"And in her smile I see something more beautiful than the stars."
Dev
The moment I stepped out of my room, freshly dressed, I noticed a helper carrying a tray of food toward Ruhanika’s room. I froze in surprise for a moment. That room was practically next door to mine. Why would Maa assign her a room on this side of the mansion, knowing full well it was my private haven?
This side of the estate was my retreat—a space I zealously guarded for its peace and solitude. It housed my office, my library (a sanctuary for my late-night reading), my personal garden, and a few other rooms that rarely saw use. No one ventured here unless absolutely necessary, aware of my penchant for quiet.
Yet, despite the unexpected invasion of my sanctuary, I felt an odd sense of relief. Ruhanika, in such close proximity, was an idea I didn’t mind. Perhaps, even welcomed.
I called out to the helper, startling her. “Give it to me. I’ll take that to her.”
Her reaction was puzzling. She froze momentarily, her wide eyes flickering with disbelief. Perhaps she thought she misheard me.
“I said give it to me,” I repeated firmly. This time, she placed the tray in my hands, muttering something incoherent under her breath before practically running away.
I shook my head, bemused. Why the urgency to flee? It wasn’t as if I’d harm her—at least not without good reason. Unless, of course, she made a mistake worth my wrath.
Balancing the tray, I approached Rooh’s door and rapped lightly. “Come in,” her soft voice called from the other side.
The moment I entered, my heart sank. There she was, sitting on the bed, her normally vibrant complexion alarmingly pale, her eyes heavy with exhaustion. A pang of anxiety shot through me as I strode toward her.
Without a word, I leaned in and placed my palm against her forehead. It was burning. She was running a high fever.
“Why didn’t you call someone?” I scolded gently, barely masking my concern. “And why didn’t you dry your hair?”
She avoided my gaze, her lips pressed into a stubborn line. I sighed, grabbing a towel. I carefully dried her damp hair, all the while feeling her eyes fixed on me. Her unwavering gaze stirred something in me, making my heart race in ways I didn’t want to admit.
Once her hair was dry, I sat beside her and began feeding her. She complied without argument, eating quietly as I stole glances at her pale face. Afterward, I handed her the medication she needed, and she took it obediently, her silence making her look far more vulnerable than usual.
When she finished, I tucked her into bed, smoothing the blanket over her. She looked fragile, a stark contrast to her usual fiery self. The sight unsettled me, making me want to protect her all the more.
I propped myself up against the headboard and gently began massaging her scalp. My fingers raked through her silky strands, coaxing her into relaxation. I hated seeing her like this—weak and unwell. The thought gnawed at me.
To my surprise, she shifted slightly and rested her head in my lap. My body froze, unsure how to react. Slowly, pride swelled within me. She trusted me enough to seek comfort like this.
A small smile tugged at my lips as I continued to stroke her hair, savoring the warmth of the moment. Her breathing slowed, becoming soft and even, signaling that she’d drifted off to sleep.
I stayed there, admiring her peaceful expression. Time seemed to blur as I watched her, her vulnerability tugging at emotions I hadn’t felt in years. Eventually, my own exhaustion caught up with me, and my eyes fluttered shut.
YOU ARE READING
Beyond Destiny ~ A Saga Of Timeless Love
Random"We shouldn't play with fire, Rooh," He spoke near my ears, pecking my jawline. I was breathing erratically unable to encompass my perturbation. "What if I want to play with it?" I said, my voice sensual, subduing my thudding heart. His hand went t...
