Page 16 of Sumanika

I shivered to death.

But a smile spread across his face as he exhaled.

Suddenly, he looked at me.

Fear washed over me, and I stammered,“Um, di…dinner.” Lowering my gaze. I took uncertain steps forward, kneeling to place the plate before him.

I could feel his intense gaze on me.

"Soyi nahi ho ab tak?"“Haven’t you slept yet?” he asked dryly, washing his hands in a nearby bowl and pushing aside the items he had used to reach for the plate.

I gulped nervously, lowering my eyes.“Neend nahi aa rahi thi.”“I couldn’t sleep.” He wiped his hands with a cloth, and my heart skipped a beat when I noticed the small cracks in his fingertips, stained with gray powder that had now turned black.

"Kyu? Ullu ho?"“Why? Are you an owl?” he spat, catching my attention to his face, making me grit my teeth and take a deep breath.

"Aap bhi to jaagre hain, aap ullu hai?"“You’re awake, too—are you an owl?” I couldn’t help but respond.

He brought the plate closer, tearing off a tiny piece of chapati and setting it on the side of the plate.

"Hum to aur bhi bhot kuch karte hain... Tum karogi?"“I do plenty of other things, too… will you do that as well?” he asked neutrally, his face showing no emotion as he took a bite and then glanced at me.

I lowered my gaze and gently shook my head as I poured water into his glass. The silence lingered as I sat across from him, my hands resting in my lap and my eyes directed downward as he ate quietly. I didn’t fully understand why I was here, but it felt comforting to be around him.

"Pareshaan ho?"“Are you worried?” he asked slowly. I raised my gaze to see him licking his fingers, then nodded.

He slightly nodded and spoke calmly,“Go to bed…nothing will happen.”

I lowered my gaze, feeling a gentle wave of comfort wash over me with his words. I didn’t get up; I couldn’t. His soothing presence while he ate silently sent the waves of comfort I hadn’t felt in ages.

He didn’t ask me to leave again and continued concentrating on finishing his dinner.

I watched him clean his fingers in the bowl, then pull the plate toward me as I stood up with it in my hands. I glanced at him briefly before turning around, but, he called,“Suno,” “Hey,”

I halted and turned to see him placing small stones into the mortar, his unwavering focus clear.

“Ji,” I responded slowly. He went on,“Bhojan mat banaya karo.”“Don’t cook.”

I blinked in silence, yearning to ask,“Why?”

He lifted his lazy gaze and replied flatly,“Dar jaogi,”“You will get scared.”

I gulped at his words and lowered my gaze."Jinke sir par saye nahi hua karte vo dar se darke nahi reh sakte, kunwarsa,”“Those who don’t have shadows over their head can’t afford to be scared of fear, Kunwarsa,” I said, watching him take a deep breath and nod as he stood up.

He was tall and well-built, and his dark-dusted outfit suited him perfectly. Approaching slowly and silently, he stopped two feet from me.

He swallowed quietly and gently touched my head over mydupatta, caressing it slowly while whispering,“Kuch nahi hoga… hum hai,”“Nothing will happen… I’m here.” His words suddenly felt heavy in my heart. I blinked and stepped back from him, and tears filled my eyes.

“Good night, Kunwarsa,” I wished, and he nodded before returning to work. After returning the plates to the kitchen, I fell asleep in my room.

He was in the Kingdom now, and I could peacefully fall asleep.

The next few days were similar, but unlike during his absence, we had several encounters since he was in the kingdom. Sometimes, we bumped into each other in Nandani and Ranaji’s chamber; other times, we took leisurely strolls. As always, we pretended not to recognize each other outside our roles as prince and servant.

A week later, after cleaning her bedroom on an ordinary day, I returned to Nandani’s resting area. Soft peals of laughter came from the garden side.

Curious, I walked over and noticed them chatting and laughing. Leaning against a pile of pillows, Nandani gently caressed her swollen belly while talking with Princess Aishwarya, Prince Ranvijay, and Kunwarsa.

As I stepped closer, I saw him lying on his back, his head perched on Prince Ranvijay’s lap.

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