[ CHAPTER LVI ]
A hand gripped Amey's hair tightly pulling him away. Amey felt like his scalp was tearing apart because of the harsh pull. His body dragged on the floor before he got a sudden kick. He cried out rolling on the floor.
"You bastard, you dared at touch her?" Manik roared giving him another kick. "Who gave you such right? Because you are the son of my brother I have been giving you a way out but you have to ruin all the chances and do things as you please?" Another kick fell. The kick directly hit his chest almost breaking his ribs. Amey groaned in pain.
"You thought hiding her here no one would find it? You are playing smartness with me? In this whole palace there's not s single place that I am not aware of" Manik grabbed his chin pinching it tightly, "who do you think you are?"
"Uncle, it's my fault. I just wanted to teach her a little lesson. I didn't mean any harm to her. Please uncle let me go" Amey tried to break free. His body is already paining. He never thought that his uncle would find this place so fast. It's a secret room he had built for his own personal use but who could have thought that his uncle would be aware about it too.
"Let you go?" Instead of calming down Manik roared with more anger, "do you think you have the right time say that? Because I was ignoring your efforts behind the back and creating trouble all the time you thought I couldn't do anything to you? You are shaming my brother's blood and his teachings. He entrusted you to me to help you grow so that I can pass the throne to you when you are eligible enough. But it seems like you are not worthy of this throne. Haveri couldn't accept such personality to sit and rule. You have ruined your own future with your own hands"
Amey was shocked by the revelation. His father actually stated that? He always thought that his uncle want to grab the throne from him. It was his rightful place as a son of the previous emperor but he never thought his uncle was waiting for him to built himself enough to be eligible to sit on the throne. This was the secret he never knew. Amey's heart pounded faster.
"A son like you is better to be death than born. Ruining Haveri and it's reputation, making it a laughing stock infront of everyone, forgetting all the manners and respect for woman you are not suitable to live in Haveri anymore" Manik pushed his face away and got up, "pass the order, beat the prince with 100 lashes then make him bow and climb the stairs of black temple and shave his head before sending to Kulu. He will rectify all his mistakes and reflect there till he breaths"
Amey lay there numb. 100 lashes? It was driving to the brink of death. It wasn't enough that he have to climb and bow on the stairs of black temple? Who doesn't know that black temple has 400 stairs and those who climbs couldn't stop until it reaches to the top. Amey fear if he could survive till the last to live a monk's life in Kulu. This punishment was killing without laying a single finger on the enemy. His uncle really knows how to kill without using a weapon. The guards dragged him away from the room. Amey didn't respond but looked more like a corpse.
Manik turned to Nandini who was still lying on the ground. He immediately went to her calling out her name but she was already fainted. He picked her up and brought her out of the dark secret room.
"How is she?" Somakshya asked once she hurried inside Emperor's chamber. When she heard Nandini was rescued she couldn't help but rushed to see her.
Sihul checked thoroughly before sighing. He put away his medical box before standing up, "mistress is weak and she suffered coldness and straining too much which is why she lost her consciousness. It was lucky that she was rescued on time or she would have miscarried. After the proper rest she will wake up by herself"
Somakshya almost stumbled back but Biuja held her in time. Almost miscarried? It was first child. It was too dangerous.
Manik heard the news with a dark expression.
"Once Mistress wake up, I will check her again and prescribe medicine to calm her nerves down so that her body won't be excited again" after saying this Sihul left.
Somakshya turned to Manik, "who did such inhuman thing? Committing such crime, almost taking a lives?"
"Who could it be? It's the beloved son of sister-in-law" Manik replied then left the room.
"Why this mother and son causing so much trouble again and again? How come Shlok ended up marrying a woman like her and giving birth to such evil son?" She gritted her teeth.
"Your highness, please don't get excited. It won't be good for health. Her highness is resting now, why don't you get some rest too so that when she wake up, you will have the energy to talk to her?" Biuja persued. Since the news came Somakshya was too worried and haven't rested at all, praying all the time.
Somakshya nodded then glanced at Nandini's sleeping figure one more time before leaving the room. Jeia sat there guarding Nandini in the room. She didn't even dared to move an inch from her seat.
When Somakshya reached her room, Mayurakshi came in crying.
"Mother, mother, you have to help me. His majesty passed a decree for Amey to be sent in Kulu. How can he live in there? He is a prince but have to give up and live the life of a monk in Kulu? Mother he is your only grandson, please say something?" Mayurakshi hold Somakshya legs crying out.
Somakshya coldly glared at her then pushed her hands away, "what are you crying for? When there was a time you couldn't pull him towards the right path. Now what right do you have to ask for that? Your son has kidnapped Nandini and made her suffer there. Such crime, when others will know they will laugh at us, what a despicable upbringing. It's already enough mercy for him not be killed on the spot. And you are here to blame others?"
Getting scolded like that Mayurakshi was shocked, "mother what-" she shook her head, "it was a mistake that he kidnapped Nandini but sending him to tue—" before she could continue a harsh slap fell on her face.
"How dare you to say that? I never knew that you are this selfish. Is Nandini's life nothing to you? Even if your son kill someone it will be still a small mistake in your eyes. He did such a sin yet you are here to plead for him. Mayurakshi since you don't know what's good or bad you better not middle in" Somakshya said coldly then ordered, "someone come and take her to the room. Without any permission she must not come out"
"Mother, you can't do that" Mayurakshi started to tell when two maids came forward and started to drag her away. Her cry of unwillingness were stopped by closed door.
"Keep an eye on her. Don't let her out" Somakshya rubbed her temple and said while Biuja nodded her head.
Nandini took a full sleep of 3 hours before she finally opened her eyes. The first thing she saw was her husband sitting in the chair looking at her. Seeing her waking up he rushed to say.
"How are you feeling now?"
"I am fine" she replied then looked around, "what happened to me?"
"You fainted because of fright. And because the atmosphere inside the room wasn't suitable for your body so it affected you more"
"What-what about our child? Is it safe?" She looked panicked and almost got up but he pushed her down again.
"Don't get excited. Nothing happened. Our child is safe" he added, "but you must care about yourself from now on. Getting excited could harm the child"
Nandini nodded, "I understand"
"Amey—"
"I don't want to hear anything about him" she cut him in the middle.
"Fine, you must rest well. He will get what he deserve. Besides mother is also worried about you. I will have her informed about you"
She nodded. She almost thought that she will die. If the rescue were little late and Amey took advantage of her situation then she couldn't survive with that body again. Luckily she did survived the incident.
A week later.....
"Did you hear that the divorced princess was kidnapped by her ex husband and almost got raped?"
"What did you say? They already divorced didn't they? How come this kidnapping happened?"
"The current princess ran away pregnant and her whereabouts are still unknown. Who knows where she went carrying the royal bloodline. But why that princess kidnapped his ex wife all of a sudden no one could predict. Emperor rescued her in time saving the reputation of the previous princess"
"But what's the point? Her being kidnapped jas already spread all around. With such history how could she lead a good life in future? Where she goes others will ridicule her. First she is divorced and then kidnapped and almost raped. Where could she put her face now?"
"Whatever it is, it's not us who could decide anything. Her life her problem. This royal people are really something"
"Sshhhhhhh, if anyone heard you and complained to the emperor then what will we do by then. You better shut up now"
The two woman left hurriedly. The rumour went around throughout the capital and it could stay hidden from the royal family. When Somakshya heard it she broke a beautiful tea cup.
"How dare they speak ill like that? Who spread this news?"
"I don't know your highness. These rumours has spears widely in the capital" Biuja replied.
Somakshya frowned, "bad news travel faster"
"Your highness, what should be done now? If this goes on then it will ruin her highness's reputation"
Somakshya sighed, "what can I do? Let the emperor handle it"
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"Your majesty, please rethink about your decision. Being empress is not easy. And with the growing reputation people will ridicule more" one of the minister said.
"Ridicule more?" Manik snorted. Currently they are in a private meeting discussion about the fierce rumour spreading every corner of the capital.
"Your majesty, please don't take decision in rush" another minister tried to persuade him.
"Reputation? the royal family has big reputation but what about Princess Nandini? She is divorced and her reputation is dragged down like this in future how can she show her face outside? Is this her fault that Amey kidnapped her? Is it her fault that her husband cheated behind her back? She has no control over her situation. So she have to suffer the sin of other people? Where is the justice? She is married into the royalty with pride and prestige and now her reputation is at stake. She owe us a huge explanation. With Amey's evil deeds why is that she has to suffer? Her damage is not only hers but Haveri also have to bear the responsibility. And as the Emperor who is preserving the teachings and ideals of Ancestors how can I let it stain for nothing?"
All the ministers looked at each other. They whispered then nodded.
"Your majesty is right, princess Nandini really did suffered and it's our responsibility to preserve her reputation" one of the minister agreed.
"Your majesty, we agree to this arrangement. We will accept her as the new empress" the other ministers also joined the agreement.
Manik nodded, "I have believe in my ministers, you will never do injustice" with his words the result has been concluded.
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Mayurakshi unknown to the happenings sat in her room. She was confined by the Queen Dowegar. Other than her maids serving her no one came to visit at all. She felt like she was a discarded member of the royal family.
"What's happening these days? I couldn't get any news from here" Mayurakshi looked at her maid, "go out and bring some news. I want to know what actually happening in the past days"
The maid looked hesitant. Mayurakshi eyed her with a frown, "what happened? Why are you still standing here? Didn't you heard what I asked you to do?"
"Your highness, his majesty remarried two days ago"
"What?" Mayurakshi got up almost shouting. "His majesty is married? To whom?"
"To the previous princess. It said he married her to give her title and preserve her reputation. After the kidnapping people started to ridicule her highness so his majesty took this decision to help her out and give her face"
"How could that be?" Mayurakshi was shocked and suddenly felt dejected. Why all of these happening suddenly? "What you said is true? How could she get married and hold the title of empress so easily? This is impossible. A mere girl is sitting on the top?"
"Why? Is it that hard to believe?"
Mayurakshi turned around to see the person who came without any invitation. Nandini stood there with a smile.
"You....." Mayurakshi glared at her, "how dare you come here?" She pointed her finger at her.
"Staying here few days, did you forget your etiquette of how to behave infront of the empress?"
Mayurakshi chuckled, "empress? What do you think of yourself? You think emperor just favoured you a little and you can be arrogant here? Don't pretend infront of me you will always be that timid daughter-in-law. No matter where you sit, I will never accept you as the empress"
Nandini looked at her then suddenly smiled, "I believe you are little forgetful. Then it's my duty to make you recall everything "
"What do you mean?" Mayurakshi frowned, not understanding.
"You have such a low memory to forget me so fast elder sister" the way 'elder sister' was spelled it gave Mayurakshi chill throughout her body. The only person who calls her this way was the former empress. Now looking at the woman infront of her who was her daughter-in-law one she could relate her expression to the former empress herself.
"You ..." Mayurakshi stumbled back. Her eyes widened as she looked at her, "how could this be possible? No.....no ..." She shook her head vigorously. She hold onto the chair beside her to support herself.
"I see you still remember me. It's also good at least you will understand your own situation now" Nandini nodded.
"How could you be—?"
"Here?" Nandini raised an eyebrow, "it's all thanks to you, you wanted to discard me so much but I am born to be the empress whether it was in the past or present" she walked closer, "you thought killing me secretly could make your dream come true? You can forget your sins but there's a place where every single sins are counted and preserved for retribution. Alas in this process your daughter-in-law has to sleep in peace"
"What did you do to her?" Mayurakshi screamed, "you killed her?" She pointed her finger.
Nandini looked at her finger then laughed, "I killed her? Don't put your sins on my head. Remember why you didn't bother to check on her when she was lying with sickness on bed. Poor soul, she suffered more than she deserved. You and your son was the culprits behind her death. Now that your son is facing his karma, you should follow him and get yours. I also heard he couldn't bear the 100 lashes. He fainted at 55 then he was taken back to prison and when he woke up he had to get another 45 lashes, no less"
"You ...." Mayurakshi clutched her chest.
"Oh there's also more. He also had to bow and climb the stairs of black temple. I heard his knees were bleeding only after 100 stairs. It was a pure torture for him to kneel and climb stairs. When he finally finished his legs were already numb and powerless. More of that he have to perform the rituals in Kulu to become the monk" she said as she looked at Mayurakshi's expression. The son she cherished so much and put all her hopes is now living the most most miserable life. Could she bear it?
"It's all of your..... schemes" Mayurakshi pointed her finger while accusing.
"My schemes?" Nandini laughed, "why don't you say that it's your own karma that your son is enduring? If you have showed him the right path when there's time, will he end up like this? Mayurakshi, in your whole life you learnt something best and that is blaming others when something doesn't goes as per your wish. You poisoned me thinking it will pave your way but now look at yourself, where you are standing at this moment. Is this what you wanted? Do you know what is more painful than dying?" She leaned in smiling, "to see everything is falling apart which you built with care. When each hope shatter into pieces and you are left not even being able to collect the ashes, isn't it too painful?"
"Why don't you just kill me?" Mayurakshi shouted glaring at her.
"Why would I do that?" Nandini tilted her head. "What's the point of seeing you die so fast? Isn't it quite entertaining to see you enjoying the bitterness of life each and every second?"
"You are evil. For your own comfort you are making others suffer. You will bear your own retribution"
"Retribution? Evil? I couldn't even compare to you in this term. Don't you know I have already gone through all the punishment of hell and rewarded at the end? And you Mayurakshi, your time has just begin" Nandini said then turned around and left.
"Come back here, come back here" Mayurakshi started to scream and ran out after Nandini but was blocked at the door by the guards.
Nandini turned around smiling at her, "her highness will be staying in her room all the time. Seal all the windows and door. She must not take a step outside" there's something flashed in her eyes, "make sure, she wouldn't see the sunlight ever again" after saying this she left.
"No.....Nandini you can't do this to me. Let me out. Let me out" Mayurakshi shouted behind her back.
"Shut up, how dare you take empress's name?" The guard pushed her inside the room and two other maids dragged her back.
Later at night, Nandini changed her dress and wore a night gown standing by the window. Manik entered the room and saw the sight. Since she got pregnant, she is glowing. He walked towards her and sneaked his arms around her waist.
"What are you thinking?"
"I am surprised by everything that happened to us. The sudden change that created a whole new path for us. Living a two lives is still unimaginable" she shook her head.
"Even after the trouble, we did made it"
"Yes, we did and we also got rewarded" she said as she placed her hand on her belly.
Manik placed his hand over hers, "right, maybe to reward this we are put into this challenges yet it also gave a better life"
"I agree"
"We have built our life, and as long as we could live, let's creates more beautiful memories" he sighed and kissed her head.
They both stood there in eachother's arms while bathing under the glow of the moon.
THE END
A/N
I want to thank you everyone for taking this journey with me. All your supports are highly appreciated. Finally EP has ended it's journey.
[ TBH- FL character in this book is somehow not my style. But I wanted to try out a soft, gentle and easygoing character in this story. But I guess Sweetness doesn't match me well 😂. I couldn't bring out the type I want in my character. I would better have a bleeding hands holding knife with a cursing mouth. One day all my FL will become Villians]
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