Page 160 of Sumanika

Watching him walk away tore my heart apart like never before. It was something I had never experienced before.

I ran away from his chamber and went into my room, crying my heart out. I didn’t know what to do. How could I hurt the person who cared for me so much? Hearing those things from him hurt me beyond.

After crying for a long time and reflecting on what had happened in the past few weeks, I realized I wanted him back.

I had to win his heart again; I couldn’t hurt us like that, especially when I knew how it felt.

I stood up and returned to work. I couldn’t lose hope; I would win his heart back. He had to love me in return. How could he say 'No' to me when he wanted me? He was crying for me just a week ago. I knew he was lying.

The next day, I got ready, promising myself not to cry anymore and to fix my mistakes. I couldn’t afford to lose him.

After dressing in plain yellow attire, I entered the kitchen and began preparing for the day. I sent his breakfast with an attendant, and at lunch, I plated it and went to give it to him.

The physicians had advised him to rest and care for his wounds so he would lie in Nandani’s chamber under the sunlight with the Princess.

It must be over now since I said‘No’once, and he did, too. His anger seemed to have subsided. Moreover, he wouldn’t talk to me, so I could seize this golden opportunity to get him to speak.

Smiling, I took the lunch directly to Nandani's chamber.

He lay on the carpet under the sunlight, savoring grapes with Princess Rudraja. Holding myself, I stepped closer. He looked dangerous and intimidating with trimmed hair.

“Papaya, you know, people say the sun remains steady while we revolve around it,” he told Princess, who moved her head. He gently patted her, and all she did was coo.

I couldn’t help but smile, walking closer and placing the plate before him.

He glanced at me briefly as I sat beside them. I placed my hand on Princess’s belly and smiled at her.“Ah, what are you doing, my princess? Are you enjoying the sunshine?” I asked, and she looked at me and suddenly smiled.

He gritted his teeth and made the Princess look at him. "Hey, papaya, say Kaakusa."

I sighed and attempted to speak. "She’s too little to say anything. She’ll start talking after a year or two,”

He lifted his gaze to me."Pucha humne, Hamari Bhateeji hai, dimag tej hai inka.""Did I ask? She’s my niece; her brain is brilliant."

I smiled at the Princess, ignoring his arrogance. "Come on, Princess, it's time for milk, right?"

He gently touched her stomach and tickled her a bit, asking,“Please tell me you’re not hungry, baby.”

Suddenly, Nandani interrupted, "Stop, both of you. “ She walked closer and picked up Princess in her arms."Rudraja abhi bahut choti hai, apni bina sir, or per ki baate inse door rakho.”"Rudraja is so small; keep your nonsense away from her,” she added.

Kunwarsa gritted his teeth angrily at me.

He stood up; I did as well.

He stepped forward to walk away; I stepped forward to block him.

He looked at me."Raasta kyu rok rahi ho, jaane do hume?""Why are you blocking my way? Let me leave!"

I furrowed my brows. He tried to step past me, but I stepped forward to block him again.“Hum kaha rok rahe hai, aap hi idhar udhar ho rahe hai.”“I’m not doing anything; you’re walking back and forth,” I said, holding back my laughter.

He brought his hand closer to my neck, and I immediately pulled away, widening my eyes."Apni patni ki hatya karenge aap?""You’ll kill your wife?" I whispered.

He gritted his teeth with frustration, warning in the same tone."Dekho hume dawai ka nasha ho rakha hai, hamare sir me dard mat karo.""See, I’m under medication, so please don’t irritate me,"

I lowered my gaze to the plate, responding innocently."Hum bhala apne patidev ke sir me dard kyu karenge?""Why would I trouble my husband?"

He sighed, closing his eyes. I didn’t know why, but I enjoyed irritating him like he did initially.

"Hamari yaadhash chali gayi hai,"“I have lost my memories,” he exasperated, gazing intensely into me.

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