Chapter 3 - 1. BLAST

Avni

📍 Haridwar, Uttrakhand

INDIA.

"Help me."

I tried to scream, but my voice was swallowed by the chaos around me.

My body was heavy, each breath a struggle as if the air had turned to stone.

"Someone... please..."

But my words were lost in the sea of screams.

Children cried, women wailed, and the desperate shouts of men merged with the crackling of gunfire.

Blood stained the sacred ground of Haridwar, and the air, once filled with the fragrance of incense, now reeked of smoke and fear.

There was a rush; everyone was in danger of losing their lives. No one could help me. The cries of children and women were everywhere, a chorus of anguish.

No one was there to help Me.

Yet I helped the countless others.

I,

Avni Raghuvanshi,

Princess of Lucknow, lay among the broken and the wounded, my body aching, my mind racing.

I had never felt so powerless.

Crying in pain, fighting for my life like many others doing right now.

And yet no one is there to help me.

To help those who are fighting for their life just like me.

Every nerve in my body screamed in agony.

The world spun around me, my vision blurring until all I saw was darkness.

May be... This is the end of my life..

Just an hour ago, the sun had hung low in the sky, casting warm light over the holy city.

People bustled through the streets, and the gentle flow of the Ganges brought a sense of peace that now felt distant and unattainable.

But in an instant, everything had changed.

Few hours ago

The wind danced around me, playing with the delicate jhumka hanging from my ears as I stood in the crowded streets.

My pale dupatta fluttered in the breeze, catching the eyes of passersby.

I could feel the weight of their gazes—the princess of Lucknow was not often seen wandering amidst the public.

But I wasn't thinking about them.

My mind was elsewhere, distracted, until a small hand tugged at the edge of my dupatta.

"Didi, aap to bahut khubsurat dikhte ho yar,"

a soft, high-pitched voice said, and I looked down to see a girl no older than six, her big eyes sparkling as she smiled up at me.

(Sister, you look so beautiful).

I chuckled, kneeling to her height.

"Aap bhi to bilkul Disney princesses ki trah lagti hain," I replied, gently brushing a stray lock of hair from her face.

(You look just like Disney princesses).

Her eyes widened with joy, and she clapped her hands.

"Really? Which one?" she asked, her voice brimming with excitement.

"The one which is your Favourite". I said, placing my palm on little girl's one cheek.

I smiled, waiting for the expected answer: Cinderella, Rapunzel, or maybe Sofia.

"Mulan," she declared, her voice filled with determination that belied her small frame.

I became curious. Wanted to know that why Mulan?

Out of so many Disney princesses why she choose only Mulan?

I blinked, surprised.

"Mulan? Why Mulan?" I asked, curious.

And this question released something in her.

Her smile never wavered, but there was a fire behind her innocent eyes.

"She's brave and strong. She protects her family, just like I will protect my mother when I grow up."

She spoke with such conviction that my heart swelled with pride.

Listening this, a proud smile appeared on My face.

Before I could respond, a woman approached us. The little girl beamed and took her hand.

"My mumma," she introduced proudly.

I stood, smiling at the mother, who offered me a grateful nod.

"What's your name?" I asked, turning back to the girl.

"Malini," she said, her grin wide.

"Malini," I repeated, smiling. "So similar to Mulan. Hum aapko Mulan hi bulaenge".

(I will call you Mulan).

Her giggle was infectious, and before I knew it, she had thrown her tiny arms around me in a tight hug.

"Didi, aap kitne acche ho."

(Sister, You are so nice).

"And you're so cute." I replied, gently pinching her cheek before standing up.

The Lady standing behind that little girl smiled.

"Avni, Come here."

I turned to see my brother, Aksh, waving me over.

He stood tall, his posture always commanding respect as the future king and current Yuvaraj of Lucknow.

I bid farewell to the little Mulan and her mother and went towards my brother.

"Beta, Time for seva," he said as I approached.

"Maharaj and Maharani want you to do the daan."

He said.

In public places,

we are not allowed to call our parents mummy-papa like others.

We have to follow protocols and formalities.

Every year, our royal family serves places like Haridwar. We help the poor, provide necessities, pay their bills, and give them money. We help them in whatever way we can.

I sighed, shaking my head.

"Why me? You're the heir, bhai. You should do it."

He chuckled, placing a hand on my head.

"You're our Laxmi, and it's a tradition. You bring prosperity."

"I bring chaos," I muttered under my breath, earning a playful nudge from him.

"That's different thing that you're more like Maa Kali, but it's okay."

He said teasing me.

And i nudged him with my elbow in his stomach.

Did i just break a rule. And disrespected this Yuvraj?

Yes. But he deserves it!.

"Okay I'm going. Come with me."

I said ordering him like I'm the one who's in-charge.

He followed me, chuckling.

We served people.

He handed me things and i give them to the people standing in line. Provide them cloths and money. We try our best.

And in return they gave us Tons of blessings. And i was happy in the end.

I was looking for my Parents. They were nowhere to be seen.

They were in temple, i guessed.

I started walking towards the temple, my mind still on little Malini and her dreams of becoming like Mulan.

Such a brave and strong choice for such a small girl, I thought, a smile playing on my lips.

As I approached the temple, I could hear the chanting of prayers and the faint ringing of bells.

The air was filled with the fragrance of incense, and the peaceful ambiance of the place made my heart feel lighter.

I found my parents deep in conversation with the temple priests, discussing the arrangements for the upcoming festival.

"Avni, there you are,"

my father said, spotting me.

He was a tall, regal man with an air of authority that came naturally to him. My mother, elegant and graceful as ever, smiled warmly at me.

"We were just talking about the preparations for the festival," my mother said. "How was the seva?"

"It went well, Maharani," I replied. "The people were very grateful."

"Good, good," my father nodded. "It's important for us to give back to the community."

I felt a surge of pride at his words. Despite the royal responsibilities and the protocols we had to follow, my parents had always emphasized the importance of kindness and service.

But then something shifted. The air felt heavier, and I could hear the faintest murmurs in the crowd.

"something's wrong," I whispered, my eyes scanning the area.

Before anyone could respond, a loud noise shattered the calm.

A scream echoed through the temple grounds. Then another, and another.

My heart raced as I saw people running in every direction, their faces twisted with fear.

The crowd surged, and in the distance, I saw armed men pushing through, shouting commands.

"What's happening?" my mother asked, her voice filled with worry.

"I don't know," I replied, trying to keep my voice steady. "But we need to find out."

We rushed towards the commotion, my father taking charge and trying to calm people down. I saw Aksh Bhai directing the royal guards, trying to restore order.

"Avni, stay close," my mother's voice reached me, and I turned to see her rushing toward me with my father.

As we moved through the crowd, I saw the reason for the panic.

A group of armed men had entered the temple grounds, their faces covered.

They were shouting orders and brandishing weapons, causing terror among the people.

"Everyone, stay calm!" my father shouted. "We need to remain calm and follow the instructions."

But the situation was quickly spiraling out of control. The men were ruthless, pushing people aside and searching for something. Or someone.

And started killing people blindly.

My mind raced as I tried to understand their motive.

Were they here for the festival?

Or was it something more sinister?

One of the men had grabbed a small figure,

My heart stopped when I recognized her.

Malini.

"No!" I screamed, my body moving before my mind could process the danger.

"Let her go!" I shouted, running toward them.

"Stay back!" he snarled, holding Malini tighter. His voice was cold, menacing.

My heart pounded as I stepped forward. "Please, she's just a child. Let her go." My voice wavered, but I kept my gaze firm on him

The man seemed to hesitate for a moment, but then his grip tightened.

"This is none of your business, Princess," he said, his voice dripping with disdain.

Before I could react, my father stepped forward. "Leave the child," he said firmly. "We can talk this out."

But the man was not interested in talking.

He pushed Malini aside and lunged at my father.

Chaos erupted once again as people screamed and tried to flee. In the confusion, I lost sight of my parents and Malini.

"Papa! Ma!" I called out, but my voice was drowned out by the noise.

Suddenly, a hand yanked me back. It was Aksh Bhai.

"We need to get out of here now!"

"But parents-"

"They'll be fine," he assured me. "Right now, we need to get you out of here."

Reluctantly, I followed him, my heart heavy with worry.

As we moved through the crowd, I caught sight of Malini again. She was huddled with her mother, both of them looking terrified.

"Wait," I said, pulling my arm free from Aksh Bhai. "I can't leave them."

Before he could stop me, I ran towards Malini and her mother, fighting with armed men in the way.

"Come with me," I said, grabbing Malini's hand.

Together, we pushed through the terrified mass of people, trying to find safety.

We made our way through the chaos, trying to avoid the armed men.

My mind was racing, trying to think of a way to get everyone to safety. But the situation was dire, and I knew we were running out of time.

As we reached a safer area, I turned to Aksh Bhai. "We need to find Papa and Ma," I said urgently.

"We will," he promised. "But first, we need to make sure you're safe."

I nodded, knowing he was right. But the worry for my parents and the fear for the people around me was overwhelming.

But then, as we neared the edge of the temple grounds, a deafening explosion shook the earth. The force of it threw us to the ground, and everything went dark.

As a princess, I was taught to lead, to protect. But in this moment, with terror crashing around me, I felt helpless, just like everyone else.

In that moment, everything I thought I could control slipped away.

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