Happy Reading❤️

"-things are changing here too. After you, now Aadrika is all set to step in for the responsibilities of marriage. I still hadn't come in terms with your wedding and now Aru is also going to leave me. Here it is empty without having any of my sisters here. First it was Athulya then you and now Aru.

It seems like it was just yesterday the three of you were running and giggling around the palace corridor chasing each other. Three little devils who had no care about the outer world has now grown up into beautiful women who are ready to take the flight into the outer world. I hate the change that is taking place but I know this change is necessary.

Oh and before I forget let me tell you the main reason I'm writing this letter. As you know pitashree has started the preparations for Aru's swayamvar, Aru and I think it would be wonderful if you could come and stay here with us for some days. No pressure, Nandha. We know now you a family of your own to look after and we would totally understand if you refuse.

Though we would be glad if you could come. Its been almost five months since you wedding and in this five months not even once have met. Even my daughter has yet to see her Nandha bua. Don't you want to see little Mythili? She has started recognizing people around her recently and I want my daughter to grow up knowing her Nandha bua. Each moment I spent with her remind me of the time when you were a toddler like her.

We are not guilt tripping nor pressurising you, Nandha. Try visiting us. It's just, we miss having our little Rajakumari around. It is not just Mythili, I and Aadrika are missing you. Pitashree too is missing you. I have seen him visiting your chamber at night and cry hugging your old clothes.

He might not have shown his love for you openly Nandha but he did always love you, even more than me. We all are missing our Nandha, the girl who used to spread happiness even during the darkest of days. And most importantly, I don't think we would get another chance like this to get together after Aru's wedding.

If you want I would write a letter to your husband and talk to him regarding your visit to Amernath. I'm sure he wouldn't have any problem with letting you stay in your paternal house for a few days. He loves you and I'm sure he will do anything for your happiness.

Do reply to this letter as soon as possible. We will be eagerly waiting for your response.

Your only brother,

Ahaan."

Nandha wiped the lonely tear that fell from her eyes. She carefully folded the letter and placed it inside her cupboard.

She sat on her bed, letting her tears fall freely. She felt homesick at the moment. She wanted to meet her father, brother and sisters. She wanted to be with them at this phase of her life. The phase where she needed their love and support. She wanted to hide herself in their embrace and cry out her pain but she knew she couldn't do that.

She wanted to be with her sister at this critical phase of her life. She wanted to support her and be a part of her happiness but unfortunately she couldn't do that. She wanted to tease her sister along with her brother. She wanted to enjoy each and every ritual of her sister's swayamvar with happiness but she couldn't. She wanted to meet her brother's new born. She wanted to take the little princess in her arms and pamper her to her heart's content but she couldn't. She wanted to meet her father and embrace him but she couldn't.

She didn't want her family to know the pain she is suffering from. She don't want them to know what was happening to her behind the closed doors of the palace. She didn't know if she could cover up her pain before her family with her fake smile like she is doing here. She don't want them to know her sufferings but who was she kidding her family will surely understand the pain behind her eyes and she wouldn't be able to lie to them, if they ask for the reason behind it. She would end up spilling all her pain to them and she know it would not end in a good way.

'He loves you and I'm sure he will do anything for your happiness.'

A mirthless chuckle escaped her lips as tears continuously streamed down her cheeks. Her brother thinks she is happy, that her husband loves her and treats her well when in reality it was just the opposite. Gone was the facade of the loving and caring husband. He changed into a complete monster within this one month. Her husband was a cruel man and he had proved it to her more than once. He is a vicious animal who cares only about himself. A man who tried to kill his own blood wouldn't hesitate to finish off her family.

She really wanted to visit her family but for that she needed his permission but she didn't have the guts to ask him. She was afraid, afraid that her words would end up offending him and he would hurt her family like he said that night. She couldn't risk her family's safety for her selfishness.

His mere sight was enough to cause panic in her. The love she had for him has been completely ruled out by the fear she has for him. Even his shadow was enough to create chaos in her heart and mind. She had been avoiding him for the past one months. And lucky for her, he too didn't try to come closer to her in the past one month. And why would he need her anyway. He has new interests now.

She was not blind not to see his loving interactions with the Kalinga princess. Each time she see them together a part of her heart would break. The pain reminded her constantly of his words that he spoke that night. A part of her would blame and curse her for destroying her own happiness. If she had listened to her Arya and stayed away from Nakula then all these chaos would not have happened.

At first she didn't think much into his and Bhanumati's relationship. She thought they were just good friends but all her hopes went down in drain the moment she saw her coming out of his chamber wrapped in his angavastra at the dark hour of night. What could a wife assume when she see another woman walking out of her husband's chamber wrapped in his clothes looking completely sweaty. All the hopes she had for a happy future got destroyed that very moment. How much ever she tried she couldn't get the image out her head. Well no woman in the world would be able to forget that kind of image. At first she felt shattered and betrayed but then slowly she accepted her fate because that event made she realise she had lost her husband for good even before he could be her's.

She felt nauseous all of a sudden. Cupping her mouth she ran towards the bath chamber and omitted her guts out. Her face was pale and her eyes were mirroring her pain. She looked at her reflection in the water and sighed. Long gone was the happy girl, now looking into the reflection all she could see was a broken and helpless woman.

Wiping her tears, she walked back to her chamber. Changing into a simple lehenga, she layed on the bed. It would be better if she suffer silently. Her fate was sealed and there was no escape for her. She had to suffer the consequences of loving a monster like him and she was willing to do that if it meant the safety of her loved ones. And like every other night she cried herself to sleep.

~*~

"Maharaj an invitation has arrived from Kalinga. They are hosting the swayamvar of the young rajkumari Bhanumathi. They have invited the kuru princes for participating in her swayamvar. Also another invitation has arrived from Amernath inviting the kuru family for the swayamvar of Rajakumari Aadrika. Also a personal letter is attached with the invitation." The minister said as he forwarded the invitation parchments and letter to Vidura.

"What is in the letter, Vidhura?" Dhritarashtra asked.

"Maharaj Amerendra has requested for the presence of Yuvrani Alaknandha in Amernath for the upcoming swayamvar." Vidhura spoke as he finally summerized the content on the letter.

"How can we just send away our daughter-in-law just like that, Maharaj? It's been only six months or so since their wedding and they are already asking for her return? I don't think we should allow that Maharaj." Shakuni fumed in anger.

If she leave to Amernath now then his whole plan will come to nothing. He had spent sleepless nights planning his revenge and when all his efforts were about to bear it's fruits a new obstacle has been set before him. He intentionally cursed Amerendra for trying to jeopardize his plans.

"Gandharaj, I think you should look from the point of view of Amerendra also. It's been six months since his daughter's wedding and not even for once have they visited Amernath. As a father he would be worried for his daughter's well being. We also have a daughter in this family. If you forgot let me remind you Gandharaj, it was you who asked Dushala to come and stay her for two months during the wedding of Duryodhana. I don't think we should enforce two different rules for the daughters of this family." Bhishma countered making Shakuni clench his fist.

Turn to Dhritarashtra, he continued, "As a father, I know you can understand the state Amerendra is going through. I think it would be good if we sent Alaknandha and Duryodhana there for the upcoming swayamvar of the Amernath Rajakumari."

"But Maharaj, if we sent putra Duryodhana to Amernath, who will represent Hastinapur in Kalinga Rajakumari's swayamvar? It would be a great insult to Maharaj Chitrangada. He had personally arrived for the functions we had held here last month and now, when he is inviting us to one he is hosting for his daughter's swayamvar, it is our responsibility to attend and participate in it." Shakuni twisted his words skillfully making Dhritarashtra look thoughtful.

"Gandhara raj, I think our main concern should be for our family. If we sent Duryodhana to Chitrangada and sent Alaknandha alone to Amernath it would be like an insult to Amerendra. How are we supposed to sent our daughter-in-law alone on her first journey to her family? Moreover Duryodhana is not the only prince alive in the kuru family. We can send one of the other princes to represent Hastinapur in Kalinga." Bhishma said making Dhritarashtra nod his head.

"Gangaputra, if you have referred to Pandavas as the other princes of kuru alive then let me remind you this, they will be leaving the kingdom of Hastinapur in two days. They no longer hold any power in Hastinapur. If they are to participate, they would represent their new kingdom, Indraprastha and not Hastinapur." Shakuni smirked seeing the fallen face of Bhishma. An unknown satisfaction was seen in his eyes seeing the fallen face of Bhishma.

Turning his attention towards Dhritarashtra, he said, "Moreover Maharaj I have noticed that putra Duryodhana has a special liking for the Kalinga Rajakumari. During her stay over here both of them have grown close to each other and I'm sure Rajakumari Bhanumati would make an ideal wife for putra Duryodhana."

"Yes Maharaj. The swayamvar of Rajakumari Bhanumati with Yuvraaj would help Hastinapur tighten the relationship with Kalinga. If this ties happen then Hastinapur would be the most powerful kingdom." One of the minister said meekly.

Dhritarashtra looked thoughtful. A relationship with Kalinga doesn't sound that bad. He have heard words spreading around the walls of the palace about the peculiar relationship his eldest son and Kalinga Rajakumari shared. His son didn't seem happy for the past few months. There seemed to be crack in his son's and his wife's relation and it is making his son unsatisfied with his married life. If this new relation is what makes his son happy then he didn't have objection in accepting it. For him, his sons happiness is above the feelings of his daughter-in-law, whom he consider as his daughter for the past few months.

"Pitamaha a new relationship tie with Kalinga is good for Hastinapur. From what I have heard, I think putra Duryodhana will not any have objection regarding this matter. Also, I don't think putri Alaknandha will have trouble leaving to Amernath without Duryodhana. Amerendra has only asked for the presence of his daughter and not his son-in-law." Dhritarashtra said after a moment.

"But putra I think before coming to conclusions we need to inquire about Duryodhana's wish in this matter. What if he doesn't have any interest in another marriage? We should think from his point of view. If he is not interested in attending the swayamvar, there are other kauravas here. I'm sure one of them will be interested in attending it." Bhishma said making Shakuni glare at him.

Shakuni opened his mouth to counter Bhishma's words but was cut off by Dhritarashtra. "You are right pitamaha. At the end of the day the decision is his. We shall enquire him about the matter."

'You think asking for Duryodhana's wish is going to change anything? Oh what a fool you are Gangaputra. I have already taken care off that matter beforehand. You tried to fail my plan once but not again. I will get my revenge from you, I will make sure you will cry blood for the sins you have done to my family. Just a few more days and then it will be my rule.' Shakuni smirked in his mind.

~*~

Nandha woke up with a jerk feeling something heavy on her chest. She tried to push it way only to realise it was not an object but her husband. She opened her eyes and looked at him in shock. The warmth she felt though out the night was not an illusion, it was real. She was not hallucinating her husband's presence, he was here all the time.

She layed their frozen not knowing what to do. She was seeing him after a long time. Despite living in the same palace, she didn't meet him. She didn't try to meet him. She avoided him and he too didn't try to meet her. She didn't know whether she was happy being away from him or sad that she was away from him. But deep down she knew she was happy, her husband was being here with her. She closed her eyes savouring the feeling of being wrapped in his arms after a long time.

She felt goosebumps raise in her body as she felt his hand touching her bare stomach. His touch were igniting the feelings she was trying to forget, the feeling that brought her, her doom. She knew if she stayed there for a few more minutes then she will end up doing something that she might regret later. She tried to move out of his grip but it was futile. His grip on her was tight and the more she tried to move out of his grip the more he tightened his hold on her.

Sighing softly, she gazed at his face. He looked so innocent. He had no worries of tension or anger on his face. He looked so calm and peaceful. A soft smile traced on her lips as her eyes took in the sleeping form of her husband. Unknowingly she started trailing her fingers on his face. She couldn't stop herself from pressing a chaste kiss on his forehead.

She wish, she could just freeze this moment. She knew the moment he wakes up things between him and her will go back to how it used to be for the past one month. Both ignoring and avoiding each other. She signed not wanting to think of it. She just wanted to enjoy the little moment she had with him even of he was sleeping and not being aware of it.

She will never say it out aloud but she was really glad he was here. She knew she shouldn't let him in her heart again after everything he had done. She knew she shouldn't forgive him for what he did to her. She knew he will hurt her again. Yet here she was admiring the one who destroyed her. Here she was loving the man whom she should be hating. Here she was lying beside the man she should be running away from.

Amidst all this she was sure of one thing. She knew how much ever he hurt her in the end she will be back with him. She knew it was not healthy for her to stay with a vicious man like him yet she couldn't bring herself to throw away the feelings she has for him. She knew he will destroy her yet she just couldn't kill the love she feel for him.

She loved him.

She loves him.

She will continue loving him even if it meant destroying herself in the fire of his revenge and hatred.