The absence of the Rakshasas and Danavas, who had departed for their respective realms, created an unusual emptiness in the palace. Many Daityas, hailing from distant lands, had also embarked on their homeward journeys, leaving behind an unusually quiet palace.
The intimate dining area of the Antahpura was a stark contrast to the grandeur of the main hall. Adorned with softer hues and adorned with delicate carvings, it exuded an atmosphere of tranquility.
Ajashakti was seated on an intricately carved seat, his legs crossed. His gaze was lost in the spectacle of the rain outside. His mind, however, was far removed from the present moment, lost in the labyrinth of thoughts.
A team of Daitya maids bustled about the room, their movements efficient and synchronized. Some carefully placed dishes of delectable delicacies on the ornate table, while others arranged goblets of wine with practiced ease. The aroma of roasted meat and exotic spices filled the air.
Ajashakti observed as the maids prepared the dining table, his gaze falling upon the empty seat opposite him. It was the customary place for the queen.
With a gentle wave of his hand, he interrupted their preparations. "Place the seat beside me," he instructed, his voice carrying a hint of authority. "On my left."
The maids, accustomed to his wishes, bowed in acknowledgment and proceeded to rearrange the table setting. The vacant seat was moved to his desired position. A small, expectant smile played on Ajashakti's lips as he waited for Anugamini's arrival.
Finally, the sound of approaching footsteps broke the silence. Anugamini entered the room, her presence illuminating the space. A retinue of Daitya attendants followed closely behind, their eyes downcast in deference to the royal couple.
Anugamini's gaze fell upon the dining table, a feast for the senses. A variety of meat dishes, cooked to perfection, adorned the table, their rich aromas filling the air. Goblets of wine, their color as deep as rubies, stood in elegant formation. A single glance was enough for Anugamini to recognize the nature of the feast. The food, rich and indulgent, was designed to increase Tamasic energy. To increase his Tamasic energy.
Diti's influence was evident in every aspect of the arrangement. A wave of anger and frustration surged through her, but she masked her emotions with a calm exterior.
Anugamini walked towards the dining table, her steps deliberate. Her eyes scanned the table, searching for a seat at the head.
"Here, my love," Ajashakti's voice, soft and inviting, broke the silence. He gestured towards the vacant seat beside him.
Anugamini offered a demure smile as she gracefully moved towards the indicated seat. With a gentle sway of her hips, she settled into the chair, her posture exuding an air of quiet elegance.
Ajashakti's gaze lingered on Anugamini, his eyes filled with a complex interplay of emotions. Love, admiration, and a subtle undercurrent of desire mingled in his gaze. His heart pounded with a familiar rhythm, a response to the woman who had captured his soul.
Ajashakti composed himself, his expression returning to its usual calm demeanor. "What would you like to have first, dearest ? The meat, the fruits, or perhaps a glass of wine to whet your appetite ?" he inquired, his voice gentle.
Anugamini hesitated, her eyes scanning the table. "I believe the fruits will suffice."
"Why only fruits?" Ajashakti asked, his voice laced with concern.
Anugamini hesitated, her gaze shifting away from his. "I... I'm not particularly fond of meat," she replied, her voice barely audible.
"Oh," Ajashakti muttered, confusion evident in his voice. He turned to the Daitya maids, his tone firm. "Prepare a meal to her liking, and do it quickly."
The maids bowed and scurried away to fulfill the king's command.
"There's no need for that trouble." Anugamini protested softly.
Ajashakti shook his head, his expression stern, "I cannot allow you to subsist on fruits alone."
His gaze then swept across the table, his expression hardening. With a decisive gesture, he turned to a nearby maid. "Take all this away," he commanded, his voice firm. "Distribute it among the servants." His tone brooked no argument.
The maid, startled by the king's sudden order, obeyed and began to clear the table. Anugamini's eyebrows were raised in surprise.
"Why are you doing this?" She asked, her voice soft but carrying a note of concern.
Ajashakti's gaze met hers, a determined look in his eyes. "How can I enjoy my meal when you are not eating ? I will only eat what you eat."
"You don't have to do this," Anugamini protested softly. "It's not a husband's obligation."
Ajashakti shook his head, a gentle smile playing on his lips. "Perhaps not," he admitted, "but it feels right."
A warm sensation spread through Anugamini as she met Ajashakti's gaze. In that fleeting moment, she glimpsed a shadow of Srinav within the powerful Daitya.
Ajashakti reached for a piece of fruit and leaned back in his chair, the soft cushions cradling him as he savored the sweet taste. Anugamini's gaze remained fixed on him, a mixture of emotions playing across her face.
Time seemed to pass slowly as Ajashakti and Anugamini shared a silent communion. The world outside seemed to fade into insignificance, replaced by the intimate space they shared.
Soon the daitya maids arrived once again with freshly cooked food. They carried trays laden with vegetarian delicacies, a fragrant assortment of colors and textures. With practiced efficiency, they placed the dishes on the table.
The Daitya maids served the couple with utmost care, placing delicate morsels on their plates. Anugamini's gaze fell on the array of vegetarian dishes, a sense of contentment washing over her.
Before she could reach for the food, Ajashakti's hand appeared, holding a piece of delicately cooked vegetable. Anugamini's heart skipped a beat as she looked into Ajashakti's eyes. The gesture, simple as it was, evoked a profound sense of familiarity. A wave of emotion washed over her, and her eyes began to mist over.
Ajashakti was equally surprised by his own actions. The gesture had been spontaneous, a reflection of the deep connection he felt with Anugamini. He had never offered food to anyone before taking his own first bite. The act, simple as it was, had revealed a vulnerability he had never known existed.
Anugamini took a small bite of the food from Ajashakti's hand, the taste a bittersweet reminder of the past. As she chewed, a tear escaped her eye, rolling down her cheek. Her expression was a mixture of sadness and longing.
"Why are you crying, little bud ?" He asked, his voice filled with concern.
Anugamini forced a chuckle, her voice trembling slightly. "It's the onion," she explained, her eyes still glistening with unshed tears.
"Oh," Ajashakti smiled, "Aren't you precious ?" With a gentle touch, he wiped away her tears with the back of his hand.
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A/NJitna bhi prayas karlo Diti, kuch cheeze nahi badalti 😌✨
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AJASHAKTI ANUGAMINI : An HHS Spinoff
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