03

Threads of Past -2

This chapter will be the continuation of the day when Avyant and Sanjita got married and it will in Sanjita's point of view.

Giving my Dadi’s hand a gentle squeeze, he turned his gaze to me and said,

“Take her to her room. She needs rest.”

With that, he turned on his heels and ascended the grand staircase leading to his wing.

I watched his retreating figure, my respect for him growing even more. Avyant Singh Rathore was truly a gem.

Collecting my crying Dadi, I led her to her room and carefully administered the medicine prescribed by the doctor to help her relax. After tucking her in and making sure she was asleep, I quietly stepped out.

The moment I exited her room, I found Rina waiting for me. She informed me that Maharaja Anand Singh Rathore was expecting me in the hall. Without delay, I followed her.

When I entered the hall, an eerie silence hung in the air. Aside from Anand Singh Rathore, only Mithali Singh Rathore and Rajmata were present. As soon as he saw me, Anand Singh Rathore rose from his seat and walked toward me, stopping right in front of me.

I instinctively lowered my gaze, remembering my Dadi’s words: “Never make eye contact with the Rathores. They are our masters, and our eyes should always be down.” I never liked it, but I followed her teachings nonetheless.

“You do realize that what your Dadi did is a crime, and she could be punished for it, don’t you?”

his voice was firm, laced with authority.

My brows furrowed at his words.

“I’m sorry, Ranasa, but my Dadi has done nothing wrong. She has served your family for years—surely, that alone should earn her your trust.”

My head remained bowed, but my voice carried the conviction I felt. They couldn’t simply accuse my Dadi of something she would never do.

"So, you’ve found the courage to speak in front of your king? Don’t forget your place, girl. If not for us, you wouldn’t even be standing here, let alone lecturing me."

He stated angrily.

"I will be grateful all my life for everything you’ve given me, but my Dadi is the only family I have, and I cannot watch her suffer for a crime she didn’t commit."

I tried to reply with respect because I knew that if it weren’t for the Rathores, my Dadi alone wouldn’t have been able to take care of me.

I saw him smirking—maybe I had just inflated his male ego like a balloon at a kid’s birthday party. He looked oddly satisfied, and that made me nervous.

"Then if I ask something from you, it would be fair enough, right?"

Something about his tone made my stomach twist. Still, I nodded, because what could possibly go wrong?

(Spoiler: everything.)

"I want you to sit on the mandap and get married to Avyant."

My head snapped up so fast I almost got whiplash. Surely, I had misheard him. But before my brain could process the absurdity of it, he dropped another bomb.

"And that's not all. You have to sign these papers stating that you’ll leave Avyant whenever you're asked to—no protests, no questions. In return, you'll receive one million rupees."

My head started spinning. Was this a nightmare? A prank? A badly written soap opera? I pinched myself hard, but nope—still here, still trapped in this madness.

I lifted my gaze, locking eyes with him. Forget all those so-called etiquette rules—I wasn’t going to let him play chess with my life while I sat there like a clueless pawn.

"And why, exactly, do you think I’d agree to this?"

I asked, my voice laced with defiance. I was burning inside, my fury barely contained.

He blinked, looking slightly taken aback, as if he’d expected me to nod along like a bobblehead. Did he think I was a doll he could dress up and shove into a wedding? How adorable.

Before I could relish his shocked reaction, it disappeared in an instant, replaced by that same insufferable smirk that made my skin crawl.

"Good question,"

he said smoothly,

"but will your attitude remain the same after seeing this?"

Without warning, he shoved an iPad in my face. I grabbed it, my heart pounding as I looked at the screen. The footage showed my Dadi making coffee for Avyant—a normal sight, until she added something to his mug. Pills.

My stomach dropped. What was happening? Why would my Dadi put something in his coffee? No, this couldn’t be what it looked like. Someone else must have pulled the strings, using her as a pawn to play their final move.

Before I could react, the device was snatched from my hands.

"Would you still keep up that attitude," he asked, his smirk unwavering, "or will you finally do as I say?"

I was at a loss for words. What could I do now?

"And before you even think of anything else, let me make one thing clear—either you accept my proposal, or your Dadi goes behind bars for the crime she committed. The choice is yours."

I turned to Anand Singh Rathore, the one question burning inside me refusing to stay silent.

"Why do you want me to marry Kuwarsa?"

I pressed on because I knew that anyone would be willing to marry Avyant Singh Rathore. Then why me? Why only me?

Before Anand could respond, Rajmata spoke, her voice calm yet firm.

"Everyone knows about Avyant's rajtilak (coronation). According to tradition, he must be married before that."

But there was more. Anand Singh Rathore continued where she left off.

"And we don’t want someone marrying Avyant only to later demand her rights. Right now, you’re the only one available. So, are you ready?"

There was no specific reason behind it—they were simply looking for a target, and I happened to be the unfortunate freebie.

"Now that you're done with your chit-chat, don't waste our time. Just give us your answer—yes or no—so we can proceed accordingly. Either we'll call Panditji or the police."

Anand Singh Rathore’s voice dripped with impatience. My mind raced, desperately searching for a way out of the trap my Dadi had unknowingly walked into. But no matter how hard I tried, I found no escape. With a sinking heart, I muttered, "Yes," and signed the papers—as if signing my own death warrant.

"There's one more thing," he added.

What now?

"You will not mention these papers to Avyant. It will remain a secret. Do you understand?"

I nodded, my throat dry. If only I hadn't returned to the mansion. If only I had stayed in Delhi. If only my Dadi hadn't done this. None of this would have happened.

Soon, I was sent to a room where they draped me in a red saree with minimal jewelry. A veil was placed over my head, ensuring no one could see my face. Before stepping onto the mandap, I made my way to Dadi’s room. She lay fast asleep, oblivious to the storm outside. She wouldn’t wake up until morning.

I touched her feet, seeking the blessings. I knew my Dadi—she could never harm anyone. And Avyant Singh Rathore? Not even in her worst nightmare. If there was one thing my confused mind was sure about that night, it was her innocence.

With a heavy heart, I made my way to the hall. But just before I could step onto the mandap, I froze. Avyant stood before me, his piercing gaze locking onto mine.

"No matter what they say, I want to hear it from you. Are you marrying me of your own will, or are you being forced?"

His voice was firm, commanding, filled with unshakable authority. One word—just one—and he would turn the whole situation around. But could he? Would he trust my Dadi after watching that footage?

My mind was in turmoil, screaming at me to tell him the truth. But then I caught Anand Singh Rathore’s warning glare. I swallowed hard, pushing down the urge to confess, and forced a confident, "Yes." I said it like it was the only truth I had ever known.

Avyant didn’t look fully convinced—I could tell from the flicker of doubt in his eyes. But he didn’t press further. Without another word, he took his place on the mandap, and soon, I joined him as his bride.

Instead of a mangalsutra, he fastened a pendant around my neck—an initial "A" engraved on it. No one had anticipated another wedding, and there was no extra mangalsutra prepared. But it wasn’t that the Rathores couldn’t arrange one if they wanted to. They simply didn’t care.

We followed every ritual Panditji recited, going through the motions like puppets on strings. And then, it was done.

I was married.

Married to a man I had never imagined as my husband—not evenThis chapter will be the continuation of the day when Avyant and Sanjita got married and it will in Sanjita's point of view.

Giving my Dadi’s hand a gentle squeeze, he turned his gaze to me and said,

“Take her to her room. She needs rest.”

With that, he turned on his heels and ascended the grand staircase leading to his wing.

I watched his retreating figure, my respect for him growing even more. Avyant Singh Rathore was truly a gem.

Collecting my crying Dadi, I led her to her room and carefully administered the medicine prescribed by the doctor to help her relax. After tucking her in and making sure she was asleep, I quietly stepped out.

The moment I exited her room, I found Rina waiting for me. She informed me that Maharaja Anand Singh Rathore was expecting me in the hall. Without delay, I followed her.

When I entered the hall, an eerie silence hung in the air. Aside from Anand Singh Rathore, only Mithali Singh Rathore and Rajmata were present. As soon as he saw me, Anand Singh Rathore rose from his seat and walked toward me, stopping right in front of me.

I instinctively lowered my gaze, remembering my Dadi’s words: “Never make eye contact with the Rathores. They are our masters, and our eyes should always be down.” I never liked it, but I followed her teachings nonetheless.

“You do realize that what your Dadi did is a crime, and she could be punished for it, don’t you?”

his voice was firm, laced with authority.

My brows furrowed at his words.

“I’m sorry, Ranasa, but my Dadi has done nothing wrong. She has served your family for years—surely, that alone should earn her your trust.”

My head remained bowed, but my voice carried the conviction I felt. They couldn’t simply accuse my Dadi of something she would never do.

"So, you’ve found the courage to speak in front of your king? Don’t forget your place, girl. If not for us, you wouldn’t even be standing here, let alone lecturing me."

He stated angrily.

"I will be grateful all my life for everything you’ve given me, but my Dadi is the only family I have, and I cannot watch her suffer for a crime she didn’t commit."

I tried to reply with respect because I knew that if it weren’t for the Rathores, my Dadi alone wouldn’t have been able to take care of me.

I saw him smirking—maybe I had just inflated his male ego like a balloon at a kid’s birthday party. He looked oddly satisfied, and that made me nervous.

"Then if I ask something from you, it would be fair enough, right?"

Something about his tone made my stomach twist. Still, I nodded, because what could possibly go wrong?

(Spoiler: everything.)

"I want you to sit on the mandap and get married to Avyant."

My head snapped up so fast I almost got whiplash. Surely, I had misheard him. But before my brain could process the absurdity of it, he dropped another bomb.

"And that's not all. You have to sign these papers stating that you’ll leave Avyant whenever you're asked to—no protests, no questions. In return, you'll receive one million rupees."

My head started spinning. Was this a nightmare? A prank? A badly written soap opera? I pinched myself hard, but nope—still here, still trapped in this madness.

I lifted my gaze, locking eyes with him. Forget all those so-called etiquette rules—I wasn’t going to let him play chess with my life while I sat there like a clueless pawn.

"And why, exactly, do you think I’d agree to this?"

I asked, my voice laced with defiance. I was burning inside, my fury barely contained.

He blinked, looking slightly taken aback, as if he’d expected me to nod along like a bobblehead. Did he think I was a doll he could dress up and shove into a wedding? How adorable.

Before I could relish his shocked reaction, it disappeared in an instant, replaced by that same insufferable smirk that made my skin crawl.

"Good question,"

he said smoothly,

"but will your attitude remain the same after seeing this?"

Without warning, he shoved an iPad in my face. I grabbed it, my heart pounding as I looked at the screen. The footage showed my Dadi making coffee for Avyant—a normal sight, until she added something to his mug. Pills.

My stomach dropped. What was happening? Why would my Dadi put something in his coffee? No, this couldn’t be what it looked like. Someone else must have pulled the strings, using her as a pawn to play their final move.

Before I could react, the device was snatched from my hands.

"Would you still keep up that attitude," he asked, his smirk unwavering, "or will you finally do as I say?"

I was at a loss for words. What could I do now?

"And before you even think of anything else, let me make one thing clear—either you accept my proposal, or your Dadi goes behind bars for the crime she committed. The choice is yours."

I turned to Anand Singh Rathore, the one question burning inside me refusing to stay silent.

"Why do you want me to marry Kuwarsa?"

I pressed on because I knew that anyone would be willing to marry Avyant Singh Rathore. Then why me? Why only me?

Before Anand could respond, Rajmata spoke, her voice calm yet firm.

"Everyone knows about Avyant's rajtilak (coronation). According to tradition, he must be married before that."

But there was more. Anand Singh Rathore continued where she left off.

"And we don’t want someone marrying Avyant only to later demand her rights. Right now, you’re the only one available. So, are you ready?"

There was no specific reason behind it—they were simply looking for a target, and I happened to be the unfortunate freebie.

"Now that you're done with your chit-chat, don't waste our time. Just give us your answer—yes or no—so we can proceed accordingly. Either we'll call Panditji or the police."

Anand Singh Rathore’s voice dripped with impatience. My mind raced, desperately searching for a way out of the trap my Dadi had unknowingly walked into. But no matter how hard I tried, I found no escape. With a sinking heart, I muttered, "Yes," and signed the papers—as if signing my own death warrant.

"There's one more thing," he added.

What now?

"You will not mention these papers to Avyant. It will remain a secret. Do you understand?"

I nodded, my throat dry. If only I hadn't returned to the mansion. If only I had stayed in Delhi. If only my Dadi hadn't done this. None of this would have happened.

Soon, I was sent to a room where they draped me in a red saree with minimal jewelry. A veil was placed over my head, ensuring no one could see my face. Before stepping onto the mandap, I made my way to Dadi’s room. She lay fast asleep, oblivious to the storm outside. She wouldn’t wake up until morning.

I touched her feet, seeking the blessings. I knew my Dadi—she could never harm anyone. And Avyant Singh Rathore? Not even in her worst nightmare. If there was one thing my confused mind was sure about that night, it was her innocence.

With a heavy heart, I made my way to the hall. But just before I could step onto the mandap, I froze. Avyant stood before me, his piercing gaze locking onto mine.

"No matter what they say, I want to hear it from you. Are you marrying me of your own will, or are you being forced?"

His voice was firm, commanding, filled with unshakable authority. One word—just one—and he would turn the whole situation around. But could he? Would he trust my Dadi after watching that footage?

My mind was in turmoil, screaming at me to tell him the truth. But then I caught Anand Singh Rathore’s warning glare. I swallowed hard, pushing down the urge to confess, and forced a confident, "Yes." I said it like it was the only truth I had ever known.

Avyant didn’t look fully convinced—I could tell from the flicker of doubt in his eyes. But he didn’t press further. Without another word, he took his place on the mandap, and soon, I joined him as his bride.

Instead of a mangalsutra, he fastened a pendant around my neck—an initial "A" engraved on it. No one had anticipated another wedding, and there was no extra mangalsutra prepared. But it wasn’t that the Rathores couldn’t arrange one if they wanted to. They simply didn’t care.

We followed every ritual Panditji recited, going through the motions like puppets on strings. And then, it was done.

I was married.

Married to a man I had never imagined as my husband—not even in my wildest dreams.

____________________________________

Hello dear readers! So here is another update.

Hope you like it.

in my wildest dreams.

____________________________________

Hello dear readers! So here is another update.

Hope you like it.

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Meghna

Love to write deep romantic stories, are you ready to fall??