His Rooh

06 | His Anticipation

Rudraksh

The morning sun streamed through the ornate windows of the Shekhawat mansion, casting golden hues across the room. But no amount of sunlight could penetrate the cloud of anxiety that hung over me. Sleep had eluded me the previous night, my mind restless, haunted by thoughts of Aruhi.

I tossed and turned in my grand bed, the opulent surroundings of my room feeling suffocating. Every time I closed my eyes, visions of Aruhi danced before me—her radiant smile, the sparkle in her eyes, and that intimate moment we shared beneath the fairy lights. A strange, fluttery sensation churned in my stomach, a feeling so unfamiliar yet undeniably powerful. I had never experienced such emotions before, and it both intrigued and unsettled me.

"Why am I feeling like this?" I muttered to myself, raking a hand through my dishevelled hair. The weight of the impending proposal hung heavily on my mind, but it was more than just family expectations. It was Aruhi—her presence had stirred something within me, something deep and profound.

I recalled our intimate moment from the previous evening, the soft glow of the fairy lights illuminating her face, the electric charge that seemed to spark between us. Her soft voice, her gentle touch—it all felt so surreal, yet undeniably real. A myriad of emotions swirled within me—hope, anticipation, and a twinge of fear.

What if she accepts the proposal? The thought sent a pang of unease through me, tightening my chest with an inexplicable sense of loss. I tried to push away the feelings, reminding myself of the plan, she won't marry Vikram even if she accepts the proposal.

I glanced at the ornate clock on the wall, its ticking sound echoing in the quiet room. It was a new day, a day that held the promise of answers, of revelations. My heart raced at the thought of the plan and seeing Aruhi again, of deciphering the enigmatic connection that seemed to have blossomed between us.

With a newfound determination, I set forth, ready to navigate the intricate dance of emotions, expectations, and possibilities that awaited.

As I descended the grand staircase, the Shekhawat mansion buzzed with the usual morning activities. The ornate interiors echoed with the soft murmurs of family members going about their day. My mind, however, was elsewhere—entangled in thoughts of Aruhi, her enchanting presence lingering in my thoughts since our last encounter.

"Good morning, Rudraksh," everyone greeted, their voices warm and inviting as I exchanged pleasantries, attempting to conceal the restlessness gnawing at me from within.

Before I could immerse myself further into the morning rituals, Kaki Sa cleared her throat, capturing the attention of the room. "Everyone" she began, her voice laced with a hint of amusement that immediately heightened my curiosity.

I turned to face her, sensing the gravity of her next words. As Kaki Sa's words echoed through the room, a rush of anticipation surged within me. "Aruhi's mother called earlier," she mentioned, her tone laden with a significance that instantly sent my heart into a frenzied dance.

Could this be it? The moment I'd been restless about, tossing and turning in bed last night, unable to shake off the whirlwind of emotions that had consumed me ever since I met Aruhi? My heart thudded loudly in my chest, each beat echoing my growing anxiety.

Attempting to mask my rising emotions with a facade of composure, I managed to utter, "Is everything alright? Did she mention anything specific?" My voice, I hoped, betrayed none of the tumultuous feelings swirling within me.

Kaki Sa's playful twinkle only intensified as she added, "Yes, everything is perfectly fine. However, an invitation awaits us this evening—a discussion at Aruhi's home."