(The interview finishes as kesar mahal approaches, Ratan walks out his vintage Mercedes)
There is pomp and music everywhere in the kesar mahal, the entire palace is decorated as a new bride. Ratan sees his kaki maa saa, shivani bai saa and her daughter vidhisha bai saa, Sakshi bai saa ,Yash banna, and ayush bhai saa at the entrance gates. He is surrounded by royal guards holding chhatri, which is considered to be a mark of respect for the royal family. He walks as his heart starts beating even more.
” Janamdhin ki dhero shubhkamnaaye, Ratan banna….” kaki saa says.
“Dhanyavad Kaki saa”
Kaki saa performs the aarti and does tilak on his forehead. Ratan bows down to take her blessings, kaki saa stops him abruptly.
“Kya kar rahe hain aap banna? Aap daata hukum hain aap yeh nahi kar sakte hain.” She said.
“Kyu nahi kaki saa? Hum honge daata hukum but aapke liye hum aapke chote se Ratan banna hain aur hamesha rahenge.”and takes her blessings.
They go inside the palace with the entire procession. He wonders where Diya is. They go the their rajmandir where an aarti is performed and then to Maharani Bagh, the venue for today’s function. Most of the guests have arrived, which include royalty, politicians, actors, his friends from boarding school, his fellow archers and coaches, Diya’s family is also present.
There is music and dance everywhere. “Ghoomar ramva mein jya saa…” song plays.
Kaki maa takes him to Diya’s family first. He takes Sajjan saa’s blessings, Sajjan is very happy today as finally his daughter will settle down. He meets Diya’s bhai saa and bhabhi saa. He kneels down and greets their children who are 7 year old twins (a boy and a girl) .
“Kaise he aap dono?”Ratan asked.
“We’re good fufa saa but we won’t be good if you forgot to bring us chocolates from Bangkok…” Piya says.
“Yes fufa saa, pia is right….” Piyansh said.
“Of course I got you your chocolates, aap dono ko kaise bhul sakte hain hum? Roop singhji yaha aaiye….”
“Ji, hukum.” Roop Singh says.
” Hamare bag se inhe inki chocolates laakar dijiye…..”
“Ji, hukum abhi laaye.” Roop Singh goes.
“Thank you, fufa saa.” Piya says as she kisses his cheek and runs away. Piyansh follows her.
His bonding with the twins was adored by the whole family.
He went to meet the rest of the guests and while talking to one of them he saw a glimpse of Diya. She was instructing one of the catering department person. He remembered Aarav’s words and went to meet Diya.
Diya saw him coming to towards her, she too mustered up her courage to talk to him. He went to her.
“Hi.” That was all Diya could say to him.
“Hi Diya ” This is getting awkward Ratan thought.
“Actually I wanted to talk to you……” Ratan was saying as he noticed something behind her back. He was sure of it being a gun. Just as the person pushed the trigger, ” Diyaaaa….” he screamed while he pulled her out and they rolled out in the grass. Everyone started coming towards them and the gunman ran away. The guards were chasing the man.
He started to stand ” Diya aap thik….?” “Diya?”….His eyes were shocked to see that the bullet had hit her hand. She was bleeding profusely and was semiconscious…..He screamed…” Diya uthiye….Diya”. She was losing her consciousness. Tears flew through his eyes as he was continuously shaking her. In that state Diya spoke, “aap think hai na Ratan saa?”
“Diya hum thik hai, Diya aakhein khuli rakhiye diya…..” she lost her consciousness. By now people had gathered there.
“Oh my god, Diya wake up….” “Doctor……get a doctor quick..”
“Someone call the doctor damn it…” Ratan screams. Yash quickly called the doctor. They took her to the room. Ratan holding her hand all the way….
To be continued….