### **Ishita Sharma's Perspective**

He drove straight to the small, brightly lit ice cream parlor near the college campus-the one I had stopped him at the other day. I hadn't even told him it was my favourite spot, but he just *knew*. That was Rudra. Noticing the small things.

We walked in, the cold air and the sweet scent of sugar instantly chasing away the lingering tension of the evening.

**Ishita:** (Smiling up at him, the doubt completely gone) **"Wow, *aapko kaise pata chala* yeh meri favorite jagah hai?"** (How did you know this is my favorite place?)

**Rudra:** (He shrugged slightly, the smallest hint of a smile on his lips) **"*Jab aap kisi cheez se khush hoti ho, toh woh jagah apne aap famous ho jaati hai.*"** (When you are happy because of something, that place automatically becomes famous.)

I walked up to the counter, feeling generous and completely restored.

**Ishita:** **"Okay, *toh aaj treat meri taraf se.* Celebrate your big deal with dessert. Which flavour do you want, Mr. Rathor? I'm having Double Chocolate."** (Today, the treat is from my side.)

I turned to him, ready to mock him if he chose something outrageously healthy like "kale and protein powder swirl."

**Rudra:** (He stepped closer, his voice dropping softly, a small, genuine query in his eyes) **"*Can't we share?*"**

The question, simple and intimate, sent a powerful wave of heat rushing up my neck. Sharing a meal was one thing; sharing a single scoop of ice cream with the CEO was something entirely different. It was cozy. Domestic.

**Ishita:** (My cheeks flushed a bright pink, and I looked down quickly, nodding) **"*H-haan. Theek hai.*"** (Y-yes. Okay.)

**Ishita:** (I quickly told the man at the counter) **"Bhaiya, ek double scoop cup mein. Chocolate and Vanilla. *Aur do chammach.*"** (Brother, one double scoop in a cup. Chocolate and Vanilla. And two spoons.)

### **Rudra Singh Rathor's Perspective**

I watched the blush rise on her cheeks, completely captivated. Her hesitation wasn't about the flavor; it was about the intimacy of the shared spoon. She was so beautifully transparent.

We took the cup to a quiet corner table. The moment we sat, she picked up the cup, took a big spoonful of the dark chocolate, and held it out to me.

**Ishita:** **"Okay, *aapki medicine*... isse hi shuru karte hain."** (Your medicine... let's start with this.)

I leaned in, meeting her halfway, taking the scoop from her spoon. This time, I didn't feel the shock of the cold; I felt the gentle warmth of her gaze.

**Rudra:** **"It's good. Better than the last time."**

**Ishita:** (She laughed, taking the vanilla scoop for herself) **"*Of course! Last time you were trying to escape, aaj aap khushi se kha rahe ho.*"** (Of course! Last time you were trying to escape, today you are eating happily.)

I set my elbow on the table, resting my chin on my hand, completely abandoning my CEO posture, dedicating my full attention to her.

**Rudra:** **"*Main khush hoon, Ishita.* Because you are here. And because you cleared my doubt."**

I reached for the second spoon and gently scooped up a tiny bit of the melting vanilla, holding it out for her.

**Rudra:** **"Now, while we finish this, tell me. *Un logon ne kya kaha tha?* Don't leave out a single word. I need the full report."** (What did those people say?)

She took the spoon from my hand, our fingers brushing for a brief, electric moment. As she began to speak, detailing the cruel, empty words of the gossiping girls, I just watched her-her earnestness, her integrity, the way her eyes flashed with defiant self-respect.

The ice cream was the only punishment I deserved, but her presence was the only reward I truly wanted.

### **Ishita Sharma's Perspective**

I took the spoon from the cup, twirling the chocolate and vanilla together, finding comfort in the simple, sweet distraction. Rudra was looking at me with such fierce focus that I knew he wouldn't let me leave out a single, humiliating detail.

**Ishita:** (I spoke softly, looking down at the swirling ice cream) **"Okay, *suniye.* It was at the canteen. I was having *frankie* with Shreya. And two girls were talking very loudly about someone else... a celebrity who is dating a big businessman. *Toh unke baare mein bol rahi thi ki...*"** (So they were talking about her that...)

I swallowed hard, repeating the toxic words felt awful, but I owed him the truth.

**Ishita:** **"...She said, *'Girls only choose men for their money and power.'* And then the other one said, *'How can a billionaire be soft only with them? Huhh, bullshit! It's all a show for the public and the bank balance.'*"**

I paused, pushing the cup slightly away.

**Ishita:** **"They weren't talking about me, Rudra. *Voh toh kisi aur ke baare mein baat kar rahe the.*"** (They were talking about someone else.) **"But... *lekin mere dimaag mein woh baat ruk gayi.* You know how you said I am your *shanti*? And I am your *stability*? I just... I started overthinking everything. *Mujhe laga ki kahin... kahin aap bhi toh nahi soch rahe ki main is liye aapke paas hoon.*"** (But that thought stuck in my mind. I thought maybe... maybe you also think I am with you for this.)

I finally looked up, my eyes wide and pleading for understanding.

**Ishita:** **"That's why I was quiet. *Mujhe laga ki agar aapke mann mein zara bhi doubt aaya toh... toh main seh nahi paungi.*"** (I felt that if even a little doubt crossed your mind... I wouldn't be able to bear it.)

### **Rudra Singh Rathor's Perspective**

I listened to every word, my expression hardening with each phrase she repeated. The casual cruelty of strangers had targeted my Ishita, hitting her where she was most vulnerable-her self-respect.

She finished, her voice shaky, confessing that she herself had *overthought* the gossip and let it cause the distance.

**Rudra:** (I reached across the table, taking her hand gently but firmly, my thumb stroking her inner wrist) **"*Meri baat suno, Ishita.* Concentrate on this."** (Listen to me.)

**Rudra:** **"You are a makeup artist who leaves my calls unanswered when you are in the middle of a bridal trial. You refuse to let me buy you expensive gifts. *aap mere Rathor Tower ke paas bhi apni choti si scooty par aati ho.*"** (You even come to my Rathor Tower on your small scooter.)

**Rudra:** **"Do you know what people who are after my bank balance ask for? *They ask for houses, they ask for credit cards, they ask for my time to flaunt in high-society parties.*"** (They ask for...)

**Rudra:** **"And what do you ask for, Ishita? *You ask me to eat chocolate. You ask me to listen to your boring college stories.* You ask me to promise I won't shout."** (You ask me to listen to your boring college stories.)

I smiled, a slow, gentle, incredibly rare smile that was only for her.

**Rudra:** **"*aap mere liye gold digger nahi ho.* You are my only **secret wealth**. The one thing that keeps me sane, and the one thing I keep hidden from the world because they don't deserve to see your light."** (You are not a gold digger for me.)

I paused, looking into her eyes, letting my admiration be the absolute truth she needed.

**Rudra:** **"Never let the noise of the world decide your value, Ishita. *aapka Rudra janta hai ki tum kaun ho.* And that is enough."** (Your Rudra knows who you are.)

I let go of her hand, picking up the shared spoon, and took a scoop of the vanilla, offering it to her.

**Rudra:** **"Now. Finish this ice cream. And *kal* (tomorrow), you will have the confidence to ignore those shallow people, because you know your truth."**

### **Ishita Sharma's Perspective**

We finish our ice cream and then walk toward the car get in and he drive towards my house

As the car stopped in front of my house, I reached for the handle slowly. The silence was charged, heavy with the weight of his earlier confession-his defense of my integrity.

He came around quickly and opened the door before I could. Always does that now. Like I'm something he needs to protect-without saying a word.

His hand reached out automatically, fingers curling slightly. I took it. Warm. Rough. Familiar.

I stepped out carefully in my heels. And then... just *stood* there for a second, gazing at his white shirt under the soft streetlights.

My brain hesitated, *Don't do it, Ishita, it's too much.* But my heart had already decided.

I tiptoed slightly-heels and all-and reached up. My arms went around his neck, hands meeting at the base of his skull. His cologne-God, I could live in that scent. His shoulders-broad, strong, like a silent promise that I'll always be safe.

I tucked my face into the crook of his neck and shoulder.

And I *just held him*.

No words. No logic. No fear. Just me, clinging to the man who makes me feel more like *me* than I ever did alone. It was the only way I knew how to say, *"I trust you more than the world."*

I felt his breath hitch. His arms froze for a second, caught off guard by this unexpected intimacy-the **second hug** in four months of knowing each other. Then slowly-*slowly*-they wrapped around my waist.

**Tightly. Desperately.**

### **Rudra Singh Rathor's Perspective**

When I opened the door for her, I didn't expect anything. Just the exchange of goodnights.

She stepped out carefully, adjusting her heels. She looked tired. Beautiful. Real.

And then... she rose on her toes and wrapped those delicate arms around my neck.

It wasn't a gentle, polite hug. It was full. Fierce. Like she *needed* it. And in that same second, I realized that *I* needed it more.

My arms stilled for half a second-caught in that rare moment of awe, this unexpected, silent validation-before I pulled her close, one hand flat against her lower back, the other cradling her shoulder.

My head tilted slightly so her cheek rested on my neck.

I closed my eyes. The sound of the street and the hum of the cooling car faded. The only thing that existed was the soft weight of her body against mine.

I wasn't Rudra Singh Rathor-the cold, ruthless, billionaire with walls higher than any skyscraper. I was just a man. A man holding the only woman who could ever *undo me*.

### **Ishita Sharma's Perspective**

I didn't want to let go. I wanted to stay there forever, shielded by his strength.

But I could feel his heartbeat under my cheek-racing. His chest rising a little faster than usual.

That's when I knew. He feels it too. This... *whatever we are.* This attachment. This desperate need.

I whispered into his neck, barely audible-

**"Thank you... for being just... you. *Mere Rudra.*"** (My Rudra.)

I don't know how long we stood there like that... in each other's arms, wrapped up in something so fragile yet unbreakable. A silence so full that it said more than words ever could.

But eventually, reality tugged at me. The wind brushed my hair. The streetlights blinked like they were reminding me it's late. I felt my breath falter. Slowly, hesitantly... I started to pull away.

Even that small motion felt like breaking a thread I didn't want to let go of.

He didn't stop me, but his hands lingered at my waist, reluctant to drop.

We looked at each other again. His ocean-blue eyes held something deep tonight-softer than usual, but intense. Like he wanted to say something but wouldn't. Or couldn't.

My hand brushed his arm gently.

**"Drive safe, Rudra."**

I said it softly, like it meant everything. Because maybe it did.

He gave me the slightest nod. But his eyes didn't move from mine.

I turned around before I changed my mind.

With a deep breath, I walked toward the door and knocked once. Mummy opened it, smiling tiredly. She didn't say anything about the car behind me, and I was thankful for that.

I stepped in. But just before the door closed, I looked back.

He was still standing there.

Still watching.

My heart tugged in my chest.

With a small wave and a gesture-half pleading, half warm-I mouthed again,

**"Go home safe, please."**

Then... the door closed.

### **Rudra Singh Rathor's Perspective**

The hug ended.

Barely.

And I hated it.

Every part of me wanted to hold on for just a few more seconds. Just a few more heartbeats. But I knew I couldn't.

She pulled away slowly, eyes flickering with hesitation. I let my arms fall reluctantly.

Her hand touched my arm gently. And then, that voice-soft, honest-

**"Drive safe, Rudra."**

God.

No one had ever said that to me like it mattered. But when she said it, it felt like a promise. Like she cared about *me*, not just the name. Not the surname. Not the billions.

I nodded once. I didn't trust myself to speak.

She turned to walk away, her heels clicking lightly on the ground.

But before she entered the house, she looked back. Her eyes met mine for one last second.

And then she did that thing again.

That small wave. That worried look. That little *please*.

I stood there like a fool.

Like a man realizing he's in far, far too deep.

She closed the door, and I was still standing.

Only when I heard the soft click of the latch did I finally move.

I dragged a hand through my hair, stepped into my car, and sat there with both hands on the wheel, head resting back on the seat.

**"Damn it, Ishita..."**

I whispered into the quiet car, a small smile curling my lips.

Then I finally turned the key.

But as the engine hummed to life, I knew one thing-

My heart wasn't driving back alone tonight.

She was everywhere.

On my skin.

In my eyes.

Inside my ribcage-*like home.*

### **Ishita Sharma's Perspective**

It was supposed to be just a walk. Just one of those short, easy moments we steal from our schedules-he from his empires, me from my brushes and cameras.

But today... he looked different. He wasn't talking much. He was just nodding occasionally, responding with short hums. I could see it in his eyes-those stunning, magnetic ocean-blue eyes that usually held confidence and sarcasm were heavy today. Dull. Distant.

His jaw was clenched a little too tightly. Shoulders tense. His usual sharp posture almost... slouched. I knew. The burden of the Rathor empire was physically exhausting him.

We reached the stone bench near the rose garden, and I gently pulled at his arm to stop him. He looked at me, confused. I didn't explain.

Instead, I just stepped close... went up on my toes... and wrapped my arms around his neck.

He stiffened at first-like always-but then I felt his arms come around me slowly, almost brokenly, like he was finally letting go just a little.

I buried my face into the crook of his shoulder and whispered into his ear,

**"It's okay, Mr. Hulk... you don't always have to be so strong."**

**"Take a little rest. Just for a moment."**

He didn't say a word. He just... held me tighter.

### **Rudra Singh Rathor's Perspective**

I didn't say anything. Because if I had, I might've said too much-I might've told her that the world was pressing down, and she was the only one who felt soft.

Her warmth, her scent, the simple, unspoken acceptance was the antidote.

**Ishita:** (She whispered into my neck, gently rubbing her fingers on the back of my neck) **"Wow... someone's really carrying a whole empire on his back, huh?"**

I remained silent, breathing her in. *Yes, I am.*

**Ishita:** (She giggled softly) **"If stress had a face, it'd look like you today, Mr. Hulk."**

Still no answer-but I could feel my chest move. Like I was trying *not* to laugh. The exhaustion was real, but her teasing was the only thing that could cut through it.

**Ishita:** **"You should try breathing exercises,"** I whispered dramatically, **"Or maybe yoga. Or a punching bag. Oh wait-you are the punching bag for half the corporate world."**

That's when it happened.

Without a word, without warning-I lifted her.

I don't know why. Instinct maybe. Or maybe it was just the sudden, overwhelming desire to feel her lightness against my heavy weight.

She screamed. Laughed.

**"AHH! Rudra!!"** I squealed, laughing uncontrollably.

**"Put me down!!"**

I didn't. I just held her steady at my level, my eyes now staring into those stupidly gorgeous brown ones-her face flushed with laughter, her arms clinging tighter around my neck.

**Rudra:** (I smirked, voice low and dangerous) **"Next time you mock my stress,"** I murmured, **"Remember this is what happens."**

**Ishita:** (She giggled, breathless, tapping my cheek lightly) **"You love it when I mock you. It's the only way to get a reaction out of Mr. Robot."**

**Rudra:** **"I only react to what matters, Ishita."** I brought her slightly closer. **"*Aur aap... aap hasi*... it matters a lot. *Itna toh ki main ab bina soche aapko utha leta hoon.*"** (And you... your laugh... it matters so much. So much that I lift you without even thinking.)

**Ishita:** (Her laughter faded, replaced by a soft, intense look) **"*Toh aapka stress kam hua?*"** (So did your stress reduce?)

**Rudra:** **"Stress? *Woh toh tabhi chala gaya tha jab aapne hug kiya.*"** (Stress? That left the moment you hugged me.) **"*Lekin ab*..."** (But now...) I paused, pulling her just a fraction closer. **"...*I think I'm addicted to the cure.*"**

I slowly lowered her feet back to the ground, but my hands remained firmly on her waist, not quite ready to let go.

**Ishita:** **"*Toh kal kya karoge?* Will you call me again just to complain about your back pain?"** (So what will you do tomorrow?)

**Rudra:** **"No. I'll call you to ask you to wear that red *kurti* tomorrow. *Aur phir main aapki painting karunga*... in my head."** (And then I'll paint you... in my head.)

She blushed, completely caught off guard.

**Ishita:** **"Painting? *Aap toh artist bhi ban gaye!*"** (You've become an artist too!)

**Rudra:** **"Only for you. Now, *chalo*. Let's finish this walk. I feel lighter now."** (Come on.)

I kept my hand firmly on her lower back, guiding her toward the end of the garden, the silence now filled with a comfortable, deep joy.

We were walking, the easy rhythm of our footsteps matching the easy rhythm of our hearts. I was looking at her, of course-the way the sunlight caught the slight curl in her hair, the way she animatedly gestured while talking about some new makeup palette. She felt like home.

And then, disaster struck.

I was distracted, looking at her and not the path, and I **bumped** solidly into someone coming from the opposite direction.

The collision wasn't hard, but the reaction was immediate and piercing.

**The Girl (Shouting, loud and grating):** **"*Oye! Dekh kar nahi chal sakte kya?! Pyar mein adhe ho gaye ho kya!*"** (Can't you look where you're going?! Are you half-blind because of love?!)

The sheer disrespect hit me like a physical blow. Me? Rudra Singh Rathor? Being yelled at by a stranger for a minor mistake? My cold exterior instantly snapped back into place. My jaw tightened, and I was about to deliver a precise, icy apology-or maybe just a withering look that would send her running-when my world shifted.

Before I could utter a single syllable, my 6'3" frame felt a sudden, forceful push from behind. **Ishita's** small, 5'3" body literally shoved me backward, positioning herself squarely between me and the screaming girl.

**Ishita (Voice sharp, dangerously loud):** **"*Haaa! Voh pyar mein adhe ho gaye hain! Par tere paas toh aankhein hain na!*"** (Yes! He is half-blind because of love! But you have eyes, right?) **"*Dekh kar chal! Ya aankhon ki jagah button laga kar aayi hai, chudail!*"** (Look where you're going! Or have you fixed buttons where your eyes should be, witch!)

I stared at the back of her head, completely stunned. *My calm, my shanti, had just transformed into a fiery tigress.*

**Ishita:** **"*Tum jaisi ladki ki wajah se shareef ladke badnaam hote hain!* Khud ki galti dekhti nahi!"** (Gentle boys get a bad name because of girls like you! You don't see your own mistake!)

**The Girl (Incensed):** **"*Oyy! Apne boyfriend ki zyada side mat le! Galti uski thi!*"** (Hey! Don't take your boyfriend's side so much! It was his fault!)

**Ishita:** **"*Lungi side! Bol kya karegi tu!* You could have looked too, right? *Aayi badi! Chali ja varna muh todh dungi!*"** (I will take his side! Say what you'll do! Go away or I'll break your face!)

A small crowd began to gather.

**Ishita** (Turning dramatically to the bystanders): **"*Dekhiye na! Zabardasti lad rahi hai! Khud dekh kar na chalo, aur ilzaam doosron par lagao!*"** (Look at her! She's fighting unnecessarily! Doesn't look herself, and blames others!)

I stood there, the weight of the world suddenly replaced by the sheer spectacle of my fierce little defender. A slow, dangerous **smirk** spread across my face. *That's my girl.*

### **Ishita Sharma's Perspective**

I didn't think. I just *acted*.

The second that girl yelled, **"Pyar mein adhe ho gaye ho kya,"** the blood rushed to my head. No one talks to Rudra like that! No one disrespects his emotion-even if he hasn't confessed it yet!

I shoved him out of the way, my 5'3" frame feeling absolutely massive with adrenaline. I wasn't fighting for the bump; I was fighting for his honor, his stress, and the beautiful, silent man who only smiled for me.

The girl called him my **"boyfriend."** I almost smiled, but the rage was too strong.

**Ishita:** (Inner Monologue): *Oh, I will take his side! He's too rich and too disciplined to fight over a footpath. But I am not!*

When the girl said something again-something about Rudra being too slow-I snapped. I raised my hand, ready to deliver a solid slap, and let out a vicious curse.

**Ishita:** **"*Abe chutiya-*"**

And that's when strong arms suddenly wrapped around me.

### **Rudra Singh Rathor's Perspective**

She was about to commit assault. And the word she used... *Chutiya*? I suppressed a hard laugh. I couldn't let my *shanti* get arrested for defending my honor.

In one swift, decisive move, I caught her small body in my arms, my large hand clamping over her mouth mid-curse. My other arm wrapped firmly around her slender waist.

I **lifted** her off the ground. She felt impossibly **lightweight and slim** in my grasp-like a feather that somehow contained the fury of a hurricane.

**Rudra:** (To the girl and the gathering crowd, calm and authoritative, instantly cutting through the noise) **"*Ho gaya, chaliye.* There is no problem here."** (It's done, move on.)

I turned, quickly walking backward and carrying the struggling, cursing Ishita away from the scene.

**Ishita** (Muffled through my hand): **"Mmmph! Rudra! Let go! I'm not done! She needs to learn manners! Mmmph!"**

I held her tightly, the adrenaline finally starting to crash, and a fresh wave of concern hit me. She was so light. So fragile-looking, yet so utterly fierce.

**Rudra** (Whispering into her ear, struggling to keep from laughing into her hair) **"*Shh. Bas. Calm down, meri Sherni.* You've made your point. You can't curse people in public, Ishita."** (Quiet. That's enough. Calm down, my lioness.)

I finally set her down a safe distance away, keeping my hands on her shoulders, looking down at her fiery face.

**Rudra:** **"You literally shoved me. Did you even realize I am 6'3" and you are... a tiny volcano?"**

**Ishita:** (Hissing, trying to fix her hair) **"*Mujhe pata hai! Par woh aapko disrespect kar rahi thi!*"** (I know! But she was disrespecting you!) **"And why didn't you even say anything? *Sirf apologize karne wale the kya?*"** (Were you only going to apologize?)

I pulled her into a quick, solid embrace, kissing the top of her head.

**Rudra:** **"I was waiting for you to handle it. And you did. Perfectly. *Meri security toh aap ho.* But please, don't ever use that word again."** (You are my security.)

### **Ishita Sharma's Perspective**

I was furious. Absolutely furious. Not at the girl anymore, but at Rudra for physically *removing* me from my battlefield. He had kidnapped the general mid-war!

I pulled away from his gentle embrace, my hands flying to my hips. I looked up at his massive frame, my neck craning. He was looking down at me with a ridiculous, soft **smirk**-the one that said, *'You are adorable when you're angry.'*

**Ishita:** (My voice was sharp, a rapid-fire lecture) **"Rudra! *Aap yeh kya karte hain!*"** (What have you done!) **"You cannot just pick up people like that! *Main ladh rahi thi!* I was not done! *Mujhe usko muh tod jawab dena tha!*"** (I was fighting! I needed to give her a face-breaking answer!)

**Ishita:** **"And what did you do? You treated me like a *chhota sa baccha* (a small child)! You put your huge hand over my mouth! *Meri toh insult ho gayi uske saamne!*"** (I was insulted in front of her!) **"*Aur main itni halki hoon kya?* You just carried me backward like a sack of *aloo*! *Aap mujhe hamesha halka kyu feel karate hain!*"** (Am I that light? Why do you always make me feel so light!)

I paused, breathing hard, my hair slightly messy from his rough handling.

**Ishita:** **"*Main kitni der se apna point prove kar rahi thi* that I am your defense! *Aur aapne mujhe hi utha liya!* What signal does that send to the world, Mr. Rathor? That your security is so light that anyone can just pick her up and leave?"** (I was proving my point for so long! And you picked me up!)

I stared at him, waiting for the defense, the logic, the cold CEO dismissal.

### **Rudra Singh Rathor's Perspective**

I didn't argue. I didn't defend. I just stood there, leaning slightly against the trunk of a nearby tree, letting the full force of the Ishita Hurricane wash over me.

Every word she spoke-the accusation, the indignation over being called 'lightweight,' the absolute seriousness with which she viewed her role as my defender-only made the smirk on my face grow into a genuine, deeply felt **smile**.

*God, she is beautiful.* Fiery, fierce, and entirely focused on protecting *my* honor.

She was right. I had treated her like a child, but only to save her from the legal repercussions of using language that would make a sailor blush. And yes, she was unbelievably light. I had to restrain myself from commenting on her **slim frame** again, knowing it would fuel her righteous anger.

When she finally finished her rapid-fire scolding, breathless and waiting for my response, I pushed myself off the tree.

**Rudra:** (My voice was soft, laced with amused tenderness) **"*Ho gaya?*"** (Done?)

**Ishita:** **"*Haan, ho gaya!* But you didn't answer my main question!"** (Yes, done!)

**Rudra:** (I stepped closer, tilting my head, my eyes warm with pure adoration) **"Your main question was: *Why did I carry you?*"**

I reached out, gently tucking a stray curl behind her ear, my fingers lingering on her warm cheek.

**Rudra:** **"*I carried you, Ishita,* because you were about to use a word that would land you in a police station. *Aur main apni queen ko jail mein nahi dekh sakta.*"** (I can't see my queen in jail.)

**Rudra:** **"And about being lightweight..."** I leaned down slightly, whispering the next part, **"...*aap lightweight nahi ho.* aap toh meri *safety blanket* ho. *Aur main hamesha apni safety blanket ko close rakhta hoon.*"** (You are not lightweight. You are my safety blanket. And I always keep my safety blanket close.)

**Rudra:** **"*Aur*... (I paused, my eyes tracing her furious but beautiful face) **"*Agar aap mujhe itni shiddat se defend karogi,* toh main aapko *utha kar* hi le jaunga. *Woh mera tarika hai aapko I love you bolne ka.*"** (And... If you defend me with so much passion, I will carry you away. That is my way of saying I love you.)

I saw the anger melt into shock, replaced by a radiant blush. The unsaid confession hung thick in the air.

**Rudra:** (I gave her a knowing look) **"*Ab shant. Chalo,* let's go home before you find someone else to start a fight with."** (Now, calm. Come on.)

I offered her my hand, and this time, she took it immediately, her small fingers wrapping around my large, strong ones, the storm completely forgotten.

### **Ishita Sharma's Perspective**

His words-*"Woh mera tarika hai tumhe I love you bolne ka."*-rang in my ears, making my heart hammer against my ribs. The anger drained away, replaced by pure, sizzling heat in my cheeks.

**Ishita:** (My voice was a high, breathless squeak) **"What?! *I... I love you?!* Huhh?"**

My mind went completely blank, fixated on those three forbidden words. After all the silent devotion, was he actually going to say it now, after I nearly started a street brawl?

**Rudra:** (He maintained his soft, teasing smile, his eyes sparkling with mischief. He loved watching me squirm) **"Yes. As a friend, Ishi."**

He pulled his hand back, resting it casually on his hip, completely shattering the tender moment with one simple, infuriating term.

**Rudra:** **"*Main apne har friend ko utha leta hoon jab woh gusse mein gaali dene lagte hain.* You know, safety first. *Warna aapki reputation kharab ho jaegi.*"** (I lift all my friends when they start cursing in anger. Otherwise, your reputation will be ruined.)

He leaned closer, his voice dropping to a conspiratorial murmur, his eyes raking over my flushed face.

**Rudra:** **"Why? *Kya?* Why were you thinking something else, *hmm hmm?*"**

**Ishita:** (I tried to sound firm, but my voice was still wobbly) **"No! No! *Kyun? Kyun!* Why would I think like that, huhh? *Main toh... main toh sirf* surprise *ho gayi ki aapke itne saare friends hain jinhe aap uthate ho!*"** (Why? Why? I was just surprised that you have so many friends whom you lift!)

I forced a brittle, awkward laugh, looking everywhere but at his knowing eyes. I turned slightly away, muttering the Hindi word for coward under my breath-a clear reference to his cold heart and his massive frame.

**Ishita:** **"*fattu* ho aap."**

**Rudra:** (His eyes widened slightly, a genuine shock passing over his face, instantly followed by amusement. He raised one perfect eyebrow) **"I heard that, Ishita."**

I froze. He heard it! I knew my insult was too quiet, but he heard *everything*.

My mouth opened, ready to deny it, but all that came out was a high-pitched, **awkward laugh**. I stuck my tongue out quickly, the universal sign of surrender and childish defiance, and bolted.

**Ishita:** **"Bye, Rudra! *Bye!*"**

I ran out of the garden and didn't stop until I reached the safety of my studio door, my heart still racing from the double dose of fighting and flirting.

### **Rudra Singh Rathor's Perspective**

I watched her run. *My tiny, fierce defender, fleeing from a simple 'friend' tag and a teasing question.*

I couldn't stop the deep, booming laughter that finally escaped me. She thought I was fattu a coward. If only she knew that the coward had melted and was now forming a permanent foundation around her.

I walked slowly towards the exit of the garden, my eyes still fixed on the doorway where she had disappeared.

**Rudra** (Inner Monologue): *Friend? No. She is the only woman who can make me laugh like this. The only one who scares me and calms me at the same time.*

I pulled out my phone as I reached the car. I knew she was hiding, embarrassed.

**Rudra** (Texting): * I will see you tomorrow. And no matter what I call you, remember my answer to your doubt. You are everything to me. **(And next time you run, run slower. You're too light; I worry you'll float away.)**"**

I smiled again, a genuine, content smile that belonged only to Ishita. The chaos, the anger, the embarrassment-it was all worth it. Because for a few minutes, I was just *her Rudra*-the one she defended, the one she hugged, and the one she couldn't stop thinking about.

She was my addiction, and I was hers. Confession or not, the truth was already established.