Rakshash Aur Rajkumari (The Devil And The Princess) 🔞✔

15•आत्मप्रेम

As the sun dipped low on the horizon, casting long shadows across the battlefield now eerily silent, Rudraksha surveyed the scene with a mix of relief and restlessness. The day had unfolded swiftly, the clash of swords and cries of victory giving way to a solemn peace as the enemy conceded defeat.

Rudraksha adjusted his armor, the weight of the day settling on his shoulders despite the successful outcome. His family, eager to share in his triumph and to bask in the newfound glory of the Shivaay Kingdom, approached him with smiles and congratulations. But Rudraksha's mind was elsewhere.

"Stay a while longer, Rudra," his mother implored, her eyes bright with unshed tears of pride and concern. "You've been away for so long. Let us enjoy this moment together."

His father, the previous King, nodded in agreement. "The paperwork can wait, son. Take some time for yourself. We can handle the affairs of the kingdom for a day or two."

Rudraksha hesitated, torn between duty and personal worry. "I appreciate your understanding, but I must leave tonight. There are urgent matters that require my attention."

His family exchanged knowing glances, recognizing the familiar resolve in Rudraksha's voice. They had grown accustomed to his unwavering dedication to his duties, but this time, there was an added layer of concern that hadn't gone unnoticed.

As the final arrangements were made and the soldiers began to disperse, Rudraksha stole a moment alone. His thoughts drifted off to Ambika, amidst the chaos of battle and the demands of leadership, he had been unable to reach out to her.

Now, beneath the fading light of day, Rudraksha made a silent vow. He would drive through the night, returning to Kashi where she awaited.

The car's headlights cut through the darkness as Rudraksha sat in the driver's seat, the steady thrum of the engine and the soft melody of the music filling the air. He had dismissed the driver earlier, opting to make this journey alone, driven by urgency and a deep-seated need to reach Kashi before the break of dawn.

Hours passed in a blur as he traversed the highways, the car speeding past cities and villages that were now nothing more than fleeting lights in the rearview mirror. The road stretched endlessly before him, the monotony broken only by occasional bends and turns.

As the sky gradually lightened with the approach of dawn, Rudraksha's eyelids grew heavy. The fatigue of battle and the strain of continuous driving gnawed at his resolve. He rubbed his eyes, trying to shake off the weariness that threatened to overwhelm him.

Then, like a lifeline, he found himself driving alongside the majestic Ganga River of Kashi. Its tranquil presence offered a moment of respite. Rudraksha rolled down the window, welcoming the crisp morning breeze that carried the scent of river water and distant flowers.

The music played on, a comforting backdrop to his solitary journey. Lost in thought, Rudraksha gazed out at the river, its surface shimmering under the soft hues of early daylight. He felt a sense of calm wash over him, a fleeting escape from the urgency that had propelled him throughout the night.

Rudraksha slowed his car as he  approached his house street, his gaze instinctively drawn towards the river that bordered his property. In the soft morning light, a figure stood by the riverbank, and a spark of recognition flickered in his mind. Could it be her? Ambika?

He pulled the car over, heart pounding with a mixture of anticipation and disbelief. Stepping out onto the gravel road, he squinted against the early light, trying to focus on the figure by the river. She seemed so out of place at this hour, and yet, there was an unmistakable familiarity about her stance.

As Rudraksha walked closer, his breath caught in his throat. The morning air was cool against his skin, but his thoughts raced with questions. What was Ambika doing here?