Page 64 of Rudra Nandani: The Saga of Control And Seduction

I turned to look at Rudra, who was watching me holding the baby and looking at the dead soldier again. I could guess what he was referring to earlier.

“I think you should take the baby away. He is crying more, looking at his father,” He said, and I nodded.

I brought the baby to our chamber and walked back and forth in the courtyard, rocking him in my arms, to calm him down. But hedidn't stop crying at all.

Finally, the attendee arrived with a plate filled with milk and food in her hand. Holding the baby in my arms, I sat on the carpet while Suman joined us. I fed him milk with a spoon and some food, which he accepted, but he kept crying.

“Oh, little one, please calm down,” I sang softly, rubbing his chest to distract him. Holding him against my chest, I gently patted his back to help him burp. I softly touched his head.

“My child, I am here, I'm right here, baby,” I spoke to him sweetly, soothing his back, comforting him with my warmth. He calmed down a little, gripping my dupatta in his tiny hands.

He was such a cute boy with curly hair. I washed off his tears and stood up to walk around. It was dark by the time Ranaji came back. He came closer, finding the baby in my hands.

Lying on the floor, he rested his head on the pillow and uttered,“I have to think about the baby. Someone has to take the responsibility.” I went near him and sat down as the baby had fallen asleep.

“Ranaji, I'm ready to take this responsibility,” I said.“I want to adopt him.” he looked at me, stunned.

“But, Nandani, you're so young. How will you care for a baby when you have responsibilities for the whole kingdom?” I shook my head and placed the baby carefully on my lap.

“I will fulfil all my responsibilities like I would've done if I had my baby.” He took a deep breath and touched the baby on his cheek with his finger.

“Are you sure?” he asked, and I nodded. He smiled weakly as an attendee arrived with food and plated it before us.

“You have not eaten yet?” I asked, astonished. He shook his head, shifting closer to me.

“How can I eat when my little wife is starving and cleaning our home?” I bit my lip to restrain my smile.

He brought the plate closer to him and fed me the food. I ate in silence.

“You're not angry now?” He questioned, and I shook my head in disagreement.

“But, please, if you ever have an emergency in the future, inform me in advance,” I emphasised, and he nodded.

Suddenly, the baby started crying again, and I tried to console him.

“Here,” I looked at him, quickly washing his hands in a vessel and drying them with the corner of my dupatta.

He took the baby from my lap and said,“You should eat.” He held him close to his chest and patted his back lightly.

I was surprised at how fast the baby stopped crying in his hands.

“Hey, Hridhaan,” he called to him, and I asked, amazed,“His name is Hridhaan?” He nodded, and the baby immediately slept in his arms.

I smiled, looking at the sight in front of me, and fed him a few bites.

Once we were done eating, I asked an attendee to take the plates back. While washing my hands, I beckoned, glancing at him,“Should I bring the comforters here?” He nodded.

I didn't ask why he wasn't even trying to change. I wanted him to take some time for himself. I couldn't change myself for him in a day; therefore, I wouldn't expect him to change for me so soon either.

Going inside, I returned to the courtyard with the comforters and an extra mattress. He moved aside, allowing me to lay the mattress on the floor and place the comforters. He settled himself and placed the baby on the mattress.

Moving towards the pillars, I pulled all the curtains low so the baby would not catch a cold.

Coming back, I sat down and took off my earrings. I felt his eyes on me, watching my every move, while patting Hridhaan’s chest with his elbow resting on a bolster pillow.

I kept my earrings aside and removed my anklets so the noise wouldn’t disturb the baby's sleep.

After keeping them near my earrings, I lay between him and Hridhaan, facing the baby and covering him with the comforter.

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