LUST ROYALE

Chapter-5

------Chapter-5-------

As the wedding day approached, the air in Udaipur was thick with anticipation. The grand palace was adorned with flowers, lights, and the sounds of laughter filled every corner. But Nandita couldn't shake the heaviness in her chest. Her empire was at risk, and despite the smiles she wore, her mind was constantly calculating her next move.

In the midst of all this, Ekaksh had grown bolder. His subtle advances had turned into pointed questions, and though Nandita deflected them with ease, she could sense his growing determination to uncover her secrets.

Later that evening, after the mehendi ceremony, Nandita slipped away from the crowd and found herself standing on one of the palace balconies, gazing out at the moonlit lake below. The stillness of the night was a sharp contrast to the chaos in her mind.

Just as she was beginning to gather her thoughts, a voice interrupted her solitude.

"I wondered where you disappeared to."

She didn't need to turn around to recognize the voice. Ekaksh had a way of finding her when she least expected it.

"I'm just taking a break," she replied, keeping her tone neutral.

He came closer, standing beside her, his eyes scanning her face for any sign of emotion. "You've been distant all evening."

"I have a lot on my mind. The wedding preparations, the hospital, and other things."

"Other things?" Ekaksh's voice had an edge to it, as if he already knew the answer but wanted to hear it from her.

Nandita didn't respond. She couldn't afford to let him in, not when she was so close to being exposed.

Ekaksh studied her for a long moment before speaking again. "You can trust me, you know. Whatever it is you're hiding, I won't judge you."

She turned to face him, her eyes cold. "You don't know anything about me, Ekaksh. Don't pretend like you do."

He smiled slightly, undeterred by her icy demeanor. "Maybe not everything. But I know enough to be sure that you're not just a doctor running a successful business. There's more to you, Nandita. And I intend to find out what it is."

Nandita's heart raced, but she couldn't show weakness. She straightened up, her voice firm. "Be careful, Ekaksh. Curiosity can be dangerous."

"I'm willing to take that risk," he said, his voice low. "Are you?"

For a moment, they stood there in silence, the tension between them palpable. Then, without another word, Nandita turned and walked away, leaving Ekaksh alone on the balcony, his eyes following her until she disappeared into the shadows.

The day of the wedding dawned bright and beautiful, but Nandita's mood was anything but. The situation with the rival gang had escalated overnight, and her underworld contacts had informed her of a potential attack during the wedding itself. The timing couldn't have been worse. She had to protect Inaya and her family while also keeping her own empire safe.

As she helped Inaya get ready in the bridal suite, her mind was racing with plans. She had posted extra security around the palace, but she knew that if her enemies wanted to strike, they would find a way.

"Nandu, you okay?" Inaya's voice broke through her thoughts.

Nandita forced a smile. "Of course, Inu. You're the bride, remember? All eyes should be on you today."

Inaya grinned, her excitement contagious. "I can't believe this is really happening. I'm so nervous."

"You'll be fine," Nandita reassured her, adjusting her dupatta. "Vidyut's a good man. He'll take care of you."