Then she turned her head away and laughed, slapping her hands on the floor, and I heard a slight chuckle.
I froze.
My heartbeat stopped as I lifted my gaze and looked at him, sitting two meters away, smiling at the princess. His hair had grown longer, and he looked even more muscular.
I gulped, taking in his black attire.
Is this a dream?
As he lifted his gaze to me, a thousand butterflies erupted in my stomach. Goosebumps appeared on my skin as I stared into his green orbs shining bright in the sunlight.
He cradled the princess in his arms, and I shivered when I heard Ranaji’s voice.
“Agastya, you are back?”
I immediately pulled my dupatta and ran from there.
The princess’s voice faded in the distance as she giggled at something.
I hid in the corner and held a passing attendant’s hand to ask her to tie my blouse’s strings.
Did he ask Princess to do that?
What?
How?
And why?
And, just by looking into his green eyes for once, I felt a flower blossom in me even after a year.
Calm and at peace, my heart suddenly jerked alive and began beating fast for him.
I didn’t know what kind of power he held over me. It all began with needing him for comfort and protection, which then grew into a blind desire for him.
This started hurting me, and when he left, I thought maybe I would get over him or at least make peace with him.
Here we were again.
But I didn’t want to talk to him. Not after whatever I had done to him. I still didn’t know if I was good for him now. I didn’t want to hurt him anymore.
I gulped and silently walked to the kitchen to check on the preparations.
Nandani sent attendants to call me for the Hawan and donation ceremony, but I kept telling them I would join in a bit, as I was busy with something urgent.
And then, suddenly, she came by herself.
“Suman, what the hell are you doing?”
I lifted my gaze from the dough I was kneading and looked in her direction. She looked beautiful in her orange attire, and I gave an embarrassed smile.
“The cooks are busy, and I need more help here,” I gulped. I didn’t know why I was trying to hide.
“Shut up,” she hissed, clasping my wrist, and led me out of the kitchen. She asked me to wash my hands once we reached her chamber.
Everyone was outside, and I didn’t understand why she had brought me here.
“Change,” she stated, widening her eyes, but I shook my head slightly.
