👑 Rudra's Perspective

I insisted on stepping out at the sweet shop myself. While the family debated in the back, I bought four different boxes of luxury sweets to ensure everyone had their fill-but held one specific box separately in my own hand. Pure, silver-wrapped Kaju Katli, meant strictly for my Janna

Taking the wheel back from Akshat, I navigated through the bustling Delhi streets until we finally pulled up to the familiar gates of the Sharma residence. The moment the tires came to a halt in the driveway, chaos was already waiting for us.

Standing right at the front door was tiny Purav. At just one and a half years old, he looked like a fierce little warrior, holding a tiny green *pichkaari* in his chubby hands.

Inside the SUV, Krish instantly pressed his face against the window glass, waving wildly. "Purav!"

From inside the porch, Kriti caught the sound of Krish's voice and turned around, calling back into the house, "Di! Jiju aa gye!"

Before I could even step out of the car, Purav let out a high-pitched squeal and charged forward on his little feet, aiming his wet *pichkaari* directly at the car doors!

"Purav! No, baby, stop!" Gayatri Maa rushed out onto the porch, laughing as she caught the tiny troublemaker before he could drench my pink kurta.

I stepped out of the vehicle, holding the bags of sweets, while the rest of the Rathore clan spilled out behind me. Jay, Ahana, Akshat, Dhristi, Vardaan, and Reet immediately stepped forward, bending down to touch Gayatri Maa's feet out of respect.

"Arey, arey! No feet touching today!" Mummy smiled warmly, pulling each of them up into affection-filled hugs. "Happy Holi, my children! Come inside, come in!"

"Where is bhabhi , Aunty ji?" Jay asked, looking around with a wide grin as he picked up little Purav, who was still trying to squirt water at everyone.

"She is in the mandir room with her father, performing the morning Holi pooja," mummy explained, gesturing toward the interior.

My ocean-blue eyes immediately locked onto the hallway leading to the mandir room. Handing the main sweet boxes to Akshat, I kept the special box of Kaju Katli tucked securely in my hand and walked into the quiet warmth of the Sharma house.

💖 Ishita's Perspective

I stood beside Papa in the quiet, flower-decorated mandir room, holding the brass aarti thali in my hands.

I was dressed in an elegant white saree with subtle silver striped detailing and a colorful embroidered blouse, complete with my diamond mangalsutra, heavy colorful jhumkas, and the vibrant red bridal *chooda* resting against my wrists.

The bells chimed as Papa finished the prayer. I turned around, carrying the aarti plate-and completely froze.

Standing right at the entrance of the mandir room was my husband.

Rudra looked breathtaking in his light pink embroidered kurta, his frame filling the doorway, his ocean-blue eyes locked onto me with a gaze so intense it made my heart drop a beat. Seven days of agonizing distance instantly melted away in a single second.

"Ru..." I whispered softly, a brilliant smile breaking across my face as my red *chooda* clinked softly against the heavy brass thali.

Papa turned around, his face lighting up with warmth. "Rudra! Beta, come in! Happy Holi!"

"Happy Holi, Papa," Rudra rumbled in his deep, gravelly baritone, stepping into the room and immediately bending down to touch Papa's feet with deep respect.

"Sada khush raho, beta," Papa blessed him, patting his shoulder warmly before looking between the two of us with a knowing smile. "I'll go check on the rest of the family outside. Take the prasad, Rudra."

As Papa walked out, the room fell into a intimate silence.

Rudra didn't wait a single second longer. He took two long strides, completely closing the gap between us. He set a small box of sweets down on the wooden side table, his large hand instantly coming up to cup the side of my face, his thumb softly tracing my jawline right over my moles.

"Happy Holi, my Queen," he growled softly, leaning down until his forehead rested against mine. "Seven long days... and you look entirely too gorgeous in white."

"Happy Holi, Patidev," I giggled breathlessly, setting the aarti thali down on the altar so I could wrap my arms securely around his neck, my *chooda* jingling merrily. "I missed you so much."

"Not as much as I missed you, Janna," he murmured, his gaze dropping to the side table before pulling a silver-wrapped piece of sweet from the box he had brought. "Open your mouth."

I looked at the silver foil, my brown eyes sparkling with immediate delight. "Kaju Katli? You brought this for me?"

"I only bring the best for my wife," he whispered, feeding me the soft sweet with absolute tenderness before leaning in close to kiss the corner of my lips, catching a lingering taste of the sugar. "Now... step outside with me before Jay completely demolishes your house.

Holding the entire box of Kaju Katli tightly against my chest like a prized treasure, I practically floated out of the mandir room with an excited grin plastered across my face. Rudra trailed right behind my 5'3" frame, his massive presence felt like a protective shield as his ocean-blue eyes never left me.

But the second I stepped into the sprawling living area, I froze dead in my tracks.

My jaw dropped, my brown eyes widening in complete and utter disbelief. Sitting and laughing on the couches weren't just a few people-the *entire* Rathore squad was sitting right there in my parents' living room!

"OH MY GOD!" I squealed, my surprise melting into pure euphoria.

I literally started jumping up and down right on the spot, my white saree fluttering around me and my red bridal *chooda* clinking wildly against my wrists. "You all came?! Ru didn't tell me anyone was coming with him!"

"Surprise, Bhabhi!" Ahana cheered, standing up with open arms.

I tossed the sweet box onto a side table and darted forward, throwing my arms around Ahana first, squeezing her tight. "Ahana!" Then I whirled around, pulling both Dhristi and Reet into a massive three-way group hug, our laughter echoing off the walls.

"We missed you so much, Bhabhi!" Reet giggled, patting my back affectionally.

"He tried to leave us behind, Bhabhi, but we hijacked his SUV!" Jay yelled dramatically from the couch, pointing an accusing finger at Rudra.

Bhabhi - maa !" a sweet little voice called out from near my knees.

I looked down to see little Krish tugging at the edge of my white saree. "Aww, my baby!" I gasped, immediately bending down and scooping his heavy, adorable frame up into my arms. I peppered his chubby cheeks with endless kisses. "How is my good boy? Did your Papa give you any chocolates while I was gone?"

"Papa didn't, but bade papa bought four whole boxes of sweets!" Krish giggled, wrapping his little arms tightly around my neck.

Right beside us, a loud, adorable, exaggerated *hmph!* cut through the air.

I turned my head to see tiny Purav standing a few feet away, clutching his tiny green *pichkaari* with a heavy, adorable pout on his chubby face. His little lower lip was sticking out as far as it could go, completely offended that Krish was getting all of my attention.

Before the little troublemaker could burst into tears, a large pair of muscular hands reached down. Rudra effortlessly lifted the one-and-a-half-year-old up into his arms, settling Purav easily against his broad, light-pink-kurta-clad chest.

👑 Rudra's Perspective

Purav instantly stopped pouting the second he realized he was elevated higher than everyone else in the room, resting on my shoulder. He clapped his tiny, sticky hands against the front of my embroidered kurta, leaving a couple of faint flour prints, but I didn't even care

I adjusted my grip on my nephew, stepping right beside my wife as she held Krish. Standing together like that, both of us carrying the kids, felt so naturally right that my chest squeezed with a deep, quiet warmth.

"Look at that," Jay gasped, dramatically slumping against Vardaan's shoulder. "The cold Prince of Rajasthan is officially running a daycare service! Look at him carrying a toddler! Bhabhi, what black magic did you use on my brother?"

"Shut up, Jay, before I assign you to clean the flour off my kurta," I rumbled in my deep baritone, giving him a icy glare over Purav's little head, though the softness in my eyes betrayed me.

"See? Still scary!" Jay squeaked, ducking behind Akshat.

Ishita let out a breathless, beautiful laugh, her curly hair brushing against my arm as she looked up at me, her brown eyes shining with absolute happiness.

"You really brought everyone, Ru," she whispered softly, her red *chooda* making a sweet melody as she patted Krish's back. "This is the best Holi surprise ever."

"I didn't bring them, Janna," I muttered deadpan, though my jaw softened as I looked down at her glowing face. "They held me hostage in the driveway. But seeing you jump around like a five-year-old... I suppose I can forgive them for ruining my quiet morning with you."

"Alright, alright!" Ravi yelled over the chatter, clapping his hands to gather everyone's attention. "Decision time! Do you all want to start playing Holi first, or do you want to eat something?"

"HOLI!" the entire younger gang-Jay, Ahana, Reet, and Vardaan-screeched in unison, their voices echoing off the high ceilings.

Even tiny Purav, who was still perched high up in my arms, raised his chubby little fists and shouted a high-pitched, unintelligible cheer, mimicking his uncles and aunts.

"Wait, wait!" Ahana interrupted, stepping forward with her hands raised to stop the immediate rush. "Before anyone touches a single speck of gulal... it's Bhai and Bhabhi's first Holi after marriage together! Let them color each other first!"

"Yes! Totally filmi style!" Reet chimed in, clapping her hands excitedly. "We need absolute cinematic perfection right now!"

Ishita giggled breathlessly, her red bridal *chooda* jingling wildly as she nudged my shoulder. "Reel bana le romantic si?" she joked with a playful smirk, raising her eyebrows at Reet.

"Chup chal, pagal!" Mummy scolded her playfully from behind, making everyone burst out laughing.

Ravi walked over and gently took Purav out of my arms, chuckling as the toddler tried to grab my pink kurta. "Alright, brother-in-law, do whatever you want now. The stage is all yours."

Riva Bhabhi stepped forward, holding a grand silver plate stacked high with bright, vibrant organic colors.

The entire younger squad instantly formed a tight semi-circle around us. Jay had already pulled out his phone, holding it up like a professional cinematographer, while Ahana, Reet, Dhristi, and Vardaan focused on us like hawkish spectators, completely absorbed in the moment. Ishita was practically doubled over with breathless laughter at their hyper-dramatic reactions.

I completely ignored the audience. My eyes narrowed onto my wife. The noisy room faded into absolute background static.

I didn't reach for the loud pinks or yellow gulal. Instead, my large fingers went straight for a tiny pinch of dark, vibrant red powder.

I stepped fully into her personal space. Ishita's laughter slowly tapered off, her brown eyes softening into pure, unadulterated devotion as she looked up into my face. With deliberate, reverent slowness, my hand reached up, my thumb gently parting the curly hair framing her face, and I filled her hairline with the red powder-claiming her once again, just like *sindoor*.

A collective, high-pitched *"Awwwwwwwwww!"* erupted from the entire living room. Jay lowered his phone slightly, wiping a fake tear, while Ahana clutched her heart.

Ishita completely melted right in front of me. A deep, stunning blush spread across her brown skin. She didn't say a word; she simply blew a sweet, delicate kiss through the air directly toward my lips, her eyes shimmery with love.

Then, she stepped toward Riva Bhabhi's plate, dipping her delicate fingers into a bright blue gulal. She reached up on her tiptoes, her red *chooda* clinking as her soft fingers caressed my cheek, applying the vibrant shade onto my sharp jawline with tender precision.

Before I could even wrap my arms around her waist, she took the pallu of her elegant white saree, dramatically pulled it over her head, and made a grand gesture to bend down and touch my feet like a traditional wife.

I didn't even let her bend an inch. My large hands immediately caught her by her shoulders, pulling her right back up to her 5'3" height before her knees could even bend.

"You know very well I will never let you touch my feet, Janna," I rumbled in my deep, gravelly baritone, my jaw tightening as I stared into her dancing brown eyes.

Ishita let out a triumphant, teasing laugh, leaning her head against my chest. She knew *exactly* what she was doing-she only did it to drive me crazy and tease my possessive nature.

"Look at him!" Jay shouted, breaking the quiet spell as the entire room erupted into loud laughter. "Bhai didn't even let her bend two inches! Romance rating: ten out of ten!"

"Okay, enough restraint!" Akshat yelled from the back, grabbing a handful of green gulal. "Rudra, you are officially fair game now!"

Before I could even pull my wife behind me, the entire horde of siblings descended upon us with handfuls of color.

💖 Ishita's Perspective

The moment Akshat Bhai declared us fair game, the entire living room erupted into sheer, unadulterated madness!

One by one, all the younger ones rushed forward with hands full of bright, organic gulal. Jay was the first to attack, smearing a generous cloud of yellow on my cheeks while dramatic pink landed on Rudra's jawline. Ahana, Reet, Vardaan, and Akshat Bhai followed right after, showering us with laughter, blessings, and vibrant shades until my pristine white saree looked like a stunning canvas of colors.

"Your turn now, Bhabhi!" Reet laughed, handing me a silver bowl loaded with gulal.

"Oh, nobody is escaping today!" I giggled, my red bridal *chooda* jingling wildly as I darted around the room. I smeared bright green on Jay's forehead, pink on Ahana and Reet, and playfully patted Akshat Bhai and Vardaan's cheeks.

Then I spotted little Krish standing near Dhristi, his wide eyes sparkling with excitement. I knelt down gracefully, my white saree pooling around me, and gently rubbed a tiny, soft streak of baby pink onto his sweet little cheeks.

"Happy Holi, my baby!" I cooed, kissing his nose.

"Happy Holi, bhabhi maa !" Krish squealed, clapping his color-covered hands together.

Just then, tiny Purav came stomping into the center of the room, holding his green *pichkaari* in one hand and tugging hard at my saree pallu with the other. He pointed his little finger toward the staircase, bouncing on his heels with absolute urgency.

"Upr chat pe chalo! Chalo! Chalo!" the one-and-a-half-year-old shouted in his adorable, half-broken toddler voice, desperate to get to the rooftop where the real water balloon fight and open setup were waiting.

I burst into laughter, scooping up a handful of pink gulal to gently pat Purav's chubby cheeks before standing up to my full height.

"Chalo! Chalo! Chalo!" I cheered back, matching his exact hyper energy and throwing my hands in the air, my red *chooda* clinking merrily.

"Rooftop war! Let's go!" Jay yelled at the top of his lungs.

Before the elders could even tell us to go slowly, the entire gang-Jay, Ahana, Reet, Vardaan, Dhristi, Krish, and I-went sprinting up the grand staircase like a wild pack of teenagers, leaving a trail of laughter and colorful footprints behind us!

As we all went sprinting up the stairs, I paused for a split second near the landing and glanced back over my shoulder.

Down in the courtyard, Rudra, Akshat Bhai, and Mohan Papa were standing in a little group. Mohan Papa looked at the two corporate CEOs, raised his hands in a amused "what can we even do?" gesture, and the three of them exchanged identical, exasperated smiles. It was like they had silently agreed: *Fine, let the kids have their wild chaos.* They looked so completely done with all of us!

I let out a breathless, ringing laugh at the sight, whirled back around, and ran the rest of the way up into the open terrace under the bright, clear sky.

The moment we hit the roof, absolute, messy Holi war erupted!

Water balloons were flying across the terrace, pichkaaris were spraying streams of pink and blue, and clouds of bright gulal filled the air. Jay and Vardaan were chasing each other near the water tanks, while Ahana and Reet were drenching Ravi Bhai with a giant bucket of colored water.

A few minutes later, Mohan Papa, Akshat Bhai, and Rudra walked up onto the terrace, standing near the entrance like three calm, pristine observers trying to stay out of the blast zone.

"Oh, no, you don't!" Dhristi laughed, grabbing Akshat Bhai's arm. Little Krish grabbed his father's other hand, pulling with all his tiny might.

"Akshat, come on! You are not allowed to just watch!" Dhristi cheered, smearing a hand full of bright yellow gulal right across her husband's cheek.

"Dhristi-wait, Krish!" Akshat Bhai groaned, but his serious CEO expression completely melted as Krish threw a fistful of blue powder right onto his white kurta. Within seconds, Akshat Bhai was fully pulled into the messy game, laughing and chasing Krish with a water balloon.

Just then, the terrace door swung open again, and Kriti walked in, pulling our little cousin Saanvi by the hand. Kriti had been here earlier, but she had quickly run over to Saanvi's house nearby to bring her along so they wouldn't miss the madness!

"Di!" Saanvi squeaked, her eyes wide as she saw the sheer mess on the roof.

"Saanvi! Kriti!" I called out, my red bridal *chooda* clinking as I waved them over. "Come on! Grab some color!"

Kriti and Saanvi immediately filled their little palms with bright red and pink gulal. But instead of running toward Jay or Ravi Bhai, both girls turned their eyes straight toward the 6'3" King standing near the edge of the terrace-Rudra, who was still looking effortlessly royal, cool, and relatively untouched by the messy water madness.

"Jiju!" Kriti called out mischievously, nudging Saanvi.

The two little sisters marched right up to my stoic, muscular husband. Rudra looked down at his two little saalis, his ocean-blue eyes softening instantly, though he kept his hands tucked casually in his pockets.

"Jiju, bend down! We want to apply color to you!" Saanvi demanded with cute authority, holding up her red-covered palms.

"Yes, Jiju! You can't escape your saalis on Holi!" Kriti added, grinning from ear to ear.

Rudra let out a low, deep rumble of laughter-a sound so rare and warm it made my heart flutter from across the terrace. He slowly lowered his towering frame, leaning down to their level without a single hesitation.

"Go ahead," my husband rumbled softly, his voice full of indulgent warmth for his saalis. "Let's see what you've got."

The two girls giggled excitedly, smearing bright red and pink gulal all over his sharp jawline and cheeks.

I leaned against a pillar, watching my cold-hearted, powerful Prince let my little cousin sisters cover his handsome face in vibrant colors. A deep, overwhelming wave of love washed over me, and I couldn't stop the radiant smile spreading across my face.

👑 Rudra's Perspective

The dry colors were just the warm-up; the real storm hit when the water guns, buckets, and continuous hose pipes came out. Within minutes, the entire terrace transformed into a chaotic water park. Everyone was dripping wet from head to toe, their festive white outfits completely soaked and splashed with vibrant shades of pink, green, yellow, and blue. High-energy Bollywood Holi

tracks were blasting from the portable speakers, pumping wild energy through the air.

I stood near the edge, dry-towel in hand, my ocean-blue eyes never leaving my wife. Even drenched, with her white saree sticking to her slim frame and her long curly hair plastered against her shoulders, she looked effortlessly, captivatingly gorgeous. Her red bridal *chooda* shimmered through the water droplets as she laughed, her melodic voice rising above the loud music.

And then, the real madness broke out.

Jay and Ishita exchanged a mischievous, deadly glance across the terrace. Without missing a beat, Jay snatched Ahana's heavy dupatta, while Ishita effortlessly pulled Riva Bhabhi's dupatta off her shoulders.

"Hey! My dupatta!" Ahana yelled, but her voice was completely ignored.

"Ishita, what are you doing?!" Riva Bhabhi laughed, covering her face as Ishita dipped the long fabric into a giant bucket of ice-cold water.

Jay did the exact same thing, expertly twisting the wet cloth into a thick, heavy rope.

"Bhabhi!" Jay shouted, stepping into a dramatic warrior stance in the middle of the terrace, his soaked hair dripping over his eyes. "You think you can challenge the star athlete of the family? Today, we play *Lath Maar* Holi! Mathura style!"

"Bring it on, Devar ji!" Ishita yelled back, her brown eyes sparkling with pure, unadulterated competitive fire. She whipped the wet dupatta through the air, making a sharp, loud *CRACK* sound against the tiled floor. "Don't cry to your Bhai when I send you running!"

"Oh, it is ON!" Jay roared, swinging his wet dupatta toward her legs.

Ishita gracefully leaped backward, dodging his strike with surprising agility, and instantly counter-attacked. She swung the heavy, soaked cloth with full force, landing a sharp, stinging strike right across Jay's calves!

*WHACK!*

"OUCH! Bhabhi!" Jay shrieked, instantly hopping on one leg, his hands clutching his calf as he let out a dramatic, high-pitched scream. "That actually hurt! Where did you get that strength?!"

"That's for calling my husband a monster earlier!" Ishita cheered, spinning around in victory, her wet red *chooda* jingling wildly as she raised her makeshift whip into the air. "Come on, Jay! Show me what you've got!"

"Bhai, save me! Your wife is wielding a lethal weapon!" Jay yelled, trying to twist his dupatta to strike back, but Ishita hit his other leg with ruthless, flawless accuracy.

*WHACK!*

"Ahhh! She's relentless!" Jay yelled, backing away rapidly as the entire terrace erupted into hysterical laughter.

Ahana and Reet were practically holding their stomachs, doubled over with laughter, while Vardaan was recording the whole thing on his phone. Akshat shook his head, leaning against the wall, laughing so hard he could barely breathe.

"Get him, Ishi!" Ravi Bhai cheered from the side, throwing a water balloon at Jay for good measure.

I stood back, a rare, uninhibited grin spreading across my face as I watched my 5'3" wife completely dominate my 6'2" athlete brother. Her cheeks were flushed red, her laughter ringing out pure and free under the open sky.

"Jay," I called out, my deep, gravelly baritone easily cutting through the music, my eyes glittering with dangerous amusement. "Do you need me to step in and save you from my wife, or are you going to let her beat you in front of the entire family?"

"Bhai, she's not playing Holi, she's taking out a personal vendetta!" Jay yelled back, frantically trying to block her next swing. "Bhabhi, mercy! I surrender! I accept the Rathore Queen as the ultimate champion!"

"Surrender accepted!" Ishita laughed breathlessly, dropping the wet dupatta onto the floor and wiping the water from her eyes, looking over at me with a triumphant, radiant smirk that completely stole my breath away.

💖 Ishita's Perspective

I walked up to Jay, who was still rubbing his calves with a pout, and patted his cheek affectionately, my wet red bridal *chooda* clinking merrily.

"Awwww, Devar ji... aap toh nazuk kali nikle!" I teased, making a dramatic sad face before bursting into another fit of giggles.

The whole terrace erupted into fresh roars of laughter. Jay crossed his arms, huffing dramatically. "Just wait, Bhabhi, I am telling Siya Maa you abused your powers!"

While everyone was busy laughing and distracted by the music, a tiny splash of water suddenly hit the hem of Rudra's light pink kurta.

I blinked and turned around. Standing a few feet away was tiny Purav, his little chubby hands struggling to hold a bright yellow bucket half-filled with water. He had tried with all his one-and-a-half-year-old strength to throw the water at his fufa ji, but because he was so small, the splash had barely reached Rudra's knees!

Purav pouted, looking at his empty bucket with utter disappointment.

A mischievous spark instantly lit up my eyes. I looked over at Rudra, who was standing like a stoic, towering Prince in his soaked kurta, his ocean-blue eyes already locked onto me.

"Oh no, Purav baby! Did fufa ji escape?" I gasped in mock horror, crouching down next to my nephew. "Don't worry, bua is here to help you!"

I picked up a large, full red bucket sitting beside the water tank. I held the handle with Purav, guiding his tiny hands onto the plastic edge so he felt like he was doing all the work.

"On three, baby! One... two... THREE!"

Together, we tipped the heavy bucket forward! A massive, cascading wave of cold water splashed directly over Rudra, drenching him completely from his dark hair down to his shoulders!

👑 Rudra's Perspective

I saw the whole plot unfolding in real-time. I watched my 5'3" wife conspire with a toddler, saw her brown eyes dancing with pure mischief, and knew exactly what was coming As Rajasthan's cold king, a global top businessman, and President of Eternity, I could have easily stepped aside. But I didn't move an inch. I stood my ground, completely frozen, letting her and the little troublemaker drench me entirely.

The ice-cold water hit my chest, my dark hair plastering against my forehead as the water ran down my face, clinging to my sharp jawline.

Purav let out a high-pitched squeal of pure victory, clapping his wet hands together. "Fufa ji bhig gaye!"

Ishita threw her head back, her breathless, musical laughter ringing out over the terrace. She stood right in front of me, her white saree soaked, her red *chooda* shimmering with water droplets as she looked up into my face, completely proud of her splash attack.

Slowly, I wiped the water from my eyes with the back of my hand. I stepped closer to her, my muscular frame towering over her1 figure, casting a heavy shadow. My ocean-blue eyes darkened with possessive, playful intent.

"You think this is funny, Janna?" I rumbled, my deep, gravelly baritone dropping into a low growl meant only for her ear.

"Extremely funny, Patidev," she beamed without a single drop of fear, her brown eyes sparkling as she placed her small, warm hands flat against my dripping chest. "You were looking entirely too clean for a Holi party. Purav and I just completed your festive makeover."

"Is that so?" I murmured, a slow, breathtaking smirk breaking across my dripping wet face. My large hands slid down to her waist, pulling her slim frame flush against my wet chest, completely ignoring the crowd around us. "Then my Queen needs to share the consequences."

"Rudra!" she gasped softly, her cheeks flushing as she felt the cold water from my kurta soaking into her saree even further. "Everyone is watching!"

"Let them watch," I rumbled against her temple, pressing a firm, wet kiss right over her hairline where the red gulal was still vibrant. "They already know I'm completely helpless against my wife."

💖 Ishita's Perspective

Before Jay could start another water war, the terrace door opened, and Gayatri Maa walked up carrying massive silver trays loaded with steaming hot, aromatic Holi snacks. The delicious scent of warm gujiyas, spicy kachoris, and crisp mathris instantly filled the air, cutting through the damp chill of the water.

"Alright, everyone, stop running around like wild monkeys!" Maa called out warmly, setting the trays on the heavy wooden table in the shaded part of the terrace. "Eat something first! But don't sit on the good cushions-stay on the plastic chairs, all of you are completely dripping!"

"FOOD!" Jay yelled, being the very first to drag a plastic chair over, his wet clothes squishing loudly against the seat.

Within seconds, the whole group-Akshat Bhai, Dhristi, Reet, Vardaan, Ahana, Ravi Bhai, and Riva Bhabhi-scrambled for chairs, sitting in a big circle, shivering slightly from the cold water but chatting and laughing loudly as they reached for the snacks.

I reached out my hand toward the tray to grab a warm gujiya, but before my fingers could touch the food, a large, warm hand gently caught my wrist.

I looked up. Rudra was standing right beside my chair, a small, clean cotton towel draped over his shoulder.

"Ru?" I blinked up at him. "I want a gujiya."

"Your hands are completely covered in wet gulal and flour from playing with Purav, Janna," he rumbled in his deep, gravelly baritone, his ocean-blue eyes looking down at me with undivided, possessive care. "Sit still."

He pulled up a plastic chair right next to mine, completely ignoring the fact that his own pink kurta was soaked through. Taking a warm, crisp gujiya from the tray, he broke off a delicate piece and held it to my lips.

"Awww!" Ahana teased from across the circle, taking a huge bite of a samosa. "Look at Jiju! Full royal pampering session in progress!"

"Bhai, she just whipped me with a wet dupatta five minutes ago, and you're feeding her like a delicate princess!" Jay groaned, shaking his head while wiping his face with a towel.

Rudra didn't even glance at Jay. He kept his entire focus on me, his thumb gently pressing against my lower lip as he fed me the sweet bite. I chewed happily, a soft, flushed smile spreading across my brown skin as my red bridal *chooda* jingled against the armrest of my chair.

"Is it good?" he asked softly, his voice dropping into that private, intimate tone meant only for my ears.

"Mm-hmm," I nodded, my brown eyes shimmering with love. "It's perfect. Now give me a piece of my Kaju Katli too."

A rare, breathtakingly handsome smirk tugged at the corner of his lips. He reached over to the table where he had placed the special box of Kaju Katli earlier, picked up a silver-wrapped piece, and fed it to me gently.

Once I finished eating, Rudra picked up the dry towel from his shoulder. With infinite patience, he began gently dabbing away the water droplets trickling down my temples, carefully wiping the stray splashes of colored water from my cheeks and jawline. His large, warm fingers tenderly tucked my long, curly wet hair behind my ears, brushing his thumbs over the small dark moles on my neck that he was so utterly obsessed with.

"Ru..." I whispered, my breath hitching slightly as I felt his warm fingers caress my skin in front of everyone. "Your hands are going to get cold. Wipe yourself first."

"I am completely fine, Ishi," he rumbled softly, his gaze locking intensely onto mine as he wiped a small drop of pink water off the tip of my nose. "My only job today is taking care of my Queen."

👑Rudra's Perspective

"Alright, everyone is finished eating!" Mummy declared, ushering the family toward the staircase. "One by one, go take a hot shower and change into dry clothes, otherwise all of you are going to catch a severe cold!"

A chorus of tired, agreeable nods came from the soaked group as everyone began heading downstairs to the various guest rooms and bathrooms.

Ishita and I made our way up to her old bedroom. By now, the heavy dripping had slowed down, but the wet silk of her white saree was clinging relentlessly to every curve of her slim figure. As she walked ahead of me, my ocean-blue eyes tracked the glinting water droplets lingering on her brown skin-tracing down the delicate curve of her back, pooling at her waist, and accentuating the dark moles etched on her neck.

Seven agonizing days without her, combined with the raw, possessive warmth surging through my veins all morning, completely destroyed my last shred of restraint.

The moment we stepped across the threshold into her bedroom, I reached back and pushed the heavy wooden door shut, turning the lock with a sharp, undeniable *click*.

Ishita didn't notice the lock. She walked straight toward the adjoining bathroom, unhooking her heavy colorful jhumkas and placing them near the sink as she reached for the faucet to start the warm water.

I didn't wait. I followed her inside, my 6'3" muscular frame filling the doorway.

**[MATURE CONTENT NOTICE]**

*This chapter contains explicit descriptions of intimacy, afterglow, and adult themes. 18+ only.*

She turned around at the sound of my heavy footsteps, her long, wet curly hair cascading over her bare shoulders, her brown eyes widening slightly as she saw me step into the small space and shut the bathroom door behind us. The familiar, rhythmic clinking of her red bridal *chooda* filled the quiet room as her breath hitched.

"Ru..." she whispered softly, her voice trembling slightly under the intensity of my dark, unyielding gaze. "What are you doing? I was about to take a shower..."

"We are taking a shower together, Janna," I rumbled, my deep, gravelly baritone vibrating against the tiled walls.

I closed the distance between us in one long stride, my large, warm hands coming up to grip her slim waist, pulling her wet, clingy frame firmly against my chest. My gaze burned into hers, dropping to the water droplets glistening over her collarbone and the dark moles along her jawline.

"Seven days, Ishi," I growled softly, my thumb caressing the soft skin of her waist through the soaked fabric of her saree. "I've been patient all morning while you played with the family. Now my Queen belongs entirely to me."

Ishita's brown eyes melted into pure, liquid warmth, a beautiful blush spreading across her cheeks as her hands reached up to rest over my heart-right over her name etched forever into my skin.

"I'm all yours, Patidev," she murmured, leaning up on her tiptoes as the warm water from the shower began to cascade over both of us.

The warm water of the shower cascaded down over us, washing away the bright pinks and blues of the gulal, but the air inside the closed bathroom grew instantly thick with heat.

I pressed her slim 5'3" frame back against the cool, wet tiles, caging her completely between the wall and my 6'3" muscular body. The contrast of the freezing tiles behind her and my burning heat in front made her let out a sharp, breathless gasp.

"R-Ru..." she breathed, her brown eyes hazy with sudden, intense desire.

Without taking my ocean-blue eyes off hers, my large, calloused hands slid up to her shoulder, expertly unpinning her saree pallu and pulling the heavy, wet silk off her torso. The fabric fell away, leaving her waist and delicate embroidered blouse completely exposed under the streaming water.

"You drove me completely insane today, Janna," I growled, my deep, gravelly baritone vibrating against her ear as my fingers traced the exposed curve of her waist, rinsing away the lingering traces of color from her brown skin.

My lips captured hers in a deep, possessesive, bruising kiss. The sharp, wet sound of our lips colliding mixed with the steady patter of the shower stream. Her red bridal *chooda* jingled wildly as her arms flew around my neck, her small hands clutching tightly into the wet fabric of my pink kurta, pulling me as close as humanly possible.

I broke the kiss, my lips traveling down the sharp line of her jaw, lingering over the small dark moles on her skin that I was so utterly obsessed with. I pressed a harsh, possessive bite into the sensitive crook of her neck, sucking the soft skin until a dark mark bloomed beneath my mouth.

"Ah! *Ru...* Mmm..." Ishita moaned softly, her head falling back against the wet tiles, her back arching into my chest as a long, shiver ran through her entire body. Her fingers tightened around my shoulders, her nails digging into my soaked kurta. "P-Patidev... *ah*..."

"Say it again, Ishi," I rumbled against her throat, my hand sliding around her waist to lift her slightly, pinning her even tighter against the wall as my mouth trailed hot, wet kisses down toward her collarbone. "Tell me who you belong to."

"*Ahn...* yours..." she whimpered breathlessly, her curly wet hair clinging to her chest, her chest heaving as she buried her face into the crook of my neck. "Always... always yours, Ru..."

I let out a low, victorious growl, my arms wrapping around her like iron bands under the pouring warm water, completely lost in the sheer, overwhelming reality that my Queen was finally back in my arms.

The warm water kept cascading over us, turning the bathroom into a humid, private haven far away from the rest of the world.

My mouth captured hers once more in a deep, desperate kiss, swallowing every breathless sigh she made. My hands slid down her waist, finding the crisp folds of her white saree tucked at her hip. With practiced ease, I unpinned the silk, untucking the fabric completely and letting the heavy, soaked saree fall away to the tiled floor.

I didn't break the kiss for a single second as my large hands guided her, softly turning her around so her front faced the wet wall. She rested her forehead against the cool tiles, her breath coming in shallow, heavy hitches.

My fingers reached for the back of her embroidered blouse, quickly unfastening the delicate string at her neck and unhooking the line of fasteners running down her spine. The wet fabric loosened, completely exposing her smooth, brown skin to the warm spray of the shower.

I swept her long, wet curly hair over one shoulder, clearing the path for my lips.

"Ru... *ah*..." Ishita whimpered softly, her eyes fluttering shut as her nails crawled against the slick surface of the tiles, clinging for balance. Her red bridal *chooda* jingled against the wall with every shiver that ran through her body.

I leaned down, pressing a line of open-mouthed, searing kisses along the curve of her spine, trailing from the base of her neck down to her bare lower back. My fingers gently slid the heavy blouse off her shoulders, letting it drop to join the saree at our feet.

"You are perfection, Janna," I rumbled against her skin, my deep baritone vibrating through her entire frame. My large hands slid around to her stomach, pulling her bare back flush against my soaked chest as my lips found the sensitive spot just behind her ear, taking another slow, possessive bite that sent her arching directly into my touch.

my lips pressing a trail of hot, lingering kisses over her exposed shoulder where her wet curls had been swept away. My breath bloomed hot against her flushed skin amidst the cool shower mist, making her shiver delicately in my hold.

My hands slid slowly from her bare waist, trailing upward along her ribs with possessive intent. I cupped her firm breasts from behind, my thumbs immediately finding her hardened nipples, teasing them until she let out a sharp, breathless gasp.

"Ah... *Ru!*" Ishita whimpered, her voice dropping into a desperate, velvety moan. Her head fell back against my broad chest, her wet hair sticking to my neck as her back arched helplessly into my touch.

I squeezed her softly, my calloused palms feeling every rapid rise and fall of her chest, every frantic heartbeat beneath my hands.

"Look at what you do to me, Janna," I rumbled in her ear, my deep baritone heavy with unchecked desire.

I shifted her body slightly, guiding her under the cascading stream so the warm water fell directly over her bare chest. The water droplets glistened off her brown skin, running over her tight nipples and down her stomach, heightening every touch, every rub of my palms against her skin.

Ishita's hands reached up, her red bridal *chooda* jingling wildly as her fingers tangled into my wet hair, pulling me down for another slow, bruising kiss as the water washed over us both, completely consuming us in our own private world.

The heat inside the enclosed space was unbearable, every breath charged with an overwhelming, desperate need.

Without breaking the kiss, Ishita shifted in my arms, her small, warm hands sliding between our chests to reach the damp buttons of my light pink kurta. Her red bridal *chooda* clinked softly against my chest as her trembling fingers expertly popped each button open, exposing my skin to the warm spray.

The moment the last button gave way, I didn't wait. I broke our kiss for a split second, shrugging out of the heavy, soaked kurta and tossing it aside onto the floor.

My arms immediately wrapped back around her slim waist, pulling her bare torso flush against my broad chest. Her small, firm breasts pressed against my skin-right over the tattoo.

"Ah... *Ru...*" she whimpered against my mouth as she felt the heat of my bare skin against hers, her hands sliding up my muscular arms to grip my shoulders tightly.

I claimed her lips again, pulling her into a slow, deep, possessive kiss that left us both breathless. My hands slid down her hips, gathering the waist of her shapewear along with her delicate lace panties, sliding them down her smooth, long legs until she stepped completely out of them.

Without breaking eye contact, my hands went to the button and zipper of my own trousers. In a few swift movements, I shed my pants and boxers, kicking them aside into the corner.

Now, completely bare under the cascading warm water, there was nothing left between us. I lifted her effortlessly by her thighs, pinning her smooth, brown body securely against the wet tiles. Ishita let out a soft, breathless gasp, wrapping her legs tightly around my waist, her red *chooda* jingling wildly as her arms locked around my neck, completely ready for her King.

The warm water kept cascading over us, but the goosebumps rising all over her brown skin had nothing to do with the temperature. Ishita clung to me like a lifeline, her legs locked around my waist and her arms wrapped tightly around my neck, her red bridal *chooda* jingling softly against my wet shoulders.

I held her firmly against the tiles, my chest heaving as my lips dragged down her jawline, lingering over the dark moles on her neck. Every inch of my body was screaming to take her right then and there.

Suddenly, a sudden wave of sanity hit my clouded mind. I pulled back just an inch, my ocean-blue eyes searching her hazy, passionate brown ones.

"Do you have condoms here, Janna?" I rumbled, my deep baritone laced with heavy, ragged breaths.

Ishita blinked, her long eyelashes wet with shower droplets as a surprised, breathless chuckle escaped her lips.

"Why would I have condoms at my parents' home, Patidev?" she whispered, her hands gently cupping my wet jaw, her thumb tracing my cheekbone. "I was alone here for days before you came... I wasn't expecting my husband to corner me in my old bathroom."

I closed my eyes for a fraction of a second, letting out a sharp, frustrated hiss through my teeth as reality crashed down on my possessive haze.

"Shit... I forgot to buy them," I growled softly, resting my forehead against hers, my grip on her waist tightening just a fraction in sheer annoyance at my own oversight.

Ishita let out a soft, velvety laugh against my neck, her small hands sliding down my muscular back to comfort me. "It's okay, Ru... you were too busy planning Kaju Katli for me."

"Not an excuse," I muttered, opening my eyes to look down at my stunning, bare Queen wrapped around me under the running water, her cheeks flushed red. "I'm supposed to be prepared."

💖 Ishita's Perspective

I couldn't help the soft, affectionate smile that spread across my face as I looked at my towering, powerful husband getting so flustered over a missing foil packet.

Tightening my legs around his waist, I leaned in and began pecking his lips-once, twice, three times-short, sweet, lingering kisses that made his ocean-blue eyes darken even further.

"I don't mind doing it without a condom, Ru," I whispered softly against his mouth, my brown eyes searching his face with complete, unwavering trust.

Then, I pulled my face back just an inch, looking straight into his eyes with gentle seriousness. "Only if *you* are okay with it, Patidev. Otherwise... let's just take our bath and go outside to the family."

A slow, dangerously handsome smirk began to spread across Rudra's dripping wet face. His jaw relaxed, and that deep, possessive spark returned to his ocean-blue eyes with full force.

It wasn't like this would be the first time we made love without protection. We were husband and wife, bound by law, love, and soul-and after seven excruciating days of separation, neither of us was in any mood to let a silly missing packet stand in our way.

"You really think I'm going to let you go outside after you just said that to me, Janna?" he rumbled in a low, gravelly baritone that sent a delicious shiver straight down my spine.

"Ru..." I gasped softly as his large hands tightened on my waist, lifting me just an inch higher against the slick, warm tiles.

"You're not escaping this bathroom today, Queen," he growled playfully against my ear, his lips tracing down my jawline to take a firm, lingering bite right over my moles. "We are finishing what we started."

I threw my head back with a breathless moan, my red bridal *chooda* jingling merrily under the warm shower stream as I buried my hands deep into his wet hair, completely surrendering to my King

The warm water kept cascading over us, but all I could feel was the intense, unadulterated heat radiating from his massive body.

Rudra latched onto my lips again, pulling me into a deep, bruising kiss that completely consumed my senses. I kissed him back with equal desperation, my fingers digging into his wet, broad shoulders. His large hands held my waist in an iron grip, supporting my weight effortless against the slick bathroom wall.

Under the stream of the shower, I felt him guide his thick length directly to my aching, waiting core. The second the heavy head of his shaft aligned with my wet entrance, a sharp, breathless moan escaped into our shared kiss.

Without giving me a single moment to catch my breath, Rudra pushed his tongue deep into my mouth while plunging himself all the way into me in one smooth, powerful thrust.

"*Mmmph!* Ru... *ah!*" I moaned loudly against his lips, my back arching violently into his chest.

The sensation was so intense, so overwhelming, that my toes curled in mid-air. He filled me completely, stretching me until there was no space left between us.

A heavy, slick, filthy sound echoed sharply off the tiled bathroom walls as he pulled back and thrust deep into me again-the wet friction of our bare skin colliding under the warm shower stream creating a hypnotic rhythm.

"Ah... *Patidev...*" I whimpered, my head falling back against the tiles as his relentless, deep thrusts began to drive me completely out of my mind. My red bridal *chooda* jingled wildly with every powerful hit, signaling my absolute surrender to my King.

The warm shower water rained down on us, but it did nothing to cool the fiery heat consuming the small space.

Rudra's thrusts were heavy, deep, and utterly relentless, driving me higher and higher with every powerful hit. My head fell completely back against the slick, wet tiles, my long curly hair plastered against the wall as sweet, breathless moans tore from my throat.

"Ah... *Ru!* Mmm... *slow...* ah!" I whimpered, but my body betrayed my words, arching helplessly into his broad chest with every sharp push.

My hands gripped his wet, muscular shoulders tightly, my nails digging deep into his skin, leaving faint red scratches along his neck as I clung to him for dear life. Held up against the wall by his sheer strength, I was completely at his mercy.

The slick, filthy sound of our bodies colliding echoed loudly over the steady patter of the shower stream. Every time he drove himself all the way inside, my firm breasts bounced heavily against his broad, bare chest, the wet friction setting every nerve ending on my brown skin on fire.

"Look at me, Janna," Rudra growled in his deep, gravelly baritone, his breath hot against my ear as his thumb pressed firmly into my hip, holding me still for another deep, bone-melting thrust.

"Ah! *Patidev...*" I gasped, my brown eyes fluttering open, hazy and glazed with pure ecstasy as I stared into his burning ocean-blue gaze.

"You're taking every inch of me, Queen," he rumbled possessively, his large hand coming around to cup my breast, squeezing it softly as his pace picked up, pounding into my core with absolute, royal dominance.

"Yesss... *ah!* I'm , Ru!" I cried out, my red bridal *chooda* jingling wildly against his back as the intense coils of a massive climax began to tighten dangerously deep inside my belly.

The sheer pleasure was overwhelming, drowning out everything except the rhythmic splash of warm water and the loud, echoing sounds of our passion.

Rudra's powerful body moved with a ruthless, hypnotic pace, driving deep into my wet, aching core over and over. I locked my legs tighter around his broad waist, burying my face in the crook of his neck as wave after wave of intense sensation crashed through my body.

"Ah! *Ru...* right there... *mmm!*" I squealed softly, my voice breaking into breathless whimpers as his angle hit that exact sweet spot inside me. "Don't... don't stop, Patidev!"

"I'm not stopping, Janna," Rudra rumbled, his deep, gravelly baritone vibrating against my soaked skin. His ocean-blue eyes were dark, completely consumed by raw desire as his thrusts became faster, harder, and relentlessly deep. "You feel so tight... so damn perfect around me..."

"Ahhh... *Patidev!*" I moaned loudly, my nails scratching down his broad, wet back.

The slick, wet friction where our bodies joined was deafening in the enclosed space, every deep impact sending jolts of pure electricity straight to my spine. My breasts rubbed against his broad chest, the tattoo over his heartbeat-**ISHITA**-pressed firmly against my burning skin.

"Look at me, Ishi," he growled possessively, capturing my chin in his large hand and forcing my hazy, glass-like brown eyes to meet his. "Tell me how much you love your King."

"I love you... *ah!* I love you so much, Ru!" I cried out, my red bridal *chooda* jingling wildly as I pulled his face down into a wild, breathless, messy kiss.

The coils in my lower belly snapped with sudden, explosive force. A loud, high-pitched moan tore from my lips as my entire body convulsed in a violent, mind-numbing climax, my inner walls clamping down hard around his thick length.

Feeling my walls tighten frantically around him pushed Rudra right over the edge. He let out a low, primal roar against my throat, driving himself buried as deep as physically possible into my core, his body stiffening as he came heavily inside me, completely filling his Queen with his warmth under the running shower.

The warm water kept pouring down over us, but the furious storm inside the bathroom had finally settled into a deep, heavy tranquility. Both of our chests were heaving, rising and falling rapidly against each other as we tried to catch our breath in the steamy air.

Rudra leaned his forehead against mine, his ocean-blue eyes soft and brimming with boundless affection. Slowly, tenderly, he began to shower my face with soft, feather-light kisses-on my temples, my wet eyelids, the tip of my nose, and over the flushed dark moles on my cheek and jawline.

"Janna..." he rumbled softly against my skin, his deep baritone dripping with absolute reverence.

Then, with utmost gentleness, he began to pull himself slowly out of my core.

"Ah... *gasp...*" A soft, involuntary gasp escaped my lips at the sudden feeling of emptiness as he slid out of me. My body instinctively twitched, missing his warmth immediately.

Before I could even think about my feet touching the slick tiles, Rudra shifted his hold. In one smooth, effortless movement, his powerful arms gathered me up completely, cradling my bare 5'3" frame against his broad chest like I was a delicate, precious baby.

My head rested right over his heartbeat, my cheek pressing against the wet tattoo where was etched into his chest. I wrapped my arms securely around his neck, my red bridal *chooda* jingling softly, completely content to be held, pampered, and protected by my King under the soothing warm water.

👑 Rudra's Perspective

I held her securely in my arms under the streaming warm shower, her lightweight 5'3" frame fitting so effortlessly against my chest. She looked so tiny, so utterly delicate wrapped up in my hold, her long wet curls plastered against her shoulders and her brown eyes heavy with post-pleasure drowsiness.

I reached for the mild liquid body wash, lathering it up between my large, calloused palms. With infinite care, I began washing away the remaining traces of water, color, and our passion from her skin-gently cleansing her arms, her collarbones, her waist, and her legs as if she were a fragile glass doll that might shatter if handled roughly.

Every single time we made love, a strange, overwhelming wave of tenderness washed over me afterward. As Rajasthan's ruthless king and the cold business man the world feared, I was built to control, to dominate, and to stay emotionless. But the moment I was inside her, the moment she surrendered herself completely to me, something shifted deep within my soul. It wasn't just physical desire-it was a fierce, protective, almost sacred need to shield her, spoil her, and pamper her like my own little baby.

I leaned down, pressing a soft, lingering kiss against the sensitive skin right over the small dark moles on her jawline.

"Ru..." Ishita whispered softly, her voice raspy and melodic as she rested her head over my heartbeat, right against her name tattooed on my chest. Her small hands gently stroked my wet shoulders, her red bridal *chooda* clinking softly in the quiet bathroom. "You're treating me like I'm made of glass."

"You are my precious Janna," I rumbled, my deep, gravelly baritone vibrating against her cheek as I rinsed the soap off her skin with warm water. "I just took you completely against this wall, and now my only job is to take care of my Queen."

"I love when you take care of me like this, Patidev," she murmured with a blissful, sleepy smile, leaning up within my hold to press a sweet, lingering peck on my jaw. "It makes me fall in love with you all over again."

"Good," I smirked softly, my ocean-blue eyes melting as I placed her gently back on her feet, keeping one arm wrapped firmly around her waist to steady her. "Because I'm never going to stop, Ishi. You're stuck with me forever."