10

Manga nahi rab se tumhe Lekin ishara tumhi par tha

Naam beshaq nah leya ho Lekin pukara tumhi ko tha..

Avanthika pov

"This is it," I thought as I walked slowly down the aisle. "This is how my story with Abhimanyu ends. He's my past now, a beautiful past that I'll carry with me forever. He was like the perfect view from the window of my life. I loved him so much that I forgot to love myself. From the moment I met him, I craved everything about him, his voice, his care, his presence. But now, he's no longer mine. I'm walking toward a future with someone who knows my heart doesn't belong to him."

The weight of it all crushed me with every step I took. I was so lost in my thoughts that I didn't notice Ishan's mother walking beside me until she spoke.

"Ishan is waiting for you," she said gently, breaking my trance.

I forced a smile and nodded at her, though my heart felt like it was breaking all over again. I lifted my eyes toward the mandap and saw Ishan sitting there. His expression gave him away, he didn't want this marriage either. Our conversation earlier had made that painfully clear. But we're royalty, and our choices don't belong to us. Duty comes first, always.

I finally reached the mandap. Ishan stood and held out his hand for me. I hesitated for a moment, unsure if I could do this. Could I really step into this life with someone I didn't love? Someone who didn't love me either?

Ishan noticed my hesitation. He didn't say anything, but he nodded slightly, as if to reassure me. Something in his eyes shifted a quiet understanding that I couldn't quite explain. It wasn't love, but maybe it was trust. And for some reason, that was enough to make me move. Without thinking too much, I placed my hand in his.

Ishan's mother stepped forward to tie his shawl to the end of my lehenga, symbolizing the start of our bond. I tried to ignore the lump in my throat as we both sat down in the mandap, ready to begin the rituals.

The priest started chanting mantras, but my mind was elsewhere. As I went through the motions, I couldn't help but glance at Ishan. To my surprise, he was already looking at me. There was something in his ga. And yet, there was a strange sense of comfort too, as if we both understood what the other was going through without needing to say it out loud.

After a while, he leaned slightly toward me, speaking so quietly that only I could hear him. "Do you think you'll be able to move on from Abhimanyu after our marriage?"

His question hit me like a wave, and my chest tightened. Tears filled my eyes as I shook my head. "No," I whispered, my voice trembling.

I expected him to get angry or frustrated, but he didn't. He just nodded, as though he already knew my answer. His calmness made me feel both grateful and guilty.

The rituals continued, and we followed along like actors playing a part. We exchanged looks now and then, silent but meaningful. We weren't in love, but there was an unspoken agreement between us, we would carry the weight of this marriage together, even if it wasn't what either of us wanted.

I glanced at Ishan again. He wasn't Abhimanyu, and he never would be. But maybe, just maybe, he was someone I could learn to trust. Someone who understood me in ways no one else could.

My thoughts came to hault when I heard a familiar voice.

Author's pov

Avanthika heard a familiar voice. She felt at ease, she didn't know why. She lifted her eyes and it found him.

He was walking toward the mandap, fighting off a few guards who were trying to stop him.

"What's all this noise?" Avanthika's mother asked, looking toward the guards who were struggling with a man.

"It seems like a fight," Avanthika's father said, getting up and walking toward the commotion.

He stepped in and stopped the fight, then turned towards the guy. "Who are you? Why are you here? Why are you causing trouble?"

It's abhimnayu.

Abhimanyu ignored the question and, instead, looked directly at Avanthika, who was sitting next to Ishan, participating in the rituals. "Avanthika, get up from there right now."

"What are you talking about? How dare you speak to my daughter like that?" her father demanded angrily.

"She might be your daughter, but she's my girlfriend now," Abhimanyu said, his voice firm.

"So, you're the guy she talked about?" Avanthika's father asked, surprised.

Abhimanyu nodded.

"You're an outsider. How can you love my daughter? Who even are you? What do you do?" her father asked, still confused.

"Uncle, don't you watch TV?" Abhimanyu replied.

"Why?"

"I'm Abhimanyu Raichand, the captain of the Indian cricket team."

"A cricketer? The kind of people who care more about money than the game?" Avanthika's father said, still skeptical.

"I'm not here to argue with you, uncle. Avanthika, get up and let's go," Abhimanyu said, his voice demanding.

"Don't make a scene here. Just leave!" Avanthika's father shouted angrily, trying to keep the situation under control. He couldn't believe what was happening.

But Abhimanyu didn't move. His eyes were locked on Avanthika, and he wasn't going anywhere without her. Her dad turned to the guards and shouted, "Throw him out of here!"

The guards immediately moved towards him, but Abhimanyu was quicker. As one of the guards reached out to grab him, Abhimanyu grabbed his wrist, twisting it in a way that made the guard cry out in pain. The others hesitated, not expecting him to be so strong.

"I told you," Abhimanyu said, his voice low but firm. "I'm here to take my Avanthika."

He pushed past the guards who tried to stop him, hitting anyone who got in his way. His focus was solely on Avanthika. With every step he took, he knocked down anyone who tried to hold him back, determined to reach her.

Before he could get closer, a guard stepped in and hit him on the back with a large wooden rod. The loud crack made Avanthika gasp in shock. She was about to stand up, but Ishan stopped her with a shake of his head, silently telling her to stay seated.

Abhimanyu, winced in pain but fueled by anger, turned to the guard. Without hesitation, he grabbed the wooden rod out of the guard's hands. His movements were swift, and before anyone could react, he swung the rod, hitting the guard hard.

Now holding the rod like a cricket bat, Abhimanyu faced the other guards who rushed toward him. With powerful swings, he struck them down one by one, each hit as if he were knocking a ball out of the park.

"I told you," he said loudly, his voice filled with anger, "I'm here for Avanthika. Don't even think about standing in my way."

Ishan's mother stood up, her face red with anger. "What is all this nonsense?" she demanded, her voice echoing in the large hall. "This is a royal wedding! Who do you think you are to cause this scene?"

Before anyone could answer, Avanthika, still seated but visibly upset, snapped, "Can't your mother just keep quiet for once?" She whispered to Ishan.

"Avanthika," Ishan said, his voice firm and warning. His eyes narrowed as he looked at her.

Ishan's mother stepped forward, her voice growing louder. "Avanthika is my daughter-in-law. She's marrying my son, Ishan Mirzadi, the King of Kashmir!"

Suddenly, a girl in the audience shouted, "But Abhimanyu is the King of Cricket!"

The comment broke the tension for a moment. Abhimanyu turned to look at the girl and gave her a quick wink, making some of the guests laugh.

"So?" Abhimanyu said casually, turning his attention back to Ishan's mother. "I don't care who she's marrying or what title you give her. She's mine."

His voice softened as he looked at Avanthika, his expression changing from anger to something gentler. "I came here for you," he said, his voice calm but firm. "And I'm not leaving without you."

The room grew still. Everyone's eyes were on Abhimanyu, Avanthika, and Ishan. The tension was palpable, and it was clear that no one knew what would happen next.

Just as the chaos seemed to reach its peak, Avanthika's father stood up, his voice loud and commanding. "Fine," he said, making the entire room go silent. "Take my daughter and marry her, Abhimanyu. But Avanthika, remember this if you walk out of here with him, you'll no longer be a Rathore. You will lose your title, your inheritance, and your place in this family. From that moment on, you'll live as a commoner. Are you ready for that?"

The weight of his words hung heavy in the air. The guests exchanged shocked whispers, and Avanthika's mother looked stunned, shaking her head in disbelief.

Avanthika, however, didn't hesitate. She stood tall, her voice steady and clear as she said, "I'll leave everything for Abhimanyu."

The room erupted in gasps and murmurs. Her declaration left everyone in shock, including her mother, who quickly stepped forward.

"What?" her mother said, her voice trembling with disbelief. "You're giving up your royal life for him? Do you even understand what you're saying?"

Avanthika turned to face her mother, her eyes filled with determination. "Yes," she said firmly. "You all heard me. I'll leave it all behind because Abhimanyu's heart is more royal than any title or crown. That's all that matters to me."

Ishan, who had been silently observing, let out a deep breath. He glanced at Avanthika and then at Abhimanyu, his expression softening. Without a word, he reached down and loosened the sacred knot that tied him and Avanthika together. The knot fell apart, symbolizing the end of their bond.

"Go, Avanthika," he said, his voice calm but sincere. "Have a good life with Abhimanyu."

The guests watched in stunned silence as Avanthika looked at Ishan, gratitude in her eyes. Then, without another moment's hesitation, she turned and walked toward Abhimanyu, leaving behind her royal life and everything she'd ever known.

Abhimanyu extended his hand toward her, a soft smile spreading across his face. "Let's go," he said gently.

And together, they walked out of the palace, leaving behind the world of royalty for a life built on love and trust.

He held her hand firmly as they hurried toward his car, the media swarming around them, cameras flashing relentlessly. The reporters shouted questions, but neither of them paid attention. They were focused on one thing each other.

Once inside the car, Abhimanyu started the engine and drove away from the chaos. As they sped down the road, he glanced at Avanthika and noticed her pouting, her arms crossed like a sulking child.

"Sweetheart, what's wrong?" he asked softly, his voice laced with concern.

She turned her head toward him, her eyes filled with a mix of frustration and hurt. "Why did you scold me that day?" she demanded. "Why did you tell me to marry Ishan? Do you know how much that hurt me? I'm still angry at you for that."

Abhimanyu sighed, gripping the steering wheel tightly before turning to look at her while the red light stopped them. "Baby, I know I hurt you," he said gently.

Her pout deepened, and she looked away, clearly not convinced.

He smiled softly, reaching out to hold her hand. "We have our whole lives to deal with that anger, sweetheart," he said with a chuckle. "But right now, I need you. I need your love and support more than ever."

Avanthika turned back to him, her expression softening as she saw the sincerity in his eyes. "You're lucky I love you," she muttered.

Abhimanyu grinned. "I know," he said playfully, bringing her hand to his lips and kissing it gently.

As the light turned green, the car moved forward.

■

Abhimanyu brought the car to a halt in front of the stadium. Without waiting for a word, he stepped out, and opened the door for Avanthika. Holding her hand firmly yet gently, he led her towards the meeting room inside the stadium. His grip was steady, as though nothing could shake his resolve.

Inside the meeting room, a group of selectors and Rao sat, their expressions a mix of confusion and worry. Abhimanyu didn't bother knocking; he pushed the door open and entered with a commanding presence that instantly silenced the room.

"Rao," he said, his voice calm but laced with authority, "the games you've been playing end here and now. Today, I'm stepping back onto that field as the captain of the Indian cricket team. The fans have exposed your secrets, and if I were you, I'd prepare to deal with the police they might be here any moment."

The selectors exchanged glances, while Rao sat frozen, his face draining of color. Abhimanyu didn't give them a chance to respond. Turning to Avanthika, he softened his tone.

"Wait for me in the stands," he said, a reassuring smile briefly crossing his face. "You'll be sitting with the other players wives."

Avanthika nodded, her eyes full of understanding, and made her way towards the stands. Dressed in her wedding lehenga, she was nothing short of a vision, her royal aura captivating everyone. As she reached the seating area, whispers turned into audible gasps. Jaipur's princess, in all her bridal glory, was in the stadium a sight no one had ever imagined.

But the real surprise came moments later when the crowd erupted into cheers. Abhimanyu, leading the Indian cricket team onto the field, was met with applause. The chants of his name reverberated through the stadium.

The match began, with India bowling first. Abhimanyu's team put on a stellar performance, restricting the opposition to 200 runs in the 20 overs. As the innings break ended and India's chase began, Abhimanyu walked out as the opening batsman. The crowd went wild, their cheers shaking the very foundations of the stadium.

From the very first ball, Abhimanyu was high. Every shot he played was a masterpiece, every six he hit bringing the crowd to their feet. His focus was unwavering, his form unparalleled.

Sitting in the stands, Avanthika watched with tears in her eyes of pride and overwhelming joy. She knew what cricket meant to him, how deeply it was ingrained in his soul. And while cricket was his priority, she also knew she was his.

For her, seeing him on that field, reclaiming his place and his passion, was enough. She didn't need words to understand that in his victories, they both found their purpose.

In just 30 balls, Abhimanyu achieved an incredible mark. he scored a century, setting a new record for the fastest century by any Indian cricketer. The crowd went absolutely wild, their cheers echoing throughout the stadium. It wasn't just a victory for Abhimanyu, but for the entire team to witness this historic moment. Watching him dominate the game, hitting boundary after boundary, brought an overwhelming sense of pride to Avanthika, who sat in the stands, eyes fixed on him.

Every powerful shot he played, every six that sailed over the boundary line, felt like it was meant for her, too.

As soon as Abhimanyu reached the century mark, he took off his helmet, raising it high for the crowd to see. The cheers grew even louder, the energy in the stadium reaching a fever pitch. But then, in a moment that made everything feel personal, he looked directly at Avanthika in the stands. His eyes locked with hers, and a playful grin spread across his face.

With a confident, almost teasing gesture, he raised his hand and winked at her. Then, as if the moment wasn't already perfect, he shaped his fingers into a heart and pointed it towards her.

The whole stadium erupted once again, this time for more than just Abhimanyu's record breaking century. The crowd cheered for the beautiful connection between the star cricketer and the woman who had his heart. Cameras immediately zoomed in on Avanthika, capturing her radiant smile and the sparkle in her eyes as she looked at him. She felt like the entire stadium, was watching their love unfold before their eyes, and she couldn't have been happier.

India have won this match without loosing any wickets.

The stadium, still buzzing from India's flawless victory, seemed to hold its breath as Abhimanyu walked towards the stands where Avanthika sat. The excitement of the win still lingered in the air, but there was something more electric nowba feeling that something unforgettable was about to unfold. As he approached her, the cameras turned their lenses toward them. Abhimanyu's footsteps were steady, his heart pounding with every step, but his eyes never left Avanthika. She looked up at him, a soft smile playing on her lips, but even she couldn't have predicted what was coming next.

When he reached her, everything seemed to pause. Abhimanyu stopped, standing in front of her, his expression filled with a depth of emotion. He knew this was the moment one that would change everything. Slowly, he reached into his pocket and pulled out a small, velvet box. Abhimanyu looked at Avanthika, his gaze tender yet intense, and then, without hesitation, he sat on one knee.

With the box open, the ring inside catching the light, Abhimanyu looked up at her. "Avanthika," he began, "from the very first moment we met, I knew there was something special about you. Watching you today, cheering me on with all your heart, reminded me of something I've known for a long time, you are the most important part of my life. Cricket is my passion, but you... you are my heart. I can't imagine my future without you by my side, sharing all the highs and lows, the wins and the losses."

"So today, I want to ask you something I've been longing to ask for a long time," he continued. "Avanthika, will you marry me? Will you spend the rest of your life with me, be my partner in everything, and make every moment worth living?"

The cameras caught every second, but for Abhimanyu and Avanthika, it was their moment, a moment that would define their love forever. Tears filled her eyes, but her smile was brighter than ever. Without a second thought, she whispered, her voice trembling with happiness, "Yes. Yes, I will."

His teammates and their wives erupted into cheers as Abhimanyu stood, pulling her into his arms. Cameras flashed as they shared a kiss. They broke their kiss and he placed ring on her finger.

To be continued

Finally they got back together.

All thanks to Ishan too. Hope he finds someone he likes.

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This story has a bonus chapter too so for that target is: 500+ likes and 80+ comments