Late into the night,

The camp lay hushed under a starlit sky, and Atharva finally surrendered to deep sleep in the quiet room he shared with Shaurya.

In his dream,his mother appeared like a gentle apparition,her familiar face soft and luminous amid swirling mists of memory.

Tears streamed down Atharva's cheeks as he reached for her, his voice breaking in raw sobs.She pulled him into a fierce, enveloping hug,her arms a sanctuary he hadn't felt in years.

"Why, Ma? How could you try to leave me like that your only son ,without a thought for the hole it would tear in my heart?"

His words tumbled out, laced with fury that masked a deeper, aching hurt,fists clenched against her shoulder.

With tender care,she cupped his face, her thumbs brushing away his tears like she did when he was a boy. "My brave Son," she whispered, eyes shimmering with remorse and unwavering love, "I'm so sorry.I love you more than my own breath more than anyone or anything. Everything I did, even the pain I caused, was to protect you,to give you a future free from shadows.I miss you every moment."

In the depths of his dream, as his mother's words wrapped around him like a soothing veil,visions of Ragini Mahal flickered into focus a secluded small palace just a few meters from the grand Rajgarh Palace where the king resided.

It stood as a testament to his father's love,built specially for her when they married, a private haven of marble arches and blooming gardens meant only for her joy.Yet shadows crept in.

Atharva saw himself as a fierce guardian now, barring anyone guards, servants,even curious royals from entering its hallowed grounds.

"No one sets foot there," he growled in the dream, his voice steel-edged with pain, "not without my say.It's yours alone... and mine to protect from the world's cruelty."

His mother nodded softly in the dream,her hand on his cheek.

"You've kept it safe for us both,my son.Let that strength guide you forward.I'm always with you Atharva."

The dream faded with that quiet affirmation,leaving Atharva stirring restlessly in sleep,a mix of resolve and unresolved ache in his heart.

The next morning,

Yuvansh and Devika rose with the dawn in their separate rooms at the guesthouse, the night's rest simple and uneventful.They shared a quiet breakfast of fresh parathas and chai,chatting as friends before heading to camp for a quick goodbye meetup with Atharva and Shaurya warm hugs,promises to meet very soon.With that, they set off on the road back to Rajgarh.

_______________________

Devika's P.O.V,

As the car bumped along the road back to Rajgarh,I looked out at the green fields going by fast. Yuvansh sat next to me,his head against the window, fast asleep with soft snores.

I felt sad and happy at the same time, thinking about Atharva all the way.When I was 16, my dad died.It broke our family.Mom and I had to run the theatre alone.We owed a lot of money from old debts.I had to switch from the best school to a simpler one so I could work beside Mom.Sometimes I even cleaned the stage in the morning, acted in shows at night,and studied whenever I could find time.It was so hard.We were always scared of the men who came for money.

Then in college,I met Atharva.Everyone in college thinks he is rude and a bad guy. But he is not like that at all.He just shows that tough side to the world.In real life, he is such a kind-hearted person, always caring deep down.

My friends did not see I had no money as I was in the best college,so they thought I could afford the fun life like them.But I could not.I had to study hard and pay off our debts too.When we went out to eat,I felt bad inside.Atharva somehow knew my secret but he never made me feel like that.Later he made me a part of his group.Every time we ate, he said, "It's my treat for all." He paid for my food and made it feel normal.No one knew what he did it for me.

But one day changed everything.I was walking home from college.Mom had locked the theatre and gone out of town for a few days for some work.Some debt collectors found me on the road.They were rough men with angry faces.They came close to scare me.They shouted about the money and said bad things.I felt so small and scared.I did not know what to do.

Then Atharva saw me from far away. He came fast,like a shadow.He stood between me and those men.His voice was calm but strong.He talked to them quietly.

He settled everything right there paid what they wanted or made a deal,I don't know.He did not let them touch me or make me talk.He kept me safe without making me feel small or

uncomfortable.

After they left, he just walked with me home. He smiled and said,"All good now."He never told Yuvansh or Shaurya about it.Not a word.

That was the moment I fell for him.He saved me like a true hero,without asking for anything back.From that day,I loved him deep in my heart.

I love how strong and understanding man he is. He protects what he cares about.He hides his hurt but fights for what is right.

But today,I worry so much about his injury.I saw the blood from the fight with scouts.He tried to hide the pain with smiles.

My heart hurts thinking he might be in pain.

I wanted to hold his hand or tell him to rest.

But I could not.

What if he does not love me back? I know he is good to me as a friend.My love stays inside.It makes me sad.I pray he stays safe in the camp.

The car keeps going. Rajgarh is close now. Yuvansh sleeps on.I sit quiet with my thoughts.

As we got close to Rajgarh, the familiar gates came into view under the morning sun.I turned to Yuvansh, still snoring softly against the window, and shook his shoulder gently. "Yuvansh, wake up we're almost home."

He blinked awake,rubbing his eyes with a sleepy grin. "Huh? Already? Feels like I just closed my eyes."We shared a quick laugh as the car slowed,my thoughts on Atharva lingering but the moment pulling me back to now.

_______________________

Back at the camp,morning light crept into the room as Atharva stood by the window, the dream's warmth and ache still fresh,his mother's hug,her words of love,Ragini Mahal's guarded peace.

Shaurya stirred on his cot, yawning as he sat up, rubbing sleep from his eyes."Atharva,you okay?You look off,not feeling well or something?"

Atharva turned from the window, his face a mask of calm despite the storm inside, and shook his head at Shaurya."Nothing,bhai. Just the morning haze."

Shaurya eyed him for a beat, then nodded, swinging his legs off the cot. "Alright, if you say so."

Back at the grand Rajgarh Palace,

Six months after Vikrant's joyous wedding filled Rajgarh Palace with celebrations, Queen Mandira sat with the king in their private bedroom,silk curtains drawn against the evening light.

She leaned close on the bed's edge,her voice soft and coaxing at first,fingers tracing his hand.

"Maharaj ,Vikrant has been wed half a year now and he is steady,devoted and growing into a fine leader.Wouldn't it to be a good idea to announce him as our heir?The people would rejoice."

The king gazed at her thoughtfully,adjusting his robe. "Mandira, such matters need time. He serves loyally,but the throne weighs heavy proof beyond vows is essential."

Her smile faltered, eyes narrowing slyly. "Time? Whispers grow in the halls already. Secure our son's future before doubts take root."

But as he shook his head gently, her tone sharpened, rising with pent-up fire. "How long must we wait? Your hesitation blinds you name him now, or risk everything we've built!"

He rose, voice firm. "Patience, wife. Rushing crowns make no kings.You know very well that the ministers of Southern part of our country is plotting against us and we might be in the war soon and Vikrant needs to proof himself in that war only if it happens."

Mandira's face flushed hot, fists clenching the bedsheets in sudden fury.

As the king rose from the bed's edge and quietly left their private bedroom, the heavy door clicking shut behind him, Queen Mandira sank back against the silk pillows, lost in swirling thoughts.

She knew the king rarely showed open affection toward Atharva, keeping his distance with measured words and stern glances, yet deep down she sensed the truth.He favored that boy from his second marriage far more than her own son Vikrant.

Her fingers twisted the edge of her saree, worry knotting her brow. "He hides it well," she murmured to the empty room, "but his eyes linger on Atharva's reports, his praises come subtle.

What if he crowns him next king, casting Vikrant aside like yesterday's shadow?" Fear gripped her heart, visions of a throne slipping away fueling her resolve amid the flickering lamplight.

Mandira rose from the silk-draped bed, her face hardening with purpose as shadows danced on the bedroom walls.She clapped sharply, summoning a trusted maid who bowed low at the door.

"Fetch Vikrant ,tell him his mother needs him now, in private No delays."

Minutes later, Vikrant entered, his wedding finery traded for simple tunic, brow creased in concern."Mother? What's wrong?"

She pulled him close, voice a urgent whisper. "Sit, my son.The king drags his feet on naming you heir,six months to your wed niw, and still no word."

But I see the favors your half-brother Atharva got in secret,he praises his every move.He might crown him instead!"

Vikrant's jaw tightened, eyes flashing."Father favors him? I'll prove my worth tenfold."

Mandira's face crumpled as tears welled up,spilling down her cheeks in dramatic streams while she clutched Vikrant's hands tightly in the dim bedroom light.

"My poor son... look at your mother, officially wedded queen of Rajgarh,yet your father broke my heart from the start he took Atharva's mother as another wife,loved her more than me, favored her every breath!"

Vikrant's eyes widened,his own tears starting to flow as she pulled him into a sobbing embrace. "He never truly loved me, beta and poured all his heart into her, ignored me for her shadow.

That's why he pushes Atharva for the throne, grooms him in secret while you, my flesh and blood, wait in the cold!"

She stroked his hair, voice trembling with feigned heartbreak laced with sly venom. "Feel my pain, Vikrant don't let that boy steal what's yours.King sees him as kingly.Hate him for what he takes from us.Fight dirty if needed, secure the crown before he snatches it forever!"

Vikrant pulled back, face twisted in fresh rage and tears, her words sinking deep hooks of resentment into his heart.

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