[ISHITA'S PERSPECTIVE]**

I barely had a second to react. One moment, we were standing by the bike under the *gulmohar* tree... Next moment-he gripped my wrist and *dragged* me. Into the woods. Silent, dark, cold-lit only by the slivers of moonlight filtering through tall trees.

I gasped as my back hit the rough bark of a tree.

He didn't say anything at first. Just stared.

His **ocean-blue eyes** weren't soft anymore. They were... *wild*. Intense. Dark. Piercing. That same **Rudra Singh Rathore** everyone feared-but this time, that darkness, that ruthless energy... was *just for me.*

His hands gripped my waist-bare, warm-and his thumb slowly slid under the hem of my top, tracing circles on my skin. I shivered. Not from cold. From *him*.

He leaned in-his lips so close I could feel the whisper of his breath on my jaw.

**Rudra:** **"You love teasing me... don't you, *love?*"** he said, voice low, sharp, and possessive, the sound scraping against my raw nerves.

I blinked, my chest heaving slightly. I couldn't even answer.

**Rudra:** **"Hmm?"** he asked again, but darker this time, his eyes burning into mine. **"You think I didn't notice how you've been ignoring me? Testing me? Smiling at every other guy but me? That pathetic cousin talking nonsense?"**

His thumb pressed firmer against my waist, a silent warning. I swallowed.

**Ishita:** **"Rudra..."** I whispered, the name catching in my throat.

**Rudra:** **"Shhh."** He brought his face closer. Kissed the *corner* of my mouth, a brief, sharp, agonizing touch.

I gasped. My hand instinctively clenched the fabric on his shoulder, anchoring myself to his solid form.

Then-he trailed his lips along the edge of my mouth... And slowly, finally-kissed the center of my lips.

I melted. His kiss wasn't just *hungry.* It was commanding. Dark. Wild.

His other hand moved up to cup my jaw, fingers holding my face in place as he kissed me harder, forcing me to yield to his dominance.

Then, he pulled back *just an inch,* lips hovering, breath ragged, his eyes never leaving mine.

**Rudra:** **"When I say something... you obey. Every single command. Got it, **Jaana**? Because in this life, you only answer to me."**

I nodded, barely breathing, consumed by the dark intensity in his eyes.

**Rudra:** **"Because if you don't..."** He leaned to my ear, voice pure sin, cold and ruthless. **"I *will* lose control. And when I lose control, I don't stop. I don't care about consequences. I will claim you completely, right here, right now. And then no one will save you. Not even yourself, Ishita."**

I looked at him, speechless, the danger thrilling me more than it scared me. My hands slid around his neck slowly, offering my silence as an answer, my body communicating the absolute surrender he craved.

**Rudra:** **"Say it,"** he demanded softly, but ruthlessly, his lips brushing mine again. **"Say you belong to the monster, the beast, the man who loves you too much."**

**Ishita:** **"I'm yours,"** I whispered, the darkness in his eyes reflecting the depth of my commitment.

**Rudra:** **"Louder. Let the universe hear it. You are my possession."**

**Ishita:** **"I'm yours, Rudra. Body, heart, and soul. Forever. Do what you want with me."**

He smirked darkly, finally sealing my lips with a long, consuming kiss that promised absolute devotion and absolute possession.

**Rudra:** **"Good girl. Never forget that."**

[RUDRA'S PERSPECTIVE]

She thinks she knows what she's doing. Teasing. Smiling. Talking non-stop.

The moment I stopped that bike, I *needed* her alone. The moment I saw that soft crop top barely covering her waist-*I snapped.*

Now-here she was. Pinned to a tree. Breathless. Beautiful. *Mine.*

My hands gripped her waist, sliding against the soft warmth of her skin. And her eyes-wide, needy, obedient. That look of terrified surrender was the only balm to the rage that Rajjo had sparked.

I let the silence build between us before speaking, letting her feel the raw power I held over her.

**Rudra:** **"You love testing me... right, love? You enjoy watching me burn while you laugh with other men."**

I kissed her-*not gently.* I kissed her like she belonged under me, around me, forever.

But I needed more than just physical compliance. I needed her submission.

**Rudra:** **"When I say something... you obey. You understand? This isn't a request, Ishita. This is an order. Don't push my limits again, or you will find out exactly why the world calls me heartless."**

I looked into her soul. She nodded.

**Rudra:** **"Say it. Say you belong only to the beast you claim to love."**

**Ishita:** **"I'm yours."**

**Rudra:** **"Louder."**

**Ishita:** **"I'm yours, Rudra. Body, heart, and soul. Forever. Do what you want with me."**

My lips touched hers again-I didn't kiss. I just whispered, a dark promise of ownership hanging between us.

**Rudra:** **"Good girl. You are my addiction, Ishita. My curse. And my redemption. Now, let's go before those fools realize we haven't checked in."**

[ISHITA'S PERSPECTIVE]

He was *still* in that intense, possessive mood. We didn't say a word as we walked back from the forest path to where the bikes were parked. But I *felt* his dark gaze burning on my skin. That silence wasn't empty-it was *electric*.

He reached his matte-black bike and turned back to me. With that usual rough gentleness, he lifted me up onto the seat effortlessly. His palm lingered on my waist just a second longer before he got on in front.

My cheeks were burning, my heart still racing from the way he had just *owned* me near those trees. And now here we were, riding through the cold October night like nothing happened.

I wrapped my arms around his waist automatically at first, my face resting lightly against his back... Then I remembered-I was *mad* because he didn't apologize for his intensity, and because I was cold.

**Ishita:** **"Rudra,"** I said softly, against the wind. **"Let's have ice cream na, please. Just a small cone? Please, please, please..."**

He didn't even turn back.

**Rudra:** **"No."**

**Ishita:** **"Why no? i want chocolate flavor , my favorite, I promise I won't get sick!"**

**Rudra:** **"It's October. It's cold. You'll get sick, and then I'll have to cancel my meetings to babysit you, and you know how that ends. No."**

I rolled my eyes and pouted, even though he couldn't see.

**Ishita:** **"You're no fun. You're the billionaire who can buy anything, but you can't buy me one tiny scoop of ice cream. I want ice cream, Mr. Rathore."**

**Rudra:** **"I said *no*, Ishi. Your health is more important than your momentary craving. Now hold me tight; we're joining the others."** His tone had that *strict, ruthless edge* to it again-low, dominant, controlling.

I scowled.

**Ishita:** **"Fine! Don't talk to me, then. And since you're being a cold heart, I don't need your warmth either!"**

I *removed* my arms from around his waist dramatically and grabbed the metal holder behind me, leaning back slightly. Petty. Yes. But deserved.

That's when it happened. Without warning-he jerked the bike a little to the left on a bend, making a sudden, slight swerve.

My heart dropped-

**Ishita:** ***"RUUDRAAAA-!* What the hell! Are you insane?!"** I *screamed* and immediately flung my arms back around his waist, holding on tight enough to bruise him.

He didn't say anything for a second, letting the speed stabilize.

Then-

**Rudra:** (His voice rumbled, quiet but layered with immense satisfaction.) **"Ishi. Hold me properly. Always. You remove your hands from me again, and I'll take a sharp right turn onto the pavement."**

I glared at the back of his head, trying to breathe past the shock.

**Ishita:** **"You *did that* on purpose! That was reckless! You are a menace on and off the road!"**

He didn't deny it. Didn't confirm it either.

**Rudra:** **"Did you put your hands back where they belong?"**

**Ishita:** **"Yes, but only because I don't want to die with a cold-hearted beast!"**

**Rudra:** **"Good. Then we have a deal. Now, if you are quiet and stop arguing about dessert,

And I swear I saw his cheek rise just a little-*a hidden smirk.* Now I was angry. And blushing remembering the kiss . Stupid, ruthless, reckless, heartless, controlling man-ugh. And completely, wonderfully *mine*.

*Highway Dhaba |

I didn't talk. Not even a word.

The entire ride back after that stupid *jerk* of the bike, I kept my arms around his waist because I *had* to... but not *tight*, not like before. I leaned back slightly. **I was still angry.**

He *always* does this. He's the most health-obsessed freak I've ever met-no sugar, no fried food, protein shakes, daily gym like it's a religion. And then he expects *me* to live like that too?

No ice cream in October. No sweets before bed. No cold drinks. I get it-he *cares.* But I'm not his trainee. I'm not some soldier in his damn empire. I'm *me.* And I *love* ice cream in winter. And I'm *stubborn*, and *he knows that.*

That's why I didn't talk.

And now we had stopped near a highway dhaba. The couples were all laughing, ordering food. Veer and Aditi were sitting together with that newly engaged glow. Muskan was feeding her husband with the kind of PDA that made me gag. Prachi's husband was taking selfies of their *thali*.

And me? I sat beside Rudra, arms crossed, silent.

Nobody noticed anything strange-except Veer and Shiv, of course. They kept glancing between us like **"*Yeh kya ho raha hai?* Did the ruthless CEO finally meet his match in a silent protest?"**

Someone asked, **"Ishita, you're not eating? This *dal makhani* is amazing!"**

**Ishita:** **"Nope,"** I said, sipping plain water, trying to sound breezy.

**Muskan:** **"Why? Are you okay? You've barely touched anything all day."**

I smiled slightly, a polite, frozen smile. **Ishita:** **"Just not in the mood, guys. Full day of wedding prep fatigue."**

Lie. I was starving. My stomach was staging a revolt. But I refused to give in. I won't eat. I won't talk. I won't look at him.

Let him feel what it's like. Let *Mr. Rudra Singh Rathore* feel a little helpless for once, watching his woman starve over his ridiculous rules.

Then, I saw it. Without looking at me, **he unclipped his expensive, heavy watch and gently placed it on the table beside my hand.** *A silent gesture.* He knows that means: **"Talk to me. Let's negotiate. This is serious."**

I didn't even twitch. I focused intensely on the condensation on my water glass. *I will not break.*

[RUDRA'S PERSPECTIVE]

She didn't talk. Not on the bike. Not during the stop. Not even now, while everyone was around, laughing, eating, acting like nothing's wrong.

But I knew something *was*. It's *Isha*. I know every single tiny defiant movement she makes. Right now-she was waging silent war.

And I hated it. It made the air taste like ash.

But I also wasn't going to apologize for stopping her from falling sick. She can hate me, scream at me, throw tantrums. I'll take it all. But not her getting unwell. Never again.

She sat beside me, stiff as stone. Didn't touch the food. Just water. Her hands were slightly shaking, either from the cold or hunger. And she wouldn't admit either.

**Veer:** (Veer leaned in, lowering his voice.) **"Dude, just give her a chocolate bar. She's going to combust."**

I didn't look at him. **Rudra:** **"I'm not giving in to emotional blackmail over her health, Veer. She needs to eat something warm."**

**Shiv:** (Shiv looked genuinely worried.) **"She's looking pale, Ru. Don't let your Prince Charming complex kill her with discipline."**

I ignored them both. I unclipped my watch-my grandfather's watch, the one I wear for important deals-and gently placed it on the table beside her. A clear sign: *The King is calling a truce.*

She didn't even look at the watch. She ignored the most valuable object on the table.

I clenched my jaw. So this was war.

**Rudra** (Inner Monologue): *Fine. You want to starve? I will make you eat. You want silence? I will use that silence to my advantage.*

I slowly reached across the small table and picked up a piece of warm *naan*. I ripped a small, soft corner off and placed a tiny bit of *dal makhani* on it.

I didn't ask. I didn't warn.

I simply turned my head slightly, looked at her rigid profile, and held the piece of warm food right up to her lips.

**Rudra:** (My voice was low, devoid of emotion, a dangerous command.) **"Open your mouth, Ishita. Eat. Now."**

[ISHITA'S PERSPECTIVE]**

I ignored that bite

I didn't eat. I didn't talk to him. I didn't even *look* at him.

I was on my phone the whole time, scrolling like I was too busy for anything. Inside, though? I was boiling. Just an hour ago-this same man was pinning me to a tree, *kissing me breathless* like I was his most sacred prayer. And now? **No. Ice cream.** Because it's *October.* Ughhh. *I hate him.*

Veer and Shiv were eating quietly but kept glancing at us-especially Veer. I ignored Rudra completely. Didn't even glance at him.

Instead, I turned to Aditi, fake smile and all.

**Ishita:** **"So your *haldi* dress - pastel yellow or mustard? I brought both, just in case. Also...you want baby's breath in your hair or soft *mogra*?"**

**Aditi:** **"Uffff you're the best. Ishu, I'd die without you, literally. You're the real hero."**

**Ishita:** **"No dying. Not on *haldi* day. We'll put you in a gold shimmer coffin if you do."** We both giggled.

Rudra? Nothing. I *knew* he was burning beside me. I *felt* his gaze on my cheek. But nope, I wasn't going to look.

He leaned a little closer.

**Rudra:** **"Eat something,"** he said softly. Just for me.

I scrolled harder on my phone. *Nope.*

Then he placed a warm hand lightly on my thigh under the table-gentle, not his usual commanding grip.

**Rudra:** **"Isha... please. This is childish."**

I stiffened. My jaw clenched. I *still* didn't look. God why was I like this? *Pride. Dammit.*

Then he leaned closer again and whispered low, calm, deadly-that voice that meant absolute zero tolerance.

**Rudra:** **"If you don't eat in the next 60 seconds, I swear to God, I'll pick you up in front of everyone-Veer, Shiv, your bridezilla best friend-and feed you myself. Don't test my patience, *Jaana*."**

My head *snapped* to him. My eyes widened.

**Ishita:** **"You wouldn't."**

His smirk: slow. Dangerous. Absolute victory.

**Rudra:** **"Try me, *Jaana*. You know I don't bluff when it comes to you."**

My soul screamed surrender.

Shiv coughed to hide a laugh into his glass. Veer covered his face with the menu.

I threw the phone on the table with a loud *thunk*. I reached for a *roti*. Took it. Tore it like a warrior dismantling an enemy.

**Ishita:** **"Happy now, *Your Highness*?"**

He leaned back in his seat, smug like a king watching his general obey.

**Rudra:** **"Ecstatic. Now chew properly, or I'll still feed you myself."**

[RUDRA'S PERSPECTIVE]

She's the most *impossibly* stubborn human I've ever met. And I've made billion-dollar CEOs kneel in meetings. But *her?* She's my destruction. And right now, she was *testing* me.

She wasn't eating. She was ignoring me like I was some waiter who forgot her order. All because I said **no** to f***ing *ice cream.*

But watching her sip water while everyone else was full? Watching her smile at Aditi while her stomach growled? No. That was it.

I gave her the gentle warnings, the soft pleas. She rejected them all.

So, I brought out the heavy artillery. The threat she knew I wouldn't hesitate to execute.

**Rudra:** **"If you don't eat in the next 60 seconds, I swear to God, I'll pick you up in front of everyone... and feed you myself."**

Her reaction was immediate-the wide eyes, the snapped neck. She was shocked, terrified, and utterly compliant. *Mine.*

**Ishita:** **"You wouldn't."**

**Rudra:** **"Try me, *Jaana*."** That word, that casual pet name, was the final pin.

I won.

Watching her tear that *roti* like she was declaring war made me want to grab her again. But instead, I just smiled slightly, grabbed a bite of my own plate, maintaining my composure.

**Rudra:** **"Next time, listen before acting like a brat, Ishita."**

She glared, chewing the food furiously.

**Ishita:** **"Next time, *don't be a dictator, you protein shake in human form.*"**

**Rudra:** (I chuckled softly, dangerously.) **"And next time, you will ride on my lap if you remove your hands from my waist again. Now, stop talking and eat. We have a long night ahead, and you need your energy."**

**Shiv:** (Shiv shook his head, looking utterly defeated.) **"I swear, Rudra, you don't date women; you acquire them and issue memos. This is insane."**

**Rudra:** (I looked at Shiv, my eyes cold and possessive.) **"She is the only memo I care about, Shiv. And she is worth every bit of chaos."**

[ISHITA'S PERSPECTIVE]

I ate. Quietly. Defeated. But not really.

My pride was *wounded*, yes, but not dead. And even while chewing, I sulked. Chewed like I was being punished. Chewed like *someone* robbed me of the joy of sugar and creamy cold bliss. Chewed like this *roti* was his face.

He kept sneaking glances at me. His knee nudged mine under the table, once... twice. I didn't flinch. Didn't blink.

Instead, when his knee nudged mine the third time, I subtly reached under the table and **pinched his thigh**-hard. It didn't even bother him; he just let out a low grunt that sounded more amused than hurt. *Ugh, impossible man.*

Everyone was laughing and talking and finishing their food. Some even called for **ice cream** - that's right - because the resort menu had a dessert counter at the side. Veer was already licking his butterscotch cone like a child. Shiv chose vanilla with chocolate chips. Prachi had her son on her lap feeding him strawberry scoops.

Me? Still sulking. Because *everyone* had ice cream now. And I? Only had ego.

Rudra leaned toward me again, his voice low like a sigh of surrender.

**Rudra:** **"Ishi... please. Stop being dramatic."**

I didn't even *look*.

**Ishita:** **"I already ate. Like you said. Now leave me alone,"** I mumbled like a martyr.

**Rudra:** **"Eat this,"** he said.

I turned. And there it was - **my favourite chocolate cone**, unwrapped, already cold and starting to drip slightly. Held out in his big, rough hand. Like a peace offering. Like an apology. Like a band-aid on my bruised heart.

My eyes widened. **Ishita:** **"Really? You bought me ice cream? The health-freak billionaire broke his rule?"**

He nodded. No smirk this time. Just a soft, stubborn look. Like, *"Here. Take it. I hate seeing you upset more than I hate sugar and breaking rules."*

I *snatched* it before he changed his mind.

**Ishita:** **"Finally. You're acting like a boyfriend and not a bodyguard-slash-dietician. I thought you forgot what love was."**

I took one huge bite and moaned like a literal five-year-old, closing my eyes to savor the cold, sweet bliss.

**Ishita:** **"Mmmmmm... God, I missed you,"** I whispered to the chocolate cone.

Rudra rolled his eyes but smiled genuinely behind his glass of water.

[RUDRA'S PERSPECTIVE]**

She was eating. Quietly. But she was *still mad*.

I felt the sudden, sharp pinch on my thigh under the table. She was trying to hurt me. I barely flinched; the sensation was nothing compared to the agony of watching her pout.

Then came the ice cream parade. Every couple holding cones like awards. My Ishi. Sitting with crossed arms and a glare, chewing food like it tasted of betrayal. God, I couldn't take it anymore.

So I got up. Walked across the lawn. Ordered her damn chocolate cone. Unwrapped it myself. Came back. Held it out like an idiot in love.

**Rudra:** **"Eat this,"** I said, softly. Almost embarrassed by the display of weakness.

She snatched it, accusing me of *finally* being a boyfriend. Her insult didn't sting; her happiness was the only thing that mattered.

And as she closed her eyes with that first bite and whispered **"I missed you"** to a cone of chocolate...

I laughed. Genuinely laughed. Because that was my woman. Stubborn. Ridiculous. And *irresistibly mine.*

I watched her enjoy every bite like a child. Then I leaned in again and whispered low:

**Rudra:** **"You're impossible, you know that? I broke my own anti-sugar protocol for a three-scoop menace."**

She licked her ice cream, her eyes sparking with victory and affection.

**Ishita:** **"And yet, here you are... falling harder every damn day, my love. Just for me. Don't worry, your secret is safe with my cholesterol level."**

I leaned back, content. **Rudra:** **"The moment you finish that, we're going to the bike. We still have a long discussion about *obedience* pending, Ishita. Don't think the ice cream voids the terms of surrender."**

She just winked, taking another huge, challenging bite. **Ishita:** **"Terms? What terms? I thought this was a peace treaty signed in chocolate."**

[ISHITA'S PERSPECTIVE]

Everyone was done. Like *done-done*. Bikes started revving. Couples were taking off one after another. Shiv and Veer were already joking while starting their bikes. Aditi waved at me, flashing her thousand-watt smile.

Me? Still eating. Still enjoying every. Single. Lick.

My chocolate ice cream was half melted, but who cared? I earned this. This was my *emotional victory*. I walked toward *our* bike like a queen with a cone.

My man stood there, leaning with that signature Rudra Rathore pose - arms crossed, jaw tight, eyes narrowed, and somehow still looking like a billionaire even under a streetlight.

He didn't rush me. He didn't scold. He just stood there, watching me like he always does. Like he could memorize my face with every blink.

When I reached him, I finished the last bite. He didn't say a word at first. He just took the cone from my hand, carefully - and set it aside. Then gently wiped the corner of my lips with his thumb.

I blinked up at him.

**Rudra:** **"You seriously are more stubborn than kids, Jaana,"** he muttered, shaking his head, his lips twitching.

I smirked, then leaned in on impulse, stood on my toes, and kissed his cheek softly.

**Ishita:** **"Thank you... for handling me. You're the best dictator a girl could ask for,"** I whispered against his warm skin.

He stilled. Only his breath moved against my forehead.

And when I stepped back, his eyes were soft. Undone. The blue was clearer than the ocean.

[RUDRA'S PERSPECTIVE]

She walked toward me with ice cream still in her hand and victory on her face. God, this woman.

When she reached me, I didn't say anything at first. Just gently wiped the chocolate off her mouth. I've handled multi-million-dollar mergers with less precision than I handled her pout.

**Rudra:** **"You seriously are more stubborn than kids, Jaana."**

Then she did something I wasn't expecting. She kissed my cheek. Soft. Warm. So quick... yet it stayed.

**Ishita:** **"Thank you... for handling me."**

She said it like a whisper. Like a prayer.

And suddenly the night air didn't feel so cold anymore. I stared at her. Speechless. Undefended. Lost.

I lifted her onto the bike seat, still stunned by the simple affection. I tucked her hair behind her ear, my fingers tracing the outline of her jaw, a silent promise.

And as I sat in front of her and started the engine, she wrapped her arms around my middle like nothing had happened. Like I wasn't melting into a puddle of devotion.

ISHITA'S PERSPECTIVE]**

The bike roared to life, pulling us onto the highway, chasing the lights of the other bikes. The cold air rushed past us, but I was cocooned in his warmth.

I rested my chin on his shoulder, whispering with a smile:

**Ishita:** **"Still mad at me, Mr. Rathore? Or has the chocolate treaty held?"**

He didn't answer.

He just drove.

But then, his left hand reached back, covering mine on his chest. Fingers laced, tight, possessive, yet undeniably gentle. He didn't need words.

He wasn't mad. He was simply asserting ownership.

He was mine.

**Ishita:** **"I win,"** I whispered into his shoulder, smiling against the fabric of his kurta, knowing he heard me.

**Rudra:** (His voice, low and rumble-deep, finally answered, but only loud enough for me to hear over the engine.) **"We both win, Ishi. Because you are holding me."**

And that was enough.