Page 86 of Trapped By the Maharaja
His mouth twisted. “Everyone knows what a newlywed couple does at night.”
She wanted to combust right then. She recalled how loud she had been all night, gasping and screaming. He hadn’t been quiet either. She recalled his growls and loud roars as he claimed her.
Oh my God.
Before she could die of embarrassment, her mind hastily reminded her that the master suite was in a private wing with sufficient privacy. The guest rooms were on the other side of the palace.
She let out a deep exhale.
He reached for her hand and helped her into the helicopter. His grip was firm, possessive, as though he knew she wanted to run away and hide somewhere. She settled into the seat near the window.
He took the opposite seat with his gaze fixed on her. The close confinement of the helicopter heightened tension and awareness.
With her heart thudding too loudly in her ears, she forced herself to look away from his intense gaze. The rotors began to spin, filling the courtyard with their rising thrum. As the palace receded beneath them, she drew in a steady breath.
She was trapped in a marriage with him. But she vowed not to lose her control again.
But even as she made the vow to keep her distance, her pulse thundered under the force of his presence.
???
The helicopter landed in an open area just beyond the temple grounds. The moment the door opened, the sound of temple bells mingled with the faint hum of chanting in the distance.
She saw the familiar sight of the Devara temple where Ram had married her secretly.
But now, their marriage was no longer a secret.
Ram led her up the stone steps of the temple. As soon as they entered, she saw Suchitra Devi and Ram’s brothers standing inside the temple courtyard along with several priests. Suchitra Devi was draped in an elegant, deep marigold colored silk saree. Her posture was regal and unyielding.
As Ram led them to the courtyard, Sanjana didn’t miss the flicker of disapproval in Suchitra Devi’s eyes as it landed on her.
“Let’s begin the ritual,” Suchitra Devi said in a soft command.
The head priest, who was a tall, elderly man in a white dhoti and sacred thread, nodded. “Yes, Rajamata.” He turned towards Ram and Sanjana. “Maharaja. Maharani. Please, come.”
Unlike the wedding ceremony that took place in the courtyard, they were led inside.
Inside, the temple air was cooler, dimly lit by the flicker of oil lamps. The rhythmic chanting from the sanctum seemed to pulse through the carved stone walls. The priest led them to the platform before the towering idol of Lord Vishnu.
“Today’s ceremony,” he said, “is to ensure prosperity, protection, and harmony for the Maharaja and Maharani.”
Ram and Sanjana sat side by side on the carved platform, a silk cloth draped over their laps. The priest poured holy water into a silver pot and instructed them to join hands over it. Ram’s fingers closed over hers—firm, warm and unyielding.
As the chanting began, Sanjana kept her gaze on the flickering lamp, trying to ignore the subtle pressure of his grip. SuchitraDevi, the brothers, and a small gathering of royals watched from a few feet away.
Offerings of flowers followed, and then the vermilion was pressed to their foreheads. The priest handed Ram a sacred thread, instructing him to tie it around her wrist. His fingers brushed her skin, making her pulse quicken. When her eyes darted to his, she found him watching her, his expression unreadable.
Finally, the priest blessed them. “May your union be strong, unshakable against all adversity.”
The words pierced inside her, making her heart ache. She had once hoped for the same in the past.
As they rose, Suchitra Devi stepped forward. Ram and Sanjana touched her feet, seeking her blessing.
Suchitra Devi placed her palms on their heads.
“May your bond bring honor to the Devara name,” she said softly, her voice carrying with effortless command. “And may you have the strength to endure and overcome whatever trials and obstacles you face.”
Sanjana’s breath caught. It felt less like a blessing and more like a warning of facing trials and obstacles.
