8. 2 days ✨

Happy reading yrra's 💗

The chapter is still unedited ✨

Authors pov

As Veer approached with Raghav's royal sword in hand, the atmosphere grew tense. Siya's brother, previously steadfast, underwent a stark transformation. His expression twisted, and the color drained from his face, leaving him visibly pale—a clear manifestation of his fear.

Raghav, sensing the shift, released his hold on Siya's waist. Yet, her hand remained firmly entwined with his, a silent testament to her determination and support. Siya's brother, now frozen by fear and caught off guard, seemed paralyzed, unable to act as the gravity of the situation unfolded. The room, once filled with unspoken tensions, now crackled with a palpable sense of impending confrontation.

Raghav's hand moved with a deliberate slowness, his fingers curling around the hilt of his sword. The metal whispered against the scabbard as he drew it out, its edge catching the light for an instant before he brought it to his thumb. With a swift, practiced motion, he made a small cut, wincing as the blood began to flow. The crimson droplets gathered, then streamed down his hand.

He turned his gaze to Siya, whose eyes remained tightly shut, her body leaning heavily against him for support. There was a fragility to her in that moment, a stark contrast to the solemnity of the ritual he was about to complete. With a tenderness that belied the fierceness of his action, Raghav dipped his thumb into the well of blood and traced it along Siya's hairline. The stark red line stood out vividly against her skin, marking her irrevocably.

As he finished, he glanced up, his eyes locking with those of Siya's brother. The man stood rigid, his face a mask of fear and resignation. It was as though he had offered up himself to a lion, a creature of raw power and primal instinct. Yet, the brother did not realize the full truth. Raghav was no mere lion. He was a monster, a being of darker depths and more terrifying power. The realization of this fact loomed over them, a shadow that promised both protection and peril.

In that charged silence, the air seemed to hum with unspoken threats and unbreakable bonds. Raghav's actions had set something irrevocable into motion, a transformation as much internal as it was outward. The monster within him had been awakened.

Raghav's eyes were ablaze with anger as he glared in the direction of Siya's brothers. "Ab naam bhi leke dikha salle" (Now dare to even mention the name, scoundrels), he spat out, his voice thick with fury. The air crackled with tension as Raghav took a step forward, but in that instant, Siya's body gave way, and she collapsed into his arms.

The shift in Raghav was immediate and profound. The rage that had fueled him moments before dissipated, replaced by a deep and visceral fear for Siya. His movements, which had been driven by anger, now became gentle and careful. He cradled her against his chest, his expression softening as worry etched itself onto his features.

Raghav's mind raced as he slowly lifted Siya, her fragility stark against his strength. Each step he took was deliberate, his focus entirely on the unconscious figure in his arms. He could feel her shallow breaths against his neck, each one a reminder of her vulnerability.

"Veer," Raghav called out, his voice a mix of urgency and desperation. He needed help, and he needed it now. The fight that had seemed so important a moment ago was now a distant memory, eclipsed by his concern for Siya's well-being.

The world around him seemed to blur as Raghav carried Siya, his thoughts solely on getting her the care she needed. The confrontation with her brothers was now secondary; all that mattered was ensuring that Siya was safe.

Veer, lost in his own dramatic reverie, couldn't help but be struck by the actions of Raghav—a man shrouded in mystery, who had always kept his true identity hidden from the world. This enigmatic figure, who had never allowed anyone to get close to him, had just performed an act so uncharacteristic that it left Veer reeling.

Raghav, who harbored a deep-seated distrust of women, believing they were only after his wealth, had chosen an unexpected path today. Instead of resorting to the myriad other ways he could have protected her, Raghav had filled a random girl's hairline with vermilion—a sacred act, symbolizing protection and commitment in their culture.

Veer pondered over this baffling decision. Why had Raghav taken such a personal and significant step? What drove him to become her protector in this profound manner? As Veer grappled with these questions, he could only conclude that the reasons behind Raghav's actions were known only to the divine. Devi Maa alone understood the deeper currents that influenced such a momentous choice.

Veer snapped out of his thoughts and replied, "Ji, hukum sa [Yes, as you command]."

"Le jao, wahi hum aate hain [Take her there, I'll be coming]," Raghav said decisively as he carried Siya away from there in his arms.

"He ushered Siya into his room, gently laying her on his bed. The sun had already begun its ascent, casting a golden hue through the windows. Workers arriving for the day stumbled upon the unexpected scene, their expressions a mix of shock and speculation, each crafting their own narrative in silent curiosity.

Amidst the unfolding drama, the palace's personal doctor arrived swiftly. With a grave demeanor, he assessed Siya's condition, concern etched on his face. 'Hukum, she has lost a lot of blood,' he urgently declared. 'Her condition is critical; we must get her to the hospital immediately.'

The tension in the room was palpable as his stern voice echoed off the walls. "Ye yaha se khi nhi ja skti (She can't go anywhere from here), aapko Jo chahiye sab arrange kijiye jld se jld (Arrange everything you need as soon as possible)...agar inko kuchh hua to bhot kuchh ho sakta (If anything happens to her, a lot can happen) doctor." His words, delivered with unwavering authority, left no room for negotiation. The doctor nodded, understanding the gravity of the situation, while three to four dasiyas hurried into the room, their presence a testament to the lengths he would go for Siya's safety.

He cast one last look towards Siya, the determination in his eyes masking the storm of emotions within. With a purposeful stride, he exited the room, heading towards another where he could change. The shower's hot water was a brief respite, a momentary escape from the relentless burden he carried. Emerging from the bathroom, he donned his usual attire, the familiar fabric grounding him amidst the chaos.

Minutes later, he was on his way to Chamunda Mata Mandir, his sanctuary, the one place where he sought solace and clarity. The temple stood as a beacon of peace amidst his turbulent life, a sacred haven where he could gather his thoughts and find the strength to face whatever lay ahead.

Chamunda Mata Mandir in Jodhpur, Rajasthan, is a beautiful and serene temple located on the southern edge of Mehrangarh Fort. The temple is dedicated to Chamunda Devi, a fierce form of Goddess Durga.

As you walk up to the temple, you can see stunning views of Jodhpur, often called the Blue City because of its blue-painted houses. The temple itself is simple yet powerful, with an atmosphere filled with the scent of incense and the sounds of devotional songs.

Inside, the idol of Chamunda Devi is dressed in red cloth and decorated with silver ornaments. The temple is always adorned with fresh flowers, adding to its charm. During festivals like Navratri, the temple comes alive with lights, music, and prayers, drawing many devotees.

Chamunda Mata Mandir is not only a place of worship but also a symbol of Jodhpur's rich history and culture. It offers a peaceful escape and a chance to experience the deep spiritual heritage of Rajasthan.

Raghav's pov

Goddess, please forgive me. Whenever I've stumbled, it's only you I've turned to for absolution in this world. Since my parents passed away, your presence has been my only constant.I only wanted to save their life, but a sinister thought crept into my mind, one that should never have surfaced. Everyone who has crossed my path has encountered death, and I cannot bear to lose another soul because of me.What I did today, I don't know how it will affect my life or theirs. You know I’ve always stood against wrong, ensuring no harm comes to anyone. My actions were driven solely by the need to protect and honor them.The line between salvation and damnation feels razor-thin, and the consequences of my actions loom ominously. Please, grant me your forgiveness as I navigate this perilous path

I don't know what came over me that made me act this way. I feel so unaware of the things stirring inside me. For the first time, life is taking unexpected turns, and I'm at a loss to understand why.

I perform the aarti with a sense of ritual and calm. The rhythmic motion of the flames, the scent of incense, and the chanting of mantras fill the space, creating a brief moment of clarity. Yet, as soon as it's over, the confusion returns.

I walk out to my car, the familiar surroundings feeling strangely foreign. Sitting behind the wheel, I take a deep breath, hoping to find some sense of direction, but all I feel is the weight of uncertainty.

I was in my car, driving back to the palace, when last night's thoughts came flooding back. They were a jumble of emotions and half-formed ideas, swirling in my mind. I couldn't quite grasp their meaning, but they lingered, making me uneasy.

The road stretched ahead, but my mind was elsewhere, lost in the shadows of my own uncertainty.

Before siya come to his palace

I was walking because sleep was nowhere and I really have no mood of doing something at this time. But the think is making me irritate my own thoughts.Na, Jane kon hai vo baar baar didar karva vo Rahi hai. Kuchh to baat hai unme unki chhuvan mamuli to nahi lagti. Kabhi lgta hai vo karib hai mere or kabhi sabse dur. Unke baare meh nhi sochna chahta fir bhi haar baar vahi khayalo meh hai. Kuchh or bhi sochu tb bhi vo aa jati hai or kuchh na bhi sochu tb bhi vo rahe jati hai. Channd ghante hi to huye hai mujhe unse mile huye na jane kiu apna sa ahesas le aayi hai. Jis tarah aaj darke unhone mujhe apne gale lga liya...mai fir unhe apne itne karib nhi aane de sakta...mai unhe kbhi dekhna bhi nhi chahta. Meri jindagi mujhse hi puri hai.... Mujhe kisi ko jarurt nhi....... Mai akela hi kafi hu......

[No, I don't know who she is, but she keeps appearing in my thoughts repeatedly. There must be something about her, her touch doesn't seem ordinary. Sometimes it feels like she is close to me and sometimes very far away. I don't want to think about her, yet she remains in my thoughts. Even when I try to think about something else, she comes to mind. It's only been a few hours since I met her, yet she has left a strange feeling in me. The way she hugged me in fear today... I can't let her come so close again... I don't even want to see her again. My life is complete on its own... I don't need anyone... I am enough alone...]

Present time ....

As I reached the palace, the atmosphere was heavy with tension and uncertainty. Inside, amidst the grandeur, five doctors awaited, their expressions grave as they delivered the grim prognosis. Her injuries ran deep, they explained, hinting at a prolonged recovery period fraught with risk. There lingered a daunting 95% chance of slipping into a coma, leaving only a precarious 5% hope of regaining consciousness.

They departed, leaving behind assurances of round-the-clock nursing care, but the air in the room grew dense with solitude once again as I remained by her side. Her head swathed in bandages, faint traces of blood marring her hairline, she lay motionless—a stark contrast to the vibrant soul I had met only yesterday, twirling in Rajasthani attire like a blossoming flower.

I found myself drawn to her bedside, compelled to confront the aftermath of what her own brother had wrought upon her. Sitting beside her, I gazed upon her pallid features, a flicker of hope refusing to extinguish entirely, clinging to the belief that she would awaken, return to the carefree spirit she once embodied.

Yet, as my hand reached out, hesitating just short of touching hers, a wave of anguish washed over me. I recoiled, retreating from the intimacy that threatened to ensnare my heart once more. The memories of others who had left me, their absence cutting deep, surged forward, a reminder of the pain of attachment.

Unable to bear the weight of it all, I fled the room, seeking refuge in the cold efficiency of my office. There, amidst the sterile surroundings and relentless work, I sought solace from the turmoil within, burying myself in tasks to evade the haunting presence of her unconscious form and the emotions it stirred.

In those moments, the palace, once a sanctuary of opulence, became a silent witness to a struggle between hope and despair, where the echoes of regret and longing intertwined, leaving an indelible mark on the lives intertwined within its walls.

Authors pov

2 days later

SUkriya ji 😊💗

Love you all ❣️