Warrior Princess; Her Quest to the throne

0Vindhya continued reading her brother's letter with confusion. But, soon the reason for the change in his stance became clear to her. Vidyut had expressed his dissatisfaction emphatically to her in the following sentences. Not just him, but the entire family was unhappy with the way the communication was flowing between the families at the moment.     0

As per their latest information, apparently, Yash's parents weren't in accord with each other about this alliance. They had made enquiries about it after they received a letter sent by Yash's father to her parents in which he had politely but clearly told them that he was in no hurry to settle his son in matrimony.     

He had further written that Yash always held an 'ardent desire' to go and study the financial system overseas after he finished his schooling at the Gurukul. Harshvardhan had clarified that it was only fair on his part to inform Vindhya's family about it and whether they wanted to go ahead with their own plans which may or may not merge with those of his family. But, he hadn't stopped there and in fact dared to give the example of Vidhyut who even at the age of twenty, remained unmarried and was free to pursue his education and vocation.     

Vidyut's letter said that their parents were quite unhappy about the whole situation and may summon her back soon. Vindhya crushed the letter in her hand. Before she could react any further, there was another knock at her door.     

"I am afraid I missed out seeing this while sorting the pile. Here is another letter for the Miss," with muttered apologies, the servant ran away, looking at the scowl on the old maid's face.     

By the time Vindhya finished the second letter which had been sent by her father, her mouth was set in an unbending line. She hurriedly tightened the dress's wayward laces and went to look for Ujjwala devi.     

Sitting in her office, Vindhya stared unseeingly at the wall behind Ujjwala's desk while the latter read her father's letter. Vindhya had decided not to share her brother's missive with the woman.     

"I… I am really sorry. I am afraid I had absolutely no idea that my husband went ahead and wrote this behind my back. I guess there is some sort of a misunderstanding on Harshvardhan's part. Your family's reaction is suitably justified. But don't worry. I promise that I will do my best and pacify your parents. I will also ensure that my husband doesn't…" her speech was interrupted by Vindhya, coldly.     

"I don't think you understand the situation, Ma'am," she started.     

Ujjwala stiffened at the way of her change in addressing her from aunty to ma'am, not to mention the tone.     

"I had only come here upon your invitation and my parents' insistence. Please do not think even for a moment that we can not do without this alliance. Being my senior, you must know it better than me that this union would have benefitted you more than us. After all, there is nothing more glorious than being attached to the royal family," she didn't bother putting on any false politeness in her demeanour this time.     

Ujjwala could feel the rage rising inside her but she suppressed it. Now was not the time to let her emotions get the better of her. She needed to salvage the situation before it unraveled further.     

"I understand that you are hurt and understandably so. But you need to have faith in me to be able to handle the matter well. After all, you would be affected greatly as well if Yash was no longer in your life, right?" Ujjwala threw in the last line hoping to appeal to the girl's infatuation with her son.     

She had seen their interaction during the past few days and Vindhya followed Yash around like a smitten puppy all through the day. Vindhya's cheeks coloured at the implication in the older woman's words and she became even haughtier in her conduct.     

"No man or woman is more important to me than my parents' or my self-esteem. If your family cannot respect that, I don't think this can go any forward. Before coming here, I left instructions with my maid to start packing. I am afraid that I won't be able to stay back till others returned. Please pass on my regards to them. I will not trouble you to find me transport. As you read it yourself, my father has sent the carriage for me, already," saying so, she walked out of the room, head held high.     

Ujjwala picked up a letter-opening knife from the table and threw it at the wall in front of her in frustration. But the next minute, she calmed herself down. She first needed to take care of the problems at home before she went to fight the outsiders.     

Vindhya hesitated for a few seconds before walking to the hall where Yash awaited her.     

"You are late," he said sullenly.     

It had become nearly impossible for him to shrug her presence off during the past week and more. She dogged his every step, irrespective of where he went and that was causing him a lot of grief.     

"I am afraid that we won't be able to do the practice today," she said in a soft voice.     

A feeling of relief surged through him but he didn't let it show and asked politely, "Are you unwell? Would you like me to call the doctor?"     

She shook her head in negative and a wide smile spread on her face involuntarily because of his concerned voice.