.

.
Pls ignore typos
.

.

After a long break, I'm finally updating this story. I'll keep you posted regularly if I get a good response. Sorry for the delay, everyone. I'm hoping for support from all my dear readers. ❤️❤️❤️ This part is dedicated to all my lovely readers. ♥️♥️♥️
.

.

Singhania Mansion
.

.
Nani: I need to share some important things about Chotte's birth and life with you. I believe you should know this secret before him.
.

.
Devduth: Don't worry, Maaji. Whatever it is, he will still be our son.
.

.
Nani: I understand, Son. She signed and said, the important part is that Arnav is the only Raizada at Shantivan. She dropped the bomb.
.
.
Devduth and Maya exchanged glances. Nani looked at them and continued.
.

.
Nani: Everyone in Shantivan lives at Arnav's mercy only. You know that he was adopted, right? Devduth and Maya nodded their head.
.

.
Nani: Chotte's dad was a well-known businessman, a Raizada, and his mother hailed from a Royal Family. My son-in-law worked as an accountant for Arnav's father. Arnav's birth was celebrated like a festival at that time. Arvind was invited to Chotte's first birthday party, and he attended it with Ratna.
.

.
Nani: While Ratna was eating, food spilled on her clothes, so she went to the other side of the building to use the washroom. Suddenly, she heard a woman's cry. Ratna ran towards the voice and found a lady lying on the ground with a child covered in blood. She quickly checked on the child and found him safe. The lady begged Ratna to save her baby. She gave Ratna a key and a box, urging her to take the child away as her sister's husband would kill him if he found out that the boy was alive. She explained that the key  is of a locker containing her royal fortunes, and the box held palace documents. She asked Ratna to treat her son as a prince.
.
.
Suddenly, they heard footsteps, and Ratna hid behind a pillar. A man appeared and shot the lady to death. Ratna, frightened, ran to save the boy's life, and took him under her wings. Arvind and Anjali were not ready to accept the child, but Ratna fought against everyone to keep him safe.
.

.
Nani: One day, Ratna gave me the key the lady had given her and asked me to keep it safe until the boy grew up. After some days, a lady came to our house and gave a case full of cash to Arvind, saying it was for Arnav's care and to ensure he lived a royal life. With that money, Arvind built a big house and started living in luxury. But it didn't last long. Ratna and Arvind lost their lives in an accident, leaving the boy an orphan again.
.

.
Nani: From then on, I tried my best to give him love. He was a very quiet kid, with no demands. That may be the reason why everyone took advantage of him. He craved for love, but others just pretended to love him to get whatever they wanted from him. He was a bright student and earned a scholarship to go to Harvard. The rest, you all know. He became ASR, and we became Raizadas with him. Actually, we are Kapoors. Ratna didn't want anyone to differentiate him from others and didn't want to change his surname too. That's why I declared ourselves as Raizadas to the world. Still, in our official documents, we are Kapoors only.
.
.
There was a pin drop silence in the room.
.
.
Maya and Devduth were stunned upon learning Arnav's birth secret.
.
.
Tears streamed down Maya's cheeks, while Devduth was lost in contemplation.
.
.
Devduth: Maji, do you know the name of the real father of Arnav?
.
.
Nani: Yes, beta. He is Aaryan. Aaryan Singh Raizada, and his wife is Aaradhya Singh Raizada.
.
.
Devduth jerked up from his seat.
.
.
Devduth: Arnav! Arnav! Arnav is my Laddu. My Aaryan's son. My son!
.
.
Maya: Devji, do you know him?
.
.
Devduth: Maya, I've mentioned about my childhood best friend Aaryan, right? We were inseparable. I was in London during Laddoo's first birthday. In fact, I was there on behalf of Aaryan only, so he could stay back for the baby's birthday. When I returned, I learned about the murders of Aaryan and Aaradya bhabhi. If Arnav survived, who was the baby that died?
.
.
Nani: It was their servant's child. He was of same age as Arnav. They mistook him for Arnav and killed him. His parents also died in the chaos, so there was no one to speak for that child. Ratna also remained silent, believing it was safer for our Chotte.
.
.
Devduth: Maya, I am incredibly happy. So, so happy that my Laddoo is alive and is now my son, soon to be my son-in-law. I can't believe it. When Laddoo was born, I went to see him and jokingly told Aaryan that if I had a daughter, I would marry her off to that little bundle. He was such an adorable kid. He used to eagerly wait for me to bring Laddoo. He was as sweet as a Laddoo himself and had a fondness for them. Whenever we brought him chocolates, he would refuse and ask for Laddoo instead. That's why I started calling him Laddoo, and he began calling himself "Addoo".
.
.
Maya: "Addoo". How cute was my child! I can't believe how destiny brought him to us, Devji.
.
.
Nani: Yes, beta. He was meant to be here. This is the key to that locker, and these are the documents. You should give them to him.
.
.
Devduth: No, Maji. Only you have the right to give it to him.
.
.
Maya: Can I tell you something? Please don't tell him this and dampen his spirits during this joyful moment. It's his wedding in one week. He's so happy right now. Naniji, Devji, let's keep it a secret at least for a while.
.
.
Devduth: Okay, you're right. Nani nodded in agreement.
.

.

.

.
Meanwhile, in a distant village...
.

.
"The one who owns this horoscope is alive," the Pandit declared.
.
.
Everyone present exchanged hopeful glances.
.
.
Person 1: That means our Prince is alive. Thank God. So, Rani Devi was right.
.

.
Person 2: But where will we find him, Panditji?
.
.
The Pandit recited some mantras and poured ghee onto the sacred fire.
.
.
Pandit: Until last year, his fortunes were unfavorable. That's why you all too faced hardships. Now, he is in the right place with the right people around him. You must travel south, towards Delhi. You will find him there.
.

.
Person 3: If Rani Devi were cured, she could have assisted us in locating our Prince, but we can't wait. She alone knows the exact whereabouts of our Prince. I recall her mentioning something to my father about him. Unfortunately, he is no longer here to help us.
.

.
Pandit: The moment the Prince lights the lamp before Devi Mayya, the village will begin to regain its glory.
.
.
Person 1: Until we find our true Prince, we have to tolerate Prince Rajveer's presence. If Rajveer finds out that our rightful Prince and future King is alive, he will try to harm him. So, we must be cautious. That's why today, only those who genuinely desire the restoration of our village and its prosperity are present for the solution.
.

.
Pandit: "No one can harm the Prince. He is under Devi Mayya's protection; he is her child. Since he was six months old, he has been under her guardianship, as he was placed at her feet as part of a ritual. In the royal family, there's a tradition where newborns are presented before Devi Mayya after six months, following a specific ceremony, believed to invoke her protection. I've examined his horoscope and confirmed that he is under Devi Mayya's safeguard. So, there's no need to worry. He is safe.
.

.
Person 3: What is our Rajkumar's name? I seem to have forgotten.
.
.
Person 1: Arnav! That's his name. My mother worked in the palace when he was born, and she used to talk about how adorable Rajkumar was. Even though nicknames were not allowed in the palace, the MahaRani used to affectionately call him "Chotte".
.
.
Person 2: How much longer must we wait for our Prince to come and free us from this curse? Panditji, we feel utterly helpless.
.
.
Pandit: Fear not. I know someone in Delhi. I will provide you with a letter. He will assist you in searching for the Prince in Delhi.
.
.
Person 2: Thank you so much, Panditji.
.
.
Pandit: Do not worry. Everything will unfold according to Devi Maiyya's will.
.
.
With a sense of relief and gratitude, everyone nodded in agreement, thanking the Pandit before departing for their homes to prepare for the journey to Delhi in search of their Prince.
.

.

.
Singhania Mansion
.

.
As everyone bid farewell to Nani, Payal, and NK, Maya expressed her joy at completing the first ritual.
.
.
Arnav embraced his mother, sharing in her excitement. "I'll be right back," he announced before hurrying to his room.
.

.
Minutes later, Arnav returned with a handful of packages, distributing them to him Khushi, Ma, and Papa, urging them to open them.
.

.
Khushi eagerly unwrapped her gift to find a stunning red lehenga with matching accessories. Maya discovered a beautiful saree and diamond earrings in her package, while Devduth received a traditional kurta pajama set and a valuable pen. Overjoyed, Khushi leaped into Arnav's arms, expressing her gratitude.
.

.
Khushi: Thank you so much, Arnav. It's beautiful! I'll wear it for our engagement.
.

.
Arnav's smile widened at her words.
.

.
Arnav: Really? Will you wear it for our engagement?
.

.
Khushi: Of course, baby. It's special for me. It's your first gift to me since our marriage was fixed. I love it so much, Khushi said, winking at him.
.

.
Maya and Devduth chuckled at their exchange.
.

.
Turning to his parents, Arnav asked, "Did you like your gifts?"
.
.
Maya gently cupped his face and kissed his forehead.
.

.
Maya: I loved it. It's a precious gift from my son, the one I'll cherish forever. I'll wear it for my children's engagement. What about you, Devji?
.

.
Devduth: Of course, I'll wear it for their engagement. After all, my son gifted it to me, he replied proudly.
.

.
Arnav had tears in his eyes as he heard it. He had brought many gifts for the RM people, but they never appreciated his efforts. They treated it as his obligation, as if he were supposed to do everything for them. They never even said a kind word, except for Nani. Now, here, his family praised his gifts and treasured them.
.

.
Arnav: I designed all these dresses and jewelry, Ma, he revealed.
.
.
Khushi: Really! Oh my God. I love the jewelry pattern, Arnav. You're brilliant. She said hugging him.
.
.
Devduth: I'm proud of you, my son. Khushi, learn from him. Have you ever bought me even a chocolate?
.

.
Khushi furrowed her brows hearing it.
.

.
Khushi: I didn't want you to become diabetic, Papa. That's why I didn't buy you chocolates.
.

.
Maya and Arnav laughed at her response.
.

.
Khushi: Anyway, it doesn't matter who gave the gifts. Arnav and I are one, so it's from both of us, hai na Arnav? She asked fluttering her eyelids at Arnav.
.

.
Arnav nodded and pulled her closer.
.

.
Arnav: Ma, Papa, we're going out for some shopping. We'll be back before dinner.
.

.
Khushi: No, let's have dinner outside, she interjected, whisking him out of the house.
.

.
Watching them leave, Maya prayed, "God, please keep my children happy and safe."
.

.

.

.
Raizada Mansion
.

.
Anjali is sitting on the couch. sulking.
.
.
Mami: What's wrong, Anjali?
.
.
Anjali: I went to see Chotte, Mami. His office is huge, even bigger than AR. But his PA, that Guchi (Khushi), didn't let me see him.
.
.
Mami: What? Why not? Who is this person who stopped you?
.

.
Anjali: Don't you know her? She was his PA at AR too. I think she's after his money. You know how middle-class girls think. Who does she think she is to stop me from seeing my brother, Mami? I'll teach her a lesson.
.

.
Mami: Yes, you're right, Anjali. We'll make sure she's out of Arnav's life.
.

.
Meanwhile Akash and Shyam entered with troubled faces.
.

.
Anjali: What's wrong, Shyamji? You look upset.
.

.
Shyam: HP bring water. He shouted, sitting on the couch.
.

.
Shyam: Rani Saheba, we're in big trouble.
.

.
Mami: Oh no, what now?
.

.
Akash: It's an office-related problem, Maa.
.

.
Anjali: Just tell us what's going on.
.

.
Shyam: We've been withdrawing money from AR for the past six months since ASR left, which was beyond our authority. Now the new acting CEO is investigating those transactions.
.

.
Anjali: Why are you worried about this? My brother is still a billionaire, Shyamji. I'll ask him for the money.
.

.
Shyam: Even if we return the money, we could still be charged with fraud.
.

.
Mami: What? You could go to jail?
.

.
Akash: Yes, Ma.
.

.
Anjali: Chotte may know the CEO of AR. If we ask him, he'll help us. After all, I'm his only sister. He loves me a lot.
.

.
Nani: Are you kidding, Anjali? Do you really think he still sees you as his sister? People will do anything for money. She murmured.
.

.
Anjali: Why are you saying this, Nani? Instead of loving your own family, you're loving that orphan.
.

.
Nani: Ha ha... You called him your brother a while ago, and now he's an orphan? What a double standard, girl. You'll ruin your life with this attitude. And remember, it's because of that "orphan" that you live in luxury. Don't forget your past, Anjali. Don't make me remind you of how your life was before Chotte came into our lives.
.

.
Manorama: Mother-in-law, you shouldn't say that. I agree our family flourished because of him, but we took care of him too. Who else would care for an orphan boy?
.

.
Shyam: Can we focus on finding a solution to this money problem now? He asked irritated.
.

.
Akash: There's only one solution, Jijaji.
.

.
Anjali: What is it?
.

.
Akash: We have to sell our shares.

.

.

.
Two Days Later

.
One fine morning, few people came to visit Devduth at his house. Ramu Kaka opened the door and invited them in. Later, Devduth came down the stairs with Arnav beside him. The oldest man among the visitors, named Madhav, stood up when he saw Arnav. He clasped his hands and bowed down as he looked at Arnav.
.

.
Madhav: RajKumar!!! Our RajKumar. He runs and falls at Arnav’s feet, which startles Arnav. He suddenly steps back, gesturing for the man to stand up.
.

.
Arnav: What are you doing? You are elder to me. You shouldn't touch my feet, uncle. He said helping the man to stand up on his feet.
.

.
Meanwhile, another person passed a letter to Devduth. As he reads it, his expression shifts to shock. He realized that the truth is about to be revealed.
.

.
Madhav: You are our Prince, son. You resemble our Great King, Veer Udai Singh, your grandfather. We're delighted to meet you. Please rescue us from the curse, son. I bow to you. He said emotionally.
.
.
Arnav: Uncle, please don't embarrass me. Who is the Prince here? And what's this curse?
.

.
Devduth: Arnav, be calm and listen. What they are telling is true. See this letter, he shows the letter from the Pandit to Arnav. "They hail from Shivapuri, a village that once flourished with prosperity. And you are their long-lost Prince."
.

.
Arnav stood rooted, absorbing the revelation.
.

.
At that moment, Khushi and Maya walked in, just back from the temple.
.

.
Khushi: Prince? Arnav? Papa, what's going on? She inquired with confusion. 
.

.
Devduth directed Khushi and Maya to the family room, then politely asked their guests to wait for a bit. They agreed and sat on the couch, realizing the seriousness of the situation. They had found their prince, and they were willing to wait forever. Devduth called Ramu Kaka to bring refreshments for the guests before focusing on Arnav and leading him into the room.
.

.
Khushi wasted no time in bombarding her father with questions as soon as they stepped into the room. 
.

.
Khushi: What's all this, Papa? Who are they?
.

.
Devduth closed the door behind them and settled onto the couch.
.
.

Arnav: Why the silence, Papa? Answer Khushi. Who are they? And why am I being called Prince?
.

.
Devduth glanced around at everyone, then looked at Maya. She nodded, signaling him to continue. After Devduth finished explaining the past events, tears filled in everyone's eyes. Khushi ran to Arnav and hugged him tightly. She couldn't believe how much he had suffered in his life. They both hugged and cried, and Maya joined them. Devduth waited until they had calmed down before discussing the future.
.

.
Devduth: Arnav, Khushi, Maya, control yourselves. We can't change the past, but indeed, Arnav can change the future, especially for the poor villagers out there. They are here with the hope of finding their Prince and lighting the Diya in front of Devi Maiyya. However, it's not as easy as it sounds. Arnav needs to perform a pooja there and stay for 41 days. There are many rituals he needs to follow.
.

.
Khushi: What? That's not possible. I won't stay without Arnav, she said, hugging his biceps.
.

.
Devduth: That's why I said it's not as easy as it sounds. He said signing.
.

.
Arnav looked at Devduth and said: I don't think I can do it, Papa. I don't want to be a Prince. I'm happy and content here. Please ask them to find another solution for the problems they are facing because I don't want to go to a place where I lost my parents.
.

.
Devduth understood Arnav's turmoil. How would he convey this message to the people who were eagerly awaiting their only solution to their years-old problem? But he was selfish. He didn't want his son to get hurt visiting the place where he lost his parents.
.

.
Maya interjected: It's his marriage in one week, Devji. How can we send him to an unknown place with unknown people where there may be enemies waiting for him? We know Aaradhya bhabhi's sister's family killed her and her family. They were silent only because they thought that Arnav was no more. But when they come to know that he is alive, they will try to harm him. I will not send my child in between those vultures. His foster family is giving enough trouble, and now another one. Devji, you tell them that Arnav can't help them. Saying this, she stood and sat near Arnav, who suddenly lay on her lap. He was exhausted by the emotional turmoil of his past. He needed his mother now. Maya softly caressed his hair, making him calm. 
.

.
Khushi smiled at this and gestured to her Papa to go with her to the study.

.
Study Room
.

.
Khushi: Papa, you know how much Arnav suffered because of his foster family. Now these people want him to go to their village and perform the Pooja for their prosperity. In all this, Arnav has to suffer. Do you think he will go, leaving us? Never. I won't send him to an unknown place at any cost. I have sympathy for those people, but when it comes to my Arnav, I am selfish. She said sternly.
.

.
Devduth: I know, my girl. But they are here with hope. How can I turn them down? Whatever it is, Arnav is their future king. He cannot abandon his people. Only you can talk to him and make him understand.
.

.
Khushi: But Papa...
.

.
Devduth: No, we are not sending him alone. We will accompany him. We'll go after your marriage. We have a Mansion there. We can live there. I need to talk to the Pandit ji about the same. We won't, at any cost, allow Arnav to be alone.
.

.
Khushi nodded her head and leaned on Devduth's shoulder. After a while, Devduth made a decision and went out to convey it to their guests. When he reached the living room, he could see the hopeful eyes of the villagers. He sighed and walked towards them.
.

.

.

How was it guyz?
.

.
Liked it?
.

.
Thank you so much to all my dear readers, who read, voted and commented on my previous Chapters and my other stories.. It means a lot to me...

With Love ♥️
.

.
🌈AksArshi⚘️

.

.