ISHITA'S PERSPECTIVE]**

*Hotel Suite | Rudra's Room*

I wanted to go, but before I could, Aditi grabbed me back, needing a final *haldi* check. **A whole hour later**, I finally sighed, stretching my arms. My job here was done - for now.

Before I could even grab a sip of water, **a hand slid into mine. Firm. Familiar. His.**

**Ishita:** **"Rudra-"** I whispered, looking around, panic rising. **"Everyone's here-this is crazy."**

**Rudra:** **"Exactly. Too busy to notice,"** he said lowly, his thumb stroking my wrist as he tugged me along.

And before I could argue further, I was **in his room**, door closed behind us. The noise of the wedding vanished, replaced by a sudden, heavy silence.

He didn't say anything and took me toward the mirror and made me stand there. He didn't say anything at first. Just stood behind me. Watching me in the mirror. I knew that look-the one that made my core tremble.

**Ishita:** (I fumbled for the liner in my small bag.) **"I'll just put on my *kajal* quickly, it's a big event-"**

**Rudra:** **"No,"** he said, stepping closer, his chest brushing my back. **"Let me."**

**Ishita:** **"You'll apply it? The man who won't touch a dessert?"**

**Rudra:** **"Hmm. I'll watch you do it. I like the way your hands move when you get ready. They are so delicate."**

I rolled my eyes, suppressing a smile, and focused on the mirror. **Liner. Lipstick. No blush.** Not needed - not when **his gaze did more than makeup ever could**.

When I finished tying my hair into a ponytail, he suddenly bent down, brushing his nose gently against my neck.

**Rudra:** **"You missed something,"** he murmured, the vibration of his voice sending shivers down my spine.

**Ishita:** **"What? My earrings?"**

He lifted a **nude lipstick** from my bag, took my chin gently, and applied a soft layer himself, his eyes never leaving the reflection. Then he slowly traced my lower lip with his thumb - careful, teasing.

**Rudra:** **"There. Now perfect. You need a little color, *jaan*."**

**Ishita:** **"You just wanted an excuse to touch my lips."**

**Rudra:** **"Guilty. And you know I hate that matte finish. Too serious."**

And leaning in till my height, I complained: **Ishita:** **"You ruined it now, it's smudged."**

He smirked, his eyes dark with mischief. **Rudra:** **"*Dubara laga dunga, jaana* (I'll put it on again, darling)."**

He held my chin, titling my face up to him, and then kissed me deeply. It was a slow, consuming kiss, a deliberate statement of ownership, tasting the lipstick and his intense commitment.

### **[RUDRA'S PERSPECTIVE]**

*Hotel Suite | Rudra's Room*

Watching her in that simple Indo-western dress, bare face glowing, eyes focused - it did something to me. She was pure art.

I watched as she applied her liner - steady, precise. Her lips moved ever so slightly in concentration. That small curve in her nose. Her ponytail swinging lazily when she moved.

**Rudra:** **"Turn around,"** I said softly.

She obeyed, confused.

I bent down, picked up her **nude heels** from the corner, and held them in front of her.

**Rudra:** **"Sit. I'll do this."**

**Ishita:** **"Rudra... I can wear them-"**

**Rudra:** **"I know. But I want to."**

She slowly sat on the edge of the bed.

I knelt. Slid the heels on gently, one by one, my hands grazing the soft skin of her ankle. Then I looked up - she was already looking at me, her eyes reflecting the desire and confusion I felt.

**Rudra:** **"I'm not going to survive today,"** I muttered.

**Ishita:** **"Why? Is the stock market crashing?"**

**Rudra:** **"Because you're not mine in public. But right now... watching you like this, you're mine in every damn way, Ishita. And I can't touch you."**

She swallowed visibly, her fingers gripping the sheet.

Then I stood. **Caged her between me and the dresser.**

**Ishita:** **"If you keep looking at me like that, we'll miss *haldi*,"** her voice was shaky, breathless.

I leaned in, voice barely a breath, letting her feel the heat radiating off my body.

**Rudra:** **"Let them wait. You're the only celebration I care about."**

I leaned my head down, burying my face in the soft curve of her neck, inhaling her scent-jasmine and innocence. **Rudra:** **"I needed this. Five minutes of peace before the war."**

[ISHITA'S PERSPECTIVE]**

Then he stood straight. I turned around to check myself in the mirror, adjusting my ponytail.

He wrapped his arms around my waist from behind, chin resting on my shoulder, his voice deep and low.

**Rudra:** **"Ready, Mrs. Make-Me-Go-Mad?"**

I blushed crimson. **Ishita:** **"I'm not Mrs. yet."**

He kissed the side of my neck, a soft, deliberate peck that sent shivers down to my toes. **Rudra:** **"Yet."**

And then, with one last kiss on my shoulder, he held out his hand like a gentleman, his eyes serious and dominant.

**Rudra:** **"Let's go, *jaana*. Before I lock this door and forget the world and that *haldi* ceremony entirely."**

This is her look

I took his hand, my heart racing.

The door opened, and we were back in chaos - but my lips still tingled, my heels still carried the memory of his hands... And **his ocean eyes never left me once** as he guided me back to the busy hall.

We walked out of the room, and I quickly darted toward my friends, leaving him behind to act normally.

If sunshine had a heartbeat, today was that. Bright yellow, marigolds everywhere, music vibrating through the venue, *dhol* beats syncing with every heartbeat. Beautiful madness. And me? **I was glowing. Inside out.**

The *haldi* *rasam* started. Veer and Aditi sat on their decorated seats. One by one, everyone applied *haldi* on them. Me too. Even Rudra.

Then we all friends went to dance.

Dancing with Muskan, Prachi, Shifa... twirling in my Indo-western outfit, a little *haldi* here and there, hair loose again (because Rudra loved it that way).

Then Veer pulled me to dance too, and I laughed, playfully shoving him before his brother joined in. Soon a few other guy friends surrounded us like old college days, pulling me into a circle.

I knew he was watching. I felt it like **heat on the back of my neck**.

I turned my head slightly-there he was.

**Rudra Singh Rathore**, in his beige *kurta*, tall like a living fortress, arms folded, standing near a pillar like he owned the moment... yet visibly **bothered**. Not by the music. Not by the color. **By the fact that other men were too close to his woman.**

I bit my lower lip, suppressing a smile, waved at him cheekily... and hugged one of my guy friends intentionally, a quick, familiar embrace.

That's when I saw it.

**His jaw locked. His ocean-blue eyes darkened instantly, losing all softness. One eyebrow arched with lethal calmness.**

Oh god. *"He's going full dark aura mode,"* I thought, my excitement spiking. *This is going to be fun.*

[RUDRA'S PERSPECTIVE]

I hate The mess. The noise. The turmeric. But she was in it. And if she was in it... I'd tolerate it.

I stood away from the crowd, arms crossed, sunglasses shielding my stormy eyes. I was the man hopelessly in love with Ishita Sharma.

And she was dancing. Laughing. Twirling like a dream, her bare feet covered in *haldi*, cheeks glowing naturally.

I recorded it all. Secretly. Photos. Videos. Every second of her joy.

But then - **he** touched her. Some old friend. Hugged her. My jaw tightened so hard I felt the muscle jump.

I didn't move. I didn't shout. **I tilted my chin, raised an eyebrow, narrowed my eyes - enough for her to see across the lawn.**

She did. That brat. She winked and then had the audacity to lean into another guy's shoulder while laughing.

I sent her a message with just a stare: *"You're going to pay for this. Dearly."*

[ISHITA'S PERSPECTIVE]**

His eyes screamed murder, but his body stayed still like a statue carved in fury.

I gulped, playfully danced some more, but my cheeks warmed. I could feel his gaze **peeling layers off my soul**, analyzing every move.

Prachi came up, applying *haldi* on my face, I laughed - but my eyes? **They kept seeking him.**

And I knew... this evening wasn't going to end quietly. I was in deep trouble.

[RUDRA'S PERSPECTIVE]**

I turned slowly, deliberately, not wanting to draw attention, and walked away from the dancing area, hands in my pockets, sunglasses still on, but fire behind the glass.

I stopped in a quiet corner near the juice counter, staring at my phone-her smiling face in the video I just took. *Possessive. Yes. But she is mine.*

I sent a quick, cold text, bypassing all the sweetness we shared just an hour ago:

> 'Rudra:' **Corridor 3B. Five minutes. Do not keep me waiting. Bring the yellow outfit you wore for Aditi's trial.**

I smirked faintly. She thought she was being cute. She thought she could test the limits of my control in front of the world.

She was about to learn a very important lesson in obedience and ownership. A lesson delivered by Mr. Heartless Hulk, with interest.

I needed to prepare. I needed her to understand that her rebellion was welcome, but her consequence would be entirely *mine* to deliver.

[ISHITA'S PERSPECTIVE]

Everyone was busy-laughing, eating, bathing off the *haldi*. Chaos around, colors everywhere. And I...? I was still glowing from the *haldi* but also feeling the **burn** of that intense stare my man gave me earlier.

I was sitting with Muskan and Aditi's mom when I felt it. **That stare.**

Slowly, I turned my head. **He was standing at the edge of the corridor. Hands in pocket. Leaning against the wall. One brow slightly raised. Jaw ticking.**

My stomach flipped. He didn't say a word. Just tilted his head... once. Toward my phone. I checked my phone and saw his message: **Corridor 3B. Five minutes. Do not keep me waiting. Bring the yellow outfit you wore for Aditi's trial.**

**That was enough.**

I excused myself, pretending to go to the washroom, slipped away from the crowd, and followed him to the suite upstairs. He didn't even turn until we were inside.

Door locked. Silence.

Then-**his dark, low voice filled the room.**

[RUDRA'S PERSPECTIVE]**

She took her sweet time. Still smiling. Still glowing. Still testing my control.

But she came.

The second that door clicked shut, I didn't waste a moment. I turned slowly, hands behind my back, walked toward her like a predator.

**Rudra:** **"You think that was funny, *jaana*?"**

Her back hit the door as I caged her between my arms. Her mouth parted slightly.

**Rudra:** **"Hugging him... letting him touch you... in front of me? Every man was watching you. And you-"** I tapped her nose, **"-were *too busy* playing innocent."**

She opened her mouth to say something, but I placed my finger on her lips.

**Rudra:** **"No excuses. Today, I discipline."**

[ISHITA'S PERSPECTIVE]**

Oh. My. God. That tone. That dominance. His body crowding mine, tall, broad, the scent of musk and his damn cologne twisting my thoughts.

I whispered, **"Rudra... I was just-"**

**Rudra:** **"Quiet."** He growled, pressing his forehead to mine.

His hand slid around my waist, and I feel cool paste. I looked down and saw *haldi* paste in his palm, which he was applying gently to my side. He was deliberately gripping my waist tightly while marking me.

**Rudra:** **"You're mine. Only *I* get to touch you. Look at you. Make you laugh. Understand? This yellow belongs to me."**

I nodded quickly, breathless.

He didn't like that.

**Rudra:** **"Words, Ishita. Say it."**

I whispered, **"Yes... I'm yours."**

He smiled - not sweet. Dangerous. **Rudra:** **"Good girl."**

[RUDRA'S PERSPECTIVE]

Her cheeks flushed. Her chest rose and fell fast. My control was thin. But I didn't rush.

I leaned down and kissed the corner of her mouth-slow, lingering. Then the other side.

She whimpered, shifting closer, the subtle sound vibrating against my mouth.

**Rudra:** **"Say it again. Make me believe you."**

She whispered, **"I'm yours, Rudra... only yours. I won't look at anyone else."**

I finally claimed her lips - no hesitation this time. **Possessive. Fierce. Deep.** One hand cradled her jaw, the other pressing her to my chest as I kissed her like she was mine to consume. Because she was.

[ISHITA'S PERSPECTIVE]**

I melted. His lips on mine... his big warm palm on my waist... and his thumb rough thumb brushing my cheek.

I whispered between kisses, **"You're so dramatic when jealous."**

He growled, a low, thick sound in the back of his throat. **Rudra:** **"You've seen nothing yet."**

I giggled softly, fingers slipping into his damp hair. **Ishita:** **"Then teach me more, Mr. Rathore."**

He paused, stared into my eyes, smirked.

**Rudra:** **"Lesson one: You don't test a possessive man's patience."**

He kissed me again - slower this time. This wasn't about punishment anymore. It was worship.

He leaned back, his eyes dark with intensity, watching my reaction. **Rudra:** **"Do you understand the consequence of your defiance now, Ishita? This is what happens when you step out of line."**

**Ishita:** **"Yes, Rudra. I understand.

👑 Rudra's Perspective

I watched her for a moment, letting the sight of her fill my vision. Ishita. my janna. She was so small against the backdrop of this room, yet she held a power over me that no amount of wealth or political influence ever could. She was the one crack in my armor, the reason the coldness in my chest sometimes thawed. I still didn't believe in God, but when I looked at her, I felt something that looked a lot like devotion.

I moved forward, my hands finding the delicate curve of her face. Her brown skin was warm beneath my fingertips, a stark contrast to my own fair complexion. I leaned in, watching her eyes flutter shut.

When my lips finally met hers, it was everything . It was fire and a balm all at once. I kissed her with a deep, consuming hunger-a possessiveness I usually reserved for my business rivals, but which felt right and necessary when it came to her. I needed to claim her, to let her know she was mine, even if the vows between us were still fractured.

I was sucking her lips, drawing the flavor and the feeling of her into me. Her slight frame pressed against my chest, and for the first time in a long time, the heavy weight of being **Rajasthan's cold-hearted prince** felt lighter.

Then, she made a sound. A small, involuntary **moan** escaped her mouth, a soft, breathy sound that went straight to the core of my soul.

It felt like a monumental victory. Every muscle in my body tensed. This woman, who inspired me to try and change, who brought a strange calm to my **ruthless** world, was reacting to *me*. That moan-it was raw, honest proof of the connection that **destiny** keeps trying to force on us.

I pulled back a sliver, just to look at her. Her lovely brown eyes were hazy with pleasure, and a wave of fierce, protective tenderness washed over me. I captured her lips again, gentler this time, but with an absolute promise. I would keep kissing her until this frozen heart of mine finally understood what it meant to love her completely.

[ISHITA'S PERSPECTIVE]

After the intense kisses-the disciplinary session that felt more like worship-I practically flew out of Rudra's room. My lips were tingling, my heart was doing the *dhol* beat faster than the actual ceremony, and I knew I looked completely wrecked, but in the best way possible.

I tried to look calm as I walked into the main *haldi* area. Aditi was gone, probably changing, but Muskan, Prachi, and Aditi's elder sister, Sunita *di*, were sitting together, talking animatedly. I quickly sat down next to them, trying to blend in.

**Prachi:** **"*Kha thi tu bhen, ham dhund rahe the tujhe?* Where were you, sister, we were looking for you? *Aur tera mu laal kyu hai? Kya hua?* And why is your face red? What happened?"**

I immediately touched my cheeks, trying to play it cool. **Ishita:** **"*Laal nahi toh...* It's not red... maybe the *haldi* light?"**

**Prachi:** **"*Arey hai yaar! Kya hua?* No, it is! Tell us!"**

**Ishita:** **"Maybe I danced too much with Veer? It's sunny, I was twirling, so maybe... isliye ho sakta hai (that's why it could be)."** I avoided their eyes, focusing on a marigold garland.

**Muskan:** **"*Dance ki vajha se yaa... kisi ke sath kuch kiya hai tune? Hmmm?* Because of dancing, or did you do something with someone? Hmmm?"** Her eyes narrowed playfully. **"*Koi mil gaya hai kya tere fictional character types?* Did you finally meet someone like your fictional character?"**

**Ishita:** **"Shut up, yaar! Nothing like that!"**

I felt the sudden need to check my reflection in the *haldi* mirror. As I got up, Aditi's sister, Sunita *di*, who was sharp-eyed, gasped.

**Sunita Di:** **"Oooooo hoooo! Ishita! *Ye kisne lagai hai?* Who applied this?"**

My blood ran cold. I looked down. Right on the side of my off-white dress, where Rudra's hand had gripped my waist, there was a visible, bright **yellow half-moon of *haldi* paste.** He had intentionally marked me with the ritual paste!

**Ishita:** (I pulled my hand over the spot, trying to cover it.) **"K-kisi ne nahi, vo bas galti se lag gayi hogi, *haldi* ke bade tray se (Nobody! It must have just got on there by mistake, from the big *haldi* tray.)"**

They all burst out laughing, leaning in conspiratorially.

**Prachi:** **"Aha! *Haldi* tray se itni perfect shape mein? Aur vo bhi kamar pe? Zaroor kisi ne *secret ritual* kiya hai! (From the *haldi* tray in such a perfect shape? And on your waist? Someone definitely performed a secret ritual!)"**

**Muskan:** **"*Chhupa rahi hai!* She's hiding something! *Kon hai vo hero?* Who is that hero?"**

I couldn't hide the blush anymore; it felt like fire. I mumbled something about needing to change and practically ran out, escaping their teasing.

I made a beeline back to the quiet sanctuary of Rudra's room.

I barged in, saw him lounging on the sofa, scrolling through his phone, looking annoyingly calm.

**Ishita:** **"Ru! *Kya hai ye sab?!* What is all this?! *Itni saari haldi kyu lagayi? Sab ko Shaq ho jayega!* Why did you apply so much *haldi*? Everyone will get suspicious!"** I gestured frantically to the spot on my waist.

He looked up, slow and unapologetic.

[RUDRA'S PERSPECTIVE]

I knew she'd be back. The moment she fled, I was anticipating this storm. I leaned back against the plush sofa, looking completely relaxed, utterly shameless.

She burst in, pointing at the *haldi* mark on her side, her face a mixture of fury and residual excitement from the kissing.

**Ishita:** **"Ru! *Kya hai ye sab?!* What is all this?! *Itni saari haldi kyu lagayi? Sab ko Shaq ho jayega!* Why did you apply so much *haldi*? Everyone will get suspicious!"**

I put my phone down, giving her my full, lazy attention, the corner of my mouth twitching into a satisfied smirk.

**Rudra:** **"Relax, Ishita. You look lovely when you're flustered. And what's the big deal? It's just a mark."**

**Ishita:** **"A mark on my *waist*! That too *haldi*! Sunita Di saw it and she is already putting two and two together! They think I have a secret boyfriend!"**

I stood up, closing the distance between us, my eyes darkening with possessive intent.

**Rudra:** **"Well, you do have a secret boyfriend, *jaan*. The difference is, I'm marking what is **mine**. That *haldi* on your waist? That's my signature."**

I reached out and gently traced the yellow stain with my thumb, leaning in close until my breath ghosted over her ear.

**Rudra:** **"So they should be suspicious. They should know that even when you're dancing for the world, you belong to the monster standing here. Every single part of you is already spoken for."**

I pulled back just enough to look into her widening eyes, challenging her.

**Rudra:** **"Now, stop complaining about my territorial instincts and tell me what your friends said. Did they realize the truth about who gives you that particular glow?"**

[ISHITA'S PERSPECTIVE]**

I started whining about my friends' teasing, and he chuckled-a low, deep sound that melted the last of my annoyance. He kissed my nose gently and then, unbelievably, went into the washroom, bringing back a warm, wet towel.

He sat on the bed and pulled me onto his lap. I settled comfortably because it truly was my favorite seat.

I was sitting on his lap, sideways, both my legs across his thick thighs. My arms looped lazily around his neck as I kept talking nonstop-telling him what Prachi and Muskan said about the 'secret ritual' and the *haldi* mark.

**Rudra:** **"Hmm."** Was all he hummed, as his hands gently wiped the *haldi* from my arms with the warm towel. Slow... patient... and damn precise.

God, how can a man this ruthless be *this soft*?

His thumb then grazed the line of my jaw, lifting my chin. **Rudra:** **"There too."**

And he wiped the faint yellow smear from my cheekbone. Every swipe was an excuse to touch, to admire.

I smiled softly, my fingers tracing the strong column of his neck. **Ishita:** **"You like taking care of me, don't you? Mr. Billionaire, cleaning up my mess."**

**Rudra:** **"I worship you,"** he murmured, his gaze intense and unwavering. **"Even your mess is mine to clean, Ishita. Every bit of you."**

My heart-dead.

But the romance got a dramatic pause when his phone buzzed, vibrating insistently on the nightstand.

Veer.

I grabbed it before Rudra could get annoyed and answered with a playful, **"Hello, ji?"**

**Veer (Over Phone):** **"Isha, where the hell are you?! Aditi's been calling for you-her *haldi*'s in her hair, her dress got smeared, the makeup sponge's missing, and she's freaking out. Please save me from your childhood bestie! She's turning into a *haldi* monster!"**

I stifled a laugh. **Ishita:** **"I'm coming, chill. Five minutes."**

I hung up.

Before I could even move, I felt Rudra's grip on my waist tighten, possessive and sharp.

[RUDRA'S PERSPECTIVE]**

I was this 🤏close to peace. Her on my lap. My arms around her. Her skin soft and still slightly stained. Her voice? Background music. This was *my heaven*.

And then... *Veer's call ruined it*. Again.

I closed my eyes slowly, suppressing a low groan of annoyance.

She tried to move. I didn't let her.

**Rudra:** **"No,"** I said, voice rough, heavy with irritation. **"You're not going anywhere. Tell the bride to wait."**

She giggled, placing her palm on my chest, trying to soothe me. **Ishita:** **"Baby, she's the bride. And she's my best friend. If she has a meltdown, the entire hotel explodes. And you hate chaos."**

I gave her **a flat, lethal look.**

**Rudra:** **"Every time I get you alone-on a bike, in a room, for five minutes of peace-someone pulls you away. I'm starting to think this wedding is a conspiracy against my happiness, Ishita."**

She rolled her eyes with a smile and leaned down to kiss my cheek. **Ishita:** **"You're dramatic, Mr. Hulk. I'll be back in ten. And I promise, when I return, I'll bring snacks and more appreciation for your cleaning skills."**

I didn't respond.

She tried to get up again. I pulled her back, this time harder-like a warning. I leaned my head close to her ear, my voice dropping to a low, intense command.

**Rudra:** **"Ten. *Minutes*, Ishita. Not eleven. If you are not back here by the time I send a follow-up text, I'm coming to that *haldi* party and stealing you in front of every single auntie, Veer included. You understand?"**

She burst into laughter, the sound ringing happily in the quiet room, but she wriggled out of my grip instantly. **Ishita:** **"God, you really are obsessed with the deadlines. Fine! Ten minutes, General!"**

I looked at her walking toward the door. Her hair swayed, *haldi* still on the back of her neck.

I smirked to myself, leaning back with my arms spread across the bed. **Rudra:** **"You've no idea what you've done to me, *jaana*. The things I tolerate for you."**

[ISHITA'S PERSPECTIVE]**

As I opened the door to leave, I turned, winked, and said,

**Ishita:** **"Don't miss me too much, Mr. Rathore. Try focusing on your stocks. It's been twelve hours since you checked them, maybe the market is crashing."**

He didn't answer.

But that dark, heated gaze, reflecting his thwarted possessiveness?

**That said everything.**

*Bridal Suite Corridor | Haldi Aftermath*

I was finally done with the madness. I made Aditi's face glow like the bride she deserved to be, fixed every tiny panic she had-now it was my time to breathe. My hair was plastered to my forehead, my **off-white Indo-western dress** was smeared with *haldi* in places that weren't Rudra's deliberate handprint, and I was exhausted but victorious.

As I was going back towards the main hall to grab my own water, I saw **him**.

He was sitting casually on a plush sofa near the corridor entrance, talking to Veer, looking impeccably cool in his beige *kurta*, like he hadn't just issued a ten-minute ultimatum.

I didn't need to check the time. His eyes, as they locked onto mine, were enough.

He slowly lifted his wrist, **glanced at his watch with exaggerated patience, and then gestured toward the clock on the wall.** *One minute left.*

My stomach flipped. I knew I couldn't possibly make it back to his room without Veer seeing.

I gave him a pleading look, wide and desperate, and subtly showed him my hands-covered in moisturizer, *haldi*, and a stray flower petal-to emphasize my current, messy appearance. *I need a shower, baby, please don't kill me.*

He held my gaze, his jaw ticking once, before he finally let out a barely perceptible sigh. **He signed** (a slow shake of the head) and **gestured** (a small flick of his hand) for me to go. *Relief.*

I flashed him a bright, genuine smile, quickly looked around to see if everyone was busy (and yes, they were, thankfully!), and with a mischievous flourish, I gave him a **flying kiss** before turning and running toward my own room.

---

[ADITI'S PERSPECTIVE]**

*our Room | Five Minutes Later*

I found Ishita in our shared room, frantically searching for her shower supplies, leaving a trail of jasmine petals and *haldi* dust. But before she could even turn the shower on, I barged in, wrapped in a towel, clutching my hair.

**Aditi:** **"Ishita! You promised 30 minutes! You were gone for forty-five! Do you know what disaster I just survived?!"**

**Ishita:** (She sighed, rubbing her temples.) **"Adi, relax! I fixed your face, I found your sponge, and your mom has your jewelry. What is it now?"**

**Aditi:** **"The *sangeet*! We have to finalize the dance sequence! Veer just called to say Shiv and Rudra refuse to do the couple lift because it's 'too Bollywood' and 'bad for the spine'! I need you to blackmail Rudra! He listens to you!"**

**Ishita:** (She froze, clutching her toothbrush.) **"Me? Blackmail Rudra? What makes you think I have any influence over that walking glacier?"**

**Aditi:** **"Don't be stupid! *Tum dono ki chemistry dekhi hai maine!* I saw your chemistry! He was standing guard outside the room like your personal bouncer! And that *haldi* stain on your waist? Don't think I haven't noticed you glowing every time you look in his direction!"**

**Ishita:** **"Ugh, Aditi, it was a long day. He was just being dramatic because he hates weddings. And the *haldi* was an accident, I told you! Now, get out! I need a shower before I turn completely yellow and Rudra-I mean, *Veer*-sends another panic message!"**

**Aditi:** (She sat dramatically on the bed.) **"No! You are going to fix this. Tell him that if he doesn't participate, I will will...Will

Ahhhhhhh

**Ishita:** (She laughed, shaking her head.) **" Adi. Fine. I will talk to the 'walking glacier.' Now, GO. If I don't get washed, I might actually collapse."**

Aditi finally left, still muttering about spine safety and Bollywood. Ishita leaned against the closed door, smiling faintly. *Blackmail Rudra? That sounds like a fun evening plan.* She looked down at the flying kiss she had just thrown him. *Maybe I should text him first and ask him what he wants as payment for the 'couple lift.'*