The Royal Beast & His Caged Princess (The Royal Beast #1)

CHAPTER – 23

A s soon as Isha walked away, Abhyansh too left behind her, Rajmata Devyani Devi smirked looking at Avyaan who stared at her expression in surprise. He hardly saw her smile, it's as if she ended all the emotions in her leaving a stone-faced human... Devyani Devi looked at Avyaan's surprise-filled face and her smirk turned into a smile that meant 'told you so'... and a clever Avyaan got that smile, there is something hidden in her smile which he is unable to decide...

'A completely new version of you brother is awaiting you Avyaan', thought Devyani devi and walked away.

"I don't understand your son Amrutha, he is supporting that bl**dy girl now...", Pratap started furiously before Avyaan interrupted him...

"Careful with those words father, you are talking about the queen... I wouldn't utter those words if I were you", Avyaan stated coldly looking into his father's eyes directly... Pratap understood the warning behind his younger son's words, he glared at him before leaving from there...

"Avyaan, you offended your father... ", Amrutha said Worriedly, she didn't like it when her husband badmouthed her daughter-in-law but she is not in a state to defend her... she is afraid of her husband's mental torture... he keeps doubting her, torturing her with words and a slap occasionally... she is tired of all this, she thought she lost herself and was just breathing for her children, especially for her elder son's forgiveness and love, but then came her daughter-in-law, Isha, who became light in her dark life, who made her smile wholeheartedly, who became her best friend, a daughter and confident...

"He offended my bhai sa and Bhabh sa, who are also the king and queen of this reign... I would never let anyone insult them like this ma...", Avyaan said, Amrutha smiled at her son's love and respect for his brother and sister-in-law... he would never say it but she knows that he not only respects his elder brother but also loves him immensely...

"I understand, anyways leave that, I am so happy about the changes in your brother, I still can't believe that your brother asked you to call her 'Bhabhi sa'. Isha is finally bringing some emotions in my son", Amrutha said with tears in her eyes...

"Yes ma, I was hell scared hearing bhai sa's scream... but his words made me equally happy... I so wanted to call her 'Bhabhi sa' from a long time... Ah! finally, I don't have to start or end every sentence with an awkward silence not understanding how to address her", Avyaan said and Amrutha smiled...

Both the mother and son walked to their chambers, Avyan had some food and again left to the office while Abhyansh stayed back for his wife, he didn't want to leave her alone though the security is very tight, and none could break-in there. He walked to his chamber and her room where he saw she is settling on the bed and adjusting her duvet, but he could still see fear and restless in her eyes and face.

"You are safe here... nothing could happen to you now, I won't let it... sleep peacefully...", he said in his usual cold tone, but his words removed her fears and doubts... she always believed him, she always thought him to be a very powerful man and if he is saying he won't let anything happen to her, then he wouldn't...

"Thank you so much for saving my life Maharaj... ", Isha again said before laying down completely...

'How could I not save you; you are my everything' he wanted to say but he just nodded at her and walked away from there...

He went to his study and started working while asking Bhairav to come to the study...

"Ji Hukum...", Bhairav said bowing his head...

"Does Rajput know about the incident??", Abhyansh asked working in his MacBook...

"Not yet Maharaj... as per your orders, we are keeping the news very low...", Bhairav replied

"Let him know and... when he comes here to meet his sister, ask him to meet me and when he does, do as I say...", Abhyansh said iterating the orders, Bhairav listened carefully and smirked internally... for sure, their king is the smartest, thought Bhairav...

"Yes Maharaj... work would be done...", Bhairav said and left from there to follow the king's orders...

He suddenly remembered that if Ranveer gets to know about the attack on Isha, he would call her, and she would get disturbed by the ringtone... he stood up and sped off to his chamber surprising the staff who are bewildered with their king's actions...

He reached her room at exact time, when her phone started ringing, he quickly silenced it, and went to the balcony picking the call...

"Ishu... are you fine bacha...", he heard his brother-in-law's voice filled with anguish, worry, fear and pain

"Rajput... she is fine", Abhyansh answered...

"Let me talk to her, I am hell scared, who did it Ranawat?? Is she hurt?? Why did you pick my call?? My sis...sister... ", Ranveer started but Abhyansh cut him off...

"She is fine Rajput, she is sleeping, so I took your call", Abhyansh replied... he could hear the car sound and traffic, he knew his brother-in-law is on his way to Ranawat palace and just smirked at his plan...

"I am coming there, I want to see her", Ranveer said

"Okay, but just see her, do not wake her up, she needs rest", Abhyansh commanded and hung up before Ranveer could respond...

Ranveer sighed at the happenings wondering who could attack his sister?? He doubted his father but how could he?? That's not at all possible, Ranveer told himself ruling out the option thinking about his father's situation, he knew it's impossible for his father to plan anything in that condition...

Ranveer reached Ranawat palace, quickly greeted Amrutha who is sitting in the hall, and rushed to Isha's room accompanied by a servant... he took a deep sigh after seeing her fit and fine... he kissed her forehead and caressed her hair for a few minutes sitting beside her before a lady servant informed him to meet the king.

Ranveer nodded, looked at his sister who is sleeping peacefully, kissed her hair once more, and walked toward his brother-in-law's study.

"Take a seat Rajput", Abhyansh said still looking into his eyes...

"How did you know I'm inside?? Man, your extremely high senses alarm me every time", Ranveer said walking towards Abhyansh's table and taking the seat in front of him. Abhyansh didn't respond, closed the file he is reading. The BEAST directly stared into Ranveer's eyes, and threw a smirk at him which scared him... "Is something wrong??", Ranveer questioned trying hard to cover his nervousness.

"Is that fear I'm seeing Rajput?? But why??", Abhyansh asked looking into Ranveer's eyes which alerted him, and he quickly covered his expressions...

"Yes Ranawat, fear for my sister, who attacked her and why??", Ranveer asked, his anger returning, remembering about his sister's condition.

"My men are still trying to figure out what has happened Rajput", Abhyansh said, not completely a lie...

"Okay... why am I here??", Ranveer questioned

"I need to talk to you about your sister, she is highly disturbed by this, stay here for tonight and maybe till she gets fine", Abhyansh said

Just then Bhairav comes inside...

"Any news about Kailash Rajput, Bhairav??", Abhyansh asked

"No Maharaj, we are trying to locate him but couldn't Maharaj", Bhairav answered

"You are searching for that b**t**d for months now, is he that smart or you are that stupid??", Abhyansh roared, that for a second Bhairav got scared though he knew all this was scripted...

"We are sorry Maharaj, we’ll soon find him", Bhairav answered, and Abhyansh dismissed him...

Abhyansh calmed himself down and looked at Ranveer...

"Your father could have the best days of his life only till I get my hands on him Rajput", Abhyansh said and Ranveer nodded in a 'I know'... "Anyways, the guest chamber is ready, the servants will show you the way... see you at dinner", Abhyansh said

"I didn't say I will stay Ranawat", Ranveer said, though he wanted to stay for his sister, he wanted to rile his brother-in-law a bit...

"I didn't ask you Rajput, I told you, try defying my orders, I have other ways to make you stay", Abhyansh said and Ranveer could hear the warning tone... he knew his brother-in-law is already pissed on not finding his father's location and now it's not the time to piss him off...

"Okay, I'm leaving...", Ranveer said, "to the guest chamber", he quickly added looking at his brother-in-law's death stare...

Ranveer walked away still feeling his brother-in-law's angry gaze on his back... after Ranveer left the study, Abhyansh's angry glare turned into a full-blown smirk...

"My purpose of calling you here is solved, you got to know what you have to, two can play this game Rajput(Ranveer)", Abhyansh said to no one in particular...

Abhyansh intentionally called Ranveer, to let him know that his men or him still couldn't find Kailash Rajput's location whereas he already did, a long before... but he was in such a location and in such a man's clutches that he didn't want to disrupt the game that man is playing... he wanted to know the whole game plan before stepping in and ending the game in his style... So, he stayed as a silent spectator till now, but when his wife's safety is at jeopardy, he decided to act...

He decided to check on his wife after some time...

Here Isha is sleeping peacefully when a nightmare decided to disrupt both her sleep and her peace...

"Put your hands on it", the man said pointing towards hot coal blocks...

"Please... no... no... I'm scared, please leave me...", Isha begged

"Well, I want to beat your husband in everything... I want to torture you more than him... he pierced glass pieces into your this palms, but they are still working, aren't they?? I didn't want them to...", that man told sadistically holding Isha's palms and making her hands touch the hot coal...

Her hands are burning, she felt as if her hands are separated from her body, but before they could burn completely, her husband came and killed that man brutally and pulled her to him...

"She is mine to torture, I won't let anyone have that privilege...", Abhyansh said, taking her hands and putting them in the hot coal blocks...

"No... please... don't....don't... no... I'm sorry, please let me.. go, Maharaj... let me go...", Isha fumbled, tossing around the bed, her whole body dripping in sweat...

Luckily Ranveer came there to see her, he rushed to her seeing her having a nightmare...

"Ishu... Ishu... it's okay bacha... you are fine... you are safe, it's just a nightmare, not real... get up, Ishu...", Ranveer said hugging his sister's shivering form...

Abhyansh too came there to check on her and seeing his wife like that, pain and fury took over his brain and body...

"Sprinkle some water on her Rajput", Abhyansh said rushing to the water jug and sprinkling some water on her face himself... and slowly she came out of her sleep and her nightmare...

She opened her eyes and looking at her husband who is looking at her with concern in his eyes, she remembered about her nightmare... she jumped to her side closing her face with her palms...

"Please don't hurt me, please.... I'm scared, please don't hurt me...", Isha mumbled moving away from Abhyansh... he felt as if someone cutting his heart deeply...

"Ishu... bacha... what's wrong... Ishu relax..", Ranveer coaxed, side hugging her shivering form... Isha on noticing her brother, hid herself in his arms sobbing quietly...

"Please bhai... ask him not to hurt me... he.... he was about to burn my hands in hot coal... it's paining a lot bhai....", Isha said still sobbing and looking at her palms...

"Isha... Isha... stop it, bacha, you are safe, it's a nightmare, just a nightmare, it's not really happening", Ranveer tried to handle his sister who is shivering and shaking badly...

"No, no, I felt the pain, I felt as if my hands are being cut from my body... my hands.... Ah...Ah....", Isha mumbled and cried hardly...

Her real experiences of how Abhyansh tortured her, and her recent experience of almost getting killed are messing up with her head, the pain she felt when Abhyansh hurt her with glass pieces and also made her work with the same red blood hands came back with this nightmare, that situation made her experience that brutal pain again... Abhyansh moved back from her bed... her condition didn't sit well with him at all, and hearing her words, he remembered how he tortured her, he made her palms hurt with glass pieces so that she would be unable to work on her designs... just because she came late from office. He closed his eyes to block those horrible memories, her painful screams then didn't move him, but remembering the very same painful cries now are breaking his heart...

"Ishu... Ishu... no bacha... it's just a dream... see, your hands are fine... you are fine, you are safe, Isha...", Ranveer said shaking her badly... and that's when she came out of her senses, looking at her hands...

"Bhai...", Isha hugged Ranveer and cried remembering the horrible nightmare that seemed so real...

"Ishu... everything will be fine, don't worry, I'm here... I will be here only... sh... calm down...", Ranveer consoled his sister... she calmed down after a while and broke the hug, and looked around, that's when she spotted her husband who is staring at her with his neutral face, but she could easily see he is very distressed about something, she felt as if he is in a lot of pain...

"Ma...Maharaj...", She said in a low tone... "You are back from office?? I...I will get you coffee", she said and is about to get down... Ranveer held her hand and is about to say something when he heard Abhyansh...

"No... take rest, you need it, I shouldn't see you in kitchen or doing any works for a week", Abhyansh ordered and walked away from there...

He entered his study and closed the door... he never locked the door before, not even when Bhairav or his other men had something very personal to talk to him... this worried Ramlal but he stayed put...

He made his way to the other palace, the forbidden one out of the four palaces that made the Ranawat palace, through the secret passage from his study.

No one except him are allowed there... he is feeling so much fury for himself that he wanted to punish himself in any way possible that could make him forget the ache he is feeling in his heart... looking at the fear in his wife's heart caused so much distress to him. The very same fear he enjoyed once... but more than anything, her condition and suffering broke something in him... he never felt so much pain in his heart before... his body was hurt badly, numerous times but never did he feel so much pain before...

He went to his personal collection of arms, and took out the sharpest sword from his collection, which could cause the deepest of the wounds just from touching it...

He offered that sword to his opponent and took a normal sword for himself... he has the best of the best men to compete with him, to make him stay in form, and also to keep his confidence and power intact. He has men to practice sword fighting with him, shooting practice, boxing, and every physical game that could boost the beast in him. He ordered his man to give such a tough fight that he, the Royal BEAST should feel like dying and giving up... this statement of his shocked his man but bowed down following the king's order...

Abhyansh and his opponent, Balwant started the sword fight... Abhyansh refused to wear armour or anything for that matter to protect himself... the fight began, Abhyansh fought with so much anger and fury that his opponent though the most skilled felt defeated... he knew something bad had happened to bring the BEAST out of their king and thought whoever would be facing the anger will face the worst death but what he didn't know is that anger is on himself(Abhyansh) and he himself would be facing the consequences too...

"I told you to give me a tough fight and get me defeated not the other way, Balwant", Abhyansh ordered making Balwant scared...

"I am trying Maharaj...", Balwant responded...

"Try harder Balwant, to hurt me, to defeat me, to kill me... I'm not your king now Balwant, just your opponent, whom you should kill otherwise you would be killed...", Abhyansh said raising his sword again...

"Ji Maharaj...", Balwant said bowing his head before raising his sword too...

From there, both men fought like beasts, Abhyansh's sword hit Balwant quite a few times but since he has his armour, he wasn't hurt, but Balwant had the sharpest sword in his hand, and when his sword hit Abhyansh's chest, it wounded him badly and blood oozed out of his body but the BEAST kept fighting... the physical pain is nothing, every time he is injured, his wife's tear-filled face and painful cries came into his mind... he became more beastly with each injury, instead of becoming weaker... Balwant is about to defeat Abhyansh, but Abhyansh dodged and attacks Balwant making his sword fall down and him defeated...

Balwant sat on his knees, bowing his head down, amazed by his king's bravery, and extraordinary skills. Abhyansh dropped the sword and fell on the floor, with his whole-body bleeding...

"Maharaj...", Balwant is about to tend to Abhyansh, but the BEAST stopped him with his hand...

"Leave me alone Balwant", Abhyansh said, and he nodded and left from there...

Abhyansh felt the ache in his heart slowly fading away with blood oozing out of his body, so he left his wounds unattended... slowly his eyes closed with blood oozing out of his body from everywhere...

Balwant knew he had to do something to save the king, the wounds are very deep and he is losing a lot of blood... his injuries needed to be tended but at the same time, he couldn't defy the king's orders, so he had only one option... he went to the other wing to free the king's most loyal beings... his pets, hounds, a lion which is called Veera, and a tiger which is called Sharah...

King would never punish them... Balwant asked the caretakers to let them loose, as he knew they could sense their king and would run to him as soon as they were set free...

The caretakers did as ordered by Balwant and as expected the wild animals ran to their king, looking at his unconscious and wounded form drowned in his blood, they all growled in pain and started waking him up with their paws...after sometime... Abhyansh woke up and slowly sat, caressing them with his blood-filled hands...

"Hm... you woke me up otherwise I would be sleeping here forever... Sharah, Veera...", he said caressing them near their heads and they bowed in front of him making his lips slightly twitch upward seeing their love...

Abhyansh tried to get up but couldn't, both his pets helped him by supporting his form...

"You do know that you are the only ones who had the audacity to help me right??", he asked and they stared at him with utmost sincerity and attention making his heart move a bit... before Isha came into his life, they are the only ones who made him realize that he does have a heart, he used to feel a sense of connection and affection towards his beings...

He stood up and slowly walked to the door, took a first aid kit, and stopped bleeding for now... he quickly dialled his doctor and asked him to come to the back palace of the Ranawat palace, the doctor got frightened as he knew what exists there... and Which sane man would want to go to a place where a lion and tiger are set free... but he couldn't go against the king's orders, so he agreed and came to the back palace...

Looking at Abhyansh whose clothes are filled with blood and his whole body is injured, the doctor started walking towards Abhyansh but suddenly Veera and Sharah came in front, roaring at him madly, thinking he is here to hurt Abhyansh...

Doctor jumped backwards shouting with fear calling for Abhyansh to save him...

"Veera...Sharah... step back...", Abhyansh commanded in his calm and cold tone which made them take a step back...

The doctor took his BP tablet and swallowed it with water which is beside him on the table... Abhyansh would have chuckled at his state if he really knew how to smile or laugh... but instead, a small smirk appeared on his face...

"Now if you have tended yourself, take care of my wounds doctor", Abhyansh said in his cold tone, no sign of weakness in his tone despite all the injuries he had...

The doctor bowed in affirmation and slowly took careful steps toward Abhyansh and treated his wounds...

"Maharaj, the wounds are very deep, you need rest for a minimum of a week...", the doctor advised after the treatment... Abhyansh nodded, but both he and the doctor knew he is not going to rest... "No one should know about this, leave", Abhyansh ordered the doctor...

"Yes Maharaj...", the doctor said and left from there, running away would be a better word...

"Veera, Sharah... now go to your rooms, I'll leave for the palace after changing my clothes...", Abhyansh said and both of his pets roared in disapproval... "I know you want me to spend some more time with you, but I have to go, I have your queen to look after... she is not well... she wouldn't say but she needs me", Abhyansh said... Both Veera and Sharah growled in confusion... "You have not met her, will bring her to you but not now, she will be scared to meet you now", Abhyansh said and once again commanded them to go to their dens and this time they followed his orders calmly... only they both have the privilege to defy Abhyansh Singh Ranawat's orders and still not getting punished... they are the only ones with whom Abhyansh Singh Ranawat actually communicates, with the rest, it's just iterating his orders, and now Ranveer and Isha are an exception...

Abhyansh changed his clothes and walked to his chamber... he wanted to see his wife but the scared expression on her face came in his mind halting his steps... he is about to go inside his room when he saw his wife coming his way. After Abhyansh left Isha's room, Ranveer sat with his sister and tried talking about her nightmare but she is reluctant to share it with him so he let it go... and then he asked her why is she scared of her husband, and with that, she remembered how she behaved with her husband... she felt extremely guilty, that man saved her and she instead of showing gratitude behaved with him badly just because of a nightmare... she thought to apologize to him... she wanted to leave then and there but Ranveer told her strictly to rest for a while and she had to follow... after a while, she woke up and got out to go to her husband's study when she spotted him outside one of his bedrooms...

"Maharaj...", she called him looking down as she is ashamed of herself...

"Hm...", he responded...

"I...I want to talk to you", she said

"Okay, come inside", he said and walked inside his room, he didn't want her to stand for long, he knew she is still weak from that nightmare effect and the trauma... she followed him... he sat on the huge couch and she is standing in front of him...

"I...", she started but he interrupted...

"Sit down first", he said and she took the single couch in front of him... "How are you feeling now??", he asked her

"I'm fine Maharaj... thanks to you, you saved me, I...I'm sorry... I... I don't know what got into me that I....", she started but he interrupted her...

"Don't apologize, it's not your fault...", he said

"No, you saved me, I should be grateful, I'm alive because of you, but instead I...", she said and got teary-eyed...

"Grateful?? Who said you should be grateful??", he asked seriously, she lifted her head and looked into his eyes... "Better...", he said when she lifted her head and looked into his eyes, she understood his words and turned her head to the side trying to hide her blush... Abhyansh raised his brows at her blushing face, she looked extremely adorable...

"I... you saved me though you don't have to... you... I... I think I should be grateful", she fumbled, she didn't understand what should she say... what is he asking?? It's common when someone saves your life by going to extreme lengths, and you will be grateful to that person, what kind of a question is her husband asking, she thought, then it hit her head, is he talking about the relationship between them?? Is he implying that she is his wife and it's his responsibility?? But how could he?? He made it clear to her that she could never be his wife, didn't he??

She looked at him perplexed... he sighed and got up, his injuries hurt when he got up but there is not even a small frown on his face... he walked towards her and sat on the couch beside hers...

" Isha ...", he called and she looked into his blue-green mesmerising eyes... whenever he calls her Isha which is very rare, she forgets everything and wants to hug him tightly, he calls her with so much 'love' that if he didn't know about their relationship, she would have misunderstood that he loves her... "You are my wife, protecting you is my responsibility, gratefulness is far, you don't even have to thank me", Abhyansh said so casually as if it's very common for them to talk like that but Isha looked at him, actually gaping at him with shock and surprise. Not only did he call her his wife, but he also said she need not thank him...

'Please tell me what has gotten into him before I go mad god', she said in her mind looking up... Abhyansh looked at her with amusement...

"You have anything more to say??", Abhyansh asked, he didn't feel like letting her go, but when he got up, his wounds opened and blood is oozing out, he didn't want her to notice it and get worried for him.

"No, Maharaj... actually yes Maharaj...", she said remembering something...

"Hm...??", he asked

"It's about what you said before, I...I can do the work, I'm perfectly fine... all I do is cook breakfast, lunch, and dinner since you asked the servants to clean the chamber... I will manage that", Isha said, she knew he eats contently only when she cooks, and she didn't want to offend her mother-in-law in any way so she never uttered about it in front of her, but she herself will tell Isha that...

"You need some rest, you work in the office, at least at home, you need some relaxation", Abhyansh said surprising her, though his tone is cold, she could get the care in his words...

"And cooking is my relaxation", Isha said, and he nodded calmly... she smiled at him and left from there...

As soon as she left the room, he opened his shirt and saw his chest filled with blood... he sighed before taking out the first-aid box to clean the wounds when suddenly Isha came in... Ranveer asked her to come home with him for some days, and she too decided to go there as she needs some alone time with her brother... So, she came back to inform him about that, as he asked her not to ask him for permission.

But what she saw shocked her...

"Maharaj...", she screamed in worry and ran to him... "How did you get this??", She said taking the cotton from his hand and cleaning his wound, she forgot how close they are, and what she is doing, her brain is filled with worry for him looking at so much blood and all his injuries, she didn't even realize that he is standing half-naked in front of her... all that is running in her brain is his pain... "Maharaj.... how... did you get this, please tell me", she said wiping the blood and staring at the deep injury... tears made their way looking at his wounds... she cleaned the wound while he kept staring at her and her tears... every time he looked at her tears, he felt the urge to wipe them but this time he didn't, he loved those worry-filled tears from her eyes, for him.

"Is it paining??", she asked dressing his wound...

"No... I feel good", he said regarding her tears...

"Huh...??", She looked at his face with confusion but looking at him staring at her, she realized their position... she tried to move away but he held her hands... he held her hands and she looked at his face...

"Finish it...", he said pointing towards his dressing and she nodded, she again got indulged in dressing it...

"Is it paining??", She asked again concentrating on the white plaster in her hand... tears occasionally made their way from her eyes thinking about how the wound must be paining for him...

"Every time, it did, but this time, no, I feel good seeing these, I don't even want to wipe them away", he said staring at her flawless face...

She finished dressing and looked at his face hearing his words... she understood he is talking about her tears.

"Why??", She asked with a small smile... she couldn't stop herself from asking him that... his eyes are hypnotizing, she wanted to stay close to him always...

"Because they are for me... those tears are not because you are in pain, but because I'm in pain...", Abhyansh said and she looked at him with wide eyes realizing their proximity, she is about to run away when he held her wrist...

"Tell me, why are you here again??", he asked, she remembered why she came to his room again but now she didn't want to go leaving him...

"Not important", she said but he didn't leave her hand... "Maharaj... please leave my hand...", she pleaded and he left it not wanting to make her uncomfortable...

"Did the doctor do all this dressing??", she asked him...

"Yes...", he answered and she sighed, she is glad that he at least thought of getting the doctor to treat him... how the hell is he standing so calmly with such deep wounds?? She wondered not knowing these are not uncommon for the BEAST but the pain he witnessed seeing her vulnerability is uncommon.

"I know I have no right to ask, but could you please tell me how you got these wounds??", she asked him

"I had a sword fight with Balwant", he said, she is about to ask another question when he shut her up... "Not another question...", he said and she cupped her mouth immediately... he wanted to smile widely at her cuteness but as usual, didn't...

"Shall I bring your dinner here??", Isha offered

"No, I don't like eating in the room, will come downstairs...", he said and she looked worriedly at him...

"I'm fine, it's not aching at all, I'm used to all these Isha ", he said cupping her cheeks and wiping her tear stains with his both thumbs making her smile lightly... her name from his mouth always lifted her mood and made her smile... She nodded at him and went from there...

She walked downstairs to cook...

"Isha, beta, Abhyansh asked you not to cook for the next one week, didn't he??", Amrutha asked

"I talked to him, ma, he allowed me, so, I will cook", Isha said starting with cooking...

"You mean to say, he changed his decision??", Amrutha asked with shock written all over her face

"Yes ma", Isha said without noticing her mother-in-law's expressions, she blushed remembering how close she was to her husband just some time ago...

She cooked food for Abhyansh separately to avoid his wounds from discharging pus, Amrutha questioned about it but she decided to hide it as it's her husband's wish, he wanted to hide it from her too but she found it fortunately otherwise he would have eaten all the unhealthy and unsuitable food for his condition.

It's dinner time and Ranveer made his way to the dining hall noticing the time, everyone is seated and started talking when Abhyansh made his way, and everyone stood up in his respect and then took their seats when he nodded.

Isha is about to serve him when he said something which sounded unbelievable to everyone present there.

"You too, sit and have food", he said looking at Isha... everyone looked at him as if he was an alien, Isha was the first one to come out of the shock.

"Maharaj... I'll have later...", she said politely, Ranveer is surprised as how openly his sister is defying the king's orders, he knew that things are changing between his sister and brother-in-law, but he didn't think they were changing this rapidly.

"But...", Abhyansh started but Isha interrupted him which shocked the family again...

"Maharaj, I prepared a different meal for you keeping your injuries in mind, please let me serve", whispered Isha in his ear, leaning towards him, he nodded as if he is under a spell.

He liked the proximity too much and instantly got disappointed when she moved away... he wanted to pull her to him and never let her go but he controlled himself... he felt 3 times stronger pull when she was cleaning and dressing his wounds but he didn't wanna scare her so he kept his hands to himself.

Isha served him and Avyan is about to comment on how she is serving different food to his brother but Isha signed him not to and he shut his mouth...

"Ishu... packing done bacha?? We'll start after dinner", Ranveer said, making Abhyansh look at him with fury... where is his wife going leaving him?? Was the first thought that crossed his mind, but his wife's words calmed him down.

"Bhai... I can't come now, I have a lot of work, um... maybe some other time", Isha said, she didn't know what excuse she should give, she is very bad at lying or making excuses...

"But you could go to the office from there too, who is stopping you Ishu??", Ranveer asked

"Ha bhai... but... I...", Isha struggled, Abhyansh understood his wife's dilemma

"I am not willing to send my wife Rajput, discussion over, now don't utter a word, have your dinner silently", Abhyansh said in his cold and commanding tone which shut Ranveer...

After finishing the dinner, Abhyansh got up and left to his room...

" Rani sa ... where should I put these??", a servant came there to ask Isha about the antiques Abhyansh recently received from an American businessman as a token of gratitude for the help he did.

Hearing 'Rani sa' made Isha feel weird, Amrutha and Avyaan happy, Pratap angry, Devyani Devi smirked and Ranveer shocked.

"Rani sa??", Ranveer asked without hiding his shock.

" Bhabhi sa , your brother is asking something, answer him", Avyan teased Isha making her blush.

"Kamala, leave it there, I'll tell you about it after dinner", Isha said and dismissed the servant...

" Bhabhi sa ?? Ishu, what's happening??", Ranveer asked

Pratap finished his food and wheeled out of the place as he couldn't contain his anger anymore, Rajmata Devyani Devi too left from there...

"Bhai... Maharaj asked everyone to address me as 'Rani sa' and Avyan to address me as 'Bhabhi sa' ", Isha answered putting it as casually as possible though she is shocked by that announcement to the core.

"Asked?? Ordered would be a better word, or threatened would fit better, and Mr. Rajput, bhai got furious when he heard me calling Bhabhi sa by name...", Avyan said teasing Isha...

Ranveer is surprised to the core, hearing that, he thought he should stop whatever he had planned as things are developing very well in his sister's life, and if this continues, she could find her happiness soon...

Just then Ranveer received a call, and he got up and went away to take the call...

"Yuvraj(Prince), your father is requesting for special Rajasthani food, should we give him??", asked one of his most loyal men...

"Give him but on a condition, he should reveal at least 2 of his secrets to earn his food for tonight", Ranveer said

"I think you are going too far with your father Yuvraj, at least he should be given proper food", the man advised Ranveer

"Everyone gets what they deserve, just do as I say, call me if he is ready to reveal anything", Ranveer ordered and hung up...

Abhyansh who is observing Ranveer from upstairs just smirked...

"I know you have your father Rajput; you think you are playing this game hiding from me, but the truth is you are able to play this game just because I am allowing you to", Abhyansh said to no one in particular and walked towards his room...

Isha after having dinner, walked to her husband's room taking the turmeric milk...

"Maharaj??", she called for him, he is working on his laptop sitting leaning on his bedpost.

"Hm??", he said looking at her...

Seeing the turmeric milk in her hand, his lips twitched upward...

"Maharaj... please drink this... this will help you with the wounds", she said handing him over the milk...

He took it and drank it in a split surprising her... he wouldn't normally take anyone's suggestions or advice... his mother used to offer him turmeric milk too, but he never took it... he only did when he wanted to... but for some reason, he couldn't deny his wife.

She took the glass from him but made no move to leave, he understood that she had something to say...

"Do you want to say something??", he asked calmly encouraging her, he understood that she is nervous to tell him something...

"Yes, please don't get angry, but I have two requests", she said softly, he nodded asking her to continue... "Could you please take some... some rest so that you could recover soon", she fumbled, she is hell scared to tell him to stop working and rest, what if he shouts on her telling it's none of her business?? But she couldn't let him work like that, not when he is so badly injured, she still wondered how he even got the energy to stay up and work in that pain...

"Okay", he said closing his Mac and placing it on the side table...

He usually works in his study but since his injuries are bad, he decided to take the comfort of his bed, but he couldn't defy his wife's advice, not when she is being so sweet... she didn't want him to work, she is hell worried for him, and he didn't want to worry her more, so he ended his work taking her advice.

"Well before you state your second request, I have a few things to ask, take a seat", Abhyansh stated and she nodded before taking a seat on the couch, he is disappointed, he expected her to sit on his bed but she didn't, she is so close yet so far from him, she always maintained certain distance from him. Despite him hinting her numerous times about his willingness to give this relationship a chance, she never took advantage of it. She always maintained her limits and that's the thing which he hated the most about her, at the same time loved the most. Her pride.

"In the evening, were you here to inform me about you leaving to Rajput palace??", he asked

"Y.. Yes Maharaj", she answered trying not to fumble... she knew where this is going, and she dreaded it...

"Then why didn't you?? I want the truth", Abhyansh said but Isha lowered her head, how could she tell him that she is concerned for him and didn't want to leave him when he is wounded like this...he sighed at her silence and decided to make it easier for her. He knew why she didn't go but he wanted to hear it from her mouth.

"Did you cancel your plan to take care of me?? Are you concerned for me??", he asked, and she looked at him with wide eyes wondering how did he know...

"The truth Isha", he asked softly

"Yes Maharaj... ", she said

"Yes what??", Abhyansh asked, he waited for 5 minutes but no answer came from her, he is about to give up when she opened her mouth.

"I am worried for you, you are badly injured, yet you are acting as if it's nothing, I was afraid to leave you alone and go", she said cutely, hearing the 'alone' word, he wanted to chuckle, she said as if he is a child and couldn't take care of himself...

"Okay... now ask what you want to... what's another request??", Abhyansh asked, looking at her embarrassed face he didn't want to trouble her more, so he diverted the topic...

"Um... please don't mind, but next time if you get hurt, please don't hide it from me, I promise, I will keep it as a secret, but please let me know, so that I can prepare food accordingly, at this condition you can't eat all types of foods, otherwise it would lead to pus. I know you don't want to tell me anything, but you can trust me, I won't tell it to anyone, even today I didn't inform ma about this, she asked me why am I preparing separate food for you, but I didn't tell her anything, so you can trust me", she finished her rant with a sigh making him smile... not smirk, not twitch, a proper smile...

"I trust you", he said and hearing his words she looked at his face and looking at his smile, she stared at him as if he is the most interesting thing in the entire universe. Well that's true as his smile is extremely gorgeous and she just can't take her eyes off him... he saw her staring and realized he is still smiling at his wife's words... his face turned normal again and Isha too looked away realizing her stare...

"So... will you tell me next time??", she asked and he sighed... he didn't want to worry her but he knew his wife is adamant and stubborn, she is not going to leave until he agrees to her so he nodded and she gave him a wide smile...

"Thank you, Maharaj... um... did the doctor give you any painkillers??", she asked him...

"I don't use painkillers", Abhyansh answered

"Oh, so he didn't give you any medicines??", she asked again...

"No", he said and she nodded

"Okay Maharaj... I will leave now, please call me if you need anything, take rest... ", Isha said before leaving from there...

After she left, Abhyansh laid down on the bed and drowned himself in his wife's thoughts, in about 2 decades, this is the first time he has smiled and it's not at all a normal thing. He understood that his wife is crawling to the deepest corners of his heart and he could do nothing to stop her. But the main question is does he want to??

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