Page 128 of Sumanika

"In-law's house,"

My brows furrowed in disbelief, and he chuckled, prompting me to push him away.

"Hum kyu darenge sasural jaane se,"

"Why would I fear going to my in-law's house?"

I queried, and he laughed lightly, wrapping his arms around my waist to assist me onto the horse.

"Hn, tum kyu darogi, tum to sasural me hi rehti ho,"

"Yeah, why would you be scared? You actually live in your in-law's house,"

He replied, then climbed behind me. I felt his arms enveloping me as he asked softly,

"Ghar chale, Suman?"

"Shall we head home, Suman?"

His voice took on a serious tone, and I nodded.

"Ji,"

I responded, and he leaned in to kiss my head while directing Ashwait to move.

The ride was brief, though the surroundings felt unfamiliar. Darkness surrounded us, and soon we approached the forest's edge, where our bonfire remained.

Confused, I watched him dismount, stepping forward to take my hand and lead me closer to the still-burning fire. I glanced at him as he added wood, asking,

"Is this home? Kunwarsa?"

He smiled faintly while kneeling near the fire to rekindle the embers, nodding.

"Yes, this is home,"

He affirmed, and I felt a nervous gulp, turning back to the small cottage, comforted by the fire's warmth.

"Who lived here?" I inquired slowly, turning back to find him seated beside me after standing up.

"Us. My brothers and I,"

He responded, and I looked up at him.

"You did not live in the Kingdom?" I asked, and he shook his head.

"No. Until I visited the Kingdom for the first time, I didn’t even realize I was a Prince,"

He said, brow furrowing in thought.

"You didn’t know your parents?" I asked, and he wrapped his arm around my shoulder, shaking his head.

"No, to me, my parents were my brothers and Maasima. I never even understood that a mother and father existed. I saw Rudra Bhaisa as my father and Ranvijay Bhaisa as my mother. They both love me, and at times I feel that I never needed parents; they provided everything. But sometimes,"

He paused, inhaling deeply.

I held his hand, swallowing silently.

"Sometimes?" I questioned slowly, and he weakly smiled.

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