AUTHOR'S POV
As Ankush was moving towards his room or to say chamber his eyes fell his first crush or specifically one and only crush at first sight " SARIKA". She was standing there beside the side table in front of the waiting hall, and he knew that his elder brother hasn't given her the permission to enter the palace yet. And if Aakarsh saw her here, she is going to be in great trouble. So, without any delay he started dragging her towards his chamber to save her from his brother's wrath. Along the way, he informed a maid to tell anyone who asked that Sarika was with him in his study, discussing important work matters.
As they reached his chamber, Ankush closed the door behind them, their hearts pounding in anticipation. He turned to face her, his eyes filled with desire and longing. Sarika, feeling the weight of her situation, struggled to maintain her composure. She knew that their relationship was forbidden, but the way Ankush looked at her made her heart race. The tension between them was palpable, and it seemed as if the air itself was electric with the possibilities of what might happen next. Their eyes meeting for a brief moment before Ankush averted his gaze, feeling a blush creep up his cheeks. He cleared his throat, trying to regain his composure, before speaking. "Thank you again for saving our lives today, Sarika. Your selflessness knows no bounds." His words were awkward and stilted, but they conveyed the depth of his gratitude.
Sarika, on the other hand, seemed unsure of herself as well. She glanced around the chamber, taking in the opulent surroundings and the air of authority that emanated from Ankush. "You're welcome, Your Highness," she replied softly, her voice barely audible above the silence that had settled between them. She toyed with a strand of her hair, nervously twirling it around her finger.
Ankush felt a stirring in his chest as he looked at her. He wished he could tell her how he truly felt, but he knew that it was impossible. He could only hope that she felt something similar. Clearing his throat again, he forced himself to focus on the task at hand. "Please, make yourself comfortable. I'll just inform Bhai sa that you're here." Before she could protest, he hurried out of the chamber, leaving her alone in his chambers.
The tension in the room was palpable, and Ankush could feel the urge to break the ice growing stronger with each passing moment. He cleared his throat again, searching for something to say that wouldn't make the situation any more awkward. "Would you like to sit down?" he offered, gesturing towards a plush armchair near his desk. As Sarika hesitantly took a seat, he perched himself on the edge of his own chair, facing her.
"So, how have you been faring since your arrival at the palace?" he asked, hoping to steer the conversation away from the events of the day. "I'm sure it must have been quite an adjustment, coming from your former life." His eyes searched hers, hoping for some sort of reaction, some sign that she was interested in continuing this conversation, even if it was just as friends. "It's been...different, I miss my old life." she replied, her voice still soft but gaining confidence. She glanced down at her hands, which were folded primly in her lap. "But I must admit, I've grown quite fond of the scenery here." Ankush smiled at this, relieved to see that she was opening up to him.
"I'm glad to hear that," he said, leaning back into his chair slightly. "You know, if there's ever anything you need or want, don't hesitate to ask. I'm sure we can find a way to make things easier for you." His voice was sincere, his eyes meeting hers in a way that made her heart flutter just a little. She felt the urge to say something, anything, to keep the conversation going.
"Thank you, Your Highness," she said, looking up at him. "That means a lot." There was an awkward pause as they both searched for something else to say. The air between them felt charged, electric, as if anything could happen in this moment. Ankush cleared his throat again, suddenly feeling self-conscious about his interest in her. He stood up, offering his hand to help her up. "I should let you get back to your duties," he said, leading her towards the door.
"Of course," she replied, taking his hand. As they exited the chamber, Ankush made sure to tell the guards that Sarika was with him the entire time, so as not to raise any suspicions. The two of them walked down the hallway together, the tension from before replaced by a comfortable silence. Ankush couldn't help but steal glances at her whenever they passed a painting or a piece of sculpture, wondering what she thought of them. And when she caught him looking, she'd smile shyly, her eyes sparkling with interest. When some house helps informed them about the rooms allotted to Manpreet and Sarika on Aakarsh's order. Sarika nodded, a small smile tugging at the corners of her lips and disappeared down the hall. As the sound of her footsteps faded away, Ankush let out a shaky breath, trying to steady his racing heart. He knew that he would see her again soon, and that each moment they spent together would only make it harder to resist the pull between them. But for now, he would cherish the memory of their brief interaction, savoring the way she had looked at him with those big, expressive eyes. Because he knew that soon enough, those moments would be all he had left.
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BY SUHANA.........................
YOU ARE READING
BLESSING IN DISGUISE (ON HOLD)
RomanceAAKARSH RAJPUT He is the modern king of Jodhpur. He had lost his parents in his childhood, now his family only consists of his younger brother and his grandparents only. Ankush Rajput He's younger brother of Aakarsh. Loves his brother the most, joyo...