"Dad!! Why do you say that? Chachu was your best friend. You both were like... brothers!!" Abhedya was shocked to hear his father.

Rudra chuckled and let out a small laugh, "because I do... he played a game and tricked me.  I lost. I lost so bad that to date I have not recovered from its loss.
You remember we went on a forced vacation a few days before Nim's eighth birthday. Swadesh, that clever cat had everything planned. He fought with me for a silly reason. We had grown up together, under the same roof. Never, I remember us fighting. Pri was more a sister to him than to me. We were inseparable triplets. But the foolish me could not understand that his fight with me was a trick. He made your's and Nim's closeness an issue and asked us to take a holiday with Pri's family for a while. All of us found it baseless except for Randeep. He was aware of his plan... a part of it. Rima supported Swadesh. We had to listen to our king's orders and so we left for a holiday to Bora Bora. You remember?"

Abhedya nodded and said, "I can't forget dad. I was so pissed off during the whole vacation because... because... chachu and all were missing. Anyways what happened then?"

Rudra continued, "so while we were having fun on the pristine beaches, Swadesh was preparing himself to fight against Dushyant, the ruler of Rajatbhoomi. His sources had informed him that Dushyant had found out that the heir to the throne was alive and living in the U.S. with his family. Dushyant was an EVIL MAN. A monster in a human body."

Rudra's fingers were digging deep in Abhedya's palm while thinking about Dushyant. "Dad! Relax. Should I get you some water?" Abhedya got up to get some water when Rudra said, "get me some Rum. I need it tonight."

Abhedya didn't ask anything but got his father a glass of Sunset Rum just the way he liked. Rudra took few sips and narrated, "So, on Nim's birthday that devil came to their house. The house was decorated just the way she liked. Bright colours, streamers, fairy lights and flowers all around. Huh! My girl is no longer fond of these things."
Rudra took few more sips and continued, "that monster Dushyant self-invited himself inside their house. As per Swadesh's information, he was expecting him after 3 days and had planned out his actions. But his reaching on Nim's birthday caught him off guard. Swadesh and Rima locked the kids inside. They knew the scene will be horrendous. You must be wondering what does Dushyant want  from him?" Abhedya nodded his head in a yes after which Rudra gulped down his drink and continued...
"After the last king of Swarnbhoomi died at the mere age of 23 at the hands of dirty tricks and politics, the queen took over. She gave her child Swadesh right after his birth to her best friend my mother, to raise him as her own and sent all of us to the U.S. We were happy and enjoying our lives there. Dushyant was the heir to the throne of Rajatbhoomi after his father who was mercilessly killed as revenge for killing Swarnbhoomi's young ruler... Swadesh's father. But, no Dushyant was not after revenge for his father's death. He wanted to free himself from the tax levied by the queen on him. His properties were ceased and his power was diminished. Our queen was extremely powerful and ferocious. She revenged her husband's death and freed the people who were victims of the autocratic ruler of Rajatbhoomi. Dushyant was way ahead of his father when it came to being a monster. Queen knew about him and she knew how to make him bow down, the best way was to limit his power and money.
Dushyant asked Swadesh to release papers that stated that Rajatbhoomi, was at the mercy of Swarnbhoomi and the papers of taxes and properties. In return, Dushyant promised to never touch the grounds of Swarnbhoomi, its rulers and its people. Swadesh  told him that he was not the ruler but his mother was and the power vested in her hands." Rudra gulped the last sip and laughed.

"You know Abhey, Swadesh was the ruler without a crown. He didn't require one. Dushyant threatened him. Haha! Fool!! He had no clue that he didn't stand a chance in front of the mighty Swadesh. Dushyant and Swadesh entered into a physical fight. Dushyant realised he could not win. Swadesh threw him out of his house. But, that devil returned and shot a bullet on Swadesh's right arm. His men had gathered around the house. He asked Rima to tell him where the papers were else he would kill her kids. Nim and Dheya.
Rima knew Swadesh was hurt so after exchanging some plan through eyes she got papers and was about to give to  Dushyant. Swadesh took them and ran. Rima also ran to the room her kids were and double-locked the door. She hugged her kids and told them that no matter what happens they will remain strong and happy. Dushyant's men broke the door and dragged Rima from her hair outside the room and the kids were tied to a chair. Swadesh was still fighting. He had papers in his hands and warned Dushyant 'if you want these papers, leave my wife and kids.'
Dushyant that bastard took out his pocket knife and stabbed it in Swadesh's stomach. Rima was still fighting, but the crying of their kids was making them weak.

Swadesh recovered and cleverly got out his gun from the drawer and shot three of Dushyant's men. Dushyant could not believe how a man could fight in such a condition. Swadesh had lost a lot of blood and was falling weak but he fought like a true warrior. He burnt those papers to ashes and saved our state. Yes, our state because Dushyant's ultimate goal was to rule the most flourished state of our country...Swarnbhoomi... just as the name suggests."

Abhedya could see the admiration in his father's eyes. A lump had formed in his throat too. The family he called his own had gone so much, he had no clue. Rudra was playing with Abhedya's fingers and continued, "Abhey, you know what was Dushyant's last resort? His two men that survived, caught Swadesh and tied him to a chair with his kids. He then threw Rima on the couch and... and..."
Rudra was crying uncontrollably now. "He tore her clothes and with his lust-filled eyes said, 'since your husband cannot sacrifice his share in the state...he has to sacrifice you. How could I not see such a sexy seductress? You are way more precious than the state.'
Just imagine Abhey the plight of the man who has to see his wife being raped in front of his eyes. But the worst part was the kids were a witness to the disgusting and dreadful scene. Before Dushyant could complete his monstrous act Rima pushed him with all her might and cut her jugular vein with a sharp broken glass piece and saved her sanctity. She left her crying kids and helpless husband."

Abhedya was crying along with his father. Both of them were patting each other but it was of no use. "Dad! Please stop!! I cannot hear further." Abhedya begged his father.

Rudra held Abhedya's shoulders and asserted, "you have to!! The story of the unsung warrior has to be heard. He deserves it."

Abhedya nodded his head in a 'no'. The story he could not hear... Nim was a witness to it. He could visualise the scene with the narration and was not prepared for any further visualisation.

"Swadesh broke the chains and rope he was tied to and ran to his dying wife Rima who told him ' Swadi, promise me to save our kids. Sorry, your 'this' soldier could only fight this much. Our little soldiers need you Swadi. Today death is doing us apart but we shall reunite in heaven. I love you.'"

"She died Abhey and before Swadesh could recover Dushyant stabbed his back but Swadesh from the same knife smashed his face and with other two stabs, the broken yet powerful Swadesh killed Dushyant's men. He opened the tied kids who were no longer crying. The shock was so intense. He hovered over  his kids and took another stab and another until... until..." Rudra could not even say until he died because those who sacrifice their lives for their motherland do not die.

"Then, how did that monster leave Nim and Dheya alive?" Abhedya asked his father.

"The queen came just on time and saved the kids. She rescued the kids with the help of her protector and burnt the house so that everyone feels the family died and there are no survivors.  We believed the same. Until some years.
The queen did not kill Dushyant or punish him. She should have killed him, right? But he will be punished and killed by Swarnima. He is her prey and only she has the right to decide his future. The queen made sure he suffers till then. His state was now no longer a princely state and was at the hands of the mercy of the Indian government. His taxes are paid to us and properties are still ours." Rudra was a bit sober now.

"Seriously!! Dad??!! She left him? She should have dealt with him then and there." Abhedya was all furious.

"I agree son. But the queen had other plans. She gave a motive to Swarnima to live. She raised her as a fierce warrior. You don't dare compete with her it's a suggestion. She looks physically petite but the skills she knows you cannot even imagine. She is an army in her own way. But she needs to be protected. Dushyant was silent all these years because of the queen but when she passed away he became active again and is in search of the heir to the throne. He plans to kill the heir before the crown is claimed. So, he can claim it since he is the last survivor of the royal clan."

Rudra then put his head on Abhedya's shoulder and explained, "my child, there are still many things I know, you wish to ask. All your questions will be answered as the time comes. You will understand."

"But dad, why did mom say it could be us? We are not the rulers so he obviously would not attack us." Abhedya questioned his father. He still could not reveal the truth to Abhedya it was against the rules. So, he told him, "you see, we are the protectors and after the ruler the power vests in the hands of them. If Dushyant would have attacked us and succeeded in his motives he would have become the ruler of Swarnbhoomi by now.
Let's sleep. It's already 5 in the morning."

Abhedya was not completely satisfied with the answer but he let it pass. He kissed his father goodnight. Checked his mother who was now sleeping peacefully. He then came to his room, lied down on his bed and cried. He was not taught that 'tough men don't cry or don't cry like a girl.' His mother always told him it's okay to cry when you feel the emotional upheaval.
He took out his SONA's photo from his wallet and said, "you went through so much!! All alone!! My softy!! When did you turn so tough? I will bring back the real you! The one who loved all brightness and vibrance." Keeping her photo on his heart Abhedya soon drifted to sleep.
He got up at 10 in the morning with a knock at his door. His mother walked in with his breakfast. Nandini kissed his forehead. A bright smile appeared on his face and he hugged his mother. "It's a pleasure to see your mom the first thing in the morning."

Nandini smiled and asked him to quickly freshen up. He went to the bathroom and came back quickly. He remembered that he forgot Swarnima's photograph on the bed.
He jumped on the bed and put his head on his mother's lap and hid the photograph.

"Get up Abhey! You are very late for college. Have your breakfast." Nandini said caressing his head.

"Mom! I slept a few hours back and this is my peace." Abhey said closing his eyes in contentment.

Nandini let him be like that for a few minutes. Abhedya got up and took her mother's hand in his and asked her, "are you okay now? You are a strong woman mom!!"

Nandini had a smile on her face when she asked Abhedya, "shall I tell you a secret?"

Abhedya rubbed his hands and said, "can't wait.."

"You know the reason poor Arya was rejected by Nim? Because, he proposed to her not out of any love, attraction or any of those 'feelings'. But because he thought he could bring light to her dark life.
Nim told him 'dear stupid Arya! One, who said I am sad and unhappy? Two, even if I was I can make myself happy. So, stop this agenda of let's make Nim happy by being her boyfriend.' Arya did try to persuade her by saying he had always been in love with her and because of your 'bro code' never told his feelings, but failed miserably."

Abhedya and Nandini were laughing at Arya but Abhedya was trying to sink in what his mother suggested. All the plans he made to make Swarnima happy were because he knew she was sad or has had a bad past. He was going to do something he might not have done if he didn't know what she has gone through. So, was it right before that he should let things evolve between them and not be in an obligatory relation?

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Dear Readers,
I hope you are okay after reading the story of the death of Swarnima's parents.
A mere unwanted touch is unacceptable and Rima was being touched by someone in a way she hated. So, to save herself she preferred to kill herself. Her move cannot be justified as wrong or right because in that state who even thinks of it.
Swarnima's past was not only sad but unfortunate. She lost her entire family on her birthday in a way no one could imagine. Her mother was almost raped, father stabbed and shot dead.
Will abhedya change his attitude towards her or remain like that?
Stay hooked!
Lots of love