"You cheated!" I accused, crossing my arms as I glared at the board in front of us.

Rudraksha leaned back against the couch, stretching like a lazy cat, completely unfazed by my outburst. "I did not cheat," he said smoothly. "I simply outplayed you."

I scowled. "No way. I refuse to believe that you—who barely understood chess a year ago—just wiped the floor with me."

He smirked, his golden eyes alight with mischief. "Maybe I was playing dumb before. Maybe I let you win all those other times just to make you overconfident."

I gasped. "You did not."

He shrugged. "You'll never know."

Narrowing my eyes, I lunged at him, determined to wipe that smug grin off his face. But he was faster.

In one swift move, he caught me mid-air and flipped me onto the couch, pinning me beneath him. His body pressed against mine, his weight deliciously warm.

"That was a terrible attack strategy, historian," he murmured, his lips hovering just above mine.

I glared up at him, refusing to be distracted. "This is unfair. You can’t win in chess and wrestling in the same night."

His smirk deepened. "You wound me, Aranya. Are you saying I’m too skilled?"

I scoffed. "I’m saying you’re insufferable."

He dipped his head, brushing his nose against mine. "And yet, you love me."

I tried to scowl, but he was right. I did love him—obnoxiously so.

"Maybe," I muttered, pretending to be indifferent.

His golden eyes gleamed with challenge. "Say it properly."

I pursed my lips. "I will if you admit you cheated."

He chuckled. "Not happening."

"Then I guess you’ll have to live without hearing it."

His gaze darkened. "Oh, Aranya," he murmured, his voice dropping into that dangerously smooth tone that sent shivers down my spine. "We both know I always get what I want."

I swallowed. "Is that so?"

Instead of answering, he dipped lower, his lips trailing down my jaw, lingering just at the corner of my mouth.

My breath hitched.

"Rudra," I warned, but it came out weaker than I intended.

"Hmm?" he hummed against my skin, his smirk evident.

I clenched my jaw, refusing to let him win this time.

Then, just as he was about to steal another kiss, I flipped us over, catching him off guard and pinning his hands above his head.

His eyes widened in surprise before amusement took over. "Well, well. Look at you."

I grinned. "I always learn from my mistakes."

His smirk softened into something deeper, something almost tender.

"Good," he murmured, his voice husky. "Because I have a lot more lessons to teach you."

I laughed. "I bet you do, my ancient treasure."

He groaned. "I knew I shouldn't have let you call me that."

I leaned down, my lips hovering just above his. "Too late," I whispered.

And then, with the city lights glowing outside, I kissed him—long and slow—reminding him exactly why he would never, ever win against me.

At least, not when it came to love.

The End. ❤️

I hope you're okay with the ending. Sometimes, sacrifices are necessary, and he made his choice-choosing her over his own era because she was his home. He destroyed the kingdom, carrying the guilt of her pain, knowing she had suffered for him selflessly. This was his way of ending everything that ever hurt her. I truly hope you don't hate the characters, because in the end, all he ever wanted was her.

Thank you for reading my story.

Until we meet again in another one of my worlds.

Thank you for loving Rudraksha and aranya as much as I do! I'd love to hear your thoughts on the epilogue-feel free to share how you felt while reading it! Pleaseeeeeee!!!!!!!!🥹

Aapke author ke saath Bane rahiye ...aisi bohot kahaniyan hai dil mein jo ab likhna hai aap logon k liye .......

yeh toh sirf ek kahani thiii ....

(Stay tuned for more stories from my heart. There are many more tales waiting to be written just for you.

This was just one story a mong many...)