'Any man can treat a lady for one night, but it takes a great man to treat her right for the rest of her life.'

Oorvashi was so tensed from the morning after the scandal. She was constantly walking around her room as she was heavily nervous and anxious. She knew what happened with her brothers. Once their scandals were revealed, they were forced to marry. She was literally on the verge of tears. She was not ready for marriage.

She can never marry anyone. She did not want to marry Ranjan particularly. Because at the end of the day, he was the nicest person she had ever met. She cannot throw his life away by the chains of marriage. She was waiting for her mother to come and inform about the marriage. She was steadfast in denying the proposal.

She sat on the bed and kept looking at the door. She was extremely angry for her behaviour on that day in Jule Island. She did not know how she gave up on her heart so easily. She liked him. She loved him too. But love was not enough for them. She wounded herself already. She was not ready for another relationship.

Her door creaked. Suddenly she heard guard making an announcement from the outside.

Guard: Her Majesty, Royal Empress Dowager is to visit Her Highness, Royal Princess.

The Guards opened her room's door and Empress entered with them followed by her mother. Empress asked the guards to leave. Oorvashi stood in respect to the elderly. She did not expect her grandmother to visit.

Empress: Sit... I'm here to talk with you..

Oorvashi: Talk with me?? Your majesty??

Empress: Yes. Do you like that guy??

She shook her head.. She lied..

Empress: Then why did you do that?? It's clearly you in the picture.

She did not say anything.

Madhana: Oorvashi, we are not in a place to afford a scandal right now.

Oorvashi: I know, mother. But...

Empress: I will come to the point directly.. Do you willing to marry him??

Oorvashi: No.. Royal Grandmother, you know my situation. You are still asking me this question??

Empress: We know your situation. But the society doesn't. I don't even want them to know.

I don't want my family to become a laughing stock. Do you really think that everything is back to normal, just because that filth is no more on this earth???

His father found the first thing you did wrong and published it.

I'm not asking about your wish anymore. You will get married. This is my decision.

Oorvashi: Grandmother... Please..

Mother.. Please... Listen to me...

This is unfair to Ranjan..

Empress: You don't like him.. Why do you care for him??

Oorvashi: I care for him as a friend.

Empress: Friendship is enough to lead a life.

Oorvashi: Grandmother... Please...

Empress turned towards Madhana.

Empress: Call your sons and daughters-in-law to come. I want to meet them and announce them about the marriage.

Also call Ranjan.

Madhana: As you command, Mother.

Empress left the room. Oorvashi held on Madhana's hand.

Oorvashi: Mom, please listen to me atleast once. Truth is much bigger than all of you think..

Please give me a chance.. I would like to talk to Ranjan once before you Grandmother decides anything.. If everything goes well, then I will agree..

Madhana: You are asking for a chance. Why don't it be today's evening??? Ranjan is also coming. You talk with him and tell your decision. I will ask for your grandmother's permission.

That's the least I can do, dear.

Oorvashi: Thank you mother.

Madhana was not able to see her daughter crying vehemently. But Empress's decision was for her daughter's goodness. So she didn't think anything on that anymore. Mahadev did not talk about this scandal to his daughter so he didn't visit her then. But Oorvashi knew that her father was going to be present when they meet in the evening and she would be so embarrassed to face him.

Adi and Eeshwar reached Palace together. The ladies were already in Empress's chamber with the senior members of the family.

Eeshwar: Brother, you promised me that you would show me the fire carnival??

Instead I saw the pictures.. Are the pictures going to help our situation in any way??

Adi: Stage is set. Everything is prepared. I just want the lead to act well.

Eeshwar: You mean Oorvashi??

Adi: No...

Eeshwar: Ranjan???

Adi: No...

Eeshwar: Don't tell me.... Is it Royal Grandmother???

Adi nodded with a smile..

Eeshwar: My cheeky old lady... She is so cute when she acts..

Adi: Let's go.. Don't show like you know..

Eeshwar nodded his head quickly.

They walked into the chamber. Everyone was present except Oorvashi and Ranjan. Empress was seated on long back chair followed by their father and mother on the sides. Suhasini and Prerna were already sitting on sides when their husbands entered.

They both bowed to the elderly in respect.

Adi: Royal Grandmother, you called for us?

Empress: Yes Adi. Please both of you have seat next to your wives.

I really have an important thing to discuss with you all.

They went and settled down properly.

Empress: As you all know, our family faced a scandal today.

I don't want to prittle-prattle. I would like to get them married. Do you all agree with me??

Mahadev: Mother, I don't mean to sound disrespectful. Is Oorvashi ready for the marriage??

We don't know the kids' mind. We cannot decide for them. So please let's ask for their wish.

Adi looked at Empress. The old lady looked calm.

Empress: I don't wish to force your daughter in a loveless marriage, Dev. I don't even interfere in your children's marriage anymore. But this time, the situation is different. Do you really think they don't have any feelings between them??

I know you favor your daughter over your sons. But think, I'm doing this for your daughter only.

And I'm also going to ask both of them about their willingness towards this marriage.

Guard.....

A guard quickly ran into the chamber.

Empress: Ask Ranjan and Oorvashi to come in.

Ranjan entered and then Oorvashi came in after sometime. They both stood before her royal majesty.

Empress: Do you both know why I invited you here??

Oorvashi nodded her head.

Ranjan: I'm sorry, your majesty. I don't get it. If this is something about the scandal, then it was my mistake. Her royal highness was happened to kiss me in a friendly manner.

But they made a wrong story out of it.

Empress looked at him meaningfully. She was impressed with the way he protected her. Oorvashi was shocked to hear it. Because he promised on that day he would marry her. This seemed like a perfect situation for him.

Oorvashi: Did he change his mind???

Her mood turned sullen.

Empress: No problem. I just want to tell you both that I'm proposing a marriage between you two.

Ranjan, let me ask you first.. Do you wish to marry my grand daughter?

You know everything happened with her. Please don't take like it, we are pushing our burden on you. We really think that you are a good match for her. We will offer the proper dowry for her. But everything will work only if you agree.

He kneeled before the empress.

Ranjan: Your Royal Majesty, you don't have to say please to me, Ma'am.

I will do anything you ask me to do.

About my consent, I never saw her royal highness as burden. She is the most beautiful and sensible girl this country could ever see. I would be blessed to marry such a girl. Whatever happened with her was just an accident.

I don't want anything but only one. I want her consent.

I'm willing to marry her only if she agrees to marry me. I will be her loyal husband only if she said so.

Oorvashi looked at him with eyes full of tears. He acted like he didn't like to talk on that day. But he talked so well. Why did she not see him first? She tried to control her tears.

Empress was elated to hear his side. She then looked at Oorvashi.

Empress: Oorvashi, What is your opinion about this marriage?

Oorvashi made her mind to reveal the truth to him. He deserved the truth. He went against Empress's words to learn about her consent.

Oorvashi: Royal Grandmother, I would like to have a word with Ranjan in private.

Oorvashi was not so looking forward for this moment. She wanted to just bury that truth. Because she knew the truth was earth shattering. She struggled with the streaks of tears.

*Author's note: Hello folks, Thank you all for waiting. Lockdown kept me busy yesterday. So I wasn't able to update the another chapter as promised. I will do it this weekend. Chapter epdi irukku nu sollunga. Pidicha votes and comments please.

Your votes are my boost😍😍😍😍