“Agastya, she’s far too young to learn marital rituals,” Ranaji interrupted, and everyone laughed again.
“Oh, we have a protective and obsessive father here as well,” Kunwar-sa teased, making everyone laugh.
And just then, the little boy found the ring.
“I found it!” he exclaimed excitedly.
Suddenly, his mother stepped forward, took the ring from his hand, and ushered him away.
“Hridhan! You’re getting naughtier by the day,” she scolded him. He only smiled. Badi-maa placed the ring back into the vessel.
“You two have to begin again,” she said, carefully putting the ring back. This time, Nandani held Princess Rudraja back, and we both dipped our hands into the bowl.
I tried to concentrate, but knowing that everyone was watching made me self-conscious. I struggled not to look around or feel their presence, but I couldn’t help it. Everyone here knew that I had an affair with Kunwar-sa before the wedding.
Oh God, it felt so shameful.
Then, I suddenly felt his fingers brushing mine. I immediately snapped out of my thoughts. My brows knitted as I felt him subtly place the ring into my palm. I looked up at him, questioning.
“Did you find it, Suman?” Nandani asked excitedly. I nodded.
Cheers erupted, and I had no choice but to show everyone the ring. They clapped, and I noticed Kunwar-sa trying hard to mask his frustration.
Badi-maa placed the ring back into the vessel, and for the next two turns, he found the ring again and handed it to me each time.
In those moments, I felt the tree of love blossoming within me for him, for my love.
As the ritual ended, I stared at him. His eyes met mine, and a slight grin curved his lips.
Suddenly, Nandani and Princess Aishwarya leaned toward me and whispered in unison:“Bathe him in the milk, Suman.”
My eyes widened in shock, and I shook my head, whispering slowly,“He’ll kill me.”
Nandani smiled and shook her head.“Only… on the bed. Worry not.”
My cheeks flamed red at her words, and Princess Aishwarya chuckled softly.
“Come on,” she added.“This is the first and last time this ritual will happen. Make it memorable for him. But don’t let him bathe you in return.”
I gulped silently.
Kunwar-sa’s gaze swept over me. He shook his head slowly, his eyes intense and commanding.
I bit my lip. Carefully, without him noticing, I grabbed the bowl of milk and lifted it toward his face.
He reacted instantly, raising a hand to shield himself, closing his eyes, and tilting his face away.
A wave of laughter erupted around us. I noticed rose petals clinging to his hair and clothes, glinting in the light.
“Excellent, Suman,” Ranaji said, laughing.
Kunwar-sa opened his eyes, looked at me silently, and with a slight nod, clicked his tongue before standing.
“Pratishodh, Agastya!”“Revenge, Agastya!” Prince Ranvijay exclaimed. He stood up, flicked the rose petals off his clothes, and shook his head.
“Rehne dijiye na, Bhai-sa, thand lag jaayegi.”“Leave it, Bhaisa. She’ll catch a cold.”
I gulped nervously, immediately regretting my earlier mischief, and glanced at Nandani, who was giving me a long, pointed look.
