As Chandramukhi followed the mysterious figure through the darkened corridors of the palace, her heart pounded with fear and uncertainty. The stranger led her through secret passageways, winding staircases, and hidden doors until they finally emerged in a secluded courtyard.
“Who are you?” Chandramukhi asked again, her voice trembling as she looked into the stranger’s eyes.
The figure removed his cloak, revealing the face of someone she hadn’t seen in years—her childhood friend, Arjun. His eyes were filled with a mix of determination and tenderness, emotions that Chandramukhi didn’t fully understand.
“Arjun?” she whispered in shock. “What are you doing here?”
Arjun’s gaze softened as he replied, “I’ve been watching over you, Chandramukhi. When I heard about the marriage… I couldn’t let it happen. I couldn’t let you be trapped in a life of misery.”
Chandramukhi’s eyes filled with tears, both from relief and confusion. “Why are you doing this? You’re risking everything.”
Arjun hesitated for a moment, his heart aching with unspoken feelings. But he quickly pushed them aside, knowing that this wasn’t the time to confess. “Because you’re my friend, and I won’t let anyone hurt you.”
Without wasting any more time, Arjun led Chandramukhi out of the palace and into the dense jungle that surrounded Rajpur. They moved quickly and silently, the darkness providing them with the cover they needed to avoid detection. Chandramukhi’s fear gradually gave way to a sense of determination—she would not be a pawn in anyone’s game.
After what felt like hours, they arrived at a small, secluded house hidden deep within the jungle. It was old and weathered, with ivy crawling up its stone walls, but it had an air of safety and seclusion.
“This is the home of your father’s old friend, Sage Mahadev,” Arjun explained as they approached the door. “He’s a wise and powerful man, and he will protect you.”
As they entered the house, an elderly man with a long white beard and piercing eyes greeted them. Despite his age, there was an aura of strength about him.
“Welcome, Princess Chandramukhi,” Sage Mahadev said, his voice calm and reassuring. “You are safe here. No harm will come to you under my protection.”
Chandramukhi felt a wave of relief wash over her, but she couldn’t shake the feeling of dread that lingered in her heart. She knew that Vikramaditya wouldn’t give up so easily.
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Meanwhile, back at the palace in Rajpur, Vikramaditya’s sister, Princess Rajeshwari, entered Chandramukhi’s chambers with a chest of glittering jewels and an ornate lehenga. She had been sent by her brother to help Chandramukhi prepare for the wedding.
But as soon as she entered the room, she realized something was wrong. The room was empty, the bed untouched, and there was no sign of the bride-to-be.
Panic surged through her as she searched the room, but Chandramukhi was nowhere to be found. Rajeshwari rushed out of the chamber, her heart racing, and made her way to Vikramaditya’s quarters.
“Brother!” she called out as she burst into the room. “She’s gone! Chandramukhi is gone!”
Vikramaditya’s eyes darkened with fury, his entire body tensing as the realization set in. “What do you mean she’s gone?” he growled.
“I don’t know! Her room is empty, and no one has seen her since last night!” Rajeshwari replied, her voice shaking.
A cold, deadly silence fell over the room as Vikramaditya’s anger grew. He slammed his fist against the table, causing the objects on it to rattle. “Find her!” he roared. “Search every corner of this kingdom! I want her back here by any means necessary!”
Rajeshwari flinched at her brother’s wrath but nodded quickly, rushing out to relay his orders.
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Back in the jungle, Chandramukhi settled into the small house, feeling a mixture of fear and relief. Sage Mahadev prepared a simple meal for her, while Arjun stood guard at the door, his eyes scanning the shadows for any sign of danger.
As they sat together, Chandramukhi finally allowed herself to breathe. “Thank you, Arjun,” she said softly, her voice filled with gratitude. “I don’t know what would have happened if you hadn’t been there.”
Arjun smiled gently, though his heart ached with the weight of his unspoken feelings. “I’ll always be here for you, Chandramukhi. Always.”
Little did they know, however, that Vikramaditya’s rage was growing by the minute, and his men were already scouring the kingdom in search of the princess who had dared to defy him.
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This chapter builds up the tension, revealing Arjun’s hidden love for Chandramukhi while also showing Vikramaditya’s descent into obsession. The jungle setting adds a sense of isolation and danger, while the presence of Sage Mahadev introduces a potential mentor or protector figure for Chandramukhi. The stage is now set for further conflict and intrigue as Vikramaditya’s search for her intensifies.
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