Ishita Sharma's Perspective -]

The nervousness of meeting Rudra's Bebe was a tight knot in my stomach, but I was determined to look my best. This wasn't just a meeting; it was an inspection.

I chose a beautiful **soft pink *anarkali***-traditional, but with a modern cut. My makeup was **soft**, emphasizing my brown eyes, and I wore simple **bangles** and my silver **payal** (anklet) which tinkled softly with every step. I put on my highest **heels**-a necessity when standing next to the Greek God-and made sure my **real long nails** were perfectly filed and polished, just the way Rudra loved them.

I was pacing my studio, trying to recite polite *Namaste* greetings, when I heard it: a loud, impatient **car horn**.

I rushed to the window and smiled, my heart doing a silly little flip. There he was.

I grabbed my purse and practically ran outside. He was standing there, effortlessly **leaning against his black Mercedes**, one hand casually draped inside the window, resting on the **horn button**-clearly having fun announcing his arrival.

He was, as always, **damn hot**. He was in a crisp, dark **corporate outfit**-a tailored suit that hugged his **well-built body** and emphasized his broad shoulders. He looked every bit the powerful, ocean-eyed prince.

He grinned, his eyes sweeping over me, approval radiating from him. He then **gestured for me to come** to him, his arms opening wide in a silent invitation.

I didn't hesitate. I walked quickly toward him, and despite the height added by my heels, I still had to go **up onto my toes** to meet him halfway as he pulled me in. I wrapped my arms tightly around his neck, burying my face against the smooth, expensive fabric of his jacket.

**Rudra:** (His voice was a deep, warm murmur right next to my ear, his arms tightening around my waist.) **"Perfect. You look absolutely ethereal, **Jaana**. That pink... it makes you look like a rose. And your nails, they're lethal. Are you ready to charm the toughest woman in my life?"**

**Ishita:** (I pulled back just enough to look up at him, my anxiety slightly eased by his closeness.) **"Only if you promise to hold my hand the whole time. You look magnificent, Ru. You're going to give Bebe a heart attack before I even get a chance to."**

[Rudra Singh Rathor's Perspective ]

I arrived precisely at four. I didn't bother with a polite buzz; I just pressed the **horn** once-a long, impatient blast-to let her know her ride had arrived.

I stepped out, leaning against the car, watching the studio door. The moment she emerged, my breath hitched.

She was stunning. The **pink *anarkali*** was beautiful, simple yet elegant. Her hair was down, her **heels** added some much-needed height, and her composure was back. I instantly zeroed in on the details: the shine on her **long, natural nails** that I loved, the soft curve of her smile.

I grinned, **gesturing for her to come**. The business suit felt too restrictive, so I opened my arms, needing that physical connection before we faced my grandmother.

She walked toward me, and I pulled her instantly into a deep hug. I felt her rise slightly **onto her toes** as her arms went around my neck. The soft floral scent of her perfume mixed with the slight musk of her freshly applied makeup.

**Rudra:** (I held her close, pressing a firm **kiss** to the side of her temple.) **"Perfect. You look absolutely ethereal, **Jaana**. That pink... it makes you look like a rose. And your nails, they're lethal. Are you ready to charm the toughest woman in my life?"**

I looked down at her, my own tailored suit feeling like a necessary uniform for the battle ahead. **Rudra:** **"Don't worry about Bebe. She's been excited since I told her you were coming. Just remember that she is the reason I believe in love, even if she thinks I don't believe in God."**

I kept my arm around her as I walked her to the passenger side. **Rudra:** **"Ready for the Rathor Penthouse, **Ishi**? It's not a palace, but it's mine. And soon, it will be ours."**

[Ishita Sharma's Perspective - ]

We both **got in the car**, and Rudra drove with his usual controlled speed, the journey filled with my nervous chatter and his soothing reassurances.

We soon arrived at his **private penthouse**. It was a towering, modern structure overlooking the city. We **both came out** of the car, and he led me inside.

I glanced around the entrance foyer, a memory flashing through my mind. **Ishita:** **"It's been five months since I came here... nothing's changed."**

I had **once came here before**-a lifetime ago, before confessions, before friendship, when I was **working with Reet** . That day, I had done a dance sequence **shoot on *Tere Naina*** then he took me here. The memory felt surreal now.

As we walked further into the vast, open-plan living area, Rudra called out, his voice echoing slightly. **Rudra:** **"Bebe!"**

She appeared almost immediately, coming out from the direction of the **kitchen**. My first impression was a pleasant shock: she was wearing a comfortable, elegant **Punjabi salwar suit** and had a genuine, welcoming **smile** on her face. She was definitely **not looking like a *dadi* (grandmother) seriously**; she looked youthful and vibrant.

She came towards us with warmth. I instinctively **folded my hands in *Namaste*** and then quickly **touched her feet**-a sign of respect I always gave elders.

**Bebe:** (She immediately pulled me up, her hands warm on my cheeks.) **"Oh, *beta*! God bless you! Come, come inside! You are even more beautiful than my Rudra described! And so *sanskaari* (cultured)!"**

She held my face gently, looking at me with genuine love and curiosity. **Bebe:** (Her voice was filled with admiration, and she pulled me into a warm hug.) **"You have such a warm aura, *beta*. And your skin... such a lovely, natural color. * (God has willed it). You are so beautiful, *meri bachchi* (my child)."**

I realized the significance of her admiration. Rudra had told me the Rathor family historically favored fair skin. I was a **brown girl**-and for **the first time, a brown girl** was being welcomed into the Rathor fold.

**Ishita:** (I blushed, completely overwhelmed by her warmth.) **"Thank you so much, Bebe. It's an honor to finally meet you."**

**Bebe:** (She smiled at Rudra, a look of pure adoration for him and me.) **"Rudra! Look at her! Finally, some color in this pale family! You made the right choice, *puttar* (son). Now, come, sit. I've made tea and *pakoras* (fritters) myself."**

[Rudra Singh Rathor's Perspective -]

I kept my arm lightly around Ishita's back as we entered the penthouse. I knew she felt the history here.

**Ishita:** **"It's been five months since I came here... nothing's changed."**

**Rudra:** **"Nothing needed to change, **Jaana**. I keep it the way it was when you came here . You brought life to this place that day."**

I called out for Bebe, wanting to get this introduction over with quickly. **Rudra:** **"Bebe!"**

She emerged from the kitchen-my strong, beautiful grandmother. She was in a simple **Punjabi salwar suit**, looking far too young to be a *dadi*. Her face held the **smile** reserved only for me and those she instantly loved.

Ishita immediately **folded her hands** and then quickly bent to **touch her feet**. Bebe stopped her, pulling her up and embracing her with genuine warmth.

**Bebe:** **"Oh, *beta*! God bless you! Come, come inside! You are even more beautiful than my Rudra described! And so *sanskaari*!"**

I watched Bebe examine Ishita, and then heard the words I knew she would say.

**Bebe:** **"You have such a warm aura, *beta*. And your skin... such a lovely, natural color. *. You are so beautiful, *meri bachchi*."**

I knew what this meant. My family's history was clear: fair complexions, Western education. Ishita was a **brown-skinned**, middle-class girl, and Bebe was celebrating her **natural beauty**-a huge, silent vote of confidence and acceptance.

**Rudra:** (I stepped forward, putting my hand on Ishita's shoulder, a signal of my claim.) **"Bebe, this is Ishita. Ishita, you already know the biggest boss here."**

**Bebe:** (She chuckled, pulling Ishita's hand.) **"He's the CEO but I'm the President of his heart, *beta*. And now, you hold the position of the Chairman. Don't let him forget it."**

**Bebe:** **"Now, come, sit. You must be hungry. I've made tea and *pakoras* myself. We have much to discuss. Starting with why you made my grandson stop eating his healthy salmon and start ordering *paneer tikka*."**

[Ishita Sharma's Perspective -]

I **smiled** and sat down on the plush sofa, feeling a little less nervous now that Bebe's warmth was apparent. Rudra sat beside me, his presence a silent shield.

Bebe settled across from us, pouring the tea herself. She was instantly engaging, asking me about everything with genuine curiosity, not judgment.

**Bebe:** **"So, tell me, *beta*. Rudra said you are only twenty years old. To be a model *and* a makeup artist at this age, you must be very focused. How did you manage to balance all that?"**

I answered honestly, feeling comfortable sharing my journey.

**Ishita:** **"It was a lot of hard work, Bebe. I started training for makeup artistry when I was sixteen. Modeling was a recent opportunity. But my real is top makeup artist in india or maybe model to -that's why Rudra is helping me with my B.Ed. application."**

**Bebe:** **"! *Wah!* A strong foundation is always best. Now, tell me about your family. Rudra is giving me minimal details-he is too busy telling me about your eyes!"** She winked at me.

I laughed and began to paint a picture of my home life.

**Ishita:** **"My family is very typical, Bebe. We are a **Sanatani** family. Very traditional and with **too much devotion toward Radha-Krishna**. Every morning starts with a *bhajan* (devotional song) and *aarti* (prayer)."**

I explained the family members. **Ishita:** **"My father is a gym trainer. He's very strict, actually. **Totally strict like Rudra**, always focused on discipline and routine. My mummy is a housewife-the heart of the family, always worrying about everyone."**

**Ishita:** **"My **elder brother is an editor**. He **works for movies**, mostly on the post-production side. And we have a **big joint family**. My **Chacha** (paternal uncle) and **Chachi** (paternal aunt) live with us, along with their kids. I have an **elder cousin sister** and a **younger brother** who is still in school. I am the second youngest in the whole group."**

I added the final, important detail with a mischievous grin. **Ishita:** **"And yes, we have a female dog. A very fluffy german shephard named **Kira**."**

**Bebe:** (She listened intently, nodding with approval, especially at the mention of the joint family and the devotion.) **"*Wah!* A big family. That is wonderful, *beta*. Rudra's house is too quiet. We need more chaos and laughter. And a dog! Rudra hates dogs, you know. But he will learn to love Kira if he loves you."**

She reached across the low table and took my hand, squeezing it gently. **Bebe:** **"Your Papa sounds like he runs a tight ship, just like my grandson here. Does he know about Rudra yet?"**

[Rudra Singh Rathor's Perspective -]

I watched the exchange closely, observing Bebe. She was doing her usual thorough assessment, but her manner was kind and accepting.

Ishita's description of her family was perfect-grounded, traditional, and full of life.

**Ishita:** **"My family is very typical, Bebe. We are a **Sanatani** family. Very traditional and with **too much devotion toward Radha-Krishna**. Every morning starts with a *bhajan* and *aarti*."**

I noticed Bebe's smile widen; she approved of the devotion.

**Ishita:** **"My father is a gym trainer. He's very strict, actually. **Totally strict like Rudra**..."**

I smirked, leaning forward slightly. **Rudra:** **"Don't compare me to a mere gym trainer, **Jaana**. I train corporate empires."**

**Ishita:** (She threw me a playful look.) **"Same difference, Ru. You both yell."**

I let the insult slide, captivated by her description of the chaos: the **elder brother** who **works for movies**, the **big joint family**, and the list of cousins.

**Bebe:** **"A joint family and a father who is strict like my grandson! That is good, *beta*. It means you understand discipline. And a dog, Kira! Rudra is terrified of Kira, I bet."**

**Rudra:** **"I am not terrified of Kira, Bebe. I simply maintain a professional distance from pets."**

**Bebe:** **"He will learn. He has to."** She turned back to Ishita, her expression becoming more serious. **Bebe:** **"It sounds like a very loving environment, *beta*. But tell me, your Papa is strict, and you are clearly very modern and ambitious. Does he know about the *Destiny Collide* part of your life? Does he know about us?"**

[Ishita Sharma's Perspective -]

Bebe's question about my family knowing was sharp, but understanding.

**Ishita:** (I shook my head slowly, my smile fading slightly.) **"No, Bebe. Not now. My family is quite strict in such things-dating, relationships, especially with a different background. So, at the right time, I will tell them about us. When I feel more settled and successful, maybe."**

**Bebe:** (She immediately softened, taking my hand and giving it a supportive squeeze.) **"It's okay, *beta*. You take your time. This family-we are all with you. You tell them when you are ready. We will stand by you."**

She then shifted gears completely, her grandmotherly concern taking over. She eyed my thin frame critically.

**Bebe:** **"But *hayy*, look at you! Why are you so slim? Don't you eat anything, *huh*? You look like you would float away if a strong wind blew!"**

I opened my mouth to defend my healthy eating habits, but that's when **Rudra saw his chance to complain**-a chance he seized with the zeal of a frustrated man

[Rudra Singh Rathor's Perspective -]

I had been sitting silently, letting Ishita bond with Bebe. But the moment Bebe raised the topic of Ishita's weight-a frustration I dealt with daily-I jumped in.

**Rudra:** (I leaned forward, my tone instantly dropping into an exasperated, yet protective complaint.) **"That is exactly what I keep telling her, Bebe! She doesn't eat! She survives on air and cold coffee! You should have seen what she forced me to order for lunch today-junk food! Pizza and *paneer tikka* rolls! And then she didn't even finish her share!"**

I shook my head dramatically, appealing to Bebe's maternal instincts.

**Rudra:** **"She always pretends she's full, but she's running around between shoots and makeup gigs, and her calories are zero! I am constantly sending her protein shakes, fruit plates, and *dabbas* (packed lunches), and she forgets to eat them! I worry that one day she will collapse from exhaustion."**

I pointed at her sternly. **Rudra:** **"Look at her! We need to put some weight on her, Bebe! I don't want my wife to look like a fashion sketch; I want her to look healthy!"**

**Rudra:** (I turned to Bebe, my voice pleading.) **"I need your help. You are the only one who can make her sit down and eat a proper, home-cooked meal. You must teach her your recipes, Bebe. I'm at my wit's end!"**

---

[Bebe's Perspective -]

I watched the whole exchange with a delighted smile. The way Rudra defended her and complained about her habits proved that his heart was truly invested. My ruthless, cold-hearted grandson was worried about his girl's caloric intake!

**Bebe:** (I chuckled, shaking my head at Rudra's dramatic complaint.) **"Oh, *haye*, my poor boy! So much worry!"**

I gently squeezed Ishita's hand. **Bebe:** **"Don't you worry, *puttar* (son). I will handle this. This is a job for the *dadi*."**

I patted Ishita's cheek. **Bebe:** **"You see, *beta*, a man who worries about your food is a man who loves you deeply. Rudra is right. You are too slender. From tomorrow, I will start sending you home-cooked food. Healthy, but tasty. We will have you looking strong and glowing for that wedding *lehenga*!"**

**Bebe:** **"And Rudra, I will teach her one of my famous dish. A nice, heavy Punjabi recipe. That will fix her right up!"**

[Ishita Sharma's Perspective -]

The moment Bebe headed toward the kitchen to speak with the servants about my new diet plan, I pounced. I turned on Rudra sharply, my smile instantly replaced by a dangerous, narrowed gaze.

**Ishita:** **"'*Maintain rakha hai khud ko*' (You've maintained yourself), you said?"**

He met my gaze with a wide-eyed, **innocent nod**, clearly missing the imminent danger.

**Ishita:** **"*Achha*, *kiske liye, huhh* (Oh really, for whom)? Tell me!"** I leaned **closer**, invading his personal space on the sofa, my voice dropping to a low, fiercely **jealous** whisper.

**Ishita:** **"*Ladkiyon ko patane ke liye, haina* (To impress girls, right)? You keep these **six-packs** maintained, *huhh*? All those salads are just to keep the competition interested! You like showing off your fitness to all your female directors and clients, don't you?"**

I poked his hard chest with my finger, my eyes burning with a mock-serious **kaleshi mood**.

[Rudra Singh Rathor's Perspective -]

I saw Bebe leave and immediately felt a wave of relief, but it was short-lived. The moment she was out of earshot, Ishita turned on me, her eyes flashing with pure, magnificent jealousy.

**Ishita:** **"'*Maintain rakha hai khud ko*', you said?"**

I nodded **innocently**, completely oblivious to the depth of my mistake.

**Ishita:** **"*Achha, kiske liye, huhh*? *Ladkiyon ko patane ke liye, haina* (To impress girls, right)? **Six packs** maintain karne hain, *huhh*?"**

She leaned aggressively into my space, her proximity both electrifying and terrifying. I immediately began **leaning back in fear and horror**, trying to escape the fury I knew was coming, my brain screaming *Kaleshi mood activated!*

**Rudra:** (I raised my hands in immediate surrender, my eyes wide.) **"No, **Jaana**, wait! Stop! It's for health! I told you, I run an empire! It's not for-for *patana* (impressing)! It's for longevity! I need to be alive to deal with your B.Ed. and your food habits, remember?"**

**Rudra:** (I pulled her hand from my chest, kissing her wrist quickly.) **"I only maintain my fitness for you. So I can carry you. So I can lift you onto my lap without throwing my back out! There is no one else, **Ishi**. Only you. Stop the jealousy; it's making my six-pack hurt!"**

[Ishita Sharma's Perspective - ]

I was still burning with theatrical jealousy. I gave him a slow, deliberate **glare, sweeping from his head to his perfectly maintained toes**, making sure he understood the severity of my warning.

**Ishita:** **"*Aagar pata chala kahi aur bhi kuch aur chal raha hai*, you are finished! *Aap gaye kaam se*! **Dhyan rakhna!** (If I find out something else is going on somewhere else, you are finished! You're done for! Be careful!)"**

I emphasized the last two words, jabbing my finger near his collarbone.

He understood. He stopped trying to argue and immediately switched to damage control mode.

**Rudra:** (He nodded frantically, his eyes conveying absolute sincerity.) **"Yes, **Jaana**. Understood. Crystal clear. Nothing else is going on anywhere. I promise."**

He lifted his hand, his large, warm fingers beginning to gently **caress my cheek**, stroking my skin softly. That touch, that immediate affection, was my weakness.

My fury melted away instantly. My **mood changed** in a flash, the jealous *kaleshi* turning back into the loving fiancée.

I leaned back quickly, letting the soft, genuine **smile** return to my face, as if the last two minutes of intense interrogation never happened-a truly **professional actor's** switch. I reached up and playfully **pulled his cheek**.

**Ishita:** **"Good! You better be careful. I'm going to Bebe, okay? We have *pakoras* to eat."**

I stood up, adjusting my *anarkali*, leaving him reeling from the shock of the sudden mood swing, and walked toward the kitchen.

[Rudra Singh Rathor's Perspective -]

I bore the brunt of her **glare**, the threat ringing clearly in my ears. I knew she was mostly teasing, but the core of her possessiveness was real, and it was intoxicating.

**Rudra:** (I nodded instantly, completely submissive.) **"Yes, **Jaana**. Duly noted. Nothing else is going on anywhere."**

I immediately began **caressing her cheek**, my thumb rubbing soft circles to calm the storm I had accidentally brewed. Her skin was warm and soft against my fingers.

The moment my touch registered, her entire demeanor flipped. The intense fury vanished, replaced by her usual soft, playful **smile**. It was an astonishing, dramatic change.

She **pulled my cheek**, a move that was both affectionate and slightly painful. **Ishita:** **"Good! You better be careful. I'm going to Bebe, okay?"**

And just like that, she was gone, floating toward the kitchen, leaving me alone on the sofa.

**Rudra** (Inner Monologue): *I need to invest in a fire extinguisher for when she gets jealous. But God, I love it. She is worth every minute of fear.*

I smiled, shaking my head. I stood up, smoothing the front of my suit, preparing to follow her to the kitchen to ensure she didn't accuse me of stealing Bebe's *pakoras* next.

[Ishita Sharma's Perspective - ]

I was standing near the large, immaculate kitchen counter with Bebe, happily chatting and letting her fuss over me. She had insisted on bringing the fresh *pakoras* out herself, serving them piping hot. We were **both laughing** as she told me some childhood stories about Rudra-the cold-hearted CEO was apparently a mischievous child.

**Bebe:** (She turned her back to me briefly, reaching for a small dish of green chutney from the island.) **"Wait, *beta*, you must try this cilantro chutney. It's my specialty."**

The instant Bebe's attention was diverted, I felt a familiar, electric surge of heat. **He came from behind** me, moving with predatory silence. Two **strong arms wrapped instantly around my waist**, pulling me back against his unyielding chest.

I gasped, my heart leaping into my throat.

I instantly went **silent**, my voice freezing in my throat, terrified Bebe would turn around. I started to **wiggle furiously** within his grip, trying desperately to break free.

**Ishita:** (I hissed the words through clenched teeth, keeping my voice low and frantic.) **"Rudra! Stop! Bebe! Bebe is right there! Let me go! She will see us! *Chhodo* (Leave me)!"**

But he didn't loosen his hold. If anything, his grip tightened, pressing me flush against his hard, formal suit.

[Rudra Singh Rathor's Perspective -]

I followed Ishita to the kitchen, intending to maintain a professional distance, but watching her laugh with Bebe while she ate was intoxicating. The kitchen felt domestic, and she looked utterly mine.

When Bebe turned her back to reach for the chutney, I seized the opportunity. It was too perfect to resist.

I moved silently, smoothly closing the distance. My **arms wrapped around Ishita's waist** from behind, and I **held her** tight against me, breathing in the sweet scent of her hair and the lingering fragrance of *pakoras*.

She went instantly **silent** and started **wiggling furiously**, her panic delightful.

**Ishita:** (Her whisper was frantic.) **"Rudra! Stop! Bebe! Bebe is right there! Let me go!"**

**Rudra:** (I held her firmly, my lips brushing the top of her ear, my voice a low, teasing growl.) **"Relax, **Jaana**. Bebe is distracted. I just needed a quick hug. I haven't been allowed to touch you since that disastrous pizza lunch. Consider this my refill. And stop wiggling, you'll knock over the chutney."**

I didn't release her. I stood there, simply holding her captive, savoring the intimate, stolen moment in the middle of a very proper high tea.

[Ishita Sharma's Perspective -]

I was still trapped in Rudra's arms, unable to move without alarming Bebe. I threw a lethal **glare at him** over my shoulder, but he was completely immune, radiating smug satisfaction.

Instead of releasing me, he lowered his head and pressed a soft, warm **kiss on my nose**.

**Rudra:** (He started **flirting** instantly, his voice a low, teasing whisper.) **"Why so angry, **Jaana**? Your anger is as beautiful as the moon. And your eyes... they are like deep pools of chocolate, ready to drown me."**

He layered on the **cheesy things** expertly. **Rudra:** **"You look beautiful in my kitchen. You know, you are the most delicious thing here, even better than Bebe's *pakoras*."**

I couldn't help it; the anger melted away. My heart rate sped up, and a deep **blush** stained my cheeks. I **melted** slightly against his chest.

He sealed the moment by pressing a soft **kiss on my ear**, sending shivers down my spine.

I turned my head slightly, and our eyes met-deeply, privately, full of shared love and desire. We **both smiled**, completely lost in the moment.

I reached up and gently **caressed his cheek**, my fingers smoothing the sharp line of his jaw. He responded by capturing my hand and pressing a fervent **kiss on my palm**.

---

### **[Bebe's Perspective -]

I turned back from the counter with the chutney dish in my hands. I expected to see Ishita waiting patiently.

Instead, I saw a scene that made me freeze.

My **heartless, ruthless, emotionless grandson** was standing there, holding the sweet girl captive from behind, burying his face in her hair. I watched as he kissed her cheek, then her nose. The way he looked at her, the deep **devotion** in his eyes, was unlike anything I had ever seen from him.

A huge **smile** spread across my face, and a stray **tear** escaped my eye. *She melted him.* This girl was magic. I admired them both, utterly moved.

But then, Rudra started whispering. I couldn't quite hear the words, but the tone was intimate, full of *filmy* romance.

**Rudra:** (Whispering) **"...You are the most delicious thing here..."**

**Bebe:** (My eyes widened, and I gasped in mock horror, instantly covering my mouth.) **"*Haww!* Shameless!"**

I cleared my throat loudly, deliberately dropping the serving spoon slightly onto the counter to ensure they knew they were no longer alone.

**Bebe:** (My voice was cheerful, but firm, forcing them to acknowledge my presence.) **"*Ahem!* Rudra? Is my chutney delivery service up to your high corporate standards, or are you too busy giving me a lecture on kitchen hygiene?"**

[Rudra sighn rathor Perspective -]

The sudden, loud **clearing of the throat** and Bebe's innocent question instantly **busted** us.

Ishita shrieked faintly, trying to jump out of my arms, her face flaming scarlet. I froze, caught red-handed.

**Rudra:** (I released her instantly, stepping back, trying to regain my CEO composure, though my ears were burning.) **"Bebe! Y-Yes, the chutney... the chutney looks excellent. Very fresh."**

**Ishita:** (She turned around, avoiding eye contact with Bebe, picking up a *pakora* as if nothing happened.) **"Yes, Bebe! It looks wonderful! We were just... discussing the *pakora* to chutney ratio. Very important for the perfect bite."**

**Bebe:** (She walked over, her face split in a wide, knowing grin, completely ignoring my stammering.) **"Oh, I see. A ratio discussion that requires such intense... *closeness*. Well, Rudra, if you are that interested in ratios, maybe you should measure out the amount of love you show this girl in front of your poor old *dadi*."**

[Ishita Sharma's Perspective]

I couldn't handle the heat of Bebe's knowing gaze or Rudra's mortified silence. My cheeks felt permanently aflame.

**Ishita:** (I mumbled quickly, avoiding eye contact.) **"Bebe, I just remembered I need to check something... I'll be right back."**

I **excused myself** abruptly and practically bolted out of the kitchen, heading toward the enormous living room windows.

A few seconds later, I heard the sound of footsteps behind me. I knew it was Rudra. He had to escape Bebe's teasing too.

I peeked back and saw **Rudra** trailing after me, his face still holding a hint of deep embarrassment. Bebe was standing in the kitchen doorway, giving him a huge, **teasing look**-a look that promised future lectures and endless fun.

We spent the next half hour recovering, sitting side-by-side but slightly apart on the sofa, talking about the B.Ed. forms and avoiding the topic of "chutney ratios."

Soon after, we **all had lunch together**-a surprisingly normal and warm meal, where I happily agreed to Bebe's weekly *paratha* delivery service. We were **talking** about everything from the news headlines to my modeling assignments.

After lunch, Bebe announced her departure.

**Bebe:** (Hugging me tightly.) **"You are a lovely girl, *beta*. You must come again soon! And call me, don't wait for this busy man to arrange it. Goodbye, Rudra! And no flirting in the corporate office now! I'm watching!"** She kissed my forehead.

She then **left in her car with her driver**, heading back to the main Rathor mansion.

[Rudra Singh Rathor's Perspective -]

The moment Bebe's driver pulled away, I turned to Ishita.

**Rudra:** **"You see? I told you she was the biggest boss. She saw everything, and now I will never hear the end of it."** I groaned dramatically.

**Ishita:** (She laughed, punching my arm lightly.) **"It was your fault for attacking me near the chutney! But she loves you, Ru. And she likes me! That was the main victory."**

**Rudra:** **"She loves you. I am just tolerated now because I bring her beautiful granddaughters."** I smirked. **"Come. I need to **drop you at your studio** quickly, or Eternity Headquarters might collapse without its CEO for too long."**

We **got into the car**. The drive was short but filled with comfortable silence, punctuated by my hand resting securely on her knee.

We arrived at her studio. I parked the car and reached out, cupping her cheek.

**Rudra:** **"Thank you for today, **Jaana**. You make my world feel less cold. Promise me you'll eat the food Bebe sends. Don't just admire it."**

**Ishita:** **"I promise, Ru. And thank you for saving me from the rude receptionist yesterday and introducing me to your amazing Bebe today. You are the best."**

I leaned in, pressing a firm, brief **kiss** to her temple.

**Rudra:** **"I'll call you tonight after my last meeting. Don't stay up late editing. And I expect an update on the B.Ed. forms by midnight."**

**Ishita:** **"Yes, President Sir! Go run your empire now."**

She smiled, squeezed my hand, and got out of the car. I watched her until she was safely inside her studio, then put the car into gear.

**Rudra:** **"Now, time to revert to the ruthless, emotionless version,"** I muttered to myself, driving away towards my **Eternity Company**.