👑 Rudra’s Perspective:

I was in my study, attempting to focus on a new merger, but my mind was completely elsewhere. I kept checking the time. My "one hour" for the girl talk had stretched, and I knew exactly what was happening: they were cornering **Ishita**, filling her head with gossip, and probably making her blush.

Just as I was about to go retrieve her, the door swung open, and the male contingent of the younger Rathor generation burst in: my younger brother **Jay**, and cousins **Akshat** and **Vardaan**. All three were still looking vaguely shell-shocked.

**Jay:** (Beaming, completely oblivious to my scowl) "**Bhai**, you're the greatest! I just saw Bhabhi, and she promised me tips on lighting for my portfolio! This is better than any inheritance, honestly."

**Akshat:** (Shaking his head, a smirk on his face) "**Bhai, this** is legendary. We thought you were physically incapable of romance, and you drop a bomb like this? An anklet, *and* you introduced her to Oscur? I mean, who proposes with a tiger in the room?"

**Vardaan:** (The lawyer, still analytical) "**Bhai, that** was a masterstroke in control, I admit. You've successfully distracted everyone from the unusual timeline. But seriously, four months? Even for you, that's fast. Are you afraid she'll realize you're a monster and run?"

I leaned back in my chair, crossing my arms over my chest, letting them vent their disbelief. The teasing was relentless, but it was affectionate—a sign of their acceptance of Ishita.

**Rudra:** "Four months is more than enough time. I am not letting her out of my sight again for three years, and that includes waiting on a planning committee."

**Jay:** "See, Vardhan? It's the **unbroken love**! I get it! So, **Bhai**, are you going to let Bhabhi design your suit for the sangeet? She has such a great eye for color."

**Akshat:** (Teasing, leaning against my desk) "Speaking of Bhabhi, Drishti is still out there, asking her to detail every kiss. She keeps yelling 'Bhabhi, what's it like being kissed by a **ruthless tycoon**?' I think they're having fun, **Bhai**."

The image of **Ishita** blushing and trying to answer their nosy questions made a slow, possessive smile spread across my face. She was navigating the Rathor chaos better than I had expected, handling the royal curiosity with the grace of the **middle-class dreamer** she was.

**Rudra:** (My voice dropping, low and serious) "Enough. If you continue to harass her, I will give you a financial merger that will consume your entire year. And Jay, she is not your personal stylist. She is my fiancée."

I stood up, the movement silencing them immediately.

**Rudra:** "Now, you will all go back to the terrace, be polite, and ensure she is comfortable. I'm going to retrieve her before my sisters scare her off with any more nonsense."

I strode out of the study, the image of **Ishita** laughing with my siblings fueling a deep sense of contentment. The teasing was a small price to pay for the simple fact that she was here, surrounded by my world, completely belonging to me.

💖 Ishita’s Perspective:

The afternoon blended into evening, filled with more polite conversation, cautious acceptance from the elders, and overwhelming enthusiasm from the younger Rathors. I felt exhausted but incredibly hopeful.

Finally, it was time to leave. Rudra and I walked back into the main living room where the family was still gathered.

I moved through the room, making my goodbyes. I bent to touch the feet of **Ram uncle ** and **Siya Aunty**, receiving their blessings. I did the same for the others, respecting the tradition.

Then came the hugs. I embraced **Ahana**, who whispered excitedly, "Text me everything, Bhabhi! We have so much planning to do!" and hugged **Drishti**, who squeezed me tightly and promised to start looking at couture catalogs immediately.

I smiled and waved at the boys—**Jay**, **Akshat**, and **Vardaan**—who all gave me cheerful nods, clearly thrilled that their intimidating older brother was finally human.

The sweetest moment came when little **Krish**, Akshat and Drishti's son, toddled over, pulled by his mother. He held up his tiny hands, and I crouched down. He threw his arms around my neck and gave me a sticky, wet kiss right on my cheek.

I giggled, my heart melting. "Bye-bye, Krish!"

I stood up, turning back to **Rudra Singh Rathor**, whose presence was always a solid, dominant wall behind me.

I immediately noticed the shift in his **ocean-blue eyes**. The warmth he had shown all afternoon was replaced by a familiar, dark intensity. He hadn't been watching the cute goodbye; he had been watching the boy kiss *his* fiancée.

He didn't say anything, but his hand immediately came around my waist, pulling me firmly against his **muscular body**—a clear sign that the public display of kindness was over and the possessive prince was back in charge.

**Rudra:** (His voice was low, for my ears only, as we walked toward the door) "He's four years old, Ishita. Four. And already staking a claim on my property."

**Ishita:** (I couldn't help but laugh, leaning into his strength) "Rudra! He is a baby! Are you seriously jealous of a four-year-old? You are so ridiculous."

**Rudra:** "I am the **most feared businessman** in the world, and you are my only weakness. I am jealous of anything that touches you. Now, let's go home."

He led me swiftly out of the Rathor Mansion, his large hand gripping mine, ready to retreat back to the sanctuary of his car and the road that led back to my own simple, safe life—for now.

👑 Rudra’s Perspective:

I didn't loosen my grip on Ishita until we were safely inside my sedan. I didn't care who saw the possessiveness; after a day of dealing with my family's scrutiny, I needed to feel her close, confirming she was still mine.

As drivr pulled away from the Rathor Mansion, I immediately turned to Ishita, pulling her across the vast leather seat until she was settled tightly against my side.

**Rudra:** "That," I stated, my voice still carrying the low growl of my possessive annoyance, "was the most exhausting day of my life. And you owe me for letting a four-year-old child steal a kiss from you."

**Ishita:** (She giggled, resting her head on my chest, her own exhaustion evident) "Oh, stop it, you great big baby. He's Krish. He's adorable. You were completely ridiculous."

I lowered my head, burying my face in her fragrant hair, inhaling the sweet scent of jasmine and the subtle perfume of her Anarkali suit.

**Rudra:** "I am never ridiculous where you are concerned, **Jaana**. You are my future, my heart, the only reason this **cold-hearted prince** bothers to feel anything but ambition. Every single person in that house—and even that tiny human—wants a piece of you. And I have to remind them all, constantly, that you belong to me, **unbroken**."

I lifted her chin gently, my **ocean-blue eyes** searching her face in the soft darkness of the car. The streetlights flickered past, illuminating her soft **brown eyes** and the gentle curve of her nude lips.

**Rudra:** "I was serious when I said I don't intend to wait. Four months is the deadline. Do your parents truly return in a week?"

**Ishita:** "Yes, they do. And when they get back, I'm terrified. You're going to have to be 'nice-Rudra' when you meet them, not 'tycoon-Rudra.' They are simple people, Ru."

**Rudra:** "I will be whatever you need me to be, but they need to understand that I am a man who keeps his promises. I want to marry you. And I want to make sure you are never again hurt or worried by anyone, especially not my family."

I didn't ask; I leaned in slowly, giving her ample time to anticipate the contact. When my lips finally met hers, it was a profound declaration. This was not the urgent passion of the afternoon, but a deep, restorative kiss. I moved my lips softly against hers, savoring the delicate texture, drawing out the moment. It was a kiss of overwhelming **love** and tender assurance, meant to wipe away the stress of the day and replace it entirely with the certainty of our bond. I used my thumb to gently trace the curve of her jaw, a subtle reminder that she was precious cargo.

When I finally pulled back, my gaze was intense, filled with the **possessiveness** I couldn't hide.

**Rudra:** "I have you, Ishita. And I will never let you go. You are my most profound truth."

I brought her hand up, pressing a warm kiss to the palm, right over her pulse point, sealing the promise.

💖 Ishita’s Perspective:

A week felt like a year. I had spent the last seven days preparing myself for this exact moment, practicing speeches in the mirror, and trying to remember all the "nice" things Rudra did to counteract the "ruthless tycoon" reputation.

Finally, Mummy and Papa were back home from **Vrindavan**. Papa was still at work, but Mummy was settled in the living room, sorting through the small religious souvenirs they had brought back.

I walked over to the kitchen doorway, catching Bhabhi’s eye. She was the only one who knew, and she gave me a small, encouraging nod—a silent reminder that she was in my corner. I took a deep, shaky breath, knowing I had to do this alone.

I sat down next to Mummy on the sofa, clutching my hands tightly in my lap.

**Ishita:** "Mummy, I... I need to talk to you about something important."

Mummy, a simple, kind woman, stopped folding a scarf and looked at me, her **brown eyes** immediately filling with concern. "What is it, beta? You look pale. Is everything okay with your job?"

**Ishita:** "Yes, my job is fine. It’s... it’s about my life, Mummy."

I took a final deep breath and plunged in, speaking quickly before fear could stop me.

**Ishita:** "Mummy, I have met someone. We... we love each other, and we want to get married."

Mummy smiled immediately, relief washing over her face. "Oh, thank God! That's wonderful, beta! Tell me, who is he? Is he from a good, stable family?"

I swallowed hard. Here came the hard part.

**Ishita:** "His name is **Rudra Singh Rathor**, Mummy. And he's... he's not like most people see him, okay? I know he has this reputation. He is the CEO of his dad's company and the **President of Eternity Company**, which is huge."

Mummy's eyes widened, recognizing the name. Rudra’s fame was inescapable, even for my quiet, middle-class family.

**Ishita:** "He is like this—cold and imposing to the world—but not with me. He is **sweet**, he is **mature**, and he takes such good **care of me**. He is trying to change himself, for me, and he truly loves me."

I hurried to the biggest, most unbelievable detail, trying to soften the blow.

**Ishita:** "And... and he is soon to be the **King of Rajasthan**, Mummy. He is royalty."

Mummy stared at me, her smile gone, replaced by shock and a touch of fear. She placed her hands over mine, her grip tight.

**Mummy:** "Ishita, what are you saying? The Rudra Singh Rathor? The billionaire who is always in the news for being so ruthless? Darling, royalty? We are simple people. We have nothing to offer them. Why would a man like that want to marry *you*? He can have anyone! This sounds dangerous, beta."

**Ishita:** (Tears pricked my eyes, defending him) "Mummy, please don't say that! He chose me! He proposed to me! He's not trying to trap me; he genuinely loves me. He's possessive, yes, but only because he's afraid of losing me! You have to trust me. He makes me feel safe. I am the reason he wants to be better. He is not marrying me for social standing; he is marrying me for **love**."

I leaned in, my voice pleading. "Mummy, I know it's a huge change, but please, just meet him once. Just talk to him. He's coming to meet you both tomorrow. Please, don't say no before you even look at him!"

Mummy's hands remained tightly clasped over mine, her worry evident in the lines around her mouth.

**Mummy:** (Her voice trembled slightly) "Ishita, I hear you, and I see the love in your eyes, but this isn't a film. This is the **King of Rajasthan**! We don't live in a palace, we live in this small house. When a man that powerful marries down, it's rarely for pure love, beta. I worry about his family. Will they respect you? Will they mistreat you? And you said he's **ruthless** to the world—what if that coldness comes back?"

**Ishita:** (I squeezed her hands back, tears blurring my vision) "Mummy, I promise, he protects me from all of that. His Dadi already knows me and she loves me. And he knows how to handle his family. I know the differences are huge, but he makes me feel safe. He makes me feel like I belong. Please, Mummy, just meet him. He’s coming tomorrow evening."

Mummy closed her eyes, sighed deeply, and then looked at me with the painful clarity of a mother who knows she can't truly stop her grown child's heart.

**Mummy:** "Fine. I will meet him. But if I see even a hint of disrespect or danger, I will stand by you, and we will say no. You understand?"

**Ishita:** "Yes, Mummy. Thank you." I hugged her tightly, relief washing over me. Now, for the real challenge.

Later that evening, when Papa returned from the gym, smelling of sweat and clean towels, Bhabhi and Mummy sat with me. We decided to deliver the news as a united front, hoping the numbers would dilute Papa's legendary temper. Papa, a dedicated **gym trainer** with a strict routine, also had a short fuse.

He sat down, sipping his water, and looked expectantly at the three of us.

**Ishita:** (My heart was pounding so hard I could hear it. I started carefully, using Bhabhi’s suggested script) "Papa, we have something to tell you. It's important and it's happy news."

Mummy, bless her, took over the hard details.

**Mummy:** "Beta, Ishita has met a young man. He is a very successful businessman, and they are in love. They want to get married."

Papa’s face softened slightly. "Oh? That's good, beta. Stable job?"

**Ishita:** (I took a deep breath) "Yes, Papa. Very stable. His name is **Rudra Singh Rathor**. He's the CEO of his family's company, and he's going to be the **King of Rajasthan**."

The atmosphere in the room solidified. Papa’s glass stopped halfway to his mouth. He placed it down with a heavy thud, and his hands, powerful and used to lifting heavy weights, clenched on his knees.

**Papa:** (His voice was low and dangerous) "Rudra Singh Rathor? The arrogant one who buys newspapers and headlines? Ishita, what kind of joke is this? Why would a king want to marry into our family? This is not love; this is trouble. He is too old, too rich, and too arrogant for you! Did he force you into this?"

**Ishita:** (I rushed forward, my voice urgent) "No, Papa! Never! He proposed to me! I know his reputation, but he is **mature** and he is kind to me. He takes care of me. And he is coming here tomorrow to meet you and assure you that he is serious about me. He will explain everything. Please, Papa, just talk to him. He is not like the person the world sees. He is softer with me."

**Bhabhi:** (Stepping in calmly) "Papa, he is a very powerful man, but he is clearly devoted to Ishita. He respects her. We should hear him out before we decide anything."

Papa remained silent for a long moment, staring at me with his gym-trainer intensity. The severity of his anger was palpable.

**Papa:** (Finally speaking, his tone clipped and firm) "A King's son. Marrying my daughter. Fine. Let him come. If he steps one inch out of line, or if he shows one moment of the arrogance his company is famous for, he will answer to me. Tell him I expect him here tomorrow evening. Sharp."

The morning after the confession to my parents felt like the calm before a storm. I couldn't concentrate. Rudra was due that evening, and the thought of my strict, short-tempered Papa facing the **King of Rajasthan** was paralyzing.

I finally grabbed my phone and called him.

**Ishita:** (My voice rushed) "Rudra? Where are you right now?"

**Rudra:** (His low, calm voice answered instantly) "*Eternity*, **Jaana**. What happened? Tell me."

**Ishita:** "I'm coming there. Right now. I need to see you."

**Rudra:** "Okay. I am sending the driver immediately. Be ready."

Less than twenty minutes later, I was being whisked away to the glass tower that housed his corporate empire. When I got to his massive office, he was waiting. He closed the door behind me and immediately pulled me toward his immense desk.

**Ishita:** "Ru, we have a major problem!"

Before I could launch into my rant, he pulled me straight onto his lap, settling me firmly against his **muscular body**. He smelled of expensive cologne and power, a stark contrast to my father's gym and devotion.

**Rudra:** (His arm wrapped securely around my waist) "I know, love. I heard from your cousin, Vardhan. Your father is a gym trainer with **anger issues**. Don't worry, I can handle him. Now, what's the real problem?"

I didn't waste time. I gripped the collar of his tailored shirt and started the emergency training session.

**Ishita:** "The problem is *you*, Rudra. You have to be perfect tonight. I told Papa you were coming. I told him everything, and he agreed to meet you, but he's already furious and suspicious! You have to listen to me."

I leaned in, my voice desperate.

**Ishita:** "**Please,** don't you dare say you don't believe in God, okay? You just **don't say anything about God** because my Papa is a **big devotee of Radha-Krishna**. He spends hours in *puja*."

**Rudra:** (He raised a questioning eyebrow, amusement flickering in his **ocean-blue eyes**) "So, the most feared man in the world needs to pretend he's religious for a few hours? Noted. What else?"

**Ishita:** "And come as you want, but be a little soft, please! Don't show your emotionless side, Ru, **love, please**! He's looking for any excuse to say no! And when he asks you something about your business or your life, whatever Papa says, just say **'Yes.'** Don't argue. Don't be the **ruthless tycoon**! Baby, don't get angry, okay? **Please, I am requesting you!** My heart can't take this!"

I was practically whining, clinging to him like I had clung to him when **Oscur** showed up. My entire future hinged on this man, the **King of Rajasthan**, pretending to be polite.

**Rudra:** (He tilted my face up, his gaze intense. His possessive love was clear in his tone.) "You are beautiful when you panic, **Jaana**. I understand. You want the world's most powerful man to behave like a respectful schoolboy for your father."

He gave me a deep, slow kiss, silencing my anxiety with his absolute certainty. His lips moved firmly against mine, communicating clearly that despite the facade I wanted him to wear, he was still the dominant force here.

**Rudra:** "I will agree to the terms, Ishita. I will be polite, and I will be soft—*only* for you. I will even remain silent about God. But I will not lie about my intentions. I am not asking for your hand; I am telling him I am taking it. And if he gives me trouble, I will remind him that I am the only person who can keep you safe in the world that is about to become your reality."

He sealed his promise with another quick, hard kiss.

👑 Rudra’s Perspective:

I listened patiently—or, rather, I *attempted* to listen. Ishita, my lovely **Jaana**, was perched on my lap, her soft voice detailing the elaborate rules of engagement for her father.

**Ishita:** "...And please, don't mention Oscur! Absolutely no tigers, no mention of the **Rathore Mansion** staff, and be sure to compliment Mummy's cooking, even if it’s too spicy! Ru, are you even listening?"

I was, of course, **shamelessly admiring my girl**. My eyes weren't focused on the intricate plans for handling her father, the **gym trainer with anger issues**, but on her face. The way her **long nose** scrunched slightly with worry, the rapid movement of her soft **lips** as she issued commands, and the genuine fear shining in her **brown eyes**.

She was utterly irresistible when she was focused, and I was consumed with **craving for her**.

**Rudra:** (I lowered my voice, ignoring the question, and ran my hand slowly from her waist, caressing her smooth skin right where her top ended and her skin began, pulling her impossibly closer) "I am listening to the most important part, love. I'm listening to the sound of you worrying about *me*. It's a very beautiful sound."

**Ishita:** (She glared at me, swatting my chest lightly) "Rudra! Be serious! This is not a time for **shameless flirting**! This is about our life! Stop touching me and listen to the 'No God' rule!"

**Rudra:** "The rule is noted, darling. But how can I be serious when the most distracting woman in the world is sitting on my lap, lecturing me about devotion? You are the only form of devotion I require."

I silenced her next protest with my mouth. I captured her lips with a sudden, deep intensity, a necessary break from the ridiculous tension she was creating.

The kiss was demanding, possessive, a direct counter to her fears. I moved my **lips** against hers, firm and slow, claiming the **taste** of her—sweet, warm, and entirely intoxicating. I angled my head, deepening the pressure, letting the sheer force of my **unbroken love** communicate what words could not. I explored the delicate curves of her **lips** with my own, feeling the familiar rush of blood and heat. She tasted like the promise of forever, like the only calm harbor in my **ruthless** world. I pulled back just slightly, only to brush my lips against hers again, whispering against her mouth.

**Rudra:** "If I don't get this, Ishita, I *will* get angry. So, don't worry about your father. Worry about how much I need you right now."

I kissed her again, slower this time, a lingering, tender promise that she was the safest place in the world, even if she was sitting on the lap of a man who owned a pet tiger. The meeting could wait; this **soft romance** was the priority.

💖 Ishita’s Perspective:

His kiss—intense, possessive, and utterly distracting—drowned out the frantic voice of worry in my head. Rudra never did anything halfway. When he was the **ruthless tycoon**, he dominated the market; when he was my lover, he dominated my senses.

I melted into the kiss, my arms winding around his neck, **clinging to him** as tightly as I had clung to him when **Oscur** made his entrance. His powerful embrace was the safest place in the world, the only place where the impending drama with Papa felt irrelevant. I kissed him back with all the **love** and longing I felt, seeking the unwavering strength of his lips.

He was holding me so securely on his lap, one arm clamped around my waist, the other cradling my head, deep in the kiss. I could feel the hard, muscled contours of his body beneath my hands—a comforting, masculine contrast to my own soft frame.

When he finally pulled back, resting his forehead against mine, I was breathless, dazed, and completely undone. My cheeks were on fire, and I knew a deep **blush** must have spread across my face. I couldn't meet his gaze; the intensity in his **ocean-blue eyes** was too much. The **shyness** of the **middle-class dreamer** always resurfaced after our moments of deep, passionate connection.

**Ishita:** (I buried my face in his neck, my voice muffled and breathless) "Ru... you are impossible. I was trying to save our future, and you just..."

**Rudra:** (His chuckle rumbled deep in his chest) "I was reminding you what the future is, **Jaana**. It’s us. And it starts with that." He pressed a quick, possessive kiss to my temple. "Now, look at me."

I reluctantly raised my head, finally meeting his gaze. His eyes held not just desire, but a profound, softening tenderness reserved only for me.

**Rudra:** "Stop worrying about your father. I will go to your house, I will be polite, I will be silent about my beliefs, and I will charm your mother. I will be 'nice-Rudra' because you asked. But I am not going to pretend I don't love you, or that I won't move mountains to marry you. Your father will see that. He is a good man, he will see I am serious."

He smoothed my hair back from my face.

**Rudra:** "Go home now. Look gorgeous. And stop worrying about the King; worry about your own heart. I will see you tonight, and I will bring the best, most respectful version of myself. Promise."

His words, combined with the gentle pressure of his arms, finally convinced me. I knew he would handle it. He always did.

I gave him one final, quick, grateful kiss and slid off his lap, feeling a little steadier, but utterly spoiled by the sheer force of his love and **cute jealousy**.