Praise The Husband

Chapter 13

Sundari had barely started her chores when she noticed Rudransh following her around. He seemed determined to help her with every little task, but she found it more distracting than helpful.

Ignoring Rudransh's advances was becoming increasingly difficult, especially as the maids began to gossip about their relationship. They all grew suspicious that the king might make Sundari his fifth concubine, which only made Sundari even more uncomfortable.

She didn't want to become just another concubine. She wanted a husband who would love her and only her. But it seemed that Rudransh was making it difficult for her to do her work without him distracting her.

Sundari decided to take a break and sat down by the river to wash Rudransh's clothes. Rudransh quickly came and sat beside her, admiring her.

Sundari ignored him and continued to wash the clothes. But Rudransh broke the quiet by grabbing the clothes out of her hand and washing them gently. Sundari sighed, giving up and finally asked Rudransh what he wanted and why he was following her around.

"Why are you following me around all the time?" she asked, exasperated. "I can't even wash clothes without you appearing out of nowhere."

Rudransh looked sheepish but didn't back down. "I just can't help it," he said. "I'm drawn to you, Sundari. I want to be near you all the time."

Sundari shook her head. "It's not appropriate. I'm just a commoner, and you're the king. You can't be seen fraternizing with someone like me."

Rudransh looked hurt. "I don't care about that. I just care about you. And honestly, I don't see anything wrong with a king falling in love with a commoner."

Sundari sighed and said, "It's not just that. I don't want to be one of your many women, Rudransh. I have too much self-respect for that."

Rudransh stopped washing the clothes and looked at her seriously. "I understand where you're coming from, Sundari. But I want you to know that I don't see you as just another woman. I see you as someone special, someone different."

Sundari was touched by Rudransh's words but still didn't know what to make of it. "What do you mean, different?" she asked.

Rudransh blushed and said, "I mean that you're not like the other women I've been with. You're intelligent, kind, and brave. You don't just do what others tell you to do. You stand up for yourself."

Sundari felt a flutter in her stomach at Rudransh's words. She didn't know if she wanted to be flattered or scared.

Rudransh continued, "I want to take responsibility for you, Sundari."

Sundari was confused. "What do you mean by responsibility?"

Rudransh blushed even harder and said, "I mean that I want to marry you, Sundari. I want to be with you forever."

Sundari's eyes widened in surprise.

Rudransh continued, "I've seen you naked, and now I must take responsibility."

Sundari's heart raced as she processed Rudransh's unexpected proposal. She quickly shook her head, denying his request.

 "No, Rudransh," she said firmly. "There's no need for you to take responsibility for anything. I can handle my own life." With that, she grabbed the bucket of clothes and started walking away, leaving Rudransh standing there, his face filled with both disappointment and determination.

Rudransh ran after Sundari, unaware that the maids of the castle were watching their little ordeal. As he caught up to her, he couldn't help but blurt out, "Well, if that's the case, then you have to take responsibility for me too, Sundari. After all, you've seen me naked."