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IN THIS CHAPTER YOU WILL SEE A LITTLE BIT OF AKSHU🤏, and many more..

ENJOY READING ✨️

The entire Rathore palace is beautifully adorned, akin to a bride. For Ayush and Riddhima's Haldi ceremony, the venue was decorated with vibrant yellow and red flowers. Many guests attended, including entrepreneurs, businessmen, and members of royalty. At the request of Gayatri Singh Rathore, a small puja honoring Lord Shiva for honoring the light of consciousness, also arranged before the ceremony began.

All the women were dressed in traditional Rajputani poshak, complete with elaborate jewelry, looking regal, while the men wore kurtas and pyjamas in line with Riddhima's wishes for the occasion.

Amidst the festivities, the family's Kul Purohit sat near a large Shiva ling, preparing for the puja rites.

Everyone was present except for one person who had yet to return from the office. Although she wasn't working, she was busy scheming.

"Puja ka muhurat hogaya hai"
announced the Kul Purohit as he glanced at his watch, prompting everyone to gather around the Shiva ling. Avni anxiously scanned the entrance, hoping her daughter would arrive, but she did not.

"She won't come, Aunty," Vedika said, adjusting her pallu and sensing Avni's worry.

Just before the puja was about to commence, the distinctive sound of payal from the entrance caught everyone's attention.

Entering in a pink Rajputi outfit, her deep blue eyes accentuated by kohl and a touch of makeup that enhanced her beauty, a small bindi graced her forehead, along with traditional Rajasthani Kundan jewelry. She walked toward her family with her head held high, embodying the aura of a queen.

A true queen-

A queen without a crown-

Her movements were deliberate, reminiscent of a true queen-a Rajputani queen. She walked directly to the shiv ling, deliberately avoiding the gazes of others, and approached the idol to whisper,

"Har Har Mahadev." With her hands respectfully folded, she acknowledged the kul Purohit, who regarded her with recognition of the warrior spirit within her.

Soon after, Avyansh arrived, dressed in a white kurta and pyjama, his muscular arms visible through the sleeves. His chiseled jawline and neatly trimmed beard enhanced his appearance, his commanding presence drawing attention. Known as the lion of the business world, his sharp intellect could bring a company to its knees in an instant.

In his presence, there was an undeniable sense of danger.

He strode straight to the shiv ling, greeting the kul Purohit with folded hands. He briefly prayed to the shiv ling, seeking protection for his family, as he was a devoted follower of Lord Shiva.

"Rana sa, puja ka samay hogaya hai," the kul Purohit informed Avyansh, who then took his seat before the shiv ling to conduct the puja like a true king.

As the puja commenced, everyone focused intently, with the shiv ling being bathed in various substances as part of the Abhishekam ritual, including ghee, milk, water, and honey. It was subsequently covered in Chandan paste, creating a spiritually uplifting atmosphere.

Once the puja concluded, the kul Purohit sat surrounded by those seeking his guidance. He had been the Rathore's kul Purohit for generations, with his predictions often proving miraculous.

"Pandit ji, when will my son get married?" Avinash asked, his voice laced with desperation, prompting chuckles and facepalms from Avyansh and Meera.

The kul Purohit turned to Avyansh, who stood next to Akshita, who maintained a stoic expression, alongside Ivann.

"Bade Rana sa, jab niyati chahega tab absya hoga. Shaadi ek pavitra bandhan hai use joda nahi jaa sakta. It will occur when the time is right. Moreover, Lord Shiva himself has waited for Parvati," the kul Purohit replied gently, eyeing Akshita.

"Pandit ji, humare ladoo ke liye nirvan puja karne ki soch rahe the hum," Pratima Dadi mentioned, sitting beside Gayatri Dadi, her face reflecting concern.

However, the kul Purohit's next words resonated dangerously, leaving everyone stunned.

"She is not someone who needs protection; she is a protector herself. She embodies both savior and destroyer, the essence of divine power, encompassing darkness and light. She does not merely endure; she annihilates. She symbolizes Maa Kali. With Lord Shiva by her side, she needs no defense. She does not dwell in darkness; she commands it. She is untouchable, impervious to the harm of even her fiercest enemies." His voice resonated through the calm atmosphere, while Akshita remained motionless.

The family recognized the weight of the kul Purohit's words and the unspoken depth in his gaze. He understood that Akshita was not one to back down; she was a fierce lioness, always honing her skills to pursue her target.

She is a true warrior.

A fighter.

A survivor.

And standing behind her is her protector, like a shield.

Though he may not have been there in the past, he is present now, and the threat would think twice.

"Pratima devi, you need not worry about her; the almighty Shiv Ji himself stands ready to protect her," the kul Purohit remarked with a smile, glancing at Avyansh, who stood behind her.

The family grasped the significance of his words, aware that Akshita wouldn't rest until she achieved her goal.

"Shiv Ji, mujhe himmat dena," Akshita silently prayed to the idol adorned with sandalwood paste.

"Years ago, I was not where I should have been, but today I want to stand as her shield," Avyansh prayed, focusing on Akshita, who was gazing at the Shiva linga.

Unknowingly or not, their destinies are intertwined.

"Let's start the pithi ceremony, then you can play with haldi like a child," Gayatri dadi stated as she got up.

"Buii," Hriday called out to Akshita, signaling for her to lift him. Smiling at him, Akshita picked him up, and the little five-year-old buried his face in her neck.

"Ishii, Hriday gives her a reason to live," Ekansh confessed to Ishani, who was watching the pair. It's evident that since Hriday's birth, Akshita has been more open with the family after that incident. Otherwise she always choosed to distance herself from everyone.

"That's true, Ekansh; he does give her hope," Ishani replied, observing her son as he playfully squeezed her girlfriend's cheeks.

"I wish she would always laugh like this. I miss the old princess Ishii-the one who used to run around the house, steal our hoodies, sing every morning, and wake us up at midnight for ice cream, the one who ran around the whole house, and took the house on head whej she get injured, the one who snickers with ruhaan, the one who always team up with dadu" Ekansh said, a bittersweet smile forming on his lips.

"Don't lose hope, Ekansh. One day, everything will be alright," Ishani reassured him, gently rubbing his forearm.

"Nothing will be alright, bhabhi. Can't you see how she's changed? She's become heartless and emotionless; the girl who used to cry if chachi raised her voice now stays silent even when someone taunts her, its like nothing exists, those moments became memories only, like that Akshita didn't exists " Ruhhan claimed as he approached, Adhya following closely while cradling her seven-month baby bump.

"Stop it, Ruhaan. One day, she'll be your bubbly princess again. I believe she will sing once more and annoy you both," Adhya said, trying to lighten the mood for the brothers.

Though the Rai Singhania brothers may seem ruthless, they both have a soft spot for their princess; they love her and see themselves as her protectors.

"Bhai, what's wrong? Why do you look so down?" Akshita asked as she approached them with Hriday.

"Nothing, baccha," Ekansh said, affectionately patting her head and kissing the top of it.

"You didn't compliment me, bhai," Akshita pouted, pretending to be upset while Ekansh and Ruhhan exchanged sad smiles at her effort to cheer them up.

Why not! After all those years she tried to open up at least.

"Absolutely like a monkey," Ruhhan teased, earning a glare from her.

"Yeah, because I'm the sister of a monkey," she quipped, walking away grumbling.

One by one, everyone took turns applying haldi to Ayush and Riddhima, successfully honoring the tradition. The ceremony was rich in Rajasthani culture, enhanced by traditional music playing in the background as everything unfolded seamlessly.

"Okay, haldi is done, now it's just the wedding," Radhika said, settling into her seat.

"Is the haldi really over, chachi? It hasn't even started yet," Riddhima replied, rising from her spot.

"What do you mean?" Adhiraj asked, looking puzzled.

"Riddhima Singh Rathore's wedding won't be that easy; we're doing haldi again," Riddhima remarked, brushing off her dress as Ayush smiled.

"Please explain properly," Meera said, unable to catch the meaning.

"Maa, Akshu has organized a pool party for us, so we'll be having haldi poolside," Riddhima said with a shrug, causing everyone to glance at Akshita, who stood stiffly and shrugged in response.

"In these Rajasthani outfits, a pool party?" Gayatri Dadi asked, furrowing her brows, looking for clarification.

"Who says that, Dadi? We'll change," Karthik replied, and the elders nodded, acknowledging their right to enjoy the moment.

Soon, everyone changed out of their heavy Rajputi attire into lighter clothes suitable for a more modern haldi celebration. The palace backyard, where the pool was located, was adorned with yellow and pink decorations, making it look more beautiful than ever.

Even the elders joined in the fun of the haldi ceremony, which wouldn't be as easy in traditional attire. Comfortable seating arrangements had been made.

While the younger crowd had yet to arrive, they soon showed up dressed in white to match the theme. The ceremony began anew, applying haldi to Ayush and Riddhima once again. The elders generously applied the haldi before it was time for the younger ones.

The first to step up was Avyansh, who applied haldi to Riddhima and affectionately kissed her forehead, clearly viewing her as cherished.
The apples of his eyes. He then turned to Ayush, warning him to keep Riddhima happy, but deep down, he knew no one could bring her joy like Ayush.

For them, love was effortless, though not for everyone.

But before the ceremony could start the sound music sounds was retrieved, making them confuse but it shock them to she akshita standing at the dance floor.

"Haldi, that too without dance. Not fair" she said tilting her head where as vedika, Krishvi joined her making the moment more bliss.

The music started, it was a Rajasthani song, they danced with passion. There moves were measured and free. The long skirts twirling around everytime they moved. Soon others girls too joined them, were akshita. Vedika and krishvi took the lead.

Soon the music got changed where Riddhima herself stepped into dance floor making the performance rock. Avyansh eyes were on the one girl who is successful in taking of his attention.  He observed each and every move of akshita,  the way her body swayed against the music.

Soon the women's descended the steps, letting the boys took control. The first one, who moved towards the stage was karthik, letting himself anchor. Behind him kian, ivaan and Siddhart, who is pushed by vedika. Avyansh stood with his famous poker face but was merciless dragged by ivaan and Siddhart.  Where as Krishvi and akshita pushed Ayush. 

Soon the song started to blast the stage, making them move by their own. The woman’s joined, making the dance more enticing. They danced while there body language, melting into the music.

The ceremony unfolded with the serious participants applying haldi first, followed by a more chaotic group, beginning with Akshita. As she applied haldi to Riddhima, mischief sparkled in her eyes as she dashed toward Ayush.

Without hesitation, she poured an entire bowl of haldi over him, instantly turning him from clean to completely yellow.

"You traitor," Ayush chuckled, rising and pushing his hair back, now coated in the yellow paste.

"Are you offended?" Akshita asked innocently, tilting her head.

"Just wait and see, CRAZY GIRL," Ayush said, exasperated, as he raced after her. In no time, he swept her up onto his shoulders. Amused glances were exchanged among the onlookers, while Ivaan felt a pang of hurt; the place where Ayush stood had once belonged to him, and the bond Akshita shared with Ayush felt unbreakable.

However, everything had shifted over time.

Splash-

Ayush tossed Akshita unceremoniously into the pool, causing immediate tension among the guests as they watched her struggle. But who were they challenging? The great AK, or Miss Perfect.

Regaining her composure quickly, Akshita swam to the edge of the pool, whimpering-a rare moment of vulnerability for her after years of keeping her feelings hidden. She was slowly making an effort to open up, and at least she was trying.

"Bhaiiiiiiiii, jojooooooo," she called out, stretching her arms, prompting Reyansh, Ekansh, and Ruhaan to instinctively come to her aid.

However, before anyone could reach her, Ivann had pushed krishvi into the pool, and Siddhart had followed by shoving Avyansh in as well. A playful chaos erupted in the water, reminiscent of the mischief the elders were recalling from their own youth.

"Maza nahi aaraha hai," Karthik declared as he dumped an entire packet of turmeric onto Riddhima, who resembled a sunflower basking in sunlight.

"You idiot!" Riddhima retorted, and soon, the siblings were chasing each other, while the others giggled at their antics.

Just when Reyansh was about to assist Akshita, Ruhaan had already tossed her into the pool.

"Babaaa!" Akshita screamed loudly, prompting Alok to rush forward to help her.

He pulled her out and whispered softly into her damp hair,

"Easy, princess." Her heart swelled as she saw happiness in her father's eyes for the first time in years, all because of her.

"Baba, look at Ruh bhai! He's teasing me!" Akshita complained while hugging Alok, causing Ruhaan's eyes to well up with emotion at hearing his sister call him by his nickname after so long.

"Ruhaan," Alok glared at him, forcing Ruhaan to dramatically raise his hands in surrender while Akshita stuck her tongue out playfully.

"Hey, everyone's covered in yellow, but Vedika doesn't seem too clean," Krishvi pointed out, glancing at Vedika, who was hiding behind Siddhart.

"I didn't even see that!" Akshita replied, getting up with a smirk as she headed toward Vedika.

Meanwhile, Ivann and Avyansh leaned on the railing, watching the unfolding drama.

"Let's go, Maharani. Enough hiding," Krishvi said, grabbing Vedika and tossing her into the pool.

Soon, everyone was in the water, and the once-clear pool had turned a bright yellow.

"Are you having fun?" Akshita exclaimed as she lingered at the pool's edge, refraining from jumping in herself.

"You traitor!" Ayush yelled, pushing his damp hair back.

"Why are you just standing by while we're all getting pushed in?" Vedika shouted in frustration, eliciting laughter from the elders.

"What will you do about it?" Akshita teased, tilting her head.

"Wait, Akshu, let me go outside and I'll tell you!" Riddhima called out, grinning at Akshita.

"Let me out, and then I'll tell you!" Vedika warned, eyeing Ayush, who joined in on the teasing.

Secretly, Ayush snuck out of the pool while Vedika distracted Akshita. He tiptoed behind her and grabbed her tightly, preventing her escape.

"Wait!" Vedika protested as she escaped from the pool to grab some turmeric paste from a nearby bowl. Looking at Akshita struggling to break free from Ayush's grip, she approached her with a mischievous smile and plastered the haldi onto her face. Ayush let go, prompting Akshita to fume with anger while everyone stifled their laughter at the sunflower image she created.

Krishvi then splashed a bucket of water onto Akshita, covering her head to toe in yellow.

Thus began a playful turmoil where everyone chased each other, attempting to cover one another in the turmeric. The elders, along with Ekansh, Ruhaan, Reyansh, Ishani, and Aadhya, watched on, smiling fondly at the scene.

And so, the spirited festivities of haldi, or Holi, continued with great enthusiasm.

𓂃˖˳·˖ ִֶָ ⋆🌷͙⋆ ִֶָ˖·˳˖𓂃 ִֶָ

Later that night, as everyone drifted into a deep sleep, the palace was calm and peaceful, illuminated by a bright moon. Despite the tiredness from the day's activities, a woman in her mid-twenties sat in the expansive garden, decorated with fairy lights and flowers for the wedding.

The soft breeze and the gentle glow of the lights highlighted her features, but sleep eluded her.

For her, sleep and emotions felt like a luxury, as nightmares haunted her and stole away her rest. She longed for sleep but feared it, afraid of memories buried deep within her.

Once a radiant spirit, she became one tainted by those past experiences.

A tainted soul.

Gazing deeply at the crescent moon from her swing, with her knees drawn up and her chin resting on them, she felt someone sit down beside her. Looking up, she saw her father, Alok, smiling gently.

"Baba, aap soye nahi?" she asked, but instead of answering, he gently patted her head.

Without hesitation, she rested her head on his lap, and he lovingly stroked her hair.

"How can I sleep if my princess can't?" Alok asked, concern etched in his eyes.

"I can't, Baba. I'm afraid to sleep," she murmured, revealing her fears to him.

"Sleep, Ladoo. I'm right here; your Baba will always be here for you," he reassured her, singing a lullaby like he used to do during her childhood, carrying her in his arms until she fell asleep.

"Baba, why is life like this?" Akshita whispered, her voice filled with unexpressed emotions.

"Life is a roller-coaster, princess; it's not always easy. Sometimes we have to face difficulties," Alok responded, running his fingers through her hair in a calming manner.

"I'm a loser, aren't I, Baba?" Akshita asked quietly, her voice barely above a whisper.

"No, Ladoo, you are not. You were a miracle, you know when your mumma was pregnant with you; she faced many complications, and the doctors doubted if she would make it. But my brave little princess came through," Alok replied, a tear escaping as he reflected on her birth.

"When you were born, everyone was filled with joy. Your Dadu was the happiest; he always wanted a daughter and finally got you. He wept for joy the first time he held you. Your Dadi-she was over the moon; you brought light into our lives. Even though we've faced our challenges, you taught us how to live and laugh. You're not just a daughter to the Rai Singhania family; you're life, the heartbeat of our home. Yet, we failed to protect you, and thats our failure," Alok's voice faltered, revealing his pain.

"Baba, why did Dadu left us?" Akshita asked, her voice trembling but steady.

"It was fate, princess, everything happens for a reason " Alok whispered, sadness resonating as he remembered his father.

A comfortable silence enveloped them, representing an unbreakable bond. In Akshita's life, her father was a superhero, her strength, and her safe harbor. For Alok, his daughter was his world and pride.

As he gazed at her, sleep finally claimed Akshita, perhaps for the first time in years, enveloped in her sanctuary. He carried her inside the palace, tucked her into bed, kissed her forehead, and left.

Their conversation was deeper than mere words; both were blissfully unaware of the storms that lay ahead, as she slept soundly.

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Boring tha nah??

Par kya karti Matashree, phone hi le ja Rahi baat karne ke liye.

Koi na, but I tried my best to write the chapter.

And second reason was I haven't written it since long, previous was the drafts. So writing it took a little long.

The next chapter will be published on Wednesday.