𝐅𝐈𝐃𝐀𝐀 : 𝐨𝐧𝐥𝐲 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐲𝐨𝐮

Chapter - 25

MARRIAGE DISCUSSIONS

The soft light of dawn filtered through the sheer curtains, casting a warm glow across the room as Vamika slowly stirred from her slumber. Blinking sleepily, she shifted in bed, her hand reaching out to the empty space beside her where Ekanksh should have been. Frowning slightly, she glanced towards the window, the gentle rays of sunlight beckoning her to start the day.

But as her gaze swept back to the bed, her heart skipped a beat when she noticed Ekanksh's absence. Confusion clouded her mind as she sat up, her eyes scanning the room for any sign of him. Had he left while she was still asleep? The thought sent a pang of disappointment through her chest, a dull ache forming in the pit of her stomach.

Just as she was about to get out of bed to look for him, the door to the washroom creaked open, and Vamika's breath caught in her throat as Ekanksh emerged, clad only in a towel wrapped loosely around his torso. Her eyes widened in surprise as she took in the sight before her, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment at being caught staring.

But Ekanksh seemed unfazed by her reaction, a smug smirk playing on his lips as he sauntered over to the bed, his gaze locked with hers. Vamika felt her heart rate quicken at the intensity of his stare, a shiver running down her spine as she realized just how close he was.

"Good morning, princess," he purred, his voice low and husky as he reached out to brush a stray lock of hair away from her face. His touch sent a jolt of electricity through her veins, and she couldn't help but lean into his hand, her breath catching in her throat at the proximity of their bodies.

"Ekanksh..." she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper as she struggled to find her voice. She was acutely aware of the towel hanging precariously low on his hips, the muscles of his chest and abdomen rippling beneath the fabric, and she couldn't tear her eyes away from him.

But Ekanksh seemed to revel in her discomfort, his smirk widening into a full-fledged grin as he leaned in closer, his breath warm against her skin. "Did I wake you, princess?" he teased, his lips brushing against her earlobe in a tantalizing caress.

Vamika shivered at the sensation, her senses overwhelmed by the heady scent of his cologne and the warmth of his body pressed against hers. She could feel her cheeks flushing with heat, her pulse racing in her veins as she struggled to regain her composure.

"N-no, I was already awake," she stammered, her voice barely audible as she avoided his gaze, her heart pounding in her chest. She couldn't believe she was having this conversation with him, that he was standing before her, half-naked and utterly irresistible.

But Ekanksh seemed to revel in her discomfort, his eyes dancing with amusement as he continued to toy with her. "Really now?" he teased, his voice dripping with sarcasm as he reached out to trace a finger along her jawline. "Then why were you staring at me like you've never seen a man in a towel before?"

Vamika's cheeks burned with embarrassment at his words, and she bit her lip nervously, unsure how to respond. She had been caught red-handed, shamelessly ogling him as he emerged from the washroom, and now she didn't know where to look or what to say.

But Ekanksh seemed to take pity on her, his smirk softening into a gentle smile as he cupped her cheek in his hand, his touch surprisingly tender. "It's okay, Vamika," he said softly, his voice filled with warmth and affection. "You don't have to pretend with me. I know I'm irresistible."

Despite herself, Vamika couldn't help but laugh at his audacity, her embarrassment melting away in the face of his charm. She shook her head incredulously, her eyes sparkling with amusement as she met his gaze. "You're impossible, Ekanksh," she teased, her voice tinged with affection.

But Ekanksh's smile faltered slightly at her words, a flicker of vulnerability passing through his eyes before he quickly masked it with a playful grin. "Guilty as charged," he admitted, his tone light and breezy as he leaned in closer, his lips hovering just inches from hers.

And in that moment, as they sat together in the soft light of dawn, their laughter mingling in the air around them, Vamika realized that she had fallen for him completely, irreversibly, hopelessly. And as Ekanksh closed the distance between them, his lips capturing hers in a tender kiss, she knew that she was exactly where she was meant to be, wrapped in his arms and lost in the depths of his love.

The quiet of the palace was disrupted by a gentle knock on the door, pulling Ekanksh from his reverie. He straightened his clothes and ran a hand through his hair before making his way to the door, anticipation coursing through him at the sight of the royal visitors who awaited him.

As he swung the door open, Ekanksh's gaze fell upon the regal figures of the king and queen of Udaipur, accompanied by the monarchs of Jodhpur. He greeted them with a respectful bow, his demeanor a mix of deference and authority as he welcomed them into the room.

"Your Majesties," he said with a nod, his voice low and respectful. "It is an honor to have you here."

The kings and queens returned his greeting with nods of their own, their expressions a mixture of concern and relief as they took in the sight of Vamika lying in bed. Ekanksh could sense the tension in the air, the weight of their worry palpable as they approached her bedside.

Vamika's heart swelled with emotion at the sight of her parents and the monarchs of Jodhpur, her eyes shining with tears as she reached out to them. "Mother, Father," she whispered, her voice choked with emotion. "I'm so glad you're here."

Her parents rushed to her side, enveloping her in a warm embrace as they showered her with affection. The monarchs of Jodhpur stood back, their expressions solemn as they observed the scene before them, their hearts heavy with concern for their dear friend.

"We were so worried about you, Vamika," the queen of Udaipur murmured, her voice filled with maternal concern as she brushed a gentle hand over Vamika's forehead. "Thank the heavens you're safe."

Vamika's father stood at the foot of the bed, his expression stern yet tinged with relief as he surveyed his daughter's condition. "You gave us quite a scare, Vamika," he chided gently, his voice filled with paternal concern. "You must promise to take better care of yourself in the future."

Vamika nodded obediently, her eyes shining with tears as she squeezed her parents' hands in hers. "I promise, Father," she vowed, her voice choked with emotion. "I'll do whatever it takes to make you proud."

Her parents exchanged a knowing glance before turning their attention to Ekanksh, their expressions softening as they regarded him with gratitude. "We trust you to take care of our daughter, Ekanksh," the queen of Udaipur said, her voice gentle yet firm. "We know she's in good hands with you."

Ekanksh nodded solemnly, a surge of determination coursing through him as he met their gaze. "I will protect her with my life, Your Majesty," he vowed, his voice unwavering. "You have my word."

The monarchs of Jodhpur stepped forward, their expressions grave as they addressed Ekanksh. "You have our gratitude as well, Ekanksh," the king of Jodhpur said, his voice filled with sincerity. "We are indebted to you for your kindness and care towards Vamika."

Ekanksh inclined his head in acknowledgment, his eyes never leaving Vamika's face as he watched her parents and the monarchs of Jodhpur bid her farewell. He felt a sense of responsibility settle over him like a heavy cloak, his determination to protect and cherish Vamika only growing stronger with each passing moment.

As the royal visitors departed, leaving Vamika to rest and recover in peace, Ekanksh felt a renewed sense of purpose wash over him. He knew that the road ahead would be filled with challenges and obstacles, but with Vamika by his side, he was ready to face whatever came their way.

Turning back to Vamika, Ekanksh's heart swelled with love and devotion for the woman lying before him. He vowed to stand by her, to protect her and cherish her for all eternity, no matter what trials they may face. And as he settled into his role as her guardian and protector, he knew that their love would be strong enough to withstand anything that the world threw at them.