CHAPTER 12 : "TUG OF RESPONSIBILITIES AND LOVE"

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Vishwanath woke up early, the first rays of dawn barely peeking through the window.He had experienced the best slumber of his life in Kashi's room. Despite the countless nights spent in the luxury of his world-class mansion, this simple, serene space provided him with an unparalleled sense of peace and comfort.

He stretched, feeling the weight of yesterday's events still lingering. He turned his gaze to the door, thinking of Kashi and her mother, Anjali. Despite being a king, he enjoyed doing things for others, especially those he cared about. Today, he decided to make a special breakfast for them - poha and chai, a simple yet heartwarming meal.

Slipping quietly out of Kashi's room, he

glanced at Kashi and her mother's room that was just opposite to the room he was staying in.The darkness of their room indicated they were sound asleep, allowing him to move about undisturbed.

Vishwanath made his way to the kitchen. He moved with practiced ease, gathering ingredients and setting the kettle to boil. Though a king, Vishwanath liked doing his work, a trait shared by his brothers Raghavendra and Rudra. Raghavendra, mature and disciplined, was often the voice of reason, while Rudra, the youngest, had a naughty streak but was no less dedicated to their responsibilities.

As the aroma of cooking poha filled the kitchen, Kashi stirred in her room. Her foot throbbed slightly, a reminder of her injury. The events of the previous night came flooding back, and she felt a pang of gratitude towards Veer ji. She couldn't believe how much he had done for her and her mother. she knew she could never thank him enough.

Kashi glanced over at her mother, who was peacefully asleep, She adjusted the comforter on her mother, ensuring she was snug and warm before quietly slipping out of the room. The sight of her mother's peaceful slumber filled her with a deep sense of relief and happiness, reinforcing her gratitude for Veer ji's kindness.

Kashi hobbled to the kitchen, leaning on the wall for support. She paused at the doorway, watching her Veer ji working. His focus was intense, his hands deftly gathering spices for the poha. She felt a warmth in her chest at the sight of him, so regal yet so down-to-earth.

"Veer ji, aap yeh sab kyu kar rahe hai ? Aap humare mehmaan ho, aapko kaam nahi karna chahiye," Kashi said softly, stepping into the kitchen. (Veer ji, why are you doing all this? You are our guest you shouldn't be working, Kashi said softly, stepping into the kitchen.)

Vishwanath turned, a warm smile spreading across his face. "Kashi kal tumne aur aunty ne mujhe itni barish mein yaha rukne diya. Yeh toh bas chhota sa shukriya hai. Waise bhi, mujhe cooking kaafi pasand hai." (Kashi, yesterday you and Aunty let me stay here in such heavy rain. This is just a small token of thanks. Besides, I really like cooking.) he partly lied, knowing his skills in the kitchen were far from professional The truth was, he knew only some basic cooking, but he wanted to do something special for her.

Kashi shook her head, her eyes widening slightly, moving a little closer she said "Veer ji, yeh aap kaise baat kar rahe hai? Itni barish mein hum aapko kaise jaane dete? Aur aap humare mehmaan hai aapko aaraam karna chahiye, vase bhi apke haath par chott bhi lagi hai . Laiye Mujhe madad karne dijiye." (Veer ji, how can you say that? How could we have let you leave in such heavy rain? And you're our guest, you should be resting. Besides, your hand is also injured. Let me help you.)

Vishwanath frowned slightly, glancing at her foot. "Tumhara pao bhi sprained hai, Kashi. Phir toh Tumhe bhi rest karna chahiye." (Your foot is sprained too, Kashi. So, even you should also be resting.)

But Kashi was stubborn. "Main bas baithi nahi reh sakti jab aap saara kaam kar rahe ho, Veer ji. Mujhe madad karne dijiye." (I can't just sit around while you're doing all the work, Veer ji. Please let me help.)

Vishwanath sighed, knowing it was pointless to argue with her. "Theek hai, lekin apne pao ka dhyan rakhna. Aur Hum dono milkar kaam karenge." (Alright, but take care of your foot. And we'll work together.)

Reluctantly, Kashi also gave in, knowing he wouldn't agree otherwise and they started working together.

Kashi began to assist him, chopping vegetables for poha and stirring the chai. They worked in a comfortable silence, their movements synchronized. At one point, they both reached for a jar of spices at the same time, their hands colliding. They froze, eyes locking in a sweet, unspoken moment. The world seemed to stand still, and Kashi felt her heart skip a beat. She could see the warmth and admiration in his eyes, and for a moment, she forgot everything else.

The spell was broken by the ringing of Vishwanath's phone. Both looked away, their moment interrupted. He then glanced at the screen, his expression turning serious. "Excuse me, Kashi," he said, moving aside to answer the call.

Kashi felt a rush of shyness and quickly excused herself, mumbling something about her mother calling her. She left the kitchen, her heart pounding in her chest. She rushed to her room and closed the door, leaning against it for support. Her breathing was rapid, her mind racing with the whirlwind of emotions she was feeling.

"Kya ho raha hai mujhe? Yeh ajeeb si feelings kyun aa rahi hai?" (What's happening to me? Why am I having these strange feelings?) she thought, placing a hand over her racing heart. The warmth of Veer ji's touch, the way he looked at her-it was all so overwhelming. She had never felt this way before, and it both excited and scared her. She couldn't deny the fluttering in her heart every time she saw him, but she also didn't want to hope for something that seemed impossible.

Meanwhile, Vishwanath answered the call, his voice shifting from its warm tone to a colder, more reserved one "Hello?"

Bhaiya, kahi aapne humari bhabi toh nahi dhund li jo hume bhul hi gaye ho?" (Bhaiya, have you found our sister-in-law somewhere that you've forgotten about all of us?) It was Rudra, his youngest brother, sounding impatient and playful as usual.

Vishwanath chuckled despite his mind flashing to Kashi's face when Rudra said "Humari bhabi."(Our Bhabi) "Rudra, tum kabhi serious nahi ho sakte na?" (Rudra, you can never be serious, can you?)

Rudra laughed. "Arre bhaiya, already you and Raghav bhai are so serious. Ek cute aur funny banda toh chahiye na beech mein." (Oh, Bhaiya, you and Raghav Bhai are already so serious. We need at least one cute and funny person in the middle.)

Vishwanath laughed heartily. "Rudra, tum aur tumhara sense of humor kabhi nahi badlega. Kaise ho tum? Aur sab ghar par kaise hain?" (Rudra, your sense of humor will never change. How are you? And how is everyone at home?)

Rudra's tone softened slightly. "Main theek hoon bhaiya, aur ghar par bhi sab theek hain. Maa aapko bahut miss kar rahi hain." (I'm fine, Bhaiya, and everyone at home is also doing well. Maa misses you a lot.)

"Bhaiya, aap kaise ho? Aur aap vapis kab aa rahe ho?" (Bhaiya, how are you? And when are you coming back?)Rudra asked, his tone shifting to genuine concern.

Vishwanath sighed, leaning against the counter."Main bhi theek hu aur main jald hi vapis aaunga, Rudra. Wahan sab kaise chal raha hai?" (I'm fine too, and I'll be coming back soon, Rudra. How is everything going over there?)

"Busy, as always Bhaiya. Raghav bhaiya is handling most of it, but we need you here. The company and the kingdom both needs you."

Vishwanath felt a pang in his heart. He knew his duties awaited him, but the thought of leaving Kashi made his chest tighten.

"I understand Rudra. I'll be back soon.

Take care of everything until then."

"Of course, bhaiya. But don't take too long," Rudra replied, his tone softening. "We miss you."

"I miss you too, Rudra. Give my regards to maa, papa and Raghavendra" Vishwanath said, feeling a mix of pride and longing.

"Will do, bhaiya. Take care and come back soon," Rudra said before hanging up.

Vishwanath ended the call, feeling a mix of emotions. He returned to the stove, finishing the breakfast preparations with a heavy heart.

Meanwhile, Kashi joined her mother in the living room. Anjali looked up, concern etched on her face. "Kashi, beta abb kaise ho tum ? Tumhe aaraam karna chahiye na? Aur Veer kaha par hai? (Kashi, my daughter, how are you now? You should be resting, right? And where is Veer?)

Kashi managed a smile and said "Ohoo Maa ek hi saans mein kitne sawal kar jati ho aap. Mein abb bilkul thik hu aur Veer ji kitchen mein hai humare liye breakfast bna rahe hai."

(Ohoo Maa you ask so many questions in one breath. I'm perfectly fine now, and Veer ji is in the kitchen making breakfast for us.)

Anjali's eyes widened in surprise. "Veer beta breakfast bana rahe hain? (Veer Beta is making breakfast?)

Veer ke parivar ne kitne acche sanskar diye hain apne bete ko. Kitna achha aur neek insaan hai Veer, har kisi ki madad karne mein hamesha aage rehta hai." (Veer's family has given him such good values. Veer is such a kind and noble person, always willing to help others.)Anjali said with softened eyes as she spoke, reflecting her deep respect and appreciation for Veer's character and the values instilled in him by his family.

Kashi nodded, her mind drifting back to the kitchen. Despite her best efforts, she couldn't stop thinking about the moment they had shared. The way he had looked at her, the warmth in his eyes ,it was unlike anything she had ever experienced.

A few minutes later, Vishwanath brought breakfast to the table. The poha and chai looked perfect, and the aroma made Kashi's stomach rumble. As she helped her mother to the table, her heart swelling with gratitude.

"Thank you, Veer beta" Anjali said, smiling warmly.

Vishwanath smiled, setting the plates down. "It's my pleasure, Aunty. I hope you will like it."

Anjali took a tentative bite, her eyes widening in delight. "Yeh poha to bohot hi tasty hai Veer," (This poha is really tasty, Veer) she exclaimed, a satisfied smile spreading across her face.Kashi followed suit, savoring the flavors. "Really, Veer ji, it's delicious," she said, her eyes shining with gratitude .Vishwanath's smile grew as he saw their reactions. "I'm glad you liked it," he said warmly, pleased with the appreciation.

Vishwanath also started eating , the atmosphere warm and familial .Despite the challenges they faced, there was a sense of unity and support that filled the room. As they ate, Kashi couldn't help but steal glances at Veer, her heart fluttering with every look.

After breakfast, Anjali retired to her room to rest, leaving Kashi and Vishwanath alone. Kashi insisted on clearing the table, despite Vishwanath's protests. She moved around the kitchen, her foot throbbing painfully, but she ignored it, determined to help. Vishwanath watched her with a mixture of amusement and concern.

"Kashi, you need to rest. Tumhare pao ko time lagega heal hone mein abhi," he said, his tone firm yet gentle. (Kashi, you need to rest. Your foot will take time to heal, he said, his tone firm yet gentle.)

Kashi shook her head, smiling. "Main abb bilkul theek hoon, Veer ji. Main manage kar sakti hoon." (I'm perfectly fine now, Veer ji. I can manage.)

Seeing her stubbornness, Vishwanath sighed and, without warning, scooped her up in his arms. Kashi gasped, her eyes widening in surprise as her cheeks turned a deep shade of red.

"Veer ji, aap kya kar rahe hain?" (Veer ji, what are you doing?) she protested weakly, her heart racing.

Vishwanath carried her to the nearby couch and gently set her down. "Tum abhi yahin baitho. Main baaki kaam kar leta hoon," he said firmly (Just sit here for now. I'll take care of rest of the work , he said firmly)

Kashi pouted, crossing her arms. "Veer ji, aap kabhi meri baat nahi sunte."

(Veer ji, you never listen to what I say.)

Vishwanath raised an eyebrow, a smirk playing on his lips. "Aur tum kabhi apni zidd mein meri baat sunti ho?" he retorted playfully.

(Even you never listen to me when you're being stubborn.")

Kashi pouted even more, her red cheeks puffing up adorably. Vishwanath couldn't help but chuckle at her expression.

Tum bohot cute lagti ho jab naraz hoti ho," he said, his tone softening. "Ab chup chap yahin baitho. Main sab sambhal loonga." (You look very cute when you're annoyed, he said, his tone softening. Now just sit here quietly. I'll handle everything.)

Kashi huffed, but a small smile tugged at her lips. "Theek hai, Veer ji. Lekin yeh galat hai." (Alright, Veer ji. But this is wrong.)

Vishwanath laughed, shaking his head as he continued cleaning up. Despite her protests, Kashi felt a warmth spreading through her .She felt a flutter of something she couldn't quite name but found comforting and new.

Happy Reading!

Words : 2214

Author's note 📖

Kashi is beginning to develop deep feelings for her Veer ji, unaware of his true identity as Vishwanath Rai Singhania, the king of Bundelkhand. How will Kashi cope with this revelation? Will her feelings for Veer ji remain unchanged, or will the truth alter her emotions? Stay tuned to unravel the complexities of love and identity in the unfolding story❣️

I want to extend my sincerest apologies to all my genuine readers for being absent over the past few weeks. I had exams that required my full attention, and unfortunately, I wasn't able to update the story as I had planned, but as a compensation I have updated a really long chapter today with almost 2.2K words. Hope you have enjoyed reading it 🫶🏻🫀

I want to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude for all those lovely people who showed incredible support and encouragement during my recent period of demotivation. Your kind words and messages of motivation truly lifted my spirits and inspired me to keep going. I really love you all so much and thanks alot🥹🫶🏻😘❣️

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