CHAPTER 18 : BONDS OF FAMILY, COMFORT AND HEALING

Hello everyone💗

Firstly i want to apologize for the delay in updating the next chapter. My new semester has just started, and college has been pretty hectic right from the beginning, so I've been taking some time to settle down. To make it up for the delay, I'm giving you a long chapter today. I hope you enjoy it!🫶🏻💌

Thank you all for your patience and continued support, it truly means the world to me! 🥰

A special thanks to those of you who sent me kind messages of encouragement and appreciation in the last note. Your words really meant a lot and kept me motivated to continue writing😍❤️

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With Kashi's thoughts weighing heavily on his mind, Vishwanath drove back to Singhania Mansion. He replayed the day's events over and over again, wishing things had unfolded differently. He had never intended for Kashi to find out his true identity this way. He wanted to be the one to tell her, but now everything had spiraled out of control. The guilt gnawed at him, especially knowing how much he had hurt her.

When he arrived at the mansion, a sense of foreboding washed over him. The air was thick with tension as he stepped into the living room, where his family was gathered. The serious expressions visible on their faces. His father, Rajendra, was the first to notice him and stood up , followed by his mother, Shalini. Raghavendra and Rudra also stood up but stayed back, their eyes filled with questions as they looked at him, unsure of what to say or do.

Rajendra approached Vishwanath with slow, deliberate steps, his eyes narrowing as he observed his son's unusually tense posture. His expression was stern, the weight of years of leadership evident in his voice. "What happened today, Vishwanath? Who was that girl you ran after? Why did she leave in tears?" His tone carried authority, but beneath the sharpness, there was a flicker of concern only a father could have.

Vishwanath's jaw tightened, his thoughts racing as he struggled to find the right words. He could feel the weight of his family's gaze on him, especially Rajendra's, waiting for answers. But before he could respond, Shalini's soft yet anxious voice broke through the silence.

"Vishu..." she began, her eyes filled with confusion. "Why was she calling you 'Veer' and crying like that? Who is she? What is going on?" There was no mistaking in the worry in her voice, her motherly instincts kicking in. Her hands fidgeted slightly, betraying her calm exterior.

Raghavendra and Rudra, who had been silently observing the tension unfold, exchanged glances. They both took a step forward but hesitated, choosing to stay in the background for now, their eyes filled with questions just like their parents.

The room felt heavy with unspoken words and expectations, as if everyone was waiting for Vishwanath to break the silence that was suffocating them all. But he remained quiet, knowing that this was something none of them were prepared for.

Vishwanath sighed deeply, the weight of the situation pressing heavily on his shoulders. He knew there was no escaping this conversation any longer, it was inevitable, and keeping the truth hidden would only make matters worse. Bracing himself, he looked around the room at his family's expectant faces, their concern and confusion palpable.

He told his family everything , from the fraudulent activities in Jhansi that led him to Kashi, how Kashi's father, Ravi, had been involved in the fraud and was using her as a pawn without her knowledge, to the bond he had formed with her, and how he hadn't revealed his true identity to her.... that she only knew him as "Veer," not Vishwanath Rai Singhania, the king of Bundelkhand.. His voice faltered slightly as he confessed to them his deepest truth, the feelings that had blossomed into something much stronger. "I fell in love with her," he admitted, the vulnerability in his voice unmistakable.

Finally, he took a deep breath, his gaze dropping for a moment before he met their eyes again. "But today, everything unraveled. She found out who I really am, and it broke her... and now, I've lost her trust."

As he spoke, the room fell into a profound silence. His family, accustomed to his usual composed demeanor, listened intently as he conveyed his feelings. Their faces transitioned from expressions of confusion to sheer shock. Vishwanath had always been known for his meticulous approach to work, never allowing personal emotions to interfere. However, as he spoke about Kashi, the change in his voice was unmistakable. There was a depth of emotion and vulnerability that they had rarely witnessed from him before. The raw sincerity in his words revealed how deeply he loved her and cared for her. It was evident that Kashi had touched a part of his heart that even his family had never seen, and the revelation left them grappling with the gravity of his feelings.

Rajendra, a man of great principles who held deep respect for women, was however not pleased. His face hardened as he scolded his son, "I can't believe you kept such a big thing from her. Lying to a girl like that, after forming a bond with her? This isn't the way I raised you, Vishwanath. I've always taught you to respect women, to be honest with them. How could you betray her trust like this?" I'm deeply unhappy with what you did. You should have approached this situation with the honesty and respect that I've always expected from you."

Vishwanath flinched at his father's words, guilt washing over him. He hadn't meant to deceive Kashi, but explaining that to his father in the heat of the moment seemed impossible. Rajendra, still visibly upset, turned away and left the room. His departure left Vishwanath standing there, his shoulders slumped in defeat. The weight of his father's disapproval and the gravity of his own actions bore down on him, leaving him feeling both chastened and emotionally drained.

Shalini, who had been quiet until now, stepped forward and placed a hand on Vishwanath's shoulder. "Look at me, Vishu," she said softly but in a firm tone. "Tell me honestly, did you intend to deceive Kashi? Was this all intentional?"

Vishwanath immediately shook his head, his voice strained with emotion. "No, Maa. I swear on you and Papa, my intentions for Kashi were always pure. I never wanted to hurt her. I just... I wanted to build a connection with her without my royal title affecting her perception of me. I wanted her to see me as just a normal person, not a king. And when I was ready to tell her the truth, circumstances kept getting in the way. I never wanted this to happen, not like this."

Shalini's eyes softened with understanding as she took in his words. She had always trusted her son deeply, confident that he was capable of great integrity and kindness. It was this trust that made his actions all the more difficult to process. She knew Vishwanath well enough to believe that he would never intentionally cause harm to anyone let alone to ones he deeply loved and cared about, but hearing it directly from him was important to truly understand his intentions.

Tears welled up in Vishwanath's eyes as he spoke, his voice laced with pain. "She said I betrayed her, Maa. But how do I explain to her that I never wanted to lie to her? I had my reasons for not telling her right away, but I was going to tell her. I just... I wanted to do it right, at the right time."

Shalini's heart ached for her eldest son. She could see how deeply he was affected by all this . " Vishu, i believe you. I know your intentions were pure, but Kashi is hurt right now. Trust is a fragile thing, and hers has been shaken. You need to give her time to process everything. Don't force her to talk to you just yet. Allow her the space to heal from this wound. Time is what she needs right now."

Vishwanath's eyes were downcast, his heart heavy with the weight of his mother's words. He nodded, his voice barely a whisper as he responded, "I know, Maa. I will give Kashi the time she needs, but I won't give up. I have hurt her, and I will make it right. I promise you that."

Shalini's eyes conveyed a mix of compassion and concern. "It's not just about making things right, Vishu. It's also about showing her that your feelings are genuine and that you're committed to understanding and repairing the damage. It will take patience and understanding. You must be prepared for that."

Vishwanath's shoulders relaxed slightly, though the weight of his guilt still hung heavily on him. He took a deep breath, drawing strength from his mother's unwavering support. "I will, Maa. I'll do whatever it takes to prove to her that my feelings are real and that she means alot to me ."

Shalini gave him a reassuring smile, her eyes filled with the warmth and wisdom only a mother could offer. "Remember, Vishu, the road to healing is long, but it begins with sincerity and time. Be patient, and let your actions speak louder than words."

Vishwanath nodded, feeling a sense of relief at his mother's words.

Raghavendra and Rudra, who had remained silent during the conversation, finally approached their brother. They had always looked up to him as their protector, their guide, but seeing him so vulnerable now made them realize how much he had been carrying on his own.

Raghavendra placed a hand on Vishwanath's shoulder, his voice soft but full of support. "Bhaiya, we're here for you. We've always been a team, and that won't change ever. We know you didn't meant to hurt anyone. Just... don't shut us out. We're in this together."

Vishwanath nodded, grateful for his brothers' support. He had always been the one to take on the responsibilities of the family, to protect them from the burdens of the kingdom. But now, standing here with his brothers beside him, he realized that he didn't have to carry everything alone.

Shalini gently wiped away the tears that had formed in Vishwanath's eyes, her motherly touch bringing him comfort. "Beta, listen to your brothers. We're a family, and we'll get through this together. Just give Kashi the time she needs. Trust is a delicate thing, but with love, it can be rebuilt."

" Vishwanath nodded but again a thought struck him "Maa, Papa is really upset with me. I've never seen him so angry. I.... I don't know what to do." His voice trembled slightly as he confessed his fears.

Shalini looked at her son with a soft smile, gently placing a hand on his cheek to reassure him. "Vishu, don't worry so much. You know your father, don't you? He's just like a coconut, hard on the outside but soft on the inside. His anger cools down as soon as it evaporates."

She paused, her eyes twinkling with affection as she continued, "Your father may seem tough, but he cares deeply for you. He's just worried about you and the situation. Trust me, beta, his anger won't last long. I'll talk to him. He only wants what's best for you."

Vishwanath sighed, feeling a small sense of relief at his mother's comforting words. "Maa, I just hope everything will be alright soon.

Shalini smiled and patted his arm. "I'll handle it, beta. You focus on making things right with Kashi. Your father's heart is soft, just like yours. He'll come around."

Before the mood could get more heavy, Rudra chimed in with a playful grin, "Maa didn't I say that Bhaiya has already found our Bhabhi? He just doesn't have the time to tell us!"

The tension in the room eased as everyone collectively turned to Rudra and said, "Rudra!" Despite everything, the lighthearted moment brought a small smile on everyone's face.

But even as they shared that brief moment of levity, Vishwanath was acutely aware that the path ahead would be challenging. Kashi was deeply hurt, and healing would take time. He could only hope that, eventually, she would find it in her heart to forgive him and see that no matter what, she would always be his queen, and he would always be her Veer ji.

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Meanwhile, Kashi hurried home, her heart heavy with confusion and pain. The realization that her beloved Veer ji was actually Vishwanath Rai Singhania, the King of Bundelkhand, had shaken her to her core. She had trusted him with everything, confided in him, and believed in the connection they shared. But now, it felt as though everything had been a lie. Tears welled up in her eyes as she walked through the familiar streets of Jhansi, her mind racing with thoughts of betrayal and heartbreak.

When she finally reached her modest home, she pushed the door open and stepped inside. The warmth and familiarity of her surroundings did little to soothe her aching heart. Without a second thought, she rushed to her mother's side. Anjali was sitting on the worn-out sofa, resting when Kashi threw herself into her arms, her body trembling with emotion.

"Ma...." Kashi's voice cracked as she broke down, clinging to her mother. "Maa.... I don't know what to do...."

Anjali, startled by her daughter's sudden breakdown, held her tightly, concern etched across her tired face. "Kashi? What happened, beta? Tell me.... What's troubling you?"

Kashi pulled back slightly, wiping away her tears with the back of her hand, and took a shaky breath. "Maa.... Veer ji.... He's not who we thought he was.... He's Vishwanath Rai Singhania.... the King of Bundelkhand. I didn't know.... I didn't know until today when I went to deliver the package. He.... he asked for my forgiveness, Maa. He said his intentions were pure, that he only wanted to protect me and grow our bond, but... but how could he lie to me like that?" Kashi told everything to her mother in one go, her words spilling out in a rush as panic and anguish overwhelmed her.

Anjali's eyes widened in shock at her daughter's revelation. She had never imagined that Veer could be someone so powerful, so influential. For a moment, she was at a loss for words. But seeing the pain and confusion in her daughter's eyes, she quickly composed herself, understanding that now, more than ever, Kashi needed her guidance.

Kashi," Anjali began softly, her voice gentle yet firm as she carefully chose her words. She took a deep breath, trying to steady the tremor in her voice. "What Vee...Vishwanath did.... it was wrong. I won't deny that. He should have been honest with you and his deception was unfair to you."

She paused, her eyes searching her daughter's face for any sign of understanding. The weight of the revelation was heavy on both of them, and Anjali knew that words alone couldn't ease the pain Kashi was feeling. She reached out and gently touched Kashi's cheek, her fingers warm against her daughter's tear-streaked skin.

"But, beta," Anjali continued, her tone softening as she tried to convey the complexity of the situation, "try to understand his perspective as well. We were strangers to him, and he came here with a purpose, with a motive that he couldn't reveal to us right away. Vishwanath is not just any man, he is a king, a man with responsibilities that we can't even begin to comprehend. He had to be cautious, had to protect himself and his kingdom. He didn't know who he could trust when he first met us.Trust is something that has to be built over time. He couldn't simply disclose everything about himself to us, especially when he was trying to find his way and understand us."

Anjali, a mature and experienced woman who had seen her share of the world's complexities, could grasp the subtlety of Vishwanath's situation. Her years of experience in relationships and understanding of human nature allowed her to see beyond the immediate hurt. She could somewhat comprehend the pressure Vishwanath was under and why he might have acted the way he did.

She paused, letting her words sink in before continuing. "That doesn't excuse what he did, but it might help you understand why he did it. He made mistakes, but he also tried to protect you in his own way. Maybe... just maybe... you should give him a chance to explain everything properly. Don't rush to judgment. Take your time to process everything, and then decide what your heart truly feels."

Kashi listened to her mother's words, her mind swirling with thoughts. She could hear the wisdom in Anjali's voice, but the pain of betrayal still weighed heavily on her heart. She closed her eyes, trying to make sense of everything, trying to find clarity in the midst of her confusion.

Anjali's gentle voice broke through her thoughts. "Beta, you've always been strong, stronger than you realize. Don't let this break you. Take your time, think things through. And remember, no matter what happens, I'm here for you."

Kashi nodded, feeling the warmth of her mother's love surrounding her. She knew she needed time, time to think, time to heal. As she sat there, wrapped in her mother's embrace, Kashi let herself drift into deep thoughts, trying to clear her mind and make sense of everything that had happened. The journey ahead wouldn't be easy, but she knew that with her mother by her side, she could face whatever came next.

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Author's Note 📖

In this chapter, we explore how family bonds can offer immense comfort and healing during times of distress. Just as Vishwanath finds solace in his family's support and understanding, Kashi too seeks the warmth and wisdom of her mother. These moments reveal that while the path to reconciliation can be challenging, the strength of family ties provides a foundation for forgiveness and growth. Hope you enjoyed it!!💗

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UPDATE SCHEDULE

I've decided on an update schedule for now, starting from next week, I'll be posting twice a week. Sunday will be a fixed update day (for sure 💯), and the second update will be on a random day whenever I have some free time. And if I get more free time, I might even surprise you all with an extra update!☺️💕

Stay tuned, and thank you again for being such wonderful readers!🫶🏻🫀

Lots of Love,

Smiling Cupcake 🧁