The CEO's Lap and the Pizza Order

Ishita Sharma's Perspective]

I burst into laughter at his ridiculous suggestions. The tension was finally gone, replaced by the familiar warmth of his teasing.

**Ishita:** (I laughed, gently pushing his shoulder.) **"Shut up, Ru! And you are not my father, okay? You are my love."**

I turned around in his arms, so I was facing him directly. I wrapped my hands around his waist, my gaze locking onto his ocean eyes.

**Ishita:** **"And no fiancé or fiancée write in anything, okay? Because I didn't tell anyone about us. It's a secret."** I leaned in and **whispered** the last part conspiratorially, my breath tickling his ear.

**Rudra:** (He opened his eyes wide, letting out a sharp, dramatic gasp.) **"Ooooh, shit!"**

**Ishita:** (I pulled back, concerned.) **"What happened? Did you forget to attend some major international summit?"**

**Rudra:** **"No, worse than that, **Jaana**. I messed up our secret. I told someone about us."** He looked genuinely panicked, though a faint hint of amusement lingered in his eyes.

**Ishita:** (I rolled my eyes, already guessing.) **"Who? Laksh Bhaiya? I swear that man knows everything."**

**Rudra:** **"No, Laksh didn't need to be told. He observes everything. He's already got the wedding planner shortlisted. But I told my Bebe about us."**

I made a huge **'O' face**, a mix of shock and total surrender. **Bebe**-Rudra's powerful, loving grandmother. That was a whole different level of exposure. The news would be sealed in cement now.

**Rudra:** (He held me securely in his arms, **swaying** us gently from side to side, treating me like his most precious possession.) **"Actually, I didn't even need to tell her. She herself found out at first. She was waiting up for me late the other night, and she saw me smiling like an idiot in my *kurta*. Then she guessed, and then I confessed everything."**

He pulled back slightly, tucking a stray curl behind my ear. **Rudra:** **"And, **Ishi**, she didn't just find out. She started dancing in the living room and immediately jumped to planning names for our children."**

[Rudra Singh Rathor's Perspective]

She laughed, the sound warm and beautiful against my chest. She was safe, she was smiling, and that was all that mattered.

**Ishita:** **"Shut up, Ru! And you are not my father, okay? You are my love."**

She turned in my embrace, her hands wrapping around my waist, claiming me completely.

**Ishita:** **"And no fiancé or fiancée write in anything, okay? Because I didn't tell anyone about us. It's a secret."** She **whispered** the word *secret*, her lips close to my ear, sending a ridiculous shiver down my spine.

**Rudra:** (I had to make this fun.) **"Ooooh, shit!"** I reacted dramatically.

**Ishita:** **"What happened?"**

**Rudra:** **"No, worse than that, **Jaana**. I messed up our secret. I told someone about us."**

**Ishita:** **"Who? Laksh Bhaiya?"**

**Rudra:** **"No, Laksh didn't need to be told. He observes everything. He is already compiling a risk-assessment report on my sudden personality change. But I told my Bebe about us."**

Her immediate **'O' face** was priceless-she knew the power of Bebe.

**Rudra:** (I held her close, **swaying** us slightly, relishing the feel of her small body against mine.) **"Actually, I didn't even need to tell her. She herself found out at first."**

**Rudra:** **"I came back late from dropping you off after the Mandir visit-still smelling like incense and looking like a love-struck fool in that white *kurta*. She took one look at me and asked what had happened to my usual cold expression. I had to confess."**

I leaned my forehead against hers, my eyes soft. **Rudra:** **"She is thrilled, **Ishi**. She is already completely devoted to you, and she believes you are the magic that finally broke the curse of the Rathor coldness. She wants to meet you immediately. So, our secret is already out to the most important person in the Rathor empire."**

**Rudra:** **"You have Bebe's approval, my love. That's more protection than my entire security detail can offer. When do you want to meet her? She's already asking me about the color of your wedding *lehenga*."**

[Ishita Sharma's Perspective -]

I felt my cheeks heat up at the mention of the **wedding *lehenga*** and the completely overwhelming jump to **children's names**. Rudra's family moved at the speed of a bullet train compared to my simple middle-class pace.

**Ishita:** (I whispered, slightly breathless.) **"Seriously? She said that?"**

**Rudra:** (He gave a lazy, irresistible smile.) **"Yes. And me too."**

My blush deepened, staining my neck and cheeks a bright pink. I gently pushed his chest, trying to hide my face in the curve of his shoulder.

**Ishita:** **"*Abhi bhout time hai*, Mr. Rathor. Let me finish my B.Ed. first. And let's not rush God's planning, okay?"**

**Rudra:** (He sighed dramatically, pulling me tighter.) **"*Hmmm, Of course*. I know. Patience is a virtue I am actively trying to learn for you, **Jaana**. You are just a baby now. We have all the time in the world."**

**Ishita:** (I pulled back, feigning offense.) **"Ooo, no! *Mai baby nahin hoon*! I am 20 years old! And I run my own business!"**

**Rudra:** (He looked down at my 5'3" frame next to his 6'3" height, his eyes twinkling.) **"But you look like 10. You weigh like air, and you need me to feed you like a toddler. You are definitely my baby."**

I couldn't help but laugh, punching his hard **bicep** lightly. **Ishita:** **"Shut up! Stop teasing me!"**

I grew serious again, the thought of meeting his grandmother returning. Bebe was the first member of his actual family I would meet-the real challenge.

**Ishita:** **"So, when does Bebe want to meet? I am just nervous, you know. She's the head of the family. What if she doesn't like me? What if I say something wrong?"**

I held his hands tightly, searching his eyes for reassurance. **Ishita:** **"She is royalty, Ru. And I'm just Ishita, the makeup artist."**

Rudra sighn rathor perspective

The blush on her cheeks was more captivating than any sunset. I watched her struggle to process the concept of us as a permanent, family unit.

**Rudra:** (I held her close, smiling at her shy protests.) **"Yes, Bebe is very excited. And me too."**

She threw me a playful punch and reminded me of our timeline. **Ishita:** **"*Abhi bhout time hai*, Mr. Rathor. Let me finish my B.Ed. first."**

**Rudra:** (I sighed loudly, a perfect performance of thwarted desire.) **"*Hmmm, Of course*. You are the boss. You are just a baby now, **Ishi**. We wait for you to grow up."**

**Ishita:** **"Ooo, no! *Mai baby nahin hoon*! I am 20 years old! And I run my own business!"**

**Rudra:** **"But you look like 10. You weigh like air, and you need me to feed you like a toddler. You are definitely my baby."** I couldn't resist the teasing, kissing her forehead softly.

Then her mood shifted to genuine anxiety, and I instantly dropped the teasing. She was worried about Bebe.

**Ishita:** **"So, when does Bebe want to meet? I am just nervous, you know. She's the head of the family. What if she doesn't like me? What if I say something wrong?"**

I held her face between my palms, forcing her to look into my steady, devoted eyes.

**Rudra:** **"Stop. Stop thinking like that, **Jaana**. First, Bebe already loves you because you make me smile. Second, she is going to love you because you are kind and pure. And third, she is going to meet *my* future, not some corporate acquisition. She is the only person whose opinion I value, and she will accept you."**

I tucked a stray strand of hair behind her ear, my fingers lingering on her soft skin.

**Rudra:** **"She wants to meet you tomorrow for high tea, if you're free. I'll come and pick you up at 4 PM. You don't need to do anything, wear anything, or say anything differently. Just be Ishita. She'll melt."**

**Rudra:** **"And if she gives you any trouble, you just look at her and say, 'Rudra said I am his boss now,' and watch her reaction. She loves a strong woman."** I winked, trying to ease her nerves.

[Ishita Sharma's Perspective - ]

I smiled at his fierce love and unwavering support. It truly felt like he was ready to tackle the entire Rathor dynasty for me. Hearing him talk about Bebe meeting *my* future and not just his-that meant everything.

**Ishita:** (I nodded happily, feeling completely reassured, mimicking a **toddler** bobbing her head.) **"Okay! Tomorrow at 4 PM! Got it!"**

He smiled, a soft, indulgent expression that always melted me.

But the emotional rollercoaster had burned off all the expensive Italian dinner he had forced me to eat earlier.

**Ishita:** (I leaned my forehead right against his solid chest, nuzzling him comfortably.) **"*Bhook lagi hai ab* (I'm hungry now). It's already lunch time. *Kuch khila do*, President Sir."** I used his corporate title, making it sound entirely ridiculous and cute.

**Rudra:** (His hands immediately tightened around me.) **"Of course, Your Highness. Whatever you command."**

**Rudra:** **"Come,"** he said, gently leading me back to the plush, oversized sofa.

He picked up the cabin's internal phone, his expression shifting from lover to efficient operator. He started **ordering food**, asking me what I wanted to eat.

**Rudra:** **"So, my Queen, what does the palate crave now? A delicate French soup? Maybe some light grilled salmon to sustain your energy for conquering Bebe?"**

**Ishita:** (I wrinkled my nose.) **"No, no, no. I am traumatized by the lobby, Ru. I need comfort. I need chaos food. I want a **cheesy, extra-loaded pizza** and maybe some **spicy *paneer tikka* rolls** from that small shop near my studio. Oh, and cold coffee. Extra whipped cream."**

I knew I was pushing it. My demand was the opposite of his usual health-conscious, five-star diet.

**Rudra:** (He paused, his finger hovering over the phone's keypad, sighing dramatically.) **"Pizza and *tikka* rolls? In the CEO's cabin? You are literally testing the limits of my power, **Ishi**."**

**Ishita:** **"But *you* said I owned this place, Mr. Rathor. The owner wants pizza. Can you handle it, or should I call Laksh Bhaiya?"** I teased, leaning my head on his shoulder.

**Rudra:** **"I can handle it. Though I may need a strong whiskey after this. Laksh will bring it up. And I will personally inspect the *tikka* rolls to ensure they meet the health code standards of my empire."** He pressed a button on the phone. **"Laksh, order a large pizza, extra cheese, and two spicy paneer tikka rolls from a good, clean place near her studio. And a cold coffee, extra whipped cream. Yes, bring it to the 50th floor. Now."**

He hung up and looked at me, a soft, indulgent smile returning. **Rudra:** **"There. Satisfied, my tiny tyrant? Now, come here and tell me more about what you want to study in B.Ed."**

He pulled me against his side, his arm securely around my shoulders, ready to dive into college applications while awaiting his un-CEO-like lunch order.

[Rudra Singh Rathor's Perspective -]

She snuggled against me, the fear in her eyes replaced by the usual brightness. Her small nod was endearing, and her request for food was a welcome return to normalcy.

**Ishita:** **"*Bhook lagi hai ab*. It's already lunch time. *Kuch khila do*, President Sir."**

The use of "President Sir" combined with her demanding *bhook* made me smile widely. **Rudra:** **"Of course, Your Highness. Whatever you command."**

I guided her to the sofa and picked up the phone. I was ready to order a balanced, elegant meal.

**Rudra:** **"So, my Queen, what does the palate crave now? A delicate French soup? Maybe some light grilled salmon to sustain your energy for conquering Bebe?"**

**Ishita:** **"No, no, no. I need comfort. I need chaos food. I want a **cheesy, extra-loaded pizza** and maybe some **spicy *paneer tikka* rolls** from that small shop near my studio. Oh, and cold coffee. Extra whipped cream."**

My eyebrows practically shot up to the ceiling. This was food designed to kill a man in a business suit.

**Rudra:** **"Pizza and *tikka* rolls? In the CEO's cabin? You are literally testing the limits of my power, **Ishi**. This floor is usually reserved for Michelin-star catering and merger discussions. Not *paneer tikka*."**

**Ishita:** **"But *you* said I owned this place, Mr. Rathor. The owner wants pizza. Can you handle it, or should I call Laksh Bhaiya?"**

Her playful challenge was irresistible. My control over my own life was completely irrelevant when she was hungry.

**Rudra:** **"I can handle it. Though I may need a strong whiskey after this."** I called Laksh, giving the absurd order. **"Laksh, order a large pizza, extra cheese, and two spicy paneer tikka rolls from a good, clean place near her studio. And a cold coffee, extra whipped cream. Yes, bring it to the 50th floor. Now."**

I hung up and pulled her close, kissing the side of her hair. **Rudra:** **"There. Satisfied, my tiny tyrant? I hope the corporate elevator doesn't smell of *tikka* and cheese when this delivery arrives."**

**Rudra:** **"Now, while we wait for this culinary atrocity to arrive, tell me more about what subjects you want to teach after your B.Ed. We need to focus on securing your future, **Ishi**."**

[Ishita Sharma's Perspective - ]

I was still snuggled against Rudra's side, feeling warm and safe, when the reality of his joke about the whiskey hit me. I pulled back instantly, my mood shifting from affectionate toddler to serious scolder.

**Ishita:** (My voice was sharp, laced with immediate disapproval.) **"Wait! You drink? You mean you actually consume alcohol?"**

Before he could even open his mouth to explain the context of his joke, the floodgates opened. I launched into a full-scale **rant**, channeling my inner traditional Indian mother.

**Ishita:** **"Rudra! This is not acceptable! I do not like men who drink! It's a terrible habit! My family would never accept you if they knew this! My Papa would have a heart attack! You have to change this behavior, immediately! You can't tell me you drink and then expect me to marry you and pray for your long life! It's unhealthy, it's unnecessary, and it leads to all sorts of problems!"**

I didn't let him get a word in edgewise. I was on a roll, pacing the small area in front of the sofa, my hands gesticulating wildly.

**Ishita:** **"You are a major businessman! You need a clear head! How can you run an empire, negotiate multi-billion deals, and then go home and ruin your health with *sharab* (alcohol)? You have to promise me right now that you will stop! If you don't stop, then forget the wedding *lehenga*, forget the B.Ed., forget the names! My values are important, Rudra, and this is a deal-breaker!"**

I kept up my **nonstop rant in a *khadoos* (strict/salty) mood**, completely oblivious to his wide-eyed expression and the suppressed smile that was fighting its way onto his face. I could see him **trying to speak**, raising his hand slightly, but I didn't give him a chance.

**Ishita:** **"And don't you dare tell me 'it's just a little!' There's no such thing as 'a little' when it comes to bad habits!"**

[Rudra Singh Rathor's Perspective -]

The joke was meant to ease the tension from the *paneer tikka* order. I regret it instantly.

**Ishita:** **"Wait! You drink? You mean you actually consume alcohol?"**

Before I could say, *"No, **Jaana**, it was a figure of speech because you ordered pizza,"* she exploded. She launched into a full-scale, magnificent, and entirely misplaced **scolding session**.

**Rudra** (Inner Monologue): *This is unbelievable. She is scolding the 5th richest man in the world over a hypothetical whiskey. And she calls me the tyrant.*

She kept **ranting nonstop**, citing her family's values, my health, and the corporate demands of having a clear head. Her intensity was both hilarious and deeply touching-she was already protecting my future with the fierce devotion of a wife.

I tried to interject, raising my hand. **Rudra:** **"Ishita, wait, let me-"**

**Ishita:** **"No! I won't wait! You have to promise me you will stop! If you don't stop, then forget the wedding *lehenga*... this is a deal-breaker!"**

**Rudra** (Inner Monologue): *A deal-breaker? She's threatening to break up with me over a drink I've never touched. My entire empire is built on my abstaining habits.*

I let her finish, leaning back on the sofa, crossing my arms, a reluctant smile playing on my lips.

**Rudra** (Inner Monologue): *How do I tell her I don't drink? How do I tell her that in the Rathor family, alcohol is strictly forbidden? We are a **Shiv-Parvati devoted** family. My Bebe would disown me if I even looked at a bottle.*

**Rudra:** (Finally, when she paused for a breath, I seized the opening, my voice dangerously calm.) **"Are you quite finished with your lecture, Ms. Sharma?"**

I stared at her, my ocean eyes conveying a seriousness that had nothing to do with the alcohol, and everything to do with her ridiculous assumption.

**Rudra:** **"Now, let me ask you: **Who** told you that I drink? Was it the pizza? The *tikka* rolls? Or did you just assume a ruthless CEO needs liquid courage to function?"**

**Rudra:** **"For the record, **I have never touched alcohol in my life**. No one in my family drinks. It is strictly forbidden. I made a joke about whiskey because the demand for junk food in my private office was... unexpected. Now, stop worrying about my liver and sit down. Your scolding session is over."**

[Ishita Sharma's Perspective - ]

I took a deep, shaky breath, processing his denial. The relief was immense, washing away the furious panic I'd just experienced.

**Ishita:** (I let out a huge sigh, covering my face briefly.) **"*Shukar hai Khana Ji* (Thank God). I was already started planning our-"**

Before I could finish the sentence-the terrible word *end* hovering on my tongue-Rudra moved with frightening speed.

He **pulled me onto his lap** suddenly, without warning, one strong arm clamping around my waist, the other hand holding the back of my neck. I gasped, totally shocked by the sudden, possessive movement. My legs were instantly tangled with his, and I was held completely **flush against his body**.

The air instantly thickened with his scent and his heat. My face was burning; I could feel the **blush** spreading rapidly.

**Rudra:** (His voice was low and gravelly, a dangerous warning.) **"Don't you *ever* say that word, Ishita. Ever. Don't you ever plan the end of us. Not even as a joke. You are mine. You came into my life for a lifetime contract, sealed by the Goddess herself. Do you understand?"**

His intensity left me breathless, the remnants of the scolding forgotten, replaced by pure **shyness** and a thrill of **desire**.

**Ishita:** (I stammered, my heart hammering against his chest, acutely aware of our inappropriate position in his office.) **"R-Rudra! What are you doing? Someone will come! We are in your office! The door-"**

He ignored my frantic protest about the corporate setting. He immediately **snuggled into my neck**, breathing deeply against the sensitive skin near my ear, his lips barely brushing my skin.

**Rudra:** (His voice dropped to a warm, intimate whisper, completely changing the mood from warning to deep **closeness**.) **"No one is coming in this cabin, **Jaana**. The door is locked and soundproofed. And right now, I need to remind myself what you smell like. What you feel like. You scared me, talking about ending us."**

He stayed there, his head buried in the curve of my neck and shoulder, his breath warm and steady. He simply held me, his **big hands** resting firmly on my waist, pulling me closer still.

**Rudra:** **"You are my peace, **Ishi**. Don't take that away from me."**

I melted against him, my arms automatically wrapping around his broad shoulders. I whispered, my voice thick with emotion and affection.

**Ishita:** **"Never, Ru. I promise. Never again."**

[Rudra Singh Rathor's Perspective -]

The relief on her face was clear, but when she started planning the *end* of our relationship-even hypothetically-I snapped. My control vanished.

I **pulled her onto my lap** without thought, needing the immediate, overwhelming physical assurance that she was here, she was real, and she wasn't going anywhere. I held her **flush against my body**, her small frame instantly trapped against my chest and thighs.

**Rudra:** **"Don't you *ever* say that word, Ishita. Ever. Don't you ever plan the end of us. Not even as a joke. You are mine. You came into my life for a lifetime contract, sealed by the Goddess herself. Do you understand?"**

The fury was replaced by a desperate, possessive need for **closeness**. Her gasp, her wide, blushing eyes-I absorbed it all.

**Ishita:** **"R-Rudra! What are you doing? Someone will come! We are in your office! The door-"**

**Rudra:** (I ignored the corporate setting, letting the warmth of her body be my only reality.) **"No one is coming in this cabin, **Jaana**. The door is locked and soundproofed."**

I buried my face immediately in her neck, taking a deep, ragged breath. The jasmine and her own sweet scent grounded me. This intimate action was better than any corporate boundary.

**Rudra:** **"And right now, I need to remind myself what you smell like. What you feel like. You scared me, talking about ending us."**

I held her still, simply breathing her in, my **desire** for her battling with my deep protective urge. My hands held her waist, possessive and strong.

**Rudra:** **"You are my peace, **Ishi**. Don't take that away from me."**

I felt her small arms wrap around my neck, her body relaxing against mine. The physical **touch** had reassured both of us.

**Ishita:** **"Never, Ru. I promise. Never again."**

I smiled against her neck, a deep, satisfied victory.

**Rudra:** **"Good. Now, you owe me an apology for the reckless, unfounded scolding. And then we eat this ridiculously ordered pizza."**

Ishita Sharma's Perspective - ]

I was still **on his lap**, my cheeks burning with fierce **shyness** after the kiss-apology game. I started **wiggling** gently, trying to get off, acutely aware of the closeness and the corporate setting.

**Ishita:** **"Rudra, stop! Let me go! I'm getting off your lap, seriously! It's the office!"**

**Rudra:** (He held me tighter, burying his face in my hair, his lips brushing my ear. His teasing was hell.) **"No, **Jaana**. You belong here. I like the view from up here. Besides, if you get up, I'll just get angry again, and you know what that means..."**

**Ishita:** (I **scolded him with a blush**, trying to sound firm.) **"Don't you dare, Mr. Rathor! You are impossible! And you are ruining my dress! Move!"**

**Rudra:** (His voice dropped to a low, husky **flirtation**.) **"My love, I'm not ruining anything. I'm just enhancing the experience. You are distracting me from the stress of firing people. This is therapeutic."**

Just then, a sharp **knock** sounded on the heavy door. My eyes widened in panic.

**Ishita:** **"Now leave me, please! They're here! My God, Rudra, let go!"**

He didn't. Instead, he simply gave a calm **permission to come in** from the internal speaker.

The door opened, and **Laksh**-Rudra's PA, looking utterly professional and carrying a large food trolley-wheeled the evidence of our ridiculous order into the CEO's cabin.

My face went scarlet. I let out a horrified little sound, **hitting his chest** once, hard, and then **slid off his lap** with a quick, desperate motion, smoothing my *kurta* and avoiding eye contact with the poor, stoic PA.

Laksh, perfectly composed, approached the table.

**Laksh:** **"The food is here, sir. Shall I instruct the service staff to plate and serve the meal?"**

**Ishita:** (I spoke up quickly, stepping in front of the trolley.) **"*Kyu*? We have hands, don't we? *Hum khud kar lenge* (Why? We have hands, don't we? We will do it ourselves)."**

**Laksh:** (He looked confused.) **"But, Ma'am, it's not-"**

**Ishita:** **"It's okay, bro. I'm not used to it. *He* must be."** I gestured toward Rudra, who was watching the exchange with a highly amused expression.

I paused, realizing the absurdity of the situation.

**Ishita:** **"*Ek min* (Wait a minute). He eats by himself too, right? Or does he keep servants just to feed him?"** I looked at Rudra, then burst into genuine laughter at my own joke.

Both men-Rudra, standing tall and devastatingly handsome, and Laksh, the ever-efficient PA-were **staring at me** like I had just cracked an ancient code instead of a simple joke.

**Ishita:** **"What? It was funny, right?"**

**Rudra:** (He gave a slight, **oblivious nod like an obedient husband** who knew the drill.) **"Yes, **Jaana**. Very funny. Hysterical, even."**

**Laksh:** (Inner Monologue): *God. The Boss is doomed. She is completely unhinged, and he loves it.*

Rudra then gave Laksh a curt order. **Rudra:** **"You may excuse yourself, Laksh. We'll call you later."**

Laksh started to turn, but I put my hand on his arm.

**Ishita:** **"Wait! Laksh Bhaiya, join us. With the food. Bro."**

Laksh froze. No one-*no one*-had ever invited him, the PA, to dine with the CEO.

**Laksh:** **"Ma'am, thank you, but I have a meeting to prep. I must deny-"**

**Ishita:** **"Again?"** I insisted, pulling him closer to the trolley.

**Laksh:** **"Ma'am, really, I cannot-"**

I turned my pleading eyes to Rudra, nudging his arm. **Ishita:** **"Rudra! Tell him! Tell him to sit down and eat with us! He's been working all day. This is a presidential order."**

**Rudra:** (He simply gave Laksh a resigned **nod** over my head, a tiny, amused smirk playing on his lips, as if to say, *"You heard the boss. No one can win against her."*) **"Laksh, sit down. The rolls look good. You earned it."**

Laksh looked utterly shocked, but knowing the CEO's word was final, he slowly, awkwardly pulled up a chair.

[Rudra Singh Rathor's Perspective -]

She finally **slid off my lap**, hitting my chest in mock annoyance, her cheeks blazing red. The abrupt appearance of Laksh had thankfully distracted her from our intense moment.

Laksh, my ever-efficient PA, wheeled in the *paneer tikka* and pepperoni pizza trolley.

**Laksh:** **"Sir, shall I instruct the service staff to plate and serve the meal?"**

**Ishita:** **"*Kyu*? We have hands, don't we? *Hum khud kar lenge*."**

I watched the interaction with immense fascination. She was dismantling the corporate structure piece by piece.

She then made the joke about me needing staff to feed me. I knew it wasn't a corporate joke, but an Ishita joke.

**Rudra:** **"Yes, **Jaana**. Very funny. Hysterical, even."** I played the role of the **obedient husband**, nodding dutifully. My world was already consumed; what was a little dignity lost in front of Laksh?

I gave the dismissal order. **Rudra:** **"You may excuse yourself, Laksh. We'll call you later."**

But Ishita stopped him. **Ishita:** **"Wait! Laksh Bhaiya, join us. With the food. Bro."**

I almost smiled. She had completely bypassed the hierarchical system. Laksh tried to deny her, twice. He knew the strict rules.

**Ishita:** **"Rudra! Tell him! Tell him to sit down and eat with us! He's been working all day. This is a presidential order."**

I met Laksh's pleading eyes. I knew better than to argue with **my tyrant**.

**Rudra:** (I gave Laksh a slight **nod**, a silent acknowledgment of her power.) **"Laksh, sit down. The rolls look good. You earned it."**

Laksh slowly pulled up a chair, looking utterly defeated, yet subtly honored. **Rudra:** **"Now, Ishita, if you are going to force my PA to join us, you must serve him first. And explain the B.Ed. application process. That is the price of this *paneer tikka* chaos."**

[Ishita Sharma's Perspective -]

I wrinkled my nose at the mention of studies again. The mood was finally light, and I wasn't about to let B.Ed. ruin it.

**Ishita:** **"Oof! *Padhai ki baat kyu karte hain* (Why do you talk about studies)? You ruined the mood! Now I have to eat pizza to fix it."**

I immediately started **serving the food**. Laksh looked surprised as I piled a giant slice of pizza onto his plate first. I then served Rudra, but his plate was different-it contained the **healthy one** he'd ordered separately: a small, grilled salad and some steamed vegetables.

**Ishita:** (I frowned at Rudra's plate.) **"Look at this. Always boring food. *Padhai likhai ke liye toh poori zindagi padi hai* (There's a whole lifetime for studies and education). Let's talk about something else! Right, Laksh Bhaiya?"**

Laksh was still navigating the surprise of being included, so he just managed a **nod with a small, cautious smile**, glancing nervously between me and his boss.

I leaned closer to Laksh, dropping my voice slightly, but ensuring Rudra could hear every word.

**Ishita:** **"Laksh Bhaiya, tell me honestly. *Kaise jhelte ho inhein din bhar* (How do you tolerate him all day)? And his temper, *uff*! I get stressed just listening to him for an hour. *Mai toh pareshan ho jaati hoon* (I get completely overwhelmed)."**

I continued **talking to Laksh about Rudra and his habits**, clearly **making him embarrassed**. I listed all his CEO habits-his impatience, his need for silence, the way he never sat still.

**Ishita:** **"He walks around the house like a frustrated tiger! And he never eats anything fun! You should convince him to try this *paneer tikka* roll, Bhaiya, it's amazing!"**

**Rudra:** (He had had enough. He leaned forward, his eyes twinkling with suppressed annoyance and affection.) **"*Ho gaya aapka* (Are you done)? Eat your pizza, *bas* (just). Talk less."**

He picked up a large bite of the pizza and gently **pushed it into my mouth**.

I instantly **pouted** but chewed obediently, my cheeks ballooning with the cheesy goodness.

Then, with my **mouth full of pizza**, I immediately started to **talk again**, turning back to Laksh. **Ishita:** **"*Mmmph*... So, Laksh Bhaiya, tell me about *your* life. Do you have a girlfriend? *Kahan rehte ho* (Where do you live)?"**

Both Rudra and Laksh just **stared at me**-one in loving disbelief, the other in professional shock, unable to believe I was chewing and talking about my future husband's habits while also grilling his PA about his personal life.

**Ishita:** (I swallowed with effort.) **"What? It was funny, right?"**

[Rudra Singh Rathor's Perspective ]

I watched as she dismissed the topic of her B.Ed., the future president of Eternity apparently more concerned with cheese and spice. **Ishita:** **"Oof! *Padhai ki baat kyu karte hain*? You ruined the mood! Now I have to eat pizza to fix it."**

She expertly served the junk food to Laksh and then began her verbal assault, targeting my entirely healthy, grilled plate.

**Rudra:** (Inner Monologue): *She's comparing me to a frustrated tiger. In front of my PA.*

She leaned into Laksh, **making him thoroughly embarrassed**, listing my flaws with zero filter. Laksh was nodding stiffly, terrified of offending either his current boss (me) or his future boss (her).

**Rudra:** **"*Ho gaya aapka*? Eat your pizza, *bas*. Talk less."**

I cut her off, picking up a large, cheesy piece and **gently pushing it into her mouth**. It was the only way to silence her.

She **pouted**, then started **talking again with her mouth full**, grilling Laksh about his personal life. It was a complete disaster, but watching her turn my hyper-efficient office into a chaotic, domestic mess was bizarrely satisfying.

I looked at Laksh. He was staring at her with the wide-eyed look of a man who had seen his corporate world dissolve into a bubble of cheese and *tikka*.

**Rudra** (Inner Monologue): *Yes, Laksh. I am doomed. And it is the happiest disaster of my life.*

She looked at me for validation. **Ishita:** **"What? It was funny, right?"**

I nodded immediately, not wanting to restart the scolding session. **Rudra:** **"Yes, **Jaana**. Hysterical. Now, finish your pizza before I order a flight to Europe just to get you out of this cabin."**

[Ishita Sharma's Perspective -]

We finally finished the chaotic, delicious lunch. The last remnants of the pizza and *tikka* rolls were gone. Laksh Bhaiya looked significantly less stressed, having survived his forced corporate dining experience.

I stood up, gathering my small purse and preparing to leave.

**Ishita:** **"Okay, that was fun! I guess I should go now. Laksh Bhaiya, thank you for sharing the corporate snacks!"**

I smiled warmly and **forwarded my hand to Laksh**, intending to bid him farewell with a friendly handshake, the way I would with any friend or acquaintance.

Laksh, however, froze. He looked immediately toward Rudra, his face a silent question: *Am I allowed to touch the Queen?*

**Rudra**-who was standing next to me, his presence looming and possessive-did not like that gesture one bit. He gave Laksh a subtle, almost imperceptible **tilt of his head**. It wasn't a word, but the message was clear and perfectly denied Laksh the permission to shake my hand.

Laksh understood the signal instantly. He dropped his hand and quickly **folded his hands in *Namaste*** instead, offering me a polite, deep bow of respect.

My playful mood vanished. I **glared at Rudra**, a silent, sharp scold for his possessiveness and corporate rigidity.

He only **smiled**-a wicked, unapologetic, utterly handsome smile that told me he knew exactly what he was doing.

Before I could protest his territorial behavior, he smoothly **pulled me close**, tucking me against his side.

**Rudra:** **"Let's go, **Jaana**. You have to get home, and I have to ensure Laksh doesn't have a nervous breakdown from the shock of eating non-organic food on the 50th floor."**

He gave Laksh a firm nod-a dismissal and a silent order to recover-and steered me toward the private elevator.

[Rudra Singh Rathor's Perspective -]

The moment lunch concluded, Ishita stood up. I was relieved the *tikka* had not caused an international incident.

Then she made her second mistake of the day: she extended her hand to Laksh for a handshake.

**Rudra** (Inner Monologue): *Absolutely not. You are not a colleague, you are my claim.*

Laksh, bless his quick corporate instincts, looked straight at me for confirmation. I gave a slight, decisive **tilt of my head**-a perfect **denial**. Laksh immediately understood the boundary: *You may serve her, but you may not touch her.* He quickly **folded his hands in *Namaste***.

Ishita immediately **glared at me**, her disapproval clear.

I met her glare with a warm, triumphant **smile**. I was not going to let a business subordinate touch the woman I was fighting to keep.

I smoothly intervened, **pulling her close** against my side, my arm circling her waist in a firm claim.

**Rudra:** **"Let's go, **Jaana**. You have to get home, and I have to ensure Laksh doesn't have a nervous breakdown from the shock of eating non-organic food on the 50th floor."**

I gave Laksh a final, sharp look-a look that said, *"Clean up the mess, and forget everything you saw."*

As we walked toward the elevator, I leaned down and whispered into Ishita's ear, my breath warm. **Rudra:** **"My love, Laksh is my assistant. You are my queen. There are certain boundaries that must be maintained. Only I get to touch you. That is the rule of the Rathor empire."**