Rags To Royals (Royal #1: Book 1) | ✔

15

A Diwali ✨ Bonus ✨ Enjoy!

-• an unwanted bonding time •-

Agastya Chauhan is an inconsiderate human being. Not only he gives zero fuck about my short legs struggling to match his pace, he doesn't care about my lungs collapsing either. And with the way we are running around the field for the seventh time now, with my jaw aching because my mouth is a gaping hole sucking all the oxygen and knees begging for a rest, I don't think we're stopping before I'm on a life support with an oxygen mask pumping air into my lungs. And let me tell you, even if it really comes to that, he'd rather make me carry the oxygen cylinder on my back than give up on his twenty laps of the field.

"Aga- Agastya, let's - let's stop!" I heave out in a whisper, my throat too hoarse and dry to carry out an audible conversation.

"Bhai," he tries to correct me, still as perfect as ever, with only a few beads of sweat coating his forehead.

I almost break out in a sob, deciding to just give up and call him Bhai before he makes me give up on my life.

But then his words from that dinner come back and I shake my head, pumping my legs to run faster. He glances at me in surprise, then picks up his pace well.

No, it wasn't a challenge God damnit!

"We're- We're not getting any medal at the end of this, you know?" I grip his arm with my other hand, unable to let any of my limbs hang toward the gravity. If possible, I'd have let my head drop as well, because the pain in my neck and shoulders is unbearable. I'm also drenched in sweat. Or maybe tears. I'm not sure anymore.

"What unhealthy lifestyle did you lead back in England?" He lets out a scoff at me.

"A normal one," I retort bitterly.

"More like of a senior citizen," he huffs out. "And for God's sake, carry you own weight!" He throws my head off his arm. I open my eyes, realising I'm on the verge of passing out if I don't stop soon.

"Aga- Agastya -" I breathe through my mouth, black dots dancing in my vision.

"Bhai," he chides.

"I-I think -" before I can finish my sentence, my arm slips through his and I slam on the ground head first.

"Shit!" That's all I hear before I fall unconscious.

I faintly feel him scoop me in his arms as he rushes in the direction of the palace. I go in and out of consciousness, seeing faded visions of people running around, voices shouting at each other before I'm gently placed on the soft bed. Then I fall asleep.

I don't know how long I was out for, but when I open my eyes, my brothers (except Yuvraaj) and father are in my room, worry written on all over their faces. I grip the mattress in a fist and make a move to get up, wincing when my head throbs in pain. That captures everyone's attention and they come rushing over, peeking at me in concern.

"Don't crowd around her!" That's Vivaan as he pushes everyone aside and makes way through to sit on my left, a tray in his hands. Dad slides on my right, helping me as I attempt to get up. He offers me a glass of water and I drink it, soothing my parched throat.

"Are you okay now?" Vivaan asks softly.

I hum in response.

"You should eat something so you can take the medicine," I watch him uncover the tray, revealing the fruit salad and pancakes. With a thanks, I start to eat. He pushes back the unruly mess of my sweat drenched, tangled hair so I can eat without any hindrance. I practically inhale the food given how hungry I was.