[ISHITA’S PERSPECTIVE]**

*Rudra’s Suite | Past Midnight*

It was past midnight. The entire venue was fast asleep. The silence outside was in sharp contrast to the thunderstorm of butterflies in my chest.

His door clicked shut behind me.

The moment I stepped in, his eyes met mine. Before I could speak, he pulled me into his lap — his scent, his strength, his warmth wrapping around me like gravity.

I giggled, breath catching, **Ishita:** **“Someone’s in a mood tonight. Did the stock market finally close?”**

He didn’t answer immediately. His long fingers traced my palm slowly.

**Rudra:** **“Where is it?”** His voice — dark velvet. Deep, low, teasing.

**Ishita:** **“Where’s what?”** I asked coyly, leaning my head back to meet his gaze.

His eyes glinted, ocean blue glowing under the bedside lamp. He held my *mehndi* hand up and leaned close, his breath tickling my skin.

**Rudra:** **“My name.”**

[RUDRA’S PERSPECTIVE]**

She sat on my lap like she belonged there. Her *lehenga* was replaced by my oversized shirt now, sleeves rolled, hair tied in a loose messy bun.

Her *mehndi* was dry, the stain darker than midnight. I held her hand, flipping it slowly, like inspecting a treasure map.

**Rudra:** **“I gave you a whole palm,”** I murmured. **“And you hide it this well?”**

She bit her lip, amusement dancing in her eyes.

I found the **R** curled into the design of a peacock feather… subtle… wickedly hidden near the base of her thumb.

**Rudra:** **“Clever little thing,”** I growled playfully, my voice laced with appreciation.

**Ishita:** **“I’m the no. 1 artist in India. What do you expect? It’s called blending.”**

**Rudra:** **“I expect obedience,”** I said darkly, fingers now slowly dragging up her arm, locking around her waist, pulling her flush against my chest.

She wiggled teasingly on my lap. **Ishita:** **“Hmm… I’m not very good at that. I prefer challenging authority.”**

My lips hovered near her jaw. **Rudra:** **“Want me to remind you how to behave, *jaanna*? I have all night for lessons.”**

She gasped, half-laughing, the sound vibrating against my mouth. **Ishita:** **“Stop it! Someone might hear—”**

**Rudra:** **“No one will. You’re mine tonight, and this room is soundproof.”** I whispered, biting lightly near her earlobe.

[ISHITA’S PERSPECTIVE]**

My heart thudded violently against my ribs.

His hand ran down my waist, resting low on my back. His nose nuzzled my neck. Every kiss, every brush of his lips — soft but dominant — **made me melt**. The warmth radiating off his damp skin was dissolving my nerves.

**Rudra:** **“Say it,”** he murmured, his voice getting thicker.

**Ishita:** **“Say what?”** I whispered, eyes fluttering, completely lost in his touch.

**Rudra:** **“Whose name is in your *mehndi*? Tell me the secret.”**

**Ishita:** **“Yours…”** I breathed.

He smiled against my skin. **Rudra:** **“Say it properly. I like hearing it from your lips, Ishita.”**

I blushed harder. My fingers gripped his shirt, pulling him closer.

**Ishita:** **“Rudra Singh Rathore. It’s always been yours.”**

**Rudra:** **“Good girl.”**

[RUDRA’S PERSPECTIVE]**

I pulled her tighter. Her scent. Her softness. The way her body reacted to my possessiveness was addictive. *I could ruin kingdoms for that look in her eyes.*

I leaned in again, lips brushing her collarbone, feeling her pulse jump wildly.

**Rudra:** **“Tomorrow, your friends will still tease you for being single…”** I kissed just under her chin. **“But your body will remember you’re already mine. Marked and claimed.”**

She moaned softly, tugging at my hair, and I smirked darkly.

**Rudra:** **“You don’t need a ring to be claimed, *jaana*… You’re marked here—”** I tapped the *mehndi* on her hand. **“—and here.”** I kissed her lips slowly, deeply, ending the kiss only when her breath was completely gone.

[ISHITA’S PERSPECTIVE]**

God. I was dizzy. My mind was empty, focusing only on the pressure of his lips and the warmth of his body. My hands slipped under his shirt from the collar area, palms against his warm, solid chest.

**Ishita:** **“You are unfair,”** I whispered, pushing my forehead into his shoulder.

He chuckled. **Rudra:** **“I know. Why do you think I keep winning?”**

**Ishita:** **“Always ruining my lipstick, my life, my sanity…”**

**Rudra:** **“And you love it. Every single moment.”**

I kissed him again. Longer this time. Slower. I felt him gather me up, his arms strong and careful. He carried me to the bed without breaking the kiss, wrapped me in his arms like a secret, and we settled, sitting against the pillows, cuddling.

As he starts tracing my waist and pecking my jaw, I sighed contentedly. **Ishita:** **“Aap na, *bhout vo ho* (You are very that thing).”**

He paused, looking down at me with an intense, hopeful expression, expecting a compliment. **Rudra:** **“*Vo kya?* (That what?) Tell me what I am, Ishita.”**

**Ishita:** **“Beshram (Shameless).”** I immediately started laughing, watching his expression drop from intense lover to grumpy prince.

His eyes narrowed in mock offense, but his hands didn't stop tracing soothing circles on my waist. **Rudra:** **“I am not shameless, I am efficient. And you are cruel, making fun of me after I won the *mehndi* challenge.”**

I snuggled closer, my head resting over his beating heart. My body was singing—relaxed, yet hyper-aware of every single touch, every breath. I could feel the low thrum of his heartbeat against my ear. My skin was tingling, my core warm, utterly satisfied by the gentle but possessive claim.

**Ishita:** **“I love you, you big, shameless hulk.”**

**Rudra:** **“I love you too, my stubborn storm. My only weakness.”** He kissed the top of my head and just held me tight, finally achieving the peace he craved.

[ISHITA’S PERSPECTIVE]

His arms were home. The kind of home I never knew I needed until I had it.

Lying on his chest, his strong fingers gently running up and down my back, I felt calm… complete… cherished. We didn’t cross any lines. We didn’t need to. Because this wasn’t about desire. It was about love.

My *mehndi*-stained hands rested over his heart. His heartbeat — calm, rhythmic — like a lullaby I’d never heard before but already knew.

I looked up at him with a tired smile. **Ishita:** **“I should go… The sun will be up soon, and they'll start yelling for me.”** I whispered, not moving an inch.

He hummed low, pulling me infinitesimally closer. **Rudra:** **“I know. Five more minutes.”**

But still… neither of us moved.

Finally, after what felt like both a second and a lifetime, I slowly pulled away from his warmth.

He tried to hold on, his hands tightening momentarily on my waist. I giggled. **Ishita:** **“Don’t make it harder, Rudra… I’m tired, but I’m not *that* tired yet.”**

His hands slipped from my waist reluctantly as I got up, fixing my long shirt, brushing the sleep and temptation from my eyes.

I turned at the door, biting my lip. He was watching me — leaning back, hands behind his head, that sinfully gorgeous body wrapped in moonlight, shirt slightly open at the collar. His ocean-blue eyes locked on me.

**Ishita:** **“Sleep, Rathore. Big day tomorrow… for your best friend and my makeup career.”**

He smirked, head slightly tilted. **Rudra:** **“And for your *mehndi* wala secret lover? Will he get a proper introduction tomorrow?”**

I chuckled softly and threw him a wink. **Ishita:** **“Only if he behaves. And maybe if he can manage not to scowl during the *pheras*.”**

[RUDRA’S PERSPECTIVE]

She left smelling like me—sandalwood mixed with the faint rose scent of her hair. And I liked that too much.

The room felt cold the moment she walked out, her delicate anklet sound fading into the hallway.

I stayed still on the bed, her warmth lingering on my shirt, her laughter echoing in the corners of my mind. I ran a hand through my hair, jaw clenched, both frustrated and full.

Damn, she made leaving hard.

I could still feel her fingers tracing my beard, her whisper of “thank you” for making her feel beautiful… her eyes when she said “I love teasing you, Rudra.”

I whispered into the empty air: **Rudra:** **“You have no idea how hard it is not to claim you completely, Ishita. I’m torturing myself just for you.”**

But for her… I could wait. Because the wait was beautiful too.

I sat up, pulled my phone out, and opened the video of her dancing earlier. Smiling. Wild. Free. All mine.

[ISHITA’S PERSPECTIVE]

When I reached my room, Aditi was fast asleep, all curled up like a baby.

I smiled softly, stand in front of mirror and stared at my reflection. There was a blush there I couldn’t remove. A glow that no highlighter could match.

I traced the letter **‘R’** in my *mehndi* and whispered, **Ishita:** **“Goodnight, *jaan*. See you when the chaos begins.”**

I kicked off his oversized shirt and collapsed into my own bed, utterly spent but completely happy.

[RUDRA’S PERSPECTIVE]

Lying back on the bed, staring at the ceiling, I texted her.

> 🖤 ***“Sleep well, my little storm. Tomorrow, the world will look at you and smile. But only I will know… you're mine. And if I see you near any eligible VP boy from London, the wedding is paused until I give you a permanent mark.”***

I waited one second. Two. Then checked the message status. Two ticks. No reply.

She’d already slept. The little traitor.

**Rudra** (Inner Monologue): *I don’t know whether to be relieved she’s finally resting, or annoyed she didn’t acknowledge my final threat. Either way, tomorrow, the game continues.*

[ISHITA’S PERSPECTIVE]**

My Studio | Afternoon*

We were late. Of course we were. *Typical us girls.* Waking up past noon after all the madness last night, I barely had time to breathe before the chaos exploded.

**Ishita:** **“Sunita *di*! Take the pink *lehenga* bag! No! That one’s for Prachi! Muskan, the jewellery pouch — not that one! Yes, yes, the green box! Where’s my brush?! Who took my liner!?”**

Adrenaline was my caffeine today. I was wearing a comfortable *kurti*-jeans combo, no glam, just professional. Because this was *my battlefield.* And I was the general.

**Ishita:** (I warned Aditi, tapping concealer on her cheeks.) **“Don’t cry today. Or I’ll make sure your mascara runs like Bollywood melodrama.”**

**Aditi:** **“Can’t promise if you all keep saying emotional crap!”**

Somewhere in the background, Sunita *di* and Prachi were dancing to wedding beats while Muskan was arguing over matching bangles. **This was chaos. But this was home.**

And while I worked, somewhere at the back of my head... I kept wondering — **Is he up? What’s he doing?** Had he eaten? Was he missing me like I was missing him, between blush palettes and foundation shades?

[RUDRA’S PERSPECTIVE]

*Rudra’s Suite | Afternoon*

I woke up to my phone buzzing. **45 unread messages. 12 missed calls.** Most were from Veer. Some from Shiv. One from Laksh. And none from her. *Of course not.*

I smirked. I got up, stretched my tall frame, and walked shirtless to the mirror. Ocean blue eyes met their reflection. Still sleepy. Still missing **her.**

**Rudra:** (I muttered to myself.) **“She didn’t text. Didn’t even check on me. No 'good morning, sleepless prince'?”**

Shiv passed by the room door, pausing with a smirk. **Shiv:** **“Still thinking about her? Bro, you need to put on clothes. You’re giving all the staff heart attacks.”**

“Your woman is busy making every other woman look like royalty. Let her work,” he teased.

**Rudra:** **“She *is* royalty. And she is busy. You know how she gets when she's working.”** I tossed a towel at him.

**Shiv:** **“Yeah, too busy to eat. I guarantee she hasn’t had a proper meal in two days! She’s going to faint today, Rudra.”**

That got my attention. I picked up my phone. Still no message from her. **My storm was in her element.** And I was stuck here — lounging like a bored king without his queen.

[ISHITA’S PERSPECTIVE]

**Prachi:** **“ISHU! Your phone’s buzzing! It’s vibrating off the table!”**

**Ishita:** **“I’m contouring Muskan’s nose! I need precision!”** I shouted, grabbing the phone Aditi passed me.

One glance and my heart did a flip. **"RUDRA CALLING."**

I picked it up, switching to speaker because my hands were covered in foundation. **Ishita:** **“Busy, Mr. Singh Rathore. Talk fast. I’m timing you.”**

His deep voice filled the room, cutting through the hairspray and music like a velvet whip. **Rudra:** **“You haven’t eaten breakfast or lunch. I’ll kidnap you and force-feed you if you skip lunch today, Ishita.”**

Prachi, Muskan, and Sunita *di* collectively screamed in the background. **Prachi:** **“OHHH MY GODDDDDD! WHO IS THAT?!”**

My face burned. **Ishita:** wishpering**“Keep your kidnapping plans after the wedding, *jaan*. Right now I’ve got a bride to make beautiful. My priorities are straight.”**

**Rudra:** **“Fine. Your professional commitment is annoying, but understandable. But I’m sending Laksh with food. You will eat every bite. Call me when you are done with the foundation.”**

Click. Call ended.

[RUDRA’S PERSPECTIVE]

I tossed my phone onto the bed. **Rudra:** **“She’ll forget to eat, even with the threat of public kidnapping,”** I muttered to Laksh, who was already at the door.

**Laksh:** **“On it, sir. One five-star, perfectly balanced thali, priority delivery to the Bridal Suite.”**

**Rudra:** **“And Laksh? Make sure there is *nimbu-pani* too. She hates that sweet syrup they serve at weddings.”**

**Laksh:** **“Understood, sir. Anything else?”**

I ran a hand over my freshly shaved jaw, a ghost of a smile touching my lips. **Rudra:** **“No. Just let her know that if the bride isn't the most beautiful woman there, the catering contract for the next Rathore event goes to a competitor.”**

Laksh smirked, knowing it was a ridiculous challenge, and left. I finally grabbed a fresh white shirt. *Now to face the next eighteen hours of public chaos without the right to touch my woman.* 

[ISHITA’S PERSPECTIVE]**

*my studio Lunch Break*

Thank God. Like literally — **THANK GOD Laksh came with food.** I swear I could’ve kissed him if he weren’t Rudra’s manager-slash-bodyguard-slash-future-best-man

**Laksh:** **“Ma’am, sir said you haven’t eaten since morning. He packed everything himself. No quinoa or green juice, promise.”** Laksh gave a smirk like he knew I was scared of Rudra’s “health freak influence.”

I opened the bag like a child opening her birthday present. Paneer *tikka*, butter *naan*, *biryani*, *raita*, *AND* chocolate brownie?! I moaned in happiness.

**Ishita:** **“Finally. A man who understands I run on carbs and chaos.”**

I sat cross-legged on the couch, scarfing down food. *Pure madness. My madness.*

With one hand holding *naan*, I grabbed my phone and typed:

**💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋**

**Food is love. You’re love.

I’m full and emotional.

You better eat too. And NO 2-hour gym session today.

Love you, rude Rathore ❤️**

**– Your janna 👑**

I attached a selfie holding the food, pouting with sauce near my lip. Sent.

My cheeks hurt from smiling. Was I blushing? Ew. Gross. I hated being soft. But it was *him.*

[RUDRA’S PERSPECTIVE]

My phone vibrated. Message from **Stormy Queen.**

I opened her message. **The pout. The food. The teasing.** I stared at the image for a long second. Zoomed in. She had butter paneer on the side of her lip. She knew exactly what she was doing.

I smirked.

**My fingers typed:**

**“aapko dekhke lagta hai apko khane se zyada mujhe chidhane mein maza aata hai. (Looking at you, it seems you enjoy teasing me more than eating.)

But fine. I ate.

1 hour gym only.

Love you more, janna

”**

**– Rudra Singh Rathore. The One Who Gave In To butter panner **

Then I attached a mirror selfie. Still in tracks, towel around neck, hair wet from a shower. I knew what I was doing too. *Let her sulk. Let her blush. Let her crave.*

[ISHITA’S PERSPECTIVE]

The second I opened his selfie, I choked on my *raita*. The breath left my lungs. The man was a walking disaster for my concentration.

**Ishita** (Inner Monologue): **“*Yeh banda mujhe maar ke hi chhodega.* This guy will kill me eventually.**”

Prachi peeked over my shoulder. **Prachi:** **“Is that... Rudra?! THAT Rudra Singh Rathore?! Is he wearing a towel?!”**

I quickly threw a towel over my phone. **Ishita:** **“NOPE. Shut up. None of your business! Go fix Aditi’s hair clips!”**

I could feel my cheeks heating up. God. That wet hair. That smug smirk. That towel. The visible vein in his neck.

I typed fast:

**“STOP KILLING ME WITH SELFIES.

I HAVE A BRIDE TO MAKE NOT A CARDIAC ARREST.

PUT A SHIRT ON, YOU MENACE. YOU ARE DISTRACTING MY ENTIRE TEAM.”**

He replied immediately.

**Rudra:** **“so should i come to steal the bride’s best friend.”**

And I? I smiled so wide my team thought I got a bonus.

**Ishita:** (Typing, grinning maniacally.) **“Try it. I’ve got three bridesmaids with sharp pins ready to attack. Stay in your element, Mr. CEO. I’ll see you at the *mandap*.”**

My heart hammered a frantic, joyful rhythm against my ribs. This silent, secret language of threats and softness was the most thrilling part of our day. I took a huge bite of *biryani*, feeling fortified by the food and his possessiveness.

*Wedding Venue  | Night*

The moment I stepped out into the golden-lit hallway, I *felt* eyes. **His ocean blue eyes.** Like the universe always aligned us under spotlights made only for us.

My wine saree flowed like a whisper, the fabric clinging just enough to tease, the blouse’s barely-there straps doing zero work at hiding the *sin* on my skin.

Ishita’s look

I scanned the crowd for Veer, and then… I saw **him**.

Leaning casually beside the decorative pillar. **Coat suit perfectly tailored**, expensive watch flashing, that perfume I loved already finding my veins.

Rudra’s look

And then — those **ocean blue eyes**. They were **devouring**. Undressing me from ten feet away, dragging their gaze like velvet over every exposed curve, every swing of my waist.

My breath hitched. God, how does he do that without a single word?

I walked over to Veer, pinned his stole in place, and muttered a quick instruction. But I could *feel* Rudra approaching. The air changed.

And before I could turn, his hand brushed my lower back — a light touch, barely there, **but enough to send a thousand shivers**.

I turned my head slightly, eyes meeting his. **Ishita:** **“You’re early. I thought you’d wait until the *pheras* to make your grand, scowling appearance.”**

His lips were near my ear now. **Rudra:** **“Had to be. You promised me a view… and love, you didn’t disappoint. That saree should be illegal.”**

I choked on my laugh, placing a hand against his perfectly tailored sleeve. **Ishita:** **“Shut up. Someone will hear you.”**

He leaned closer, voice dropping, dark and low. **Rudra:** **“Say it again, *Jaana*. Say it in that tone. And we’ll see if I stay quiet. I might just kiss you right here and ruin your perfect lipstick.”**

I blinked up at him — eyes locking, the air thin and charged. For a brief second, the entire wedding faded. It was just me and him.

[RUDRA’S PERSPECTIVE]

I didn’t care if we were surrounded. The second her eyes met mine, the second I caught her scent — I was gone.

**Ishita:** **“You’re staring,”** she whispered, though her eyes were shining with the thrill of it.

I trailed a finger down the line where her *pallu* sat dangerously low on her shoulder, feeling the warm silk beneath my touch. **Rudra:** **“I always stare at what's mine. Get used to it, Ishita. Especially when you dress like a goddess of sin.”**

She bit her lip, but didn’t deny the claim. **Ishita:** **“You know, you’re the only man who can make me tremble just by touching my lower back.”**

**Rudra:** **“That’s the goal, *jaana*. To be the only one who affects you. That saree is a test of my control. It’s failing, by the way.”**

The flashlights were starting. Guests were piling into the grand entrance.

I straightened beside her, pulling the shawl of my coat slightly as I leaned to her ear one last time, my voice a solemn vow against her skin.

**Rudra:** **“You go be everyone’s magic now. Shine for the cameras. But once you’re done being the star… come back to me. Let me remind you what it’s like being worshipped in silence. Every curve, every secret, belongs to the man who waits.”**

She blinked. Swallowed hard. She turned to leave, her body reacting to the command.

But not before brushing her fingers over my chest slowly — secretly — a **silent promise** of surrender.

**Rudra** (Inner Monologue): *I don't need the world to see the ring on her finger yet. I just need to be the only person who sees the heat in her eyes.