Third Person POV:)

"I married her to save her from the disgrace and shame that society would have thrust upon her," Abhirath said, his voice steady but tinged with an edge of desperation. The flickering torchlight cast long shadows across his face, highlighting the tension etched into his features.

Vedanti's eyes flashed with anger and hurt, the pain of his betrayal still raw. "Oh, and if you had made her your sister, you could have saved her reputation then too, couldn't you, Hukum?" she retorted, the formal title dripping with bitterness. "But no, you just had to marry her, didn't you? No explanation, no warning—just a decision made without a thought for what it would do to me."

Abhirath took a hesitant step closer, his face etched with regret. "Vedanti, you have to understand—"

"No," she interrupted, her voice rising like a storm. "You don't get to stand there and tell me what I need to understand. You don't get to justify your actions now. You broke my trust, Abhirath. You shattered my heart. How can you expect me to believe anything you say?"

The pain in her eyes cut him deeply. He reached out, trying to take her hand, but she pulled away, her movements sharp and defensive. "I was young, naive," she continued, her voice trembling with emotion. "I trusted you with everything I had. And what did you do? You left me alone in the dead of night, forced me to fend for myself. You planned my parents' deaths, manipulated every part of my life. How can you claim to love me when you've caused me so much pain?"

Abhirath's eyes filled with anguish, his hand hovering in the air before dropping to his side. "Vedanti, every action I took was to protect you, even if it doesn't seem that way. I thought I was doing what was best."

She shook her head, tears welling up but refusing to fall. "Protect me? By destroying everything I held dear? You don't understand, Abhirath. Love isn't about control or making decisions for someone. It's about trust, respect, and standing by each other."

The silence between them grew heavy, the weight of unspoken words pressing down on them. Abhirath's shoulders sagged, the fight seeming to drain out of him. "I never meant to hurt you," he whispered, the words barely audible. "I thought I was saving you from a worse fate."

Vedanti looked away, unable to meet his gaze. The room felt suffocating, the walls closing in as the past's ghosts haunted them. "Sometimes," she said softly, "the worst fate is losing the person you once loved and trusted the most."

Abhirath's eyes glistened with unshed tears, but he knew there was no quick fix for the rift between them. He had lost her trust, and perhaps, he had lost her heart forever.

Vedanti turned away, walking to the window where the last rays of the setting sun cast a warm, golden hue over the landscape. She felt the cool breeze on her face, a stark contrast to the storm raging within her.

Abhirath stood silently, watching her silhouette against the twilight. The silence between them was thick, filled with unspoken words and regrets. He took a deep breath, steeling himself to speak again.

"Vedanti," he began softly, "I know words can't undo what I've done, but I need you to know that I truly believed I was protecting you. Everything I did was out of love."

Vedanti's back remained turned to him, her shoulders stiffening at his words. "Love?" she repeated, her voice barely above a whisper. "Love shouldn't hurt this much, Abhirath. Love shouldn't leave scars that never heal."

She finally turned to face him, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. "You talk about protection, but all I see is control and manipulation. You took away my choices, my freedom. You left me in the dark, abandoned and alone."

Abhirath's heart ached at her words, the realization of his mistakes crashing down on him like a wave. He had thought he was doing the right thing, but in the process, he had lost the most important person in his life.

"I wish I could turn back time," he said, his voice breaking. "I wish I could undo all the pain I've caused you. But I can't. All I can do is try to make things right from now on."

Vedanti's eyes softened slightly, but the hurt was still there, raw and unhealed. "You can't just erase the past, Abhirath. The wounds you inflicted won't simply disappear. You have to earn my trust back, and that won't be easy."

Abhirath nodded, accepting the challenge in her words. "I know," he replied, determination in his voice. "I'll do whatever it takes to prove myself to you, to show you that I can change. Just give me a chance, Vedanti. Please."

Vedanti's gaze lingered on him for a moment longer before she turned back to the window, the golden light now fading into the deep purples and blues of dusk. "Only time will tell if you can truly change," she said quietly. "But for now, I need space. I need to find myself again, without you overshadowing every step I take."

Abhirath felt a pang of sorrow but nodded in understanding. "I'll give you the space you need," he promised. "But I'll always be here, ready to make amends."

As he turned to leave, the weight of their shared history hung heavily between them. The path to redemption and healing was long and uncertain, but Abhirath was willing to walk it if it meant a chance to win back Vedanti's trust and love.

Once he was gone, Vedanti stood alone in her chamber, the silence settling around her like a shroud. She closed her eyes, taking a deep breath, trying to steady her turbulent emotions. She knew she had a long journey ahead of her, one that required strength and resilience.

With a renewed sense of determination, Vedanti vowed to reclaim her life and her kingdom. She would not let the past define her future. She would rise above the pain and betrayal, emerging stronger and more resolute than ever before.

The morning sun bathed the kingdom in a soft, golden glow as the citizens gathered around the palace gates, eager to witness the grand entrance of their king and his new bride. Vedanti stood at the forefront, flanked by her mother-in-law, the regal queen mother, whose face bore a calm, unreadable expression. Vedanti's heart ached as she watched the procession approach, but she maintained her composure, her posture straight and dignified.

The sound of trumpets announced the arrival of Abhirath and his new bride, Trupti. As they entered the courtyard, the crowd of onlookers parted, creating a path for them. Abhirath, dressed in regal attire, held Trupti's hand. Trupti's eyes were wide with nervousness, her steps hesitant. Vedanti's heart ached at the sight, but she stood tall, her resolve unyielding.

As they approached, Trupti moved forward, touching the feet of the King mother and elders in a gesture of respect.

"Welcome, Trupti," the King mother said, her voice warm but formal. "May your presence bring peace and prosperity to our kingdom."

Trupti smiled nervously, "Thank you, mother-in-law," she said softly. "I hope to serve this family and kingdom well."

When Trupti's eyes met Vedanti's, she offered a tentative smile. Vedanti, with a practiced grace, returned the smile and greeted her. The exchange was brief but filled with an unspoken understanding of the complex emotions at play.

Abhirath's gaze flickered to Vedanti, a shadow of regret passing over his features, but he quickly masked it. He turned to the assembled nobles and subjects, raising his hand for silence. "Today, we welcome Trupti as the new queen of this kingdom," he announced. "I trust you will all show her the respect and loyalty she deserves, Let us celebrate this union with joy and hope for a prosperous future."

The crowd cheered, their voices ringing out in celebration. Vedanti stood beside Abhirath, her face a mask of calm, but inside, she felt the sting of betrayal anew. She glanced at Trupti, who looked both relieved and overwhelmed by the attention.

As the formalities concluded, the royal family moved inside the palace. Trupti, still visibly nervous, stayed close to Abhirath. King mother guided her, offering reassuring words. Vedanti walked slightly behind, her mind racing with thoughts and emotions.

In the grand hall, the courtiers and nobles gathered for a formal reception. Trupti, despite her nervousness, carried herself with grace, greeting each dignitary with a respectful bow. Vedanti watched her, noting the genuine effort Trupti was making to fit into her new role.

After the reception, Vedanti retreated to her chamber, needing a moment to herself. She looked out the window, the golden light of the morning sun bathing the kingdom in a serene glow. Her thoughts were interrupted by a soft knock on the door.

"Come in," she called, turning to see King mother entering the room.

"My dear," King mother said gently, her eyes filled with concern. "I know this is difficult for you. Your strength today was admirable."

Vedanti managed a faint smile. "Thank you, Mother. It wasn't easy, but I had to stand strong for the kingdom."

King  mother nodded, stepping closer to take Vedanti's hand. "Your parents would have been proud of you. You have her spirit, her resilience."

Vedanti's eyes filled with unshed tears. "I just wish things were different."

King  mother sighed, her expression sad but resolute. "Life rarely goes as we wish, but we must find our way through the challenges. Remember, you are not alone in this."

Vedanti squeezed her hand, drawing strength from her words. "I will do my best. For the kingdom, and for myself."

King  mother embraced her, a gesture of comfort and solidarity. "We will face this together," she whispered.

Later that evening, as the palace settled into an uneasy quiet, Vedanti found herself standing alone in the grand hall. The flickering candlelight cast shadows on the walls, mirroring the shadows in her heart.

Suddenly, the door to the hall creaked open. Abhirath stepped inside, his eyes locking onto hers. For a moment, time seemed to stand still as they faced each other, the silence between them heavy with unspoken words.

"Vedanti," he began, his voice low and filled with a strange mix of emotions. "There's something I need to tell you."

Vedanti's heart pounded in her chest as she stood facing Abhirath. The flickering candlelight cast long shadows, their dancing reflections a testament to the turmoil within her. Abhirath took a hesitant step closer, his eyes filled with a mixture of regret and determination.

"What do you want to tell me, Abhirath?" Vedanti asked, her voice cold and controlled, masking the storm of emotions swirling inside her.

Abhirath sighed, running a hand through his hair. "Vedanti, I know you have every reason to hate me," he began, his voice trembling slightly. "But there's more at stake here than you realize."

Vedanti narrowed her eyes, crossing her arms defensively. "More at stake? You've already destroyed everything that mattered to me. What more could there possibly be?"

***A/N ***

Hey fabulous readers! 🌟 Your journey with Abhirath and Vedanti is taking shape, and I'm eager to hear your thoughts! 📖✨

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Until our next chapter, byeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee! 🚀💙