Page 44 of Rudra Nandani: The Saga of Control And Seduction

??????

“Ranaji30?” Suman frowned and asked,“Why didn't you write it yesterday?”

I pursed my lips, looked at the name, and said,“Because I felt like writing it now.” She looked at me, perplexed. Shifting my gaze toward the ladies present, I asked them to dress me up, and they began their work.

They criticized my outfit, and I slipped into the bridal red lehenga. However, I struggled to tie it around my waist. The exquisite embroidery made it too heavy to manage, so I had to ask a lady for help. I then put on the blouse, and one of them pulled the strings to secure a knot at my back.

“Tighter,” I instructed her, and laid my eyes on the reflection in the mirror.

Honestly, amidst everything that was happening, I momentarily forgot everything and appreciated the beauty of the bridal dress. It perfectly aligned with my curves, making my body look truly enticing.

We then proceeded with the jewelry. They helped me wear intricately designed gold bangles interspersed with red glass bangles, and they slid gold and gem rings onto my fingers.

“Nandani,” suddenly, Ruhani’s voice caught my ears, and I turned to look at her. She came and sat in front of me on a cushioned stool and asked me in a hurt voice,

“Why are you doing this, Nandani?” I swallowed a lump of emotion and said,“It is my wedding today.”

“But the king has left and has not come back yet,” she added in a frustrated tone, while I attempted to distract myself by wearing more rings and bangles.

“He will be back. He said he would,” but my unsettled self knew it wasn't true. The fear and anticipation of what would happen had me on edge. I couldn't sleep well; I woke up early, and I didn't feel hungry or thirsty. My heart was in acute sorrow. The more I tried to hold myself together, the more I felt my peace shatter.

Honestly, I didn't care about the king. I was worried about Rudra. I wanted to know if he was okay and hoped to see him once. I knew he was furious about me spending the night with the king, but he had to understand that revenge is never the right solution. I knew that from now on, if he ever thought of revenge, he would realize how it ruins lives.

“Nandani,” suddenly, Ruhani's voice brought me out of my reverie, and I looked at her.“Take your decision back, please don't ruin your life,” she pleaded, and I shook my head.

“His upbringing differed totally from mine, under different circumstances. What I witnessed in his eyes the last time I met him was different from what I had ever seen in his eyes,” she scrunched her brows in wonder.

“What are you talking about?” she seemed dismayed.

I gave her a thin smile.“It is my wedding, Ruhani. You are my cousin, my best friend, and the only sister I have. Wouldn't you help me get ready? Wouldn’t you make me the most beautifulbride of the night?” She shook her head with glistening eyes and stood up from the stool.

“I will, of course I will,” she leaned forward and kissed my forehead.“I pray you find your peace as soon as possible.” Tears blurred my vision, and she helped me put on the heavy choker necklace, along with its set of earrings and the headpiece. Kneeling, she hooked the anklets.

“Stand up,” she said. Once I did, she hooked the waist chain around my waist and glanced at me.“You are looking so beautiful,” I smiled at her compliment. She then braided my hair and added gold hair accessories.

“Are you ready?” my mother asked, walking into my chamber, and I looked at her, smiling in content.

“Privacy,” she announced, and as soon as everyone in the room left, including Ruhani, she restlessly strode towards me and took a seat on the stool in front of me.

Inhaling a heavy breath, she said,“Rudra has attacked Suryagarh.” My heart dropped in my stomach when I heard her say that, and she went on to state further.“He tried to claim the throne, and our informant sent word that the king ran away in the middle of the battle for the throne,” I gulped, a huge lump forming in my throat, and asked in a trembly voice.

“He…he tried to claim the throne?” She nodded, holding my hands, and tears started pooling in my eyes.“Is he fine?” I cautiously asked.

“We don't know, there is no news of him,” she said, and my heartbeat escalated. I stared at her blankly.

“Nandani,” she called me softly.“I want to ask you something,” I nodded, gesturing to her to go ahead.

“If Rudra had already claimed the throne, it would be a critical situation for us now. If he has feelings for you, I think he will be here because he was planning to abduct you. Now, your father and I want to know, should we welcome him or prepare the army to stop him?”

I paid attention to her words and unhesitatingly replied,“Welcome him.”

“Are you sure?” She questioned.

“Yes. If I were to involve the army, I wouldn't have asked you to invite the king for the swayamvar. Regardless of what, I want a peace treaty between both kingdoms. And, this could be ourchance to defeat him if he plans to attack us,” She shook her head.

“No, Nandani, it is not about defeat or victory. Your father and I can bring the entire world down for our children. We could tackle him before, we will now and will always,” she said.“But we allowed you to do all this on your own because you were finding it difficult to erase him from your memories, because we wanted the best for you, even if it is the man who tarnished our honour.”

She caressed my hands and added,“Your father and I have dealt with worse. This is nothing. No fight is bigger until you make it. And the way you crossed every limit, not caring about your pride, your title of being a princess, and how you went beyond worldly things, shows how much you loved him. I just want to know what you want. Keep all this political stuff aside and tell me what you want, just you?” she asked, holding my face.

---