Page 17 of Sumanika

“And, Bhabhisa, do you remember when we tried to sneak out of the kingdom?” Kunwarsa said, and laughter erupted. Prince Ranvijay joined in, too.

“What is this? When did that happen?” Princess Aishwarya asked as I smiled, watching them laugh attentively at him while he spoke.“Choti Bhabhisa, Bhabhisa was planning to go outside the Kingdom. She was sure that Bhaisa wouldn’t let her, so she came to me, and we made a deal to sneak out of the Kingdom,” he chuckled softly.

“And did you do what he asked in return, Aishwarya?” Nandani asked, looking at Princess Aishwarya, who replied with amusement,“What? What did he ask for in return?”

Nandani spoke with animated gestures, her eyes sparkling with joy.“He asked me to make someone jealous in return,”

Princess Aishwarya’s eyes widened.“You mean a girl?”

Nandani nodded and laughed. He playfully palmed his face and shook his head.“Noooo, no, no, that wasn’t real, Bhabhisa.”

A smile spread across my lips.

“Devarsa, you’re quite a different man. I mean, how many girls?” Princess Aishwarya teased, and he just laughed.

“Ayyeee, don’t mess with him like that, Aishwarya,” Prince Ranvijay said, and they all laughed again.

“Does Ranaji know about all this?” Princess Aishwarya asked, glancing at Nandani and Prince Ranvijay while Nandani shook her head.

“It’s nothing serious,” Prince Ranvijay said.“He just jokes around,” Nandani added.“He’s full of secrets, Aishwarya.”

They chuckled softly, and he laughed, glancing up at Princess Aishwarya.

A shiver ran through me when he gazed at me standing there. My smile shrunk, and I lowered my gaze.

“Nothing was serious, Bhabhisa. “ His voice was now serious, and laughter was long gone.“I was just trying to see how popular I was with girls.”

"Suman," I suddenly heard Nandani's voice and looked in her direction.

His gaze was watching me, piercing me to my bones.

“Hnn?” I walked closer to her as Princess Aishwarya asked,“Alright, so what’s your biggest secret, Devarsa?” She inquired. He looked at her before looking back at me.

“I already have a wife,” he chuckled at the end, and everyone laughed.

I sat frozen, goosebumps crawling over my skin and a knot tightening in my stomach. Glancing at Nandani, who was laughing and looking at me, I quickly forced a smile as best as I could.

"Hahahahaaaa, Suman, can you ask someone to warm up the water?” Nandani asked, and I nodded. "Yes,"

I looked at Prince Ranvijay, gently patting his cheek.“Don’t say things like that. You’re getting married in five months. Be loyal to your future wife.”

He chuckled softly and nodded.“I am, Bhaisa, I really am.”

“Awwww, he loves her so much already,” Nandani commented. I stood up and heard him say.

“Let the talks of love gather dust on the shelves, Bhabhisa,” his smile weakened.

I looked at him again, momentarily lifting my gaze to meet his eyes. He looked at me.

“Why is that?” Princess Aishwarya asked, and he lowered his gaze.

"Vo hamara pyaar jhel nahi paegi Bhabhisa,"“She wouldn’t be able to handle my love, Bhabhisa.” He said.

Then, Prince Ranvijay inquired,“Why not? You’ll need to give her a chance.”

He shook his head and smiled.“I’m done giving chances, Bhaisa,” he said.

“You know that.” Princess Aishwarya ran her fingers through his hair and replied,“She will make you fall in love with her. I’m sure of it.”

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