Arsh's Nesta

PALACE 

Ashwath came home at 1:13 AM. As soon as he got out of the car, he fumed in anger seeing the security guards whom he had ordered to stay at Nesta's village and ensure her safety.

He walked towards them, and all bowed in front of him.

"Why are you all here?"

"Hukum, Rani Sa asked us for the first time to drop her at the palace," one of the guards replied.

Ashwath couldn't believe his ears. Just a few hours ago, Granny had sent him a video of Nesta in the village. How could she be here?

"When did you guys arrive?"

"Just a few minutes back, Hukum."

"How dare you travel at midnight when Rani Sa is there?"

"But Hukum, it's Rani Sa's first order to take her to the palace," one guard replied proudly, as though fulfilling Rani Sa's request made it worth risking his life in Hukum's hands.

Ashwath sighed and dismissed them, warning them to never repeat this again. For him, her safety was more important than her orders.

He was very worried about her safety, but he knew it was useless to scold the guards when they were clearly just following Rani Sa's command.

He walked faster and reached Nesta's chamber. He saw her standing on the balcony in a simple saree, staring at the open sky.
Her hair flowed with the wind, and her lips were curved into a simple smile.

Ashwath smiled seeing the delicate beauty enjoying the cool weather. I think she loves the night weather. But what if she catches a cold?

He immediately got angry at the thought of her getting sick and called her in a stern voice, "Nesta Ji, come inside and close these doors immediately."

Nesta was startled hearing his stern tone.

Her eyes teared up a little. I came such a long way just to witness his cold behavior, she thought to herself and didn't move from her place.

"It's so cool outside. What if you catch a cold? Please come inside," he requested this time.

"This weather is not as cold as you," she made a sassy remark and went inside without looking back.

Ashwath was amazed at her reply.

"Are you angry with me?" he asked her after closing the balcony doors.

Nesta didn't reply and went into the closet. Ashwath immediately followed her.

She sat in front of the mirror and started removing her earrings and pearl necklace.

"Hmm, Nesta Ji, you look good in sarees," he commented, making her shocked.

Her grip loosened on the pearl necklace, and it fell to the ground.

As she bent down to pick it up, Ashwath immediately grabbed it and handed it to her.

She blushed and took the necklace from him, mumbling a small "thank you."

"You didn't answer my previous question. Are you angry with me?"

"Not anymore, I think," she replied slowly.

"What makes Raja Sa come to my chambers in the middle of the night?"

"The same thing that made my Rani Sa come to the palace in the middle of the night."

Nesta was shocked. Does he know about my inner feelings? she wondered silently.

She blushed a bit, seeing his intense gaze.