Page 56 of Rudra Nandani: The Saga of Control And Seduction

His gaze softened at my remark, and he muttered indistinctly,“I am not angry.”

“You're not happy either. You didn't have to marry me if you hate me so much,” my voice cracked with emotion, and I looked at the ground. Suddenly, he cupped my cheeks and made me look into his eyes.

“And you didn't have to cooperate with me,” he said. I furrowed my brows, clenching my fists, and immediately tried to push him away.

“Of course, I was getting married to the King, but it was you who came to marry me,” I said, gritting, pointing my finger at him.

“Oh yes, it's all my fault. You're a good little girl,” he exaggerated, keeping his face neutral.

Backing away, he moved to the shelf and took his clothes out while I stood rooted in place, unwilling to explain anything to him. He had to understand, whether it was him or me, that one must overcome one’s old beliefs and seek truth.

I strode out of the servants' quarters and made my way back to the chamber. Suman and the other attendants, standing close by, joined me, and on our way back, Suman asked me,“How did you get wet?” I blinked at her, not knowing how to respond.

Looking at my wet lehenga,I gave her a curt reply,“I slipped on the bathing-area floor.” She looked at me dubiously, but said nothing.

Returning to the chamber, I took off the shawl and went to the bathing room. I quickly bathed and changed into a beautiful orange dress with a matching dupatta. It was lightweight yet elegant, making it perfect for a newlywed bride.

My back pain had tapered off a little.

Once I was ready, I went to the royal kitchen and saw the kitchen staff gathered around the fireplace, with huge, clean containers for cooking.

“What is on the menu, Ranisa?” One of the cooks asked, and I looked towards them.

“Khichdi, less spicy mixed-vegetables, plain daal, roti, and Daliya with a light consistency,” I instructed,“I will cook all of this. And royal cuisine will not be cooked or served until the soldiers are healed. Also, ensure every wounded soldier and guard is served with turmeric milk two times, day and night.” They all looked at each other.

“But, Ranisa, this menu is for the soldiers and servants of the palace. What will the high ranks eat?”

Maintaining my poise, I looked into their eyes and stated in an unwavering tone,“The higher ranks eat what Ranaji eats and Ranaji eats what soldiers eat. So, until Ranaji touched the royal food, this would be served to everyone in the palace.” They nodded in unison, and tucking my dupatta into my skirt, I began cooking food for everyone in the palace.

By the time I was done, it was noon already. I sighed, washing my hands.“Serve the food for the soldiers.”

One of them interrupted and said,“But Ranisa, no one eats before Ranaji eats.” I gave him a slight smile.

“Just do as I say,” he nodded, and they all started transferring the food into smaller containers. I looked at Suman.“Suman, can you please go with the other attendants and make sure the soldiers are well fed?” She nodded.

“Of course.”

I turned to prepare a plate for Badi Maasaand went to her chamber, carrying the food with the help of the attendees. The announcer made my presence known, and I entered her chamber. I found her resting on the bed, and she opened her eyes to look at me.

“Nandani, you here? Come sit,” she welcomed me with a warm smile, and I took the plate closer to her on the bed.

“I brought you lunch.” I said, placing the plate across her, when she asked me,“You cooked?” I nodded, smiling back at her.

“Come sit,” she patted beside her on the bed, and I sat facing her. She frowned, noticing the food, and questioned,“Khichdi, Daliya and roti?”

I briefly lowered my gaze and replied politely,“You seemed unwell yesterday. Ranaji is wounded too, so I thought simple food would be good for everyone, for the soldiers too.” She smiled andheld the bowl in her trembling hands.

“That’s so thoughtful of you. God bless you, my dear,” she started eating, but suddenly paused.“Did Rudra eat yet?” I shook my head.

“No, not yet. He said he would eat once all the soldiers were treated,” she nodded, staring at nothing.

“He's always been like that. You know, whenever he returned from a mission or a war, until each and every soldier was treated, he would neither eat, sleep, nor get his injuries dressed. Sometimes, he would even get in the physicians' hair to see how they were treating the soldiers. As a commander, he always puts forth his soldiers' health. He is uncompromising in that,”

Listening to her intently, I lost my appetite, even though I was hungry after working so hard, because I was overwhelmed by how much he cared for his soldiers. It hurt me deeply to know that for me, he had to raise swords against the people he prioritized in his life.

“Did you eat?” she asked, bringing me out of my reverie, and I responded,“Not yet, Badi Maa.” She finished the daliya and picked up the dalto eat.

“You should eat. Don't worry about him. Oftentimes, we wouldn't even know where he goes, what he does, or what he eats. He loves his solitude too much to let anyone intrude,” she said. I nodded, pursing my lips.“You cook really well.”

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