Read author's note at the end of chapter..
..............

Amidst in hot scorching afternoon palace was cool and shining in sunlight. The construction of the palace by the Rajan ancestors was such that extreme climatic conditions could not cause any change or a minor one in air creating pleasant and serene atmosphere. As time passed to the third quarter of the day works and chores passed as no one even servants were energetic in maintaining and serving. To the royal section of fort had another situation.

The regular court proceedings completed alongside some special matters were taken care of Suryaveer was in his well lit chamber going through some official letters dismissing his lunch. Skipping meals was his habit in between his busy days which at first irritated his mother, Rajmata who had set up rule to be present at royal dining room every noon later on denied it. What more a King's life can be engrossed in than the state matters, wars and meetings. Suddenly Senapati Viraj ran into his chamber without an announcement tension written on his face.

"What made you run here without asking permission Viraj?" Suryaveer asked loudly not looking at him. Viraj bowed slightly then said

"Your majesty... Troops are arriving. The army we sent for siege are retreating."

Hearing this Suryaveer stood up glaring at him sneered with anger.

"What are you saying Viraj?"

" Even I have no idea of this. The chief did not send message of departure from Prathaangarh. It would be better if you are present when they arrive.." Taking a breath Viraj said Without replying Suryaveer marched out of his chamber and made his way to North side where the massive iron gate of Rajangarh with spikes on one half of it stood and a large empty ground leading its way for military purposes.

The army marched through gate gathering with heavy footsteps in rhythm at the ground assembling according to ranks and their leader at front. Suryaveer Stood on a platform glaring at the soldiers as they gave him army salute banging spear on ground and sword to shield. This noise was too low before his loud high pitch voice he screamed

"How dare you disobey my orders, chief Balwant? How dare you retreat with the army without my permission leaving mission in half? Is this what you have been doing for serving our kingdom from years? How will you explain this behaviour of treachery and disrespect? How dare you pass through the walls of Rajangarh with your head on your neck when you and your command defy my orders and mission?"

The chief of command as well as soldiers was astounded by outburst of their King who put them in name of betrayal. Instead of shouting back at the adult who grew up on his guidence he stated clearly making everyone as witness.

"Ofcourse not your majesty! If me or my command has dine such crime then my head is yours. Neither me nor my command could disobey your orders. We retreated from the mission of siege of Prathaangarh by your Word. I had received a letter from Rajangarh in hands of royal messenger which stated to reverse back immediately as a new campaign was planned. Here is the letter."

The chief of command took our letter from his waistband stepping ahead then went down on one knee holding it on both of his palms with bowed head. Suryaveer grabbed the letter scrolled his his narrowed eyes through the lines. His face turned serious with every word.

"This letter was not written by me." He muttered angrily.

"Your majesty-"

"This letter is forged Viraj! I didn't send this. I ordered for attack and defeat them not to retreat." He screamed which brought the shock to everyone face. He pushed the letter to Viraj's chest who was checking it but found similar style of writing.

Suryaveer dismissed the army to take rest while he paced around the platform his anger dripping down along with his patience. It was evident for him from this move that it is an open challenge placed for him.. Never in his life he accepts failure. It is only him who starts and ends. Obstacles in his life as a King and as himself are not new for him lest that he expects them to be right in front of him not behind his knowledge. Never he knew that a person whom he brought in this palace would go to such an extent to plot his plan to himself. His mind was having anger and suspicion of having a thought that there must be a mistake done. Style, spacing, length, even color of paper and scroll were identical that Viraj was flabbergasted seeing it. He had known his friend's style for years and has seen many talents but this one was unique and most essentially... Exhibited to The Rude and Cruel... King Suryaveer....

Halting his steps king Suryaveer fumed in vex of being careless in his terms also daring at the first move.

"Who in my palace has such a courage to step in my chamber and swap my official letters? The one who wrote this must be an expert in duplicating handwriting. One thing the person forgot is thickness of letters. Generally my letters are thick not like this thin ones. Also there's smudge mark down means he was in a hurry that he forgot to dry it. He tired to forge me unfortunately couldn't. But... That person should be appreciated Viraj."

He paused for a while with smirk playing in his face then said

"The way replica of my seal is made is impossible. My seals are more protected. I didn't expect this. How on the earth he copied my seal! This is huge act of nefarious crime. He needs painful punishment.. very painful one. Because of him... Only him my mission halted... Never ever I had any hurdle in my mission. More complicating my move... Had the fort of Prathaangarh been under my feet my quest would have an answer... But this.. is what is hate... Forging on my move... I won't tolerate such betrayal in my palace.. Viraj!! Start investigating everyone.. every person who crosses my path especially chambers."

His eyes had evil glint which appears for revenge

"I will kill that person by my own bare hands. "

What makes a commoners most nervous and sweat to death who work at palaces with any low or high position?

A sudden interrogation by His majesty himself.

That was the reaction of poor guards and helpers who are always around royal chambers being questioned in presence of King Suryaveer with pale face and sweat dripping down from forehead. Though he is known for being short tempered and ruthless for punishments the answers provided came with stutters and in undertone bringing his frustration out in screams and cold orders. Some of them thanked Viraj from bottom of their heart in their mind for making them escape from King Suryaveer's wrath while most of them wondered how he is composed when his friend his commander is shouting like volcano has erupted. Well that's what friend is for.

" Get out!" King Suryaveer roared in anger on the chamber guards who trembled on his voice. They turned back taking long strides to leave at once when one of them stopped slowly on his way thinking something in his mind then turned back forwarding with small steps near his majesty.

With new sweat beads dripping down his face fidgeting his fingers and a fearful voice praying all the gods to keep him alive from his anger he stuttered

"You.. your... Maje.... majesty"

"What!" Suryaveer snapped sat on couch in seating area of his chamber his hands on his knees having thought about this insolence. As he snapped the guard got scared of him so much that words did not take leave from his throat eyes balled out. He seemed as if he would pass out any moment. Being a guard at king's chamber is one of the hardest position given. You have to be alert every second and note who passes by. Who knew this poor person would not have any prior information about King's behaviour.

Poor guard stuttered again.

"For.. forgive me.. your... Maj-"

This added more to Suryaveer's frustration. Seeing this Viraj gestured the guard to come to him.

"What is it? Do not get afraid. His majesty won't punish you unless you have nonsense to speak." Viraj comforted him by words for whivh he took a peaceful breath calming down to explain precisely. Beating around the bush never works in Rajangarh. Talk on the point and get your work done else be ready to face compensation for wasting time and energy. Also one of the fascinating qualities About people of Rajangarh is the perfection and preciseness. No one can ever beat them in meticulousness. The articulate artisans till strong and perfectly trained soldiers, best of the world lies here. Now when it comes to hospitality service eyes and ears are your asset. Use it or loose it.

"Maids.. maids who enter chambers to clean come in groups unlike one day a lady came alone to change curtains saying she was replaced. Such things happen often but it is not only a single maid do whole work taking long. " The guard said and rethink if he missed out any information. Exception is the first step to suspicion which can get one caught in their own net. When your brain has been trained to run faster Viraj asked without thinking. The importance of all questions. Bringing him to close his investigation.

"Do you know who she is? Before that day have you seen her?" Viraj asked to which the guard thought for a moment then replied

"No.. I haven't seen her. Maybe she's a newly joined maid." The guard guessed.

Well.... Words matter in everything you say. Words from one's mouth can even change entire game. Out of all.. the two words emphasised in Viraj's mind connecting all the dots. From reason till explanation everything was clear on plate.

"Newly... Joined...."He dismissed the guard then muttered to himself.

"Damini Bai..."

It is not acceptable to accept failure for whom who have not experienced it. It angers them to core triggering their ego making them to do which they don't. When it is the case of the King himself, it costs his reputation too. Society has made to believe that there is no failure in life of a King who rules from east to west. Who could be the force to bring him the lesson of failure for the start. This mission was as a result kept confidential like before except that reasons changed. For Suryaveer he looked like a lion who has set his eyes on prey is ready to pounce on it satisfying his ego. Just that his anger was the fuel his steps made sounds of his shoes by the way he was taking long strides he reached outside corridor of North wing to see his beautiful little niece trying to hide behind a large pillar. Though it had covered her from behind she was clearly visible from her side. Aadrika peeped back and giggled cutely evident that she was playing hide and seek. His daughter figure baby whom her mother forbid him to touch her, the apple of an eye of the kingdom, her giggles and laughs which fills the lone environment of palace into smiles changed her uncle's mood to a wide smile. Her beautiful flower face was enough to light up his day.

Slowly without making any sound he went upto her caught her to squeal.
"Mamaa sa... What ale you doing hele?" She asked in her broken baby words whispering which became somewhat incoherent to him. Suryaveer crouched down to her level then caressing her face he asked.

"That should be me to ask my dear.. whom are you hiding from?" Suryaveer played along like her in whispers.

"Damini.... I play hide and seek with her.. she can't find me. You did." She pouted at her end words then looked back to see if she was really caught while her first word clenched his jaw in anger and hate not wanting to show his other side to his niece he kept a short smile just to please her.

"Hmm... You don't want to get caught right.. how about you go in there behind next room and hide? She can't find you... Will you hide?" He suggested in most sweet way just like she talks with him pointing the door behind him.

"You won't say to her na..." Aadrika reassured as she was true and serious with her games and activities that cheating upsets her. A royal though little princess should be truthful always - was her first lesson taught by her mother, Princess Pariha when her Vidyarambham ceremony was conducted. She always reassured to avoid suspicion. A sight doubt on any of the person is never let near her next time. Knowing her behaviour Suryaveer smiled at her as his mind came up with a sweet memory of his sister once who asked the same to him during childhood.

"Why would I want my dear beautiful lotus baby to lose? I would not. Now go and hide.... go.. go.." Reassuring Aadrika he asked her to get going who ran away enthusiastically then signalled one of the servant to leave her to his sister. Her mother.

Next Moment ruthless King Suryaveer came back for his revenge... He muttered to himself.. betrayal was the one he never accepted... Which opted for his family too... Now with his plan ..

"Now it's your time to get trapped... I would not leave you... Damini...."

While the King was busy with his planning for revenge time deceased to the last prahar of the day so the sky slowly turned orange for sunset. Fire lamps(Mashaal) lit around adding golden light to the corridors and gardens all along the palace. In between he heard some argument behind the corridor he was waiting the subsided as anklets jingled fast with every step feeling presence of Damini who just finished nonsense argument according to her with the favourite of King Suryaveer. She knew Aadrika has been hiding so long behind the pillar so walking faster she bent forward and peeped to hug her from back with surprise when a hand held her neck and raised her off the ground against the large carved pillar.

Suryaveer's swift movement took back Damini pressing her neck more and high off the floor. He looked furious as a lion who have been attacked ready to pounce on his predator. His large rough hand strangled her more while her face turned red with loss of breath. Damini tried to remove his stone hand from her neck but failed badly. Yet there wasn't an ounce of fear for losing life in her eyes. They were filled with rage like that of Suryaveer...

"How dare you!!!!" Suryaveer roared with a step ahead pushing her more against the pillar high.. Damini held his hand above his to reduce pressure... Her legs quivered making anklets jingle. She was in a state taht she could pass out any second but King Suryaveer Rajan sees no mercy once he makes up his mind. Empathy doesn't crosses the cruel king of Rajangarh

"How dare you forge my official letter!!!!you slave.!!!" Suryaveer pressed his thumb and forefinger to sides of her neck stressing her veins which laboured her breath more. Damini who had always been loyal to her kingdom; as a soldier, Subhedar, daughter, sister and citizen was being strangled for protecting Prathaangarh against Rajangarh. The eyes which could show empathy and respect never had fear in them, they were getting closed.

"Your majesty.." Viraj touched his shoulder wanting to leave her else she might die of strangulation. Though she was culprit killing a woman is a sin.

Suryaveer left her neck in a jerk and she fell down with a thud then coughing badly. Damini let a chuckle in between her short breaths calming herself down and in the time Suryaveer stood with a death stare. Damini smirked and said

"You made the grave mistake of your life, you King... You should have killed me the moment sword Fell from my hands... The day you had waged war killing the only heir of Prathaangarh... How could you expect me to be a dumb when you yourself had brought your enemy in your palace and plot to conquer our kingdom? Now face for every move you keep against me... My Prathaangarh..."

She glared at him earning a tight slap and said.

"Didn't you forget what I promised? I swore I will be your hurdle in every mission.. every move of yours to make Prathaangarh yours... Even if it costs my life.. I won't give you... And I won't die before if free Prathaangarh from your clutches.. try everything you can. Either I will stop you from the attacks you plan or you back out by your own which is not possible, isn't it? This is an open challenge... Either I lose or you count your failure... No matter how much you torture me it is nothing for me.. Let's see.. Maharaj Suryaveer Rajan..."

Letting her talks all she wanted which meant nothing to Suryaveer he grabbed her by hairs pulling her face close to him and threatened.

"You talk so much, don't you? Remember it was me who started this war and it will be only me who will end this.. do you think you are worth enough to challenge me!! You are no one only a slave brought here just because you are a woman... Or I would have killed you mercilessly like I killed Prince.... Or.. former Prince.. Dakshraj... The kingdom whose name you chant belongs to me..."

Damini pushed him out of his hold which hurt her shouted.

"You don't know what I can do... Being just a slave... Or you can say... Your niece's nanny... I don't work for you... I would not ever... Serve you..."

All the while she showed her fearlessness her left hand resting on the floor got tied along with pillar. Taking out dagger from the sheath he flipped to his palm glancing behind her then left out a chuckle he grabbed her hand gashed deep into her her palm plunging her blood . Damini, though had pain did not show especially to Suryaveer who wishes to see her fear and pain. No pain is intolerable for Damini more than to protect her family from The enemy..

"Tell me, Viraj... What should I do with her? She needs her punishment , doesn't she? Definately... Severe punishment... For all accuses... Where should I start from..."

Suryaveer held his hand for a fire torch with smirk playing on his face. Knowing what he had in his mind Damini's face lost its colours as she tried wriggling her tied hand. He grabbed her wounded hand and placed it onto the fire. A sharp jolt of current hit her body closing her free palm into fits and eyes tight. Her laboured breathing controlled her pain of fire burning deep cut injury. Enjoying Damini suffer Suryaveer pressed her hand more while a pair of eyes held taint of pity.

"This is your punishment For writing a forged official letter belonging King Suryaveer Rajan.."

His eyes and words spoke callous. As if burnt hand was no enough... Suryaveer brought an iron rod freshly heated from fire place while the guard firmly held her legs from wriggling. Viraj stood helpless.

The hot irom rod was pressed against her sole of feet the next moment Damini whimpered. Neither she could handle pain nor scream. She hurt her hands more by pressing in fist.

All this pain of penance satisfied Suryaveer. For him.. Crime never goes without punished either pain or life. He uttered viciously looking at her closed eyes he wished to see.

"This... Is your punishment for entering in royal chambers of King Suryaveer Rajan without his permission.... The feet which brought you in my chamber now will forget it's way of return... This is just a start... Now it is up to your wit that you choose to be silent and grateful for the life you have or die of tortures... Trust me.. you will die... For I am called as Ruthless Rajan King..."

"Urghh ughhh... Mahadev... Mahadev... Mahadev..." Damini chant to reduce pain which hit from sole till head. After the men left her alone with no help she slowly got in her injured feet moved out of corridor using the giant Wall as support whimpering at each step and blood oozing out. Finally Damini reached residence corridor which was like an era She felt her eyes getting heavy. The last thing she saw was her own blood and open garden.

On an autumn day, years back when new borns turned teenagers there were constant noise of anklets, laughs and calls. This was one such day of Madhyanha prahar a girl of teenage sleeping soundly woke up with bright sunlight falling right through her parents' chamber. She got to walk out when Prince Dakshraj entered.

"Where are you up to Natkhat?" Prince Dakshraj asked her as she halted at her steps

"Practice, dhaad bhai. Can you please accompany me?" Damini said casually like other days.

"Never. Go back to your bed. You are resting for the whole day. After all what you got into I am not going to let you outside palace." Her mother Nirmala Bai stopped her at the entrance.

"I am absolutely fine. Can't you see me Ma? Tell her na Baba... I have important work to take care." She gave a request look to convince her father.

" Yes. Ofcourse.. breaking someone's jaw isn't it. It has become your routine. Meddling with mess, escaping with your horse and arriving late and brawling complaints. Be a good girl and take this syrup." Nirmala Bai replied scolding her and gave her bottle.

"My dear, take rest for today. You must be weak after you had high fever last night." Her father Vishnu das said.

"No I am not..." Damini declared and moved away pushing others.

"Natkhat! Stop!" Dakshraj shouted the next moment guards were behind her.

"Damini!!... Catch her.."

Damini sprinted through the bright yellow shaded corridors circling around other servants and members she met to make gurads tire. Even she spun Devika by picking her from waist leaving her to other side and proceeded further.  Just having a glance, no one can say she was said as sick the earlier morning.

Just then Nirvaan met Damini bolting towards him. To stop her in steps he grabbed her arm and pulled her out of her escape world.

"What did you do that you are running as the first thing in morning?" Nirvaan held still by arms and asked. Damini and escaping was not a new one yet being it the first thing for him to see is new unless she has some big part in it.

"Don't get in my nerves Nirvaan. Leave me or I'll be grounded for the whole day as sick." She irritated

"Well that's the best thing happening today. We could get some rest after tiring our legs behind you. I am the most benefitted one by this move."

" How about I tell secret of your little hidden notebook to not only Dhaad bhai and Rani Saheb but whole Prathaangarh and spend my whole day being in peace of rest in my room? What do you say?" Damini threatened sweetly looking at him who gaped at her words.

"You aren't serious Damini." Nirvaan let a chuckle thinking hard to believe to which Damini gave her 'try me' look.

"You'll get me doomed one day just remember you owe me more.. Now go away.." He said to save himself by not getting throw out. Damini ran off with no care while Dakshraj went to Nirvaan.

"Why did you leave her Nirvaan?" He asked ss he had stopped her for a minute.

"Unfortunately I got blackmailed by your beloved sister, Rajkumar." Nirvaan sighed for his friend's tactics he is familiar with. She gets what she wants.

"What am I supposed to do with this girl! Even when it is for her health she doesn't listen. Always wants to roam free doing what she loves. Other girls of her age learn household skills while she's off outside palace with sword all the time. I an getting tensed about how will she get married!" Nirmala Bai sank into her thoughts while Damini had slipped into into imperial garden and hid herself somewhere as on her runway escape she got ger leg pierced with sharp stone carelessly taht it went Deep into her feet leaving blood traces. Yet she stood hy her will.

Prince Dakshraj and Nirvaan along with few guards were behind her traces which suddenly disappeared finding them in middle of garden.

"Damini, meri natkhat Meri priye behen bahar aa jao. Dhaad bhai ko aur kitna ghumaogi. Tumhe chot bhi laga hai na. Chalo aushadh lete hai chalo..

My Natkhat, my dear sister come out. How much will you make your brother come behind you. You got hurt isn't. Come lets put some medicines. Come on." Prince Dakshraj her called out

"Nahi. Ma hame datengi. Aushadh bohot kadwa hota hai bhai. Hame nhi peena. Aap hi dekhiye.. ham kitne swasth hai. Har baar Ma til ka taad bana deti hai. Roz ki tarah kal jangal gaye the Tejas ke saath tabhi ek saap ne kaat liya hame. Vishrahit tha. Phir bhi dekhiye ham par bhadak rahi hai. Rani Saheb bhi ham se baat nhi kar rahi. Sab log mujhe rogi bana rahe hai. Aap bhi.

No. Mother will scold me. Medicines are very bitter. I won't drink them. You see.. ho fit I am. Mother always exaggerates. Like everyday I went to Forest with Tejas then a venomless snake bit me. Even then she is shouting at me. Her highness is not talking with me. Everyone is ready to make me a patient. You too. " She said accusingly

"Toh thik hai natkhat ab kaksh mein chalkar apki ilaj karte hai. Apko dard hoga.

Okay then Natkhat. We will go to your room to heal you. It must be hurting you." Dakshraj told assuring words and with Nirvaan they took back to room turning dear ear to her tantrums.

"Ma, There are just normal wound. Why do you have to make a big issue of this? I don't feel pain. Why have you all gathered around me like this?" Damini said as she was pinned down to large bed and looked around to find her dear ones stand by her.

"So you tell you don't feel pain all the time right Damini ? I am sorry natkhat. How about this.." Saying this Dakshraj grabbed her injured foot and pulled out the stone.

"Aahhhh!!!!"

As her pain subsided her father came sat by her side caressing her beautiful face.

"My dear Daisy faced Damini, My beautiful daughter... In our life pain has main aspect which keeps us go on throughout the end. It is not necessary taht pain should be physical but also mental too. Remember, conflicts and pains are real test of life. They acts as turning points. If you give up easily without handling pain, you lose in your life ending up with suffering. If you turn your pain to strength and fight against it with your power you write your own path of life. Life is not a bed of roses dear. It is like your practice arena. You can't be happy and victorious every time.
Pain and problems are meant to make you weak but you have to cope up with it to succeed in what your goal is. Because one day you will recollect your pain and suffering had much to do to trun your path. Do you get me." Vishnu Das elucidated facts of life.

Damini sat looking confused at her father who gave her long worthy preach.

"Why are you telling me all this now Baba? You see.. your Daisy is strong. She can't be in pain.

Koi Damini ka kuch bhi nhi bigaad sakta hai na.

No one can harm Damini.. isn't it.. " Damini praised herself for them who makes her smile with confidence.

" Maybe one day i am not near you like today and you are in real pain?" Vishnu Das said faintly.

"Baba.. no one can mess up with Damini.. or they know that they have to spend few days at sick room." She asserted with smirk made others chuckle at her statement which was no strange.

"Acha.. pehle khud ko dekho Kahan ho phir kehna. Aur ek baat.. ab bol yeh kaisa lagta hai..

Is it.. first look at yourself where you are. One more thing... Tell me how you feel this..." There came Damini's so called devil Devika with bowl of herbal mixture and straight face and punched medicinal syrup into her wound.

"Ahh slow down Devika.."Damini moaned in sharp discomfort

"Ab yeh Devika kaun hai???

Now who is this Devika? " A voice gasped in shock.

Terms

Natkhat : Naughty. Nickname given to Damini by Prince Dakshraj for her mischievous behaviour.

Baba : Father

°°°°°°
Happy Diwali to all. Let your life be luminous as lamps that shine in the sky 🎆🎆🎆

Another update of Damini is here.

What will happen next?

Will Damini give up?

Do you feel that Suryaveer is more cruel than expected?

MCQ
Whom you like the most?
A. Damini🔲
B. Suryaveer🔲
C. Aadrika🔲
D. Nirvaan🔲
E. others ( mention name )

Put them in comments...

Important!!!

Sorry for late update. After two months..
Since my last update I didn't get time to sit down and write because of continuous festives we had  along with personal activities and obviously loaded studies..
Exams, books and reports had kept me busy.

Also being in learning process of writing books I came across interesting ideas and ways.

For this I am going to update only when I have a chapter or two additional to publish. Definately this will take time so that I could work on implementing some changes in presenting chapters. Keeping in mind that word limit exceeds almost 5000 I have to recheck frequently.

Hope you all will like this new change. I will try my best to give an update before December. 🥺🥺🥺

Click on the star 🌟🌟🌟 icon.

Please Vote the chapters...

Let me know your views on the story process...

If you like the story add to your reading list follow the author, and share the story to your friends..

Meet you all in next update..

Sorry for late update

Until then,

Do have a look at my previous books.

Bye..