𝑰𝒍𝒍 𝑭𝒂𝒕𝒆𝒅 (previously Vaidehi) ✎

[14]

After the wedding rituals and dinner dawat came to an end I was rushed upstairs into my quarters for the last stage of the wedding. The wedding night.

Radhika, Suman and my mother have given me strict instructions to stay in my quarters and wait for Raghavendra. Actually to be more specific, I was asked to sit on the bed  and not move an inch from my position. I am not even allowed to change into comfortable clothing or take off any jewelry. So here I am. Being a dutiful wife and doing as directed by my well wishers.

Luckily it's cool outside and the open windows are allowing the breeze in, helping me to not faint of suffocation in the heavy outfit I have on. Its been over an hour since I've been waiting. Ok fine I totally exaggerated that. But in my defence, the time seems to be moving at an all time slow right now.

There is a loud knock on my door and I jump in nervousness. Forcing my heart to stop thumping I yell a loud, "come in." knowing full well who's arrived-
Only I am wrong. Its not Raghavendra like I had expected. Instead it's a ladyservant carrying a plate in her hand that has two tall glasses of silver. She has a shy smile as she places the plate in the table in front of the bed.

"Milk." She states eyeing the glasses.

I nod. "Umm thank you. But I don't think either of will want to drink anything at this hour...unless Raghvendra likes it...oh! I forgot to ask him about that-"

She shakes her head halting my ramblings. "The head chef has sent this in. Its customary for the wedding night, Choti Rajkumariji."

Realisation dawns on me. "Oh." Is all I say. The maidservant nods shyly again before excusing herself out of the room. I relax my shoulders and stare at the glasses of milk. What must be the reason behind this milk drinking custom I wonder. Maybe it's for calming the nerves? Ya that actually makes perfect sense. I touch the glass and debate whether it will be right to drink it without Raghavendra or not.
I am sure it's fine. Besides I don't think he would mind if I drank first.

So I go ahead and put the glass to my lips, hoping the milk will help calm the nerves.

"Vaidehi?" Raghavendra's voice, that I have now come to familiarise with, comes from across the room. The glass in my hand almost slips as I jump in surprise but I manage my grip in time. How come he entered without knocking is my first thought.

"Raghvendra. You're here?" I ask,  Placing the glass down. My husband smiles as he locks the door latch.
"I am here."

"I am sorry it took me some time, but Devrat and my Pitaji wouldn't let me come upstairs without pulling my leg." 

I chuckle. That sounds just like Devrat.

"Don't worry I didn't miss you too much." I reply.

He raises and eyebrow as he stops just beside the bed. "Is that so, my rajkumari ji?

A delicious feeling grows in the pit of my stomach hearing him call me his anything.

"It is so." I deadpan. Masking my elation.

His smile grows mischievous.
"Alright then, I'll come back when you miss me." Saying that he turns on his heel and marches toward the door.

I growl his name. "Come back here right this second!"

He shakes his head, smiling mischievously. "First admit that you missed me and that you couldn't wait to see me."

I grit my teeth. He is insufferable. Pasting a sarcastic smile I blink at him.
"Okay fine. I missed you and I couldn't wait to see you."

He throws his head back and laughs. "Admit that you couldn't wait to feel my arms around you again."

I sigh. "I couldn't wait to feel your arms around me again." The truth in those words surprises me.