{Guys please read the author's note at the end of the chapter. It's very important and it will help you understand why Nandha did what she did.}

Author's Pov

The sky was ablaze with the fire of the setting sun. The clouds were like great wings of gold and yellow and rose-color. The clearness of the atmosphere, and the brilliance of the colours, fasten upon the west as the sun has just sunk behind the mountains.

Duryodhana cocooned his wife protectively as he gathered her in his thick arms as they faced the untimely jerks their horse brought in during their journey.

Her back was firmly pressed against his naked chest. Her own breath was loud in her ears, the sound of her horse's hooves drowning out everything else, even her erratic heartbeats.

The gentle touch of his body brought in the familiar warmth, the warmth she loved, the one she missed during the last few weeks. His scent drove her body wild, the mix of sweat, darkness, and her man.

Her man? 

No, not anymore. Well! he never had been her man to begin with. She lost the battle even before it actually began.

The initial few months after her marriage were blissful. A beautiful dream, a dream she manifested from the time she was made aware of worldly politics. Sadly, nightmares were dreams too. She woke up from her beautiful dream and found herself living in a reality far worse than her scariest nightmares.

A blissful marital life. 

A happy and peaceful life with the man she loves. 

A safe home for herself.

Was it too much to ask for? 

Maybe it was, because in the end she lost everything including herself.

Eventually the horse was brought to a stop. The night sky was such a welcome sight, appearing like magic at each sunset, promising to return as she faded in dawn's first light. The pale crescent moon shone like a silvery claw in the night sky.

The serenity and quietness of the trees swaying in the gentle breeze and the soothing whispers of the crickets eased the terror of the dark night. The atmosphere was calm despite the storm building up within the hearts of the two souls.

Duryodhana got down the horse as they neared a narrow bridge and began guiding the horse along it. And eventually he stopped.

"We have reached, Nandha."

Before them was a small yet beautiful brick house lightened by the glow of the moon. Moss and ivy covered its stone walls, painting the house with mesmerizing shades of green. A small pond filled with lotus was located in the front of the house adding additional glow to the house. It was almost like a dream.

Duryodhana helped her down the horse and gently led her towards the house. Unknown to them, the very house they are stepping into will forever hold a part of their heart. It will become a part of their cherished memories.

Nandha and Duryodhana stepped inside the house, their hearts heavy with the weight of the world on their shoulders. As they walked through the door, a sense of peace washed over them like a gentle wave, calming their troubled minds.

The house was homely and welcoming, with warm colors and soft lighting that gave it a comforting glow. The house was not a large nor lavish rather it was a quite simple abode that can accommodate a nuclear family. The air was filled with the scent of incense, adding to the tranquil atmosphere. It was clean and tidy, with not even a drop of dirt visible.

"The dasis from the palace had arrived earlier and had set up the place for us. They have stocked up the house with all the necessary commodities we might require during our stay." Duryodhana explained as he guided a confused Nandha inside the house.

Soon enough Nandha understood the exact meaning behind his words. The house was stocked with food as well as clothing and it also contained all the necessary essentials a family needs. Even the bedding for the night was made. 

"Our supper is already prepared. You sit. I will serve." He said helping her down on the cushion.

"No Arya I will-"

"Shhh. Let me do this. We had a long journey. I know you are tired so you take rest, I will lay out our food." He said as he arranged their supper for the night.

The supper went uneventful, with the couple occasionally stealing glances at each other. And after filing their stomach, together they tidied the place, though he said he did do it himself. 

Soon enough it was time to call it day. Duryodhana approached Nandha, his heart filled with a mix of hesitation and determination. Taking a deep breath, he started the conversation, the one he was preparing for the last few days, with a soft yet firm tone.

"Nandha, I need to talk to you. Please."

Nandha turned towards him, a slight surprise etched across her face at the unexpected request. She nodded, gesturing for him to continue.

He stood before her, his eyes filled with regret and sorrow, he spoke in a voice filled with remorse. "Nandha, I am sorry for the pain I have caused you. I was blinded by anger and confusion, and I allowed my emotions to cloud my judgment. I acted without thinking, without giving you a chance to explain yourself. I acted out of ignorance and arrogance, blinded by my own selfish desires. I was nothing short of a monster that night. I committed a hideous act that does not deserve forgiveness yet here I'm before you begging for it."

Nandha looked startled by Duryodhana's unexpected apology. She looked into his eyes and found a glimmer of sincerity and remorse in there. 

"I do not expect you to forgive me easily, or at all," Duryodhana continued, his voice trembling with emotions. "But I vow to make amends, to atone for my sins and strive to be a better man for you. I ask only for the chance to prove myself, to show you that I am capable of change."

Nandha's eyes were filled with pain and anguish as she looked at Duryodhana. She had suffered greatly at his hands, both physically and emotionally, and she wasn't sure if she could ever forgive him for what he had done.

But as she listened to his words, Nandha saw something in Duryodhana's eyes that she had never seen before – remorse and regret. She saw a man tormented by his past actions, struggling to find redemption in a world that had long since abandoned him.

Duryodhana continued, his voice shaking with emotion. "I also want to apologize for the words I said to you, the names I called you in my anger. I'm sorry, my love. They were cruel and unwarranted, and I deeply regret the pain they must have caused you. I beg for your forgiveness, Nandha. I beg for a chance to make things right, to show you that I am capable of change and redemption."

Nandha remained silent for a moment, her mind swirling with conflicting emotions. On one hand, she felt a deep sense of anger and betrayal towards Duryodhana for what he had done to her. But on the other hand, she saw a man standing before her who was genuinely sorry for his actions, a man who was willing to humble himself and admit his faults.

Nandha, touched by Duryodhana's plea, felt a spark of hope stir within her. Could it be possible for a man so steeped in darkness to find redemption? Could she find it in herself to forgive him, to believe in the possibility of a brighter future?

As Nandha stood there weighing the depth of his words in her heart, she noticed a glimmer of humanity in Duryodhana's eyes, a glimmer yet to be put off by cruelty. She saw a man asking for forgiveness, not out of obligation or fear, but out of genuine remorse and a desire to set things right.

In that moment, Nandha made a choice. A choice that will either heal her wounds or kill her soul. She chose to believe in the power of forgiveness, in the possibility of redemption even in the darkest of hearts. She reached out to Duryodhana, her hand trembling with uncertainty and hope.

"Arya, what you did to me was unforgivable. You caused me great pain and suffering, and I will carry the scars of your actions for the rest of my life. I will not forget what you have done, but I feel that you are truly sorry for what you have done, and that you are willing to make amends. I am willing to believe that you can change. I will hold you to your word, and I hope that in time, we can find peace and healing together. I will give you a chance, Arya, but know that my forgiveness cannot be easily earned." Nandha said, her voice soft yet firm.

Duryodhana's eyes lit up with gratitude and relief as he heard Nandha's words. He knew that he had a long path ahead of him, one that is filled with obstacles and challenges as he tried to earn back Nandha's trust and forgiveness. But he was determined to make things right, to prove his woman that he was capable of change and redemption.

Duryodhana, overwhelmed with emotions, took Nandha's hand in his own, feeling a weight lift off his shoulders. In that moment, he vowed to never again let his thirst for power blind him to the suffering of his Nandha, to never again let his pride and arrogance lead him astray.

And so, in a world of darkness and despair, a glimmer of light shone through. Duryodhana and Nandha, two souls scarred by the cruelty of the world, found solace in each other's forgiveness, in the possibility of a brighter future built on trust, understanding, and love. And in that moment, a new chapter began, one filled with hope, redemption, and the promise of a better tomorrow.  

⊱ ────── {.⋅ ✯ ⋅.} ────── ⊰

Hola my lovelies,

Hope you all liked the chapter. 

I apologise for the delay in updating. I was travelling back and forth with shifting to my new hostel and my uni started a month back. It's was kinda hard trying to find time to write down the chapter and I also had my mid-term going on. I'm so sorry for the delay guys. Hope you all understand.

My life update: I got 91 on my 12th boards. Then I went for neet coaching. And my institution did not allow us to have any gadgets so I couldn't write anything. Didn't get the score I expected in it but still got a seat in my state. My college started and everything is going well even though it is a bit hectic.

How was the chapter guys? Was it worth the wait?

Also just to be clear, Nandha did NOT forgive Duryodhana.

She gave him a chance. A chance to change, to prove himself. He will have to work hard to earn her apology and your author will make sure that Duryodhana will suffer a lot before he will be forgiven.

Also please note that this book is set in the ancient times, where martial rape was not considered a crime. But I don't go by that view.

Duryodhana in my book understands the seriousness of the crime he had committed and he is willing to repent. 

I know many of my readers will be upset but Nandha is going to end up with Duryodhana.

This book is about the redemption of both Nandha and Duryodhana. A lot of twists and turns await you guys.

So please bear with your author and continue reading the story. 

Which was your favourite part of this chapter?

Any ideas for what kind of punishment I should give to Duryodhana?

Target: 150+ votes and 50+ comments.

Ps. From now on you guys can expect regular updates. I got my laptop back.

Till then,

Lots of love and hugs.