Page 18 of Rudra Nandani: The Saga of Control And Seduction

Inhaling a deep breath, she said,“Don't worry, have faith in God. What’s meant to happen will happen, no matter how much we deny it.”

I pursed my lips and nodded, agreeing with whatever she said.“Do you want to stay longer? I mean, everyone must be waiting for you,” she asked, and I just stared blankly at her.

I could see my life tumbling down—a marriage of convenience for political reasons and a mother’s life ahead. I didn't know what to expect, but being a queen was better than marrying a young prince who would never respect me.

If the King knew about my affair, most probably everyone present for the swayamvar knew about it. On top of it, if I married a king from a small state, it meant allowing them to ask for favours. Therefore, it would be only right to get married in a progressive state.

After Rudra’s betrayal, I lost all trust. Everyone, in my eyes, seemed like an impostor.

Suddenly, a soft thud caught my attention, as if someone had jumped into my chamber, so I turned to look towards the window. Rudra slipped in again, and I glanced at Suman, who stood terrified.

I stood up from the chair when he walked towards me.

“Ahh—” Suman screamed, but in a flash, he took out a daggerand placed it over her throat to threaten her.“Dare you speak a word, and I'll rip your throat. Understand?” Her eyes brimmed with tears as she squirmed in his hold.

“Rudra, leave her,” I warned him, reaching for his arm to shove him away. He looked at me furiously and said,“Tell her to stay quiet.”

“She will,” I quietly said. He left her and told her,“Get out.” She looked at me, horrified, and I nodded at her reassuringly.

Once she left, closing the door behind, I stormed towards him.

“What are you doing here, Rudra?” I asked, enraged upon seeing him, recalling his actions from the night before at the festival. He put his dagger back in its sheath before looking back at me.

“Giving you a chance to be wise and marry a man who will keep you happy. What you are doing now out of revenge will only hurt you,” he stated cruelly, and I held his collar. The tinkling of my bangles echoed in the chamber.

“Don't act like you care,” I snarled at him. He stepped closer and tried to touch me, but I swatted his hand away.

“Whatever happened, happened. Now, don't ruin your life on that old man. You don't even know him,” he said.

I pushed him away with all my strength.“I don't care, Rudra. I trusted you, and you slapped that right back on my face. The only purpose of my life now is to destroy you, the way you destroyed me.” I replied.

His eyes turned red as he marched fiercely toward me and pushed me against the dressing table, causing the few items on it to fall. Cupping my right cheek and lifting my chin to look into my eyes, he said,“I am not denying you from marrying anyone,” his voice was low and pleading.“But, not him, Nandani. You cannot marry my uncle and later become my aunt. It is equal to being a mother. You can't do that, considering our past,” I snickered at him.

“Past???” I scoffed, ridiculed by him.“What past? You did not feel anything for me, so there is no past.”

He tightened his hold on my cheek while his other arm wrapped around my waist, freezing me in place as he towered over me.“We spent a night together. You confessed your love to me,”

I burst out laughing hard.“Night? Are you, by any chance, talking of the night when nothing happened? I know you did nothing, and I can prove it.” He clenched his jaw and crept closerto my face.

“But in the eyes of the people, everything happened between us, and what if you are not able to prove anything?” I started trembling as I listened to his words, and the thought of him using me in my vulnerable state crossed my mind.

I gulped the huge lump down my throat. Holding my courage, I replied,“I will and trust me, you will just stand and watch.”

His breath fanned as his eyes scanned my face and at last lowered to my lips, which were quivering with the proximity. He inadvertently brushed my lower lip with his thumb, and my breathing became uneven, causing me to gasp.

“Ah…” A low moan slipped through my mouth as I felt his hand stroking my bare waist, gradually creeping towards the front.

“You will not marry anyone but him?” he questioned in a deep voice, and I looked at his lashes raking between my eyes and lips.

“Yes,” I made myself clear. He shook his head, inching his finger towards the hem of my blouse and brushing against the folds of my bosom.

“So you will be mine,” He mumbled, bringing his lips closer to mine.

“No, I will not,” I spat back and tried to wiggle out of his hold. I was alarmed as his lips were almost near mine.

“Yes, you will. And don't you dare create any drama out there, little would-be wife,” I froze hearing that.

Only when I felt his finger caress my midriff did I regain my senses and push him away forcefully. I met his furious and dominant gaze, glaring at me.

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