Page 37 of Rudra Nandani: The Saga of Control And Seduction

I stared at him blankly and retreated a few steps to exit his chamber. My whole body shook with anger as soon as I was outside. I just wanted to rip him apart.

I meant it when I said that she was my everything. I truly did.

I forcefully punched the trunk of the tree, making my knuckles bleed, but it wasn't pain that fogged my mind, but her face.

The moment she entered my chamber to speak with me, the instant she gazed at me and requested that I make love to her, the words she used when discussing us were all vivid in my memory.

Why? Why was she doing it? Why the heck does she want revenge? Why was she so dead set on ruining her life?

Why? Why? Why?

I punched the trunk with every unanswered question. My eyes began tearing up because of my inner turmoil and the emotions I was feeling.

“Rudra,”

Suddenly, a man’s voice caught my attention, prompting me toturn around. Although it was dark, the voice sounded familiar, even though I couldn't see its owner.

“Aahil?” I probed, and the person in question came into view. I was trying to hold back my emotions when he noticed my face, but suddenly, stepping closer, he hugged me and patted my shoulder.

“Come on, man, you've got this. If it makes you feel any better, men in general are nothing without these‘driving men crazy’women. They are the ones we get energized for, and surprisingly, they are the ones who drain our energy, too,” I chuckled at his comment, pulling myself away from the hug.

“So, what happened?” he asked, and I ran my fingers through my hair.“I tried to talk to my uncle, but like every time, he was super unconcerned about my happiness. It's the purpose of his life to keep me away from things that bring me hope,” I said, and he sighed.

“So, the plan remains the same, kidnapping?” he asked, and I nodded.

“Thus far, yeah. No other option,” I stated, and he smiled encouragingly.

“My wife, my brother-in-law, and I—we’re already with you. But now there's this one powerful man we must persuade to be on our side. Don't worry; I have some plans,” he explained dramatically.

“Come with me,” he told me. We took a stealthy path to the guest chamber on the other side of the palace. He then led me to a decorated hall where a private celebration was taking place.

As we entered, I felt everyone's eyes on me, but I could only recognize a few faces. The place was swarming with people. One of them was Haider, undoubtedly holding a glass of alcohol.

“Oh, and who is this young man?” a gruff voice caught my ears, and I looked at a tall, sturdy man who seemed to be in his late forties.

“This is Rudra,” Aahil chimed in, looking at him and turning to me.“And Rudra, this is my father-in-law, Sultan Rafiq Sulaiman.”

I was too stunned to speak because Sultan Rafiq Sulaiman had an undeniably charismatic personality. I was lost in thought when he greeted me in an Islamic manner, and I responded by joining my palms in greeting.

“Nice to meet you, kid,” he said. Aahil and I took our seats.

“Ohh, Rura, Rukshuk... What was your name again?” Haiderkept mispronouncing my name.“Rudra,” Aahil corrected him, and he grinned.“Yeah, right, Rudra.”

“How drunk is he?” I asked, and Sultan Rafiq swiftly replied,“Very much. My son is living his life to the fullest, but his mother has not allowed me to live mine.” I nodded and looked at Aahil.

“And how drunk is he?” I asked, leaning closer to Aahil, referring to Sultan Rafiq.

He answered,“Very much, but no one has to know about this because his daughter is my wife, his wife is my mother-in-law, and his other wife is my aunt, and in no case should anyone learn the truth that he drank.” I tried to bite my smile at his ranting.

“Smart man, I see how you flatter your father-in-law,” I patted his shoulder, and he chuckled.“And why aren't you drunk yet?” I asked him.

“I'll celebrate with my wife later,” he murmured shyly.“Ohhh…” I teased him, and he offered me a drink.

“No, thanks. I don't drink,” I said, and he laughed.

“Of course you wouldn’t. You are on some serious mission of kidnapping the bride,” I chuckled, and Sultan Rafiq quickly slurred in between.“Who is kidnapping the bride?”

“Sharp hearing, I must say,” Aahil whispered, and I saw Sultan positioning himself to look at us.

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