[Ishita Sharma's Perspective - ]

Rudra's endless amusement at my family politics was infectious, but I had to maintain my serious *Badi Bhabhi* facade.

**Ishita:** (I leaned in quickly and pressed a soft **kiss on his cheek**, right near his perfectly structured jaw.) **"Not funny, okay? This is a serious matter of respect and setting boundaries!"**

**Rudra:** (He immediately challenged me.) **"Really?"**

Before I could answer, he moved with lightning speed. He **pulled her close** abruptly, pulling me halfway across the center console. I instinctively **wrapped my arms around his neck** for balance.

Then the attack began. His fingers found my sides, the most sensitive spot, and he started **tickling her** ruthlessly.

**Ishita:** (I dissolved into gasping, helpless giggles.) **"Rudra! Stop! Hahaha! I can't-I can't breathe! Please! I will give the discount! I promise! Hahaha! Stop! I beg you!"**

I **laughed hard**, squirming uselessly against his muscular hold.

Finally, just as my vision started blurring from the lack of air and the sheer intensity of the laughter, he **stopped**.

I collapsed against his shoulder, **breathing heavily**, trying to regain control of my lungs. He didn't let go of me.

He gently **kissed my nose**, still **hugging her** tightly, letting me recover while enjoying the sound of my ragged breaths.

**Rudra:** (His voice was soft, laced with affection.) **"Did that clarify the boundary issue, my brave little *Badi Bhabhi*? You look beautiful when you are breathless."**

I managed a soft punch on his arm, catching my breath.

**Ishita:** **"You are ruthless, Ru. Absolutely ruthless. This is supposed to be *soft love* talking, not an interrogation technique!"**

**Rudra:** **"But it *is* soft love, **Jaana**,"** he countered, tilting my chin up so I had to look into his eyes. **"You make me laugh. You make me forget corporate brutality. You remind me that breathing should be easy, not strategized. And you look beautiful when you're arguing about fictional discounts."**

He stroked my cheek with his thumb, his gaze intense. **Rudra:** **"You are my favorite obsession, my chaotic little **Jaana**. Tell me, what color should I paint the guest bedroom in the Rathor Mansion? Because very soon, you will be in charge of all the colors."**

He was **flirting** again, smooth and suggestive, making the future sound like a delicious inevitability.

**Ishita:** **"Oh my god, Ru! You are impossible! And I will choose the darkest shade of pink, just to annoy your corporate soul!"** I grinned, completely melted by his tenderness.

[Rudra Singh Rathor's Perspective -]

She kissed my cheek-a quick, proprietary peck-and tried to maintain her authority.

**Ishita:** **"Not funny, okay? This is a serious matter of respect and setting boundaries!"**

**Rudra:** **"Really?"** I challenged.

That was my cue. I **pulled her close**, enjoying the gasp that escaped her lips as she wrapped her **arms around my neck**. Then I launched the **tickle attack**.

She dissolved instantly. Her **laughter was hard**, gasping, melodic chaos that was music to my ears. She begged me to stop, offering up her professional honor for relief.

**Ishita:** **"Please! I will give the discount! I promise! Hahaha! Stop! I beg you!"**

I held her until she was on the verge of tears, then **stopped** instantly. I let her sag against me, **breathing heavily**.

I didn't release the hug. Instead, I brought my lips down and gently **kissed her nose**, pressing her close to my chest, reveling in the feeling of her heart beating wildly against me.

**Rudra:** **"Did that clarify the boundary issue, my brave little *Badi Bhabhi*? You look beautiful when you are breathless."**

She playfully hit my arm, recovering quickly. **Ishita:** **"You are ruthless, Ru. Absolutely ruthless. This is supposed to be *soft love* talking, not an interrogation technique!"**

I tilted her chin up, locking my **ocean blue eyes** onto her brown ones. This was the moment for **soft love** and **flirting**.

**Rudra:** **"But it *is* soft love, **Jaana**,"** I countered, my voice low and earnest. **"You make me laugh. You make me forget corporate brutality. You remind me that breathing should be easy, not strategized. And you look beautiful when you're arguing about fictional discounts."**

I stroked her cheek. **Rudra:** **"You are my favorite obsession, my chaotic little **Jaana**. Tell me, what color should I paint the guest bedroom in the Rathor Mansion? Because very soon, you will be in charge of all the colors."**

She was back to her teasing self. **Ishita:** **"Oh my god, Ru! You are impossible! And I will choose the darkest shade of pink, just to annoy your corporate soul!"**

**Rudra:** **"I look forward to that kind of rebellion, **Jaan**. It's the only chaos I'm willing to budget for. Now, let's go home before your father calls the police on the suspicious dark blue sedan outside his gate."**

[Ishita Sharma's Perspective - ]

I folded my arms and lifted my chin with a **proud smirk**, eyes glinting with mischief. We were still in the car, parked outside the café, and he was sipping his black coffee like some royal tycoon, as usual.

**Ishita:** **"Remember when you taught me about business margins, brand value, and knowing your worth?"** I leaned a bit closer, voice sugar-sweet but teasing. **"Well, Mr. Rathor... here I go."**

He turned slowly to look at me, **one brow raised**, already sensing the chaos I was about to unleash.

**Ishita:** **"So let me walk you through this,"** I continued, tapping my fingers on his thigh for emphasis. **"Bride came to me *after* checking five other makeup artists. Five. *FIVE*, Rudra. That means demand is high. Scarcity? Even higher. Which means-"** I gave him a pointed look. **"-premium pricing. The Ishita Sharma brand value just shot up by 400% in the Rathor market, thanks to Akshat Bhai's long decision-making process."**

He was trying not to smile, but his **dimples betrayed him**.

**Rudra:** **"I see..."** he said, setting his cup down. **"So I've created a monster. A capitalist."**

I shrugged, flipping my hair. **Ishita:** **"A confident businesswoman. Your monster. Your product. Your proud girlfriend. And let me remind you, I am still younger than your entire clan, but my pricing will make me the most respected elder in the room."**

He gave me a long, slow look that made my breath **hitch for a second**.

**Rudra:** **"You forgot to mention dangerously adorable,"** he murmured, his ocean eyes half-lidded with affection.

**Ishita:** **"Obviously. That's always part of the package,"** I said with a wink. **"Think of it as the 'Rudra Rathor girlfriend discount' on the adorableness, since I'm using your own teachings."**

[Rudra Singh Rathor's Perspective -]

I swear to God, watching her give me a *boardroom-level presentation* about why she wouldn't give a discount... while wearing *jhumkas* and a floral *kurti*... was the best thing I'd seen all day. Her passion, even for something as small as a bridal booking, was intoxicating.

**Rudra** (Inner Monologue): *This is why I fell for her. She bends for nothing. Not for my name, not for my money, not even for a family discount.*

**Rudra:** **"You're seriously charging my *brother's bride-to-be* full price?"** I asked, voice low but laced with amusement.

She nodded, tapping her nose like a secret agent.

**Ishita:** **"Business is business, Mr. Rathor. Personal emotions cannot interfere with professional duties. And besides, I'm the future *Badi Bhabhi*. She should be gifting *me* something, not the other way around!"** Then she gave me a proud little smirk, clearly waiting for me to melt.

Which, obviously, I did.

**Rudra:** **"Okay. Fine. Full price. Triple, even. I approve the premium strategy."** I leaned over and **flicked her nose softly**. **"But don't act like I didn't teach you well, little capitalist. I expect royalties for this business acumen."**

She grinned. **Ishita:** **"Too late."**

I couldn't stop myself. The respect I felt for her in that moment was overwhelming. I reached out, **cupped her face gently**, and **kissed her forehead**-a deep, lingering press of my lips that spoke of pride and adoration.

**Rudra:** **"You're dangerous,"** I whispered against her warm skin.

**Ishita:** **"And you love it."**

I exhaled a soft laugh. **Rudra:** **"More than I should. More than the entire Rathor Holdings, **Jaan**."**

---

### **Ishita's Thought**

Maybe I joke around a lot, but I learned from the best. If I'm going to stand next to Rudra Singh Rathor in this world-I'll do it on my own feet, not in anyone's shadow. Not even his. **My prices are my shield, my worth is my sword.**

---

### **Rudra's Thought**

She doesn't realise it yet... but this confidence? This spark? It's the exact reason I *can't* imagine my life without her in it. **I taught her how to stand tall, and now she is the only thing I look up to.**

[Ishita Sharma's Perspective - ]

**Many days later**-the day of the Rathor-Khurana engagement had finally arrived. I was right here, in the venue , surrounded by the family I was still keeping secret from.

I was professionally focused, adding the final highlights to **Dhristi's engagement makeup**. She was radiant, shimmering under the soft lights of the massive bridal room. The room was bustling with assistants and designers, but the mood was light, thanks to my friend **Reet**, who was busy with Dhristi's spectacular pastel *lehenga*.

**Ishita** (Inner Monologue): *This is wild. I am literally painting the face of my future devrani. And **nobody knows about me and Rudra's love here**.*

Rudra had been adamant: **we don't want to tell anyone anything about us**. Not yet. Not until *he* was ready to face the storm. I agreed-I was too young, and the Rathor world was too complicated. Even though Reet was my partner-in-chaos and **Vardaan's girlfriend**, she didn't know about me and Rudra. We were keeping it **secret**-strictly enforced.

**Reet:** (She stepped back to examine Dhristi's profile, her voice bubbly.) **"Perfect! Ishita, you are magic! Dhristi, Akshat is going to faint when he sees you. You look like a painting."**

**Dhristi:** (She giggled nervously.) **"Stop it, Reet! I'm already shaking. Is Akshat here yet? Did you see anyone from the family? Where's Rudra *bhai*?"**

I froze, carefully applying a final stroke of lip gloss. *Rudra.* Hearing his name now, in this setting, felt dangerous.

**Ishita:** (Trying to sound professional and detached.) **"Don't worry about anyone, Dhristi. Your makeup is done, and you look flawless. Reet is right. You just breathe and enjoy your moment."**

**Reet:** (She leaned in conspiratorially.) **"Oh, Rudra *bhai* is here, don't worry. He arrived an hour ago. He'll be standing somewhere looking like a statue of Zeus. You know how he is-all **ruthless, emotionless demeanor**."**

My heart tightened. I knew that demeanor well. It was the armor he wore for the world, the same man who laughed till his eyes watered when I sang old Hindi songs.

**Ishita:** (I packed my kit quickly, avoiding Reet's eyes.) **"I think I'm done here. Reet, can you handle the jewelry and final dressing? I need to check my schedule and get out before the crowd arrives."**

**Reet:** **"Sure, sweetie. You're the best! Don't forget to text me about the post-engagement party plans. And hey-that handsome manager of Rudra *bhai's*, Laksh? He keeps looking this way..."**

I quickly zipped my bag, trying to ignore the flicker of concern in my peripheral vision. Laksh knew the truth. I needed to escape before anyone connected the dots.

[Rudra Singh Rathor's Perspective]

I stood near the entrance of the main hall, perfectly positioned to observe everything-the lighting, the security, the guests, the chaos. My face was set in my familiar mask: **ruthless, emotionless, cold-hearted**. People tended to give me a wide berth, which was exactly what I wanted.

**Rudra** (Inner Monologue): *Ishita is somewhere in the bridal wing. Just knowing she is under this roof makes the air lighter, even if I can't look at her.*

**Bebe** was the only one who knew, and I had warned her sternly-**keep it secret**. She simply patted my arm and told me my *junoon* (passion) was showing, despite my carefully constructed walls.

Laksh, my manager, approached me, his expression neutral.

**Laksh:** **"Sir, the Khurana party is here. AIshita mam is just finishing up in the East Wing."** He paused, giving a subtle nod. **"She looks focused, Sir. Very professional."**

**Rudra:** (I nodded curtly, my eyes scanning the room for my father.) **"Good. Ensure the security detail in that corridor remains discreet, Laksh. No unnecessary movement or photographs in that section."**

I wasn't just worried about Ishita being photographed; I was worried about my own control. The moment I saw her, I knew my **ruthless demeanor** would crack.

A few minutes later, I saw movement. Ishita, dressed simply but radiating an intense, professional grace, emerged with her makeup kit, moving swiftly, her long curly hair bouncing slightly. She was chatting quickly with **Reet**, my cousin Vardaan's girlfriend.

She looked beautiful. Too beautiful. And I was supposed to stand here, looking like a granite statue, while my heart threatened to explode from my chest.

I caught her eye briefly-a flash of brown meeting blue-and held it for a split second. A silent check-in. *I'm here. I'm fine. Get out safely, Jaan.*

She gave the smallest, nearly imperceptible nod-a secret signal known only to us. Then she quickly looked away, disappearing into the crowd, leaving a void where the light used to be.

**Rudra** (Inner Monologue): *This is agonizing. She's ten feet away, and I can't even tell her she looks like a goddess. But soon, **Jaana**. Very soon, this secret will break.*

[Ishita Sharma's Perspective -]

The last of my assistants had left, and Dhristi was already asleep. The room was quiet, scented with jasmine and expensive perfume. I was helping pack the last of my brushes into my trunk when I heard the door **creak**.

I didn't have to turn.

I knew.

His steps were always measured. Confident. Silent. The air itself seemed to drop a degree, filled with his contained intensity.

**Ishita:** (I replied, not turning around, keeping my voice low and steady.) **"I have to be. Professional duty, remember? Undoing the heavy makeup and hair is part of the contract."**

He came closer. I could feel the **warmth of him now**-his presence stronger than any perfume.

**Rudra:** **"You didn't eat anything, **jaanaa**."** His voice was softer than I'd heard it all night.

**Ishita:** **"I couldn't. Too busy making yprofebrother's wife * glow. You know, professional devotion and all that."**

He let out a **soft chuckle**-a sound that was rarely heard outside my presence. He finally, gently **turned me to face him**, holding my upper arms loosely.

And there it was-his face. The **emotionless** mask was completely dropped. All **emotion**, all **longing**. Just for me.

**Rudra:** **"You looked tired,"** he said, his thumb brushing my arm.

**Ishita:** **"So do you,"** I replied, noticing the faint shadows under his ocean eyes. **"Standing like a statue for five hours must be exhausting, Mr. Rathor."**

**Rudra:** **"You still manage to look better than any princess here,"** he whispered, his eyes trailing over my simple *anarkali* and tired face.

**Ishita:** (I laughed softly, the sound feeling loud in the silence.) **"Stop flirting with your own makeup artist, Mr. Rathor. It's unprofessional."**

**Rudra:** **"Can't help it,"** he said, brushing a finger lightly down my cheek. **"My **jaanaa** is irresistible. And being unprofessional with you is my new favorite pastime."**

For one second-**just one**-we let ourselves feel. His grip tightened slightly on my arms, pulling me infinitesimally closer.

**No cameras. No staff. No Rathor legacy.**

Just Rudra and Ishita, in the quiet of a bridal room, surrounded by silk, secrets, and something stronger than all of it-**Love**.

**Ishita:** (I reached up, tracing the hard line of his jaw with my fingertips.) **"It's torture, Ru. Seeing you, being so close, and pretending we're nothing. I wanted to just crash your table and ask for a plate of food."**

**Rudra:** (He leaned his forehead against mine, his breath mingling with mine.) **"Soon, **Jaan**. We are almost there. I promise. But right now, you need energy."** He straightened, pulling a small, silver foil-wrapped item from his suit pocket. **"I saved this for you. Your favorite-panner roll *."**

He peeled back the foil and held the treat up to my mouth, his eyes full of tenderness.

**Rudra:** **"Eat. And then tell me how long until I can drive you home."**

The air was electric. Today was the final day-the wedding. I was in the zone, carefully blending the foundation on Dhristi's jawline, ensuring that bridal **glow** was absolutely perfect. My assistant, **Pretti**, was busy with Urmila *Chachi*, and **Charlotte** was finishing Siya *Maa*'s hair.

**Dhristi:** (Her voice was a happy buzz.) **"Ishi, I'm so excited! Just a few more hours, and I'll be Mrs. Rathor! Do I look nervous?"**

**Ishita:** **"You look like a queen, Dhristi. Calm and absolutely radiant. Focus on the moment."**

Suddenly, a loud burst of vibrant, celebratory music flooded the room, cutting through the wedding chaos outside. We all looked toward the balcony and the large window overlooking the main courtyard.

**We hear a song, "Sweetheart"** (from *Kedarnath*).

**We all look outside** to see a spectacle: **Akshat, Vardaan, and Jay**-the three Rathor boys-were dancing. They were laughing, performing a perfectly synchronized, energetic routine, a final moment of bachelor madness for Akshat.

But my eyes weren't on the groom or the cousins. They found him instantly.

There he was. **Standing at the back**, near a pillar, taller and more magnetic than anyone else. He was the anchor of the chaos. **Rudra Singh Rathor.**

And he wasn't watching the dancers. **He was staring at her.**

His cold, **ruthless emotionless** mask was completely gone, replaced by an expression of intense, unguarded **love** and **adoration**. His ocean eyes were locked onto mine, completely ignoring the wall of glass and silk between us.

He wasn't moving, but his lips were. **He was mouthing the lyrics, looking at her**.

My heart hammered against my ribs, recognizing the silent confession:

> *ओ ओ ओ हाय*

> *दो नैन सितारे है चाँद सा मुखड़ा* (My eyes are stars, my face is like the moon)

> *क्या कहना उसका अफरीन* (What can I say about her beauty?)

I felt an immediate, powerful wave of **shyness and blushing** wash over me. I quickly bent my head, pretending to check Dhristi's contour, trying to hide the fact that my entire face was burning. He was singing those beautiful lines-about the beautiful guest-**to me**.

I stole another glance. He continued the silent serenade, his gaze unwavering, his mouth forming the words slowly, possessively:

> *शाही जोड़ा पहन के* (Wearing royal clothes)

> *आई जो बन ठन के* (She came, all dressed up)

> *वही तो मेरी sweetheart है* (She is my sweetheart)

> *शरमाई सी बगल में* (Shyly sitting beside)

> *जो बैठी है दुल्हन के* (The bride)

> *वही तो मेरी sweetheart है* (She is my sweetheart)

I could feel Dhristi's excitement next to me, unaware that the beautiful "sweetheart" sitting shyly beside her was **me**. The **secret** love felt impossibly loud in that moment. I was the 'guest,' the 'sweetheart,' the one nobody knew belonged to the heir.

Then I saw **Bebe**. She was **also dancing while sitting on the sofa** in the courtyard below, watching the boys. But then, she turned her head and looked directly at the bridal suite-right at me-and winked broadly, a huge, conspiratorial smile on her face. She knew. She was **looking at her all daughter-in-laws**-and she included me.

I quickly looked back at Rudra, and he was mouthing the final lines, his eyes promising forever:

> *सारी महफ़िल की वो जान बनी है* (She is the life of the whole gathering)

> *क्या कहना उसका अफरीन* (What can I say about her beauty?)

I gave him a tiny, trembling smile back, my own heart whispering, "I love you." Then, I turned back to Dhristi, my hands shaking slightly, trying to finish the most important makeup of my career while holding onto the biggest **secret** of my life.

[Rudra Singh Rathor's Perspective -]

The music was loud, the atmosphere chaotic, and my cousins were making fools of themselves dancing on the makeshift stage. I should have been shaking hands, but I was rooted to the spot, completely ignoring the scene.

My entire world was concentrated in the window of the bridal suite. **Ishita** was inside.

I saw her look up, saw her brown eyes find me. The **ruthless emotionless** facade I wore for my father shattered the moment our eyes locked. I didn't care who saw.

My brothers were dancing to *Sweetheart*. I knew every lyric. And every word felt like it was written for her.

I stayed silent, letting the music speak my heart, **mouthing the lyrics, looking at her**.

> *ओ ओ ओ हाय*

> *दो नैन सितारे है चाँद सा मुखड़ा* (Those star-like eyes, that moon-like face)

> *क्या कहना उसका अफरीन* (What to say about her beauty?)

I watched her cheek color deepen, the beautiful **shyness** I loved so much blooming on her face. She looked away, then stole another glance.

> *शाही जोड़ा पहन के* (Wearing royal clothes)

> *आई जो बन ठन के* (She came, all dressed up)

> *वही तो मेरी sweetheart है* (She is my sweetheart)

> *शरमाई सी बगल में* (Shyly sitting beside)

> *जो बैठी है दुल्हन के* (The bride)

> *वही तो मेरी sweetheart है* (She is my sweetheart)

She was right there. My destiny. My everything. The girl who thinks she's just the makeup artist but is actually the queen.

I saw Bebe look up and give her a giant wink. *Good, Bebe is running interference.*

I continued the silent confession, my gaze burning with **love and admiring** devotion. I was telling her, without breaking the **secret**, that she was the only one I saw in this whole grand wedding.

> *कैसे मैं कहूँ शुक्रिया* (How do I thank her?)

> *उसका मुझपे एहसान है* (It is a favor to me)

> *नाचीज़ों की बस्ती में वो* (In the land of the humble)

> *जो बनके आई मेहमान है* (She came as a guest)

She was the guest. She was the most precious jewel in this entire mansion, and no one knew that she was mine.

I held her gaze as I mouthed the final lines, a promise of the life waiting for her:

> *शाही जोड़ा पहन के* (Wearing royal clothes)

> *आई जो बन ठन के* (She came, all dressed up)

> *वही तो मेरी sweetheart है* (She is my sweetheart)

I gave her a tiny, possessive smirk before forcing myself to turn and greet a distant relative. The **secret** was heavy, but the knowledge that she was the *sweetheart* in the bridal room made the burden worth carrying.

[Ishita Sharma's Perspective - ]

The madness was finally winding down. **After some hours**, the grand wedding rituals had concluded. The *pheras* were done, the vows exchanged, and **everyone is busy** with the final farewells and teary-eyed send-offs.

I had slipped away discreetly. I was in a small, temporary office room-a quiet corner of the massive venue-packing the last of my gear. I sat down **alone, using my phone**, scrolling through my own photos, trying to ground myself after the dizzying day.

Then the door silently clicked open.

I didn't even look up. I sensed him.

**He came in. Smile.** Not the polite, controlled CEO smile, but *his* smile-the one that reached his ocean eyes.

He didn't need to speak. **He opened his arms.**

And I didn't hesitate. I dropped my phone onto the sofa and **run to him**, launching myself off the floor. I **jump on him**, wrapping my legs instantly around his waist and my **arms around his neck**.

He caught me effortlessly, holding me up against his solid strength. I immediately **snuggled into his neck**, burying my face into the silk of his jacket, inhaling his scent-sandalwood and power.

**We hug tightly, breathing in each other**, a silent, desperate communication after a long day of enforced separation.

**Rudra:** (Muffled against my hair, his voice rough with exhaustion and emotion.) **"God, **Jaan**. I missed you. This felt like ten years, not ten hours. You're finally mine for a minute."**

**Ishita:** (I squeezed him tighter, never wanting to let go.) **"I know, Ru. I thought I was going to combust. It was like watching a movie where you can't talk to the main actor."** I pulled back just enough to look at his face. **"You look like you haven't slept in a week."**

He set me down gently, but kept his arms tight around my waist, his body heat seeping into mine.

**Rudra:** **"Worth it. But now, tell me-was I the better dancer, or were my cousins?"** he **flirted** softly, tilting my chin up.

**Ishita:** **"You? Dancing?"** I teased. **"You were standing like a gorgeous marble pillar, Ru. But your silent singing from the window? That was the best performance of the whole wedding."**

He leaned in, his eyes darkened with longing, and instead of taking my lips, he pressed a **soft kiss** against my temple.

**Rudra:** **"You were the only thing keeping me sane, **Jaana**. The whole time I was thinking, *that girl who hates History is going to be my history*."**

**Ishita:** (I felt a wave of tenderness.) **"I love your eyes, Rudra. Thank you for keeping them safe for me today."** I kissed his cheek quickly, right where his stubble was rough.

**Rudra:** **"Always. They only work when they're looking at you, my sunshine. Now, tell me everything. Which *Chachi* was the most dramatic tonight?"**

[Rudra Singh Rathor's Perspective ]

The noise was deafening outside, but **now it's almost midnight**, and I found my escape. I located the small office where she was supposed to be finishing up.

I pushed the door open silently. She was there, small and beautiful, illuminated by the glow of her phone.

I couldn't hold back the smile. **i opened my arms.**

The world dissolved as she **run to me **, jumping into my arms with that familiar, fierce urgency. I instinctively anchored her, wrapping my arms around her waist and feeling the soft brush of her arms **around my neck**.

**Rudra:** (Muffled against her hair, holding her tightly, **breathing in each other**.) **"God, **Jaan**. I missed you. This felt like ten years, not ten hours. You're finally mine for a minute."**

She pulled back, her eyes full of concern and affection.

**Ishita:** **"You look like you haven't slept in a week."**

**Rudra:** **"Worth it."** I set her down, but kept her caged between my arms and the sofa, ensuring no space remained between us. **"But now, tell me-was I the better dancer, or were my cousins?"** I **flirted** softly, trying to lighten the mood with teasing.

**Ishita:** **"You? Dancing? You were standing like a gorgeous marble pillar, Ru. But your silent singing from the window? That was the best performance of the whole wedding."**

Her praise felt warmer than any champagne. I leaned in, my gaze dipping to her lips and forcing myself to veer away, settling for a **soft kiss** against her temple.

**Rudra:** **"You were the only thing keeping me sane, **Jaana**. The whole time I was thinking, *that girl who hates History is going to be my history*. And if I have to look like a pillar to keep this **secret** safe for one more day, I will."**

She reached up and touched my jaw, her tenderness disarming me completely. **Ishita:** **"I love your eyes, Rudra. Thank you for keeping them safe for me today."**

I leaned my head down and pressed a long, **soft kiss** against her forehead, the gesture a physical promise of respect and love.

**Rudra:** **"Always. They only work when they're looking at you, my sunshine. Now, tell me everything. Which *Chachi* was the most dramatic tonight? I need the full report before I let you go."**

[Ishita Sharma's Perspective -]

One months.**

Two whole months of stolen glances, silent brushes in crowded halls, fake smiles in the presence of hundreds, and not a single moment of peace. My soul had been starving for this quiet.

But now, **finally-*finally*-we were alone.**

I sat **curled up on his grey velvet couch**, my *dupatta* tossed somewhere on the armrest, my heels kicked off by the door. The penthouse smelled like cinnamon coffee and the faint trace of his perfume-*Rudra Singh Rathor in his most natural habitat.*

**Ishita:** **"I missed you,"** I murmured, playing with the edge of his sleeve as he sat beside me, undoing the top button of his shirt-a sign of him finally letting down his guard.

He didn't reply-not in words. Just pulled me closer, **tucking me under his arm**.

The silence between us wasn't empty. It was **full**-of unspoken things, the ache of distance, and the comfort of being together now.

**Ishita:** **"I thought I'd go crazy,"** I added. **"Touching up everyone's face in that wedding except the one who mattered most."**

He chuckled.

**Rudra:** **"You did touch my face,"** he said with mock seriousness, **"when you adjusted my brooch during the reception. I nearly fainted. My heart rate monitor probably flatlined."**

**Ishita:** **"Oh please, you barely blinked. Mr. Ruthless Robot."**

He smirked, the **dimple peeking on one side of his cheek-*mine***. That one was only mine.

**Rudra:** **"I blinked. Twice. And my entire security detail had a panic attack thinking I was having a corporate seizure. You are dangerous, **Jaana**."**

I shoved him playfully, then **melted into him again**.

It felt like a lifetime had passed since I sat this close. His heartbeat under my ear reminded me I wasn't dreaming.

[Rudra Singh Rathor's Perspective -]

one months of pretending I was fine.

one months of hosting guests, giving speeches, posing for cameras, and watching her walk around in the same room without being able to *hold* her.

Now? Now she was in my arms again-barefoot, smiling, no lip tint, no jewelry-just **my girl**.

I had half a mind to cancel every meeting for the next week and lock the penthouse down.

But instead, I just **held her tighter**, letting the peace of her presence dissolve the tightness in my chest.

**Rudra:** **"You remember when Dhristi was looking for you during her *haldi*?"** I murmured, resting my chin on her head.

**Ishita:** **"Mhm?"**

**Rudra:** **"You were in the staff tent helping Ahana fix her *lehenga*. She was panicking. I saw you holding her hand, soothing her down like she was your baby sister."**

She looked up, eyes warm.

**Ishita:** **"She's sweet. Reminds me of my own little cousins."**

I nodded.

**Rudra:** **"That moment... I wanted to drag you out, pull you into the gardens, and scream to everyone-*she's mine*."**

Her fingers tightened on my shirt.

**Ishita:** **"Why didn't you?"**

**Rudra:** **"Because I don't want you dragged into this life before you're ready. Because I'm selfish in love, Ishita. But not careless. I can take the pain of waiting. But I won't risk your happiness."**

She stared at me for a long second. Then whispered-

**Ishita:** **"You're not careless. You're... unbearably careful. Even with my heart."**

I took her hand in mine, **kissed her knuckles slowly**. One by one.

**Rudra:** **"It's the most precious thing I've ever been trusted with. And I don't handle precious things in a crowd, **Jaan**."**

And just like that, the silence returned. Not empty.

**Heavy. Sacred.**

Ishita Sharma’s Perspective

### **Later That Night**

We were on the **balcony**, the lights of the city flickering below us. I had my **arms around his waist from the back** as he leaned against the railing, his hand covering mine, anchoring me.

**Ishita:** **"Laksh will message if anyone arrives?"**

**Rudra:** **"He already texted,"** Rudra said, his voice a low vibration against her cheek. **"Entire floor's clear. You're safe. We have a five-mile perimeter of privacy right now, **Jaana**."**

**Ishita:** **"I'm not worried about safety,"** I murmured. **"I just don't want to leave. I want to spend all night talking about all the things we couldn't say for two months."**

He turned around and **cupped my face**.

**Rudra:** **"Then don't. Stay. We can deal with the 'Hitler Papa' tomorrow. We'll buy him a whole new security system as compensation."**

**Ishita:** **"And tell mummy I got kidnapped by a billionaire for cuddles?"**

He chuckled.

**Rudra:** **"Tell her you found peace. That should be enough. And tell her I'll personally apologize for keeping her beautiful daughter late, but the universe demanded it."**

We laughed.

And then, he leaned in... not for a kiss on the lips.

But on my forehead.

**As always.**

**Rudra:** (His lips lingered on her skin.) **"Thank you for bringing your light back home, **Jaan**. Now, tell me what you want for breakfast tomorrow. Anything. The world is yours."**