Page 51 of Sumanika

I tried to shake my head, but then he suddenly burst out laughing.“Um, Bhabhisa, actually, no one knew what I wanted to eat, and I wanted to teach them a lesson. So, I kept sending them back until they brought me what I love,” he said, and I could feel my stomach twisting at that moment.

“Tell me, Suman. You’re getting married, right?” Daadisa asked, shaking me. I tried to nod absentmindedly but noticed Nandani twisting his ear.“How can you act like this when your Bhabhisa just laid an offspring? Couldn’t you eat what they made for just one day?”

He screamed in pain for a moment and shook his head.“Ouch, sorry Bhabhisa. I’m really sorry; I won’t do that again,” his voice sounded cute, and I couldn’t believe that his cuteness wasn’t as charming in my dreams.

My cheeks grew warm as I glanced at Daadisa, who was still waiting for my answer. I gulped nervously.“Ji, Ji, Daadisa. Whatever you want,” I said in a slow voice, hoping he wouldn’t hear.

“By the way, I want to see my papaya,” he said, leaning forward to look at the baby. I guess he hadn’t even noticed me.

“Oh my God, she’s beautiful… but she’s so tiny. Are you sure it’s Bhaisa’s?” he asked, and Nandani immediately punched his bicep.“Don’t you dare, Stupid!”

He laughed and leaned in to kiss the baby’s feet.“I will make you the most spoiled princess this world has ever known,” he said, but suddenly Daadisa interrupted.“What about the princess you’re marrying, Kunwarsa? How will you spoil her?”

I sensed the teasing tone in her words and immediately lowered my face, wanting to escape from her.

He laughed, gently touching the baby’s cheek, and said,“You are too old to know about it, Daadisa.”

Nandani interrupted,“Ayee, she is not old.”

He laughed again and looked at us. His gaze lingered on me for a moment before he spoke. "Then I can tell you,"

I quickly glanced at Daadisa and said,“Um, I need to go, Daadisa. I must see the kitchen.”

She didn’t even hear me as I slowly escaped, listening to his voice fade away.“I will teach her how to use the dagger wisely. You know it’s a journey of self-discovery,”

Nandani laughed loudly. Daadisa chuckled too, but I didn’t understand what was funny. I never quite understood Nandani and his jokes; their bond was deep, like that of best friends.

I walked out of her room and tried to step outside. However, before I could, someone grabbed me and pinned me against the wall. I quickly glanced around before turning to look at him.

“Kunwarsa,” I gasped.“Someone will see us,”

He quickly untied the curtain from the pillar, letting it cover both of us.“Not now,” he said. Frustration ran through my nerves.“I want to talk to you,” he continued.

I shook my head, trying to push him away.

“Ayyeee, don’t!” His warning only provoked me to push him harder.

However, as I tried to walk past him, he grabbed my hand and pulled me closer. A wave of pain shot through my hand when he twisted my arm behind my back, dragging me precariously nearer to him.

My eyes widened with shock.

"I am talking to you," He said.

My whole body shivered with his strength, and I gazed into his eyes with a trace of fear.“Kunwarsa,” I muttered.

He gulped, gently loosening his hold while leaving my hand.“Why did you take it off?” he asked, studying my face, and I shook my head.“What?”

“Your nose ring,” he said.

I was stunned.“Because my husband died. It’s only for married women,” I reminded him.

He took a step closer, pushing me against the wall. I felt smaller next to him.

"You have a husband," He spoke.

I shook my head.“No, I don’t,” I replied immediately.“The world doesn’t know about it,” I added in a low voice.

His eyes sharpened, and his slightly tighter grip made my wrist feel numb. His cologne enveloped the air like a drug, as his presence occupied a significant space in my life.

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