A week later Raja Kiritveer placed his royal seal on the execution order of Vikram.
He looked heartbroken while doing so. Vikram was his best friend's son after all. He had always considered him like his son but his crimes were too grave to be pardoned.
He sighed as Mansingh took away the royal letter. He folded his hands resting his elbows on the table deep in thoughts.
"Your Majesty," Devburman's booming voice was heard.
Kirtiveer turned towards the door. He had never met Dev before but he knew who he was.
"Please come in. "
Kiritveer said while standing from his seat which took a great deal of effort as he had not yet recovered.
"You need to rest your majesty. Please don't leave your seat." Dev said as he entered.
Kiritveer smiled and sank back in his chair.
"We have never met before I am Devburman, Shivaditya's brother."
"Pleased to meet you. Thanks for your help in saving my people" Kiritveer said.
"We just did our duty, I will be leaving for Patan soon. Before that, I have a request. I would like to marry my betrothed Poonam. I want to take her with me. I know this is not the right time. But just a simple wedding would do so that she can accompany me as my wife."
"Of course. This can be arranged. I will personally see to it."
"Another thing. Would you please do her Kanyadaan? She has lost her parents and it would mean a lot to her."
"Poonam has been like my daughter. Her late father was one of my army generals. I would be blessed to give her away."
Dev gave a satisfied smile.
*****
The next morning brought varied emotions for Chitra. Vikram was going to be executed. She wasn't going to witness the execution, it would be too much to bear.
Despite his wrongdoings, he was her childhood friend. Her most trusted companion. She stifled a sob.
The room suddenly seemed suffocating so she fled towards her favourite corner in the garden. She lifted her Saari and immersed her feet into the cool pond.
Koi fishes swam around haphazardly as she splashed her feet in the water. A gentle breeze played with her hair. She felt better.
"Chitra" a familiar voice called out to her.
She turned around to see Shiv standing among the trees gazing at her.
"It's done," he said with a grim expression.
She knew what he meant. Vikram had been executed. Tears rolled from her eyes.
Shiv was immediately by her side placing his arm around her. She rested her head on his chest crying.
"It's ok Chitra, you have nothing to fear now." He said softly.
"Why did he do this Shiv? He was my good friend. I trusted him." She cried.
"Some people are not worthy of your love and loyalty Chitra, I am just glad that we didn't get him married to Kamakshi. Her life would have been destroyed. I would have never forgiven myself."
Chitra sat up straight. A horrified look on her face.
"Oh no! I forgot about Kamakshi. She will be heartbroken."
"I have already sent a letter to my father explaining the situation. She will be fine. She is a strong girl."
He rubbed her arm with his palm trying to calm her.
أنت تقرأ
Enemy's Woman
التاريخيةChitrangda was engaged to the Crown Prince Vikram, of the Gurjar-Pratihar Empire since the day she was born. As the Princess of Navsarika, she has been sheltered and pampered by her parents as well as her fiancee Vikram. Just when everything was goi...
