Page 47 of Rudra Nandani: The Saga of Control And Seduction

My parents, all the relatives, and family members walked towards the main entrance to see me off. I looked at him, waiting outside for me with his back turned to my side.

“Nandani,” my grandmother pulled me into a warm hug, and we both burst into intense cries.

My voice quavered as I tried to say,“Please take care of yourself, and take the medicinal herbs on time. I have instructed your attendees on everything, and if they do not behave well, just write to me, okay?” She caressed my head and kissed my forehead.

“You, too, take care of yourself. I have others here,”

“I don't trust anyone for you,” I hiccuped, and she gave me a weak smile, kissing my fingers.

“May god bless you with all the happiness,” I hugged her again and went to my mother. She hugged me tightly.

“Please take care of yourself. Write to us if you need anything. Never think twice before telling us about anything and everything, Nandani. May god bless you, my little child,” she muttered between her sobs.

“You too take care of yourself, Maasa,” she nodded, and I moved towards my father. He engulfed me in his arms.

“Sadeiv smaran rakhna, garv hai aap humaara,”(Remember that you’re my pride). I nodded, and he kissed my forehead.

“Apna dhyaan rakhiyega baapusa,”(Please take care of yourself), I muttered, holding onto him a little longer.

I then hugged Ruhani, and we both burst into tears.“Please visit me whenever possible,” I nodded, pulling away from the hug.

Holding her hands, I said,“Even with a candle in your hand, if you search, you will not find a man as loyal and loving as your husband in the whole world. Just like this, be happy, always,” She gave me a pleasing smile and hugged me again.

I met my Buaa then, and she cried, hugging me.“You are such a brave child, Nandani.” She kissed my forehead and cupped my cheeks adoringly.

“Always remember, the future is what you make. Never allow him to overpower you; a relationship works when both are equal. You love him so much now, but trust me when he falls, he'll fall harder... speaking with experience,” she advised with a gentle smile, and I nodded.

“Take care, Buaasa,” I said, looking at Ruhani's father standing beside her.

He adoringly touched my head and said,“God bless you!!! Give it a try, if it does not work, we’ll just kill him together,” I burst into laughter. He spoke like my father. He, too, laughed.

“Nandani,” I looked at Haider. He smiled, handing me a box.

“This is for you,” I said, looking at him, wondering what was inside.“Open it after you reach your new home,” I nodded and remembered something to ask him.

“What happened to you last night?”

Suddenly, his face turned pale, and he blabbed nervously.“Nothing, I was okay, I was perfectly fine,” I furrowed my eyebrows and nodded.

I felt my mother's hand on my shoulder as she walked towards the palanquin. I wept inconsolably, and I found my father telling him something. I noticed that he wasn’t saying anything, not even looking at him.

She helped me settle into the palanquin, and the men carried it up. The cavalcade proceeded, and I sneaked out of the carriage’s window to look at my family. My father was hugging my mother, and I smiled with tears, looking at everyone. Soon, their sight began fading as we moved farther from my empire.

The footsteps of the people walking and the horses' clip-clopping calmed my mind, and I fell into a slumber.

?? ? ? ?

“Nandani,” I woke up when someone patted my hands.“We've reached,” Suman filled me in with the information and offered her hand to help me out of the palanquin.

The sound of my anklets jingled as I stepped out.

I had my face completely covered with the veil. But through the transparent fabric of my dupatta,I could see the magnificent edifice, highly fortified with thick red sandstone and marble walls.

I was stunned by the sheer size and opulence compared to my empire.

Stepping forward, I gazed at the massive wooden doors of the palace entrance as they slowly opened. I stood beside him as he awaited me at the front door.

When the doors opened, I gasped; my heart pulsated in pure terror, and my feet and palms turned cold. Turning away from the sight, I closed my eyes.

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