We stood so close that the air between us felt warm, our eyes locked with a desire that neither of us tried to hide; sometimes his gaze dipped to my lips, and I knew mine did the same. Just when the tension was about to break, someone cleared their throat loudly behind us.

We jerked our heads, finding Rudra Mamayya ( uncle) and Sreehan standing there with the exact same done, fed-up expression on their faces.

"Sorry to interrupt, but this is the training area love birds," Sreehan said, looking around the room like he couldn't believe what he was seeing.

"So what," Adhvay smirked at me, not even pretending to be embarrassed.

Rudra Mama stepped toward me slowly, worry in his eyes , "How are you doing, Myra? Is everything alright?"

Before I could answer, Adhvay cut in saying,

"She is with me. Nothing can harm her, Rudra uncle."

I gave Mama a small smile and said, "I am good, Mama."

Sreehan rolled his eyes , "Bro, I know you are newly wed and all, but did you forget about the meeting today?" reminding him of the political gathering he was supposed to attend.

"I didn't forget," Adhvay replied, clearly annoyed.

I turned to him and asked softly, "Should I come with you?"

Adhvay looked at me with that mix of irritation and possessiveness , "Myra... you are not my bodyguard anymore. You are my wife..... You are Queen of Amarvathi."

I noticed the proud look on Rudra mama's face when Adhvay said those words.

________

We reached our chamber . Adhvay got ready in a formal all-black tuxedo . He looked like pure power_ sharp, controlled, dangerous in the most breathtaking way.

His aura fills the room before he even steps inside, his eyes carries the kind of authority that didn't need an introduction; he looked like he was born to rule. My gaze followed him without my permission, tracing every movement as he walked toward the mirror, adjusting his collar with that quiet confidence.

He caught my reflection in the mirror and smirked, his voice low and teasing,

"I know I am hot, Myra...but if you want to say it....just say it. Nothing is more satisfying than listening to you compliment me."

His words sent a warm flush through me, turning my cheeks pink . He knew exactly what he did to me and he enjoyed every second of it.

"Who said you are hot? Adhvay...," I challenged him, matching his teasing tone even though my pulse was already racing.

He froze, slowly turning toward me, and the second he started walking in my direction I knew I was doomed; adrenaline filled my veins with every step he took, I recognized the danger .

He reached me, closed his hand firmly around the nape of my neck, and pulled me into his heat.

"Did you forget the night of our wedding?" he murmured, his breath brushing my lips.

A sudden wave of heat shot through my body as I remembered the night , burning me from inside out.

Then he leaned even closer and whispered with a wicked wink,

"You think I'm not hot, yet you dripped all over my fingers, sweetheart."

This time a sharp flare of anger and embarrassment twisted in my stomach, and I raised my hand to slap him again, but he caught it effortlessly, his grip unshakably strong.

"You forgot our deal, little storm?" he whispered, brushing his lips against mine in a slow, teasing touch that stole my breath.

"I said whenever you're angry... just kiss me."

And he kissed me, without any warning , with a hunger that devoured my lips. His grip stayed firm on the back of my neck while his other hand slid down to my hip, holding me in my place.

The room, the silence, the tension between us-everything connected to him set my desires on fire, awakening a side of me I never even imagined I was capable of feeling, a side that only he could pull out of me without trying.

When he finally broke the kiss, his breath was uneven, warm against my skin, and he rested his lips on my forehead before whispering,

"I'll be back by evening. You can do whatever you want. If you want to go out, just tell Sreehan -he'll arrange the security."

He pulled me into a tight hug, and for a moment I didn't want to let him go, didn't want the warmth of his hold to leave my body.

But I forced a smile and said excitedly,

"I will have fun with Sreehan then."

He walked toward the door, adjusting the arch of his watch around his wrist , and without even looking back he said,

"You can, wifey...but if I see anything that irritates me, get ready for your punishment....."

Then he turned his head, eyes burning into mine as his voice dropped even lower,

"And this time, I won't use only my fingers...." and left the room.

_______

After Adhvay left, I lay on the bed, tossing and turning, not knowing what to do with myself.

I scrolled through my phone for hours until even that felt boring, and just when I was about to close my eyes, a knock echoed through the room.

Dragging my lazy body to the door, I opened it to find Sreehan waving at me excitedly.

"What are you doing, vadinamma (sister-in- law)? Come downstairs... Anna ( brother ) won't come till night," he said.

I yawned and mumbled, "I don't want to do anything right now."

"Come on, I'll take you out... maybe for shopping?" he grinned.

"Okay, give me twenty minutes, I'll be there," I said, closing the door before rushing straight into the bathroom.

After bathing, I wore a red anarkali suit and headed to the grand hall, where Sreehan immediately stood up and walked toward me.

"Where do you want to go, vadinamma?" he asked.

I bit my lip, feeling my inner child jump. "Hmm... recently I'm obsessed with earrings and bangles. Of course your brother filled the whole vanity with ornaments, but Sreehan... I want to shop on my own."

I never cared about these things before meeting Adhvay, but after him, the urge to dress and look like a woman only grew stronger.

"And what about food?" he asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Hmm... maybe chicken biryani."

"Okay, let's go to Hyderabad then," he said casually and started walking.

"What? Hyderabad? Sreehan, it takes nearly twelve hours!" I stared at him in shock.

" we have our own helipad," he replied, gesturing toward the helicopter waiting at a distance.

"No... no, no..." I hurried to keep up with him as he walked too fast.

"Sreehan, your brother will kill us both if he finds out!" I shouted.

"No, vadinamma... I'll explain to him. Besides, he said to do whatever you say before he left. And I also have to meet a friend there," he added, as if this was the simplest plan in the world.

_______

It took nearly two and a half hours to reach Hyderabad, and the moment we landed, the local minister arranged cars and guards for us.

Sreehan and I had the best time-shopping around Charminar where I bought bangles and earrings while our guards walked close, forming a shield around us.

After that, he took me to a famous restaurant, and we ordered Hyderabadi biryani; honestly, nothing can beat Hyderabadi biryani, no one can ever make it like this.

By the time we finished eating, it was already around 4 p.m.

"Vadinamma... remember I said I have to meet a friend here?" Sreehan asked, suddenly looking a bit unsure.

"Yes, let's meet, no problem".

But he hesitated. "Actually... we have to go to the hospital to meet him. Are you comfortable with it?" His concern made me soften.

"Yes, it's okay, Sreehan. But what happened to your friend? Why is he in the hospital?" I asked.

"Do you know Rajwansh Industries?" Sreehan asked.

"Yes, I know. They're famous in North India. I lived in Kashmir and even in Delhi for some time."

Sreehan sighed sadly. "Vikram Rajwansh recently lost his life in a devastating accident... and his son-my friend-Riyansh Rajwansh lost his memories. He now behaves like a child."

"Yes... I heard the news about that accident. The headlines were everywhere for a week," I whispered, remembering.

"They came here from Delhi for further treatment. I want to meet him," he explained softly.

"Okay, Sreehan... let's go to the hospital," I said, placing a reassuring hand on his arm.

________



Author's POV

Sreehan and Myra reached the hospital, where reporters crowded outside.

The guards guided them through the back entrance and cleared the path.

When they reached a large private room, they saw an elderly woman with tears in her eyes.

Sreehan immediately approached her. "Aunty ji, namaste".

Maya Rajwansh-mother of Riyansh Rajwansh-smiled weakly and placed her hand on Sreehan's head as he bent to touch her feet.

"Sreehan, when did you come?" she asked.

"I'm sorry I didn't visit you after the accident happened," he said quietly.

"I'm sorry about uncle."

Maya's eyes filled again. "We can't change what happened, beta," she whispered, wiping her tears.

"I'm more worried about him now..." She turned and pointed toward a handsome man sitting on the hospital bed-Riyansh Rajwansh, heir of Rajwansh Industries, who had lost his memories and mentally remained at the age of five.

Sreehan walked slowly to him and sat on a chair. "Riyansh bhai... do you remember me?"

Riyansh's face twisted with fear, and he clung to the young woman beside him. "Anya... I don't know him. Tell him to go away".

Anya Sharma, a psychology intern assigned to take care of him, placed hand on his shoulder comforting Riyansh.

Sreehan gently held Riyansh's hand.

"Bhai, we went to the same college... you were my senior. We even used to play cricket..." he tried again.

Riyansh Rajwansh stared at him blankly, no recognition in his eyes.

Then he panicked harder and hugged Anya. "Make him go away!" he shouted.

"Sir... please. His condition isn't good right now. He can't remember you," Anya said gently.

Understanding the situation, Sreehan stood up.

They were about to leave ...Sreehan hugged Maya Rajwansh,

"Don't lose hope, aunty. He will be okay soon. Riyansh is strong... he will fight it," Sreehan told Maya Rajwansh with a small smile.

"I hope that day comes soon, beta...," Maya Rajwansh wiped her tears.

Then she looked at Myra. "And who is she?" she asked.

"She is Myra, my sister-in-law, Adhvay's wife, aunty," Sreehan introduced.

"Namaste, maa," Myra greeted politely.

Maya Rajwansh smiled warmly. "Oh... I know Adhvay too. You are so beautiful, Myra," she said, blessing her.

"We will leave now, aunty... we have to reach Amaravathi by evening," Sreehan said, touching her feet o

nce more.

"Visit us often, beta," Maya Rajwansh replied, though sadness still lingered in her eyes as she thought of her once energetic son.

Sreehan and Myra turned and left the hospital.



MYRA'S POV

We reached the palace around 7:30 p.m., exhausted to my bones after a long day.  Adhvay kept messaging me every hour—Are you okay?

Where are you now?

When will you return?—

and I had replied to every one of them.

Now, just as I stepped into our chamber, my phone chimed again with his message:

'I will be home in an hour… please don’t say anything when I hug you… I’m tired, sweetheart. I just want to sleep in your embrace'.

A small smile tugged at my lips, warm and involuntary.

I took a long, soothing bath, changed into my nightwear, and just as I stepped out, a woman knocked politely, her smile gentle as she asked,

“Maharani-garu, will you come down for dinner or should I bring it here?”.

I thanked her softly and told her I would eat with Adhvay and to bring the food once he arrived; she nodded and left.

I lay on the bed, checking the earrings and bangles I bought today, finally understanding why shopping makes all women glow the way it does.

But even the excitement of all those colours couldn’t distract me from the ache of missing him—

I had missed Adhvay the whole day, and the thought of him coming home soon made my heart flutter helplessly, as if it wanted to run into his arms before I could.

A strange hollow feeling spreads in my chest every time he isn’t near, and I know I love him—deeply, dangerously—but something still holds me back.

I don’t know what it is, especially when he has never hurt me, not once, not even with careless words.

Someone knocked on the door, and my heart jumped with excitement.

Finally he is here, I thought, walking quickly to open it.

My smile dropped instantly. It wasn’t Adhvay. It was a palace staff member—but not the regular one. He belonged to the group that takes care of Adhvay’s grandfather.

“Maharani-gaaru,” he bowed respectfully.

I nodded, not knowing what to say.

“Adhvay is not here… he will come soon,” I said nervously.

“Yes ma’am, I know. But His Majesty wants to talk to you alone. I just came to deliver the message, and I will show the way to his chamber,” the man said in one breath.

I stood numb. I had only met Adhvay’s grandfather once—on my first day in the palace when Rudra Mama introduced me. He was bedridden and old. What matter is so urgent that he wants to meet me alone?

But rejecting would be disrespectful. I am part of this family now.

So I agreed, even though something about it felt unsettling without Adhvay beside me.

We walked toward the chamber. This side of the palace was always silent. No one entered here. It felt like an abandoned horror wing, yet filled with workers moving quietly, taking care of the old man without making a single sound.

I entered the chamber when the guard spoke, “Your Majesty, She is here.”

Adhvay’s grandfather, lying on the bed, opened his eyes slowly.

“Everyone leave. I have to talk to her personally,” his roar echoed through the room.

The royal staff flinched and left the room immediately.

I stood there, a creepy chill crawling over my skin. I had a bad, bad feeling about this.

I finally met his eyes and wished him.

“Namskaram, thathayya-gaaru,” I said, joining my hands respectfully and bowing my head.

( Thatayya garu = grand father..... In a respectful way)

He didn’t respond. Not a word.

After a long, heavy silence, I looked up again.

He looked angry… terrifying. Old, yet everything about him screamed danger.

“What are you doing with Sreehan today?” he asked, his tone rough and accusing.

“Uh… we went to Hyderabad… he said he wants to meet a friend—”

“You trapped my elder grandson, my heir, my pride… and now you’re eyeing the other too,” he gritted his teeth.

Disgust crawled through my skin. What is he talking about? What does he mean by trapping his grandsons?

“What—”

He cut me off again with his filthy words.

“I know whores like you. I know whose daughter you are. You came here for revenge, didn’t you? And when you found my grandson charming, you seduced him and married him for all this wealth.

Hah, what else can I expect from a traitor's daughter like you?”

The words dug into my heart, sharp and cruel. I had been called a whore many times in my life because I lived alone. People loathe single women—they corner you, they force themselves on you. Luckily, my martial skills helped me beat them into pulp.

But now… how could I fight this old bastard? Adhvay’s grandfather.

The so-called king.

“Sir… with all due respect, your grandson married me without even asking me. Without my consent.”

My voice rose until it echoed, anger burning through every inch of my body.

“I was supposed to marry another man. He created a huge ruckus and married me in a pool of blood!”

The old man chuckled darkly. “Yeah, I know. You were about to marry Rayaan Rathore. You joined hands with him to kill Adhvay. Wherever the money and wealth is—you are there.”

“Enough!” my shout echoed through the room, sharp and trembling with rage.

“Adhvay is the one who wanted to marry me. He said he loved me. He pursued me while I always kept him at a distance.”

My voice dropped as I continued, softer but far more painful.

“Maybe my family history hurt this palace… but I am the exception. I am Myra. The woman who lived alone and begged no one in my entire life. No one has ever even been able to touch me. I am a woman with character sir. Please mind your words".

His anger flared even darker. Maybe no one had ever dared to raise their voice at him. But I did. And I didn’t care about the consequences. Someone had to stop him from spitting those disgusting words any further.

“Your blood will ruin the legacy of my bloodline… You belong to the streets, Myra. If you get pregnant with Adhvay’s baby, I will disown that child and throw all of you out of this palace.”

“He was my brightest heir… and you ruined him.”

Those words hit me in the worst possible way, like someone reached into my chest and ripped my heart out with their bare hands.

“Get out of his life before it’s too late. I won’t accept you… and I won’t accept the child in the future. This palace will never accept you. Go and seduce some other—”

I joined my hands together in a sharp clap, making him flinch.

“I am not interested to be here either, sir. And I’m glad Adhvay or his father aren’t like you. Clearly, your wife’s genes won… not yours.”

I left his room without even turning back. My body shook with anger, every step burning through me. The only reason I left him alive was because he is Adhvay’s grandfather.

I reached our chamber wiping my tears furiously. I sat on the bed, unable to believe what I just experienced.

I heard a click at the door. I stood up and turned around. It must be Adhvay.

I could feel him before he even touched me. He wrapped his hands around me and whispered against my neck, “I missed you, baby.”

I closed my eyes tightly, letting the last tear fall.

You trapped my grandson.

Your blood will ruin the legacy of my bloodline.

You belong to the streets, Myra.

You are a whore.

The words were still ringing in my ears.

Adhvay kissed my neck, gently pushing my hair aside. “Did you miss me too?” he asked softly.

I pushed him away harshly and faced him with my red, furious eyes.

Adhvay looked terrified, confused. He immediately cupped my face, his hands trembling. “What happened, Myra?  Did you cried?”

“Why do you always touch me without my consent? Do I look like a whore to you?” I spat, all my anger exploding in one sentence.

Adhvay’s eyes darkened instantly, his hands clenching into fists, a vein bulging on his forehead.

“What did you just call yourself?” he growled, grabbing my shoulders and shaking me, shaken more by my words than my anger.

“Do I look like a whore to you?” I shouted even louder, my voice shaking the room.

“Shut up, Myra!!!” Adhvay roared, his voice breaking with fury.

“Don’t ever call yourself by that cheap word. You are my wife, my queen..... What happened? Did I do something? Did anyone say anything to you? Just tell me and I will end them.”

His anger wasn’t at me… it was burning for me.

But the words still stabbed through my mind—

He is my brightest heir… You ruined him… He deserves better… This palace will never accept you… The child will be thrown out.

I looked straight at Adhvay, my voice trembling but sharp like a blade.

“Rayaan is better than you,” I spat, each word poisoned by pain.

“At least he never touched me without my consent. He never lied to me.

  He even said he wouldn’t lay a finger on me… even after I marry him, he said he will give me the space I deserve.”

Adhvay staggered back as if my words had slapped him across the face. His hands dropped from my shoulders, and for a moment… he just stared at me, stunned, breath caught somewhere in his throat.

“He… he is better than me?” he whispered, the disbelief cutting through every word.

His eyes softened, not with anger—but with something far more painful.

Hurt. Deep, raw hurt.

“Myra… I thought you know me,” he said, voice trembling. “I thought you understood

why I touch you. Why I come close. I never wanted to hurt you. Never....”

He took a shaky step toward me, fear flickering in his eyes—fear of losing me.

“I touch you because I love you,” he whispered, voice breaking.

“Because I can’t stay away from you… not because I think you’re something cheap.”

“You took all my freedom and caged me here in your palace, like I am your toy!

All I can see in your eyes is lust"

I shouted, every word dripping with anger and hurt.

“Leave me, Adhvay… just leave me, please,” I choked out, pushing at his hands, my voice breaking with everything I’d been holding in.

“I don’t want to be in your life anymore,” I whispered, the words trembling but sharp enough to break both of us at once.

Adhvay stepped back as if my words had physically struck him, his heel catching on the edge of the carpet.

He almost fell, and my hands instinctively lifted to steady him, but he showed  his palm and stopped me, trembling.

The hurt on his face was raw—his eyes fixed on the floor, his throat working around a hard swallow before a single tear slipped down his cheek.

He looked like he is struggling to breath.

I want to take my disgusting words back, to pull him into my arms, but in my mind all I could think was,

I’m destroying him.. he was born a king and I’m ruining him every second I stay.

There is no future for us. I can’t be selfish and keep him by my side, ruining his future.

He didn’t blink, his fists clenched so tight his knuckles whitened, a small, broken whimper escaping him like a wounded child.

“I set you free, Myra… go live your life,” he whispered, voice cracking.

“Go away from a monster like me… and never come back.”

My feet refused to move.

“Go!!!” Adhvay suddenly roared, the sound ripping out of him like something feral, his voice shaking with agony rather than anger.

“Leave before I change my mind,” he choked out, his chest heaving, eyes shimmering with  pain.

He didn’t look at me, couldn’t look at me—his jaw clenched so tight it trembled, his whole body pulled taut as if he was using every shred of strength he had left to push me away instead of collapsing at my feet and begging me to stay.

I took small, trembling steps, crying as I stumbled out of the door, running from the palace, as all the guards looked at me in shock. I couldn’t breathe; each sob ripped through my chest.

Rudra Mama saw me and shouted,

“Myra!!! Why are you running?”

I collapsed on the ground, crying so hard my throat ached. Rudra Mama knelt beside me, pulling me into a hug.

“Myra… you’re scaring me. Please… tell me what happened. Did Adhvay said anything to you?”

“I want to leave… Rudra Mama… take me far away from this city, please,” I begged, voice breaking like I had never begged before.

Rudra Mama didn’t ask another question. He helped me to stand up, and we began walking toward the road in silence, his presence the only thing grounding me as the world blurred around us.

________*0*0*0*0*_________

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