Page 2 of Rudra Nandani: The Saga of Control And Seduction

“Um I… I do not recall where…they went,” I blurted, gesturing animatedly with my hands in a hurry.

She frowned at me suspiciously and asked,“Where they went? Do they wander off by themselves like you? You must have left them somewhere,”

I truly didn’t know where I had left them. My focus was solely on reaching the top floor to see my man return to the Empire.

“Nandani,” she pulled my ear, making me crinkle my brows in pain.

“My shoes??? Umm…. I am fasting today,” I managed to say.

“Fasting?” She gave me an incredulous look and reminded me,“You had breakfast with me in my chamber earlier.”

I sucked in a sharp breath, writhing to get my ear off her hold.“Half-day fasting, Daadisa! Now, please leave me. My pigeons are waiting.” I pleaded and ran past her towards the palace's main building. She laughed behind my back.

Once I reached the rooftop, I leaned over the stone baluster, breathing raggedly. Loose tresses from my braided hair danced across my face, and the dupatta3on my shoulder waved in the gusty winds as I set my eyes on the main entrance, my heart pounding in anticipation.

The far-off view made me squint.

And I felt it—the faint vibration of the heavy entrance doors opening.

My heart raced wildly in my chest, and my breathing became shallow for a good few moments when I noticed a man mounted on a brown horse with white marks on its legs.

Rudra!

An ear-to-ear smile etched on my face. I immediately scurried from there, fisting my lehenga, with Suman following suit. The sound of my anklets echoed through the hallways of the giant building as I was descending.

As we approached the royal garden, I slowed down and took leisurely steps because my mother’s chamber was nearby, and I didn’t want to catch her attention.

Once I arrived, I tiptoed toward the guest chambers. Since we weren’t having any guests for the time being, the chambers were empty, and no one was there to witness me lurking.

At the end of one of the guest chambers where Rudra stayedduring his last visit, I quietly hid behind a pillar and moved toward an open window.

“You may leave now, and if anyone asks for me, tell them I’m in my chamber,” I instructed Suman. She nodded and left.

Holding my breath, I leaped into the empty chamber and hid behind the curtains in a corner.

After what felt like an eternity, my ears perked at the sound of doors opening.

I could hear his footsteps along with those of others, likely the attendants assisting him with unpacking. Craning my neck, I peeked in and saw his back.

His shoulders had broadened, and his physique had become even stiffer and more attractive.Has he changed his diet?

“Krupaya karke ye sab yahaan rakh dijiye,”(Keep everything here, please.) He requested the attendants.

My stomach tickled with thousands of butterflies as I heard his voice after ages. I couldn’t help but smile so wide that my cheeks hurt.

“Rehne dijiye, hum kar lenge,”(It's alright; I’ll do it.) He informed them, and the sound of their departure from the chamber followed.

When I heard the door shut, I peeped in his direction, and suddenly, he said,“Baahar aa sakti hain ab aap,”(You can come out now.)

I shivered at his voice and lost my balance.

“Aahhhh…” I shrieked in pain.

He laughed at me, and seeing him laugh so heartily made me forget my pain, so I laughed along.

He stepped closer, offering his hand to help me. I grasped it to rise, and the moment my palm came into contact with his, I felt a surge of emotion. It was rough and much larger than mine.

He pulled me up, bumping me into his chest. I looked up at him, locking my intense gaze with his. Silence brought us closer before my eyes lowered to his lips.Is it finally the day I'll have my first kiss?

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