After a bath, I focused on not thinking about him as I attended to my morning routine.
Once dressed, I headed to Nandani’s chamber and found her with the princess. She swallowed hard at the sight of me and asked, just like the day before,
“Everything okay, Suman?”
I nodded with a smile and started organising her chamber, putting everything in its place.
“Yes, everything’s fine,” I replied, inhaling deeply before sitting beside her.
“Nandani, I’m considering going with Daadi-sa to Mahabaleshgarh for a few days. She seems happy with me,” I stated.
She narrowed her brows and responded,“But Daadi-sa is staying here with us. I told you; you know she didn’t leave with Nandan.”
I stared at her blankly, unable to recall when she had mentioned it. I didn’t know what to say.
“Oh, okay,” I mumbled and nodded.“I should check what breakfast is today,” I added, leaving for the kitchen.
Something felt off, but I couldn’t pinpoint what it was. I didn’t want to see him. An unknown weight sat heavily on my chest, with a hint of regret for saying things he didn’t want to hear.
But he was cheating on me. Just that morning, we had been together in his bathing pool, holding hands and sharing our feelings, and by the end of the day, he was in his chamber with Princess Rashmika, hugging her.
How could he do that? Especially knowing how much it hurt me.
I sighed deeply and tasted the food to check the spice levels and quality before plating it for everyone.
I didn’t check or inquire about his plate; there were plenty of attendants to take care of him.
After breakfast, I spent the afternoon with Nandani, who attempted to engage me in conversation, aware of what was happening. However, noticing my silence, she held back.
I didn’t want to discuss it with anyone.
I checked on dinner preparations in the evening and returned to my room to sleep. It felt good. I hadn’t seen him, hadn’t gone to his chamber, hadn’t tried to find him, or thought about him.
It was good for both of us, especially for me. I didn’t want to hurt myself.
I woke up the next day and resumed my chores. The day was brighter than the last, yet deep down I longed to see him. I waited for him to come, argue, and talk to me. But ignoring him felt better; I sighed and focused on my tasks.
The days passed similarly: helping Nandani, meeting Daadi-sa, who tried to introduce me to another man, and urging me to settle down. I told her I was content as I was.
But I wasn’t sure if I was truly happy.
I went to bed each night, and several days passed that way. I avoided going to his chamber, didn’t check on his meals, and refrained from any actions that led me to him.
After a week, on a fine morning, while overseeing breakfast preparations in the kitchen, I noticed the attendants arranging everyone’s plates.
I checked each plate, as I often did during surprise inspections.
Yet something felt off.
“Wait,” I stopped all the attendants and scanned their faces, holding plates before me.
I scanned each plate, taking my time—they were all ready.
“Where is Kunwar Agastya’s plate?” I asked, looking at the attendants.
One stepped forward, delivering news that twisted my heart.
“He hasn’t been in the palace for over a week now.”
