Fallen - The Tale Of Exploration And Love

Odd Things

There was a hustle in the main hall of Rajput Manor in the early evening. Every helper and servant was trying to decorate the whole manor like a newlywed bride. Pooja was instructing the instructor on things she wanted to be exact.

Since Rajveendra was busy sorting some significant work at the office, Pooja had to take care of all the decorations. Why wouldn't she? It was the eighteenth birthday of her only son, after all. 

The joy was doubled as Vaishanvi was fully recovered by that time. Everything was going just fine till then. Everyone was happy, and a surprise awaited the children of the Rathore and the Rajput family from Radhika via video call. 

There, Vivaan was sitting in front of the mirror, looking at himself lifelessly, wondering over some thought, his eyes conveying perplexed emotions. Over the past few days, he had observed some strange things as odd as fire in Antarctica. Not until it was on purpose.

As much to his information, Vaishnavi's memories were erased by the lady in grey, and she forgot everything about the kidnapping and the rescue. But he had observed weird behavioral changes in his opponent Naitik since he realized that Vivaan was the explanation Vaishnavi wasn't feeling attached to him. 

The usual environment of the campus was charged to that of stress as the life scenario was in front of everyone. Not to mention that the headmistress did that counseling session on purpose. 

Thinking over all these things, Vivaan lost track of time as the clock hit seven and the alarm rang. Shaking his head, he stood up from the seat he had occupied for a long time and left to take a shower. 

Meanwhile, the Rathore family entered the property of the Rajputs for the occasion. Diksha was eagerly excited about the surprise. Not to know it but to reveal it. Not only had she imagined the look on their faces, she had even prepared a speech of explanation to them in case they were against the idea. But so far, she was sure that nothing was wrong. 

Vaishnavi was walking like a zombie - her health was not as good as before. Rohan held her hand firmly to prevent her from falling if she tripped or something else happened. Diksha let this behavior and posture of walking slide as Vaishnavi was not in good shape to abide by the rules of etiquette. 

 As they entered the main frame of the house, they were once again greeted by the personal assistant of Rajveendra. Walking further, Pooja greeted them, and as expected, she took Vaishnavi with her. The other two always wondered why this would happen every time they would visit their manor. 

Even Vaishnavi wasn't aware of the reason for this fondness. It somehow always managed to bore and irritate her. She straightened herself and passed her a smile before walking away with her - not before passing a confused look to Rohan. 

"Oh, dear! Look at yourself, how you have become like this. And this paled complexion doesn't suit you. You should eat more green vegetables." Pooja said like any typical granny would say. 

  "I don't quite remember how this happened. But I will take care next time." Vaishnavi said calmly and sweetly with a pretty smile, all of which Pooja liked.

"Do you know what celebration this is?" Pooja asked, wishing Vaishnavi knew this. But to her dismay, Vaishnavi shook her head in denial. 

"Dear, you should know more things than needed. How are things going to work if you don't know the birthday of your..." Pooja paused herself from spilling the beans and reformed the sentence. "It's Vivaan's eighteenth birthday." Pooja forced a smile to be less awkward. 

Vaishnavi also struggled to smile over the incomplete sentence. Even though royals were not supposed to disclose their actual sentiments, even if the person was close to them, Pooja struggled to prevent her lips sealed.

As they walked further towards the stairs, Vaishanvi didn't feel right about something. Walking by, servants bowed to the duo respectfully, and Vaishnavi also reciprocated the action by bending lightly.

"Vaishnavi, you are the princess. It would be best if you did not bow to these people. You are royalty. They must respect the monarchs and the heirs of them." Pooja said authoritatively, holding Vaishnaiv's shoulders gently. 

"But isn't it the basic manners? Give respect to those who respect you." Vaishnavi said with curiosity beaming in her eyes. Pooja just smiled and nodded, turning her body towards the stairs. Not liking the way Vaishnavi replied to her. Even though the saying was correct, she hated to admit that she listened to it through someone she admired.

Everybody's eyes turned to the stairs as the center of attraction of the event entered the frame. Vivaan began to descend the steps like any royal would, yet his attire added to his allure. Unlike other people who prefer Western wear, he chose to go with his traditional outfit for his culture. The same theme was kept for the party.

He went near his mother, where Vaishanvi was also present. He touched the feet of his mother for blessings. His father was not there at that instant, but he was sure he would show up soon. 

"Happy returns of the day, Kunwar-sa." Vaishnavi wished as Vivaan straightened again.

"Why the formality?" Pooja asked with a laugh. Vaishnavi looked at her as if she had seen a ghost.

"But isn't he older than me?" Vaishnavi reasoned, which was accurate. 

"Just call me by my name," Vivaan stated flatly. He disliked formalities by someone close to him. 

Vaishnavi saw Anushka gesturing her to come, so she turned to walk for there. "By the way, thanks," Vivaan replied, and Vaishnavi turned and flashed a smile, saying, "You're welcome."

She proceeded to walk towards her sister. Vivaan looked at her back and sighed. She didn't remember anything. He needed to continue his cold demeanor as a facade for her as she forgot their not-so-sweet but romantic encounter. 

A big screen was displayed in the hall. Everyone wondered why it was there, as only the black display was there. Soon, a video call connected as two old ladies came to the view. 

"Dadi-sa." Vivaan and the Rathore siblings whispered in unison, standing in their respective positions for their grandmother. Those were none other than Radhika Pratap Rathore and Anuradha Jagat Rajput.

"First of all, Khamma Ghani to all the people present there. And blessings for the prince's eighteenth birthday. We are here to make a special announcement. Although it may not be the best time, it is the perfect occasion to share this joyful news. We happily inform everyone that Anushka and Vivaan were officially engaged a long time ago." Radhika announced with utmost joy in her voice.

"When did this happen?" Both of them asked inquisitively. "Dadi-sa, this is not the time to joke about something like this," Vivaan added.

"Beta, none of us is joking about such a serious matter. We will explain everything afterward." Anuradha said earnestly. 

"If you can, please explain the genuine matter," Anushka asked as she held Vaishnavi's hand tightly. Everyone around them started to whisper. Even though she was delighted to know such a thing, it was still a shock to learn about something like this at such a time.

[How can they do such a thing to the children?]
[They are living in past rituals.]
[After all, royals are not as they appear to be.]
[Now the reality came to be known. How deep can they steep the children? Love them? Not even an option.]
[Poor children.]

Vaishnavi held her head it was as if it would explode. And those whispers and talks were only getting worse. Her health condition was not good to start with. And her slightly heavy ghagra choli was not helping. And not to forget that the information just shared affected her brain, even though she doesn't know why.

She fainted, and everyone gasped as Vivaan's hand held a blue whirling fire sparkle, and in a second, everyone forgot about the announcement. The call was disconnected, and even the old ladies forgot. Everyone rushed to Vaishnavi as the charm did the work. 

Soon, everyone was sent home. Even though the guests were a bit upset, they didn't dare to complain. Pooja was examining Vivaan with a concerned gaze as he turned to go to his room. 

Nothing of it was expected.