Page 24 of Rudra Nandani: The Saga of Control And Seduction

“Why are you doing this, Nandani?” He asked in an agonising tone. I drew in a deep breath.

“Baagee samajhte hai aap?”(Ever heard of a rebel?) I asked, and he looked at me blankly.“Vo ban gaye hain hum,”(I’ve become that.) I said, and he held my cheek.

With his cold hand, he pulled me closer. His breathing was fast and wild. He questioned, looking at me.“How do I stop you?” I blinked and shook my head in disappointment.

“Kitna saral hai na aapke liye. Humaara jeevan dhwast karne ke pashchaat mol poochne chale aaye. Kaise rukenge hum? Haina, kitna saral,”(How easy it is for you. After destroying my life, you have come for negotiations. How will I stop? See, how easy is that?) Tears brimmed in my eyes as rage built within me, looking at him.“May I know at what price you sold me?” I asked.

He sucked in a heavy breath and pulled my face closer to his.

“I cannot marry Nandani. I cannot become anyone's husband, and I cannot bear a child,” he said, and the world stopped before me. His words paralysed my form.

“What?” I asked, and he nodded.

“It's not about any other girl. It was just about you. I was playing with you; I was just... using you for my plans,” he disclosed.“But... but that night I just couldn't do it anymore. I just…. I don't know. But please, it is hurting me, so please don't do this. Everything will become complicated. I’m not asking you not to get married at all. You have all the rights to be happy, but that man will never give you the happiness you deserve,” he pleaded, and tears trailed down my face.

“That's it? And, since when did you start caring about my happiness?” I asked. He looked at me, his eyes glistening with unshed tears.

Moving his hands from my cheeks to my waist, he slowly pulled me closer, and I felt him leaning into the scruff of my neck. He engulfed me in a hug, and I broke down in tears.

“Sab samaapt ho gaya hai ab, Rudra.”(It's all over now, Rudra.) He tightened his hold and lifted me effortlessly. I wrapped my arms around his neck, and he placed one hand on my head.

“You deserve to be happy, Nandani. It was not your fault. I’m sorry that I included you in this dirty game of politics,” I broke into intense cries upon hearing his words. He then said,“Please change your decision. We cannot be on opposite sides.” I pulled away from the hug.

Taking a deep breath and controlling my tears, I said,“I will become the Queen of Suryagarh. You do what you are at best. Run away…. like always,”

His eyes darkened with anger, while his grip on me tightened.His hand scraped from my waist to my hand, and he drew my face closer to his. It felt warm and fuzzy.

“You know, it is never going to happen,” he said, and my whole body trembled as I looked at his lips inching closer to mine. I stared blankly into his eyes.

“Nandani!” He placed his lips over mine.

“Nandani, open the door,” He sucked on my lower lip passionately and whispered,

“I love you, little wife,”

“Nandani, open the door,” panicking, I jolted awake, sitting upright on the bed. I looked around, gasping heavily for air. My heart beat rapidly when I heard loud banging at my door.

“Nandani!” Massa's loud calls made me realise it was all a dream—a nightmare, to be precise.

He wasn't here. He did not come last night.

“Open the door, Nandani,” She screamed, and I placed my hand on my chest to calm myself down.

“Yes, Maasa,” I hurried out of bed and rushed to the door. Opening it, I saw my mother, aunt, and Ruhani dressed up.

“It's your Haldi25and you’re late,” my aunt reminded me, and I plastered a smile over my face.

I hate you, Rudra.

“Haldi. Yeah… yes, I know…I remember,” I spoke falteringly, distracted by the repercussions of the dream. My Buaa smiled, and I looked at the grim expression on Ruhani’s and my mother’s faces.

“I'll help her get ready.” Ruhani stepped forward, getting inside the chamber. Once my mother and aunt left, handing me the attire for the haldi ceremony, Ruhani closed the door behind me and walked towards the couch.

Taking a seat, I groaned, holding my head, throbbing awfully in pain.

“What happened?” She asked.

“I think I’m going insane,” I grumbled, and she looked at me confused.

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