Page 121 of Sumanika

"Our children? I didn’t expect that," I managed to say while removing his shawl and hanging it on the rope in the cottage.

"Oh, you didn’t see us coming into this cottage?" he teased, and my eyes widened in disbelief.

"No, but that doesn’t mean it's for children," I protested, and he laughed, pulling me closer and pressing his lips to mine.

"How about a change of plans?" he whispered against my lips.

Agastya

"How about a change of plans?" I whispered against her lips, and she nuzzled me away, a blush creeping onto her cheeks. "No, no plans to change," she giggled, stepping back a few paces. I moved closer to take her hand, but she laughed and darted away. "No change of plans, Kunwarsa," she called, and I chuckled, chasing after her. "Hey, don’t run!" I shouted firmly, and she turned back to look at me before leaving the cottage.

"You can’t stop me," she teased as I followed her.

The bright moonlight illuminated her, filling me with sudden joy. She playfully displayed her thumb, prompting me to shake my head. "Suman, if I catch you, you’ll regret it," I warned, eliciting her laughter.

"Hahaha, catch me first, Kunwarsa," she teased, giggling as I approached her.

She stepped back behind a tree, peeking at me. The soft sounds of the flowing river mingled with the silence of nature and the chaos in my heart. I longed to spend time with her as much as she seemed to want, unaware of the uncertain future ahead—the looming war I wished none of my brothers would have to fight. Our enemy was unknown, and my older brother had just welcomed a baby, while my middle brother was blissfully married to a wonderful woman who adored him. I didn’t want to shatter any families.

"You can't catch me!" she squealed, sprinting away. And without realizing it, she was becoming my home, too. "Suman, don’t go too far! There might be lions, tigers, or even crocodiles!" I joked, and she stepped closer.

"I hate crocodiles," she replied, rushing toward me, prompting my laughter. "Well, now I’ve caught you," I claimed, wrapping my arms around her tightly. "You cheated!" she protested, playfully pushing against my chest.

"Come with me," I said, grasping her hand and leading her to the riverbank.

"Where are we headed?" she asked. I wasn’t sure, but there was something different about her smile today—it made her look more vibrant and beautiful. Once we reached the riverside, with its elegantly arranged, smoothly polished stones, I suggested we sit here in silence.

"Are you still mad at me?" she inquired, glancing at me while walking on the stones.

"No, why would I be?" I replied slowly, though I felt a twinge of hurt. She was the one person I had confided in, hoping she wouldn’t judge or despise me. It stung when she brought up a sensitive issue during an argument.

But I realized she had the power to hurt me, right? She had endured more, and I could empathize with her struggles. I understood her fears about falling in love with me. Wait! Did I just say love?

"It’s because I just mentioned you go to brothels," she stated, drawing my gaze as I pulled her closer. "Isn’t that the essence of a relationship? Being able to share anything?" I asked, and she smiled softly. "Maybe," she replied quietly, and I focused on a large stone beside the river. "Let's sit there," I suggested, and she smiled as she settled on the stone.

"Alright," she said, and I caressed her cheek tenderly. Let me gather some firewood,” I told her. She nodded in response, her gaze fixed on me. Ji," she affirmed, watching as I collected dry branches. I glanced back at her and noticed her smiling face.

"Kunwarsa," she called, and I turned to her. "Hmmm?" I hummed in response. "Is everything okay between you and Princess Rashmika?" she asked as I handed her the wood I had gathered.

"Why do you ask?" I replied, stepping away to gather more wood and also grabbing two smooth stones to start the fire. "Because she’s your fiancée," she answered, and I looked up at her. "She’s not," I insisted, watching as she approached, wrapping her arms around my neck and leaning on my back. "Looks like my husband is lying to me," she said, pressing her cheek against mine and making me smile involuntarily.

"Husband? That’s quite a title to give me," I joked as the fire blazed. "You’re doing all the hard work; I thought I should reward you for it," she said as I pulled her onto my lap.

She giggled, gazing into my eyes. "That's not the only hard work I’m managing," I replied, and she playfully tightened her grip around my neck. "I can’t see any other efforts; maybe my eyes need checking!" she teased, and I smiled back at her. "Perhaps you deserve a little punishment," I suggested, making her giggle and hug me tightly.

I inhaled her enchanting scent, feeling momentarily lost. "Are you heading into battle?" she asked softly, and I struggled to find my words, shaking my head subtly. She continued, "Don’t lie to me, at least."

I held her closer, trying to explain, "Not a full-blown war, just a battle." She released my hug and searched my eyes. "Just a battle?" she asked, lovingly cupping my face.

"Just a minor battle. Need to kill a few people," I said in a slow voice, and she chuckled, leaning in closer to my cheek.

"Why are you so hard to handle?" she murmured before gently kissing my cheek, and I replied, "Maybe you should try harder."

She smiled and gazed into my eyes. Slowly, she said,“I apologize for anything I said to you.“ I pressed my forehead against hers in response.

"Don't apologize. I enjoyed our arguments," she laughed, hearing me, though my heart felt unexpectedly heavy.

I wished for time to stand still at that moment.

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