Page 58 of Rudra Nandani: The Saga of Control And Seduction

After applying the paste, I dressed his wounds in cotton gauze, neatly tying its ends.

“Have you eaten?” he asked, breaking the silence. I kept myself busy cleaning my hands and placing the empty bowl on the table.

Ignoring everything around me, I served food for myself and settled on the edge of the bed. I was lost in my meal when I caught sight of him wearing his kurta out of the corner of my eye.

He walked towards the bed and knelt before me. But I kept myeyes fixed on the plate, munching on the food quickly.

My heart was beating so rapidly in anger. So much anger.

He could’ve said that he wouldn't have let me marry not just to the king but any other man, at least just to console me. But, no, this righteous man had to play honest.

Suddenly, he grabbed my spoon and, looking into my eyes, tasted the food. Taking a few more bites, he playfully remarked,“This is a huge empire, little wife. How will you rule it with so much anger right at the tip of your nose?” He stretched his hand out, moving the spoon closer to my mouth. I blankly stared at him for a couple of moments and took a bite, glaring at him.

“Thank you for cooking for all the soldiers,” He said.

I gobbled all the food and demanded in a low tone,“No thanks. I want a hug, if you don't mind." He waited for a moment, but eventually stood up and asked for my hand.

I held his hand as he wrapped his arms around my waist, pulling me closer. The way he hugged me made me close my eyes in comfort. I rested my head on his chest, enveloping my arms around his torso and tightly fisting his kurta.“I would've never forgiven myself if anything had happened to you,” I said, my tone muffled.

He remained silent, gently caressing my head. With his other hand, he tightened his embrace around me, and I discovered my peace. In this hug, all my worries turned to ashes.

As he pulled away from the hug, he gently cupped my cheek and placed a soft peck on my forehead, saying,

“Gatte ki sabzi pasand hai humein,”(I like Gatte37). I beamed at his late reply, and he took a step back.

“Should I make it for dinner tonight?” I asked in a light tone. He shook his head.

“I'll tell you when to make it, not tonight,” I smiled, and he added,“I’ve already had my lunch with the soldiers. Now I must go back; there’s so much work to do. Rest and don't get angry.” I nodded, and he left the chamber.

My insides rejoiced in happiness.

I knew it; I knew he couldn't see me becoming angry and upset, and I knew that he would never allow me to marry anyone, even though he didn't accept it.

Later, Suman came back and plopped herself on the couch. She looked worn out.

“Did Everyone eat?” I asked, and she nodded,“Yes. I paid attention to each one of them. They liked the food.” I sat on the bed with a contented smile and thanked her. Since she looked so weary, I asked her to take a break and rest for a while.

“Of course,” she leaned back, straightening her legs on the couch, making herself comfortable.

I advanced towards the library and, upon entering, scanned the wooden racks lined with hundreds of books. Taking out a yellow-covered book, I flopped onto a couch to read for a while. I began reading the story, turning the pages one by one and delving deeper into the narrative.

It was about the experiences of a traveller who crossed mountains to find a hidden treasure.

I became so engrossed in the book that I didn't realize how much time had passed. It was when my stomach growled with hunger that I lifted my gaze from the book and noticed that most of the lamps were off. The library was dark all around.

I returned the book to its place and retired to my chamber. I looked around to find any attendants, but no one was present, not even Suman.

“Suman,” I called her, but she didn't answer. I searched for her throughout the chamber, but she was nowhere to be found. Suddenly, my gaze fell on her as she paced toward me.“Where were you?” I asked, and she placed her hands on her knees, bending forward, gasping for air.

“I was searching for you. I got so worried, where did you go?” she asked.

I frowned at her.“I was in the library,” I said.

Standing straight, she smacked her forehead and bit her tongue.“Oh well! I looked everywhere but the library.”

Smiling, I asked,“What time is it? And where's everyone?”

She looked at me, surprised, and replied,“It’s late at night, Nandani. Everyone retired to their chambers. The attendants brought your dinner, but you weren't around. I thought you might have gone to meet Ranaji, so I sent them back.” I gulped as my stomach rumbled more with hunger.

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