CHAPTER 17

As the evening event unfolded, Nandini graced the occasion wearing one of the beautiful outfits Sunaina had gifted. Amidst the laughter and music, she found herself embracing the warmth and love of the new kingdom but she knew the fact that it was for the win of Manik in her kingdom. It was the celebration of the death of her loved ones. It was the warmth of her hatred boiling her blood that kept her warm, not the presence of people around her.

She was silently planning in her mind regarding the journey she needed to travel ahead for the revenge of the blood flow of her people, for the cries of the children who lost their parents, for the women who submitted themselves to the Agni Dev for the protection of their honor. But little did she know that the upcoming week would mark the beginning of a remarkable journey.

The celebration continued, and the palace came alive with music, dance, and laughter. The people of Pratapganj warmly welcomed Princess Nandini as a guest in their kingdom. But there was pity evident in their eyes which Nandini absolutely hated. Despite the initial curiosity and uncertainty, they recognized her as a noble princess who deserved their respect and hospitality.

As she mingled with the guests, Nandini was pleasantly surprised by the genuine warmth and kindness shown towards her. She realised that the state of women in their kingdom was different from the environment she grew up in. Yes, she knew that her father went against the customs and boundaries related to girls to educate her and train her but here she realised that women were not even capable of reading and writing. They didn't know how to manage finances and were solely dependent on their husbands or male family members for their survival.

The women of the palace came forward to greet her with smiles, offering their best wishes for her well-being. They admired her strength and courage, and many whispered among themselves, praising her beauty and regal demeanor. Nandini also felt and noticed a few disgusting and lustful gazes of the ministers on her. She heard the whispers of them discussing their desire to spend the night with her. She felt like murdering everyone looking at her but she calmed herself down. The girl who was betrayed by the love of her life can care less about the words of the strangers.

Manik's mother, Queen Sunaina, took a special interest in Nandini. She approached her with a soft smile and tried to make her comfortable in the palace. "Nandini, I must say, you possess an extraordinary grace that captivates everyone around you. It's an honor to have you here with us," she said with sincerity.

Nandini felt a glimmer of comfort in the Queen's words, and her heart began to soften towards the woman who had been welcoming her into their kingdom. She remembered her Ridhi bhabhi whenever she looked at Manik’s mother. Maybe all the mother's have the same warmth in the world.

She remembered the day when she went along with her bhabhi to the public temple of her state on an auspicious day. Because of the royals in the temple, the public was restricted to the east of the temple. Ridhi suggested they stay there for a bit as it felt peaceful and when they were moving towards the west part of the temple to settle near the inbuilt pool, they heard the cries of a baby. They turned around and spotted the baby. Ridhi went ahead and picked her up instantly when her maid asked her to not pick her up “naa jaane konsi jaat ki hogi ye maharani, na jaane kiski bachhi hogi!” to which ridhi immediately replied, “Bachi hai, kiski hai kya fark pdta hai? Or is chhoti si jaan ko kya pta ki ye kis jaat se hai? Ise iski maa chahiye, chlo inki maa ko dhoondte hain, hainaa bachhe!?” She then went to the eastern side and suddenly heard the cry of her mother. She smiled gently and went ahead to hand her over to her mother. I noticed the similar stress on the face of that baby’s mom that I always witness on bhabhi’s face whenever I get ill. Seems like a mother's love speaks the same language across the world.

"Thank you, Your Highness," Nandini replied, offering a slight bow of respect. "Your hospitality is much appreciated."

The Queen's eyes held a hint of compassion as she observed Nandini's emotions. "Please, call me Aunt or Maa. We may be in different roles, but today, we are two women brought together by destiny," she said with a gentle smile. Which Nandini politely refused as it was impossible for her to recognise Queen Sunaina as anything other than Manik's mother.

Sunaina led Nandini to a quieter corner of the palace where they could have a more intimate conversation. There, she offered her a seat and began to speak with genuine concern. "I can only imagine how difficult this time must be for you, Nandini. The loss of your kingdom, the upheaval of your life, it's not an easy burden to bear."

Tears welled up in Nandini's eyes as she felt understood and acknowledged for the first time since her arrival. "It has been a tiring journey and I believe it is just the start of it. Everything I knew and loved is now behind me, and I feel lost in this new reality."

Sunaina placed a comforting hand on Nandini's, offering solace. "I can't promise that the path ahead will be smooth, but know that you are not alone in this. Our kingdom may have been on different sides of the battlefield, but I believe in the power of compassion and understanding. We, too, have faced our own trials and tribulations."

Nandini gazed into Sunaina's eyes, seeing a depth of wisdom and empathy that touched her heart. "Thank you," she whispered, her voice trembling with emotion.

Sunaina smiled warmly, "You are a strong and resilient princess, Nandini. It may take time, but I have faith that you will find your place here and become a strength for your own people. They look at you with hope Nandini. Don't get weak. They need you. I know my kingdom and my son are the reason for your misery but just know that power calls for war. Being a king or the queen calls for sacrifice. The crown might look pleasurable and beautiful but it has thrones inside it. This is currently way too deep for you to understand but with time you will learn it. I know you must be wondering why I am saying these to you. But I can understand your turmoil Nandini, I lost my brother in a war. The king of my kingdom won the war at the end but our father lost it. That one win cost us my brother's life. War happens because of the greed of one or two but the price is paid by hundreds and thousands of people of the state.”

As she completed, both their eyes were filled with reads. In that moment, nandini realized that even in the midst of loss and upheaval, there were people who were willing to open their hearts and extend a hand of friendship. She knew that the road ahead might be challenging, but with the support and understanding of people like Sunaina, she felt a glimmer of hope for the future. But also she was worried if it was another plan of this kingdom to enslave her. But then she decided to go with the flow.

Throughout the evening, as Manik and Aakash laughed and mingled with the guests, Nandini's eyes kept gravitating towards them. She watched them share stories and experiences, their camaraderie evident in their every move. A pang of anger rose in her heart, knowing that they had literally destroyed her and now stood here unaffected of everything happened with her.

As the night grew darker, Nandini retreated to a quiet corner of the palace garden. The soft moonlight cast shadows on her face, and the cool breeze whispered comforting words in her ears. She tried to push away the thoughts of Manik and Aakash, but the anger and loss she faced weighed much.

Nandini couldn't help but feel a surge of anger rising within her as she looked around and spotted Manik and Aakash talking and laughing together. It seemed as if they had not a care in the world, while she grappled with the weight of her kingdom's defeat and the uncertainty of her future.

Her heart ached at the sight of Manik, the man she once loved, now seemingly indifferent to her presence. She couldn't fathom how he could be so at ease when her world had been turned upside down. It was as if he had moved on without a second thought, while she was left to pick up the shattered pieces of her life.

"Does he even care about what I'm going through?" Nandini whispered to herself, her voice tinged with bitterness.

In that moment, she felt a sense of isolation and loneliness, despite being surrounded by people. She longed for someone to understand her pain, to share her burden, but it seemed like everyone around her was too caught up in their own joy and celebrations.

With a heavy heart, she turned away her eyes from them and retreated to the solitude of her thoughts. She knew that she had to be strong and put on a brave face for the world, but deep down, the anger and hurt were consuming her from within.

As the evening event continued, Nandini tried her best to put on a smile and engage with the guests, but her mind kept drifting back to the family and her pain. She couldn't shake off the feeling of being abandoned and betrayed, even though she knew that Manik's life had moved on beyond their past.

In the midst of the festivities, Nandini found herself lost in a sea of emotions - anger, sadness, and longing all intertwined. She wondered if she would ever be able to find peace and acceptance in this new phase of her life, if she will have anyone to trust, or if her heart would forever be burdened with the scars of her past. Nandini made a silent vow to herself - she would face her emotions head-on, confront her past, and find her place in this new world, no matter how challenging it may be. For she knew that only by embracing her true self could she truly find peace and happiness once again.

As her chain of thoughts broke, Nandini found herself surrounded by a group of young women, led by the minister's daughter. Their faces were masked with fake smiles, but their eyes held jealousy and envy. It was clear that Nandini's presence in the kingdom was the hot topic of discussion among the townspeople.

"Look who it is, the defeated princess," the minister's daughter sneered, her friends giggling behind her.

Nandini remained calm, refusing to let their words affect her. She lifted her chin, meeting their gazes head-on. "Defeat is not the end, but a beginning. It's what you do after facing adversity that defines you."

The minister's daughter was taken aback by Nandini's confident response, but she quickly regained her composure. "Oh, how wise of you to find some meaning in your failure. But let's face it, you lost everything, and now you're here as a burden to the crown prince."

Nandini's eyes blazed with determination, and her voice held a hint of steel. "I may have lost a battle, but I have not lost my spirit or my dignity. I am not here to be a burden to anyone. I stand here as the princess of a once-proud kingdom, and I will not let anyone tarnish my worth with their petty words."

The minister's daughter and her friends were momentarily silenced, realizing that their attempts to defame Nandini had backfired. They exchanged nervous glances but refused to back down. "We'll see how long your arrogance lasts," the minister's daughter retorted and whispered, coming close to her, “it will break when men will cherish you like a meal every night in a chamber full of darkness, mirroring your current life. Your arrogant voice will be muffed and only your screams and moans will be heard. Your arrogance will crush you, bitchy, defeated princess.”

Nandini smiled, her demeanor unwavering. "Time will reveal the truth, and the truth will show who I am and what I'm capable of. Until then, I suggest you focus on your own lives rather than trying to bring others down."

With that, Nandini turned and walked away, leaving the minister's daughter and her friends in stunned silence. As she continued to explore the grand celebration, she couldn't help but feel a sense of empowerment. She knew that she had the strength to rise above the challenges and prove her worth, not just to others but to herself.

Nandini returned to her room after the event, feeling emotionally drained and overwhelmed with memories of her family. She allowed herself to grieve, remembering their love and the home she lost. Tears streamed down her cheeks as she found solace in those cherished moments. As the night passed, Nandini found renewed determination. She knew she had to be strong for her people.

CHAPTER 18

Nandini woke up in the morning when an attendant came across the room and informed her regarding the morning assembly. She mentioned that the king requested her presence in the court today. Nandini nodded and proceeded to get ready for the assembly.

In court:

Nandini's heart pounded with anger as she stood before the court, facing the King of Kaling and his son, who exuded negative and sinister vibes. She could sense their cruel intentions, and their lecherous gazes made her uncomfortable.

Manik's father, the King of Pratapganj, seemed visibly uneasy with the demand they presented before him in the morning today. He glanced at Nandini with concern, knowing that she was the one they sought to exploit. The atmosphere in the court was turning tense with every passing moment, and Nandini could feel her palms getting sweaty as she clenched her fists.

The King of Kaling grinned wickedly, enjoying the discomfort he caused. "Your Highness," he addressed Manik's father, "as per our agreement, we have won the war, and now we demand our reward. We want the Princess of Maheshgarh as our slave. Hand her over to us."

The court gasped in shock, and Nandini felt her blood boil with indignation. She refused to be treated as an object to be bartered or traded. With her head held high, she mustered all her courage and spoke firmly, "I am not a mere prize to be claimed by anyone. I am a princess, and I refuse to be anyone's slave."

The King of Kaling and his son laughed mockingly, but Nandini's resilience only strengthened. She looked at Manik's father, her eyes filled with determination. "Your Highness, I implore you to reconsider this unjust demand. I may have lost my kingdom, but I will never lose my dignity and self-respect. I refuse to be anyone's slave. Moreover, you promised me safety and security as well, King. I request you to serve justice."

Manik's father hesitated, torn between his agreement and his sense of justice. He saw the fire in Nandini's eyes and admired her bravery. Firmly, he spoke, "I cannot condone such an appalling request, king of kaling. Princess Nandini is under my protection, and I shall ensure her safety and honor." "And what about the promise you made, the great King? You promised us to hand over anything we will demand, and you can keep the land and everything else in return. Now we demand her as our slave. We can do whatever we want to do with her. You or any other person doesn't have a say in this." Spoke the king of kaling instantly. In reply of which the king's head and eyes bent down in shame. He can not let them enslave the princess, it will be against her dignity and also he will need to save his promise too.

"I do. I do have a say in this." Retorted the princess. "Aahaan, you are just a slave here. And slaves don't have a tongue darling."

The King of Kaling approached Nandini, "...but you will be permitted to moan." said the king of Kaling in a low pitch that none other than them can hear, his sinister smile sending shivers down her spine. "You see, my dear princess, sometimes fate can be cruel," the King of Kaling sneered. "Your kingdom may be defeated, but you still have a purpose- serving us."

Nandini's eyes blazed with fury. "I will never be anyone's slave," she retorted defiantly, her voice quivering with anger and sorrow. "You may have won a battle, but you will never break my spirit. I will never bow down to you or anyone else."

The King of Kaling laughed cruelly, reveling in Nandini's distress. "Oh, you will learn your place soon enough," he taunted. "Your defiance will be crushed, and you will be nothing more than a mere puppet in our hands."

Despite the fear that consumed her, Nandini refused to back down. She knew she had to find a way to escape this terrible fate, to reclaim her freedom and dignity. She had vowed to fight with every ounce of strength she had, even if it meant facing insurmountable odds.

CHAPTER 19

Manik's eyes blazed with fury as he stormed into the hall, having heard about the horrifying demand from an attendant. His heart pounded in his chest, and his hands clenched into fists. He couldn't believe that someone would dare to treat Nandini, the love of his life, with such disrespect.

Without hesitation, Manik made his way to where Nandini stood. He could see the fear in her eyes, but he also saw the spark of defiance. He knew he had to stand up for her, for their love, and for what was right.

"Enough of this madness!" Manik's voice thundered through the hall, commanding attention from everyone present. "Nandini is not a prize to be won or a slave to be handed over! She is a princess, and she deserves to be treated with dignity and respect!"

The King of Kaling looked taken aback by Manik's boldness, but he quickly regained his composure. "She may be a princess, but she is also a defeated one. Your father agreed to this, and he will not go back on his word. Right, king?"

Manik's mother, Sunaina, stepped forward, her eyes filled with determination. "My son is right. No matter the circumstances, we cannot let injustice prevail. Maharaj, Nandini deserves to be treated as an equal, not as a pawn in a game of power. Their unjust demand can never be fulfilled. Gulaam nahi hai nandini kisi ki bhi. No one can treat her like an object here."

The tension in the hall escalated as Manik and the King of Kaling engaged in a heated argument. Amidst the chaos, Sunaina walked up to Nandini and embraced her in a warm, reassuring hug. "You are not alone, my dear. We will fight for you, for your dignity, and for justice. You have our support."

Nandini felt a mix of emotions- relief, gratitude, and a glimmer of hope. She knew she had found an ally in Queen Sunaina, someone who would stand by her side no matter what. In that moment, the palace walls seemed to echo with the clash of wills and the determination.

Amidst the heated confrontation, the King of Kaling continued to mock Manik's claims over Nandini. "Who the hell are you to her? As per the rules, only a husband has a right over his wife. But she is unmarried, and she's nothing more than a slave. No one can question us. We can use her as we please, whether it be to serve our needs or even as a meal for our soldiers at night. She will serve every single person in my kingdom. She will not only be a slave but something more than just a pretty slave" said the king clear and loud with a wicked smile. His smirk was defining his intentions clearly sending a rush of anger in Nandini's spine.

The room fell silent for a moment, as the gravity of the situation hung heavy in the air. Manik's face turned stone-cold as he felt the weight of the king's words. He knew he had to act, to protect Nandini from further humiliation. Without hesitation, he took out a small, jeweled knife from his attire and made a swift, deliberate cut on his thumb, letting a few drops of his blood trickle down.

With a determined gaze, Manik walked towards Nandini, who looked perplexed by his actions and had her sight fixed on his bleeding thumb. He gently lifted her chin to meet her eyes and pressed his bloodied thumb against the parting of her hair. "I claim her as mine," he declared in a firm voice, asserting his authority and ownership over her. The court was taken aback by his bold gesture while Nandini's eyes were wide in shock.

The room erupted into whispers and gasps as they witnessed this unprecedented declaration. Manik's action was a daring move, a profound statement that he was staking his claim on Nandini, not just as a protector but as someone with a deep, personal connection to her.

The King of Kaling was left speechless for a moment, unsure of how to respond to this unexpected turn of events. His demand for justice echoed through the hall as he turned to Nandini, who stood there, vulnerable in shock.

"You allowed yourself to be claimed by this insolent prince?" The King of Kaling thundered. "Do you have no sense of honor or pride? You have insulted my kingdom, and this is an offense that cannot be ignored. You were speaking loudly that you are not a mere prize to be claimed by anyone. But now you let him claim you? Ahhh… you want to be his slave?"

Nandini stood her ground, her eyes meeting the King of Kaling's gaze with unwavering determination. Despite the fear and uncertainty that gripped her heart, she refused to be cowed by his words. As she was about to take a step ahead to give him an answer, Manik shielded her, his eyes burning with anger as he confronted the King of Kaling. "You still dare to question her? She is under my protection now, she is my wife and I will not let anyone disrespect her. I repeat in front of each and everyone present here that I claim her as mine."

The court was in an uproar, with voices raised in heated arguments, and tensions running high. The atmosphere crackled with intensity, as everyone awaited the resolution to this stand-off.

"My son has made his decision, and I stand by him," Sunaina declared, holding Nandini’s hand firmly as if signalling her to stay quiet. "Nandini is now a part of our family, and we will protect her with all our might. King of Kaling, any humiliation thrown at my daughter will be answered in the Warfield. Therefore, be careful with the choice of your words."

The King of Kaling was left fuming, realizing that his attempts to manipulate the situation had backfired. He decided to calm down and return back for now and make a new plan to turn the events in his favour.