𝐍𝐚𝐲𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐚~ 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐄𝐩𝐢𝐭𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐎𝐟 𝐁𝐞𝐚𝐮𝐭𝐲||𝟏𝟖+

59. Romance Barrier.

Nayantara's POV

The moon hung like a silver pendant in the inky sky, casting a gentle glow over the palace. The corridors were hushed, save for the soft rustle of silk and whispered blessings. I walked gracefully through the quiet passage, my footsteps echoing faintly against the marble floor.

The wedding was done. Abhimanyu and Kashmira were married now. She was no longer just a guest from another kingdom or my best friend, but she was family. My sister-in-law.

All the guests were staying tonight and would leave tomorrow except King Avirath and his family. They already went back to their kingdom. They were ashamed and even apologised to us. Fortunately, The damage was not much as no one knew about the wedding of Prince Abhimanyu. So, Anirudh had chosen not to make a spectacle of it. He merely bid them farewell with quiet dignity.

I had just escorted Kashmira to Abhimanyu’s chamber. It was their wedding night.

Tonight was special. It was the beginning of a new chapter for them. And I just wished for a better future for them in which they would be happy together.

As I stepped into my chamber, I released a slow breath. Familiar. Warm. Mine.

The weight of the day pressed down on my shoulders. The last few days had been consumed by the whirlwind of wedding preparations. And tonight—tonight had been emotionally overwhelming. My body ached, not from pain, but from the sheer exhaustion of joy, stress, relief, and love.

I quietly made my way to the dressing area, unpinning the heavy dupatta that had been draped over my head all evening. My fingers were tired, my back slightly sore.

I changed into a soft attire. I brushed my hair slowly, letting it fall loose over my shoulders, and ran my hands once over my belly. Still flat. Still so surreal.

I was carrying life inside me.

A soft sound from the bed chamber pulled me from my thoughts.

As I stepped out of the dressing area, my eyes widened with surprise.

Anirudh was already there—reclining against the velvet cushions of our bed, waiting for me with a smile that melted every corner of my soul.

"You’re late," he teased, his voice low and affectionate.

I raised an eyebrow, walking toward him with a smile tugging at my lips.

"I escorted Kashmira to Abhimanyu's Chamber. She is a new bride, everything is sudden and new for her. It will take time for her to settle down in the new world."

"I thought you forgot about this world," he said, reaching for my hand and gesturing towards himself.

I let him pull me down beside him, nestling close.

"How could I? My whole world lives here."

I said looking into his eyes. He kissed the top of my head, lingering there for a moment. "How are you feeling?"

"Tired," I admitted, curling into his side, "but happy."

He wrapped his arms around me, one hand instinctively resting on my stomach as he caressed it with his palm.

"Today was a lot for you. Huh?"

I nodded my head, "Yes," I looked up at him resting my chin on his chest.

"Are you happy for Abhimanyu and Kashmira?" I asked.

"Yes, I'm happy for them." he answered. His voice calm but thoughtful.

Something about the tone of his voice made a question rise within me.

"Did you already know that something was going on between them?" I asked, brushing my fingers under his chin.