My eyes bulged out. I looked at Reva, who looked at me, with her lips pursed, as if she was trying to contain her smile.
I looked down, closing my eyes.
“What’re you doing?” I hissed quietly, standing up from the bed.
He frowned.“You asked me to be Suman for one day, so I’m practising,” he said sheepishly.
I watched Reva walk out, then quickened my steps to him.
Taking the plate from his hand, I muttered,“Not here, Kunwar-sa,”
“Then where?” he questioned, strutting around the table. He sat on the couch, spreading his arms wide.“I’ll stay here with you,” he added.
I shook my head and put the plate down on the table.
“No,” I said firmly.
Suddenly, he grabbed my hand and pulled me down, making me fall onto his lap.
Before I could wiggle my way out, he wound his arm around my waist tightly.
A low, painful moan slipped past my lips, forced out by his strength.
“Tumhe poore din bhookhe rehne ko kisne kaha tha? Suhaagraat mein humein kisi bhi prakaar ki adchan nahi chaahiye. Bhojan samay par grahan kiya karo aur sehat banao,”“Who told you to stay hungry the entire day? I don’t want any obstructions on our wedding night. Eat your meals on time and take care of your health.”
His words sent a shocking chill down my spine. I shook my head abruptly.
“Tanik bhi lajja nahi aati aapko? Keval suhaagraat ke liye vivaah kar rahe hain kya aap humse?”“Don’t you feel even a bit of shame? Are you marrying me only for the wedding night?” I snapped.
He stared at my lips for a moment, then mumbled,“Haan, vivaah ka shuruaati ek maah keval suhaagraat ke liye.”“Yes, the initial month of marriage is solely for wedding nights.”
I rolled my eyes, pushed him away, and shifted off his lap.
“Shut up, Kunwar-sa, you must know that such things will need my consent,” I retorted.
When my stomach rumbled again, I pulled the plate toward me.
“I know,” he said.“I will ask for your consent, don’t worry,” and tugged gently at my braid.
As he leaned in and inhaled the scent of my hair, the dupatta slipped from my head, and a shy smile curved my lips.
“I like this fragrance,” he murmured, but I kept my focus on eating.
“Bhookhi kyun thi tum subah se? Humein sunkar bilkul accha nahi laga,”“Why were you starving yourself since morning? I didn’t like that when I heard.” he added in an adorably concerned tone that it left me awed.
“I wasn’t really hungry,” I replied, chewing my food.
He placed his head on my shoulder, and his weight made me tilt sideways. Grabbing my elbow, he pulled me back into place and leaned against me again, but I slanted once more.
Annoyed, I pushed him away, and he clicked his tongue in frustration.
“Bhojan mein kya grahan karti ho? Hawa? Kuch nahi bachaa hai tum mein.”“What do you eat for meals, air? There’s nothing left of you.” he gritted, making me chuckle.
He scooted aside slightly and placed his head in my lap. My hands froze mid-air, unsure whether to push him away or give in.
“Kunwar-sa, humein bhook lagi hai. Bhojan karne dijiye; tang na kariye humein.”“Kunwar-sa, I’m hungry. Please let me eat; don’t trouble me.”
But our prince turned a deaf ear, closed his eyes, propped his legs on the armrest, and relaxed as if he were on a bed.
