#1800's

This is my second drawing of my new OC Mr. D. Mcbones. He moved from New Orleans to Texas to be a cowboy! He lives in a ghost town so everyone looks dead but the town was cursed so they have to stay there for eternity in their own version of hell. His parents don't know either of them are dead. This is him in front of his line house next to his wife, Mrs. Mcbones.

I tried to make it decently accurate to the mid to late 1800's cowboys when I was obsessed with them when I was 11 lol. I based the drawing off of the American Gothic painting a little. He is not wearing pants or a shirt cause I wanted to show his bones, just a denim jacket and leather chaps. I'm not great at drawing wrinkles on clothing or shading really cause I'm still learning but I still like it and I hope you like it. :)

Duty, Love, Honour...

Radha Basu x desi!reader fanfic

You were her closest friend, her shadow...you belonged to her but, Radha always loved him more...

Divider credits: @droideplane

CW: angst, mentions of child marriage, cheating, unspoken feelings

Part 01: The beginning.

Your life was strange.

You were born to a well-to-do family in the southern parts of Kilphagrami. By the age of 10, all you knew was that your father had enough money to put food on the table and your mother loved you so much

You didn't understand why your mother dressed you in red and gold one evening and sat you in a pretty dome next to a grown man until, a powerful woman dorning purple came and intercepted whatever was going on.

She took you to Calcutta and told you that She was now your family and that you needed to be someone's friend...

A friend to the powerful woman's eldest daughter.

Radhika Basu. (Radha)

Your best friend.

Due to her studies and status as the heiress of the Basu family, she was often isolated. Sometimes she never saw her dear sister Saraswati or best friend Deviya Sharma.

So you were brought in to keep her company. She was 12 and you 10. Ages were close but your thoughts and belief differed.

"Only the King's son sits on a throne...That is what my studies say." Radha says as she read the scriptures and gazed up at you.

"But my nana-ji used to say that the one who has wisdom and is chosen by the people should sit on the throne." You'd reply making the young heiress confused.

Whilst her ideology was deeply rooted in scripture and outdated laws, you were more down to earth and free spirited. That was why you were chosen to be her companion.

Because you both were a balance between old and new ideologies.

But how that friendship blossomed into something more was something Radha didn't expect neither did you.

You caught feelings first. You were the tender age of 16 and she 18. You realised this the night she told you of her and Raj Doobay's relationship.

"He brings me flowers, calls me the Queen of his heart...He loves me so so much." She beamed to you. But, you felt a burn in your chest.

You cleverly masked it with a smile, you learnt this from a young age.

"If you believe he loves you so much, who am I to comment further?" You ask her, prompting her gaze to fall upon you with a warm smile.

"Y/n...you know me better than myself, you're closer to me than my own shadow. You have a say." She says sweetly as she beckoned you closer.

You go to her, and she takes your hands into hers. "The Dozen may have 3 rakshasis, Me, Deviya and Sara but, if I am a rakshasi, you're my apsara."

Those words tugged a string in your heart and when you vented to Rita-Shiv about it after the evening service, he recognised that fire you felt in your chest as you complained about how Radha spoke of Raj Doobay followed by the warm feelings you felt from her declaring you her Apsara.

"You've fallen for her, sweet Y/n... haven't you?"

His question punched the air out of you.

Was that what it was? Love?

"But she's my best friend...I cannot possibly harbour that feeling towards her. She loves someone else."

"And who is the someone else sakhi?"

You kept quiet. You cannot tell that secret even to Rita-Shiv but, the avatar smiled at you with gentleness in his gaze.

"Kaliyuga began when Shree Krishna left this world...The Dozen forgot that in their cult practices my dear child." He says calmly and gazed down at two fish in the pond. "Go home now sakhi...It is late and Miss Basu would hate that I kept you away from her this long."

Correct he was.

When went back to the Basu residence, Radha was unhappy over the time you spent with Rita-Shiv.

"I understand that you love to pray and stay at the temple but, that doesn't mean Rita-Shiv steals you from me for 3 hours." Radha complained.

You chuckled and held her but, she turned her face away from you in mock anger.

"3 hours?...But Radha, Raj keeps you with him for hours...I don't complain." You say softly to her. She simply blushed at the mere mention of her lover's name.

You felt that familiar emotion in your chest. Jealousy because she blushes for Raj but, there was an overwhelming sense of that warm fuzzy feeling at her flustered state.

Radha noticed your lingering stare but before she could question it, you both were sent off to bed by Vidya along with a thorough scolding over your sleeping times.

By the age of 18, you realised that you can never truly be with Radha so the least you could do was learn to protect her and so, you requested Vidya to send you back to Kilphagrami for 5 months to 'educate' yourself better.

The Maharani agreed and sent you away, not before mentioning, "Radha will go with you."

It took you by surprise but you never minded it although, Radha did.

"I'll never see Raj now...Why do you want to go to Kilphagrami?" She whines as she asked you on your carriage-ride to the village.

You smiled at her.

"I have my reasons...besides, you haven't seen your Mama-ji in a long time."

Your response left her confused. Why would she want to see her uncle but, who cares. She just wanted this over and done with.

But she was surprised when you met the Executioner.

"I wish to be your student...I would like to learn to fight from you." You expressed to Doran determinedly.

He first thought you were joking. "Alright... Tomorrow morning, be up at 4am and run around the whole of Kilphagrami until sunset for a week." He said casually, not expecting you to do it.

To his surprise, you did it.

Every morning, you woke up at 03:30am, bathed, dressed and prayed. By 04:00am, you were running along the borders of Kilphagrami, with the determination to protect Radha in your mind.

'Have to protect Radha. Have to protect Radha. Have to protect Radha.' you chanted in your head until sunset.

The said Radha you wanted to protect returned to Calcutta. But you didn't worry, you needed this training to protect her when she will eventually lead the Basu family.

When the week came to an end, Doran finally approached you.

"Seeing your determination has pleased me greatly." he began, "I will be your guru but, I ask of one thing as guru dakshina..." He trailed off.

You knelt in respect as he spoke further.

"When the time is right...I will ask for something and you will have no choice but to grant it...no questions asked."

You smiled and looked up at your guru.

"I agree guru-ji." You replied, causing Doran to gaze at you with surprise.

Suarprised not because of the fact that you so readily agreed to his request, but by the look in your eyes.

Determination, mischief and, something deeper...

"You're a mad woman." Doran remarked with a chuckle before handing you a khanda. "Your training starts now."

Thus went not 5 months but 5 years. You became a mirror of your guru in wisdom and skill. Radha's letters was what fuelled you to go on.

Your Guru's wife, Antara Basu became like your mother there. Even though she and Doran initially lived like strangers, she found her ways to come and see you.

For 5 years, you were unexpectedly happy training under Doran and being cared for by Antara-ma.

But little did you know, your Lady who you loved so much was broken down by the man she held dear.

It would take a fool to not notice the light belly bump as Radha sat beside Anil Sharma at the Basu dining table.

You grit your teeth as you watched.

Doran had come to Calcutta 3 months back for urgent business and instructed you to come if he had not returned within 2 months.

Now you had returned to find an old slob laying his hands on Radha.

Your Radha.

Your Radha!

You suddenly had a flashback to the night Vidya found you. An unfamiliar pain formed in your chest.

"It's good to see you again Y/n, what brought you back?" Vidya asked as she gazed upon you, snapping you out of that nightmarish vision.

The woman had seen many things in her lifetime.

War, death, disease, love.

And by the God's was she intrigued when she saw the fire of jealousy dancing in your eyes but, when she saw that tinge of fear, she knew she had to keep a close eye on you.

"Guru-ji never returned to Kilphagrami when he said he would. I was sent to enquire why and wait until he returns." You replied coolly to Vidya before glancing at Radha.

"Another reason as to why I am here...5 years is too much of time to stay away from the people I care for."

"Who do you care for?" Vidya pressed further, to distract your mind from whatever made you feel fear.

You grin, as you always did as a child even to mask your fear ,and walked to Vidya.

"You Vidya-ma and Radha." You chimed and touch her feet.

She blessed you and helped you up.

"Go freshen up and come dine with us...I see Doran hasn't completely changed you my sweet girl."

You stayed silent as Vidya ordered you but, you kept your eyes upon Radha. She looked away from you, unable to face you or your questioning gaze.

She knew what you were going to ask, so she decided to follow behind you after some time to clear it all up to you.

Your former room was the same as you left it. Books neatly arranged, bed neatly set and old clothes you've now outgrown hung in the wardrobe.

You didn't touch them though.

With quiet grace, you pulled out the gold bordered blue-green saree Antara-ma gifted you in your 1st year of training for your birthday and headed to the bathroom.

You just couldn't wrap your head around the fact that your Radha was pregnant and seated by that slob of a man Anil.

Your Radha, who you loved so much, who you gave up so she could be happy with Raj Doobay.

Why was she next to that old goat!?

"I know what you're thinking... He's my husband." Came Radha's voice from the door. You immediately sat upright in your bath as she came in with a towel.

"You could have knocked instead...I would have thought a Chudail was at the door." You comment dryly.

Radha giggled.

"Chudail?...Is that what I am now in your eyes? From Rakshasi to Chudail...I don't know if it's a upgrade or downgrade."

"It's just a name change, don't overthink it."

"Yeah right....like how you're overthinking everything now."

You froze and gaze at Radha. "What is that supposed to mean?" You asked with a frown.

Radha sighed and sat on the chair brought in for her. The maids left you two alone.

"You're overthinking my marriage to Anil...its not for lov-

"OF COURSE I KNOW ITS NOT FOR LOVE!" you could help but shout, startling Radha. You grit your teeth and sigh. "I'm sorry continue."

"Don't shout at me, you ran off to Kilphagrami and who knows what kind of relationship you kept with my uncle!"

"He is my guru, he's been training me in warfare for 5 years and mind you, You came with me then left within the week with no note."

"I couldn't stay in that village in the middle of nowhere! It lacked all the comforts I am used to here." Radha responded harshly. "I expected you to follow behind me but no, you stayed in Kilphagrami for not weeks, not months but, for 5 years!"

You kept silent as she scolded you. You knew that you were at fault, you did leave her alone but, you did so to learn to protect her.

"Where is Raj? Why is he not with you?" You asked suddenly. All the color drained from Radha's face.

"That's none of your business." She responded venomously.

You scoff.

"Yeah right but where I was in the past 5 years and what I was doing is you business." You muttered harshly.

Radha looked at you wide-eyed in shock. She hadn't expected you to say something like that, especially to her.

You on the other hand, you didn't feel shy or anything. You were just so angry. You got out of your bath, took the towel from her and wrapped it around yourself.

But seeing Radha so startled made you freeze. You slowly tilt her chin up so she meets your gaze.

"I'm sorry for shouting at you but...I just came back home to find you married...And your groom isn't the man I expected you to be with...I won't ask what happened...but I will ask you to forget this arguement happened."

Radha caught your hand in a tight grip.

"How dare you," she began, "How dare you to ask me to forget those words you just said?" She asked as she teared up.

"5 years Y/n...I was alone for 5 years. You weren't there for me to turn to. Raj was my only support. Sara runs off with Devi all the time...I missed you so much and the first thing we do is fight like this. I don't like this one bit!"

"Shhh...Don't cry...I didn't mean anything I sa-

"Don't tell me what to do or how to feel!" Radha snapped at you as you tried to hush and comfort her.

You embraced her. She struggled at first in your grip before sobbing uncontrollably . Her months of grief finally boiled over and like always, you were there for her to cry on.

You silently wiped away her tears and led her out of your bathing chambers.

As you dried yourself and wore your saree in silence, she gazed at the marks from your years of training.

"At one point...you never had a scar on your body Y/n...just what did my mama-ji do to you?" She asked with a frown.

You smiled at her. "He made me strong enough to protect you." You answer her as you turn towards her. "Now come, let's go back to Vidya-ma and that old goat you married."

Radha grimaced.

"Don't remind me of him please." She asked and laughed you both headed back to the lunch table.

Vidya sensed the tension between you two had simmered down. She smiled let you both talk as much as you wished.

2 weeks passed like that...until you learnt of what Raj did to her.

"So he slept with you and now that you're pregnant, he refuses to take responsibility?" You ask her in disbelief as you were brushing her hair.

"He's just scared...Mother will rip him apart."

"Why didn't he think of that when he stuck his-

"My goodness, your mouth is as rotten as mama-ji!" She exclaimed, shutting you up.

"I made my bed, now I must lay in it. I am not innocent here, I gave myself to him..." She ended.

You sighed and knelt before her. "Look, both of you are stupid...you are more stupid for falling in his arms like that but, This baby is yours and I will protect her as I protect you."

Your words moved Radha immensely. She smiled at you and pressed her forehead against yours. Your maangtikka clinked against hers.

You were so close to her. You could feel her breath against your lips. You could've kissed her until, a sound at the window distracted you.

Before you could go and check, Radha spoke cheerfully to you. "Can you get me the Kheer Rita-Shiv made with the laddoos and gulab jamun in it?" She asked sweetly.

You melted by her smile. "Of course..." You chimed. You could also meet your dear Demi-god the same time so, you set off to the Kalighat.

At the temple, you happily catch up with Rita-Shiv about everything, the initial argument and how you made up with Radha, the situation in the Basu household and your now joy from being so close to your beloved again.

"Sakhi...So much joy will give your little heart and deadly shock...calm down." He warned with a soft chuckle as he handed you a bowl of fresh kheer.

"I'm so happy that you finally with the woman you love sakhi...Do you plan on confessing anytime soon to her?" The demi-god asked curiously.

"No..." You reply meekly, "I'm too shy..."

You shyly cover your face in your alta stained hands. Rita-Shiv laughed at your shyness.

"Arre...If you shy so much, you'll never be able to confess to her sakhi." He says as he removes your hands from your face. "Hai re, so dark you blushing too... Looks like I'll have to kill Anil Sharma soon so I can take your rishta to Radha."

"Stop teasing me Ratan!" You scold him before giggling!?

Ratan sighed and wiped away the tears that formed in his eyes from laughing. The usually stoic Avatar of order could not recall when last he laughed like this.

"Sakhi, take this kheer and go home to Radha...It's getting late now." He advised you and kissed atop your head as he always did from the time you were small.

You bid him goodbye sweetly before practically skipping in your step towards the Basu manor, singing a stupid song about lovers confessions that you heard from Doran.

♪"Angrezi mein kehti hain ke I love you

Gujarati ma bole tanne prem karoon chhu

Bengali mein kahte hain, Aami tomake bhaalo baashi

Aur panjabi mein kahte hain....Teri to ha!"♪

Slowly, the Basu residence came into view. You grin brightly.

"It's time..." You whispered to yourself as you hastened your walking.

As you headed to Radha's chambers, you heard something rather off...

A giggle... Radha's giggle.

A chuckle, Raj Doobay's?

Your heart filled up with dread as you peeped through the door. You see them there, together.

Raj Doobay affectionately feeding Radha mango lassi and kissing her cheek.

Radha happily drinking the lassi and accepting that man's kisses.

Rita-Shiv's advice and all your joy was gone out of the window at that very moment.

In the end, your love meant nothing infront of this weak man that Radha loved so much. You don't even realise when you dropped the kheer to the ground and ran out, crying uncontrollably in your hands.

The sound of the brass wear falling to the ground caught the lovers attention. Radha came to the door, she felt her breath hitch at the sight of the kheer on the floor.

You saw everything. You saw her in Raj's arms, accepting his care and his kisses after you made all those beautiful promises to protect her and the baby.

The sweet scent of the kheer now felt like a mock to your bond with her....no, she mocked the bond you both shared.

This relationship she and Raj are in just created the biggest void between you two and now, Radha feared that she may have lost you.

You on the other hand, went into the forest and cried out your sadness. Your heart ached. Everything was for nothing. This love was just one-sided.

She only wants that coward of a man who will only give her suffering and in doing so, she was only cracking your bond with her further.

"DAMN YOU RAJ DOOBAY! DAMN YOU AND YOUR CLAN TO HELL!..." You yelled and drew your arrows, shooting at every target you hung up earlier, missing miserably from your tear clouded vision.

The only way you knew how to cope with your sadness and pain...Oh how you wished now that you were back in Kilphagrami.

This would all be a nightmare, Antara-ma would be waking you for breakfast in a few moments then you'll be out all day training with Doran but no...

This was reality. Your Radha will forever love someone else. It was a bitter pill to swallow.

"I loved you Radha....but tonight, you proved that you're not mine..." You finally say as you quietened down and mourned the bond you were bound to.

You passed out after a while from exhaustion.

But, your sorrow did not go unnoticed.

Sometimes you forget that you were also raised by Vidya Basu in your early years.

The lady was coming to talk to you about Radha until, she saw you leave the Basu Residence and followed you. She heard your cries, she heard your complaints and, she heard the true paternity of Radha's baby.

The next morning, you surprisingly woke up in your room. Vidya was sitting next to your bedside sipping her strong adhrak chai. The scent of the Chai made your tummy rumble as you didn't have supper the previous night.

When Vidya saw you stir, she first checked if you had a fever then spoke.

"I don't want to see you run out like that again. You're not in Kilphagrami anymore. Here I worry about you and last night, you worried me to death." She scolds in her stern manner.

You look down like a scolded child as Vidya chastised you then, you began crying.

Because that was what you felt like now, like the little girl that Vidya saved all those years ago from becoming a child bride in the South of Kilphagrami. You clung to her and cried wordlessly into her saree.

She let you weep. The tears that refused to leave your eyes all these years came out because of one small trigger.

"Cry it out...I'm here for you shona..." She comforted you and gently patted your head.

Only after she stabilised you and left you so you could eat and recover your strength, Vidya went to Radha in the garden.

"Leave us." She says sternly to the maids and sat opposite her daughter. "Where is your husband?" She asked sharply.

"He's galavanting as usual mother." Radha answered timidly.

"And Raj Doobay?"

That question knocked the air out of Radha's lungs. She choked on her tea as she gazed at her mother in shock.

"How am I supposed to know where he is mother?" Radha responded nervously.

"You want to become his mistress, you should know where the father of that thing in your stomach is." Vidya remarked sharply.

Radha teared up.

"Mother I can explai-

"ENOUGH!" Vidya cut her off, "I gave you too much of freedom. I got you a loyal friend when you were young, I had to hear all of this from her when she cried herself sick in the forest last night."

Radha grew angry now.

"I didn't ask for a friend when I was younger mother, you brought her here from God knows where and made her my problem!"

"SHE WAS A CHILD BRIDE!"

Everything went silent, including Radha.

"Y/n was 10 years old...10 years old and her parents deemed her ready to marry off to a man...Had I not gotten there in time then she wouldn't have been your problem now, but she would have been dead years back."

"Mother I-

"Don't speak to me right now. You don't want her to be your problem? Fine, I myself will relieve her of the duties she has to you. You can keep seeing that bastard child's father but, I won't let that girl suffer anymore because of you."

And with saying that, Vidya went back to the house fuming in rage from Radha's audacity and determined to set you free...

Perhaps I should have warned y'all this was angsty...But it is just part 1.

Part 2 is in the works...I'll post it soon.

Until then, cry with me 😭💜💜

Classic style Megalosaurus