As I cleaned Nandani’s chamber late in the afternoon, thousands of thoughts raced through my mind when, suddenly, a scream tore through the usual buzz.
I ran toward the courtyard, my heart racing as I gazed upon Nandani leaning against the wall. Water dribbled from her core, running down her legs.
“Nandani,” I yelled.“Reva, call the physician,” I added, motioning for Reva to hurry.
“I… I think… the baby is coming.”
Ranaji rushed toward her.“Nandani!”
“Rudra…” she cried out in pain, and he immediately turned to me.
“Have Agastya send a letter to Mahabaleshgarh.”
I stood stunned.
What? How can I?
Lifting her in his arms, he hurried inside the bedchamber. The physicians came running.
My heart raced as I impulsively ran toward his chamber. I lifted my skirt slightly and dashed forward, my heart pounding inexplicably; perhaps it was time for good news. Yet, dread crept in, thinking of the pain she would endure. The sound of her single cry sent chills down my spine, leaving me uncertain about her delivery.
I navigated through the bustling corridors, chaos enveloping me as I neared his chamber. My sole intention was to convey the news and return to her swiftly. However, upon entering his chamber, an unsettling emptiness overwhelmed me, intensifying my heartbeat. Memories rushed back—remnants of that day when his hand had brushed against mine, and the touch still lingered on my arm.
I took a deep breath, attempting to calm my racing thoughts.
“Kunwar-sa,” I called out, entering his chamber after taking due permission from the guards standing outside.
With no response from the other side, I felt compelled to venture further inside.
It’s been almost two weeks since that incident. Since then, we’ve only had a few meetings. He was doing everything he could to ignore me, and I was doing my utmost to make him feel as if I didn’t even exist.
As I entered his chamber, the soft jingle of my anklets resonated gently. I searched for him in the guest chambers and the courtyard, making my way to the practice room and library, curious if he might be there. But he wasn’t.
As I stepped into his bedroom, chills went down my spine. The memory of his breath in my ear and haunting words lingered in my mind. I hadn’t sensed it before, but now it was undeniable.
I knew I shouldn’t have been here or anywhere near him.
However, despite my intense struggles, I couldn’t deny that he was becoming my everything. I felt tied to him. The thought that something could happen to him because he married me pushed me away even more, while also drawing me closer to him.
“Kunwar-sa,” I called out again, but he didn’t respond. Again.
Taking a deep breath, I realised I had no choice but to step into his bedroom.
Biting my lower lip and adjusting the dupatta on my head, I quietly entered.
A subtle fragrance of jasmine and lavender filled the air. The encroaching darkness caught my attention immediately. I swallowed nervously in the pin-drop silence and tried to look around for him.
He was sitting neither on his couch nor on his bed.
I hesitated to walk any further and tried to call out,“Kunwar Agastya,”
My voice echoed in the chamber, and a slight fear crept into my nerves. I took a few more steps toward the dressing room, blinking anxiously.
Did something happen to him?No!
My fingers were shaking.
Should I leave?
