Beneath The Rajvanshi Crown Chapter -10

The silence between them is companionable, broken only by the occasional sound of the wind outside. Rudra leans back, picking up a piece of kachori, his demeanor relaxed.

ML:-Rudra Rajvanshi

(breaking the silence) "You're handling all this very calmly, considering how the evening unfolded."

FL Ishani Maheshwari

(laughing lightly) "It comes with the territory. As a doctor, we're trained to stay composed in unexpected situations."

ML:-Rudra Rajvanshi

(smirking) "Impressive. Most people would've panicked, stranded in the middle of nowhere."

FL Ishani Maheshwari

(Teasing) "Maybe it helps having the great Rana Sa of Rajasthan around. Who would dare feel unsafe with you here?"

Rudra chuckles, the warmth in his laugh a stark contrast to his usual stern demeanor.

ML:-Rudra Rajvanshi

(mock-serious) "That's true. But trust me, being 'Rana Sa' isn't always as easy as it seems."

FL Ishani Maheshwari

(curious) Really? You seem to handle everything so effortlessly.

Rudra's smile fades slightly, his expression growing thoughtful. He looks into his cup as though weighing his words.

ML:-Rudra Rajvanshi

(quietly) Effortless isn't the same as easy. Power comes with its own burdens...and sacrifices. :)

Ishani notices the fleeting shadow of vulnerability in his eyes, and her curiosity deepens. She sets her cup down.

FL Ishani Maheshwari

(gently) You don't have to talk about it if you don't want to, but...sometimes, sharing the burden helps.

Rudra looks at her, surprised by her empathy. Before he can respond, a gust of wind rattles the windows, and the lights flicker briefly.

ML:-Rudra Rajvanshi

(standing up) Let me check on the generator. You stay here.

FL Ishani Maheshwari

Wait, let me come with you.

ML:-Rudra Rajvanshi

(smiling faintly) Don't worry. It's just a short check. You're safer here.

As Rudra leaves the room, Ishani leans back against the sofa, her mind buzzing with thoughts about the man who seems so invincible yet so deeply human. A small smile plays on her lips, but there's a trace of concern too.

Outside, Rudra checks the generator, his thoughts wandering back to Ishani. Her warmth and calmness seem to chip away at the walls he's built around himself. He fixes the generator, and the lights stabilize.

ML:-Rudra Rajvanshi

(muttering to himself) She's...different.

As he heads back to the living room, he can't help but wonder if meeting Ishani is the beginning of something that could change his life forever.

Rudra returns to the living room after fixing the generator. He settles back on the sofa, his gaze drifting to Ishani as she sips her tea. His sharp eyes catch the faint scar on her wrist, and curiosity flickers across his face.

ML:-Rudra Rajvanshi

(gently) Dr. Maheshwari, if you don't mind me asking... how did you get that scar on your wrist?

Ishani freezes for a moment, her fingers instinctively brushing against the scar. Her expression changes, a hint of fear and discomfort flashing across her face.

FL Ishani Maheshwari

(quickly) Oh, it's nothing, Rana Sa. Just an old injury... nothing worth talking about. (she forces a smile and changes the topic)

FL Ishani Maheshwari

The tea is wonderful, by the way. Did you always know how to make such great tea?

Rudra senses her unease but chooses not to press further. Before he can respond, his phone buzzes on the table.

Ishani notices the screen light up, displaying the name "Princess." Her smile falters slightly as she picks up the phone and hands it to him.

FL Ishani Maheshwari

(softly) Your phone, Rana Sa.

ML:-Rudra Rajvanshi

(takes the phone and answers) Hey, Princess. I know it's late, but what can I do? My jeep broke down, and I had to stop at the farmhouse. Yeah, yeah, don't worry. I'll be back soon.

He ends the call, placing the phone back on the table.

Ishani looks away, trying to mask the inexplicable heaviness in her heart. She scolds herself silently.

FL Ishani Maheshwari

(To herself) Why am I feeling bad? We just met today. It's perfectly normal for Rana Sa to have a girlfriend. But... why does it bother me so much?

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