AADRIKA : The writer of the story

Chapter 5 : Suspicious

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Aadrika's eyes were sharp and focused, her every move calculated with precision. She stepped forward smoothly, swinging her sword in a swift arc. Rudra, unprepared for her speed, barely managed to block, his feet stumbling backward. Her strikes were swift, each blow a testament to her refined skill. As her blade met his with powerful precision, Rudra found himself forced to retreat with every step.

She moved around him with the grace of a predator circling its prey, her sword a blur of motion. Each time Rudra attempted to land a blow, Aadrika dodged effortlessly, countering with fluid, confident strikes that left him struggling to keep up. Her movements were a seamless dance of attack and defense, and it was clear who held the upper hand.

Aadrika smirked, her confidence radiating with every precise movement. With a final, swift motion, she disarmed him, sending his sword clattering to the ground. Rudra stood there, breathing heavily, his eyes wide in disbelief. Aadrika’s blade rested lightly against his throat, her smirk deepening as she basked in her victory.

"Oh! Did I just win?" she mocked, her tone dripping with sarcasm as she gave a dramatic, fake gasp.

Rudra’s face turned crimson with a mix of anger and humiliation. His jaw clenched tightly, his fury barely contained. The hatred in his eyes was palpable as he stood frozen, powerless before her.

Aadrika withdrew her sword, the smirk never leaving her face. Her hazel eyes gleamed with satisfaction, and the small, victorious curve of her lips hinted at the amusement she felt in watching him squirm. Raising one eyebrow in a mixture of confidence and mockery, she took a step closer, her posture calm but dominating.

"Looks like your blade wasn’t as quick as your tongue," she said, her voice steady, each word deliberate. "Perhaps next time, you’ll think twice before crossing swords with me."

Her calm tone carried an underlying threat that made Rudra flinch slightly. He was well aware of her abilities, but his jealousy and hatred for her often clouded his judgment. He hated the way she remained so composed, so unaffected by his anger, but it only fueled his desire to surpass her. Yet, as she turned her back on him and walked toward the exit, he knew he had been bested once again.

Rudra's eyes, dark with frustration, followed Aadrika as she left the practice area. His voice, low and simmering with resentment, slipped through clenched teeth. "It's not that easy to defeat Rudra Singh Pratap," he muttered under his breath, watching her figure disappear from view.

*****

As Aadrika made her way out of the practice area, a pair of light brown eyes observed her every move from behind the blood-red curtains of a nearby window. The sharp glint in those eyes reflected a mixture of curiosity and something darker before they disappeared into the shadows.

Aadrika, her steps poised and deliberate, halted abruptly as a familiar figure came rushing toward her. Diya, the young girl who served as her companion, was running in such a frenzy that she tripped on the carpet. Before Diya could fall, Aadrika swiftly caught her by the shoulder, preventing her from hitting the floor.

"Careful, Diya," Aadrika said, her tone steady as she supported the younger girl.

Diya opened her eyes slowly, her breath coming in short gasps as she realized how close she had come to falling. Her face was flushed with both embarrassment and exertion.

"Raj... Rajkumari..." Diya stammered, her voice breaking from the strain of running.

Aadrika, still holding her shoulder gently, looked at her with calm concern. "First, breathe. Then speak," she instructed.

Diya took several deep breaths, her chest rising and falling rapidly as she tried to regain her composure.

"Now, tell me what's wrong," Aadrika prompted, her hazel eyes softening with patience.

"Rani Sahiba... she was asking for your presence," Diya blurted out, her words tumbling over each other. "She... she might know about your visit to Rajkumar Rudra. I... I shouldn't have told you... She might be upset..."

Diya’s voice grew more panicked as she continued, her anxiety apparent. Aadrika, sensing the younger girl’s distress, gave her a reassuring shake by the shoulders, bringing her attention back to the present.

"Diya, calm down," Aadrika said in her usual composed tone. "You didn’t do anything wrong. Don’t be afraid."

Although Diya still looked nervous, Aadrika's steady presence seemed to relax her somewhat. She nodded, albeit hesitantly, a flicker of relief crossing her face.

"I suppose I shouldn’t keep her waiting," Aadrika said, her voice soft but resolute. "She’s probably worried."

With a brief nod to Diya, Aadrika left, making her way toward the queen's chambers.

*****

Stepping inside the grand chamber of Rani Sahiba, Aadrika’s sharp hazel eyes took in every detail. The room was a marvel of opulence, its beauty reflecting the queen's unmatched elegance and power. In the center, a magnificent bed with delicate, flowing curtains dominated the space. Rich tapestries adorned the walls, depicting scenes from history and the queen's reign. A chandelier glittered from above, casting a warm glow that accentuated the room's golden accents.

By the window, a plush armchair overlooked a serene, private lake, reserved exclusively for the king and queen. It was a peaceful spot for quiet contemplation, yet Aadrika couldn't shake the unease that had settled in her mind.

The queen was nowhere to be seen.

Stepping out of the chamber, Aadrika spotted a passing maid.

"Suniye, Maa kaha hain?" she asked, her voice carrying the authority of her status.

"Rajkumari, Rani Sahiba Raja Sahib se Milne gayi hain," the maid replied, bowing slightly.

Aadrika nodded in understanding, but as she turned away, her brow furrowed with concern.

Why would she meet Pitaji now? she thought, her mind racing. Something about the timing felt off, and a nagging suspicion crept into her thoughts. Was this part of the story unfolding, or was there more at play?

She shook her head, trying to clear her mind of doubts. As she hurried back to her chamber, she muttered under her breath, "I really need my mind to relax."

With a sigh, Aadrika rubbed her forehead, feeling the weight of the unknown pressing on her.

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