TIMELESS TEMPTATION

Chapter 23

A shaft of sunlight speared through the canopy, dappling the forest floor where Tara sat by the edge of the cool, inviting pond. She dipped her toes into the water, the gentle current sending a shiver up her legs. The memory of their playful afternoon swim with Nakul and Arjuna danced in her mind, a blush creeping up her cheeks.

Suddenly, a sharp pang of discomfort lanced through her right breast. It was a fleeting pain, but enough to jolt her out of her reverie. She frowned, pressing a hand to the spot. This wasn't normal. Back in the 21st century, she'd occasionally dealt with premenstrual cramps, but this felt different – a localized ache, not a dull ache in her lower abdomen.

A wave of unease washed over her. The unorthodox life they were leading, the constant vigilance, the unfamiliar foods – could it be something she'd eaten? Or was it a consequence of the emotional turmoil she'd been experiencing?

Uncertainty gnawed at her. She knew the limitations of their situation. There were no doctors here, no pharmacies stocked with over-the-counter pain relievers. A small, anxious voice whispered in the back of her mind – what if it was something serious?

Taking a deep breath, Tara decided to confide in Nakul . He was the more approachable of the two, the one she felt a more comfortable connection with. Besides, his connection with animals might extend to offering some insight.

Standing up, she brushed a stray leaf off her tunic and headed back towards the hut. As she rounded a bend in the path, she saw Nakul emerge, a basket overflowing with fresh berries balanced on his shoulder. Relief flooded her.

"Nakul," she called out, her voice tinged with urgency.

He turned, a surprised smile lighting up his face when he saw her. The smile faltered slightly as he noticed the worry etched on her brow. "What's wrong, Tara?" he asked, his concern evident.

Tara's apprehension deepened as Nakul set down his basket, his brow furrowed with concern. "I... I've been feeling a strange pain in my chest," she stammered, her voice barely above a whisper.

Nakul's eyes widened momentarily before softening with understanding. "Don't worry, Tara," he reassured her, his voice gentle. "Let me take a look."

Hesitantly, Tara followed him back to the hut. She knew Nakula was skilled with a sword and bow, but the idea of him examining her discomfort felt...unfamiliar. However, his concern was genuine, and she had nowhere else to turn.

Inside the hut, Nakul gestured for her to sit on a pile of animal skins. He knelt before her, his eyes seeking hers. "Where exactly is the pain?" he asked, his voice low.

Tara pointed to the spot on her right breast. Nakul cupped his hand over the area, his touch warm and surprisingly light. He closed his eyes, his brow furrowing in concentration.

Moments ticked by, filled with a tense silence. Tara watched him, a mix of apprehension and curiosity swirling within her. She knew Nakul possessed certain skills beyond those of a warrior, but she never imagined this.

Finally, Nakul opened his eyes, a peculiar glint in them. "Tara," he began, his voice laced with a hint of awe, "there's something... unusual happening."

Tara's breath hitched. "What do you mean?" she whispered, dread creeping into her voice.

"You're lactating," he declared, his voice soft but firm.

Tara's jaw dropped. Lactating? But that was impossible! She wasn't pregnant. There was no way. A surge of panic washed over her, replacing the dull ache in her chest with a cold knot of fear.

Sensing her distress, Nakul squeezed her hand gently. "Don't worry, Tara," he soothed. "I don't understand it completely, but it seems your body is preparing to nourish a child."

"But I'm not pregnant!" she exclaimed, her voice rising in desperation.

Nakul shook his head, a thoughtful expression on his face. "Perhaps not in the traditional sense," he admitted. "Remember, I mentioned I studied Vaidya with Yog Vyas? It could be something related to that... a side effect of our marriage ceremony."

A sliver of hope flickered in Tara's heart. Maybe Nakul was right. Maybe this wasn't a sign of a bizarre pregnancy, but a strange consequence of their unique situation.

A sliver of hope flickered in Tara's heart. Maybe Nakula was right. Maybe this wasn't a sign of a bizarre pregnancy, but a strange consequence of their unique situation.

"What do we do?" she asked, her voice trembling slightly.

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Guys would you like if I write in hindi as well or in English only?
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