Page 255 of Rudra Nandani: The Saga of Control And Seduction

“You’ll have two Bhabhisas to do that for you, Devarsa,” I teased, glancing at Rudra, who was watching me intently.

“Aap bhi lagwa lijiye, Ranaji.”(You should get it too, Ranaji.) I said gently.

He smiled and stepped forward, settling into the chair.“As you suggest, Ranisa,” he replied with a soft smile.“Just a little, Nandani,” he murmured, and I couldn’t help but smile back.

He looked irresistibly handsome in white—an impossibly hot, regal king. I applied the kohl to his eyes and then leaned back. Gathering more on my finger, I applied a small dot behind his ear.

“This will protect you all from the evil eyes,” I did the same for Devarsa and Agastya.

“You should get ready now; we’re all set to leave,” Rudra said, and I looked at him.

“Someone should stay behind to welcome the bride, too,” I replied.

“I’ve spoken to Badimaa; she’s staying here at the palace,” he informed me.

I nodded.“All right then, I must get ready quickly,” I said, leaving the chamber and heading to mine.

I asked Suman to bring out a fresh pair of clothes. I chose the one my mother had gifted me.

I had met them the previous night. She told me Baapusa had been a little unwell after Holi, though he was better now. The news shook me, leaving me distressed.

Fighting with my parents, disagreeing with them, enduring tough moments, that was one thing. But hearing about their sickness? That was my worst nightmare. The thought of those who gave up all their comforts to raise us unconditionally, needing us now, was jarring. I couldn’t bear the idea of anything happening to them. My grandfather’s death devastated me. He loved me so deeply.

Why was I thinking about all this on such a beautiful occasion?

I quickly asked Suman to help me get ready.

I wore maroon attire and adorned myself with jewellery. I asked her to tie my hair into a bun. She draped the dupatta over my head. And before stepping out, I added vermilion to the parting of my hair.

The entire kingdom was bursting with joy. Trumpets, drums, and dancers filled the atmosphere with celebration.

I walked toward the gathering, where everyone was waiting for me. Rudra walked up to me, smiling.“You will surely catch the evil eye today,” he said, holding my hand and leading me to the centre of the crowd.

I looked around—everyone was watching us as the dancers made space. I giggled, and suddenly the drumbeats intensified. We lifted our steps and began dancing. I matched his rhythm, laughing freely, catching Agastya’s gaze across the crowd.

I signalled him in, and he joined. I pulled Daadisa and Maasa in, too. Daadisa danced with joy while Maasa hesitated shyly.

Even Badimaa and other relatives joined. The atmosphere was electric—everyone was lost in the moment.

I watched as Rudra and Agastya walked toward Ranvijay. They also pulled him into the dance, and he smiled and joined them.

I turned to the beautifully adorned elephant, ready for Ranvijay’s departure. I walked toward him, applied Tilak52to his forehead, fed him fruits, and gently stroked his head.

“Give blessings to Devarsa,” I whispered.

Rudra and Agastya helped Devarsa climb onto the elephant.

Cheers filled the air as he sat proudly, and I sprinkled rice and flowers in the air.

The priest blew the conch shell, marking the beginning of the departure. Everyone began settling onto their horses and into their palanquins.

I took my place in mine, and with great joy, our journey toSongarh began.

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EPILOGUE

The wedding was a total blast. Rudra was pleased as a brother, and it helped mend many ties between Suryagarh and other states.

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