Rakshash Aur Rajkumari (The Devil And The Princess)

21• भयंकरं

Ambika lay on their bed, her head propped against the wooden backrest, feeling the cool night breeze drift in through the open window. As her eyelids fluttered open, she glimpsed Rudraksha slipping quietly into the room, his weary silhouette outlined by the soft glow of the lamp.

"You're back," she murmured, her voice a gentle ripple in the tranquil air.

Rudraksha startled at the sound, turning towards her with a mixture of surprise and exhaustion etched on his face. His features, usually animated and vibrant, now appeared dulled by fatigue. Dark circles lingered beneath his eyes, and his shoulders slumped under the weight of the day.

"I thought you were asleep. Why haven't you fallen asleep?" he asked, his voice carrying a hint of concern.

"I was waiting for you," Ambika replied, her gaze unwavering.

He nodded, his movements slow and deliberate as he began to unbutton his shirt. "You didn't feel lonely, right? It's good that you kept the light on."

Ambika shook her head slightly, a tender smile gracing her lips. "No, I kept myself busy in your thoughts."

Rudraksha paused, his tired eyes meeting hers, Setting aside his shirt,

Rudraksha let out a weary sigh as he settled onto the floor. Ambika watched him with a mixture of fondness and concern, seeing the exhaustion etched into every line of his face.

"Well, now that I'm here, you should fall asleep," he mumbled, his voice thick with fatigue. "Because," he paused to stifle a yawn, "I am tired and want to sleep."

Ambika nodded quietly in response, understanding the weight of his long day. Today had been particularly challenging for both of them. Rudraksha had noticed her earlier about his late return, assuring her that he would call to keep her company in his absence. It was her first time being alone in the room after a difficult incident, and Rudraksha had made every effort to ensure she didn't feel lonely.

"Okay," Ambika whispered back, her voice barely audible in the stillness of the night.

As Rudraksha closed his eyes, seemingly on the verge of drifting off, Ambika shifted towards the edge of the bed. Peering down at him, she couldn't help but smile softly despite the gravity of the situation. He looked so worn out yet strangely peaceful in his exhaustion.

"You should take a shower before going to sleep," Ambika suggested gently, concern lacing her words.

"No, I'm too tired," Rudraksha replied sleepily, already slipping into the embrace of sleep.

Ambika chuckled softly to herself, admiring his ability to surrender to rest even in the face of weariness. With a sense of contentment settling over her, she lay down on the bed and closed her eyes.

Ambika tossed and turned in her bed, unable to find rest. She opened her eyes to the sight of the empty ceiling, frustration knotting her brow. Rudraksha lay peacefully asleep beside her, unaware of her struggle.

Feeling a pang of restlessness, Ambika sat up and glanced around the quiet room. Her heart fluttered with a hint of fear, but she pushed the unease aside. Determined to ease her mind, she slipped out of bed and made her way to the balcony.

Outside, the night air greeted her with a gentle breeze. The city below twinkled under the moonlight, offering a serene view. Leaning against the railing, Ambika closed her eyes and took a deep breath, letting the tranquility of the night calm her racing thoughts.

Ambika's gaze fell upon the shimmering Ganga River illuminated by the moonlight, a sight that always brought her comfort and a sense of home. She smiled softly, feeling drawn to the tranquil scene outside her window.