The next morning brought both good and bad news. The news spread in the entire palace that Saudamini's mother left for her kingdom the previous night urgently, citing that there was a call from Saudamini's father. Though Ranasa came back to consciousness, he is still recovering so all the royal family members assembled in his chamber to get a clear picture on the rumors.

On the other side, Saudamini was very much confused as her mother didn't inform her before leaving and also all her maids were changed especially Mala, about whose whereabouts she doesn't know till now. She also went to Ranasa's chamber to get proper information on what is going on.

Anamika's mother Sunaina was very much pissed off by this information that the culprit has escaped before getting the punishment. Whereas Anamika was confused as she knows that yuvraj is not someone who will let a culprit go easily. Even in case of small robbery, he tends to give harsh punishments saying that they will not do it again if the punishment is harsh. Then how come overnight, she went away and that too without even informing her daughter. All these thoughts were so confusing.

Leaving the thoughts aside, both of them went to Ranasa's chamber where yuvraj and all others were already present. Ranasa asked yuvraj about the rumors to which yuvraj replied, "yes Ranasa, I personally made arrangements for her departure last night. You don't need to worry about that."

Everyone nodded at his answer satisfied that their guest is safe on her journey but Anamika looked at him intently and noticed a slight smirk which he hides from others very well. She knew him too well for him to lie in front of her. She just prayed that his actions don't cause any trouble for the kingdom or him.

Everyone dispersed to their chambers. As per the usual routine, Anamika was reaching the children to make a garland of flowers which they are learning quite well. Today the children were once again moved to their room in Saudamini's chamber as now there is no reason to keep them away from their mother's chamber which may cause suspicions.

Suddenly the kids started questioning about her protruded stomach and her becoming fat nowadays. Anamika laughed at that and said, "You are going to have a baby brother/sister just like the new sister you got. You can even talk to the baby now by keeping your hands on my stomach". The children got excited and started talking to their brother as they all unanimously wanted a baby brother which they never got.

At that time yuvraj entered her chamber and looked at them. He was very much happy that the kids didn't get the hatred meant for him and bonded very well with their badi maasa who is infact doing all the motherly duties for them. Anamika noticed him standing at the entrance smiling at the children playing and went towards him.

Yuvraj noticed her when she reached near him and asked her about her health. She replied that she is fine and asked, "What are you hiding from Ranasa, Yuvraj? ". He looked at her with wide eyes and slightly parted mouth as if a child got caught doing some mischief that Anamika had to control her smile.

"I.. I didn't hide anything. Wh..what would I hide? I don't have anything to hide", saying this yuvraj turned the other side so as to avoid her eyes, which will make him spill the truth. Anamika had a hard time controlling her laughter and said with a normal tone, "Whatever you do to her, just make sure it doesn't bring any trouble for the kingdom."

When he looked at her and started to deny her accusations, she showed her hands to him and said, "I know you very well, so don't try to lie again. Just be careful with whatever you do. "

Yuvraj just looked at her simply blinking for a few seconds and said, "I will leave now. You are simply throwing too many accusations at me". When he was about to leave, his daughter Ragini called him and pulled him to sit with them and asked, "Babasa! what is the name of our youngest sister? ".

In the midst of all the chaos, they all totally forgot about the naming ceremony of the new born baby. yuvraj asked, "OK. you suggest, what shall we name her?". The kids got excited and said in union, "Suchi". Both Anamika and yuvraj looked at each other and yuvraj said, "Wow! you guys already discussed the name?" The kids nodded cutely and yuvraj said, "OK then we will name suchi. It's very nice name. Are you happy ?". All the kids nodded and went to play again.

Yuvraj started to leave from the chamber and looked at Anamika once. When she met his eyes, he immediately turned the other side and went away.

Anamika couldn't control her laughter seeing him behaving like a kid and let out her laugh after he went away. She caressed her baby bump and said, "Baby! I don't know how I'm going to handle you. I have heard that your father was one hell of a mischievous kid during his childhood. And even now, being a yuvraj he still does these mischievous acts but with another level of danger. Don't worry I will always be there to handle any danger that comes towards you just like I handle it for your father. I will become your shield."

Anamika had sent a letter to Saudamini's father in the name of Saudamini's mother saying, "I wish to live with our daughter and granddaughters until Saudamini is able to handle the new born baby alone. Since this time Anamika is also pregnant, they may not look after Saudamini very well. So I would help her till some more time."

After this letter, Saudamini's father will not try to check on his wife and within that time, Ranasa will be fine and they can prove everything legally.

Yuvraj entered his chamber sulking and talked to himself, "She always finds out everything, even if I don't say. How come she understands me very well? Here I didn't even think about her feelings for years but she can understand everything without even looking at me. I will gain your trust Anamika, even if it takes a lifetime, I won't stop trying". He started talking humorously and ended up serious.

After hearing Anamika's talk with her mother yesterday when he went to sleep in her chamber, he couldn't even look at himself in the mirror without feeling disgusted. At the same time, he cannot abandon Saudamini as she is not the one at fault. So he still goes to her chamber and check on her and the baby.

Now lying on his bed, yuvraj was thinking about his life how it has changed because of his one mistake. During the war times, he would write to Anamika, some official letters. He wouldn't think about anything personal at those times, so he wouldn't write anything personal neither to Anamika nor Saudamini. If only he had written personal letters to Anamika, may be they would have communicated which would have reduced the gap between them. If only. That's all he can wish.

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Hi All,

During this time of pandemic second wave, please be safe and keep others also safe by wearing masks, sanitize yourself and maintain social distancing.

We will come out of this second wave mightier than ever.

Do vote and comment.

I thought that by 30th chapter the story will be finished but each scene while writing consumes the entire chapter. So please don't ask how many chapters are left.

Thanks,

SM.