[Rudra Singh Rathor's Perspective -]

I was waiting, every muscle tense beneath the weight of her body. My heart was thundering, not from fear, but from the raw, restrained **desire** that had been simmering for months.

I saw the change in her eyes. The deep concentration from the song vanished, replaced by a wave of intense **shyness**. Her cheeks turned a bright, adorable scarlet.

Then she did the most heart-stopping thing: she **bit her lip**-a soft, nervous gesture that nearly shattered my control.

**Rudra:** (I closed my eyes briefly, my voice dropping to a harsh, raw whisper.) **"Don't, **Jaana**. Don't **plz**. I am on the verge already. Don't do that."**

I leaned in, desperate to feel her. Instead of answering my question about her comfort, she shifted. She **wrapped her arms around my neck** suddenly and fiercely, burying her face into my neck and shoulder.

**Ishita:** (Her voice was muffled, soft, and heartbreakingly honest.) **"I don't know, Ru. Actually, I am shy. I can't. Sorry."** i am comfortable but .

My world snapped back into place. The desire, though still painful, was instantly tempered by my love and **respect** for her. She was honest. She needed more time.

I pulled her closer, rubbing her back soothingly, instantly shifting from predator to protector.

**Rudra:** **"Shh. It's okay. Never apologize for that, **Ishi**. Never. There is no need for rush. We have forever, remember? And I will wait for you. We can go back to equity splits and profit margins. That's much safer."**

I kissed the top of her head-the familiar, safe harbor. I **didn't force her**. She needed to feel absolutely safe, even in my arms.

**Rudra** (Inner Monologue): *She doesn't understand my world... but she wants to. That's more than enough. And her comfort? That's my only rule.*

[Ishita Sharma's Perspective -]

I felt his intense look, the way his thumb brushed my lip, and the depth of his waiting. I knew he wanted it-he **badly** wanted it. But I panicked. The honesty of the moment, the finality of that first kiss... it was too much for my twenty-year-old self, despite my deepest feelings.

I bit my lip, trying to control the massive **blush** that was consuming my face. When he warned me, his voice rough with need, I knew I had to be truthful.

I quickly **wrapped my arms around his neck** and hid my face completely **in his neck**. It was my safe space, my way of saying, *I love you, but I need time.*

**Ishita:** **"I don't know, Ru. Actually, I am shy. I can't. Sorry."**

The moment the words were out, I felt the tension leave his body. He didn't tighten his grip in anger; he only held me closer in acceptance. His gentle kiss on my hair was the silent assurance I needed.

I smiled against his neck. He **understood very well**.

[Rudra Singh Rathor's Perspective -]

She's still in my lap.

Wrapped around me like my favorite blanket, refusing to move - not that I'd ever let her.

Her arms looped lazily around my neck, chin resting on my shoulder.

I lean my head slightly to the side, cheek brushing her long hair.

She's been listening - *really* listening - as I try to explain my company's structure.

Mergers, acquisitions, equity shares...

To anyone else, it's power and strategy.

But to her?

She squints, lips pursed, eyebrows furrowed in adorable confusion.

**Ishita:** **"Wait... wait... you mean like, you own *that* brand too?"**

**Rudra:** **"Yes."**

**Ishita:** **"And *this* one? That makes makeup?"**

**Rudra:** **"Yes, baby."**

**Ishita:** **"And that hotel chain where I once went for a friend's birthday?"**

**Rudra:** **"Mhm. All under Rathor Holdings."**

**Ishita:** **"WHAT THE HELL, RUDRA!"**

**Rudra:** **"I told you I'm not just handsome, sunshine."**

She lightly slaps my chest.

I laugh - a *real*, deep laugh I never knew I had before her.

**Ishita:** **"Okay fine,"** she says, trying to focus again. **"So what exactly is this thing... equity splits and shares? And also profit margins... what even is that?!"**

I look into her eyes, cupping her cheek with one hand.

**Rudra:** **"Ishita, love, I deal in numbers. You deal in colors. I calculate growth. You create beauty. I lead boardrooms. You lead hearts."**

She smiles, a bit sheepish, clearly still trying to understand, but also knowing I don't *need* her to be an expert.

**Ishita:** **"But I wanna know how your world works, Rudra,"** she whispers. **"Even if I suck at numbers."**

**Rudra:** **"You don't suck. You ask questions. That's smarter than most CEOs I've met."**

She looks up at me like I've given her the moon.

Then mumbles, **"Still confused though..."**

I chuckle, pulling her closer, resting her head on my shoulder.

**Rudra:** **"Okay... imagine this,"** I say. **"You own five makeup studios, right?"**

**Ishita:** **"Hmm. Okay."**

**Rudra:** **"Each one earns money. That's revenue. After paying staff, rent, products - what's left is your profit."**

**Ishita:** **"Okayyy..."**

**Rudra:** **"Now, imagine I invest in your studio - I give you money to grow more - in return, I get a *share* of the profit."**

**Ishita:** **"Ohhhhhh... So like if I let you be my partner, you get some of the money too?"**

**Rudra:** **"Exactly."**

**Ishita:** **"And if I don't let you?"**

**Rudra:** **"Then I'll still buy your favorite lipstick brand and own it anyway,"** I smirk.

She gasps, dramatically.

**Ishita:** **"That's cheating!"**

**Rudra:** **"That's business, baby."**

[Ishita Sharma's Perspective - ]

I don't even know how long I've been sitting on his lap.

I'm not moving. Not a chance.

He's warm, he smells ridiculously good, and the way his arms rest around me while speaking in that low, calm voice...

I swear, even if I don't understand a single thing about "equity" and "holdings," I'd listen to him *all day.*

I keep asking questions though.

Mostly because I *want* to understand his world.

He always listens to me talk about contour, blush shades, and matte vs glossy - even when he has no clue.

So now it's my turn.

**Ishita:** **"Wait, what is market acquisition again?"**

**Rudra:** **"It's when one company buys most or all of another to take control of it."**

**Ishita:** **"So basically, you're out there just... buying people's babies?"**

**Rudra:** **"Metaphorically... yes."**

**Ishita:** **"Dude... that's savage."**

**Rudra:** **"I told you I was ruthless."**

I frown, staring at him.

**Ishita:** **"But you're not ruthless. Not with me."**

He doesn't say anything. Just cups my face, his thumb stroking my cheek.

And I melt.

Because behind that sharp jaw, those strong arms, and terrifying business empire...

...is the same man who bends to tie my heels, brings me food when I forget to eat, and kisses my forehead when he clearly wants more but never pushes.

He could buy anything in the world...

But here he is, patiently teaching a math-hating, 5'3 girl about balance sheets like it's the most important thing in his day.

**Ishita:** **"You really think I can understand your world?"** I whisper.

**Rudra:** **"No,"** he replies. **"I think *you already do*. Because you see me. Not just my money, my power - but *me*."**

I lean into his chest, close my eyes, smile.

Because yes...

I don't need to get every figure and formula.

I just need to understand *him.*

And right now - he's all mine.

---

**Rudra:** (He nuzzles into her hair, enjoying the quiet moment.) **"Now that you understand the basic concept of profit and partnering, how about we discuss the most important partnership? When exactly are you going to stop hiding my gifts and let me buy you a proper, public ring?"**

[Rudra Singh Rathor's Perspective -]

*Yes, I can rule boardrooms. But cooking for her? That's a different kind of power.*

I'm in my kitchen - sleeves rolled up, apron tied, hair a bit messy because she keeps ruffling it for no reason. I focused on perfectly browning the *paratha*.

And she? Sitting on the kitchen counter like a queen, legs swinging, watching me chop veggies with more admiration than I get from half my company shareholders.

She keeps giggling every now and then.

God, that sound. That's worth more than my entire net worth.

**Ishita:** **"Rudra Singh Rathor. A billionaire. A tycoon. Who *cooks*?"**

She narrows her eyes at the cutting board.

**Ishita:** **"You know if mummy finds out you cook better than me, she'll adopt you... and probably kill me."**

She pouts dramatically.

I laugh, tossing a piece of chopped capsicum toward her mouth.

She tries to catch it. Misses. Pouts even more.

**Rudra:** **"Baby-"**

**Ishita:** **"NO!"** she cuts in immediately, raising her hand like a stop sign. **"No *baby*, no *babe*. Yuck. Ew. I hate it."**

**Rudra:** **"But you're my baby-"**

**Ishita:** **"*Rudraaaa!*"**

**Rudra:** **"Okay, okay,"** I raise my hands in surrender, smirking. **"No baby. No babe."**

I pause. Then lean in close to her ear.

**Rudra:** **"*and what about meri Jaan,*

She **freezes**.

**Blinks**.

**Blushes** instantly.

She hides her face behind her hands and mutters,

**Ishita:** **"I hate you."**

**Rudra:** **"No you don't."**

**Ishita:** **"Maybe I do a little."**

**Rudra:** **"But I'm still feeding you dinner, so clearly I win."**

She giggles again.

I flip the *paratha* onto a plate. **Rudra:** **"Alright, *Jaan*. Come down. Food is served. Stop sitting on the marble counter; you'll catch a cold. And you need to taste-test this. Be precise. Corporate feedback only."**

I picked up the plate and held it out to her, waiting for her to slide off the counter and join me at the dining island.

[Ishita Sharma's Perspective - ]

*He's flipping parathas like a pro and I'm just trying not to fall in love harder than I already have.*

I'm sitting on his fancy kitchen counter in a house that probably costs more than every flat in my entire street combined.

But the man - the billionaire, the tycoon, the terror of boardrooms - is standing in front of me...

making *aloo paratha*. The smell alone was making me weak.

I looked at the perfectly puffed *paratha* on the griddle.

**Ishita:** **"If mummy finds out you cook better than me,"** I say, still half in shock, **"she'll adopt you and kill me. Seriously."**

**Rudra:** **"She'll adopt your cooking, that's for sure,"** I mutter.

Then -

Then he goes and says the most cringy word in the history of Earth.

**Rudra:** **"Here, baby-"**

**Ishita:** **"NO."**

I almost fall off the counter.

**Ishita:** **"Don't. Don't call me baby. Or babe. Or anything that sounds like a TV soap character. Yuck."**

I make a disgusted face and shiver.

He laughs, *enjoying* my drama a little too much.

**Rudra:** **"Okay then..."** he leans in, eyes full of mischief.

**Rudra:** **"...what about meri *Jaan*."**

Dead.

Gone.

Finished.

I combusted into a puddle of gajra-scented embarrassment.

My brain malfunctions.

I hide my face, heart pounding so loud I swear even his spatula heard it.

**Ishita:** **"I hate you."**

**Rudra:** **"Sure you do."**

**Ishita:** **"Rudraaa, shut up!"**

**Rudra:** **"Say it again. Say 'I hate you' one more time and I'll feed you with my hands."**

My cheeks are burning.

But he turns back to the stove like he didn't just ruin my soul.

**Rudra:** **"Alright, *Jaan*. Come down. Food is served. Stop sitting on the marble counter; you'll catch a cold. And you need to taste-test this. Be precise. Corporate feedback only."**

He held the plate out. I reluctantly slid off the counter, still hiding my burning face slightly, and walked towards the island.

**Ishita:** **"Fine! I'll give corporate feedback. And the feedback is: you are distracting me from my job, which is to look pretty and file B.Ed. forms, not critique your surprisingly excellent dough-kneading skills."**

I was still sitting together after dinner, his hand occasionally **brushing mine** as I curled up on the couch beside him. The fairy lights from the balcony cast a soft glow inside. I had finished telling him about my madness-filled family, so now it was my turn to dig deep into his.

**Ishita:** **"Okay Rudra Singh Rathor, Mr. Billionaire, Mr. Broody... Tell me about *your* family now."**

He gave a small smirk and shook his head like he was mentally preparing a long list.

**Rudra:** **"It's a full circus,"** he muttered, and I giggled.

He began, detailing the powerful, complex Rathor clan. My eyes widened at the description of his father, the patriarch, and his mother, the graceful powerhouse.

**Ishita:** **"And Chachi?"** I asked, my legs now tucked under me.

**Rudra:** **"Urmila Singh Rathor - diamond queen. Runs the jewellery line. Elegant like a queen but funny like a stand-up comedian. Her cooking though? *Next level.*"**

**Ishita:** **"God,"** I said, already trying to imagine this crazy mansion.

Then came the cousins, the younger generation: Akshat, the organized Co-CEO, and Vardaan, the sharp lawyer with terrible jokes.

**Rudra:** **"Akshat is dating someone. Quiet girl. You'll meet her someday."**

**Ishita:** **"And Vardaan..."** I smirked. **"I *already* know. Reet. My fashion designer. My partner-in-chaos."**

**Rudra:** Of course you borh are to close

**Ishita:** **"yeah we are good friends

He laughed softly, shaking his head. **Rudra:** **"Reet, and you both are choas you know

I leaned into him, half-grinning.

**Ishita:** **"So... you're the eldest?"** He nodded. **"The *eldest* of Rathor Mansion,"** I teased, dramatically gasping. **"Mr. Heir."**

**Ishita:** **"And Jay and Ahana?"** I asked, curious about the younger ones.

**Rudra:** **"Jay Singh Rathor. 23. Thinks he's the next fashion icon-slash-basketball champ. Has a modelling portfolio, spends more time in front of the mirror than anyone else."**

**Rudra:** **"Ahana Singh Rathor. 22. The chaos of our lives. Helps mom and Chachi in the diamond business. Brains and beauty, but God help us when she's moody."**

I leaned back, wide-eyed.

**Ishita:** **"Rudra... I am literally younger than your *entire* family."**

He looked at me with a half smile, brushing his thumb across my knuckles.

**Rudra:** **"And yet, you're the only one who makes me forget I'm supposed to be the eldest."**

I felt my heart melt just a bit.

**Ishita:** **"I think your bebe and my mom would become best friends."**

**Rudra:** **"Unless they fight over ghee quantity,"** he said seriously.

We both laughed.

**Ishita:** (I squeezed his hand.) **"Tell me more about Bebe. She's the only one I've met, and she's already my favorite."**

**Rudra:** (His eyes softened completely, the mention of Bebe bringing genuine warmth.) **"Bebe? Bebe is the reason I am who I am. She's technically the grandmother, Dadi Jeeto, but she runs the show. She's the only one who can shout at my father and get away with it. She loves her drama serials and loud Punjabi music. She used to sneak me out of boarding school to take me for ice cream when I was small. She is fiercely protective, especially of people she decides are 'her people.' She loved you the moment she saw your *Namaste* and your natural color, you know."**

**Ishita:** **"I know,"** I whispered. **"She feels like the mom I didn't know I needed."**

[Rudra Singh Rathor's Perspective ]

She curled beside me on the couch, her eyes wide with curiosity, her fingers gently tracing invisible lines on my palm as she asked me about my family.

I didn't talk about them much. Not because I didn't love them - but because people usually cared more about the Rathor name than the people behind it.

But not her. Ishita wanted to *know.*

I told her everything-the history, the power structure, the annoying habits.

**Ishita:** **"Rudra... I am literally younger than your *entire* family. Just 20."**

She said it with a playful pout, but I saw that flicker of hesitation in her eyes-the fear of being too small for this massive dynasty.

I tightened my hold on her fingers.

**Rudra:** **"That's not a weakness, jaan. You bring youth where we got too serious. You laugh when I forget how. You make me feel like... like I can breathe."**

She looked at me quietly, blinking slowly, like trying to register what I said.

**Ishita:** **"You mean that?"**

I brushed a loose strand of hair behind her ear.

**Rudra:** **"More than anything."**

Then she asked about my **Bebe**. The mention of my grandmother always softens me.

**Ishita:** **"Tell me more about Bebe. She's the only one I've met, and she's already my favorite."**

**Rudra:** **"Bebe is the fire that keeps the Rathor mansion warm. She's the only one who still believes in God and destiny in our house. My father respects her, my mother consults her, and I... I fear her cooking and her judgment equally."**

I smiled faintly. **Rudra:** **"She is the reason I even considered looking past the corporate world. She taught me about unconditional love, even if I was too blind and cold to accept it initially. She already considers you her granddaughter. She's waiting for me to give her permission to start designing your wedding jewelry."**

**Rudra:** **"She doesn't care about your job, your age, or the family name. She only cares that you make *me* happy. And you do, **Ishi**. More than anyone else in the world."**

[Ishita Sharma's Perspective - ]

I was walking backward while talking to Rudra-telling him how I managed to escape my house today, my hands gesturing wildly.

**Ishita:** **"You know I told mummy I have a shoot in some villa today. I even took my makeup kit with me, can you believe it? Just so it looks real. The full drama!"** I giggled softly. **"Do you know how strict my house is? Like *Hitler* strict. Full-on military mode. No boys, no late nights, no designer heels taller than their *sanskaars*."**

He was walking behind me, hands in his pockets, wearing that faint teasing smile on his perfect lips-the kind that says he's listening to me like it's the only thing that matters in the world.

Then **boom-I bumped into someone**.

**Hard**.

**Ishita:** **"Oh my God-"**

It was one of the maids. She nearly dropped the tray she was holding. Her eyes **widened like she saw a ghost**. And the way she started apologizing-like rapid-fire, her voice trembling.

**Maid:** **"Ma'am, I-I'm so sorry, please forgive me-I didn't see you, I-"**

I just **froze for a second**. Because I knew why she was reacting like that.

I turned around.

There he was. Rudra Singh Rathor. Standing tall, ruthless, **emotionless**-his entire aura saying *'Speak one wrong word and your life is over.'*

To the world, he's a goddamn storm. But to me? He's just Rudra. The guy who feeds me from his hand and says "*jaan*" like it's a poem.

I quickly **stepped in between them**.

**Ishita:** **"Heyy... it's okay. It's really not your fault. I bumped into you. I wasn't looking. I'm sorry."**

She looked at me like I was from another planet.

Then she looked past me-terrified-at *him.*

I turned back, gave him a **"don't you dare" soft glare**, and slightly nodded, silently saying-*Please. Let it go. For me.*

And guess what? He **did**.

[Rudra Singh Rathor's Perspective -]

*She lies to her family. Risks her freedom. Just to spend a few hours with me. And she still apologizes for bumping into someone.*

I watched her. Eyes sparkling. Long hair flying with every little skip in her step. She doesn't even realize that just her presence slows down the madness in my brain.

Then suddenly-*bump.*

She collided with one of the housemaids. The girl almost dropped her tray, and instantly **paled the moment she saw me**. Fear. Raw, pure, honest fear.

The maid started mumbling apologies so fast, she could barely breathe.

I didn't move. Didn't say a word. I was already formulating a plan to minimize the disruption when Ishita turned.

Her soft brown eyes met mine, and without a single word, she said everything:

>*"Let it go. Please. For me."*

And I did. Just like that.

Because when she asks something, my heart has no logic. No ruthlessness. Just... her.

She turned back to the maid.

**Ishita:** **"It's okay! Really. It's my fault. I bumped into you."**

The girl blinked, stunned. Probably never heard someone apologize to her in this house.

I exhaled slowly. Took a step back. Gave the girl a **small nod**. She ran away like her life was spared.

Ishita turned to me and raised an eyebrow.

**Ishita:** **"Don't scare her. She looked like she saw death itself."**

**Rudra:** **"She did."**

**Ishita:** **"Stop it."**

She poked my chest and **rolled her eyes**.

**Rudra:** (I caught her hand, my thumb stroking her palm.) **"Alright, alright. I'm an angel. But **Jaan**,"** my voice dropped low, **"don't walk backward in my house. You're going to fall and break that perfect spine of yours. Then who will I sing with?"**

[Ishita Sharma's Perspective - ]

We spent a few more perfect hours until the curfew I had mentally set for my 'shoot' was nearing.

As we reached the end of my street, I could already feel my heart sinking. Why does time move like lightning when I'm with him? The car slowed to a stop a little distance before my house, as always, safely out of view from the nosy neighbors and **Hitler Papa's binocular eyes.**

I unbuckled my seatbelt slowly, not wanting to move, not ready to say goodbye. He sat there, calm but watching me, his fingers still gently intertwined with mine.

**Rudra:** **"You're quiet,"** he said, voice low and warm.

**Ishita:** **"I don't like goodbyes. Even temporary ones,"** I whispered, trying to smile.

He raised my hand and pressed his lips to my knuckles.

**Rudra:** **"It's not goodbye, Jaan. It's *see you soon*."**

My heart fluttered. I leaned forward and wrapped my arms around his neck tightly. He exhaled slowly, holding me back just as firm.

We stayed like that for a moment-just silence, just warmth, no chaos, no pressure. My nose buried into his shirt, soaking in his scent-woodsy, clean, entirely him.

Then I pulled back just a little, looked at his **ocean-blue eyes** that always made me weak, and without thinking, placed a quick **kiss on his cheek**.

**Ishita:** **"Bye Mr. Rathor..."** I whispered. **"Dream of me."**

Before he could say anything, before I lost my courage or blushed red, I quickly opened the door and slipped out with a grin. He leaned forward slightly, watching me until I disappeared behind the gate.

[Rudra Singh Rathor's Perspective -]

I slowed the car to a gentle stop near her street, my eyes constantly scanning the road like muscle memory. Every time I dropped her, I felt this strange ache-a need to keep her close even when she's already home.

She unbuckled her belt slowly, clearly not ready to leave. And neither was I. Her presence filled the entire car like a soft breeze-that messy innocence, that sharp wit, her *chaotic beauty*. My **Jaan**.

**Rudra:** **"You're quiet,"** I said, brushing my thumb against the back of her hand.

**Ishita:** **"I don't like goodbyes. Even temporary ones."**

I smiled at that. She never did anything halfway-even leaving felt like drama straight from a film scene.

**Rudra:** **"It's not goodbye, Jaan. It's see you soon."**

And then she hugged me.

Her arms around my neck, her head buried against my shoulder... I closed my eyes for a moment, breathing her in. Everything else-the Rathor name, the business meetings, the legacy, the crown-faded away.

This was peace.

And just when I thought she was pulling away, she **kissed my cheek**. Soft. Quick. Sweet. But it shook me more than any storm. My heart stumbled in my chest.

**Ishita:** **"Bye, Mr. Rathor... Dream of me,"** she said with that mischievous grin and bolted out of the car.

I watched her go, my cheek still tingling where her lips touched. I didn't move until I saw the gate close behind her.

My fingers slowly brushed where she kissed me.

**Rudra:** **"Always,"** I whispered to the empty passenger seat. **"I always do."**

[Ishita Sharma's Perspective - ]

The day had started like any other-client bookings, checking my studio lights, organizing my brushes and palettes by color gradient (OCD hits hard sometimes), and prepping for another bridal makeup trial.

A girl named *Dhristi Khurana* walked in, graceful and chatty, with those excited, pre-wedding sparkles in her eyes. She smiled wide and said she'd heard great things about me. Naturally, I welcomed her warmly.

**Dhristi:** **"My fiancé's family is really particular,"** she had giggled, **"So I wanted the best. And you have this charm, you know?"**

I chuckled, brushing it off and began discussing looks, themes, skin tones, and schedules. We talked for a while-about bridal entries, pastel lehengas, and matching jewellery. She didn't mention the groom's name once. Strange, but some brides don't. I didn't overthink it.

Hours passed, and like every evening, my favorite part of the day arrived.

Rudra.

Dressed in dark blue, sleeves rolled, hair perfectly messy, he entered the studio with his usual quiet swagger. And of course, my heart skipped three beats minimum.

**Rudra:** **"Ready?"** he asked, gently brushing his fingers against mine.

As we walked out toward the car, he looked at me and casually said,

**Rudra:** **"Akshat's wedding is fixed."**

I lit up instantly.

**Ishita:** **"What! Really? That's great, Rudra! Congratulations to the whole Rathor clan."**

He nodded, unlocking the car.

**Rudra:** **"It's in one month. The girl's name is Dhristi."**

My fingers froze just as I was about to open the door. I blinked slowly.

**Ishita:** **"Wait... Dhristi Khurana?"**

He turned toward me, brows raised. **Rudra:** **"Yes. How do you know her?"**

I straightened, still processing.

**Ishita:** **"She came to book her bridal makeup with me today. Just a few hours ago."**

He stilled. The world suddenly felt too small.

**Rudra:** **"That means you'll be doing makeup for your future *devrani* (sister-in-law),"** he teased, trying to break the weird silence.

I didn't laugh, but nodded slowly.

**Ishita:** **"I was already nervous about meeting your family one day,"** I mumbled, slipping into the seat. **"Now they'll know my name before they even meet me..."**

**Rudra:** **"Is that bad?"** he asked, sliding in beside her.

I shook my head, looking out the window. **Ishita:** **"It's not bad. It's just... real. All of this is starting to feel real."**

I let the seriousness linger for a moment, then my playful, **teasing** side took over, mixed with some good, old-fashioned **fake anger**.

**Ishita:** (I turned to him sharply, crossing my arms.) **"But wait a minute! You are the Rathor CEO! You love me, right? And you know I am a makeup artist, then why did you not suggest her my name at the first place, huhh? She came to me after **five visits with other artists**, huhh? Seriously, that's what your love is? You call me *Jaan*, *sunshine*, and more, but you don't mean it! Your own family had to go through five trials before finding me! Where is your loyalty? Where is your support for your girlfriend's small business? Rant, rant, rant!"**

[Rudra Singh Rathor's Perspective -

I stepped into her studio, and the air changed immediately. Just being in her orbit, I felt lighter. Calmer.

**Rudra:** **"Ready?"** I asked, brushing my fingers against hers gently.

As we walked to the car, I delivered the news about Akshat's wedding, enjoying her enthusiastic reaction.

When she said, **"Wait... Dhristi Khurana?"** I knew the universe was playing its favorite game: *Destiny Collide*.

**Rudra:** **"That means you'll be doing makeup for your future *devrani*,"** I teased, trying to break the weird silence.

She looked thoughtful, the reality of our merging worlds sinking in.

**Ishita:** **"I was already nervous about meeting your family one day. Now they'll know my name before they even meet me..."**

**Rudra:** **"Is that bad?"** I asked, sliding in beside her.

**Ishita:** **"It's not bad. It's just... real. All of this is starting to feel real."**

I was just about to acknowledge the weight of that truth when the **fake anger** exploded. Her eyes narrowed, and the **rant** began-fast, dramatic, and hilariously unjust.

**Ishita:** **"You love me, right? And you know I am a makeup artist, then why did you not suggest her my name at the first place, huhh? She came to me after five visits with other artists, huhh? Seriously, that's what your love is? You call me *Jaan*, *sunshine*, and more, but you don't mean it! Where is your loyalty?"**

I stared at her, utterly bewildered, then began to laugh-a soft rumble in my chest.

**Rudra:** **"Wait, wait, wait, **Ishi**! Stop the injustice!"** I reached over and took her hand, squeezing it firmly. **"First, Dhristi is marrying my cousin, Akshat, not me. Second, in the Rathor household, we believe in merit, not nepotism! If I suggested your name, they would have booked you out of *obligation*, not because you are the best!"**

I leaned closer, my voice dropping to a teasing whisper.

**Rudra:** **"The fact that she visited five other artists and *still* chose you, based on your **talent and charm**, proves that you are superior. You earned this, **Jaan**. I don't want you to be the CEO's girlfriend who got the job; I want you to be the **best makeup artist** who booked the job. My love is exactly why I didn't interfere. I respect your business too much for cheap recommendations. That is the ultimate loyalty, **sunshine**."**

I kissed her knuckles, smiling. **Rudra:** **"Now, stop ranting. Which high-end parlor did she visit that failed to satisfy the Rathor standard? I might need to acquire it and shut it down."**

[Ishita Sharma's Perspective - ]

Rudra's explanation about "merit over nepotism" was surprisingly convincing, and the idea that I earned the job purely on talent made me feel a burst of pride. But the way he talked about acquiring and shutting down failed parlors made me panic.

**Ishita:** (I grabbed his arm, shaking my head vehemently.) **"No, no, **plz don't**! Don't acquire or shut down anything! They are probably just fine; Dhristi is just very particular. It's bad business practice, Ru! And it will make headlines. Focus!"**

I calmed down and then remembered the second, more important point: the politics of a big family and the looming wedding contract.

**Ishita:** (I leaned back, my voice serious, crossing my arms in mock defiance.) **"And also, I want to make one thing absolutely clear: I won't give discount, okay? Because she is your younger cousin brother's fiancée, so according to the relations, I am elder-except age! So, she is my *chhoti devrani* (younger sister-in-law). I can't start the relationship by giving a professional discount! It sets a bad precedent! I need to establish my position first!"**

I looked at him expectantly, waiting for him to agree to my strategic family planning.

[Rudra Singh Rathor's Perspective -

I loved watching her switch instantly from fierce business owner to calculating *bahu* (daughter-in-law).

She panicked about the parlor acquisition-a reaction that was completely justified, given my reputation.

**Ishita:** **"No, no, plz don't! Don't acquire or shut down anything!"**

**Rudra:** (I squeezed her hand reassuringly.) **"Fine, fine. I won't touch the parlor; my corporate strategy will focus on more important targets. Relax, **Jaan**."**

Then came the astonishing declaration about the wedding contract.

**Ishita:** **"And also, I won't give discount, okay? Because she is your younger cousin brother's fiancée, so according to the relations, I am elder-except age! So, she is my *chhoti devrani*. I can't start the relationship by giving a professional discount!"**

I threw my head back and laughed-a full, hearty laugh of absolute amusement. Her logic was flawed but perfect. She was asserting her seniority over a girl who was likely older than her, simply because of her position as my future wife!

**Rudra:** (I leaned forward, wiping a fake tear from my eye, teasing.) **"You are unbelievable, **Ishi**! You are barely twenty, and you are already planning the Rathor family hierarchy based on a potential wedding! And you are absolutely right. No discount! In fact, you should charge *more* for the privilege of working on the Rathor bride. And you must tell Dhristi that as the future *Badi Bhabhi* (elder brother's wife), this job is non-negotiable."**

I reached out and playfully pulled her cheek. **Rudra:** **"But just between us, I'll pay for the entire wedding bill, so the price doesn't matter. But your *izzat* (honor/respect)? That is priceless, *Chhoti Bhabhi* (younger brother's wife)-I mean, *Badi Bhabhi*."**