I immediately kicked him in the leg, knocking him to the floor.
“Ahh, I need to rest,” he groaned, and I lay on the floor, keeping the thread safe.
We both woke up and received Panditji’s blessings before returning.
While returning to Mehrangarh, I realised I had done something foolish.
“Ugh, yesterday was the Ganguar festival. We had to be back on time,” I said, looking at Eklavya with irritation.
He glanced at me.“What? I’m not getting married,”
I inhaled deeply and said,“But you could have reminded me. Bhai-sa will kill me if he ever finds out.”
He smiled and replied,“Then keep it to yourself. He’ll not find out about this huge thing either.”
I landed another punch on his back, causing him to growl in pain.
“You should stop punching me,” he stated, and I chuckled.
?????
After returning to Mehrangarh, I tried explaining to everyone that I had visited a temple and was late.
I felt sorry, but they shot me a hundred glares. Rashmika’s father seemed especially displeased.
After meeting Rashmika once, I left for Suryagarh, leaving Eklavya as Rashmika’s bodyguard.
When I arrived, it was past midnight. I went straight into my chamber without making too much noise.
“Welcome back, Kunwar-sa,” an attendant greeted me, and I nodded.
“Thank you,” I replied, undoing my overcoat and shoes, and finally breathing.
Home is home.
Sitting on the couch, I closed my eyes. My mind and heart still couldn’t accept what I had witnessed.
Everything was at stake, not just one kingdom but all of northern Indira.
I exhaled deeply and heard the attendant ask,“Shall we bring your dinner?”
I nodded, and she left.
I quickly took a bath and changed into a loose, long dhoti20. I needed to devise a plan, so I searched the library for the latest Indira’s map.
After clearing the table, I spread out the map.
I needed to think. I had to act. My eyes searched for the least populated areas in the coming months. My mind raced to determine where Mehrangarh could conceal it, and what, exactly?
Suddenly, I heard someone clear their throat. I glanced at her for a moment as she stood in the library doorway, her fingers nervously intertwined.
She was in dark green attire, with a dupatta on her head, the ends falling to the sides and tucked at her waist. Her braid rested on her shoulder, snaking along her curves.
I gulped, unable to let go of the moment she fisted her hands on my chest, pulling me closer like she owned me. Her every breath remained imprinted on my mind. I had heard no one’s heartbeat so clearly before.
“Your dinner,” she pulled me out of my thoughts, and I couldn’t help but chuckle.
“Not in the mood today,” I replied, and she frowned in confusion.
