𝐅𝐈𝐃𝐀𝐀 : 𝐨𝐧𝐥𝐲 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐲𝐨𝐮

Chapter - 18

IN THE JODHPUR PALACE

As both families discovered Ekanksh and Vamika's relationship, they collectively decided to discuss their marriage plans with Ekanksh and inquire about Vamika. Following the discussion, everyone dispersed to attend to various tasks in preparation for the upcoming sangeet ceremony. Later, as Vamika finished washing her hands, she noticed a strikingly dark shade of brown on her hand, indicating that her future partner would deeply love her. Additionally, she found the name "Ekanksh" written in mehendi, causing her to blush uncontrollably. As she stood there, lost in her thoughts, her siblings approached and spotted Ekanksh's name on her hand, prompting them to erupt into joyful hoots and cheers. Startled by the sudden commotion, Vamika turned around, her cheeks flushed with embarrassment and excitement at the revelation of her feelings for Ekanksh.

As Kartik, Vamika's youngest brother, exclaimed that they needed to inform Ekanksh about the mehendi revelation, everyone dashed towards Ekanksh's chamber, located in another wing of the palace. Upon arrival, they found Ekanksh meticulously cleaning his guns, a sight that halted their rapid approach. The sudden change in their demeanor caught Ekanksh's attention, and he turned to face them, a quizzical expression on his face.

Meanwhile, Vamika, still catching her breath from the hurried sprint, entered the chamber, oblivious to her surroundings in her haste. When she finally registered the scene before her, her breath hitched in her throat, and she felt a pang of panic. Ignoring any semblance of composure, she erupted with frustration, accusing her siblings of behaving recklessly and likening them to wild animals.

"Paap lagega tum logon ko... pata nahi kaise tum jaise janwar mere bhai behen ho!" she exclaimed, her voice echoing through the spacious chamber. The weight of her words hung in the air, drawing the attention of everyone present. Her siblings turned to look at her, their expressions a mix of surprise and concern, while the bodyguards, trained to react to any potential threat, instinctively focused their attention on her.

But it was Ekanksh's reaction that caused Vamika's heart to skip a beat. As she dared to meet his gaze, she found herself locked in a moment of intense connection with the love of her life. His eyes, usually steely and composed, now softened with a mixture of curiosity and concern. In that fleeting moment, she felt as though time stood still, the world around them fading into insignificance.

Ekanksh's steady voice broke the silence that enveloped the chamber. "Vamika, what's wrong?" he inquired, his tone gentle yet commanding. His words seemed to pull her back to reality, and she realized the gravity of her outburst. Flustered, she struggled to find the right words to explain herself, her cheeks flushed with embarrassment.

As she stood there, grappling with her emotions, Ekanksh stepped forward, his movements deliberate yet reassuring. With a reassuring hand on her shoulder, he offered her a reassuring smile, wordlessly conveying his understanding and support. In that moment, amidst the chaos and confusion, Vamika found solace in the unwavering presence of her beloved Ekanksh, knowing that no matter what challenges lay ahead, they would face them together, united in their love.

As Kartik announced his surprise for Ekanksh, all eyes turned towards him, eager anticipation written on each sibling's face. Ekanksh's gaze followed suit, landing on Kartik, who wore a mischievous grin that hinted at the impending revelation. Each sibling's expression mirrored Kartik's, radiating excitement and mischief, their eyes sparkling with suppressed laughter.

Vamika, however, stood frozen in shock, her mind reeling from the unexpected turn of events. She searched for the right words to explain the situation but found herself at a loss, her thoughts scattered amidst the chaos of her emotions. She glanced at Ekanksh, hoping for some semblance of understanding or reassurance, but his attention remained fixed on Kartik, awaiting the promised surprise.

As Kartik's words hung in the air, Ekanksh's curiosity piqued. He turned his full attention to Kartik, his demeanor shifting from guarded vigilance to genuine interest. "A surprise? For me? What is it?" he inquired, his tone tinged with curiosity and amusement.

Before Kartik could respond, Vidhi interjected, her voice laced with excitement. "Yes, bro, it's for you," she exclaimed, her eyes dancing with mischief. "Didi has written your name on her hand through mehendi."

The revelation hit Ekanksh like a sudden gust of wind, catching him off guard. His brows furrowed in confusion, his mind struggling to process the unexpected news. He glanced at Vamika, his gaze softening as he took in her bewildered expression. Despite the chaos unfolding around them, a flicker of understanding passed between them, a silent acknowledgment of the unspoken bond that bound them together.

As the siblings reveled in their prank, their laughter reverberating through the chamber, Ekanksh found himself at a loss for words. He watched as they made their exit, their laughter trailing behind them like a fading echo. Left alone with Vamika and the silent sentinels of the bodyguards, he turned to her, a ghost of a smile playing on his lips.

"Seems like your siblings have quite the sense of humor," he remarked, his tone light yet tinged with affection. Vamika offered a weak smile in response, her cheeks still flushed with embarrassment. She opened her mouth to speak, but no words came out, the weight of the moment rendering her speechless.

Sensing her discomfort, Ekanksh moved closer, his presence a comforting anchor in the midst of uncertainty. "Don't worry, Vamika," he reassured her, his voice soft yet reassuring. "Whatever surprises may come our way, we'll face them together."

His words brought a sense of calm to Vamika's racing heart, the warmth of his touch melting away her fears. As they stood there, enveloped in the quiet stillness of the chamber, Vamika knew that no matter what challenges lay ahead, she had Ekanksh by her side, a constant source of strength and support in the tumultuous journey of life.

After issuing orders for his bodyguards to leave the hall, Ekanksh watched as they obediently departed, leaving him and Vamika alone in the spacious chamber. As the heavy wooden doors closed behind them with a resounding thud, the room seemed to shrink in size, the silence punctuated only by the faint echoes of their footsteps.

Ekanksh turned his attention to Vamika, his gaze unwavering as he took deliberate steps toward her. Each movement seemed calculated, purposeful, as if he were closing the distance between them with intent. Vamika, feeling a mixture of anticipation and trepidation, instinctively began to retreat, her steps faltering as she moved backward.

Her heart pounded erratically in her chest as she continued to retreat, her movements guided solely by the instinct to create distance between herself and Ekanksh. However, her efforts were in vain as her back soon collided with the unyielding surface of the wall, leaving her feeling trapped and vulnerable.

Realization dawned on her as she registered her predicament, her breath catching in her throat as she glanced up to meet Ekanksh's intense gaze. His eyes bore into hers with a depth that sent shivers down her spine, causing her cheeks to flush an even deeper shade of crimson.

Unable to bear the intensity of his gaze, Vamika averted her eyes, her gaze fixated on the ground as she struggled to compose herself. She could feel Ekanksh's presence looming over her, his proximity eliciting a tumult of emotions within her.

Ekanksh, meanwhile, observed Vamika's reaction with amusement, a faint smirk playing at the corners of his lips. He found himself captivated by her trembling form, her flushed cheeks betraying her inner turmoil. It was a sight he found both endearing and intoxicating, a testament to the power she held over him.

Closing the distance between them, Ekanksh reached out a hand to gently tilt Vamika's chin upward, forcing her to meet his gaze once more. His touch sent a jolt of electricity coursing through her veins, igniting a fire within her that threatened to consume her entirely.

"Vamika," he murmured, his voice low and husky, sending a shiver down her spine. "You have nothing to fear."

His words were a soothing balm to her frazzled nerves, a reminder that she was safe in his presence. With a newfound sense of courage, Vamika finally mustered the strength to meet Ekanksh's gaze, her eyes locking with his in a silent exchange of understanding and affection.

In that moment, as they stood entwined in each other's embrace, Vamika knew that she had found her sanctuary in Ekanksh's arms, a refuge from the chaos of the world outside. And as they surrendered to the magnetic pull of their love, they embarked on a journey filled with promise and possibility, their hearts united as one.