Page 127 of Sumanika

We walked out of the Haveli, his hand in mine capturing my attention from the ground beneath us.

"Are you okay?"

He asked slowly, and I nervously nodded.

"Yes,"

He offered a small smile as we walked silently toward Ashwait.

"Where to, Sumanika ji?"

He inquired, rubbing his horse's neck, and I glanced down momentarily.

"Home,"

I managed to reply, causing his brows to furrow in confusion.

"Why home? The night is young, and you have the man at your mercy; think wild,"

He murmured slowly, and I felt a blush creeping onto my cheeks. My stomach had felt tense and different since I had entered the Haveli.

"Oh," I said, lowering my gaze again.

"Wherever you wish to take me,"

He smiled and stepped closer.

I instinctively stepped back. When he mentioned he wouldn’t mind if I saw another man undressed, I thought he was merely playing Prince Charming's card. But I didn’t know how to feel afterward.

Watching it together was one thing, but seeing each other after was another challenge entirely. It felt as if a string of discomfort had snapped between us.

"Are you sure?" He softy asked, and I focused on his midriff, unable to lift my gaze. As he gently brushed my chin, my lashes felt heavy, forcing my gaze to meet his.

I nodded, looking into his eyes, feeling his lips smile as he traced the back of his fingers lightly against my cheek, slowly moving to my neck.

My heart raced as he muttered,

"Soch lo, ladkio ke maamle me hamara naam vese bhi badnaam hai,"

"Think again; I have a poor reputation with girls,"

I inhaled deeply, feeling my stomach twist as I stared into his moonlit green eyes. He resembled a predator with kohl smudged along his lower eyelids, his lashes thick. Suddenly, he pulled me closer, causing my eyes to widen in shock.

"Esa kaha le jaenge aap hume jiske liye hume dobara sochna pade,"

"What kind of place would it be if I had to think twice about it?"

I managed to ask slowly, while he leaned closer, making my breath uneven.

"Esi jagah jaha ladkia jaane se darti hai,"

"A place that girls fear to go,"

He whispered slowly, and I swallowed nervously, locking eyes with him.

"What place?" I asked, gazing at his lips that curved into a broad smile. My toes ached as I hesitated to meet his gaze, and he slowly replied,

"Sasural,"

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