Page 33 of Rudra Nandani: The Saga of Control And Seduction

“Unbelievable!” I huffed. She turned on her heels and walked out of the chamber. I plopped on the couch and pulled my hair in frustration.

Urgghhh, I hate you, Rudra. You are turning my family against me.

I palmed my face. How could he be so evil?

Suddenly, there was another knock at the door. I went to open it, and my gaze fell upon a woman in her fifties, whom I didn't seemto recognize. She stepped inside in haste, and I asked,“What? Who are you? You do not belong here.”

She immediately nodded and closed the door behind her. I sensed something was wrong when she urgently said,“King Surgami Dev Singh has sent me here.” My lips formed an‘o’.

“Why? Why did he send you?” I asked, and she muttered in a low tone.

“I’m a physician and I’m here to check on your virginity. Please lie down on the bed, and pull up your skirt,” she stated, and I pursed my lips.

“Ohh, the test,” I gulped with fear, taking small, steady steps as I walked towards the bed. As she said, I lay on the bed and pulled my skirt to my knees.

She stepped closer and parted my legs.

I prayed to God when I felt her touch my core with her fingers. It felt so awkward, embarrassing, and frightening. But it was vital as I had to prove my loyalty to him and make him trust me. For a man like him, it mattered.

She pushed her fingers inside, without warning, making me cry in pain.

“Aauucchhh…” Tears collected in my eyes, and she stood up, washing her hands in the bowl on the table. I blinked nervously and asked,“Done?” She nodded, and I tried to stand up but felt slightly uneasy. I walked near her to ask,“So, what do you think? What are you going to tell him?” She gulped, looking straight into my eyes.

“I cannot say…” she stated, and I asked dumbfounded,“What??? But you just checked me,” she sighed.

“Your entrance is a little loose, so I cannot decipher it right,” she added, and my mouth hung open.

“There must be a reason for it.” A lone tear escaped my eye when she responded,“Perhaps intercourse is the reason,” and walked out of the chamber. I sat on the couch, holding my face, trying to control my tears and anger.

How could he? How could he do it? How on earth did he manage to do it after making me unconscious?

I jerked the copper jug on the table nearby with all my force, releasing my anger.

HOW COULD YOU, RUDRA? HOW DARE YOU? I HATE YOU. I HATE YOU SO MUCH!!! I screamed my heart out, burstinginto tears, dropping to the floor.

It was my wedding the next day, and if the Physician told the King about it, I'd be done. My plan would be ruined, and he would win.

I had to do something.

?? ? ? ?

“Look at you,” Ruhani's awestruck voice caught my attention, and I turned to the mirror. The simple green lehenga complemented my fair complexion beautifully, and my braided hair fell elegantly down my back. I left my hands empty for my Mehendi Ceremony.

“Shall we go?” Ruhani asked, and I nodded.

My mind was engrossed in thoughts about what Rudra was planning and the physician’s words. I hated him for doing that when I wasn't in my right mind.

Such a coward!

We reached the hall where the rituals were performed, and my mother sat me on a couch. As soon as I stretched my hands towards the henna artists, they began designing.

It was almost evening when the artists were halfway through the mehendi. I looked at people roaming from pillar to post, preparing for the wedding.

“Show me,” Ruhani peeked at my hands, beside me, commenting on how beautiful the design looked.

“Why don't you start applying it too?” I asked her, and with a smile, she answered.

“I’ve got to change before that, because once I get my mehendi applied, I’ll not be able to change and sleeping in these heavy dresses is a nightmare,” I chuckled, leaning close to her.

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