The Promised Queen

𝓉𝒽𝒾𝓇𝓉𝑒𝑒𝓃

Hruday

My blood was boiling as I stormed out of the party, feeling like a fool for letting my jealousy get the best of me. But then, I overheard a conversation—a voice mentioning Ridhima's name. I paused, hidden in the shadows, listening intently. Despite my anger, concern for Ridhima pierced through.

"The job was done, Rani-Sa. Expect Ridhima Bai-Sa to be on the newspaper tomorrow morning." The voice said, a hint of laughter laced in his voice. Panic surged within me. I couldn't leave now, not when I suspected someone might be planning something against her.

Swallowing my pride, I turned back and marched into the party. I scanned the room, my senses on high alert.

The party buzzed around me, but my focus narrowed as I re-entered, my eyes scanning the room for Ridhima. My heart skipped a beat when I spotted her standing at a distance, her hand pressed against the wall for support. She looked unwell, her usually vibrant demeanor replaced by a pale, strained expression.

I hurried over to her, my footsteps quick and purposeful.

"Ridhima, what's wrong?" I asked, my voice laced with worry. She turned to me, her eyes wide with surprise and confusion.

"I... I don't know," she stammered, her voice weak and uncertain. "I just feel... off."

"Come on, let's get out of here," I said, gently guiding her away from the crowd.

But Ridhima shook her head stubbornly, insisting, "No, I'm fine. It's probably just... the heat or something."

I frowned, not convinced by her reassurances. "Ridhima, you don't look fine. Please, let's go."

Ridhima managed a weak smile. "I'm fine, Hruday. Really."

But before I could respond, she suddenly swayed, her eyes fluttering. I lunged forward, catching her just in time as she collapsed into my arms. As I caught Ridhima in my arms, I could feel the weight of her body against mine, and my heart clenched with worry.

"Ridhima!" I called her name, my voice thick with worry. She didn't respond, her breathing shallow and uneven.

"Inform the medical wing! Now!" My voice carried to my bodyguards as one of them hurried off and out of the ballroom.

I cradled Ridhima against me, my arms wrapped protectively around her. Her head rested against my chest; her skin clammy to the touch. I brushed a stray lock of hair from her forehead, my heart pounding with fear. Ignoring the concerned murmurs around us, I carried her swiftly out of the room and towards the medical wing of the hotel. Every step felt heavy with anxiety, my mind racing with fear for Ridhima's well-being.

I settled her gently onto a nearby bed, her hand still clasped tightly in mine. She looked so fragile lying there, her breathing shallow and uneven.

The doctors and nurses swarmed around Ridhima, whisking her away for further treatment. I stood by helplessly, my mind racing with worry.

Time passed as I waited anxiously for news, my thoughts consumed by Ridhima's well-being. Finally, a doctor approached me, his expression grave.

"She's stable, but after running some tests we found traces of sedatives in her system," the doctor informed me, his voice gentle yet serious.

My blood ran cold at the words. Someone had intentionally drugged her. Anger surged within me, hot and fierce, as I clenched my jaw, struggling to contain my fury.

The doctor shook his head sympathetically. "I'm not sure who would do such a thing, but we're doing everything we can to help her recover."

I nodded; my fists clenched at my sides. I couldn't bear the thought of someone hurting Ridhima like this. She was innocent, kind-hearted, and undeserving of such cruelty.