Beyond Destiny ~ A Saga Of Timeless Love

17 ~ Secret glances

"A thousand furtive glances get traded for every smile beamed, and a thousand ragged breaths are breathed for every glance slipped."

Ruhanika

I couldn't sleep after what he had said, his words swirling in my mind like a storm, unsettling and thrilling all at once. His presence lingered, the echo of his touch still warm on my skin. I felt a burning heat rise in my cheeks just thinking about his voice, low and commanding, sending shivers down my spine. There was a dominance to him, a powerful energy that both drew me in and terrified me. The way his eyes darkened when he traced my lips—so predatory, yet gentle—left me both excited and nervous. It was as if he could see through my defenses, knowing exactly how to unravel me with a single look.

Despite the intensity, I found comfort in his gaze. He stared at me like he was trying to memorize every detail, every fleeting emotion that crossed my face. I had never been looked at like that before, and it made me feel exposed, vulnerable—but also cherished. Yet, the nervous flutter in my stomach refused to settle, and before I could overthink it, I ran out of the garden, leaving the tension behind.

Days passed quickly after that night, though the charged energy between us hadn’t diminished. He was occupied with his princely duties, arranging farewell gifts and ceremonies for the departing royal guests. The palace had begun to quiet as most families left, save for a few, like Princess Avantika and close relatives. It felt like a different world now, more subdued, but our shared looks carried the same weight they always had, making every glance across the room feel like a secret conversation.

Though we didn't have much time to talk, those fleeting moments when our paths crossed were electric. Every time I saw him, I couldn’t help the giddy excitement that bubbled up inside me. I was like a teenager experiencing her first crush—nervous, exhilarated, overwhelmed. Whenever our eyes met, he would wink at me, a playful gesture that sent butterflies swirling in my stomach. I smiled shyly, but inside, my feelings for him deepened with every passing day.

It was strange to think how quickly he had become the center of my world, his presence always on my mind. He had a gravitational pull that I couldn't escape, and part of me didn’t want to. The space between us, filled with tensed emotions and unspoken desires, grew heavier with each passing glance, leaving me to wonder what lay ahead. Vulnerability was seeping into the cracks of my heart, mingling with something darker—something that made me crave more. Perhaps this was what falling in love felt like—this dizzying mix of emotions that threatened to consume me.

But it wasn’t just me. I noticed the same tension between Arjun Bhaisa and Maya. Their interactions, though subtle, mirrored the charged energy I felt with him. The commander was smitten, trying hard to win Maya’s heart, but she seemed reluctant to let herself feel anything. I could tell she loved him, though. It was in the way she stole glances when she thought no one was looking, in the way her mood shifted when he was near. Yet, for reasons I didn't fully understand, she wasn’t ready to accept her feelings. Perhaps it was her past holding her back, or maybe the fear of being vulnerable again.

It was none of my business, really, but I couldn't help wanting to push things along. After all, Arjun Bhaisa looked so crestfallen lately, and Maya—well, Maya deserved happiness too. So, I devised a little plan.

"Maya, do you know that attendee—what’s her name? Oh yes, Parvati. I heard something interesting this morning,” I said casually as we worked in the kitchen together, preparing lunch.

Maya looked at me with playful curiosity. “What did she say that has our Ruhi so intrigued?” she teased.

I suppressed a grin. "I overheard her talking about Arjun Bhaisa. She said she has feelings for him, that he’s her Mahadev, and she’ll be his Parvati. Isn't that sweet? They’d make such a great couple."