Page 143 of Rudra Nandani: The Saga of Control And Seduction

“Hey,” I said softly, trying to steady my voice,“Look at me, Rudra… Come here.”

He kept his head low, sobbing. I gently cupped his cheek, guiding his gaze up.

“You’re all wet,” I murmured, and, rising to my feet, I held out my hand.“Come here,” I said again, firmer this time. I wrapped my fingers around his and pulled gently, helping him up.

He followed without resistance. I led him to the couch, made him sit, and turned to grab a towel. But before I could, I felt hishands around my waist, warm despite being soaked, trembling slightly.

He rested his forehead against my chest.

Even in this emotional wreckage, his presence did something to me, stirring something quiet and tender within. My stomach fluttered, an involuntary reaction to the way his big hands completely enveloped my waist, grounding himself in me.

“I'm so sorry,” he whispered again, his breath brushing against my midriff, making goosebumps on my skin.

I placed the towel on his head and gently began drying his soaked hair.“Calm down,” I whispered.

And he sobbed again, deeper this time, his body still leaning into mine.“I’m so sorry. I’m not like that. I didn’t know. I’m sorry, Nandani,” he muttered again, his voice barely holding itself together.

“Shhh... shhhh…” I gently hushed him, my fingers threaded softly through his long locks, combing them gently.“You should change, Rudra. You’re all wet,” I whispered, my voice low and careful.

I stepped back, taking a breath to steady my own heart.“Let me get you another pair,” I added, already moving towards the dressing room.

He nodded slowly, lowering his gaze.

I returned with the same maroon pair he had worn earlier that morning, the one the attendees had neatly folded after washing. I held it out to him.

“Go, change,” I said softly, trying to hide the heaviness I felt in my chest. Seeing him like this—so broken, unravelled me.

He stood up from the couch, and without thinking much, I stepped closer and gently took his hand in mine.“Do you need help?” I asked.

He shook his head, wiping fresh tears off his cheeks. Even though he denied it, I couldn’t stop myself and held his hand a little tighter.

“Come,” I said, and led him into the bathroom.

Inside, I helped him sit on the stool and lifted his kurta over his head. His eyes met mine, and I leaned to place a soft kiss on his forehead. He closed his eyes at my touch.

I turned to fill a jug with water. The silence between us was heavy, thick with everything he couldn’t say.

“Was it a pond... or a river?” I asked gently, pouring the water down his back.

He bowed his head slightly and whispered,“River,”

I filled another jug and slowly poured it over him again.“And... what made you do that?” I asked, carefully watching him.

He inhaled deeply and lifted his eyes to mine. Quietly, he said,“That I’m not good for you... for anyone,” He said, and I inhaled deeply, taking a step toward his back.

I poured another jug of water over his bare skin, and my fingers moved gently, rubbing his muscles softly.

“And... what changed your mind at the last moment?” I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.

He replied just as quietly.“That you knew me from the beginning and still loved me. Not for anyone... but for you... I have to live,”

His words sent shivers coursing through my spine, and without warning, tears began to escape my eyes again.

I turned away, stepping further from him, not wanting him to see me break. I bit my lower lip and hugged myself as silent sobs left my chest. I didn’t want him to hear them.

I heard the subtle sound of the stool shifting behind me, followed by the pad of his feet. He stood up. I quickly wiped my tears, trying to collect myself.

The silence between us stretched for a few moments. I didn't know what to say. I couldn't even guess how he must be feeling. But I knew he was in profound pain. What words could comfort a man who’d just discovered that the very foundation of his life was based on lies? His trust was shattered, his beliefs were distorted, his entire life was upended, and essentially, the pillars on which a person builds his life—the past, the beliefs, the facts, the circumstances—everything was a lie.

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