The soft glow of the early morning sky streamed through the windows, enveloping the room in silence and dim light. Curtains hid the bed, and I bit my lip as I moved toward the table to set down the breakfast plate.
I was too scared to call him.
“Kunwar-sa,”
My heartbeats were sinking low.
He didn’t reply, encouraging me to stroll toward the bed and part the curtains.
It was empty.
Suddenly, I noticed footsteps approaching from the bathroom. I turned to look in his direction, and my heartbeat stopped.
His green eyes met mine, bringing tears as I noticed his trimmed hair. The soft, long curls I used to move my fingers through were gone.
I gulped, fighting the lump in my throat, and my sight fell on bandages wrapped around his forehead, arms, and the side of his stomach.
Watching him stumble because of wounds in his leg, I couldn’t stop myself from walking toward him, offering my help. But with his blank stare, I froze.
“Let me help,” I stuttered, reaching for his shoulders.
He pulled his hand away from me, escaping my touch.
My heart twitched. I tried again, but he didn’t let me.
He limped toward the couch.
“I brought you breakfast, Kunwar-sa,” I said, my voice shaky. He inhaled deeply, closing his eyes.“I want to talk to you, too,” I added, and he sucked his lip and opened his eyes to look at me.
“Yes?” he asked, formally. The pain was visible in his voice. It did something to my stomach, prompting me to step closer.
“Kunwar-sa, I’m sorry. I didn’t know what was happening to me—”
“It’s okay,” he cut me off, looking down.
I tried again,“I’m so sorry. I didn’t want to hurt you. I mean, I should—”
“I said it’s okay,” he said, looking at me.
I knelt before him, reaching for his hands.“Kunwar-sa,” but he pulled his hand back. It tightened my chest.
His gaze suddenly sharpened on me.“We cannot do this. It’s over; go back to your room,” he said coldly, standing up.
My heart pierced, my voice cracking apart.“I didn’t know what happened after seeing Princess Rashmika with—”
“It's okay,” he cut me off,“I understand. And I’m not the one you want.”
“I want you,” I stated, and he turned to look at me.
“I don’t want you,” he replied.
My heart sank deeper. It broke me.
“But why?” I asked.“I know I made a mistake. I apologise, Kunwar-sa,”
“Honestly, I don’t want to hurt you or myself, knowingly or unknowingly. Just forget about me and everything I said. Go back to your old life and act as if nothing ever happened between us,” he clarified.
I broke down in tears, moving closer to him.
