

He nodded, and with his command, everyone vacated the room, leaving us alone for our conversation.

"Nandini, I apologize on their behalf," Manik began, trying to address the situation.

"It's okay," I replied, "but I'm here to discuss the security of my people, especially the women."

Reassurance flickered in his eyes as he responded, "You don't need to worry about them, Nandini. They will be safe here. I have already taken the necessary measures. I assure you the rest. Trust me."

"Trust?" I sighed, my eyes scanning the hall. Once, this palace had been my haven, my happy place, but today it felt unfamiliar and distant.

"Being honest, I can't trust easily, but I don't have many options," I admitted, my heart heavy with the burden of my circumstances.

Manik's voice softened as he spoke, "I love you, Nandini. I never wanted to raise arms against your family. I know my every attempt must have shattered your heart, but our my constraints are veiled from you now. Give me a chance to unveil them."

In his words, I sensed his sincerity, and the emotions he held back behind the facade of duty and power. My heart wavered, torn between my past perceptions of him and the glimmer of vulnerability he showed.

"Mere sach ko beparda hone ka moka den ek dffaa," he whispered, urging me to give him a chance to be honest.

Taking a few steps towards him, I mustered my courage and spoke, "No matter what your circumstances were, there could have been a solution. But you chose not to find it. As I have always said, Yuvraj, YOU CHOSE THIS WAR."

"Nandu..." he murmured, a hint of regret in his voice.

I took a deep breath, gathering my emotions, and continued in a firm tone, pouring my heart out in verses that echoed the pain in my soul.

"दुश्मनों की तलवार से वो आह कहां निकलती है

असली चिंख तो किसी अपने का खंजर निकाल जाता है

दर्द हज़ार हो भला पर दर्द-ए-मोहब्बत का कोई कहां मुकाबला कर पाता है।"

My voice quivered with the intensity of my emotions as I laid bare the truth of our love and its painful consequences.

"हमने तो सच्ची मोहब्बत की थी आपसे हुजूर,

पर गुलामी की जंजीरों में अपनी मोहब्बत को आज दम तोड़ता पाया है।

काश समझ जाते आप की किस कदर इश्क किया था हमने,

पर कोई बात नहीं, मोहब्बत ना सही,

इस धोखे ने आज हर पर्दा उठाया है।"

With each word, my pain and disappointment were laid bare. The love we once shared seemed tarnished now, lost amidst the chains of servitude and deception. I wished he could understand the depth of my love, but it seemed like a futile hope now. The veil of deception had been lifted, revealing the harsh truth that left me broken and vulnerable.

Pain never come from the sword of the enemy

The death comes from the dagger of our own people.

There may be thousands of pains but none can compete the pain of love.

We had really loved you sir,

But today I witnessed my love dying in the chains of slavery.

I wish you could understand how much I loved you,

But it doesn't matter, if love can't

This deception has raised every veil today.

As the lines escaped my lips, a solitary tear trickled down my cheek, mirroring the tear that fell from his. The pain was raw and overwhelming, but amidst it all, the love I held for my family remained unwavering, like a strong-rooted tree that couldn't be easily uprooted. Their love would strengthen me, empowering me to face every obstacle on my path to seek justice and revenge.

In that moment, my determination crystallized, and I vowed to destroy everything that Yuvraj Manik Pratap Singh held dear. The betrayal I felt had ignited a fire within me, and I knew I would stop at nothing to avenge the pain and suffering he had caused.

My heart might be broken, but my spirit remained unyielding. I would rise from the ashes of my shattered dreams and forge a path of strength and resilience. This pain might hurt, but it would fuel my quest for justice, driving me forward with a force he couldn't comprehend.

The wheels of revenge were set in motion, and my purpose became clear. I would dismantle the walls of deceit, and no matter how long it took, I would ensure that Manik Pratap Singh faced the consequences of his actions.What do you think.. manik rok skta tha is ldaai ko??

CHAPTER 12

Manik's POV:

As Nandini's words pierced my heart, tears welled up in my eyes. She confessed what I had yearned to hear, yet her words were filled with hurt, anger, and hatred. I knew I deserved every ounce of pain she felt, and it made it hard for me to breathe. The weight of her suffering weighed heavily on my soul, and I longed to comfort her, to hold her close and ease her pain. But I knew I had lost that right, and it tore me apart.

"I will wait outside," I managed to say, my voice trembling with emotion.

"I join my hands and request you to kindly acknowledge my request regarding the women of my kingdom, Yuvraj. They aren't involved in any kind of political hatred, so they shouldn't be punished simply for being citizens of our kingdom." She said the moment I turned around.

I nodded, feeling the weight of her plea. "Please, Nandini, trust me on this. None of them will bear the brunt of this war. I promise you that soon this kingdom and its people will be yours entirely. I will talk to my father and- "

But before I could finish, she cut me off with a heartbreaking resignation, "Yuvraj, I don't want to hear promises that will evaporate with time. I don't expect anything from you, Yuvraj. Do your duty; you are a prince, and I am your slave. Take me to your kingdom as the slave I am."

Her words struck me like a dagger, and I realized that the divide between us was deeper than I had ever imagined. I had lost her trust, and I knew that words alone couldn't mend the shattered bond between us. Her pain and disillusionment were justified, and all I could do now was to prove my sincerity through my actions.

I wanted to tell her that I would do whatever it took to earn back her trust, to make amends for my mistakes, but I knew that words had lost their power. Only time, genuine effort, and a change in my ways could heal the wounds I had inflicted.

As she walked away, I felt a sense of emptiness, knowing that the distance between us had grown immeasurable. But deep down, I held on to a glimmer of hope that one day, if I proved myself worthy, I might find a way to earn back her love and forgiveness.

Hearing her refer to herself as a slave ignited a surge of anger within me. "Nandini, for the very last time, I am making it clear that you are not a slave. So don't you dare call yourself that. Now, let's move," I asserted firmly, determined to remind her of her true identity as a princess.

As we set out on our journey, I decided to give her the freedom to choose how she wanted to travel. "Horse or a palanquin? What would work for you?" I asked, considering her comfort.

"I'm comfortable with any and everything, Yuvraj. Whatever suits the Crowned Prince will work for me too," she replied, her words laced with an air of resignation.

Knowing her fondness for horses, I decided to let her ride. We embarked on our journey, making our way towards our destination and setting up camp for our army as the sun began to set.

In the midst of everything settling down, I noticed a familiar figure on the seashore. Even in the dim light, I could recognize her instantly. It was Nandini. Without a word, Aakash patted my shoulder, understanding my unspoken thoughts, and left me to approach her.

My heart pounding, I took slow and steady steps towards her, unsure of how she would react to my presence. The distance between us seemed both infinite and fragile, as if the weight of our past was holding us apart. But I couldn't ignore the pull, the magnetic force that drew me to her.

As I was about to playfully startle her from behind, she spoke, her voice calm and composed, "Jaante hain aap hain, Yuvraj." I couldn't help but chuckle, even in this somber moment. "It is so unfair, Nandu... How can you always manage to identify me?" I mumbled, sulking playfully beside her.

Sitting together, the evening sun bathed her in a heavenly glow. Her head rested on her knees, and a faint smile graced her lips, yet I could still see the lingering traces of moisture in her eyes. I knew she was upset, and it pained me not knowing how to comfort her.

I turned my gaze towards the flowing river, searching for the right words to say, when she broke the silence, "Yuvraj, how is the Prince of Kaling involved in all this?"

CHAPTER 13

"Yuvraj, how is the Prince of Kaling involved in all this?"

The question caught me off guard, and I took a moment to gather my thoughts. "Nandini, it's complicated," I began, my voice tinged with frustration. "The King of Kaling, his son, and my father had a peace treaty to fight this war together. However, I suspect that some within our court might be using this opportunity to further their own ambitions, leading to misunderstandings and tensions between our kingdoms."

I hesitated for a moment before continuing, "But, Nandini, I promise you that I will do everything in my power to protect you and your people. I will ensure that no harm comes to Maheshgarh because of this war. I owe it to you, and I owe it to myself to make amends for the mistakes I've made."

My heart pounded with a mix of jealousy, anger, and possessiveness. "How do you know about him? Is there anything, Nandini, which I don't know yet?" I questioned, unable to bear the thought of her being associated with another man. I resented hearing any other man's name on her lips, for she was mine, and she alone had the right to speak my name.

Her sharp intake of breath suggested that she understood my turmoil. With a solemn expression, she turned to face me and replied, "I know him."

Her words only added fuel to the fire inside me. My jaw clenched, and I fought to control my emotions as she continued, "He asked for my hand in marriage a few months back."

Hearing this, anger coursed through my veins. How dare he think he deserves the queen of my heart? Nandini was more than a princess; she was divine, while he, in my eyes, seemed unworthy of being called a prince. The mere thought of him touching her filled me with rage. She was the love of my life, and I vowed to protect her from anyone who dared to come between us.

Without a word, I stood up and took a few steps towards the shore. The waves crashing against the rocks mirrored the turmoil inside me. I knew I had to remain composed, but the thought of losing her to another man ignited a fierce determination within me. I would never let anyone take her away from me, no matter the cost.

As if sensing my feelings, nandini muttered, "I refused him manik." As Nandini revealed that she had refused the Prince of Kaling, a sense of relief washed over me. But the intensity of my emotions remained unchanged. I couldn't bear the thought of losing her, not now, not ever.

Ruffling my hair in frustration, I approached her and knelt before her. "I know, Nandini. I love you. I know the situation is dire, but I don't want to lose you... never ever," I confessed, pouring my heart out. I leaned in to kiss her forehead, wanting to comfort her, but she hesitated and moved back slightly. The awkwardness hung in the air, making me feel vulnerable.

Feeling the tension, I decided to give her some space. "It's not safe here. Move inside the camp. We have to resume our journey as the sun rises. Sweet dreams," I said, trying to mask my disappointment with a sense of responsibility. With a heavy heart, I turned away and started walking towards the camp, not daring to look back.

As I made my way back to my chamber, the weight of the situation bore down on me. I loved her, and I know she loves me, but the circumstances were complicated. My duty as a prince conflicted with my desires as a man in love. I couldn't let my emotions cloud my judgment, not when so much was at stake.

The night passed restlessly, my mind filled with thoughts of Nandini. The sun finally rose, and I steeled myself for the challenges that lay ahead. I had to protect her, even if it meant putting my own happiness on hold.