[ISHITA Sharma's PERSPECTIVE]**

*City Hospital - Private ICU Wing | Deep Night*

I must have finally drifted off, slouched in the chair with my hand woven through Rudra's. **, I woke up at midnight.** The room was silent save for the rhythmic beep of the machines. My throat was dry, coarse from hours of crying and whispering.

**I felt thirsty.**

I carefully unwound my fingers from his, making sure he didn't stir. I stretched my cramped muscles and quietly walked out of the room.

The corridor was dimly lit, but the area was far from deserted. **Laksh was already up as he heard my footsteps.** He was sitting with his phone, speaking in hushed, professional tones, and several **bodyguards were spread in the wing for safety.** Rudra's invisible empire was now mobilized to protect him.

Laksh stood up immediately, his eyes alert and concerned.

**Laksh:** **"Ma'am, what happened? Are you okay? Is Sir fine?"**

**Ishita:** **"I need water,"** I said, my voice barely above a whisper.

He quickly glanced at a bodyguard nearby and **quickly gestured to the bodyguard to bring water.** Within seconds, a bottle of water was in my hand.

I took a long drink, the cold water finally soothing my parched throat. I looked at Laksh, the exhaustion in his eyes mirroring my own. But beneath the fatigue, I saw the fierce loyalty and control.

**Ishita:** (My voice was low and steady, suddenly colder than the night air.) **"Laksh, who did this? I need to know the full story. Rudra only told me the core truth. Who exactly came back for revenge?"**

He hesitated for a moment, glancing at the guarded door, then nodded and led me a few steps away from the nurses' station.

**Laksh:** **"It was 5 mens, Ma'am. They were the muscle for the head of the syndicate Sir eliminated in Canada. but two are main Their names are Ranjeet and Vishal. They lost everything when Sir took down their boss. They followed Sir back, waiting for the right moment. They weren't supposed to kill him, just... cripple him. Send a message."**

I listened, my jaw clenched so tight it ached.

**Ishita:** **"And they spoke my name. They knew about me."**

**Laksh:** **"Yes, Ma'am. They called you Sir's weakness. They wanted to use you to break him before they killed him."**

I nodded slowly, the fear solidifying into a cold, hard resolve. They wouldn't touch him again. They wouldn't touch *us* again.

**Ishita:** **"Laksh, find them."**

He blinked, confusion replacing exhaustion. **He got shocked and hesitated.**

**Laksh:** **"Ma'am, security is already looking, but Sir expressly forbade us from escalating this. He wants to focus on recovery and-"**

**Ishita:** (I cut him off, my eyes holding his with absolute certainty.) Laksh. Please find them and cage them. I don't care what Rudra said before. This is my fight now too. If they think I am his weakness, I will prove I am his shield."**

**Ishita:** **"And don't tell Rudra anything about it till he is fully fine. I need him to heal without this stress. Tell him everything is under control on the business front. You understand?"**

Laksh stared at me for a long moment, seeing not Ishita Sharma, the frightened makeup artist, but the partner of Rudra Singh Rathore-the queen of his world.

**Laksh:** **"Understood, Ma'am. I will personally supervise the search. They will be caged before sunrise. Consider it done."**

**Ishita:** **"Thank you, Laksh."**

I returned to the room, the thirst forgotten. I took my place next to Rudra, holding his hand, feeling the warmth of his pulse. I had a promise to keep, and a debt to repay.

[RUDRA SINGH RATHORE'S PERSPECTIVE -]**

*City Hospital - Private ICU Room | Morning*

A low, throbbing ache pulled me from the deepest sleep I'd had in years. I **woke up and groaned a little in pain**, trying to shift my heavy, bandaged head on the pillow. *My ribs.* Every breath was a fresh reminder of the fight.

I closed my eyes, waiting for the wave of dizziness to pass. But then a sudden, soft warmth pressed against my hand.

I **looked to my side**-and my breath hitched.

**I saw the most beautiful view in the world.**

There she was, **my Jaana**. Ishita. She had slumped over in the chair beside the bed, her cheek resting on the back of my hand, her long, curly hair spilled across the white linen. Her face was peaceful in sleep, though still marked by the dark shadows beneath her eyes and the faint red tracks of dried tears.

After those three years of agonizing emptiness, this was it. **I wanted to see this view for my whole life.** This moment-her here, safe, sleeping beside me-was the only home I recognized.

**Rudra** (Inner Monologue): *Don't move. Don't breathe too loud. Just look at her.*

I couldn't help it. I wanted to touch her, to confirm she was real, not just a beautiful, fleeting dream born of medicine and pain.

My uninjured hand trembled as I lifted it slightly, bringing my fingers close to her forehead, careful not to wake her.

**Rudra:** (I whispered, my voice rough and weak, but full of overwhelming adoration.) **"My Ishi... my love."**

Her eyelashes fluttered. She stirred, slowly lifting her head. Her large, brown eyes blinked open, hazy with sleep, but immediately focusing on me.

**Ishita:** (She gasped softly, sitting up quickly, her eyes wide with instant concern.) **"Ru! You're awake! Are you okay? Does it hurt?"**

She leaned closer, placing her cool hand gently on my forehead, checking for fever.

**Rudra:** (I shook my head slowly, forcing a weak smile.) **"It hurts less now, **Jaana**. Much less. Especially when I see your face."**

**Ishita:** (She looked instantly embarrassed by my cheesy line, but her eyes were shining.) **"Stop talking nonsense. You need water."** She reached for the glass on the bedside table.

**Rudra:** (I stopped her gently with a touch to her arm.) **"Wait. Not yet. Just... look at me for a minute, Ishiti. Let me look at you."**

She put the glass down immediately, her attention totally focused on me.

**Ishita:** **"I'm here, Ru. I'm right here. I'm not going anywhere."**

**Rudra:** (My voice grew softer, deeply sincere.) **"I know. You're my miracle, **Jaana**. I thought... I thought I lost you forever. Then I saw you last night, covered in my blood, screaming for me. That was the only reason I held on."**

**Ishita:** (Her lower lip trembled again, but she fought the tears.) **"Don't talk like that. You are the strongest man I know. You fought them off. You saved yourself."**

**Rudra:** **"No. You saved me. Your love saved me. That kiss you gave me... it was my lifeline."**

She leaned forward, her eyes locked on mine, and gently pressed her forehead to mine again, that silent, powerful connection returning.

**Ishita:** **"We are together now, Ru. I'm not leaving your side until you're completely well. I promise."**

**Rudra:** (I closed my eyes briefly, soaking in the peace.) **"That's the only medicine I need, my love. Just stay here. Forever."**

*City Hospital - Private Suite | Day 4, Afternoon*

It's been four days in the hospital. Four days of quiet, shared moments that felt more real than the last three years of my life combined.

She has barely left my side. **She stays here with me and lied at home that she is on shoot as nobody knows about them.** We are living in a bubble of truth and healing, separated from the chaos of my business and the strict protocols of my family. **And my family is still unaware of this attack, and i didn't want to tell them yet about this attack.**

Right now, I am laying on the bed, slowly recovering. My head still aches, but the pain is muted by medication and her presence.

and she sits in the chair beside me. She has a book-one of her well-loved fantasy novels-and she's reading to me. I've never been a fan of fiction; I deal in facts and figures. But I love her voice, the way it changes for the characters. **

**Ishita:** (Reading, her voice dramatic): **"'And even though the prince was carved from ice, her gaze was the sun that promised to melt the mountains of his frozen heart...'"** She stopped, glancing up at me with a pointed look.

**Rudra:** (I couldn't help but smile, ignoring the slight pull in my ribs.) **"Carved from ice, huh? Does he sound familiar, Ishiti?"**

**Ishita:** (She closed the book with a *thump*, placing her hands on her hips, though still sitting.) **"Extremely familiar. But that prince wasn't nearly as stubborn, rude, or secretive as you are, Mr. Rathore."**

**Rudra:** **"Rude? I am wounded, Ishi. You should be pampering me, not insulting me. I almost died for your sake!"**

**Ishita:** **"And I'm pampering you! I haven't slept properly, I'm feeding you mush, and I'm lying to my family! This is maximum pampering. Now, listen to the story. It's important-this is how you learn how real heroes act."** She reopened the book.

**Rudra:** **"But I don't like fantasy! Can't we read one of my business journals? I need to catch up on the market-"**

**Ishita:** (Her eyes flashed, playfully threatening.) **"Don't you *dare* mention a graph or a stock market index in this room! We are in a recovery bubble, and the only agenda is healing and fictional romance. Now, where was I? Ah, yes..."**

She started reading again, but I wasn't really listening to the words. I was watching her. The way the light caught her long, curly hair, the determination in her eyes. I reached out and gently caught her hand, pulling it closer.

**Rudra:** **"Ishi... stop reading for a second."**

**Ishita:** (She sighed, marking her place, but her fingers instantly intertwined with mine.) **"What is it, Ru? Is the pain bad? Should I call the nurse?"**

**Rudra:** **"No pain, **Jaana**. Only gratitude. I just... I need to say thank you. For staying. For not running away from the mess I created."**

**Ishita:** (She squeezed my hand, her eyes softening completely.) **"Don't be ridiculous. Where would I go? You are my mess, Rudra. And you are my responsibility now. I told you, next time you go running off to kill an enemy, you're taking me with you. We share the risk."**

**Rudra:** **"Never. I will never drag you into that darkness again. But I promise this, Ishiti, no more secrets. We face the world together, standing side-by-side. The world will know you are mine."**

**Ishita:** (She leaned in and kissed the back of my hand, right where I'd been bruised.) **"Good. Because I have a lot of years to make up for. Now, be quiet. The prince is about to declare his undying love."**

I smiled, closing my eyes, feeling safer and more loved than I ever had in my life, even with a fractured rib. Let her read. I was finally listening to the only story that mattered: *us*.

[ ISHITA SHARMA'S PERSPECTIVE - ]**

I was deep into the fantasy novel, reading about the prince and his fiery-haired heroine, when the door opened.

**As i keep reading, the door opened.** A nurse came in with the tray holding the **bandage change things**.

**Ishita:** (I closed my book with a snap and put it aside.) **"Ah, it's time."**

I moved instantly, gently **helping Rudra to sit up**, cushioning his back with pillows. His arm was instantly around my waist, a light, possessive grip even in his weakened state.

I looked at the nurse. Today, a female nurse came. At first, I didn't get it. It was usually the stern, middle-aged male nurse, Mr. rao, who handled Rudra's extensive bandages.

**The nurse started removing his hospital shirt.** My body stiffened immediately. She reached for the buttons near his neck with an unwarranted slowness.

**Ishita:** (I said loudly, my voice sharp and cold.) **"Wait! What are you doing?"**

The nurse, a younger woman with heavily made-up eyes, flinched.

**Nurse:** **"I need to change the bandage, Ma'am, and for that, the clothes, you know, Ma'am."** She gave a practiced, sickly sweet smile that didn't reach her eyes.

**Ishita:** **"Why you came? Where is the male nurse?"** I demanded, crossing my arms.

**"Oh, he's on break, Ma'am. I'm filling in. I assure you, I'm perfectly capable."** Her eyes lingered on Rudra's bare shoulder, and she reached for the gown again.

I saw it. I saw the slow, unnecessary movement. I saw the way her eyes devoured the glimpse of his sculpted chest beneath the gown. **She clearly came intentionally to touch him.**

And I snapped. ** bit my inner cheek to control my anger.** I couldn't risk making a scene in front of Rudra, not when he needed peace.

**Ishita:** (I forced a tone of sweet, deceptive concern.) **"Ru love, wait a minute, plz."**

**Rudra nodded,** a tiny smirk playing on his lips, enjoying the sudden, electric tension in the room. He knew exactly what was happening.

I glared at the nurse to come in the corner** of the private room, away from the bed.

**Ishita:** (I leaned close, my voice dropping to a dangerous whisper, pure ice.) **"Ye mera hai, samjhi? Inse dur reh. Jitna ho sake utna."** (He is mine, understood? Stay away from him. As much as possible.)

My eyes turned lethal, flashing with the protective instinct of a lioness.

**Ishita:** **"Jin logo ne inka ye haal kiya hai, bichare pichle char din se bhookh se tadap rahe hain."** (The people who did this to him, they've been starving from hunger for the past four days.)

I let the threat sink in, referring to the goons Laksh was currently torturing them .

**Ishita:** **"Ab soch le, main tera kya haal karungi.** We have loved each other for four years. **Aaj tak mene inki shirt nhi utari.** (Now think, what I will do to you. Until today, *I* haven't taken his shirt off!)

**Ishita:** **"Teri itni himmat kese hogyi?** (How dare you?) **Nikl yaha se abhi ke abhi.** Get Mr. Sharma, or I call the director. And don't you *ever* come back into this room again."

The nurse's face went from pale to ghostly white. She hadn't expected the quiet, weeping girlfriend to be this terrifying. **Then the nurse went out quickly, hell scared.**

I marched straight to the door. **Ishita also went out and said Laksh to send all male nurses, not even a single female nurse.**

**Ishita:** (I said to a security guard outside.) **"Call Laksh. I want the male nurse back immediately. And from now on, only male staff is allowed in Sir's room. No exceptions."**

I walked back in, breathing heavily, my anger slightly eased by the successful intimidation.

[ RUDRA SINGH RATHORE'S PERSPECTIVE - ]

I watched the whole scene unfold, my lips fighting hard not to break into a full grin, which would definitely split my stitches. She thought she was being subtle, whispering like a mafia queen in the corner.

*My Ishi.* She was a beautiful mess of fire and loyalty. The way her eyes narrowed, the way she claimed me in front of the competition-it was intoxicating.

When she came back in, her cheeks were flushed, her chest was rising and falling fast, and she looked like she might set the sterile room on fire.

**Rudra:** (I whispered, my voice thick with amused affection.) **"Well. That was quite the performance, **Jaana**. I didn't realize I was such a prize."**

**Ishita:** (She glared at me, walking over to fix my pillows with unnecessary force.) **"You weren't supposed to hear that! And yes, you are a prize, **Ru**. A very damaged, very stubborn, very *mine* prize. And no one else gets to touch the merchandise."**

**Rudra:** **"Understood, Ma'am. I am completely yours, body and shirt included. I promise I won't let any other woman unbutton me."**

**Ishita:** (She leaned down, her face close to mine, her breath sweet and warm.) **"Good. Because my inner beast doesn't take kindly to competition, Rudra. Four years of pain made me fiercely possessive. Don't test it."**

**Rudra:** (I reached up and gently touched her flushed cheek.) **"Never. I love your possessiveness, Ishiti. It's the most beautiful proof that you love me. Now, come here. Sit. And read me the rest of that chapter. Before I convince the director to send me home."**

She didn't hesitate. She sat beside me, her protective fury melting into tender care, and picked up the book. But this time, she sat closer, her shoulder touching mine. Her scent, her warmth-that was my real medicine.

[ISHITA SHARMA'S PERSPECTIVE -]**

I was just starting the most romantic part of the chapter, trying to ignore the heat still rising in my cheeks from the nurse incident. The book was resting on my lap, and I felt something soft, warm, and utterly distracting.

It was a gentle, slow pressure on my jawline. **I feel a soft kiss on her jaw.**

I instantly **softened, stopped reading, closed her eyes, and smiled.** That deep, content smile that only he could pull from me.

Then **I feel his hand around her waist, pulling her closer**. My body responded instantly, leaning into his warmth. My hip was now pressed gently against his side.

and looked at him**. His eyes-ocean blue, heavy with desire, but also the gentle affection that was only reserved for me-were fixed on my face.

**Ishita:** (I whispered, my voice thick and low, completely thrown off guard.) **"What are you doing, Ru?"**

He didn't answer with words. He gave me **more kisses on my cheeks and jaw**, placing small, featherlight kisses, like he was mapping the contours of my face. Each touch was tender, a silent apology for the years we'd lost.

**Rudra:** (He paused, his breath warm on my skin, his voice a husky, low murmur.) **"Shirt utaar do, Ishi"** (Take off the shirt, Ishiti.)

My entire face flamed. i blushed hard** and swallowed, the sudden boldness of the demand hitting me.

**Ishita:** (I gently pulled back an inch, laughing softly but denying the request.) **"No, no! What are you saying? You need rest!"**

**Rudra:** (he teased me, referencing the earlier incident.) **"Uske aage toh bahot brave thi. Ab kya hua?"** (In front of her, you were very brave. What happened now?)

[RUDRA SINGH RATHORE'S PERSPECTIVE -]

I couldn't help myself. Watching her read, her hair falling softly over my arm, her lips forming the words-it was too much. The years of enforced celibacy and emotional drought vanished in the sheer reality of her proximity.

I kissed her jaw, then her cheek, memorizing the softness. I felt **her close her eyes and smile**, and that was all the encouragement I needed. I wrapped my hand around **her waist, pulling her closer**.

She finally looked at me, her eyes wide, beautiful, and slightly questioning.

**Rudra:** **"What am I doing? Taking my due, **Jaana**. I've starved for four years. Just looking at you isn't enough."**

I placed **more kisses on her cheeks and jaw**, trailing them slowly. Her skin felt like silk beneath my lips.

**Rudra:** **"Shirt utaar do,"** I repeated, keeping my voice low and requesting, not demanding. **"The male nurse left. I need my bandage changed, and only *my* woman is touching me."**

I watched the vibrant blush spread across her neck and cheeks. **She blushed hard** and pulled back just enough to tease me.

**Rudra:** **"Uske aage toh bahot brave thi. Ab kya hua?"**

**Rudra:** (I held her close, pressing her forehead gently to my shoulder, my voice a soft murmur.) **"is That bravery was for the world, Ishi. I am weak with you, **Jaana**. I need your hands on me. Just to know you are truly mine."**

**Rudra:** **"The gown is uncomfortable, love. Just remove the old one. Slowly. And put the new one on. Your hands are magic. It will feel better."**

I stroked her back gently with my hand, letting the sincerity of my need wash over her.

**Rudra:** **"Please? Don't worry. We have all the time in the world for everything else. But I need this small proof that you are my caregiver, my protector... my wife."**

I looked at her, my eyes pleading with soft intensity. The intimacy in the request, the reliance on her touch-it was a confession of vulnerability she couldn't refuse.

[ ISHITA SHARMA'S PERSPECTIVE -]**

His voice, low and sincere, asking for my touch, melted away the last bit of my embarrassment. It wasn't about anything vulgar; it was about absolute trust and intimacy.

**i nodded with all red face** and finally gave in. I got up, moving quickly to the closet, and brought a new, clean hospital gown for him.

I approached the bed, my hands trembling slightly. Slowly, I started removing his old gown. **i slowly started removing his old shirt.** My eyes were fixed on the ties at his neck, trying to avoid looking at the powerful muscles beneath.

**He kept looking at me** with that intense, focused gaze that always made my heart race.

I successfully removed the old, loosened gown. For a fleeting moment, he was bare from the waist up-the sight of his broad, bandaged chest, the faint lines of his *abs*, and the perfect sculpting of his shoulders was breathtaking, even marred by bruises.

**Ishita** (Inner Monologue): *Stop staring, Ishita! He's hurt!*

I quickly grabbed the new shirt, about to slip his arm into the sleeve, when he moved.

Before I could react, **he pulled me on his lap!** The movement was swift, surprising, and reckless for a man with a fractured rib.

**She gasped** and instinctively clung to his shoulders to balance, terrified of hurting him.

**Ishita:** **"Rudra! What are you doing?! You are injured! You have a fractured rib! Put me down, now!"** I whispered fiercely, trying to wiggle free, but his grip was firm.

**He snuggled into my neck, holding tightly.** His head rested in the curve of my shoulder, his warm breath fanning my skin. He smelled faintly of antiseptic and pure, addictive Rudra.

**Rudra:** (His voice was muffled, deep, and utterly content.) **"Shh. I'm fine. This is the best painkiller. You are warm, **Jaana**. I need your warmth."**

**Ishita:** (I tried to scold him, but my voice was already softening.) **"Rudra! Stop being stubborn! If you tear your stitches, I swear, I will murder you myself!"**

**i wiggle, but slowly lean close.** The battle was already lost. His presence, his weight, his desperate need for comfort was my weakness.

I stopped struggling and instead, settled my arms around his broad back. My fingers, tracing the edge of the large bandage on his **muscular chest**, felt the subtle rise and fall of his breathing.

**Ishita:** **"You are so impossible, Ru. Seriously."** I whispered, burying my face in his hair, which smelled wonderfully clean.

**Rudra:** (He tightened his arms, pulling me impossibly closer.) **"Only for you, Ishi. Only for you. Just stay like this for a minute. Let me feel your heart beating next to mine."**

His voice was a low, vibrational rumble against my skin, sending shivers down my spine. The intensity of the moment-the fragility of his body against the fierce strength of his love-made my heart overflow.

I was nestled comfortably in the safest place on earth-Rudra's lap-listening to the steady rhythm of his heart, when the peace was violently broken.

**Then a knock came on the door.**

Rudra immediately tensed beneath me, and a low, guttural sound escaped him.

**Rudra:** iski maa ki !*"** (Cursed one!) **He cursed in Hindi**, a low, frustrated growl against my ear.

I immediately slid off his lap, settling onto the edge of the bed beside him.

**Ishita:** (I laughed softly at his dramatic frustration, and softly slapped his cheek.) **"Behave, Mr. Rathore! You're in a hospital, not a boardroom. No cursing allowed."**

I quickly smoothed my messy hair and straightened my *kurti*.

**Ishita:** **"Come in!"** I called out, **

The door opened slowly, and **it was a male nurse**-the grim, professional Mr. Rao, carrying the tray of supplies. My quick trip to Laksh had paid off.

**Ishita:** (I gave Rudra a significant look.) **"See? No uninvited competition. Now, be a good patient."**

[RUDRA SINGH RATHORE'S PERSPECTIVE -]

The knock was a declaration of war against my perfect moment. My heart clenched in frustration as Ishita scrambled off my lap.

**Rudra:** (Inner Monologue): *Just five more minutes! That's all I needed!*

I cursed under my breath, earning a quick, soft slap from Ishita. Her touch, even in correction, was sweet.

I watched Mr. rao enter the room. Good. Laksh handled it. No more curious eyes on my woman... or my *abs*.

**Rudra:** (I sighed dramatically.) **"Fine. You win, nurse. But hurry up. I have a very important novel to catch up on."**

I glanced at Ishita, my eyes filled with playful promise. She smiled back, a beautiful, knowing curve of her lips. The interruption was annoying, but the knowledge that she was here, and fiercely protective of me, made the pain entirely bearable.