“Agastya!” Bhai-sa called again.
I quickly slipped my other leg in and rushed toward the couch, catching sight of her terror-stricken face. Grabbing the fresh nightdress lying there, I handed it to her at once.
“I’ll open the door. Don’t worry, he won’t come inside,” I reassured her. She inhaled deeply, still tense.
Running my fingers through my hair, I approached the door. I took a few calming breaths and opened it. My brows furrowed when I saw him holding Rudraja in his arms. She was wailing hard.
“Aww, my pumpkin,” I cooed, stepping forward to take her from his arms.
She squealed, wriggling her tiny arms toward me.“Ataattaa kaaaaaakkkaaaaaaaaaa taaattaa!!!” she continued, trying to say my name, shaking her head frantically.
I frowned in confusion.
“She’s been crying since last night for you,” he explained.“Nandani tried to calm her, fed her, and walked her in the garden. I did everything, but she kept crying for Kako-sa.”
I gently cradled her back, and she rested her head on my shoulder.
“Oh,” I murmured, feeling my heart swell.
He exhaled deeply beside us.
“Look, I know it’s your wedding night, but if my daughter keeps crying like this, she’ll fall sick. So, it’s better if you wrap things up for now. If not, please, another time. Nandani and I need sleep badly. We’re exhausted as well,” he said, stifling a yawn and rubbing his eyes.
“Oh… okay,” I muttered, unable to say more, and nodded.
He tapped my shoulder.“Good night, Agastya,” and turned away. I exhaled deeply, watching him leave, and closed the door behind me.
My eyes fell on Suman, standing in a long white dress tied at the waist, looking at me with curiosity.
“What happened?” she asked.
“She’s been crying all night for me. I think we should let her sleep here,” I said, noticing Princess finally calming down.
Suman paused for a moment, then nodded.“I told you, she must be crying for you. She’s stubborn, just like you. You can fool her only for a few moments. She wants what she wants.”
“Yes…You were right,” I said and walked toward her. Princess straightened slightly and looked at Suman.
“Suuuuuuttttttaaaaaaaaaa,” she cried. Suman smiled and took her from my arms.
“Aww, my lovely little baby. Maa-sa scolded you, Baapu-sa didn’t bring you here… aww, my baby,” she cooed, and Princess repeated her babble, which I couldn’t understand.
“I should clean this bedsheet. It’s all crushed rose petals,” I said, and Suman nodded. She moved the pillows aside and pulled the sheet off. As the petals fell, she suddenly paused.
“Is that blood?” she probed.
I noticed two small dots.“Yes,” I admitted softly. She blinked at me, confused.“I guess, it happens sometimes with deep penetration,” I explained slowly. She nodded timidly.
“Are you sure you’re okay? No discomfort? Should I call the physician?” I asked as she sat down, holding Princess on her lap.
“Yes, it’s just soreness. Nothing serious,” she replied.
I arranged the pillows and comforter back on the bed.
“Was it…good?” I asked cautiously. She smiled at Princess, wiping a stray tear, and caressed her forehead.
“Yes… a bit,” she murmured.
“Only a bit? Did I hurt you? I tried to be gentle. I’m sorry if I caused pain,” I said, worried.
