“Have you eaten well?” Nandani asked, turning me toward the bed. I nodded, but a sudden flutter of unease settled in my stomach. He had a piercing there, and that would be inside me. The thought of what was to come, of him being so close, made my heart race.
Nandani and Princess Aishwarya helped me climb onto the bed and smoothed my skirt as I sat down. Out of nervousness, I hugged my knees to my chest.
They sat beside me, and I closed my eyes for a moment.
“Are you okay?” Nandani asked.
I nodded faintly.“I think so.” I inhaled deeply, trying to calm myself.
Suddenly, the door pushed open, and I heard Kunwarsa’s voice,“Pumpkin, you got to say sorry to your Kaaki-sa, okay?”
I bit my lip, and Nandani laughed softly.
“He’s here,” she muttered.
My cheeks burned with an obvious blush.
Moments later, he walked closer.
“Oh, wow, look at this beautiful decoration, pumpkin,” he murmured, and Princess Rudraja squealed in his hands.“See, your Maa-sa is here too,” he added, stepping closer.
“Rudraja,” Nandani said, standing up and looking at her.“Come on, let’s leave Kaako-sa alone.”
He chuckled.“Bhabhi-sa, that’s okay. She can stay here with us.”
Princess Aishwarya laughed.“Jiji, let the Princess stay,” she said.
But suddenly Kunwar-sa shook his head.“No, take her away. I need to do some serious begging of my wife for apologies.”
They laughed, and Nandani tried to take Princess from his arms, but the little girl shook her head stubbornly.
She began to fake-cry. He patted her back and kissed her cheek, making her giggle and sing softly.
Nandani tried again, but she refused.
I smiled and whispered,“It’s okay, Nandani. I’ll send her when she falls asleep.”
Nandani clicked her tongue.“Rudraja,” she called gently. The little girl finally turned to her, pouting her lips as if she was about to cry. She shook her head before finally shifting into Nandani’s arms.
“Aww, my Princess,” Nandani cooed, kissing her cheek and patting her back.
“Let’s go to Baapu-sa,” she said, leading her away.
Princess Aishwarya joined them as they walked away.
“Agastya,” she suddenly turned back and added softly,“don’t trouble her too much.”
He smiled and nodded.“As you say.”
As they disappeared and the door closed behind them, leaving Kunwar-sa and me alone, my heart began to race.
The room fell silent and calm.
I clenched my fingers into fists, watching him turn toward me.
“So?” he drawled slowly, staring at me. My smile faltered, and I curled my toes instinctively as he settled beside me on the bed.
“Congratulations,” he murmured, and I furrowed my brows.“For a happy wedding,” he added, and I drew in a slow, deep breath.
