Page 192

He held my hand.“Hum aapko tab tak lene nahi aa sakte jab tak Abhinandan nahi chaahenge,”(I can’t come to bring you back until Abhinandan wants it.) he said, and I felt a knot form in my throat.

“Why?” I whispered.

His other hand touched my hair and cheek gently.“Because he’s your brother. He’s the prince and the next in line. He’s also my friend. I don’t want him to feel sidelined or less important in our lives,” he replied.

I turned to face him as he softly held the end of my braid.

“And I’m the Princess of Mahableshgarh and the Queen of Suryagarh, Rudra. Doesn’t my choice matter?” I asked, trying not to choke on my emotions.

He feathered my cheek with his fingers.“Of course it does, love. Your choice means everything to me. But I know the girl who gave up her wealth to rebuild a shelter won’t mind staying away from her husband for a little while, for the sake of her brother,”

I stared into his eyes.“Will he ever forgive me?”

He stroked my head, pulling me closer until I lay beside him, my head resting on his biceps.“He’s probably just as conflicted as you are. But instead of running from it, let’s face it together. He’ll understand, my love,”

I lowered my gaze, pressing my cheek against his chest.“I don’t know. I’m just afraid. That he’ll be angry. That he’ll hate me for marrying you when I knew he’d never approve,”

He kept stroking my head gently.“Don’t worry, little bird. Everything will be fine,”

“Hmm,” I mumbled, eyes growing heavy with sleep.

He kissed my forehead.“I’ll miss you so much,” he whispered.

I smiled a little, eyes still closed.“No, I don’t think you will,” I said softly.

“Why?” he asked, pulling the comforter up over both of us.

I opened my eyes and craned my head to look at him.“You don't need me for anything,” I said.“You've trained yourself to control your feelings all your life. You’ll do just fine without me. But think about me… Ever since my parents started talking about my marriage, I imagined a life where I wouldn’t spend even a single day away from you. And now, when that dream is breaking, it hurts,” I uttered softly, my voice almost trembling.

He pursed his mouth and pulled me closer, pressing his lips to the crook of my neck.

“Yes, I don’t need you for anything… except to stay alive,” he murmured.

I just stared at him blankly, my chest tight with emotion. I didn’t know why, but I felt so low in that moment, so fragile. The idea of leaving him, even for a little while, without knowing how long it would be, felt unbearable.

“Don't say things like that,” I whispered.

“Why?” he asked.“Are you afraid to hear the truth?”

I couldn’t answer. I just looked at him, eyes full of unspoken feelings.

"I love you so much, and I don’t think you truly understand what 'so much' means," I said, my voice barely audible.

Immediately, he hovered over me and cupped my cheeks, locking his eyes with mine.

“I do, Nandani. I know. I’m not leaving you, love. I want you to go home for a little while. It’s just a vacation,” he said gently.

“A vacation… right after our marriage, right after we…,” I hesitated, “…a week after we consummated our bond. And you won’t even tell me how long I’ll be gone,”

He smiled at me softly.“I’ll come to see you whenever you want me. I promise. Just send me a letter through someone you trust,”

“Promise?” I asked, finally managing a small smile.

He nodded.“Yes, my little baby,”

He leaned closer, kissing the side of my neck, sucking softly and slowly.

“Ahh, don’t mark me,” I said, almost giggling.