Page 221 of Rudra Nandani: The Saga of Control And Seduction

We looked into each other’s eyes. It was mesmerising as he leaned in and kissed me softly, sending butterflies fluttering inside me. I giggled, feeling alive.

“You’re glowing, little wife,” he said.

I chuckled.“All thanks to your ten years of hard work,”

He burst into laughter, and I joined him, heart full.

I watched him take a pinch of vermilion and press it into the parting of my hair with utmost care.“Mine, finally,” he said, his voice a whisper.

I smiled and blushed deeply. He looked so handsome in maroon. I stood on my toes and kissed his cheek.“Mine too,” I said, grinning.

Suddenly, a knock sounded at the door.

“Come in,” Rudra called.

An attendant entered with a bowl in her hands. He took it from her and said,“You may leave. And shut the door behind you,”

She bowed and left quietly.

I frowned a little.“What’s this?” I asked, curious.

I asked, and he placed the bowl on the table. His face turned a little serious.“Birth control,” he said.

I looked at him, surprised.“What?”

“You are too young for a baby, Nandani,” he said, his voice calm but firm.

I swallowed slightly.“But... you’re not,” I said softly.

“I know,” he said,“but we still have a lot to figure out,”

“In what terms?” I asked, frowning.

He clicked his tongue.“This is all new for me—this royal life, being a king. You’re used to it, but I’m still learning. I don’t want our child to suffer the way I did. If we’re going to bring a new life into this world, it should be because we choose to, with full hearts, not by accident,”

I knitted my brows, trying to understand.“I don’t get you,” I said.

He gulped and looked away for a moment before speaking again.“My father had so many wives. So many children. What were we? What are we now—the three of us? Ranvijay, Agastya, and I? He didn’t want us. We were just... born, a byproduct of pleasure. I see it everywhere, even now—young kids suffering because their parents weren't ready. They bring children into this harsh world without even a thought about raising them right. Why call a soul into life if you can't love it properly? Why create a life only to neglect it?”

His eyes turned misty, his voice trembling.“Why do children have to be the outcome of a pleasurable act? Some people yearn for kids, and such people deserve them, not the ones who do not even provide them with the comforts and the joy they deserve. Myfather never understood the responsibility of having children,” he spoke, his lips trembling.

“And I’m not my father. I don't want that for our children. I don’t want to bring a child into this world when I know we’re still finding our ground. I want our children to have everything we never had,” he finished. Hearing the rawness in his voice, I immediately stepped forward and hugged him tightly.

“I know,” I whispered.“I understand... and I’m proud of you for thinking this way. Children are blessings. They deserve to be wanted, not just born out of a moment of pleasure,”

He wrapped his arms around me tightly.“I love you so much, Nandani. But... if you truly want children now, I’ll still do everything I can to give you, and them, the best life,” he said.

I pulled back slightly, frowning.“Them?”

He smiled, a hint of playfulness creeping back.“Yes, them. At least six to ten children!”

My mouth fell open.“No!”

He chuckled.“Yes!”

I shook my head vigorously.“No way. I’m done!”

“What?! Why?!” he exclaimed, laughing.

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