Chapter 2

"Look Nandini I know its too much to take in but....." he started to say.

"Call him...call the Maharaj and tell him that Nandini refuses to be a mere pawn in a political alliance." Her frame shook in anger as her errant thoughts strayed to the one person she wanted to avoid.

"It is not that easy my dear," her father stood up. "We drew an agreement in front of the Mahasabha. I cannot go back on my word. If I do then we are finished. No one will associate with us any longer and our businesses and friendships will suffer. I cannot risk all that," he explained.

Nandini shook her head walking to the floor length windows. "This is disgusting father. Do you even realize which century we are in? I...I have no words. You made up an agreement to sell me?" she questioned.

"Watch your words Nandini," her father warned. "I am sorry sweet heart," he apologized immediately seeing her flinch. "I know you must be surprised but look at the bright side. You will be the future Maharani of Vilaspore. You will live in the Vilaspore palace which has more history than this one and in absolute luxury," he said with a bright smile as if it would solve all problems.

"I don't believe this father. You think I am greedy for a title or for riches?" she turned to her father looking straight at him in the eye. "Nothing in this whole world can make me happy with the fate you have signed for me,"  she continued. "I understand you might have made an agreement with your close friend but I have no intention of honouring it. Even if you disown me. I will not let you dictate the terms of my life," she finished trying to keep her emotion under control.

Virendra Singh looked at his daughter and he was reminded of his dead wife. His daughter was a spitting image of her both in looks and character. Nandini had also inherited her late grandmother's - his mother's - fiery temper which could put the devil to shame. Right now however she wasn't showing any of the famous traits. Nandini's behavior was cold – ice cold. He knew he had to tread carefully as he couldn't risk the future of his family and the happiness of his daughter. God alone knew how he had tried to pry himself out of the arrangement, but Chandra Raj had been adamant in wanting Nandini as his daughter-in-law. For a moment he wondered if he was making a mistake in tying his daughter's fate to a cold heart prince. He knew all about Yuvraj Abhimanyu Raj Singh, well who didn't. The Yuvraj was known to be an arrogant and ruthless person who was already taking an active part in the various business ventures scattered around the world. From what Virendra Singh heard, Abhimanyu could make a smooth deal with the devil and come out unscathed. Vilaspore's wealth had increased double fold making them the richest estate in all of Rajputana, all because of Abhimanyu.

Virendra Singh sighed and sat on the sofa rubbing a hand over his eyes. He wished for the council of his dearest queen and even silently asked for it, but he received none. He had no choice in the matter and neither did his daughter.

"Its not simple Nandini. If we do not honour the arrangement, we will probably have to move from Jaypore Palace." He let out another deep sigh hating himself for doing that to her.

Nandini stood shell shocked at what her father just said. 'Move' she wondered as she looked at him for an explanation.

"What do you mean by move?" Her voice faltered just a bit. Nandini walked to her father and crouched in front of him. Taking his large hands in hers she looked right into his eyes "What is it father?" she insisted.

One look was all it took for Virendra Singh's resolve to weaken.

"Few months back our hotel venture in Europe suffered a loss. Your brother and I searched high and low for backers as we were losing so much money. Our share holders were pulling out one by one. It was Chandra Raj who came to our rescue and he released funds to keep the venture afloat and not only that he also made sure that the business wouldn't suffer any more because of monetary issues.

"When we went to thank him at Vilaspore, he said that there was no need of such expressions between future relations when he considered us a part of his family. He told us that he expected the happy event to take place as soon as possible. Abhimanyu however insisted on a collateral and he wanted Jaypore Palace. Vikram did not want to take the money, but there was no other way. I agreed."

Nandini tightened her grip as her eyes filled with tears. "Why didn't anyone tell me about this?" she questioned her father and the latter was trying his best to avoid her eyes.

"Vikram wanted to, but I did not want you to worry. Nandini, it is okay, I will call Chandra Raj right away and I will..." before he could complete his sentence Nandini shook her head and stood up.

"No father, you need not do anything. I will meet him personally and I will do my best to convince him."

Virendra Singh clicked his tongue at the proposition.

"It is no use Nandini, he will not agree and it is not expected of us royals to back out of our word. Furthermore, it is not proper protocol for a princess to travel alone so far and meet with her in-laws," he tried to dissuade his daughter.

"What has the Yuvraj got to do with it? You made a deal with the father not the son," questioned Nandini unable to take the Prince's name and trying her best to ignore the way her father said in-laws.

"I know, but now more than Chandra Raj, it is Abhimanyu who is insisting in honouring it."

"Then I just need to meet him and make myself clear wont I?" Nandini face was a complete mask. She turned to her father and immediately the Princess in her took charge.

Virendra Singh stood up and looked at his daughter. "I am sorry Nandini, I cannot allow it. It will show badly on us if they come to know that a Princess was traipsing all around the country," he told her but she simply stared back at him with a determined look. If he knew his daughter, and he did very well, nothing in the world could change her mind once she made it up. Just like his wife, he noted sadly.

"I would like to retire to my room Maharaj," she finally replied and with a bow turned to leave.

The formality of her tone and her reference to his title made her father flinch. She was angry and who could blame her. He decided he would speak to her when she rested and calm, he decided. He cannot allow her to meet the Yuvraj. It would only do her more harm than any good.

Virendra Singh watched the retreating form of his daughter and looked at the picture of his dead wife adorning the wall. He went to it he ran his fingers on the cool glass frame and spoke out loud as if expecting an answer.

"What have I done Mrinalini?"

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Nandini lay on her bed staring at the ceiling tracing the intricate design that adorned it with her eyes. The strange foreboding she felt on the flight, in the cab and as soon as she entered the palace was not for nothing, she mused. How had her simple life turned so complicated? Why was fate so cruel? Why did it have to be him? Where could she escape to? What would be the outcome of her selfishness? The questions swam in her mind and created a vortex which threatened to swallow her whole. The arrangement was ridiculous and under no circumstance she would tie herself to that...that....

Yuvraj Abhimanyu Raj Singh

The name invoked few memories from the deep places of her brain. She closed her eyes tightly trying to send the memories back to wherever they came from.

"I cannot do this," she spoke to the empty bedroom and got up. She had told her father that she would not go to Vilaspore, but she knew that it was inevitable. But something inside warned her against the decision. She looked around the room desperately trying to find a way to escape. She noticed her phone lying on the bed and quickly grabbed it and dialed a number.

"Hello darling," a voice spoke from the other side.

Nandini gripped the phone tightly. "You have the nerve, you coward," she spoke though clenched teeth.

"Ha! Let me remind you dear kettle who is black," the voice replied.

"I didn't....that was not for.....oh!.....I hate you, I hate you very much," she yelled on the phone.

"And I love you too!" the voice replied.

Nandini smiled in spite of herself. "How are you?" the question came so suddenly that Nandini was left speechless.

"I don't know what I am feeling right now, I need you here. Where are you?" her voice was so feeble that she herself was surprised. There was a shuffling sound followed by a loud thump on the other end.

"Hello, are you there?" she asked looking at the phone to see if the call had got disconnected.

"Yes, I am here. I just came to the balcony. It colder than usual here but I think I need this weather to speak to you."

Nandini let out a sigh, "Did you know?" she asked already expecting the answer she would get.

"Yes, I did a few months back and that is the reason why I wasn't there as a part of your welcoming committee."

"Is it true?"

Nandini waited for the answer wanting to believe that everything she heard and experienced was a bad dream. "Please tell me its not true. Please...." she implored.

The person let out a huge breath. "You know he wont joke about such things. After I came to know about the arrangement he had signed, we had a sort of...er...argument. Things got really bad these few weeks, that we almost stopped talking. I couldn't stand it anymore that is why I left for London. I can't believe he did something like that but I know that he wouldn't have taken any decision to harm you. He loves you too much Nandini and so do I. I want to help you out, I really do. I just don't know where to start. I need time and that I exactly what I don't have."

Nandini laughed in agitation. "So you are saying that every Raksha bandhan was useless. The promises that you gave to protect me and safe guard me from all troubles were for nothing. You are telling me that Yuvraj Vikram Singh has failed as a brother?"

Vikram gasped as he heard his little sister spew the words that were meant to hurt him. But he knew very well that she could never hurt him knowingly. He shared a special bond with her especially since their mother had passed away. He remained silent wondering what he could say to ease her pain. But he also knew that she would apologize for all that she had said in few minu-

"I am sorry bhai sa," came the soft voice.

Ten seconds, he noted sighing.

"If I could I would rip that bastard with my bare hands. Don't worry I am trying from my end. You just hold on and don't do anything rash." Vikram trying to pacify Nandini.

Nandini shook her head getting more determined by the minute.

"I am going to Vilaspore to meet the Maharaj," she said already fathoming her brother's response.

"What?" Vikram shouted into the phone.

She guessed it right.

"Nandini, just calm down and think rationally. Don't do anything that would put you in further problems. What if Abhimanyu is in residence? That would not go well Nandini. You don't know him, he is not your typical enemy. He is worse, much worse than that," he tried to reason but he knew better. It was like hitting against a brick wall.

"I have decided bhai sa and no one can change my decision." Nandini disconnected the call before she could hear her brother's objection. To avoid any further discussion on this matter she switched off her phone.

Nandini knew that her father would not give his permission to meet the Vilaspore royals but she had to do it. She went to the side table and opened the lowest drawer and took out a book. It contained the address and telephone numbers of the members of the Mahasabha. She searched for the name she was looking for Maharaj Chandra Raj Singh of Vilaspore. Deciding against the cell number she picked up the cordless and dialed the landline number.

"Vilaspore palace, how may I help you?" an overly sweet female voice spoke from the other end.

Nandini took a deep breath, "Good morning," she started in a sweet voice herself.

"Maharaj Chandra Raj Singh had ordered a jewellery set and I was just calling to inform that it is ready. If His Highness is available we would like to send our delivery boy with the package,"  she said quite confidently reveling in the fib she just made up.

"Oh! This is a first. No body from the jewellery had called up with such an offer before. Usually they send all the sets here at the palace," the female said uncertainly. Nandini could not give up, she needed to know if the Maharaj was in residence and she had to do it quickly before the lady could find out her lie.

"Alright I will send someone with the package, but please let me know if His Highness is in residence," she pressed further crossing her fingers for an affirmative answer.

"Yes, Maharaj is in residence along with the ... hello...hello....," the female removed the receiver from her ears looked at it and gave a shrug. 'Strange,'  she told herself wondering if she had to inform the Yuvraj about the call.

Nandini didn't wait to hear the woman finish the rest of her sentence. She only concentrated on the important parts. The King was in residence and that was all that mattered. She hurriedly went to the cupboard opened it and pulled out a backpack from the shelf underneath. With more energy and determination she began packing for her journey that night.

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Virendra Singh was pacing up and down in his library deep in thought. He stopped for a moment and glanced at Veer Singh who was standing close by and looking at him in rapt attention. Finally deciding against what he was about to say he started pacing again.

Veer Singh felt a bout of sympathy for the man in front of him. Ever since he had come to the palace and joined in His Highness's service as the chief advisor, he had not seen the Maharaj in such a state. He knew that the arrival of the Princess had triggered it.

'The brat,' he thought to himself as he recalled the snippets from the discussion he had heard between the father and daughter. 'She was truly an insensitive brat,' he mused. She was being handed a life that most young girls only dreamed about, in a golden platter and the stupid girl was hell bent on ruining her life as well as the reputation of the family.

He couldn't understand what was so repulsive about the deal that the Maharaj signed. If it was the olden days, the Princess would have been bundled into a palki and sent off to her in laws house the moment she turned fifteen. Here she was presented with the golden opportunity to marry into the wealthy Vilaspore royalty and one day she would be the queen, a Maharani. What more could she ask for?, he gritted his teeth as these thought ran in his mind.

"Veer," the king finally stopped burning a hole in the carpet and sat in his chair. "She is going to meet them. I am quite sure. If I know her she must be getting ready to leave," he said restlessly.

Veer Singh bowed and walked toward the distressed man, "Hukum, please do not worry. I have posted guards outside the Princess's room. There are two more beneath the window and heavy guards at the front and back gates. She cannot leave this palace," he said with confidence.

"I hope so Veer, I really do hope so." Virendra Singh sighed leaning back on his chair closing his eyes for a moment. The stress finally caught up to him as he drifted off to sleep.

Veer Singh watched him closely, making sure that the king was asleep quietly left the library. He closed the door slowly and motioned to a guard.

"You must stand here and wait for the Maharaj to wake up. The moment he asks for me you will immediately let me know. Understood?"

The trembling guard immediately positioned himself near the door. "Yes sir."

Veer made his way up to the east wing to the Princess's room. The two guards posted outside the door bowed to him.

"Is the Princess inside?" he asked the guards.

"Yes sir, she had her meals sent up. She is resting sir," one of the guards replied.

"Okay, has the servant come to clear the dishes away."

"No sir, the servant came out with the empty tray and dishes within fifteen minutes," the other guard responded. Veer Singh frowned and looked at them and then his kohl laden eyes went round and rigid. The guards saw the change in his demeanor and looked surprised. Veer Singh immediately went to the door and knocked twice.

"Princess Nandini, may I enter," he asked. When he did not get any response he knocked again. "Princess Nandini, this is Veer Singh. May I enter?" On receiving no response yet again Veer Singh pushed the twin doors with all his might and gasped at the sight in front of him.

"What are you doing here?" he shouted in fury.

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*Hukum - lord or sire

Yuvraj - Crown prince

Maharani - queen

sa - a respectful way of addressing someone

palki - palanquin