“Aaj bhi chup rahega beta?” (‘Will you hold your silence even today, son?’) Mrinalini whispered softly, stretching out a weak hand towards her son, who had yet to say a single word. Aksh sighed and shook his head, as he gently clasped his mother’s hand, bringing it to rest against his cheek. “I respect your decision Ma. I.. just.. A little notice would have helped.” 

“I was afraid, Aksh.” Mrinalini whispered leaving a lot of words unsaid but her eyes convened them and Aksh tightened his hold. “Whatever said and done Ma, he is your eldest child, and no one has the right to stop you from meeting him if you wish.” He explained, holding her gaze, their eyes having a conversation of their own. Bhavya was a silent spectator to the whole conversation, and could sense the underlying exchange that took place, but was too distracted to mind it.

“You are the best son a mother could ask for, Aksh. I am proud of the young man you have become and I am sorry bacha, I….” Mrinalini trailed off as Aksh kept a hand on her mouth stopping her. The last thing he wanted was for his mother to apologise or have any regrets regarding him. “Bas Ma. I know you did your best and that was always enough for me. I.. love.. You ..Maa sa.” His voice trembled as he said the last words and took a deep breath, composing himself, while Mrinalini felt as if someone had soothed her aching heart.

“Bhavya, bacha, will you please call them inside?” Mrinalini whispered, trying to control her tears that threatened to spill down. Bhavya nodded and moved out while wiping the tears that had escaped. Aksh's face had lost all its warmth and was about to step back, but Mrinalini tightened her hold on his arms, her eyes pleading him to stay. He averted his gaze, fixing it on the floor but obliged nonetheless, giving in. 

A moment later Bhavya entered with Rishikesh and Devraj in tow, their expression grave. With her free hand Mrinalini weakly guestred Rishikesh to come beside her and he complied, taking in her free hand. She then looked towards Bhavya, who was clinging to her Dada, seeking comfort, which he readily provided. “Bhavya, Aksh told you about them?” She spoke in a weak voice and sighed in relief as Bhavya nodded. “I know you have a lot of questions, but I cannot answer them princess. Your brother’s will answer them when the time comes. Till then trust them, okay? And.. your Dada needs you.” She breathed out, her breathing getting laboured as she squeezed her son’s hands.

Bhavya just nodded, too emotional to speak anything and buried her face in her Dada’s chest to hide her tears. “Rishi, promise me…. You’ll keep them safe… the threat.. is still..” Mrinalini struggles to speak and Rishikesh engulfed her hand inside his own. “I promise Maa sa. Aap shant ho jaiye.” (Calm down.) “Don’t tell.. Dev…don’t, not… now.” Mrinalini continued and Rishikesh just nodded, trying his best to assure her. Her gaze moved towards her younger son, who stood there like a statue, staring at the floor, while his free hand was protectively draped around her daughter. A small smile made its way to her face.

“Aks.. Akshat.. Do one last thing …. For me.. Please.. Let go… past will..hamper you… give him… a chance.. Please… bacha.” Mrinalini tightened her grip around him, seeing the slight sheen of tears in his eyes, and it pained her heart to ask him such a thing, but she just wanted her son to be happy. She wanted to do right by him for once and this was her only chance. She prayed for a last time to keep her kids happy and safe, and wished that her younger son would find his home and be free of the burdens he had been carrying along.

“Mat jaiye na, Ma…” (Don’t leave us.) Akshat couldn’t suppress the soft whisper as he finally looked at his mother, tears streaming down her face. Though he barely whispered, she heard him. A mother’s instincts were sharp. She offered him a sad smile in return. Gathering her remaining strength, she turned to her brother who stood silently at the foot of her bed, his eyes filled with a thousand emotions. As their gazes met, memories of their childhood flashed before them, an unspoken apology and understanding exchanged in a mere moment. He held her gaze as her breathing slowed, her skin paling, and the light in her honey-brown eyes dimming, a stark contrast to the vibrant spirit they once held.

It is said that the human brain remembers the best moments of one's life in the 7 minutes after death. Mrinalini remembered the day each of her kids were born, fulfilling her as a woman, the happy moments with her children, the stolen reprieve at the palace with the man she loved, the day of her marriage, when she stepped into the role of a queen, the bitter-sweet memories of her childhood, the pranks with her brother and many others, as her heart finally rested, after a long journey.

Rishikesh was the first to react to the machine’s ominous beep, signaling the end. A pang of grief shot through his heart as he pressed the emergency button, the shock of the loss still settling in. Devraj was still staring at his sister, his mind replaying the different moments of their life, completely unaware of the tears flowing down his eyes. He snapped out of his trance as the beeping sound of the machine slowly registered in his mind and saw Rishikesh pressing the emergency switch. He took a step back, but didn’t bother trying to stop his tears.

Bhavya, aware of the machine’s beeping, cried silently as she closed her mother’s eyes and held her for the last time, oblivious to the commotion around her. Akshat was numb, his mother’s lifeless hand slipping from his grasp. He felt the last layer of protection being ripped away from him as he stared at his mother’s dead body. He did not stop Bhavya as she left him and went towards their mother, letting her cry out, but somehow pulled himself together as Bhavya’s silent cries turned into full blown sobs. The doctor had arrived with the nurse and they wanted to take away the body to the mortuary, before they returned it back for funeral, but Bhavya refused to let go.  

Aksh approached her, and gently pried her away from their mother and nodded at the doctor to proceed with his work as he pulled his sister into his embrace, resting his chin on her head, muttering sweet nothings as he provided her with the support and assurance she needed. Devraj looked at them with a tender look before settling his gaze on Rishikesh, who looked helpless while staring at his siblings. He approached him and kept a comforting hand on his shoulder, making Rishikesh look at him. “Handle the formalities Rishi, we need to prepare for the funeral.” He said softly, knowing that it was necessary, as it was not the time to step back, leaving Aksh to manage on his own.

Rishikesh nodded and stepped out, understanding his Uncle’s chain of thoughts, while Devraj approached the duo. The devastated look on Bhavya’s face tugged at his heart, but the lack of expression on Aksh’s face as he looked at him with calm eyes unnerved and worried him. “Rishi will handle the formalities and stuff, take care of Bhavya and yourself till then.” Aksh simply nodded, not caring about the other things as he focused his attention back on his sister and walked out of the ward with her. She was still crying, but the sobs had quietened down.

It was dusk by the time they reached the cemetery for the funeral. Akshat stepped back and let Rishikesh do the final rites, as was his right and stood besides Bhavya who had calmed down by now, except for the occasional sniffles here and there. Her eyes had puffed up and had turned red due to crying, her face looked swollen and her nose was running. It was finally the time to light the pyre and the burning torch was handed to Rishikesh. He looked back at Akshat, his gaze lingering in the expressionless face but took a breath of relief as he came and held the torch with him. They were about to set the fire when two more hands wrapped around the torch, and they proceeded with the last step. 

All four of them stepped back as the pyre crackled with flames, casting an orange glow against the fading hues of the evening sky. Shadows danced across the ground, and the smoke rose in curling wisps, blending with the deepening purples and greys of dusk. Rishikesh stood still, transfixed by the flickering fire, his face lit by the shifting glow, eyes reflecting the raw intensity of the flames, while Bhavya and Aksh stood there, their eyes fixed on the pyre, as the fire seemed to reach out to the sky, as if forging a path to the heaven. The warmth brushed against their skin, almost too close, but they didn’t move back.

To Devraj, the blaze seemed fierce and consuming, yet strangely serene, as if marking a final moment between endings and beginnings. Against the quiet vastness of the twilight, the smoke hung with the weight of unspoken words, and the sky watched, heavy and silent, bearing witness to the raging turmoil's of the four souls.

>>>>~<<<<

That night a mourning silence enveloped the whole apartment. Aksh had somehow convinced his sister to eat and then sleep, knowing that the next day was going to be even more emotionally draining. A tired sigh escaped his lips as he leaned back on the swing, munching on an apple as he gazed at the tranquil sky, his mind in a world of its own. He felt a familiar presence behind him and he chose to ignore, not in a mood to confront his past yet. 

Rishikesh quietly sat down on the couch, leaning against the backrest, his legs stretched and crossed, while his eyes rested on his brother. After the funeral he could have easily booked a room at a hotel and stayed there, but he wished to see the place where his mother had lived, where his siblings had grown up. He was not sure if Aksh would agree, but was taken aback when he just looked at him for a moment and shrugged off saying it was up to him, before walking away. And so here he was along with Devraj, who had settled himself in the living room.

Truth to be told, Rishikesh was not ready to witness the simplicity of their apartment. It was a typical 2 BHK flat in what the middle class would call a decent location. No one could have imagined that the people living in such a modest apartment belonged to the royal house of Rajasthan. But it had a cosy and warm feeling to it, something that the royal palace lacked at times, amidst all the opulence and luxuries. 

“I would appreciate it if you would stop staring at me, Hukum.” Aksh spoke up, getting irritated by the intensity of his stare. Rishikesh blinked his eyes in confusion as he came out of his trance and immediately averted his eyes. “Akshat, I…” He spoke after a moment but was immediately cut off. “I am grateful for your help Hukum, but please leave me alone for sometime. I am sure the talks can wait.” Aksh interjected in a cold and firm voice, a hint of pleading underlined as he wanted some moments of peace. 

Rishikesh nodded and left, respecting his need for space even though his heart ached at his formal tone and the ever growing distance between them. Aksh let out a breath that he wasn’t aware he was holding as his body relaxed a bit. As the night progressed it brought with it the cold winds, forcing him to abandon his seat and head inside. He entered his room and laid down next to sister, mentally preparing himself to deal with the storm that was about to enter his life. The lawyer was due to visit tomorrow and he had a premonition that things were about to change drastically. Whether for the good or for the worse was yet to be seen.

>>>>>>~<<<<<<

A somber silence filled the living area as the lawyer finished reading the will. Mrinalini had handed over Bhavya’s custody to Rishikesh, a fact that elicited different reactions from everyone. Devraj understood his sister’s thought process and agreed with it, yet his eyes were trained on his nephew, waiting for him to react, while Risikesh was taken aback by her decision, after all their father was still alive, but he was ready to take up the responsibility. On the other hand, Bhavya was confused about her own feelings, not sure what it meant for her future and the possibility of going away from her dada scared her as her eyes darted to her brother, who had been sitting quietly.

“Mr Rana, I need your signatures here, so that I can proceed with other formalities.” The lawyer spoke up, ignoring the obvious tension in the room. Aksh took the papers and studied them for a moment before setting them aside. “Mr. Bharadwaj, I need to discuss some things before I put my signatures. You will have your papers by tomorrow morning.” He spoke in a firm and professional tone, leaving no scope for negotiations. “If you will, Bhavya will escort you out.” He continued calmly. The lawyer hesitated for a moment but the icy look in Aksh eyes was enough for him to leave.

A momentary silence descended again, as Bhavya escorted the guest out and came, settling adjacent to her dada. She had never seen him look so serious and the deadly calm aura surrounding him made her nervous. Both Devraj and Rishikesh had their focus on Aksh, waiting for him to break the silence. He stood up, his face devoid of any expressions as he took a step towards Rishikesh and joined his hands in front of him. “Hukum, you came at our mother’s behest and I am indebted to you for that, but now, I request you to return back. I still have some things to take care of.” Aksh took a step back, dropping his hands, averting his gaze at the look of hurt that flickered in Rishikesh's eyes. He understood the implied meaning behind the words, and realised it was time to take control of the situation. He could address the stubbornness later.

“Very well then. We’ll be leaving for Jaipur this evening. I expect both of you to be ready. Just pack your essentials, rest can be arranged later,” he said firmly, standing up and buttoning his coat. “Excuse me? I think you’re mistaken, Hukum. Neither my sister nor I are going anywhere, especially not Jaipur. This is our home,” Akshat retorted defensively. His stance didn’t go unnoticed by the two men, who exchanged a silent conversation.

“Jiji sa willed this house to be sold. You won’t have a place to stay in a few days, Akshat. And why would you want to stay here when you have family?” Devraj tried to reason with him. “Family?” Akshat scoffed. “Last I checked, I became an orphan the day my mother died, Thakur sahab. My sister is the only family I have left. And I’m more than capable of managing things.” A bitter taste lingered in his mouth as a wave of resentment towards his mother washed over him for the first time.

“I’m not asking for your opinion, Akshat. You’re both coming home. I don’t doubt your capabilities, but you’re both my responsibility now. And for the record, you’re not an orphan, young man. Get that straight,” Rishikesh intervened sternly. “This isn’t your royal palace, Your Majesty, and I’m not your responsibility. You may have custody of Bhavya, but that doesn’t give you the right to take her away,” Akshat retorted, his voice cold. For a moment, his resolve wavered, and he instinctively stepped forward to shield his sister. His words, a raw expression of his inner pain, completely ignored Rishikesh’s last statement.

“Don’t forget who you’re talking to, Akshat. I understand you’re upset, hurt, and angry, but that doesn’t justify disrespecting your brother,” Devraj said sharply, forcing Akshat to step back. The realisation hit him like a cold shower, snapping him out of his trance. “I apologise for my outburst,”. He relaxed further when he felt a gentle tug on his shirt. Sighing, he shifted, pulling her closer and wrapping his arm around her shoulder. Bhavya, frightened by the rising tension, sought comfort in her Dada’s embrace. She rested her head on his chest, puzzled by his unusual behaviour. She had always known him to be composed and courteous, but today's events had left her bewildered.

Her gaze darted between the two men, their expressions a mix of emotions. She sighed, "Fifteen years. I don't understand the past, and I won't pry. But isn't that a very long time, Dada?" she asked softly. "I'm not asking you to forget or forgive, but can you at least consider it, like Maa sa wanted? We have nothing left here, Dada, not after Maa sa..." Her voice trembled, and she took a deep breath as Aksh pulled her closer.

“This isn’t our home, we’re strangers in this city. We have no ties here, and I know you despise this place more than I do,” Bhavya admitted, as Aksh averted his gaze. He knew she was right. “I’ve always looked to you for guidance, Dada, and I trust your judgement now. Just don’t leave me alone. I can’t bear to lose you,” she whispered, her voice barely audible. The weight of the situation was overwhelming, and the constant upheaval was adding to her stress. The thought of being separated from her brother was unbearable.

“Do you... do you wish to go to Jaipur, Bhavya? Would you like to meet your family? To know them?” Rishikesh asked softly, realising her strategy. He knew it was a low blow, and he wasn’t proud of it, but if it meant convincing his brother to return, he wouldn’t hesitate. “The idea of family is enticing, especially the allure of royalty. But if it means hurting Dada, then no. I’ve lived fifteen years without you all, I guess I can manage the rest too,” she replied with a gentle smile, rising from her seat.

“I am going to my room Dada. We will be leaving this house one way or the other, so I might as well pack a few things.” She walked away quietly, knowing that the men had a lot to talk about and hoped things worked out smoothly. ‘I did my best Maa sa, now it's up to Dada, and I'll stand by him no matter what.’  

“Bhavya is my sister too, Akshat. I want the best for both of you. I understand the circumstances of your departure with Maa sa, but times have changed. Consider Bhavya’s position. As the sole princess of Rajasthan, she’s a target if her identity is revealed. Once the world learns of the Ex-Queen’s passing, the truth will come out. She needs to return with me, and it’s time for you to come back as well,” Rishikesh asserted confidently. He sensed his brother wavering and knew a little more pressure might tip the scales.

“Suppose I agree to return with you. What then? Do you think they’ll accept her without question? No one knew Maa sa was pregnant when we left. And have you forgotten the humiliation she endured? The accusations hurled at her? Bhavya is innocent, untouched by the cruelties of royal intrigue,” Akshat began, his voice firm. He already knew that he was fighting a losing battle, but that doesn't mean he was going to make it easy for anyone.

“I haven’t forgotten, Akshat. I’ve never let it go. Why don’t you come and see for yourself? As for Bhavya, you can’t keep her in the dark forever. But I give you my word. The Crown Prince may have failed, but the King won’t.” Rishikesh’s voice held a finality, a promise underlain with deep conviction. Akshat could see the sincerity in his eyes. “The truth is, Akshat, you’re both coming with me, willingly or not. I’d prefer you make it easy on yourself.” The threat was clear, and Akshat knew the King of Rajasthan wouldn’t hesitate to act on it. He had little choice.