Page 36 of Sumanika

“Kunwarsa,” I called out, entering his chamber after taking due permission from the soldiers standing outside.

With no response from the other side, I felt compelled to venture further inside.

It’s been almost two weeks since that incident. Since then, we’ve only had a few meetings. He was doing everything he could to ignore me, and I was doing my utmost to make him feel as if I didn’t even exist.

As I entered his chamber, the soft jingle of my anklet bells resonated gently. I explored the meeting and resting area, making my way to the fencing and study area, curious if he might be working there. Stepping into his bedroom sent chills down my spine. The memory of his breath in my ear and haunting words lingered in my mind. I hadn’t sensed it before, but now it was undeniable.

I knew I shouldn’t have come here or anywhere near him.

However, despite my intense struggles, I couldn’t deny that he was becoming my everything. I felt tied to him. The thought that something could happen to him because he married me pushed me away even more, while also drawing me closer to him.

“Kunwarsa,” I called out again, but he didn’t respond. Again.

Taking a deep breath, I realized I had no choice but to step into his bedroom.

Biting my lower lip and adjusting the dupatta on my head, I quietly entered. A subtle fragrance of jasmine and lavender filled the air. The encroaching darkness immediately caught my attention. I swallowed nervously at the pin-drop silence and tried to look around for him.

He was sitting on neither his couch nor the bed.

I hesitated to walk any further and tried to call out,“Kunwar Agastya,“ My voice echoed in the chamber, and a slight fear crept into my nerves. I took a few more steps toward the changing area, blinking anxiously.

Did something happen to him? No!

My fingers were shaking a bit.

Should I leave?

But I had to inform him know, right? Otherwise, Nandani’s family would not make it on time.

I inhaled deeply and kept walking toward the changing room. The door was closed. I clenched my fist and tried to knock, but it shifted as I touched it. It was open.

I tried to peek inside.

"Taaka Jhanki Karne Aayi ho?"“Did you come to peek in?”

I jumped in fear upon hearing his deep, lazy voice and feeling the cold blade pressed against my throat, along with a presence looming behind me.

I shook my head right away. He drew the dagger even closer. I stepped back, and my back hit his chest. The scent of fresh bathing oils enveloped me. A few drops of water splashed onto my shoulder from his hair.

"Hum kyu taaka jhaaki Karenge aapke kaksh me?""Why would I try to peek in your chamber?" I asked in a shaky and scared voice.

"To fir? Apne patni hone Ka adhikar lene aayi ho?""Then? You arrived to demand the rights to be my wife?" he asked.

I felt another drop of water fall on my shoulder, which trickled slowly further down my chest, disappearing into my blouse.

I inhaled sharply.

My heart raced as he gently took my dupatta off my head and rubbed-dried his hair. Water droplets splashed wildly on my arms and cheeks, leaving my stomach twisted.

"Daasi hai hum, patni hone ka adhikar kyu mangenge aapse?""I’m a maid; why would I ask for the rights of a wife?" I stuttered.

He chuckled softly, bringing the dagger closer to my neck. I couldn’t help but grip his wrist tightly.

“I feel scared, Kunwarsa,” I stated. My knees grew weaker.

“If you’re feeling scared, why are your cheeks flushed?” he asked. New sensations bubbled to the surface of my skin at the sound of his deep voice.

I struggled more desperately to escape his grasp, but with the blade so close to my neck, I remained sensually paralyzed between him and the door. I couldn’t understand why he took pleasure in toying with me.

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