[ISHITA SHARMA'S PERSPECTIVE -]**

*My Studio - "Blush & Brush" | Day 30 After the Slap | Lunch Time*

It's been a **month**. A full thirty days of this agonizing routine. **He keep coming every day, new song, same lunch time.** My colleagues barely notice the man with the guitar anymore; he's just part of the Delhi street noise. But for me, he's a continuous, silent war.

He's thinner now, his **beard grown a little more**, and there are dark shadows under those ocean-blue eyes. I know he's not sleeping; I know he's punishing himself. And I know, because I'm not sleeping either.

Today, he sings a song that sounds like a permanent vow, a dark promise.

**Rudra (Singing):**

***Maine tera naam***

***Dil rakh diya*** (I kept your name in my heart)

***Dhadkega tu***

***Mujhmein sada*** (You will always beat within me)

***Maine tera naam***

***Dil rakh diya***

The words echo what he used to tell me-that I was his heart. But now, it sounds like an obsession.

**Ishita** (Inner Monologue): *He kept my name, but he threw away my trust. These promises sound beautiful, but they are built on the same shaky ground as the old ones.*

**Rudra (Singing):**

***Tere vaaste kabhi mera***

***Yeh pyar na hoga kam***

***Maine tera naam***

***Dil rakh diya...*** (Full lyrics follow)

***Na bhula saka***

***Main teri chahatein*** (I couldn't forget your desires)

***Ishq pe kahaan***

***Bas kisi ka chale...***

He sings about love being beyond control, a desperate justification for his return. I feel the urge to stand up, to smash the window, to scream that he *chose* to lose control when the blackmailer called.

**Rudra (Singing):**

***Main zarurat hoon teri***

***Tu zaruri hai mujhe*** (I am your need, you are essential to me)

***Maanta hoon bin tere***

***Hain adhoori mehfilein***

***Kam nahi jashan se***

***Yeh akelapan mera***

***Sath hai raat din***

***Ab deewanapan tera...***

This time, the ending is different. It's a threat veiled as love.

**Rudra (Singing):**

***Phir agar mujhe***

***Tu kabhi na mile***

***Humsafar mera tu***

***Bane na bane***

***Faslon se mera***

***Pyar hoga na kam*** (Even if you never meet me, my love won't lessen)

***Tu na hoga***

***Kabhi ab juda*** (You will never be separated from me now)

***Maine tera naam***

***Dil rakh diya...***

The intensity scares me. It's possessive. I quickly call Riya over and bury myself in a conversation about lipstick shades, deliberately turning my back to the glass.

**Ishita** (Inner Monologue): *He's trying to control my emotions, my future. The heartless prince is still inside that broken man.*

[RUDRA SINGH RATHORE'S PERSPECTIVE - ]**

A **month**. Thirty days of pouring my soul out, and she hasn't moved. She hasn't looked. But **I keep coming every day**. My guitar is an extension of my grief. **And at night he punish himself in gym** until my muscles feel dead, the only way I can sleep without Laksh giving me sedatives.

Today's song is my final vow. I need her to know that even if she chooses the Pune boy, I will never let her go in my heart.

**Rudra (Singing):**

***Maine tera naam***

***Dil rakh diya...*** (Full lyrics above)

I look at her, her profile sharp, elegant, untouchable. I sing the hardest lines, letting the raw desperation cut through the music.

**Rudra (Singing):**

***Kam na hogi***

***Kabhi yeh wafa*** (This devotion will never lessen)

***Main zarurat hoon teri***

***Tu zaruri hai mujhe***

When I sing the lines about the future, I mean every word. I won't disrupt her life, but I will remain her shadow, her eternal love.

**Rudra (Singing):**

***Phir agar mujhe***

***Tu kabhi na mile***

***Humsafar mera tu***

***Bane na bane***

***Faslon se mera***

***Pyar hoga na kam***

***Tu na hoga***

***Kabhi ab juda*** (You will never be separate from me now)

I finished the song, my voice rough. She turned her back completely. I understand. She is telling me, *go away.*

**Rudra** (Inner Monologue): *I can't. I won't. I'll be back tomorrow, Ishi.*

[ISHITA SHARMA'S PERSPECTIVE -]**

*My Studio - "Blush & Brush" | Next Day - Day 31 | Lunch Time*

He is here again. **Next Day.** The sight of him is a dull ache now, a habit. He has his guitar.

Today's song is philosophical, haunting. It speaks of distance and destiny.

**Rudra (Singing):**

***Kuch rishton ka namak hi doori hota hai*** (The salt of some relationships is distance itself)

***Na milna bhi bahut zaroori hota hai*** (Not meeting is also very necessary)

**Ishita** (Inner Monologue): *He's trying to rationalize the separation. To make the distance romantic. But distance wasn't necessary, Rudra. Truth was.*

**Rudra (Singing):**

***Dum dum, dum dum tu mera***

***Dum dum, dum dum mera hal...***

**Rudra (Singing):**

***Tu baat kare ya na mujhse***

***Chahe aankhon ka pegaam na le***

***Par ye matMujhe dekh na tu, mera naam na le*** (Don't look at me, don't take my name)

This line is his acceptance of my rejection. He is asking for nothing but the right to feel.

**Rudra (Singing):**

***Tujhse mera deen dharam hai*** (You are my religion)

***Mujhse teri khudai***

***Tu bole toh ban jaaun***

***Main Bulleh Shah saudai...***

He sings about becoming a mad devotee (*saudai*) for me, following my path without question. I see the raw devotion, and a tiny chip of ice breaks off my heart.

**Rudra (Singing):**

***Maana apna ishq adhura***

***Dil na ispe sharminda hai***

***Poora hoke khatam hua sab***

***Jo hai aadha wo hi zinda hai...***

The beautiful philosophy of incomplete love surviving complete happiness. It's devastating.

**Rudra (Singing):**

***Tu yaad kare ya na mujhko***

***Mere jeene mein andaaz tera***

***Sar aankhon par hai teri naaraazi*** (Your anger is on my head and eyes)

***Meri haar mein hai koi raaz tera...***

He is accepting his defeat, but claiming it's a secret victory because I still influence him.

**Ishita** (Inner Monologue): *I have to stay strong. I can't be responsible for his salvation.*

[RUDRA SINGH RATHORE'S PERSPECTIVE - ]

I play the first chords of *Dum Dum* softly. Today's song is about eternal dedication, even if we are separated.

**Rudra (Singing):**

***Kuch rishton ka namak hi doori hota hai***

***Na milna bhi bahut zaroori hota hai***

I sing this to remind her that my distance was forced, necessary for her survival.

**Rudra (Singing):**

***Dum dum, dum dum tu mera...*** (Full lyrics above)

I look at her, she's facing the glass now, but her eyes are distant.

**Rudra (Singing):**

***Tu baat kare ya na mujhse***

***Chahe aankhon ka pegaam na le***

***Par ye matMujhe dekh na tu, mera naam na le***

I am laying down my terms: she doesn't have to acknowledge me, but she can't banish me from her existence.

**Rudra (Singing):**

***Mera har dum dum har dum tu...***

I finish the song, the message clear: **I am devoted, broken, and immovable.**

**Rudra (Inner Monologue):** *She is trying to dismiss me by saying, 'are o pagle' (Oh, you fool). I'll be the fool. I'll be the beggar. But I will not leave.*

[ISHITA SHARMA'S PERSPECTIVE -]**

*My Studio - "Blush & Brush" | Next Day - Day 32 | Lunch Time

He is back. Today, the song is a direct accusation, a brutal self-analysis.

**Rudra (Singing):**

***Kaisi Teri Khudgarzi*** (How is your selfishness)

***Na Dhoop Chune Na Chhaaon*** (That chooses neither sun nor shade)

***Kaisi Teri Khudgarzi***

***Kisi Thor Tike Na Paaon*** (That your feet don't stay anywhere)

**Ishita** (Inner Monologue): *He's singing about his own selfishness, his restlessness. Is he finally admitting his fault?*

**Rudra (Singing):**

***Ban Liya Apna Paigambar***

***Tar Liya Tu Saat Samandar***

***Phir Bhi Sookha Mann Ke Andar***

***Kyun Reh Gaya***

He sings about the spiritual thirst inside him, the emptiness Canada brought.

**Rudra (Singing):**

***Re Kabira Maan Jaa***

***Re Faqeera Maan Jaa***

***Aaja Tujhko Pukaare Teri Parchhaaiyan***

The song pleads with him to accept his spiritual home, which I know is me.

**Rudra (Singing):**

***Kaisi Teri Khudgarzi***

***Lab Namak Rame Na Misri***

***Kaisi Teri Khudgarzi***

***Tujhe Preet Purani Bisri*** (You forgot the old love)

He's singing that *he* forgot the old love, and it's his *Khudgarzi* (selfishness).

**Rudra (Singing):**

***Phir agar mujhe***

***Tu kabhi na mile***

***Humsafar mera tu***

***Bane na bane***

***Faslon se mera***

***Pyar hoga na kam***

***Tu na hoga***

***Kabhi ab juda***

The song ends with the same terrifying vow of permanence. I turn away, gripping the edge of the desk.

**Ishita** (Inner Monologue): *I need to end this. I need to meet that man from Pune. This torture has to stop.*

[RUDRA SINGH RATHORE'S PERSPECTIVE - ]

Today, I sing about my selfishness. My biggest mistake was believing I could handle the threat alone.

**Rudra (Singing):**

***Kaisi Teri Khudgarzi*** (Full lyrics above)

I look at her and sing the lines that define my regret.

**Rudra (Singing):**

***Tujhe Preet Purani Bisri***

I am telling her I was the one who *pretended* to forget our love.

**Rudra (Singing):**

***Re Kabira Maan Jaa***

***Aaja Tujhko Pukaare Teri Parchhaaiyan***

My shadow is calling for her. I am calling for her. I finish the song, repeating the final desperate promise.

**Rudra (Inner Monologue):** *She didn't move. But she listened. Laksh, prepare the jet. I'm going to Pune.*

[ISHITA SHARMA'S PERSPECTIVE - ]

The silence after the song, *Kaisi Teri Khudgarzi*, felt heavier than any music. That final vow, the possessive love-it was too much. I couldn't endure another day of this public performance, this beautiful torture.

**I stood up abruptly.** I ignored Riya's questioning look. I ignored the faint fear twisting in my stomach.

**I walked straight to the studio door and pushed it open.** The Delhi air hit me, slightly polluted, but strangely freeing.

He was standing there, gathering his guitar, his wet hair stuck to his forehead. He looked tired, vulnerable, but utterly focused on me.

I walked toward him in anger. My steps were fast, decisive.

**Ishita:** **"Stop doing all this, **plz**!"** My voice was low, but fierce, shaking with suppressed rage. **"Everyone watches you here! Singing like a fool!"**

He froze, his fingers stopping on the guitar strings. He finally looked into my eyes, and the blue depth was stunning, but I focused on the anger.

**Ishita:** **"You are not in a movie, Mr. Rathor! This is real life! You are a big business tycoon and famous person! Stop this nonsense!"**

My voice cracked slightly, but I pushed through, hitting him where I knew it hurt-his pride, his reputation, the very thing he chose over me.

**Ishita:** **"Care about your precious image at least, for God's sake! Because of that, you left me!"**

The words tumbled out, cruel and true. I wanted them to sting.

**Ishita:** **"And now you are doing this? Why? To show the world you have a heart? People make edits! They upload this on social media! **So plz stop it, plz!** Just go back to your perfect life!"**

I finished, my chest heaving, tears threatening, but this time they were tears of fury.

**Ishita** (Inner Monologue): *I didn't melt. I fought back. I broke the loop. But God, why does the sound of his silence still hurt so much?*

[RUDRA SINGH RATHORE'S PERSPECTIVE -]

I was gathering my guitar, resigning myself to the routine, when the studio door opened. My heart leaped. **She came out.**

She walked toward me in anger, her eyes flashing fire. I dropped the guitar pick.

**Ishita:** **"Stop doing all this, **plz**! Everyone watches you here! Singing like a fool!"**

The word *fool* cut me. But she was finally talking. Her voice, though angry, was music to my ears.

**Rudra** (Inner Monologue): *Speak more, Ishi. Shout at me. Just don't be silent.*

**Ishita:** **"You are not in a movie, Mr. Rathor! You are a big business tycoon and famous person! Stop this nonsense!"**

I should feel anger at the disrespect, but all I feel is the crushing weight of her cruel words and his love.

**Rudra:** **"Ishi... I am trying to-"**

**Ishita:** **"Care about your precious image at least, for God's sake! Because of that, you left me!"**

That line felt like a physical strike to my already raw throat. She threw my lie back at me, sharp and accurate.

**Rudra** (Whispering, my throat tight): **"I didn't leave you for my image, **Jaan**. I left you for your life. That image-the fame, the power-I hated it the moment it became a weapon against you."**

**Ishita:** **"And now you are doing this? People make edits! They upload this on social media! So plz stop it, plz! Just go back to your perfect life!"**

She doesn't believe me. She thinks this serenade is a PR stunt.

**Rudra:** (I step closer, ignoring the guitar, the people, everything. My voice is thick with unshed tears.) **"I don't care about the image! Let them make edits! Let them think I'm crazy! I am crazy, Ishita! Crazy because I can't live without you! My image is worthless if I lose you to some stranger because of my silence!"**

**Rudra:** **"I left you once, and I almost died! I will not leave you again for anything-not for money, not for power, not for a blackmailer, and certainly not for a damn photograph or a reputation!"**

**Rudra:** **"This isn't a movie, Ishi. This is my penance! And I will continue to sing here until you look at me and say, 'Rudra, I forgive you,' or 'Rudra, I hate you, now disappear forever.' But don't tell me to stop trying!"**

[ISHITA SHARMA'S PERSPECTIVE -]

His final words-about penance, about being crazy, about his love being worth more than his image-were the ultimate trap. They were designed to melt the ice, but I couldn't afford to let them.

**I gritted my teeth and fisted my hands.** I had to escape before the fury dissolved into tears.

**I turned around sharply and left.**

As I spun, my long, curly hair-the hair he used to run his fingers through-flew out. **It hit his face softly because of the wind.** That one, accidental, gentle touch was my heart's final, involuntary confession.

I didn't slow down. I walked straight back into the harsh safety of the studio, the door clicking shut behind me.

**Ishita** (Inner Monologue): *That's it, Ishita. You spoke. You warned him. Now ignore the pain and focus on Pune. Focus on moving on.*

[RUDRA SINGH RATHORE'S PERSPECTIVE -]

Her words were brutal, but her silence after was unbearable. I poured everything into my defense.

**Rudra:** **"This is my penance! And I will continue to sing here until you look at me and say, 'Rudra, I forgive you,' or 'Rudra, I hate you, now disappear forever.' But don't tell me to stop trying!"**

She said nothing. She just turned sharply to leave.

And then it happened. **While she turned, her long curly hair hit my face softly because of the wind.** The scent-sandalwood and a faint trace of professional setting spray-was intoxicating.

I closed my eyes. The touch was brief, innocent, a fleeting connection. **It seems God at his favor whom he never believed.** That tiny, unintentional caress was more comforting than any touch I'd had in years.

**I closed my eyes and smiled a little with wet eyes.** The smile was strained, but real. A signal of hope.

Then, **she was gone.** The door clicked shut, leaving me standing alone with my guitar and my fractured hope.

**Rudra** (Inner Monologue): *Thank you, Isha. You spoke. Now, the battle moves to Pune. I have to secure my future before that 'Pune boy' steals it.*

*Rathor Mansion - Delhi | Hallway | Evening*

**Time skip.**

I arrived at the mansion. I didn't bother using the side entrance. I was still in the rumpled shirt* from the park, my face stubbled, my eyes red and tired from the lack of sleep and the strain of emotion.

As I stepped into the opulent main hall, **my Maa (Siya)** was standing there. She wasn't just standing; she was waiting, her expression a mix of worry and palpable concern. She was dressed elegantly, but her perfect facade was fractured by the anxiety in her eyes.

**Rudra:** **"Maa? Why are you standing here? It's late."**

**Siya Maa:** **"I should ask you that, Rudra. Look at you. You look like you haven't slept in weeks. What is going on, **beta**?"**

**She didn't know about what is going on his life.** She had no idea about the blackmailer, the breakup, or **Ishita in all**. The separation was a carefully guarded secret between Bebe and me. But a mother always knows when her son is in pain.

**Siya Maa:** **"And those videos, Rudra? The ones everyone in the family saw? The ones uploaded on the internet? You, singing on a sidewalk?"**

**Rudra** (Inner Monologue): *Ah, the internet. Of course.* **The whole family saw videos of me singing.** **Everyone in the family is confused but nobody dared to ask, except her.** My aunts and uncles would never cross me, but my mother could.

**Rudra:** **"It's nothing, Maa. Just a distraction. A charity event that got misreported."** I lied smoothly, the habit of years asserting itself, even though my clothes betrayed me.

**Siya Maa:** **"A distraction? You are singing love songs in a park, looking like a beggar, calling it a distraction? Rudra, you have the world at your feet! Why are you destroying your health and your image like this?"** Her voice was strained with love and fear.

**Rudra:** (I sighed, running a tired hand through my hair.) **"Maa, I am fine. It's just... business stress. It's complicated. Please don't worry."**

**Siya Maa:** **"Business stress doesn't make the *great* Rudra Singh Rathore kneel in the rain! Something is wrong, and you won't tell me. Are you sick, **beta**? Tell me the truth."**

I pulled her into a quick, tight hug, knowing I couldn't tell her the truth yet.

**Rudra:** **"I promise, Maa. I am fine. Just fighting a very personal battle. I need to take a shower. I'm booking a flight to Pune tonight."**

**Siya Maa:** **"Pune? Tonight? Rudra, you just got back!"**

As I headed up the stairs, I glanced up. **Bebe was watching him from her room door.** Her expression was grim, disappointed, but I saw a faint flicker of understanding in her old eyes. She knew the fight I was fighting. She knew exactly who I was fighting for.

**Rudra** (Inner Monologue): *Bebe knows. And Maa is worried. But I have to win this. For myself, for Bebe, and for the girl who just slapped the truth back into me.*

Time skip

*Rathor Mansion - My Room | Late Night*

The cold water of the shower had washed away the rain and the grime, but not the deep, raw ache left by Ishita's words. I pulled on a pair of track pants, skipping the shirt, and collapsed onto my large, empty bed.

I stared at the ceiling, but all I could see were memories. Her laughter echoing in my ears. The way she tucked her hair behind her ear when she was concentrating. The absolute trust in her eyes before I shattered it. **I lay on the bed, remembering her and our love moments from the past.** Every tender touch, every whispered *"jaana,"* felt like a cruel knife now.

**After some minutes**, just as my mind started spinning into a dark place of regret and Pune plans, my phone buzzed. **It was a call from my childhood friend, Veer.**

I sighed, managing a weak smile. Veer. The only person who could force a temporary ceasefire in my personal war.

**Rudra:** (I picked up, my voice still rough.) **"Veer? Why are you calling this late? Planning a global takeover?"**

**Veer (On Comm):** **"*Bhai*, come downstairs! I am waiting! And no, the only takeover I'm planning is the *mithai* (sweets) counter at the engagement tomorrow!"**

I ran a hand over my beard. Engagement. Right. Veer and Aditi. The lucky ones.

**Rudra:** (I signed.) **"Fine. Give me two minutes. Don't touch the single malt without me."**

I quickly headed downstairs to the main lounge. .**

**Veer:** **"RUDRA!"** He practically shouted, rushing forward with his infectious grin.

**We both smile and hug each other.** His hug was a solid, grounding presence-a moment of normal life.

**Rudra:** **"Veer. What is this ambush? Shouldn't you be sleeping? You're getting engaged tomorrow, idiot."**

**Veer:** **"Sleep is for the weak, *Bhai*. Besides, I needed a reality check. I needed to see your grumpy face to remind myself that true happiness is still possible."** He threw an arm over my shoulder, laughing.

We were talking easily, catching up on business and friends. **We talk each other about family in all.**

Just then, **maa came to meet him.** My mother's face immediately softened when she saw Veer.

**Siya Maa:** **"Veer, beta! It's so good to see you! Are you taking this sad-looking boy out? Good. He needs a break."** She gave me a pointed, worried look.

**Veer:** **"Always, Aunty. Just dragging him out of his billionaire cave for some fresh air."**

Then, **Jay came to meet him.** My younger brother strolled in, followed closely by , **Ahana our sister came ). They both greeted Veer warmly, asking about Aditi.

And then, I saw her. **Even Bebe** walked slowly out of her room, leaning on her cane. She usually wouldn't enter the lounge this late, but Veer's presence was a powerful magnet. She gave Veer a rare, genuine smile, but her eyes, when they met mine, were still disappointed.

**Veer:** **"Listen up, everyone!"** Veer clapped his hands together, pulling the focus. **"Tomorrow is the big day! The engagement. The first step to losing my freedom! So everyone has to come, no matter what. No excuses, no sudden business trips to New York."**

**Rudra:** (I felt a genuine pang of happiness for him as he is getting married to his love of life, Aditi.) **"Veer, I'm genuinely happy for you and Aditi. But I do need to go to Pune. It's an urgent, unavoidable matter."**

Veer dropped his smile, his eyes turning serious-the rare, best friend serious mood.

**Veer:** **"No, *Bhai*. You don't understand. This is my wedding, my big step. You are my best friend. The person who taught me how to drive, how to close a deal, and yes, how to tell a girl you like her."** He paused, his expression intensely focused.

**Veer:** **"You said you were in love once, Rudra. You never told me who, but I saw the change in your eyes, I heard the softening in your voice. I need the man who knows about love to stand beside me when I commit to my forever. **I need you there.** Cancel the flight. Pune can wait a day. What is more important than your brother's happiness?"**

His simple request, laced with unspoken friendship and pure love, was the most compelling thing I'd heard all month. He didn't know the war I was fighting, but his love was a needed sanctuary.

**Rudra:** (I sighed, looking at my family, then back at Veer.) **"Veer, you're an absolute menace."**

**Veer:** **"Only for you, *Bhai*. Only for you."**

[ISHITA SHARMA'S PERSPECTIVE - ]**

*Veer & Aditi's Engagement Party - Lush Garden | Night*

The evening air buzzed with excitement as fairy lights twinkled around the lush garden. Laughter echoed, the sound of clinking glasses, warm greetings, and playful teasing wrapped the night in celebration.

I stood near the floral backdrop, wearing a soft emerald purple fitted gown with silver embroidery. Muskan was fixing her son's bow tie while Prachi laughed at something Aditi had said. My smile felt real on the outside... but inside, I was already tense, my thoughts still dwelling on the madness of the past month.

Her look

**And suddenly, he walked in.** **I got a shock!** That initial rush of panic and disbelief was overwhelming. *What the hell is he doing here?* **He started following me like this?**

He walked in-**Rudra Singh Rathore**-in a classic black coat suit, sharp, poised, devastatingly handsome. The crowd noticed. His aura was impossible to miss. He didn't just enter a room; he commanded it.

His look

My fingers involuntarily tightened around my clutch. My breath hitched.

He didn't look at me. **Not yet.**

But I felt him. Felt his presence like a heatwave through the cold evening. I knew exactly when he took his eyes off the host and let them drift across the room.

**Our eyes met briefly across the room... and then I turned away.** Fast. Trying to merge into the floral backdrop, praying he wouldn't cross the space between us.

**Ishita** (Inner Monologue): *Why is he here? Veer's friend? My friend Aditi? This wasn't a coincidence. This was fate mocking me.*

I noticed he was talking animatedly with Veer. My confusion deepened.

[RUDRA SINGH RATHORE'S PERSPECTIVE - ]

I didn't want to come. I tried not to. But Veer insisted, and the family pressure was too much.

And now I was here, standing under glittering lights, surrounded by unfamiliar smiles and half-hugs.

Then... **I saw her.**

**Ishita.**

In purple. God. She looked like everything I was starving for. My heart hammered against my ribs, a loud, desperate sound in the quiet space of my consciousness.

Standing with her cousin and two married friends, she was smiling-but I knew her smile. I'd memorized every version of it. **This one was forced. Tired. Heavy with history.**

And even in a crowd of hundreds, **she was the only one I saw.**

My chest ached. I kept my distance.

I watched her for a moment, then looked quickly away. I couldn't risk staring.

**But she is talking with Aditi but why how does she know her.**

**Rudra** (Inner Monologue): *is she Aditi's friend or any relative ? This is a nightmare. I knew I shouldn't have come. This is some cruel poetic punishment.*

**Veer:** (He clapped me on the back, laughing.) **"Aur *bhai*! You finally came! Told Aditi you won't miss it."**

I nodded with a small smile. **"Congratulations, Veer. She's perfect for you."**

**Veer:** (He smirked) **"Wait till you meet her friend, Ishita. She is awesome

My throat tightened. **"Yeah... I think we've met,"** I said softly.

He didn't hear me. He was too busy smiling at Aditi, who waved toward her bridesmaids.

And there she was again. **Ishita.**

**Rudra** (Inner Monologue): *This wasn't fate. This was some cruel poetic punishment.*

**Veer:** **"Come on, let me introduce you to the bridal party."**

**Veer introduce me to Aditi's friends.** He walked me over, and suddenly, Ishita and I were standing a few feet apart, introduced by my best friend and her friend. *

**Veer:** **"Ishita, this is my brother, Rudra. Rudra, this is Aditi's friends, Ishita Sharma The superstar makeup artist I told you about."** , Prachi sharma , muskan

**Ishita:** (Her voice was cold steel.) **"It's a pleasure."** She offered the stiffest handshake I'd ever felt.

**Rudra:** **"The pleasure is all mine."** My voice was rough, but I kept the polite, detached mask on.

[ISHITA SHARMA'S PERSPECTIVE - ]**

**Muskan:** (She nudged me, whispering) **"Ufff... Veer ke friend Rudra ka swag toh dekho. Kitna classy banda hai. Ek dum business tycoon vibe!"** (Look at Veer's friend Rudra's swag. Such a classy guy. Total business tycoon vibe!)

I faked a smile, heart racing.

**Prachi:** (She giggled) **"Mujhe laga ki tu toh shaadi karegi toh aise hi kisi successful se karegi... tu toh hamesha ambitious types थी."** (I thought you would marry someone successful like this... you were always the ambitious type.)

I swallowed hard. They don't know. **They don't know the man they're admiring once wiped my tears on his t-shirt outside a temple.** They don't know he once stayed out in the rain just for one glimpse of me. They don't know... **I still love him.** I still remember his touch.

A slow romantic song started playing. Couples danced under the golden fairy lights.

Veer dragged Aditi onto the dance floor. Muskan and her husband joined. Even Prachi convinced her husband to sway a little.

He stood near the dessert counter, trying to keep his composure. I move away from the crowd, standing alone near a potted plant.

Then I felt a presence behind me.

And heard a voice. Low. Familiar. Shaky.

**Rudra:** **"Purple always suited you."**

I froze.

Turned. **It was him.** Rudra.

**Ishita:** (I stepped closer, my voice barely came out, laced with warning.) **"You should go."**

**Rudra:** (He took a small step back, respectfully, nodding.) **"I will. Just... couldn't leave without seeing you this close again. One last time maybe."**

My heart stuttered. *One last time? Is he giving up?*

Eyes burned. Lips parted-but no words came out. I couldn't articulate the turmoil inside me.

**Rudra:** (He smiled faintly, that tired, broken smile.) **"You're still the most beautiful chaos I've ever known."**

And then **he walked away.**

**Ishita** (Inner Monologue): *Just like he always does. The moment I start to feel anything, he retreats.*