Ishita's Perspective

A loud, dramatic **"AHEM!"** shattered our private bubble.

I jumped slightly, pulling back from Rudra’s chest as **Jay and Ahana** sauntered over with mischievous grins. Jay was leaning against a pillar, arms crossed, while Ahana was practically vibrating with excitement.

"Bhai, if you’re done worshiping the ground Bhabhi walks on, we have a national emergency," Jay teased, his eyes darting between us. "Specifically, an emergency involving a certain box of sweets."

My eyes widened as the realization hit me. "Kaju Katli! (Kaju Katli!)" I gasped, looking around frantically. "Kaha hai? (Where is it?)"

Rudra, looking slightly annoyed at the interruption but still keeping his arm possessively around my waist, gestured toward the long buffet table near the bonfire. "I told Laksh to put it on the food table, Janna. It’s right there".

I turned to him, my **brown eyes** flashing with sudden panic. I leaned in close to his ear, whispering urgently and a bit angrily so the others wouldn't hear. "Vaha kyun rakha? Sab kha jayenge! (Why did you put it there? Everyone will eat it!)"

Rudra blinked, his **ocean-blue eyes** showing genuine confusion. "But... you told me to put it there? You said to let the guests enjoy it."

"Woh maine gusse mein kaha tha, Ru! (I said that in anger, Ru!)" I hissed, my **chooda clinking** as I gripped his arm. "Those are the thin ones from the old shop! If Jay or the kids get to them first, there won't even be a silver leaf left for me!"

Jay, who has the ears of a hawk, let out a loud laugh. "Too late, Bhabhi! I saw Akshat Bhai and Krish heading that way two minutes ago. If you want a piece, you better run!"

As Jay bolted toward the food table, Ishita’s competitive streak flared up instantly. "Oye! Meri hai woh! Mera pati laya hai! (Hey! That’s mine! My husband brought it!)" she shouted, her **mustard suit** fluttering as she took off after him.

Jay, being a **football player**, was far too quick. He reached the table first, snatched the box of **Kaju Katli**, and held it high above his head, laughing as Ishita tried to jump for it.

"Jay! Do na please! (Jay! Give it, please!)" she pleaded, her **chooda clinking** frantically as she reached up.

"Sorry Bhabhi! Jiski paai, uski hui! (Whoever finds it, keeps it!)" Jay teased, ducking under her arm and sprinting across the lawn.

The backyard turned into a chaotic playground. The **Cold Prince**, Rudra, stood by the bonfire, watching his wife and younger brother run circles around the flower beds. He shook his head, but his **ocean-blue eyes** were sparkling with rare amusement. Ishita was laughing so hard she could barely breathe, shouting threats about telling **Reet** to design Jay's next outfit in pink if he didn't surrender the sweets.

The elders were doubled over with laughter. **Ram Singh Rathore and Lakhan Singh** were cheering for Jay, while **Ahana** was shouting for Ishita to "tackle him".

However, **Gayatri Sharma** looked on with wide eyes, her face flushing with a mix of shock and humor. She leaned toward **Siya Maa**, looking truly apologetic. "Siya ji, I am so sorry... I don't know what has gotten into her. She’s acting like a five-year-old in front of her in-laws!"

Siya Maa just laughed, patting Gayatri’s hand warmly. "Gayatri, don't be sorry. In this house, she isn't just a daughter-in-law; she’s the life of the family. Look at Rudra—he hasn't smiled this much in years. Let them be kids tonight."

Finally, Ishita managed to grab the corner of Jay’s sweatshirt near the swings. "Got you! Now give it here, you thief!"

"Fine, fine!" Jay wheezed, handing over the box. "But only because I don't want Bhai to fire me from the family for making his 'Janna' run too much."

I managed to reclaim the box of Kaju Katli from **Jay** after our chase around the backyard. My hair was a bit messy, my suit* was swirling around my ankles as I stood my ground. I clutched the box to my chest, my **chooda clinking** as I pointed a warning finger at my mischievous devar.

"Ek ek doongi sabko... bas! Baki meri! (I'll give one each to everyone... that's it! The rest are mine!)" I declared, looking at the circle of brothers who were all looking at the box like vultures.

**Jay**, being the persistent football player he is, pouted dramatically. "Bhabhi, kam se kam do toh do! Ek se kya hoga? (Bhabhi, at least give two! What will happen with just one?)"

Before he could reach for the box again, I reached out and playfully pulled his collar, making him stumble toward me. "Oye! Meri baarat mein aaya hai kya? (Hey! Have you come to my wedding procession?)" I joked, my **brown eyes** dancing with laughter. "Chal, ek pakad! (Move it, take one!)"

The whole family, including **Akshat and Vardaan**, burst into fresh fits of laughter at the sight of Rajasthan’s top model being bossed around by his 5'3" Bhabhi. Even **Rudra**, the usually cold-hearted prince, was leaning against a tree with a genuine smirk on his handsome face, his **ocean-blue eyes** fixed entirely on me.

I started distributing the sweets—one for **Akshat**, one for **Vardaan**, and a slightly broken one for **Jay** just to annoy him. As I reached **Rudra**, I picked out the largest, most perfect piece and held it up to his lips.

"Aapne bohot mehnat ki hai aaj, Patidev... (You've worked very hard today, husband...)" I whispered, my voice softening as I used my favorite nickname for him.

He took a bite, his eyes never leaving mine, and murmured, "The 'Kalesh' was worth it for this, Janna."

I playfully elbowed Rudra in his muscular side, my **brown eyes** narrowing as I whispered, "Phir wahi baat? Sudhroge nahi aap! (Again with that? You really won't change!)"

He just chuckled, his **ocean-blue eyes** reflecting the firelight as he pulled me closer. Before we could continue, **Siya Maa** stepped in with a smile, waving us toward the house. "Acha acha bas! Chalo, dinner is ready."

A little later, the massive dining table was filled with the **Rathor and Sharma families**. The atmosphere was warm, with the servants moving quickly to serve the traditional Lohri feast. I was busy chatting with my sister-in-law, **Riva Bhabhi**, laughing about **Purav’s** latest antics, when I finally looked down at my plate.

I froze.

Sitting there, steaming and fragrant, was a large helping of **Makki di Roti and Sarso da Saag**. My heart sank. It was the one dish I absolutely could not stand. Back at my own house, **mummy** never forced me to eat it because she knew how much I disliked it. But here, in the Rathor mansion, surrounded by everyone, how could I say no? I was the **Bhabhi** of this house now; I had to be responsible.

I looked across the table at my Mummy. She was already watching me, her eyes filled with a mix of sympathy and a silent "I told you so." She gestured subtly with her eyes, a clear message: *'Chup-chap khao, it's okay (Just eat quietly, it's okay).'*

I took a deep breath, trying to keep my face completely neutral. I didn't want the **"Cold Prince"** beside me to notice my internal struggle. Rudra was a man who noticed everything about me, from the way my **long curly hair** fell to the slightest change in my mood.

I picked up a small piece of the roti, dipping it into the saag with as much feigned enthusiasm as I could muster. I felt Rudra shift beside me, his **6'3" frame** leaning slightly closer as he focused on his own meal. I prayed he was too distracted by the business talk with **Akshat and Ravi** to notice that I was basically pushing the food around my plate like a five-year-old.

I sat there, forcing myself to swallow tiny, microscopic bites of the **Makki di Roti**, my face twisting in a subtle grimace every time the taste hit my tongue. I leaned toward **Riva Bhabhi**, whispering urgently so only she could hear, "Bhabhi, main toh mar rahi hoon yeh khate khate! (Bhabhi, I’m literally dying while eating this!)"

I managed to finish exactly one roti, but the second one sat on my plate like a heavy, yellow obstacle. I stopped, my hand hovering over my glass of water.

Beside me, **Rudra**—who usually misses nothing when it involves me—stopped his conversation with **Akshat**. His **ocean-blue eyes** scanned my nearly full plate before settling on my face. "What happened? Not hungry?" he asked, his voice low and observant.

"Nahi... bas ho gaya aaj ka (No... I'm done for today)," I replied, trying to sound convincing.

He leaned in closer, his **6'3" frame** casting a slight shadow over my seat. "Kyun? Kuch khaya tha isse pehle? (Why? Did you eat something before this?)"

"Yes," I lied quickly, avoiding his gaze. I knew if I told him the truth—that I hated the food—he might make a scene or order the chef to cook something else, which would be so embarrassing in front of **Gayatri Maa and Siya Maa**.

With a hopeful, slightly desperate look, I pushed my plate toward him. My **chooda clinked** against the ceramic as I whispered, "Mera bhi aap kha lo, please? (Can you please eat mine too?)"

Rudra looked at the plate, then at me, then at my mother, who was still watching the exchange from across the table with a knowing look.

👑 Rudra's Perspective

I pulled her plate toward me without a word, my **6'3" frame** shifting as I took over the task of finishing the **Makki di Roti and Sarso da Saag**. I knew my **Janna** was lying the moment she pushed the plate toward me. I’ve spent enough time around her to know that her "I'm full" voice sounds completely different from her "I'm pretending to be full" voice.

I glanced at her, my **ocean blue eyes** narrowing slightly as I picked up a piece of the roti she had been struggling with. "Pakka na? Sach mein bhook nahi hai? (Are you sure? Truly not hungry?)" I asked, my voice low so the rest of the **Rathor and Sharma families** wouldn't overhear our private exchange.

"Yes, yes... Sach mein! Aap khao na aaram se (Yes, yes... Really! You eat comfortably)," she replied quickly, her **brown eyes** darting away as she adjusted her **emerald green dupatta**. She looked so relieved that I was eating it for her, her **chooda clinking** softly as she went back to her conversation with **Riva Bhabhi**.

I sighed internally and started eating. I remembered her mother, **Gayatri Maa**, looking at her with that knowing expression earlier. It clicked—my **Ishi** hates this dish. She was sitting here acting like a responsible **Rathor bahu suffering in silence so she wouldn't offend my mother or hers.

I finished the plate, but my mind was already moving ahead. No wife of mine was going to bed hungry on Lohri because she was too shy to say she didn't like the menu.

"Fine," I whispered, leaning closer so my breath fanned her ear. "I’ll eat this. But don't think I didn't notice you barely touched your food. Once everyone leaves for the bonfire again, you and I are having a 'private' dinner with that **Kaju Katli** you were fighting **Jay** for."

She gave me a shy, grateful smile that made the 'Kalesh' from earlier feel like a lifetime ago.

I leaned toward her, my **6'3" frame** casting a shadow over our shared space as I whispered, "Batao kya khaogi? Main bolta hoon chef ko (Tell me what you’ll eat? I’ll tell the chef)."

Her **brown eyes** widened in panic. "Nahi, nahi, nahi! Please abhi nahi, sab hain yahan... abhi nahi (No, no, no! Please not now, everyone is here... not now)!"

"Toh kya hua?" I countered, my **ocean-blue eyes** scanning the room full of our relatives. "Sab bhi toh kha rahe hain (So what? Everyone else is eating too)."

"Haan, par baad mein (Yes, but later)," she hissed, her **chooda clinking** as she quickly grabbed a large piece of **Makki di Roti** and stuffed it into my mouth to shut me up. "Aap khao na chup-chap (You just eat quietly)!"

I chewed the oversized bite, watching her with a mix of amusement and adoration. My **Ishi** was so worried about being the perfect daughter-in-law that she was willing to starve

Finally, dinner concluded. The air was filled with the sounds of laughter and the lingering scent of the bonfire. The **Sharma family**—**Mohan Ji**, **Gayatri Maa**, **Ravi**, and **Riva**—prepared to head home.

* **Ishita** pulled everyone into warm hugs, her **slim figure** disappearing into her mother’s embrace.

* I stood by her side, hugging **Ravi** and promising to meet him for a game soon.

* **Purav** received a tiny, special gift from his **Ishi Bua**, and I handed him a little something extra, watching his face light up.

Once the cars pulled away and the **Rathor family**—**Ram Singh**, **Siya**, **Akshat**, and **Vardaan**—all retreated to their respective rooms to sleep, the mansion grew quiet

I didn't head to bed. Instead, I signaled one of my bodyguards, **Laksh**, as we stood near the entrance.

"Go," I commanded quietly, my voice regaining that **cold, authoritative** edge I used as the President of **Eternity**. "Order a large cheesy pizza and a cold bottle of Coke. Bring it through the back entrance directly to my room. No one sees you."

I headed upstairs, rolling up the sleeves of my **white kurta**. I knew exactly how to fix my **Janna’s** mood for good.

I entered our room to find **Ishita** already winding down from the long day. She had removed her heavy jewelry, though the symbols of our marriage—her **chooda**, **mangalsutra**, **toe rings**, and **payal**—remained in place, gleaming softly in the lamplight. She flopped onto the bed, her suit* spreading out around her as she groaned in frustration.

"Ruuuu... saag kaun khata hai, hain? (Ru... who even eats saag?)" she complained, looking up at me with her expressive **brown eyes**. "Yarrr! Kitna ganda hota hai green green... Chii! (It's so gross, all green... Yuck!)"

I unbuttoned my **white Chikankari kurta**, a smirk playing on my lips as I looked down at my **slim, curly-haired** wife. "Aapko nahi pasand iska matlab yeh nahi ki kisi ko bhi nahi pasand (Just because you don't like it doesn't mean no one does)," I countered, my **6'3" muscular frame** towering over the bed as I began to change.

"Yeh na ban karwa dena chahiye! Itna bura hai yeh (This should be banned! It's that bad)," she insisted, her **chooda clinking** as she threw a decorative pillow in exasperation.

I laughed softly, pulling on a comfortable t-shirt. "Haan... aapka bas chale toh bindi chhod ke saari green vegetables ban karwa do (Yes... if it were up to you, you'd ban every green vegetable except your bindi)."

"Yes! You are right!" she shot back defiantly, crossing her arms over her chest.

I finished changing and sat on the edge of the bed, my **ocean-blue eyes** softening. Just then, there was a light, discreet knock at the door. I knew it was the pizza I had ordered to save my **Janna** from her "green vegetable" nightmare.

I sat on the edge of the bed, my **6'3" frame** relaxing as I watched **Ishita** dive into the pizza. The room was silent except for the soft crinkle of the box and the distant sound of the winter wind against the window. I took a slice for myself, but my attention was entirely on her—the way her **brown eyes** sparkled with every bite of the cheesy crust, her **long curly hair** cascading over her shoulders like a dark silk curtain.

"Ru, try this piece, it has the most cheese!" she muffled, her voice full of joy as she held a slice toward me.

I leaned in, but instead of taking the slice from her hand, I captured the same bite she was currently taking. As we both pulled back slightly, a long, stubborn string of melted mozzarella stretched between our lips, shimmering in the warm lamplight of our room. She let out a tiny, surprised giggle, her **chooda clinking** as she reached up to break the cheese string with her finger, but I caught her hand. I leaned forward, slowly closing the gap and consuming the rest of the cheese until my lips met hers in a soft, messy, and laugh-filled kiss.

The sound of our laughter and the soft *smack* of the kiss filled the space, a stark contrast to the **cold-hearted prince** image I maintained at **The Rathor Company**.

"You're a mess, Janna," I whispered against her lips, reaching out to wipe a stray drop of Coke from her chin with my thumb.

"I'm *your* mess, Patidev," she teased, leaning her head on my shoulder as she took a sip of the cold soda.

As she settled against me, the playfulness softened into a more serious conversation. "Ru," she started, her voice turning thoughtful, i hestd you are talk to Akshat bhai about shiv and tanya "we really have to do something for **Shiv**. He was so heartbroken on the phone today about **Tanya**. Her father is being so stubborn."

I sighed, my hand absentmindedly stroking her arm. "I know. I told him I’d help. If the **Rathor influence** is what it takes to make that man see that Shiv is the best thing for his daughter, I’ll use every bit of it. No one should have to stay apart when they love each other that much—especially not after what we went through."

She nodded, her **brown eyes** reflecting the pain of our own **3-year separation**. She squeezed my hand, her **chooda** pressing into my skin. "We’ll find a way. We always do.

I watched as **Ishita** finally polished off the last of the pizza, leaving only the hard, crunchy crusts for me with a mischievous, satisfied glint in her **brown eyes**. She took a final sip of the Coke, leaving just a tiny bit at the bottom of the glass, and looked at me with a triumphant smile, her lips still dotted with small crumbs.

Suddenly, a tiny, almost silent burp escaped her—just like a contented baby—and she immediately burst into a fit of giggles, covering her mouth with her hand. "Sorry!" she whispered through her laughter, her **chooda clinking** as she began rubbing her stomach, looking completely full and dazed with sleepiness.

I reached out, my thumb brushing away the crumbs from her lips before trailing down to her chin. My **6'3" muscular frame** leaned over her as I began to help her move toward the pillows. "I think someone needs help changing, baby," I murmured, my **ocean blue eyes** softening at how adorable she looked when she was exhausted.

She pouted, her **long curly hair** messy against the headboard as she tried to give me a stern look. "Don't call me baby, Ru," she mumbled, though she didn't pull away.

"But you are acting exactly like a baby," I countered with a soft chuckle, my voice dropping to that low, protective tone I only used for my **Janna**. I began to gently help her out of the heavy **mustard suit* so she could change into something comfortable for the night.

"I am a grown woman... who just happened to eat a whole pizza," she argued weakly, her eyes already fluttering shut as she leaned her weight against my chest.

I kissed the top of her head, the scent of her hair and the warmth of the room making the outside world—and the stress of **The Rathor Company**—feel miles away. "A grown woman who needs her **Patidev** to make sure she actually makes it to sleep," I whispered.

💖 Ishita's Perspective

A few days had passed since our Lohri celebration, and the house had settled into its usual rhythm until **Siya Maa** approached me this morning. She gently reminded me that since my *pagphere* ceremony, I hadn’t gone back to the **Sharma house** for a proper visit or stay. "Ishu, it’s time you spend a few days with **Gayatri** and **Mohan Ji**," she had said with a warm smile.

Now, I stood in our bedroom, my **chooda clinking** as I folded my suits into a large suitcase. But the atmosphere in the room was heavy, suffocatingly quiet. **Rudra** was furious. He hadn't said a single word since I told him I’d be staying at my parents' house for a few days. He skipped dinner entirely, ignoring everyone—including **Akshat** and **Jay**—and had locked himself in his study.

I sighed, looking at the empty side of our bed. My **6'3" cold-hearted prince** was throwing a royal tantrum. He hated the idea of me being away from him, even for a weekend, especially after our **three years of separation**.

I walked out of our room and down the hallway, my **payal** jingling softly against the marble floor. I stopped in front of the heavy mahogany door of his study. I tried the handle, but it was firmly locked from the inside.

"Ru?" I called out softly, leaning my forehead against the cool wood. "Open the door, please. I know you’re angry, but at least talk to me."

Silence. I knew he was in there, probably staring at his laptop with those **ocean blue eyes** turned icy, or nursing his frustration by looking out at the Rajasthan skyline.

"Ru, I’m only going for some days," I pleaded, my voice small. "I haven't seen **Ravi Bhai** or **Purav** properly in weeks. Don't be like this. You didn't even eat dinner."

Still nothing. My **Patidev** could be the most stubborn man on the planet when he wanted to be. I knew his "cold" persona was back, the one the world feared at **The Rathor Company**, but I also knew that underneath that muscle and ego, he was just desperate because he couldn't bear the thought of an empty bed.

"Fine," I whispered, my **brown eyes** welling up slightly. "If you won't talk to me, I’ll just finish packing and leave early tomorrow morning while you're still asleep."

I turned to walk away, but I only took two steps before I heard the sharp *click* of the lock turning.

The moment the lock clicked, I didn't hesitate. I pushed the heavy mahogany door open and stepped into the dimly lit study. The only light came from the blue glow of his laptop screen, casting sharp, icy shadows across his handsome, rugged face. **Rudra** didn't even look up; he just stared at the screen, his jaw clenched so tight I could see the muscle pulsing in his cheek. His **6'3" frame** looked imposing behind the desk, radiates that "cold-hearted prince" energy that makes his employees tremble.

I walked over, my **payal** jingling softly in the silent room, a sharp contrast to his stony silence. I stood right beside his chair, but he remained a statue. Reaching out, my **chooda clinking** against the metal, I slowly reached over and pushed the laptop lid down.

"Ru..." I whispered. He still didn't look at me, his **ocean-blue eyes** fixed on the wall ahead.

Without waiting for an invitation, I moved into his space, straddling his lap and wrapping my arms around his neck. I felt his body stiffen—the classic Rathor resistance—but I didn't let go. I buried my face in the crook of his neck for a second, inhaling the scent of his expensive cologne mixed with the faint smell of the cigars he only smoked when he was truly stressed.

"Gussa ho toh daant lo, par baat toh karo na, please love..." I murmured against his skin, my voice trembling just a little. "Bas thode din ki baat hai, phir main aa jaungi. Pakka promise, jaan. Please na, talk to me."

I leaned back just enough to look at him, my **brown eyes** searching his icy ones. I leaned in and pressed a soft, lingering kiss to his cheek, my lips brushing against the slight stubble there. *Mmuah.*

He let out a long, ragged breath, his hands finally coming up to grip my waist, his large palms spanning nearly my entire side. "Thode din?" he finally rasped, his voice deep and rough from hours of silence. "Ishita, every time you leave my sight, my mind goes back to those three years. You think it’s just a 'visit,' but for me, it’s a reminder of the void you left behind."

His grip tightened, almost possessively. "I finally got you back. I finally have you in this house, in my arms, and now you want to go back to a house where I can't reach out and touch you in the middle of the night? Where I can’t hear your **chooda** at 2 AM when you're restless?"

I felt my heart melt. Behind the anger and the "cold" CEO persona, he was just a man who was terrified of losing his light again. I leaned my forehead against his, our noses touching. "I'm not leaving you, Ru. I'm just visiting my parents. I'm yours. Only yours. Whether I'm in this mansion or at the Sharma house, I'm still your 'Janna'."

I kissed his other cheek, then his forehead. "Ab gussa thoda kam hua? (Is the anger a little less now?)"

I looked at him, my heart aching at the sight of my "Cold Prince" looking so vulnerable. My **brown eyes** searched his, and I cupped his face, my **chooda clinking** softly in the quiet study. "Won't you see me off, Ru? Please?" I whispered, my voice thick with emotion.

He didn't answer with words. Instead, he pulled me closer, his **6'3" frame** leaning into me as he buried his face in the crook of my neck. I felt his warm breath against my skin, and a shiver ran down my spine. "I am going to miss you, Janna," he murmured, his voice muffled against my shoulder. "The bed is going to feel too big, and this house is going to feel like a graveyard without the sound of your laughter."

The next morning, the sun hadn't even fully risen when **Ravi Bhai** arrived at the Rathor mansion. The goodbye was harder than I expected. I hugged **Siya Maa and Ram Papa**, and even **Jay** gave me a dramatic "Save me from Bhai’s mood" look. Finally, I turned to Rudra. In front of everyone, he didn't care about his "stone-cold" reputation. I stood on my tiptoes, pulling him down by his collar, and pressed a soft, lingering kiss to his lips. *Mmuah.* "I'll be back before you know it, Patidev," I whispered.

Three Days Later: At the Sharma House

It’s been three days now, and honestly? I’m as restless as he is. My room at my parents' house feels familiar, yet something is missing—the scent of Rudra’s expensive cologne and the feeling of his protective arms around me.

My phone buzzed on the nightstand. It was a video call. I swiped up immediately, seeing his handsome, brooding face fill the screen. He was in his office, his **white shirt** sleeves rolled up, looking tired.

"Janna," he rasped, his **ocean-blue eyes** scanning my face through the screen as if trying to touch me. "The three days are up. Why aren't you back yet?"

"Ru, I told you! It’s a six-day stay. I have three more days left," I laughed, though my heart was squeezing. I blew a kiss toward the camera. *Mmuah.* "Did you eat? Or are you back to being the 'Emotionless CEO' who forgets to lunch?"

"I ate because you threatened to stop picking up my calls if I didn't," he grumbled, a small, rare smirk playing on his lips. He leaned closer to his camera, his voice dropping to a whisper. "I caught myself looking at your side of the bed this morning, Ishi. I almost reached out to pull you closer before I remembered you were miles away. This virtual romance is torture."

"I know, love," I replied, tracing the line of his jaw on my screen. "I spent an hour today explaining to mummy** why I was blushing at my phone. I told her my husband is a desperate who won't stop flirting via text."

"Three more days, Ishita," he said, his gaze turning intense and possessive. "And then I’m coming to fetch you myself. I don't care what the 'tradition' says. I want my wife back in my mansion, under my roof, and in my arms."

I giggled, blowing him another virtual kiss. "Okay, my Prince. Only three more days of missing me. Now go to sleep, or you'll be grumpy at the **Eternity** meeting tomorrow!"

Sitting in the familiar courtyard of my parents' house, I felt a strange tug at my heart. I was surrounded by the people who had raised me, yet my soul felt like it was still back in that grand mansion with a man who couldn't sleep without me.

**Gayatri Maa** was busy sorting through some dried lentils, while **Riva Bhabhi** sat beside me, sipping tea. They had both been watching me for the last hour—mostly because I hadn't let go of my phone once.

"Ishu, if you stare at that screen any harder, Rudra bitwa will materialize right here in the garden," Maa teased, a knowing smile playing on her lips.

I blushed, my **chooda clinking** as I tucked a stray curl behind my ear. "Maa, he’s just... he's being difficult. He calls every two hours to ask if I’ve eaten, if I’m sleeping, or if **Ravi Bhai** is taking care of me."

Riva Bhabhi laughed, nudging my shoulder. "Difficult? Ishu, the whole world knows the 'Cold Prince' of Rajasthan has turned into a hopeless romantic for you.  He looks at you like you’re the only person in the room."

I looked down at my  palms**, my voice softening. "He really has changed, hasn't he? Sometimes I look at him and I don't see the ruthless CEO who scares everyone at **Eternity**. I just see my **Ru**. He tries so hard for me, Maa. He even tried to eat that **Sarso da Saag** just to make sure I didn't get in trouble for not eating it."

Gayatri Maa paused her work, her eyes filling with a mother’s relief. "When we first met him, Ishita, I was terrified. He was so tall, so quiet, so... emotionless. I wondered how my delicate daughter would survive in that palace of ice.  A man who doesn't believe in God doesn't pray that hard unless he's found his goddess."

"He doesn't even like the color green, but he bought me those emerald earrings because he said they reminded him of the forest where he realized he couldn't live without me," I whispered, smiling at the memory.

"Three more days, Ishu," Riva Bhabhi teased, pointing at my suitcase that was already half-packed. "But judging by how much you’re blushing, I think you’ll be at the door waiting for his car the second the sun rises on the sixth day."

I didn't argue. She was right. I loved my home, but my world was a **6'3" man with ocean-blue eyes** who was probably at this very moment glaring at his watch, counting down the minutes until he could reclaim his 'Janna.'