Hello's to everyone.

I am back with the next chapter and late too but anyway the update is here. This chapter is somewhere in the middle of week 3. I tried my best to write the confrontation scene but I am not good at it. So, please forgive me for any mistakes that I made. And I am not satisfied with this chapter. But here goes nothing.

As always ignore grammatical errors.

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PALACE GARDEN - DAY

Tara sits on a stone bench near a tranquil pond, lost in her thoughts, her gaze fixed on the shimmering water. The weight of her grief seems heavier than ever, weighing down her heart. In the distance, she notices Sukanya, running towards her with a gleeful smile on her face. Sukanya hops onto the bench beside Tara, her eyes sparkling with excitement.

"Didi, you won't believe what Bhai ji and I did that day! We explored the entire city together!" Sukanya says as she sits beside her. Tara's attention shifts from her introspection to Sukanya's lively presence. She turns to face the young girl, offering a faint smile.

"Sukanya, please tell me all about it. I would love to hear every detail." Tara says smiling. Sukanya's eyes light up as she begins to recount the cherished memories.

"Well, Didi, first we went to the bustling marketplace. Bhai Ji bought me my favorite sweets, and we laughed so much as we tried to eat them all. Then, we wandered through the streets, discovering hidden corners and encountering street performers. Bhai Ji even joined in and danced with them!" Sukanya says comically as she explains everything about that day. Tara listens intently, a mixture of joy and sadness washing over her.

"It sounds like you both had an incredible time. I'm grateful that Dhruv created those beautiful memories with you." Tara says smiling lightly, a hint of sorrow in her voice. Sukanya senses the hint of sorrow in Tara's voice and reaches out to hold her hand.

"Didi, I wish you could have come with us too. Bhai ji always spoke about wanting to roam around the city with you, to explore it together. He loved you so much." Sukanya says as she remembers how much Dhruv had missed Tara that day. Tara's eyes well up with tears, and she squeezes Sukanya's hand, finding solace in her innocent presence.

"Oh, Sukanya, I wish I could have experienced that with Dhruv. We had dreams of wandering through the city, discovering its secrets. But time slipped away from us, and now he's gone." Tara says as her eyes get teary. Sukanya offers a gentle smile, her voice filled with compassion.

"I understand, Didi. Life can be unpredictable, and sometimes, we don't get the chances we desire. But the love and memories you shared with Bhai ji will always be a part of you. Hold onto them tightly." Sukanya says looking at her. Tara nods, tears streaming down her face, a mixture of grief and gratitude within her.

"You're right, Sukanya. I'll cherish the moments we had and keep Dhruv's love alive within me. Thank you for reminding me of that." Tara says wiping her tears. They sit together in silence, the sounds of nature enveloping them. The gentle breeze rustles through the trees, offering a sense of peace and serenity.

"Sukanya, thank you for sharing your memories with me. They mean more to me than you can imagine." Tara says voice filled with gratitude. Sukanya's eyes twinkle with warmth and affection.

"You're welcome, Didi. I'll always be here for you, just like Bhai Ji wanted." Sukanya said as she wrapped her arms around Tara.

As they sit side by side, their hearts connected through the bond they shared with Dhruv, Tara finds solace in Sukanya's presence. The ache in her heart lightens slightly, knowing that the love she had for Dhruv and the memories they made together will forever remain cherished. In Sukanya's company, Tara discovers a flicker of hope for brighter days ahead.

RESTRICTED AREA - PALACE - DAY

Mahaveer stands in front of a heavily guarded door that leads to the restricted area of the palace. His trusted guards, standing tall and vigilant, watch him with unwavering loyalty.

"Is Rajvdiya inside?" Mahaveer asks firmly.

"Yes, he is, Yuvraj." the guard says. Mahaveer nods, acknowledging the response, and steps forward, passing through the guarded door. Inside, he finds Rajvdiya, the royal physician, conducting a routine check-up on Dhruv, who lies motionless on the bed.

"How is Chikitsak Dhruv's condition now?" Mahaveer asks approaching Rajvdiya. Rajvdiya looks up from his examination, his eyes reflecting a mix of weariness and hope.

"He is showing significant improvement, Yuvraj. His vital signs have stabilized in the past few days, and we are cautiously optimistic. It seems he may regain consciousness in the next few days." Rajvdiya says. Mahaveer nods, his expression a blend of relief and concern. He walks closer to Dhruv's bedside, gazing at him intently.

"Wake up, Chikitsak Dhruv. My sister is losing herself without you by her side. Wake up, so I can ask for your forgiveness. And perhaps, even share the truth about your father."Mahaveer says whispering to himself.

His voice carries a mix of longing and determination as he waits for any sign of response from Dhruv. The room remains filled with the beeping of medical equipment and the weight of anticipation.

Mahaveer remains standing by Dhruv's side, lost in his thoughts and the profound connection he shares with his sister's beloved. He yearns for Dhruv's awakening, knowing that it holds the possibility of healing and reconciliation.

PALACE COURTROOM - DAY

The courtroom is filled with anticipation as the session is about to begin. Senapati stands up from his place, catching everyone's attention, including Maharaj's and Mahaveer's.

"Maharaj, before we start the session today, there is something I wish to ask you." Senapati says with a confident tone. Maharaj nods his head, giving Senapati permission to speak.

"Maharaj, I request you to proceed with the marriage between Rajkumari Tarapriya and me." Senapati says with the same confident tone. Maharaj remains silent, his expression thoughtful. Mahaveer observes the exchange between Senapati and Maharaj, his eyes filled with skepticism.

"Pitashree, for once, please ask Taru if she wants to marry Senapati. Last time, you fixed their marriage solely based on Senapati's words. I urge you to consider her wishes this time." Mahaveer says firmly from his seat. Senapati notices Mahaveer's skeptical gaze and attempts to sway the situation in his favor.

Senapati: "Maharaj, what is the need to consider further? Rajkumari Ji has already touched me, and you promised to get us married." Senapati says trying to sway Maharaj by reminding him of the promise, he made to him. Maharaj raises his hand, signaling Senapati to pause, and his expression becomes more serious.

"You need not remind me of the promise I made, Senapati. However, I will not dismiss Mahaveer's wish either. If the Yuvraj wishes to know Rajkumari Tarapriya's desires, then it shall be so." Maharaj says calmly. Senapati glares at Mahaveer, sensing that the situation might not be as straightforward as he hoped. Mahaveer, on the other hand, sighs in relief, knowing that now Tara's wishes will be taken into account.

"Now, if Taru says no, I can bring to light the things Senapati has hidden from Maharaj." Mahaveer thinks to himself. The tension in the courtroom rises as Maharaj awaits Tara's response.

TARA'S ROOM - DAY

Tara stands in her room, surrounded by an air of nervousness as she prepares herself to attend the courtroom session after two long weeks. The weight of the upcoming proceedings seems to press heavily on her mind.

Suddenly, the door creaks open, and a servant enters, carrying a message for Tara. The servant bows respectfully and says, "Rajkumari ji, Maharaj has summoned you to the courtroom. He requests your presence earlier than expected."

Tara looks at the servant with surprise and confusion, her reflection staring back at her from the mirror. "Why is Maharaj calling me to the courtroom now? I'm not supposed to be there until the second half of the session," she muses out loud, trying to make sense of the sudden change.

The servant hesitates for a moment before speaking, "Senapati ji requested Maharaj to proceed with yours and his marriage, but Yuvraj spoke up, asking Maharaj to consider your wishes too. Hence, Maharaj wishes to hear your thoughts on the matter."

Tara nods, her thoughts racing, wondering why Senapati decided to bring up the marriage proposal so suddenly. "All right, you can leave. I'll be there in 10 minutes," Tara says, dismissing the servant.

As she continues to gaze at her reflection in the mirror, deep in thought, she is startled when Dhruv appears behind her, leaning in close. "Where are you lost, My Miss Wonderland?" he says, a warm smile on his lips.

Tara breaks free from her thoughts and turns to face Dhruv, a genuine smile crossing her face. "I really missed seeing you dressed up in your royal clothes," he says, gently placing a lock of hair behind her ear.

Her smile fades slightly as she confides in him, "I don't know why Maharaj wants to know my thoughts about my marriage with Senapati now when he didn't consider asking me last time."

Dhruv wraps his arms around her, resting his cheek against her head. "What would you say if he asked you now?" he asks, his voice calm and supportive.

Tara gazes at Dhruv's reflection in the mirror and responds resolutely, "I will say no. I never wanted to marry Senapati in the first place, and on top of that, he is the reason you are not with me."

Dhruv smiles tenderly, encouraging her, "Then go on, my Miss Wonderland. Say no, fight for what you believe in, and fight for our love."

With determination in her eyes, Tara closes her eyes for a moment, and when she opens them again, Dhruv is no longer there. She takes a deep breath, steadying herself, and heads towards the courtroom, ready to face the challenges that lie ahead and to speak her heart with courage.

COURTROOM-DAY

In the courtroom, the atmosphere was tense as everyone waited for Tara's response. Maharaj looked at his daughter with a composed expression and asked, "Rajkumari Tarapriya, do you agree to marry Senapati Samrat Singh?"

Tara's eyes locked onto Senapati with a blank look before turning back to Maharaj. She took a deep breath and replied firmly, "No, Maharaj, I don't want to marry Senapati Samrat Singh. He would never be my first choice if I had to marry someone."

Maharaj nodded thoughtfully and questioned, "If you were not ready to marry him, Rajkumari, then why did you agree in the first place?"

Tara's gaze remained steady as she responded, "You promised him that you would arrange our marriage, and out of respect for you, I couldn't deny your wish. But now that you have asked me directly, I just can't find it in myself to agree with you, Maharaj."

Mahaveer, Tara's brother, looked at her with pride. He knew his sister would stand by her decision firmly. Maharaj nodded, understanding Tara's perspective, and made an announcement, "This marriage wouldn't happen because Rajkumari Tarapriya doesn't want to marry Senapati Samrat Singh."

A sense of victory and relief spread across Mahaveer's face. On the other hand, Senapati was seething with anger. He couldn't hold himself back any longer and confronted Maharaj, "You promised me, Maharaj! How can you back out now? Chandrvanshi kings never break their promises."

Maharaj's expression turned stern as he looked back at Senapati and said firmly, "Senapati Samrat Singh, to me, nothing matters more than my daughter's happiness. I have already made a mistake by not considering her feelings before, and I wouldn't repeat it again."

Senapati's anger intensified, and he approached Tara, demanding an answer, "Why would you deny now?"

Tara met his gaze unflinchingly and declared, "I never promised to marry you in the first place. I was never bound by a promise like Maharaj. My heart and my choice should matter in such a significant decision."

Senapati's frustration bubbles over, and in a moment of recklessness, he blurts out his sinister actions. "You destroyed everything! I worked so hard for it all!" Senapati says in anger and frustration. Tara looks at him with the same blank expression, puzzled.

"What do you mean?" Tara asks confused.

"I conspired to end Yuvraj Mahaveer's life by poisoning him over several months, with the aid of Rajvidya, leading to the development of a brain tumor. My motive was to ascend to the throne. Additionally, I deliberately destroyed the medicines that were sustaining Yuvraj's life. I took measures to keep the skilled physician Dhruv away from Vallabhgrah, preventing him from treating the Yuvraj. I also orchestrated the attack on Dhruv while he was returning to his country to procure supplies for Yuvraj's surgery. Furthermore, I placed a snake in the surgery room, intentionally causing the procedure to be incomplete." Senapati says revealing his sinister plot.

Tara gasped as she registered Senapati's words. The weight of his treachery bore down on her like an avalanche, shattering her sense of trust and security. The courtroom fell silent, consumed by horror and disbelief at Senapati's shocking confession.

Mahaveer's face darkened with anger and disappointment as he said, "You tried to kill me, just for the throne."

Senapati showed no remorse as he responded coldly, "I wanted the throne, and I was willing to do whatever it took to get it."

Tara's world collapsed around her as she realized the extent of Senapati's betrayal. Overwhelmed with pain and rage, she couldn't contain her emotions any longer. Without a second thought, she turned Senapati around and delivered three resounding slaps across his face.

"You destroyed my life, just for the throne. You tried to kill my brother, just for the throne," Tara yelled through tears, her voice trembling with anger and sorrow.

Senapati was shocked, caught off guard by the force of her slaps. He tried to regain his composure, but Tara didn't let him as she slapped him again.

"I loved Chikitsak Doctor Dhruv the most, and you are the reason he is dead," Tara said, her voice choked with grief. "You say I am the one who destroyed everything but you are the one who destroyed my whole life."

Mahaveer, the protective brother that he was, couldn't bear to see Tara in such distress. He rushed towards her, pulling her away from Senapati and wrapping his arms around her as she broke down in tears.

The courtroom was filled with a mixture of shock, anger, and sorrow. Maharaj's face displayed a mix of regret and determination as he ordered the guards to take Senapati into custody.

The truth had finally come to light, and the consequences of Senapati's actions would be severe. As the courtroom slowly regained its composure, the realization of the darkness that had lingered in their midst began to sink in, and Tara clung to her brother, seeking solace and strength in the face of the heart-wrenching truth.

XXX

And this chapter comes to an end and so is the story, one more chapter left. Do let me know if you all wanna read an epilogue. I already have it in my mind.

This chapter is short compared to previous chapters but then again I said it in the last update too. The chapters will keep on getting shorter.

Now, how many of you have seen the new promo? I am absolutely in love with it. The Aesthetics is on point. SSP knows how to serve its audience with Promos to obsess over.

With love,

Mansi