CHAPTER 28

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As they ventured deeper into the forest, Ajashakti couldn't help but steal glances at Anugamini. Her hand, warm and soft, was clasped tightly in his, a comforting connection that bridged the gap between them.

Anugamini, her eyes wide with wonder, took in the sights of the forest. The towering trees, the vibrant undergrowth, the dappled sunlight filtering through the canopy - everything was a source of fascination for her. Ajashakti's heart melted at the sight of her innocence.

It was a sensation he had experienced before, a connection that resonated deep within him. But the source of this familiarity remained elusive, a puzzle he couldn't quite solve.

Suddenly Anugamini's eyes lit up as she spotted the vibrant flower bushes. Her pace quickened, her steps filled with a childlike eagerness. Ajashakti watched her from a distance, a curious glint. He was intrigued by her fascination with the simple things of nature.

He watched with a warm smile as Anugamini carefully plucked the wildflowers. Her eyes closed as she inhaled their sweet fragrance, a blissful expression on her face. A moment later, she turned to him, a bouquet of vibrant colors held in her hands.

"I'll keep these in our room," she said, her voice filled with joy.

Ajashakti's gaze lingered on the bouquet of wildflowers, his eyes filled with a mixture of admiration and longing. He turned to Anugamini, his voice soft and tender. "Haven't I stolen the most beautiful flower ?"

"You're silly." Anugamini's cheeks flushed a deep crimson as she turned away, her eyes downcast.

Ajashakti chuckled, his heart filled with a warm affection, "I said nothing but the truth, little bud."

Anugamini chuckled, her eyes sparkling with mischief. She turned and ran, her laughter echoing through the forest.

"Wait ! Stop !" he called out, his voice filled with playful urgency.

The two of them raced through the forest, their laughter mingling with the sounds of nature. Anugamini's nimble feet carried her through the undergrowth, her long garments flowing behind her like a stream of sunlight. Ajashakti, despite his imposing stature and formidable strength, found himself struggling to keep pace with Anugamini. Her nimble movements, her agility, seemed almost supernatural. Though he was a warrior of unmatched power, she danced through the forest with a grace that defied his attempts to catch her.

Soon Anugamini, her laughter fading into a soft chuckle, disappeared into the depths of the forest. She moved with a practiced agility, weaving through the dense undergrowth and hiding behind towering trees. A knowing smile played on her lips as she watched Ajashakti from her concealed position.

Ajashakti, his breath heavy from the chase, eventually emerged from the forest. He looked around, his eyes scanning the undergrowth in search of Anugamini. But she was nowhere to be seen. A mix of frustration and amusement crossed his face.

"Anugamini !" he shouted, his voice carried by the gentle breeze. But there was no response, only the rustling of leaves and the distant chirping of birds.

He pressed on, his steps quickening as he searched for his elusive companion. The forest, once a source of joy and adventure, now seemed to taunt him with its silence. Ajashakti's heart pounded in his chest as he continued to call out for her.

"Come out, my dear." His voice grew more insistent, but still, there was no answer.

His voice echoed through the forest, a desperate plea that hung heavy in the still air. A sense of panic began to creep into his mind. Where had she gone ? Had she gotten lost ? His mind raced with a thousand possibilities, each one more terrifying than the last. The initial thrill of the chase had evaporated, replaced by a growing sense of panic.

"Anugamini !" He called out her name again, his voice filled with urgency. Still, there was no answer.

Ajashakti's steps quickened, his gaze scanning the undergrowth with a frantic intensity. His heart pounded in his chest, a drumbeat of fear. His grip on his bow tightened, the wood creaking beneath his powerful fingers.

His voice, once filled with playful banter, now carried a raw urgency. "Anugamini ! Come out please !" he shouted, his voice echoing through the forest. "Where are you ?"

His eyes darted around, frantically scanning the undergrowth. The once peaceful forest now felt like a hostile environment, a labyrinth of shadows and hidden dangers.

"Anugamini !" he shouted again, his voice filled with desperation. "Please, answer me !"

"Asur-raj ?" Her soft voice fell on his ears.

Ajashakti turned, his eyes searching the undergrowth. There, standing amidst the trees, was Anugamini. A sigh of relief left him.

Ajashakti walked towards her, his expression a mix of relief and exasperation. "Where did you go ?" he demanded, his voice stern..

Anugamini innocently said, "I heard the sound of water and went to quench my thirst. There was a small pond nearby."

Ajashakti groaned, his frustration evident. He facepalmed, his hand covering his eyes in exasperation. He just pulled Anugamini towards him, his arms wrapping around her tightly. Her small frame was engulfed by his embrace.

"You had me terrified, Anugamini. For a moment, I thought I had lost you. You cannot do such things to me." His voice trembled slightly.

A surge of emotion washed over him, a cocktail of love and infatuation. He was drawn to her like a moth to a flame, his desire for her growing with each passing moment. His heart pounded in his chest, a rhythm that echoed the intensity of his feelings. His touch, gentle yet possessive, lingered on her waist.

In his arms, Anugamini smiled rather victoriously. She reached out, her fingers tracing the strands of his long, dark hair.

"I'm sorry." She whispered, "I won't do it again."

Ajashakti pulled away, and at that moment she quickly changed her expression. The victorious smile was replaced by a look of guilt, her eyes downcast. Ajashakti's gaze softened, his fingers traced the delicate lines of her face, a gentle caress that belied the intensity of his emotions.

"You must never venture alone," he said, his voice low and husky. "You are delicate, like a flower. If anything were to happen to you, I... I would not be able to live."

Anugamini stared into Ajashakti's fiery orange eyes, her heart pounding in her chest. The intensity of his gaze, the passion in his voice, sent a thrill of excitement through her.

Ajashakti, breaking the silence, held her forearm gently, and said, "We must return. The sun is setting, and the clouds are gathering."

"But my legs are aching." She complained, secretly determined to not walk her way. "Can we rest here for a while ?"

Ajashakti glanced at the sky, his eyes scanning the darkening clouds. "We should return before the rain starts," he said, his voice firm.

However, his gaze lingered on Anugamini, her tired expression a stark contrast to the playful energy she had displayed earlier. Without waiting for a response, he reached out and scooped her up into his arms. Anugamini gasped, her body instinctively tightening around him.

Ajashakti carried Anugamini through the forest, his steps sure and steady. Her cheeks flushed with a mixture of embarrassment and excitement. Her legs dangled loosely, her head resting against his shoulder. Her heart pounded in her chest, a rhythmic beat that matched the steady pace of their movement.

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A/N

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