She nodded before silently walking away, and I couldn’t help but follow her.
The corridors were empty, with only a few attendants drifting here and there. Everyone was engaged in the gathering’s preparation.
She was in haste, and I could sense her falling apart at any moment.
My hands itched to hold her tightly in my arms and tell her everything I wanted to express. I wanted to apologise for all the pain she went through because of me.
I jogged a bit and slowed down to match her steps. I took a deep breath before clamping her wrist. She visibly shivered, and I felt her shrink away from my touch.
My heart heaved as she turned back to look at me.
Her swollen eyes met mine.
My hand wrapped around her waist, and she blinked nervously. The pain was visible on her face, the silence heavy with it. She hesitated, melting into me.
I lifted her into my arms, sensing her trembling. Her eyes widened, and I pulled her closer to my chest, tightening my grip to hug her.
The feeling of her fingers fisting into my hair, pulling me closer, and pressing into me, broke me into crying.
She broke into tears as well before murmuring against my neck,“I hate you so much,”
I closed my eyes, surrendering. Her warmth calmed, held, and healed me, and I felt frustrated knowing I could not exist without her.
“I hate you so fucking much,” I retorted. My voice had grown hoarse and dry from crying, and I glanced at the attendants watching us.
I sucked in a sharp breath and turned my feet to take her to my chamber.
Before I entered the chamber, I signalled the guards standing outside not to disturb us.
It was clean and scented with fresh fragrances.
She cried even more, and I tried to calm her down.
“Shhhh, calm down,” I begged, sitting on the bed.
She straightened up and cupped my cheek in her hands.
“Humein kshama kar dijiye, Kunwar-sa, humse bhool ho gayi. Hum aapko peeda nahi dena chaahte the,”“Please forgive me… Kunwar-sa, I made a mistake. I never intended to hurt you.” She sobbed even harder, her voice strained and hoarse.
I shook my head and held her tightly in my arms.“No, please don’t cry,” I whispered over her face, wiping away her tears.
She shook her head.“I am sorry, I’m so sorry,” her voice broke.
She grew impatient and pressed her lips to my right cheek. My face lowered, and I tried to calm her down.
“Suman,”
She kissed my face and reached down to my neck.
“Suman,” I intoned, unable to suppress my smile. A fresh tear rolled down my cheek.
She lowered her hands to my neck, gently pulling me closer, and bringing her lips near mine.
My breathing quickened as our noses collided. I tried to pull away, cupping her cheeks to stop her.
She shivered and snivelled.“Calm down,” I requested and pressed my forehead against her.“I am here with you,” I affirmed.
She clutched my overcoat and drew me closer, shaking her head.
