Page 3 of Rudra Nandani: The Saga of Control And Seduction

But, he stepped back and questioned,“Kaisi hain aap?”(How are you?)

My smile faded as he stepped a few more paces.

“Jaisa aap chhodkar gaye the,”(Just the way you left.) I replied and saw him walk toward his trunk, chuckling to himself.

“Arthaath abhi bhi nahaati-dhoti nahi hain aap,”(It means youstill don’t bathe.) He replied, taking his clothes out.

I took a sharp breath.Enough was enough!!!

I was desperate to live with him, dying with each passing moment, and here he was, making fun of me.

For two years, I waited for him, hoping that when he returned, we could advance our relationship. We would discuss things further and perhaps consider marriage.

But he was still treating me like a young and foolish girl.

“Rudra, aapke jeevan mein koi aur hai kya?”(Is there anyone else in your life?) I couldn’t stop myself.

Turning around, he looked at me and shrugged his shoulders.“Nahi to,”(No.)

I sighed in relief.“So why aren't we like other couples? Why don’t you come closer to me? And why haven't we kissed yet?” I asked.

Inhaling a deep breath, he asked,“How many couples do you know who are prince and princess, whose families are enemies and are having a secret affair?” I closed my eyes, letting out an exasperated sigh.

I tried to count, but I couldn’t think of any.“None,” I muttered sadly.

He questioned again,“What did you say?”

“I said none,” I exclaimed a little louder.

His gaze softened, and with a smile, he inched closer. Standing before me, he grazed my cheek hesitantly, beholding my eyes.“What do you want, Nandani?”

The way my name rolled off his tongue wretchedly flattered me. His deep eyes—dark oceans of mystery—captivated me instantly, yet I endeavored to look beyond them. I found myself walking on the coastlines, the waves slowly teasing my feet and pulling me inside. Their sound and the scent of the sea breeze sent chills down my spine. I couldn’t see the end of it. There was just loneliness to the horizon, a silence of its kind, and the possibility of a storm erupting at any moment.

Strangely, everything was scary yet attractive. I wanted to swim through those tides, to feel what lay beyond, to see where they ended, and to discover how deep they were.

“What do you want, Nandani?” he questioned again. Blood rushed to my cheeks, and my knees got weaker.

He took a step forward, closing the distance between us, and Ilooked at him courageously.

“All,” I said.“I want it all, Rudra. Waiting is impossible now. For two years, you feel someone around you—you crave to talk to them, you burn for them. I have had enough. Now, please give me all. Tell me that you love me and make love to me. I trust you, and I love you so much.”

The silence followed before he asked,“Are you sure? I mean, isn't it unprincipled to do such things before marriage?” Worry laced his tone.

I shook my head.“Sooner or later, I know we will get married, and I'll be your wife. And these principles and traditions cannot bind my love for you. I’m all yours,” I meant it.

I had no doubts about him in my heart, not even a bit. He could be an enemy to others, but every time we spent time alone, he always behaved courteously towards me, showing respect and maintaining boundaries.

How could I ask for someone better than him?

“And I’m all yours, too,” he confessed, taking his hand close to my cheeks.

I inhaled a shaky breath when I felt his hand against my skin. As his touch aroused every inch of me, I blinked nervously. His palm was big enough to cover the side of my neck, gently grazing my earlobe.

Pulling my face closer to his, he looked intently into my eyes, the tension growing between us. I had never felt this way. He’s never touched me this way, ever.

His natural, mild scent enveloped my mind, leaving my throat dry.

He leaned in closer. My lashes fluttered heavily, and my lips parted as his warm breath fanned over my face. The distance between our lips narrowed, and I closed my eyes, feeling the sparks running down my spine.

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