👑 Rudra's Perspective:

I thought a deep, consuming kiss and a simple declaration of love would work. It always worked. But apparently, a four-hundred-pound, **ocean-blue-eyed** tiger named Oscur trumps even the most intense kiss from the **cold-hearted prince**.

Ishita was nowhere near calm. She was clinging to me like a frightened kitten, her small, **thin** frame trembling violently against my chest, and the words were tumbling out in a high-pitched, terrified torrent.

**Ishita:** (Whining loudly, her hands gripping my shirt like a life raft) "Rudra, if you don't love me, then just say it clearly, *yaar*! I won't force you for marriage, in fact, it was *you* who proposed me, okay? So *please*, if you don't like me, then just say it and I will go! But don't give me to him! He will kill me! And see!"

She pulled back just enough to gesture dramatically at her figure.

**Ishita:** "**I am so small and thin!** He won't even going to burp after eating me! I'm going to be a light snack, Rudra, and I have a whole wedding to plan! **Rudra, please, I am scared!**"

I tried to interject, to tell her Oscur ate imported Kobe beef and was utterly disinterested in **middle-class dreamers**, but she was on a roll.

**Ishita:** (Suddenly accusing) "And yes! You don't love me! **Yes, I am sure!** If you loved me, you wouldn't keep a predator who looks exactly like you to assassinate me! You're trying to scare me away, aren't you? This is some complicated **tycoon** break-up plan!"

That did it. The accusation that I didn't love her-after the proposal, after the family drama, after everything-cut through my amusement and hit a nerve of fierce, **possessive** anger. The idea of her leaving, of her thinking I didn't want her, was unacceptable.

I gripped her face between my large hands, forcing her to look up into my eyes-eyes that were probably matching Oscur's icy blue intensity right now.

**Rudra:** (My voice was low, dangerous, and utterly serious) "**Stop the nonsense, Ishita.** You are not leaving. You are not going anywhere. You are mine, you accepted my proposal, and you are going to sleep in this bed with me, with Oscur guarding the terrace, because I am not letting you out of my sight."

I leaned in, my breath hot against her ear.

**Rudra:** "You think I don't love you? Listen to me. The only reason I keep a **ruthless, emotionless, heartless** predator in my room is because I want a constant reminder that **I am still dangerous**, yet I choose to be gentle *only for you*. If I didn't love you, you would be crying because I ignored you, not because of a pet I trust with my life."

I pulled back and looked at Oscur, who had the audacity to yawn, showing off enormous teeth.

**Rudra:** "See? He's bored, Jaana. He's bored because he knows you're off-limits. Now, if you keep talking about leaving me, *that's* when he and I will have a serious problem with you."

I hauled her tight against my chest again, not letting her move.

**Rudra:** "And for the record, my love, you are the most valuable thing in this mansion. Oscur knows the difference between a snack and a queen. Now, stop being dramatic, and tell me you love me."

💖 Ishita's Perspective:

Rudra's harsh, possessive truth cut through my frantic rant. His intense look and firm grip finally succeeded in quieting my hysterical fear, but I was still clinging to him desperately, buried against his neck.

**Ishita:** (Muttering against his shoulder) "Okay, okay, I won't leave. But tell him to go away! Tell him I'm not a jungle sandwich!"

**Rudra:** (His voice softening instantly, a small, weary sigh escaping him) "Fine, *Jaana*. Fine."

He looked at the black tiger, who was still lounging near the terrace, looking like a very dangerous shadow.

**Rudra:** (Speaking to the tiger with a low, authoritative voice that brooked no argument) "Oscur. Heel. Calm. Especially... hide the teeth and the claws, you massive drama king "

Immediately, Oscur tucked his massive paws under his body, effectively hiding the sharp, deadly **claws**, and closed his huge mouth, making him look marginally less terrifying.

**Rudra:** (Kissing my hair) "Now, he needs to meet you properly, love. I trust him. Trust me."

**Ishita:** (I squeezed my eyes shut, hitting his chest lightly in protest) "No! Rudra! You are insane! I'm going to have a panic attack! **I said hit his chest!**"

**Rudra:** (He tightened his hold on my waist, pulling me closer so my face was against his neck, his lips brushing my ear) "Shh. Just for a second, okay? Trust me, **Jaana**."

I took a huge, shaky breath, terrified but unable to fight his absolute authority. I kept my eyes focused only on Rudra's broad shoulder.

**Rudra:** (Speaking a quiet command to the tiger) "Oscur. Come."

I felt the shift in the air, the heavy weight of the predator approaching. My heart hammered. Then, I felt a strange, heavy warmth settle on my lap.

I forced myself to look down. The **black tiger**, Oscur, had gently placed his massive head right on my thigh. His **ocean-blue eyes**, identical to Rudra's, were open but calm. I could feel the powerful purr rumbling in his chest.

I froze, absolutely terrified, but Rudra's arms around me were a protective cage.

**Rudra:** (His lips were kissing my shoulder, his voice a steady murmur) "See? He is just saying hello. Calm down, my love. He is just **eight months old**. He's still a baby. Don't worry."

**Ishita:** (My terror finally giving way to a curious whisper) "E-eight months? A baby? Rudra, he weighs more than I do! Where... where did you even get him? Why do you have a tiger?"

He kissed the exposed skin of my neck, his arms relaxing slightly as he sensed my terror receding into curiosity.

**Rudra:** "I rescued him. His mother got trapped and died in the forest in Canada when he was only a month old. I was there dealing with... that **blackmailer** situation, remember? The one that caused all the trouble three years ago."

My eyes widened. The memory of that painful time, the reason for our separation, was still raw.

**Rudra:** "I found him weak and alone. I couldn't just leave him. I raised him on a bottle, and when I came back here, I brought him with me. He's been with me ever since. He's my only companion who knows how truly **ruthless** and **emotionless** I had to be back then, and he is the only one I trust completely."

A wave of overwhelming tenderness washed over me. He hadn't just rescued a magnificent, terrifying beast; he had saved a vulnerable, orphaned baby at the lowest point of his life.

I looked from the giant, calm head in my lap to the powerful man holding me. The man everyone called a **cold-hearted prince** was capable of such profound, quiet care.

**Ishita:** (My voice filled with awe, all fear gone) "Rudra..."

I turned fully, winding my arms around his neck, and kissed his cheek deeply, the gratitude and love pouring out of me.

**Ishita:** "You are incredible. You pretend to be so cold, but you have the biggest, kindest heart I know."

👑 Rudra's Perspective

Her kiss, deep and laced with genuine awe, warmed me to the core. She wasn't just kissing the powerful tycoon; she was kissing the man who saved a helpless cub. The kiss settled a deep, unfamiliar comfort in my chest-a feeling far better than any billion-dollar deal.

**Ishita:** (Her eyes shining with adoration) "You are incredible. You pretend to be so cold, but you have the biggest, kindest heart I know."

Her words were the most precious currency I possessed. I tilted her head back slightly, my fingers tangling in her soft, curly hair.

**Rudra:** (My voice was low, heavy with emotion, echoing the earlier vulnerability) "Only for you, **Jaana**. I keep that part locked up. It's too soft, too weak for my world. But you found the key, and you broke the lock. You have seen the worst of me-the **ruthless** way I handled the blackmailer, the **emotionless** withdrawal-and still, you call my heart kind."

I leaned in, brushing my lips against hers, savoring the lingering taste of our past kisses. Oscur's heavy head was still resting on her lap, a silent, powerful guardian of our intimacy.

**Rudra:** "I don't need the world's approval, but I need yours. Your love is my shield. Your belief is my truth."

I deepened the kiss, letting my lips communicate the depth of my feeling. It wasn't about passion right now; it was about connection, reassurance, and the quiet, solid promise of **unbroken love**. Her lips were soft and pliant against mine, yielding completely, a sweet confirmation that she was safe and fully present.

When I finally pulled back, I rested my forehead against hers, closing my **ocean-blue eyes**.

**Rudra:** "This is why I brought you here, to my most private space, where even Oscur lives. To show you that nothing in my life is more important than your comfort. If you want a thousand Persian rugs, I'll carpet the whole house. If you want that tiger gone, I'll build him a separate sanctuary tomorrow. Just tell me what you need, and I will give you peace."

**Ishita:** (She gently stroked the thick, black fur of the tiger's head, no longer trembling) "I need you to be happy, Rudra. And I need to know you won't push me away again because of problems that aren't mine. I accept your life, Oscur included, if it means I get to keep you."

I gathered her tighter, pressing a long, tender kiss to the side of her neck, just below her ear-the spot I knew made her sigh.

**Rudra:** "Never again, my love. We are bonded now. Our vows may have been fractured once, but our love remains **unbroken**. We are **destiny collided**. We start over, here. Together."

I pulled her up to settle her against the pillows of my huge bed, still holding her close. The weight of the evening-the family drama, the terrifying tiger, the tender revelation-was finally giving way to the quiet certainty of our shared future.

💖 Ishita's Perspective:

I was still tucked safely in Rudra's embrace, the quiet intimacy of his master suite a stark contrast to the imposing house outside. I was tracing the sharp line of his jaw, basking in the glow of his promises and the bizarre reality that a **black tiger** was currently guarding my feet.

The silence, however, was brief.

A firm, respectful knock sounded at the heavy door.

I tensed immediately, sitting up abruptly on his lap. After the drama downstairs, I was not ready to face the Rathor dynasty again.

**Ishita:** (Whispering urgently) "Oh, no. They're already calling us. What if they want to interrogate me again?"

**Rudra:** (He pressed a quick, firm kiss to my forehead) "Relax, **Jaana**. Probably lunch. Don't worry. I'll handle them."

He gently stood up, his towering **6'3" muscular build** a comforting wall of protection. I quickly smoothed my Anarkali suit and tidied my flowing **long hair**-nervous habits returning instantly.

Rudra strode to the door, inputting the **passcode** again, and opened it to face the servant.

**Servant:** (Standing stiffly) "Excuse me, Sir. Begging your pardon, but the family is waiting. Lunch is served."

**Rudra:** (His voice was cool, dismissive) "Understood."

He shut the door, glancing back at me with a smirk.

**Rudra:** "See? Just food. Although, I prefer the meal I was just having up here."

**Ishita:** (I blushed, swatting his arm lightly) "Rudra! Stop it. And we can't be late. Your mother will have an aneurysm if we delay lunch."

I took one final, slightly nervous look at **Oscur**, who was still lying down, watching us with his unnervingly beautiful **ocean-blue eyes**.

**Ishita:** (To Rudra) "Are you sure he's not going to follow us downstairs? I don't think your Chacha's heart can handle a tiger wandering into the dining room."

**Rudra:** (He offered me his hand, his eyes filled with reassurance and love) "He knows his boundaries. And if Chacha has a problem, he can always debate the tiger. Now, come on. Time to go back and show them that their **cold-hearted prince** knows how to love, and that his chosen queen is not afraid of a little family scrutiny."

I took his hand, feeling the familiar strength and warmth. Together, we walked out of the luxurious sanctuary of his room and headed downstairs to face the assembled Rathors for the family lunch-the first official meal of the future Mrs. Rudra Singh Rathor.

Rudra led me into the formal dining hall. It was as grand and imposing as the rest of the mansion, with a long,  wood table that could seat thirty. Everyone was already seated, the atmosphere heavy with polite curiosity.

Rudra pulled out the chair directly next to him for me, giving my shoulder a reassuring squeeze before taking his own seat. **Oscur** remained safely upstairs, which helped me breathe.

The lunch began stiffly. **Siya Aunty** kept fluttering, constantly asking if the cutlery was too heavy or the food too spicy for my delicate palate.

**Siya Rathor:** "Rudra, darling, make sure she eats enough. She's so *thin*! Oh, and Ishita, dear, tell me, do you prefer a traditional reception, or something more... *international*? We must start planning the engagement party immediately!"

**Ishita:** (Trying to manage a small smile) "Aunty, the food is wonderful, thank you. And please, let's just enjoy lunch first. I don't mind whatever Rudra decides for the parties."

**Rudra:** (Placing a hand over mine, his eyes gleaming) "The only decision I've made, Mother, is that Ishita will choose everything. My only requirement is that she wears something that makes her look exactly as beautiful as she does right now."

I blushed, knowing he was deliberately escalating the PDA to shock his family into submission.

The conversation quickly turned to my profession, spearheaded by my new fan club, **Jay** and **Ahana**.

**Jay:** (Leaning forward, genuinely excited) "Bhabhi, are you doing the makeup for the upcoming *Royal Gala*? I heard the current model they booked is just dreadful. You have to save it!"

**Ahana:** "And Jay, don't forget she's a model too! Bhabhi, how do you handle being so professional yet still dealing with all the society gossip? You're the only **decent model** I know who stays out of trouble."

**Ishita:** "Thank you, Ahana. I mostly focus on the work itself. I love makeup artistry, and modeling is just an extension of that. As for gossip, I suppose I'm too busy working to worry about it."

**Vardhan:** (Rudra's lawyer cousin, speaking up seriously) "That's sensible. Rudra's life attracts enough attention for both of you. You'll need a good social media manager and maybe an upgraded security detail, Bhabhi."

**Rudra:** (A dark look crossing his face) "She already has both. My team handles all of Ishita's logistics. Completely."

The moment grew tense when **Lakhan Chacha** (Rudra's uncle) finally spoke, cutting through the light chatter.

**Lakhan Chacha:** "Well, since you're handling everything, Rudra, perhaps you could explain why this fiancée is the one, when she is-" He paused, clearly struggling for a polite word, "-a known associate from three years ago?"

The room went silent. I felt my stomach clench, remembering the pain of our separation and the role his family's past judgments played.

**Dadi Jeeto:** (Her voice was firm and clear, cutting across the table) "Enough, Lakhan. The past is exactly that. Past. And I, for one, remember **Ishita** fondly."

**Ram Rathor:** (Rudra's father, finally speaking with authority) "Yes, the past is irrelevant. But Rudra, we must ask about the future. When are you making this official? And more importantly, when are you bringing **Ishita's** family here so we can formally begin?"

I looked at Rudra, my heart thumping. This was the moment.

**Rudra:** (He met his father's gaze, his own **ocean-blue eyes** resolute. He kept his hand on mine, signaling our unity.) "We are making this official as soon as possible, Father. There will be an engagement party next month. And as for the families," he turned to me with a soft, possessive smile, "Ishita is telling her family tonight. Tomorrow, I will go to her house, and the minute I have their blessings, the arrangements begin. I have waited long enough for this woman. I will tolerate no further delay."

👑 Rudra's Perspective:

I led **Ishita** back downstairs. She walked with a noticeable difference now-less terrified, more centered, the knowledge of Oscur and my love acting as a shield. I kept my hand resting lightly at the small of her back as we entered the grand dining hall.

The entire family was seated around the massive, ornate dining table. The atmosphere was formal, yet buzzing with the residual shock and curiosity from the earlier announcement.

I pulled out the chair next to mine for Ishita, waiting until she was settled before taking my own seat. She was wearing my ancestral mansion's attention beautifully.

My mother, **Siya**, ever the traditionalist, immediately addressed her.

**Siya Rathor:** "Dear Ishita, did Rudra show you the manor gardens? They are best viewed this time of year."

I answered before Ishita could formulate a polite response.

**Rudra:** "Mother, we were upstairs. We were finalizing the important details." I gave Ishita a pointed, possessive look that clearly signaled *the details of our life together*.

**Ram Rathor** (My father), observing the exchange, cleared his throat. He understood my signaling perfectly.

**Ram:** "Well, since we have the future head of the family here, let's talk about the future. Rudra, have you settled on a date for the official engagement ceremony?"

**Rudra:** (I held Ishita's hand under the table, finding comfort in her small, soft palm) "Not yet, Father. Ishita and I will decide together. I wanted to wait until she had a moment to breathe after this dramatic introduction. But rest assured, it will be soon. I don't intend to wait long to make her officially mine in every sense."

**Ishita:** (She gave my hand a small, warning squeeze under the table, gently scolding my impatience)

My cousin, **Vardaan**, the lawyer, addressed Ishita directly, focusing on her career, which I approved of-it showed respect for her identity.

**Vardhan:** "Bhabhi, my girlfriend Reet mentioned that you are working on a massive project for an international magazine this fall. Is that still happening, or is the wedding going to consume your schedule?"

**Ishita:** "Oh, no, it's still on! I'm doing the styling and makeup for the winter issue. It's a huge commitment, but I love working. I'm actually meeting Reet this week to look at fabric swatches."

**Jay:** (Interrupting with his model enthusiasm) "Can I come with you, Bhabhi? I need your advice on my portfolio lighting!"

**Rudra:** (I shot Jay a look that silenced him. Ishita was not a career counselor for my relatives.) "Ishita has her own schedule, Jay. Direct your professional queries to her manager, not my fiancée."

**Ahana:** (My sister, rolling her eyes at Jay) "Bhai, you are so possessive. Bhabhi, don't worry about him. But truly, what does the future Mrs. Rathor envision for the wedding? Something huge, traditional, or something modern? We need to know who to call!"

I saw the nervousness return to Ishita's **brown eyes**. She was a **middle-class dreamer** suddenly faced with the prospect of a royal wedding.

**Rudra:** (I gently squeezed her hand and gave her an encouraging nod. She didn't have to carry the weight of this empire alone.) "We haven't discussed it yet, Ahana. But whatever we decide, it will be exactly what Ishita wants. This wedding is for her. And for the record, I intend to marry her within the next four months, regardless of the scale. So, start clearing your schedules."

My definitive timeline caused a fresh wave of gasps and excited murmurs around the table. Four months was lightning speed for a Rathor wedding, but I had waited three years to reclaim her. I wouldn't waste another day.

I watched Ishita-my beautiful, delicate, yet fierce woman-as she took a deep breath and offered a small, composed smile to my mother. She was navigating my intimidating family with surprising grace, and it filled me with a quiet, fierce contentment. The cold was fully melted. I was simply a man in love.

💖 Ishita's Perspective:

the dining room for lunch, and the atmosphere, though still charged with curiosity, was slightly less hostile, thanks to Rudra's possessive declarations and Jay and Ahana's enthusiasm. Rudra's hand resting on the small of my back was a constant, solid warmth.

I sat next to him, facing the long, polished table. **Ram Singh Rathor**, Rudra's imposing father, sat at the head, looking every bit the traditional patriarch.

We talked briefly about the weather and the latest business news (which I mostly tuned out), but then the inevitable question came, directed by the kindest voice in the room: **Dadi Jeeto**.

**Dadi Jeeto:** (Her voice was gentle, cutting through the business talk) "Ishita *beta*, have you told your parents yet? They must be so excited for you."

My stomach clenched. This was the part where my simple, middle-class reality clashed with their royal expectations.

**Ishita:** (I took a small sip of water to steady myself, trying to sound calm) "Not yet, bebe I was waiting for the right moment. My Mummy and Papa are actually out of town right now. They went to **Vrindavan** for a pilgrimage."

A few of the family members exchanged subtle glances-a trip to a holy city versus a trip to Paris, perhaps?

**Dadi Jeeto:** "Vrindavan? That's lovely. So when will you tell them the good news, dear? It can't wait too long."

**Ishita:** "They will be back in about a week. So, yes, that's the plan-I will tell them then." I didn't mention my apprehension about telling them that their simple makeup artist daughter was in love with a **top 3 businessman** with a pet tiger.

**Siya Rathor** (Rudra's mother) leaned forward slightly, her expression shifting to one of polite concern. "And what about your siblings, dear? Do they know of Rudra's... intentions?"

**Ishita:** (I smiled, thinking of my sister-in-law, who was a huge support) "My Bhabhi knows, yes. I told her the basics of what happened. She's been very excited for us."

Rudra squeezed my knee under the table, acknowledging my efforts to navigate the family scrutiny. He knew that even though my parents were absent, I had the support of my own small family. In his cold, powerful world, that quiet loyalty meant everything.

The lunch finally concluded, a marathon of polite answers and sharp glances. Just as Rudra was about to guide me away from the table, **Ahana** and **Drishti** (Akshat's wife, whose wedding makeup I had done) cornered us.

**Ahana:** (Bouncing slightly, looking at Rudra with mock seriousness) "Bhai, you've monopolized Bhabhi long enough. We need her. Girl talk emergency! Can we borrow her for just an hour? Promise to return her intact!"

**Drishti:** (Smiling sweetly, taking my hand) "Rudra bhiya , please. We need to catch up, and frankly, we need to know all the secrets. Come on, Ishita bhabhi . Let's go to the garden terrace."

Rudra paused, his **ocean-blue eyes** narrowed slightly, clearly reluctant to release his "possession." I squeezed his arm and gave him a reassuring look.

**Ishita:** "It's okay, Ru. I'll be fine. Go handle your **ruthless tycoon** business for a bit."

**Rudra:** (He sighed dramatically, giving me a quick, possessive kiss on the temple) "Fine. But one hour, no more. And no talking her into running away from this family's madness, Ahana. She's marrying *me*."

He let me go, but not before giving both girls a warning look that promised pain if they tried anything funny.

Ahana, Drishti, and I settled onto comfortable wicker chairs on a quiet, sun-drenched terrace overlooking a spectacular fountain.

**Ahana:** (Leaning forward immediately, her voice dropping conspiratorially) "Okay, spill everything. We are still reeling! You know Rudra Bhaiya The man has a personality colder than our walk-in freezer. How did you do it? How did you make him propose with an *anklet*? That's so romantic and completely un-Rudra-like!"

**Drishti:** "She's right! When Akshat told me, I was stunned. We all thought Bhai was either going to marry the stock market or stay single forever! Did you, like, use some kind of magic **makeup artist** trick?"

I laughed, feeling instantly more relaxed with the girls. This was much easier than facing the Patriarch.

**Ishita:** "No magic, I promise! *, I guess. We met a long time ago, and I think we just confuse each other enough to be perfect. As for the proposal, well, you know how he is. He's very possessive. He said a ring is for the finger, but I walk in his heart, so the anklet was his way of claiming my path."

**Ahana:** (Sighing dreamily) "God, I love that! See, Drishti bhabhi ? That's the kind of epic romance you get when a **cold-hearted prince** finally lets himself feel! It's all high drama and big declarations."

**Drishti:** "So, the wedding? He said four months! My head is spinning! What are you thinking? Traditional royal or modern couture?"

**Ishita:** "Honestly, I haven't gotten past the shock of meeting Oscur yet!"

**Ahana:** "Oscur?! Wait, the black tiger? You've met Oscur? Oh my God, you officially win. He has never let *anyone* near that tiger! I am now convinced you are a witch."

**Drishti:** "He proposed, gave you an anklet, *and* introduced you to the ferocious pet tiger who has his same **ocean-blue eyes**? Ishita bhabhi , he's obsessed with you! Tell us about his kisses! Is he as demanding in real life as he is in business? Don't leave out any details!"

I blushed, glancing toward the mansion doors, half-expecting Rudra to materialize.

**Ishita:** (Trying to sound coy, but failing) "He is... very convincing. Let's just say that when Rudra Singh Rathor decides he wants something, he uses all his **ruthless** focus to get it. And he's determined to make up for those three years we lost."

Ahana squealed, clearly delighted with the dramatic answer.