Talab - Chapter 33: Chapter 33

The soft knock on the door woke Maan from his sleep. He slowly opened his eyes to the most peaceful sight—his Ruhi curled up against him, her head resting on his broad chest, arms tightly wrapped around his waist. He kissed her forehead and carefully untangled himself.
Opening the door, he was greeted by a palace servant.
"Hukum saa, Maharaj is waiting for you in the royal chamber," the servant informed with a bow.
Maan's face remained impassive. "Tell your Maharaj to wait," he replied coldly and shut the door.
An hour later, Maan finally entered the royal chamber. His father, Maharaj Raj Rajvansh, sat like an angry bull ready to charge.
"Was last night not enough for the lovebirds?" the Maharaj taunted.
Maan smirked. "Apparently not. Let's get to the point. Why am I here?"
"You have to leave for the Khan Empire tonight for a trade deal. As the next Maharaj, it's your duty."
"We will go," Maan responded firmly.
"Not we. You. There's no need for your queen. Leave her here. You're not taking her," his father snapped.
"I wasn't asking for permission," Maan said, his voice low but filled with authority, before turning and walking out.
⸻
Back in Their Room
Ruhi was standing in front of the mirror, draped in a beautiful red saree. The moment he saw her, Maan hugged her from behind, inhaling her calming scent.
"Ruhi, pack your bags. We're going to the Khan Empire."
She turned to him gently. "Maan, I can't come. I want to stay and perform some post-marriage rituals. I'll be happy if you go. I'll wait for you."
Maan frowned, visibly upset. "But Ruhi..."
She cupped his face. "No buts, Maan. Your Ruhi is strong. I know you're worried about your parents, but I'm not afraid. Go—and come back soon."
He chuckled at her cuteness and kissed her forehead. "Okay, hukum saa. Now move aside, I have to make breakfast," she teased.
⸻
In the Kitchen
Ruhi entered with her usual brightness. "Good morning, everyone," she greeted the staff.
"Good morning, Bai Saa," they replied, bowing with respect.
"Today, I'll cook breakfast myself. Please help me with the ingredients." She cooked a royal spread, each dish her husband's favorite.
⸻
Dining Hall
Everyone was seated. Ruhi stood to serve when Maan interrupted. "Ruhi, sit. Everyone has hands to serve themselves. You've already done enough by cooking."
His mother rolled her eyes. "Not for everyone—just for you."
Ruhi smiled sweetly. "Yes, for my Maan and Dada Sa."
Suddenly, a loud shout echoed.
"Bai Saa! Bai Saa!"
It was none other than Kabir, Maan's childhood friend. He barged in, spun Ruhi around playfully. "Stop! Kabir bhai, I'm getting dizzy!"
"Missed you! Your boring husband didn't let me meet you yesterday," he pouted.
"It's 'Bhabhi Saa', not 'Bai Saa', Kabir bhai!" Ruhi scolded playfully.
"Oops! Sorry, Bhabhi Saa. I'm hungry—please serve me."
Maan called out coldly, "You have hands, Kabir. Serve yourself. Or tell me—next time I'll make sure you won't have any hands left."
Kabir looked at Ruhi with mock horror. "Bhabhi Saa, your husband is a monster!"
She just giggled.
⸻
Later That Morning
Dada Sa loved her cooking and gifted her a diamond necklace. Kabir gave her a saree and crime novels. But Ruhi's eyes searched for praise from her Maan, who said nothing.
She quietly went to their room to get ready for work.
Upon entering, tears welled up in her eyes. The room was filled with paintings—one of her as a child on her third birthday, and another of her confessing her love to Maan.
Maan entered behind her and hugged her.
"Ruhi, I know I didn't say anything, but you know I'm not good with words. Everything you do is perfect."
"I love you so much, Maan."
"And I know just how much, my Ruhi."
⸻
At Maan Hospital
Ruhi arrived at her hospital and saw her best friend Amrita sneakily eating sweets.
"You didn't wait for me!" she smacked Amrita on the head.
"Chill! Now spill—what happened last night? Did he break the bed? Did he bang you hard?"
"Shut up!" Ruhi turned red.
She shared everything with Amrita.
"Damn! I want a Maan too. But yours is clearly one of a kind," Amrita sighed.
⸻
Back at Rajvansh Mansion (Late Night)
Ruhi returned home, the mansion unusually dark. She felt a strange unease and hurried to her room. Freshened up, she stood near the window, admiring the moonlight—until a shadow moved behind her.
"Anand?" she turned sharply. "What are you doing in my room?"
He smirked. "Just admiring your beauty, Bhabhi Saa."
"Leave. Now. Or I'll tell Maan."
Suddenly, a car honked outside.
Abhimaan.
Anand's smirk dropped. He fled instantly.
Maan stormed inside. "MAHARAJ RAJ RAJVANSH! Come down immediately!"
Ruhi ran downstairs, worry on her face.