Page 156 of Rudra Nandani: The Saga of Control And Seduction

“Take care of yourself,” he said in a low but meaningful voice.“The past does not define you… But it holds the power to ruin your future. Think wisely, and be brave.”

Rudra nodded with humility.“Ji, Rajaji,” he replied.

I watched them, my heart full. And after our final goodbyes, we set off. I sat in the palanquin with tears quietly blurring my vision.

No matter how deeply your husband loves you, a part of you always aches for the warmth of your family.

We returned to Suryagarh just as dawn touched the sky. I stepped out of the palanquin, and together, we walked to our chamber in silence.

“I should take a bath,” I said softly, breaking the stillness.

But just as I turned, his hand gently caught mine.

“I think,” he said, his voice low and smooth,“we should bathe together,”

A sudden shiver passed through me. I drew in a breath and stared at him, unsure if I’d heard him right.

“What?” I managed to ask.

He stepped closer, towering over me with an amused glint in his eyes and that soft, pleasing smile on his lips.

“First, you will bathe… then I will bathe. Don’t you think that will take too long?” he said, voice laced with mock practicality.“If we bathe together, we save water… time… and the energy of the attendants who prepare everything,”

My eyebrows knit together, half in amusement, half in disbelief. Of course, the confusion wasn’t about the words themselves… but the vagueness beneath them.

“Just to save water, time, and effort?” I asked, raising my brows ever so slightly.

He leaned in, his face so close to mine that I could feel the warmth of his breath. His voice was slow, smooth, and soaked in sensuality.“Who knows the future?”

I gulped, my heart thundering. And before I could utter a yes or no, he scooped me into his arms.

“Rudra—” I gasped softly, but he simply smiled. Without a word, he carried me toward the bathing chamber.

When we reached, I managed to say in a whisper,“Put me down.”

He obeyed, gently placing me on my feet. I stepped back, just slightly, needing space to gather myself.

“I need to take off my jewellery… and fetch my clothes before I enter the pool,” I said, trying to sound casual while battling the rising flutter in my chest. Taking a breath, I continued,“You go in. I’ll be back in a little while.”

He didn’t argue—only smiled.“Alright… but remember, I’m waiting, little seductress,”

I gave a quick, nervous nod and slipped away to the dressing room. The moment I faced the mirror, I realised how deeply I was blushing. My skin was flushed, and my eyes were glimmering.

What was happening to me?

I closed my eyes and drew in a long breath.

The night felt heavier than any before. I could neither resist him nor surrender to him. I couldn’t leave, but I couldn’t stay in that fire for long either.

Opening my eyes, I slowly removed my jewellery, piece by piece, each one feeling like a weight lifted.

I had to love him without seducing him, without giving in to hisart of seduction, without submitting myself to him.

I changed into a simple white bathing dress that floated around me, ending just above the middle of my thighs. It was light, loose, and somehow made me feel even more exposed. My hair cascaded down my waist. Tucking a strand behind my ear, I walked back toward the bathing room.

As I stepped inside, I noticed a shift in the atmosphere.

The light had dimmed, and the room glowed in the gentle flicker of candles, their golden flames dancing in silence. The warmth in the air enveloped my insides, and almost like a whisper, the scent of lavender reached me.

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