Page 253 of Rudra Nandani: The Saga of Control And Seduction

I nodded.“Welcome.”

The day buzzed with excitement and celebration. Nandani managed the guests with grace and hospitality. I stayed busy with last-minute arrangements—we had to depart early the next morning.

That night, we barely slept. The sangeet49continued late into the night. Agastya and I made Ranvijay dance, though he was visibly nervous.

Finally, the day of hiswedding arrived.

?? ? ? ?

Nandani

We woke up early after barely getting any sleep. The morning rituals had already begun, and I didn’t find Rudra beside me when I woke. He must have been busy with the preparations for the Baaraat’s50departure.

I dove straight into the thousand tasks that awaited me—the sweets, breakfast for the guests, the rituals, and, most importantly, getting the groom ready.

I asked Suman to bring out the clothes Rudra and I had picked for Devarsa—the jewellery, accessories, everything. I arranged them neatly on a large plate and signalled an attendant to follow me.

As I stepped into Devarsa’s chamber, I saw him seated quietly on the couch while a few attendants moved briskly around. His expression was unreadable, but the frustration in his eyes didn’t escape me.

“Is it too much, Devarsa?” I asked gently.

He turned toward me and immediately stood up.“Pranam, Bhabhisa,” he greeted with a polite bow, and I gave him a soft nod.

Though older than me, he always treated me with respect, like an elder sister. I couldn't say the same about Agastya, who saw me as more of a friend than a sister-in-law—he only called me Bhabhisa in formality.

I sensed how awkward Devarsa still felt around women. I smiled lightly and addressed the attendants.“Please leave us.”

They quietly filed out of the room. I turned to the attendant who had come with me and motioned for her to place the plates on thetable.

“Time to get ready,” I said.

“I’ve already bathed,” he replied softly.

“Then change into this white kurta,” I said, handing him the outfit.

“Okay,” he murmured, taking the clothes and entering his dressing room. I waited until he returned, dressed and standing still before me.

“Done, Bhabhisa,” he said.

I smiled.“You’re looking very handsome, Devarsa,” he smiled timidly, and looked down. I gestured him toward the dressing table, and he sat silently.

When he began putting on the rings and a thick bangle, taking them from the jewellery plate placed beside him, I immediately intervened,“Wear the overcoat first,”

Another attendant stepped forward with the heavy, jewelled overcoat.

“Ji,” he replied, glancing at the last attendant.

I could see he was nervous and uncomfortable. I turned to her and said,“Leave the rest here. We’ll manage.”

He slid his arms through the sleeves and sat again.

Once alone, I looked at him and asked softly,“Are you still unsure, Devarsa?”

He lowered his gaze and nodded faintly.“Not unsure, Bhabhisa. Just… worried,”

I grabbed the heavy kanttha51and stepped closer to fasten it around his neck.“Why are you worried?” I asked quietly.

He inhaled deeply.“She doesn’t know me. I’m afraid—what if she doesn’t like me? What will our life even look like?”

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