RUDRADAMINI

The name on the back

Hey guys!!

Sorry for the late update since I was busy with the festival prep since a week!!

Here you go!! A new chapter!!

I hope you'll love it!!

Lots of love!!!

Damini POV -

The changing room beckoned, the large mirror reflecting the flickering light of the candles. I took slow, deliberate steps towards it, feeling like a moth drawn to a flame. My reflection stared back at me - my eyes wide and dark with excitement, my cheeks still flushed from the evening's events. The heavy necklace felt like a burden now, a reminder of the façade I had to maintain.

With trembling hands, I began to unhook the necklace, feeling the weight of it fall away. The fabric of my lehenga whispered against my skin as I lifted it over my head, revealing the soft silk blouse beneath. My eyes never left the mirror, watching as the woman I had become tonight shed her layers, one by one. The candlelight flickered, casting shadows that danced across my reflection, adding an air of mystery to the scene.

Finally, I reached up to the veil that had been anchored to the back of my head and removed it. It fell away, a river of silk cascading down my back. The coolness of the air kissed my bare skin, sending a shiver down my spine. I took a deep breath, feeling the anticipation coil in my stomach like a serpent ready to strike.

Turning slightly, I caught a glimpse of my reflection in the mirror. The mehendi on my hands was a beautiful mess of swirls and leaves, a stark contrast to the delicate lace of my blouse. But it was the unseen artwork that had my heart racing. Slowly, I twisted my torso, my eyes searching for the spot where Rudra's warm fingers had painted their secret message.

As I saw it, my breath hitched. There, on the rear of my left shoulder, just above the swell of my back, was an intricate design that could only be understood by those who knew to look. It was a declaration of love, a symbol of our bond that no one else would ever know about. The curves and lines intertwined to form something that looked like a heart, but with the sharp edges of a warrior's blade. It was the most beautiful thing I had ever seen.

As I undid the knot of my blouse, the fabric fell away to reveal my bare shoulder. I held my breath, my eyes locked on the reflection. Sliding down the left sleeve, the edge of the mehendi peeked out from beneath the fabric. My heart skipped a beat as I fully exposed my back, the artwork sprawling across my skin like a declaration of love etched in henna.

The sight of it made me gasp, the air in the room suddenly too thick to breathe. There, on the rear left shoulder, sprawling a little to the left shoulder blade , was a delicate heart, surrounded by a swirl of intricate vines and leaves that danced around it. Inside the heart, in a script so fine it was almost invisible, were the words

'रुद्रदामिनी'.

I felt a warmth spread through me, a warmth that had nothing to do with the mehendi paste. My eyes filled with tears as I touched the spot gently, feeling the still-damp henna stick to my fingertips.

Oh, Rudra, I whispered to my reflection, the love in her eyes as clear as the moon outside. It's so beautiful

The room was silent, save for the distant sounds of the wedding party. I could almost hear the thunderous beat of my own heart echoing off the walls. I turned to face the mirror fully, my eyes searching for any sign of the warrior who had left her mark on me. It was as if she were standing right beside me, her hand guiding me through this moment of pure, unbridled passion.

I stared at the mirror, my eyes tracing the pattern over and over again.

Rudra, I whispered her name like a prayer, feeling the warmth of her touch still on my skin. I love you so much.