Page 118 of Sumanika

"He does, but I’m making you two friends,"

I smiled and took a step closer, rubbing its forehead lovingly.

"Hey," I muttered.

"What’s his name?"

I asked.

"Ashwait," he replied, and I smiled.

“What a beautiful name, Ashwait,” I said, looking at him as he calmed down from my caresses.

"Is he feeling good?" I asked, looking at him, and he nodded.

"Yes, better," he said, pulling my hand to the side.

"I want to climb on my own," I said, glancing at the footrest hanging from the horse's back.

"How do I do it?" I asked, and he smiled as he explained.

"Hold the hair here," he said, stroking the long hair on the horse's upper neck and showing me where to grip.

"Okay, then?" I muttered, holding his hair tightly. It was not soft but strong, and his skin had a lustrous shine. I could bet that he had a really good diet.

“Then, put your right foot here on the footrest and climb,” he said. I gulped nervously as I placed my foot on it. It was taller than me. My legs felt small, and I could not reach it. He chuckled a little and muttered.

"Bass ek hi sapna tha hamara ki ladki lambi honi chahiye... kher ab vo bhi paani me gaya,"“I only had one dream that the girl would be tall… but it also went down the drain,”

I shot him a glare, and he smiled a little while holding my waist and lifting me up to climb onto the horse.

I felt butterflies in my stomach as the horse's back felt shaky. I thought I might fall, but he quickly climbed behind me and wrapped his arm around me.

I gulped nervously, unable to stop smiling.

I had never been out with a man, and definitely not like this.

He took his shawl out of his small jute bag and pulled me closer. My back pressed against his chest as he wrapped the shawl around us, enveloping us both together. My head nestled in the crook of his shoulder while he rested his chin on me gently.“So, where should we head first?” he asked slowly, and I looked over my shoulder and murmured,“I don’t know. Wherever you want.”

He dragged the horse’s reins, bringing Ashwait into motion. I tightened my fist around his wrist as he walked.

And suddenly, he ran.

My gut sank deeper. The world shook as he sprinted toward the main entrance. The door was closed, and the soldiers noticed us. They quickly got into action and started opening the door. For a moment, I thought we would crash against it, and I closed my eyes in fear. I tried not to scream with all my might, as I couldn’t draw attention to my girlish voice. But the door opened with a loud, thunderous sound just in time, and we passed through. He laughed and kissed my cheek. The cold breeze hit my face like the frozen ice of a pond I had once witnessed in my life. I giggled and closed my eyes for a moment. It felt like freedom; the weight on my shoulders was suddenly lighter.

My fingers trembled, fisting tighter on his wrist, holding onto it as if this was what I had been looking for the whole of my life, bound yet free.

He kissed me again on the cheek, deeper and longer this time, and muttered,“This night is yours. Ask for whatever you want; all your wishes will be granted.” he said, making a bright smile cross my lips. I glanced at the dark path ahead, feeling soothed by the sparkling moonlight.

We were riding on a slight incline, and I felt his weight shift on my back. Ashwait picked up speed as we raced down the slope, veering onto an empty, sandy path. The rhythm of the horse’s hooves hitting the ground, our bouncing together on his back, and the icy air hitting my face sent goosebumps across my skin.

“Tell me, Suman, where do you want to spend the night?” he inquired. I bit my lower lip for a moment before softly replying,“To the cottage where we spent our first night.” My tone was tinged with apprehension, and he leaned in to whisper.

“Are you sure?" he asked, slowing Ashwait as we neared the edge of a dense forest. I nodded slowly, my fingertips numbing from the cold.

As we entered the woods, the moonlight faded, and he drew close, whispering in my ear, "So, are you happy with me?” His gentle voice made me raise my brows playfully.

“Am I with you?”

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