Page 49 of Rudra Nandani: The Saga of Control And Seduction

When I moved to the next room, I saw it was lined with large trunks arranged on both sides, probably filled with clothes and spare items to be used in the chamber. Rolled rugs and carpets were hoarded in the corner of the room. Perhaps it was a storage room, because it seemed seldom visited.

The room adjacent to it was a place where all kinds of weapons were marshalled, for practising and working out, I figured. It had a sand sack fastened to the room’s roof in the middle, and the surface differed from the whole chamber. What caught my eye was another door, which opened to the back side of the vast garden.

Turning back, I exited the room and made my way to the next part. An open courtyard adjoined the garden, featuring velvety carpets on the floor, where the rising sun brightened the entire space. It looked so peaceful and relaxing, like a place where one could spend time in nature. Basking in the sun’s warmth, hearing birds chirping, and enjoying games in the morning, feeling the cool night breeze and celestial view of the moon and stars with books at night—a perfect idea of unwinding the day.

I went back inside and reached the next room.A sleeping chamber,finally!!!I heaved out.

A giant bed stood in the center of the room, flanked by candlesticks on either side of the table. Three layers of curtains enveloped the bed, providing privacy for rest and blocking out any noise or disturbance. It felt magical. The silk bed sheets and quilt invited me to slip into a peaceful slumber. On the far right side of the bed, ornate windows showcased a panoramic view of the sprawling garden in all its glory.

“This way, Ranisa,” the lady showed me the way towards the attached door in the chamber. Attendants guiding me opened the door, and in front of me was a passageway that led me to a room divided into two sections across from each other.

To my left was a door that opened to a dressing room, where I spotted almirahs and smaller trunks perfectly aligned on one side. A colossal wooden dressing table stood in the center, accompanied by its settee, while sun rays intruded through the ceiling-high windows, radiating light throughout the room on the other side.

Across the dressing room was the bathing room. These chamber sections provided a private space to retreat to after bathing.

I walked out of the bedroom and scanned the entire place while standing in a corner. It resembled a blooming flower with nine petals, which connected the guest chamber to the other rooms through the hallways in a circular pattern. Only the practice area and the courtyard had access to the garden at the back, along with the foyer at the entrance.

My eyes fell on the ninth part, which was…. locked?!

“What is this room?” I asked, looking at the attendants.

“We don't know. Only the old king can access this part,” she informed me, and I nodded.

“So, you do not know what's inside?” She shook her head, and I scrutinised my gaze at the locked doors. What could it be?

“You should rest, Ranisa,” suddenly an attendee suggested. We walked back to the bedroom, and I sat on the bed.

“You must be hungry, Ranisa. Should I bring something for you to eat?” one of them asked, and I smiled, looking at her. She was so hospitable and polite. I shook my head and asked, keeping my voice soft.

“I want to have a word with Ranaji. Can you please convey this message to him?” She remained quiet for a moment but then nodded,“Yes.” She left, and I looked at Suman, who was lookingat me.

“I think there is some issue with the Badi Maahere,” I inhaled a sharp breath and nodded.

“There are so many things I have yet to discover,” she nodded.“But first things first, I need to meet Chandramukhi, the viper.”

She frowned at me and asked,“Who's that?” I got up from the bed, giving her a thin smile, and walked towards the mirror to look at myself, adjusting my nose ring.

“She is the reason why all of this—”

“PRIVACY,”

I was startled by the sudden intrusion. Goosebumps rose on my skin upon hearing his authoritative tone, and I turned around to find him standing in the doorway of the room.

All the attendants left the chamber at his order, and I walked towards him, gulping in fear, looking at his clothes stained with blood, his whole body injured. Visuals of the wounded soldiers crossed my mind as I looked at his wounds.

Standing in front of him, I tried to hold his bleeding hand, but he pulled away. My heart panged at his cold behaviour.

“It would've been better if you had kidnapped me rather than this,” I spoke in a low tone, trying to hold his hand again, but he pulled it away once more.

“You’re bleeding, Rudra,” I sobbed under my breath, and he looked back at me.

“You made me do this.” A lone tear escaped my eyes as he blankly exclaimed, and I shook my head.

“No, your thirst for revenge made you do that,” he chuckled at my remark.

“You know what, I hate you,” he gritted.

My steps faltered back as he trudged closer to me, fury flaming in his eyes.“You people only care about yourselves. I thought you were different, but you…. You turned out even worse. What were you saying? That you love me? No…. You never did, never. You're all the same, playing with people, like they’re a pawn in your game.”

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