But I had to inform him, right? Otherwise, Nandani’s family wouldn’t have made it on time.
I inhaled deeply and kept walking toward the dressing room. The door was closed. I clenched my fist and tried to knock, but it moved as I touched it.
It was open. I tried to peek inside.
“Taaka jhaanki karne aayi ho?”“Are you here to take a peek?”
I was startled upon hearing his deep, throaty voice and feeling the cold blade pressed against my neck, along with a presence looming behind me.
I shook my head right away. He drew the dagger even closer. I stepped back, and my back hit his chest. The scent of fresh bath oils enveloped me. A few drops of water from his hair fell onto my shoulder.
“Hum kyun taaka jhaaki karenge aapke kaksh me?”“Why would I try to peek in your chamber?” I asked in a shaky voice.
“To phir? Apne patni hone ka adhikaar lene aayi ho?”“Then? Are you here to claim your rights as my wife?” he asked.
I felt another drop of water fall on my shoulder, which trickled slowly further down my chest, disappearing into my blouse.
I inhaled sharply.
My heart raced as he gently took the dupatta off my head and rubbed his hair, drying it with the fabric’s edge. Water droplets splashed wildly on my arms and cheeks, leaving my stomach twisted.
“Daasi hain hum; patni hone ka adhikaar kyu maangenge aapse?”“I’m a maid; why would I ask for the rights of a wife?” I stuttered.
He chuckled softly, pressing the blade further into my skin. I couldn’t help but grip his wrist tightly.
“I’m scared, Kunwar-sa,” I stuttered. My knees grew weaker.
“If you’re scared, why are your cheeks flushed?” he asked.
New sensations bubbled to the surface of my skin at his deep voice.
I wiggled desperately to escape his hold, but with the blade so close to my neck, I remained paralysed between him and the door. I couldn’t understand why he took pleasure in toying with me.
“I’m not blushing,” I shot back, feeling his face move closer to the side of my neck as his dangerously sensual voice dripped from his lips.
“You are.” His words stirred warmth deep within me.“Your cheeks have a rosy tint, and your lips… resemble a… freshly sliced berry.”
I was unsure why I felt so hot around him. Gulping nervously and blinking helplessly, I replied.“I’m not, Kunwar Agastya.”
“Really?” he asked, bringing his hand around my waist.
Why was he doing this to me?
The back of my head rested against his chest, my brows creased together, my lips parted, and my lashes fluttered heavily as his rough fingers brushed the bare side of my waist.
Feeling the tickling touch of his finger, the hair on my body stood on end in anticipation. His fingers slowly travelled along the curve of my waist, reaching for my navel.
I exhaled deeply.
The words caught in my throat, and my eyes closed tightly from the manly touch that had never felt so comforting and tender before. I felt his lips drawing to my ear, pulling me back to reality instantly.
“Hence, proved, half-wife,” he drawled.
I quickly pushed his wrist away from my waist.
He chuckled softly, and I couldn’t help but exclaim in a single breath,“Please leave me; Nandani is in labour. Ranaji asked you to write a letter to Mahableshgarh. That’s the reason I was here.”
“What?” He tilted his head to the side and asked me with a broad smile,“What did you say?” He repeated cheerfully and moved the dagger away from my neck.
