For us ✔️

Unexpected Affection

Rukmini was getting ready for her boutique when she heard a familiar voice from downstairs. She finished getting ready and quickly headed downstairs as a smile crept onto her face. Soon after, she saw Raman. He had arrived to take her father, Mr. Achyut Ghosh, with him as an important meeting was being held in the office regarding the warehouse. They departed as soon as her father came downstairs. Rukmini had her breakfast and bid goodbye to her mother before leaving home. The streets were filled with people buying and selling goods, along with the murmurs and bargains of shopkeepers with their customers.

"What happened in the British office yesterday, any news?" Major Achyut Ghosh asked.

Raman replied, "They're planning to burn the Samiti of Dhaka as revenge."

"Good, then we can inform them to escape from the building and shift to my secret office," the Major suggested as Raman went to inform them.

Rukmini's thoughts were roaming around him as her feet made their way through the busy streets of Dhaka. All the pollution and the crowd turned mute as she walked past them. Yesterday's incidents were unexpected for her, yet they brought happiness and a wave of calmness to her heart.

**FLASHBACK**

They both stepped into the British office as Raman reasoned with the guard, saying he had important information for the General Viceroy and introduced Rukmini as the daughter of Major Achyut Ghosh. Being allowed by the guard, they tiptoed towards the General's chamber as they heard his voice.

"Tomorrow at 12:30 am, burn the Dhaka branch of Samiti," the General ordered as his assistant nodded in approval. "And also, I will make sure that no one escapes from the fire. Those foolish Indian fellows should understand where they belong." He continued with a smirk plastered on his face.

The assistant left the place as the General got back to his work. Calmness filled their surroundings but was ruined when Rukmini slipped. She was ready to hit the ground but was caught by a strong, muscular arm around her waist. Their eyes met, and her grip tightened around the hem of his uniform, while he felt the world stop around him. He couldn't do anything but stare at her, feeling as if a spell had been cast on him, making him unable to think of anything but her.

Meanwhile, her heart raced at the touch of his fingers on her bare back, sending shivers down her spine. Yet they felt at ease in each other's company. This moment lasted until they heard footsteps approaching.

The General asked Raman why he was there, and Raman handed him a letter from the military camp, written to distract him in case they got caught.

"Who is she?" the General asked Raman, noticing Rukmini standing behind him.

"Oh, she is... she is the daughter of Major Achyut Ghosh. He asked me to drop her home from botique" he replied.

"Okay, you can leave now," the General said as Raman saluted before leaving.

"Mr. Captain," Rukmini called out as he walked ahead of her. He halted his steps and turned to face her, annoyed.

"Because of you, today we could have been in trouble," he added as she shook her head in denial.

"No, it was because of you, Captain. I stepped on your shoes accidentally. It was not my fault," she stated innocently.

"Now walk fast. You have to reach your house; otherwise, your father may scold you," Raman said.

"He will not. I will tell him I went shopping with you. He trusts you more than me," Rukmini added, making Raman's eyes widen in horror.

Don't you dare say that. I am not allowed to roam with you. Your father may kill me if I do that," Raman stated.

"Then what are you doing? Leave me and go your own way," Rukmini told him, annoyed.

"You are so childish and stubborn. Don't talk to me. Be quiet till we reach," he spoke but was distracted by her previous words.

He wasn't sure why he was unable to move away from her whenever she was around. He was attracted to her presence yet shurgged his further thoughts as he dropped her at her house and walked towards the camp.