Page 71 of Sumanika

"I get you. I’ll keep an eye on her," I confirmed, now sure that Rashmika was up to something. Because while Kunwarsa Agastya could be mistaken, Nandani was clever. She could bring Rana Rudra Dev Singh to his knees; she didn’t need an introduction.

"Okay," she said.

I walked past her to set up her bathing arrangements. After that, I went to see Daadisa to handle her meals. She reminded me about the marriage details, and I couldn’t help but smile faintly.

I returned to the kitchen and saw Kunwarsa Agastya walking with a beautiful woman. It must be Princess Rashmika. I watched them talking about something, and I didn’t know why, but I felt a surge of fire in my heart as I observed them.

Suddenly, his gaze shifted to mine, and I froze, staring back at him. My breath hitched, and just before Princess Rashmika could follow his gaze, I turned and walked away.

I couldn’t mess this up. I had to find out what her poison was.

The day concluded, and I returned to my room. I woke up early because, at last, it was the big day—the princess’s naming ceremony.

It was early morning, and I dressed in a simple pale red outfit. As the widow of my late husband, I couldn’t wear deep, vibrant colors, but this newborn princess meant so much more to me than his lifeless form. Besides, I also had a new husband now.

After drying my hair, I braided it and walked out of the room to see the preparations in progress. The entire kingdom resembled a Diwali festival, adorned with flowers and multicolored curtains, evoking the spirit of Holi.

I went to Nandani’s chamber and found her already awake. The event would start later in the morning, and chaos was unfolding in the kingdom because, after the naming ceremony, the doors would open for the villagers for the feast and donations.

I watched Nandani prepare for the Princess’s naming ceremony. She let out a deep sigh of frustration and glanced at me. I couldn’t help but smile. She had gained weight during her pregnancy and was struggling to tie the waistband.

“Let me help,” I said, and she nodded as she got to her feet.

“Inhale,” I said, and she pulled her stomach in. I tightened the knot, and she exhaled deeply.

“I hope it won’t hurt you,” I managed to say, and she shook her head.

“I’ll come out of it as soon as the ceremony ends. Plus, I need to lose weight. It’s not looking good on me,” she said with a pouted face, and I shook my head.

“You look beautiful as always, even cuter,” she said, a wide smile appearing on my face.

“I’ll ask Rudra to help me lose weight,” I furrowed my brows in confusion.“How can he help?”

And she gave me sidelong glances, saying,“With sex.” Her bold words instantly reminded me of Kunwar Agastya, and I couldn’t help but lower my gaze. Part of me wanted to tell her everything, but that would mean creating problems for his wedding, if it was going to happen. Besides, it wasn’t my place to be a hurdle in that. If it meant anything to him, he should make everyone aware of it.

But I didn’t know why seeing him with Princess Rashmika made me feel bad, especially after what happened the other night. The image of his face sucking on my fingers was still vivid in my mind. His eyes appeared devilishly attractive, and his soft curls looked cute.

“Why are you smiling?” Nandani pulled me out of my thoughts, and I quickly shook my head.

“Umm, it’s the princess’s naming ceremony,” I tried to say, and she suddenly smiled.

“Yes, Suman, I can’t believe how far we’ve come, but…” She paused, and I noticed her expression change as she grew upset. Her cheeks flushed red, and I held her hands.

“But I wish Baapusa were here with us. I hope he can see his grandchild. I wanted him to be my first child.” Tears rolled down her cheeks, and I shook my head.

“He’s still watching you, Nandani. But from a better place,” I said, as she sank down onto the couch, letting her tears flow freely and sobbing softly.

“But still, even though I’m happy that I have everything, it feels like there’s a void. You know he would have cried seeing the baby. He loved children and had always been supportive and positive. I can’t believe he deserved to be taken away too soon.” I kneeled before her, gulping silently as I looked at her. She sobbed, and I tried to wipe away her tears.

“He was in pain, Nandani. Even if he were here, given his condition, he would not have felt happy. It would be too selfish to think only about your pain. And trust me, he may not be able to talk to you, but right now, seeing you cry for him, he must also be crying for his beautiful and powerful daughter. I don’t think he would want to see you crying at the auspicious naming ceremony of your daughter. He would want you to remember him with happiness. That’s what he asked everyone to do when he left: to remember him happily, so his soul feels content seeing his family smile,” she said, wiping her tears as she listened to me.“Let’s bring back the smile,”

She chuckled softly and smiled slightly.“Even so, I miss him so much,” she sobbed, and I pulled her into a tight hug.

“That’s okay,” she calmed down after a while, and I saw Ranaji walking in with his daughter in his arms. When he saw Nandani’s tear-streaked face, he asked. "Can you hold her for a moment, Suman?,”

I nodded and took the princess from his hand.

“Can you all wait outside?” he asked, kneeling in front of her. I then led the princess out of the room to the meeting area, where Kunwar Agastya was speaking with Daadisa.

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