💖 Ishita's Perspective

After drying off and getting into comfortable, soft clothes, Rudra and I walked downstairs together to join the family.

The living hall was bustling with energy as mummy and riva bhabhi set up a huge spread for lunch. We all sat together on the long dining tables and sofa sets-laughing, sharing delicious home-cooked Holi dishes, and teasing each other about the morning's wild water fights. Jay made sure to dramatically complain to mummy about how I beat him with wet duppata which only earned him another round of giggles from Ahana and Reet.

As the afternoon rolled in, the warm, sleepy haze of the festival settled over everyone. Akshat Bhai and Dhristi started gathering little sleepy Krish, while Vardaan, Reet, Jay, and Ahana packed up their bags to head back to the Rathor Mansion.

"Bhabhi, take rest, okay? You played so much Holi today!" Reet smiled warmly, giving me a tight hug before leaving with Vardaan.

"Call us when you reach home, everyone!" I called out, waving them goodbye as the cars pulled out of the Sharma house driveway.

Once the house quieted down, a deep, bone-weary exhaustion hit me all at once. Between running around playing Holi, the intense emotional high of the morning, and the wild, passionate shower session with Rudra, my body was completely drained.

Rudra took my small hand in his large, warm palm, silently guiding me upstairs toward my bedroom.

The moment he closed the bedroom door behind us, I practically melted into the soft mattress, kicking off my slip-ons and burying my face into the fluffy pillows with a long, dramatic sigh.

"Ahhh... mattress, sweet mattress..." I mumbled into the pillow, my voice muffled.

A low, soft chuckle vibrated through the room. I turned my head to see Rudra slipping off his watch and setting it on the bedside table, his towering frame looking effortlessly handsome in a dark, relaxed cotton t-shirt.

He walked around the bed, unceremoniously lifting the cozy blanket, and slid in right beside me. Before I could even shift, his long, muscular arm wrapped securely around my waist, pulling my figure flush against his warm chest.

"Completely exhausted, Janna?" he rumbled softly in my ear, his deep baritone dripping with fond amusement.

"Completely," I murmured, turning around in his embrace to bury my face into the crook of his neck, breathing in his soothing, familiar scent. "And whose fault is that, Patidev? Someone decided to be a wild beast in the bathroom."

"Is that so?" Rudra smirked against my hair, his thumb lazily tracing circles on my bare waist beneath my top. "I seem to remember my Queen begging me not to stop."

"Rudra!" I gasped, flushing crimson as I slapped his broad chest lightly, my *chooda* jingling in the quiet room. "You are completely shameless!"

He chuckled deeply, a rare, beautiful sound, and pressed a lingering, warm kiss right over the dark moles on my neck.

"Go to sleep, Ishi," he whispered tenderly, wrapping his legs with mine and pulling the blanket over both of us, holding me like his most prized treasure. "Your King is right here with you."

I smiled softly, resting my hand right over his heart-over the tattoo and closed my eyes, drifting off into the peaceful sleep I so desperately needed.

👑 Rudra's Perspective

The evening sun was just beginning to dip, casting a soft, golden-orange glow through the sheer curtains of the bedroom. Ishita was still fast asleep in my arms, her warm breath hitting my neck softly

Suddenly, the heavy bedroom door creaked open, followed by the soft, pitter-patter of tiny feet running across the wooden floor.

"Bua! Fufa ji! Get up, ho jao!" Purav's little, high-pitched voice piped up excitedly from the side of the bed. He stood on his tiptoes, his little hands gripping the mattress as he bounced up and down. "Coffpe piyenge! Dadi was making snacks down!"

I slowly cracked my ocean-blue eyes open, looking down at the energetic little boy calling coffee *"coffpe"*. A rare, genuine smile tugged at the corners of my lips. As much as I usually maintained a strict, stoic wall around people, this little kid's innocent chatter had a way of melting through it.

"Shh... quiet down, little hero," I rumbled softly in my deep, raspy post-sleep voice, lifting my head slightly from the pillow. "Your Bua is still sleeping."

"Wake her up, Fufa ji!" Purav whispered dramatically, putting a little finger to his lips. "Dadi said everybody have to drink coffpe together!"

"Alright, watch this," I murmured with a soft smirk.

I turned back toward Ishita, tightening my arm around her slim waist and pulling her small frame even closer into my broad chest. Burying my face into the crook of her neck, I began nuzzling her soft, warm skin, my lips deliberately brushing over the small dark moles on her jawline and neck that drove me completely insane.

"Janna..." I whispered against her ear, my scruff scratching gently against her skin as I snuggled deeper into her warmth. "Wake up, Ishi... your nephew is staging a coffee protest."

"Mmm... Ru..." Ishita mumbled sleepily, letting out a soft, adorable groan as she tried to bury her face back into my chest, her hands reaching up blindly to wrap around my neck, her red bridal *chooda* clinking gently in the quiet room. "Five more minutes, Patidev..."

"Bua! No five minutes! Get up!" Purav giggled, clapping his tiny hands together from the edge of the bed.

Ishita's brown eyes slowly fluttered open at the sound of Purav's voice, her long lashes wet with sleep, a soft, sleepy blush blooming across her cheeks as she realized both her husband and her nephew were hovering over her.

Before Purav could make another loud coffee announcement, Ishita leaned over my broad chest in one swift, sleepy move. Her long curly hair spilled over my shoulders as her small hands reached out, snagging Purav by his waist and pulling him straight onto the soft mattress between us.

"Ah! Bua!" Purav squealed in surprise, landing in a tiny heap of giggles right on top of the blankets.

Ishita immediately threw one arm around him and wrapped her leg over his small frame, pinning him down and burying her face into his tummy.

"Sleep, sleep! No coffpe, just sleep," Ishi mumbled in a hilariously dramatic, drowsy voice, keeping her brown eyes squeezed shut. "Let Dadi talk down... we are sleeping..."

Purav squirmed under her hold, giggling wildly as her curly hair tickled his face. "Bua! Release me! Fufa ji, help!"

A low, deep laugh vibrated through my chest at the sight of my Queen acting like a sleepy kid herself. I reached over, wrapping my massive arm around both of them-holding my wife and her little nephew securely against my broad body.

"Sorry, little man," I rumbled against Ishita's hair, my ocean-blue eyes soft with pure amusement. "Your Bua has spoken. Sleep protocol is in effect."

"Fufa ji, you also?!" Purav gasped, his little hands patting my arm in disbelief, but he quickly gave up struggling and melted into the soft pillows between us with a dramatic sigh of his own.

I leaned down, pressing a lingering, tender kiss over the dark moles on Ishita's exposed neck, enjoying the quiet, peaceful warmth of having my family wrapped up in my arms.

Just then, the bedroom door swung completely open, and mummy stepped inside The moment her eyes landed on the bed-where Ishita, Purav, and I were all piled under the heavy blanket-she paused in her tracks, letting out a classic Indian mother sigh.

"Hey Bhagwan!" she exclaimed, shaking her head. "In teeno ka dekh lo!"

Being fully aware of the situation and sitting up like a sensible son-in-law, I immediately made space on my side of the bed, shifting my broad frame back so I was no longer in plain view under the covers with them. I leaned against the headboard, maintaining a polite, respectful posture while trying desperately to hide the smirk threatening to break across my face.

Ishita, on the other hand, panicked. In a desperate attempt to pretend they weren't awake, she whipped her hand over Purav's mouth and pulled the blanket completely over both their heads, hiding them like little kids.

"Dadi aa gyi, Bua..." Purav whispered muffledly from under her palm, his small voice echoing beneath the blanket.

"Chup reh yrr!" Ishita hissed back in a frantic whisper, holding him tighter.

Mummy crossed her arms over her chest, and marched right over to the edge of the bed.

"Purav! Maine aapko in dono ko uthane ke liye bheja tha na? Ki wahin jaake khud sone ke liye?" she called out, glaring at the suspicious lump under the duvet.

Purav immediately poked his little head out from under Ishita's arm, betraying his Bua instantly. "Dadi, maine kuch nahi kiya, sachii! Bua ne mujhe pakad ke khinch liya!"

"Tu toh chup hi reh, Bua ki pyare!" Aunty scolded affectionately before reaching down and firmly tugging the blanket completely away from Ishita. "Chalo, uth ja ab, Ishu!"

Ishita kept her eyes squeezed shut, groaning softly and burying her face deeper into the mattress. She didn't budge an inch.

And that was it. The spark was lit, and mummy being a true mother, launched straight into her classic, effortless ranting mode.

"Wah, Maharani ji, wah! Pura din beet gaya, shyaam ho gayi hai, aur abhi tak sone ki nautanki khatam nahi hui!" Aunty began, her hands on her hips. "Subah se Holi khelke tired tu hui hai, baaki ghar waale toh jaise marathon bhaag rahe the! Rudra beta subah se jaag raha hai, tumhari mehmaannawazi dekh raha hai, aur tum ho ki yahan ghodhe bech kar so rahi ho!"

As mummy said Rudra subha se jaag raha h ishita give that expression which said

" what he was literally sleeping with me "

She look towards me but I look away

I bit the inside of my cheek, resting my elbow on my knee and covering my mouth with my hand to disguise my chuckles as Aunty continued without taking a single breath.

"Aur tum, Purav! Maine tumhen coffee ke liye bola tha, tum inke saath bed pe kabaddi khelne lag gaye! Ishu, agar abhi do minute mein tu bed se neeche nahi utri na, toh baaki ki bachi hui coffee tere sar pe daal doongi! Rudra, beta, tum toh smart ho, is pagal ladki ko tum kaise jhelte ho Pura din?"

Ishita finally peeked out from the pillow, pouting dramatically with her curly hair messy all over her face. "Mummyy... aap har waqt mere peeche kyun pad jaati ho? main thak gayi thi!"

"Thak gayi thi ki rani sahiba ki tarah hukum chala rahi thi?" Aunty huffed, though her eyes were twinkling with warmth. "Chalo dono, neeche aao. Garam garam pakode bane hain aur coffee thandi ho rahi hai. Aur Rudra beta, tum bhi aao, isko wahin chhod do agar nahi uthna toh!"

"Aap chalo Mummy, main iskno utha ke laata hoon," I rumbled in a polite, respectful voice, a small, subtle smile breaking through as mummy shook her head one last time and walked out of the room, leaving the three of us laughing on the bed.

💖 Ishita's Perspective

I sat up on the bed, my curly hair an absolute wild nest around my shoulders, and pouted dramatically as the bedroom door closed behind Mummy.

I turned my eyes toward Rudra, who was sitting beside me looking infuriatingly handsome, calm, and completely unbothered after waking up.

"Kya yrrrr! Aap bhi toh so rahe the!" I whined, crossing my arms over my chest and glaring at my husband with playful annoyance. "Mujhe hi kyu sunate hain sab? *'Rudra beta toh subah se jaag raha hai...'* Haan haan, Rudra beta toh bhagwan hain, baaki main toh bas yahan aaram karne aayi hoon!"

Rudra's lips twitched into a soft, dangerous smirk, his ocean-blue eyes glinting with pure amusement as he watched me vent.

Before I could drag my husband any further into my complaints, I snapped my head toward the real culprit-my tiny, treacherous nephew, who was trying to quietly crawl away toward the foot of the bed.

"Or tu, Purav ke bache! Itna chaloo hai tu?!" I gasped, narrowing my brown eyes at him. "Mummy ke aate hi sab mere pe daal diya? Saale!"

I reached out, snagging him by his back and landing a light, playful smack right on his diaper-padded bottom.

*Thwap!*

"Oww! Bua!" Purav squealed, bursting into fitful giggles as he rolled over onto his back, rubbing his padded bum. "Fufa ji, dekho! Bua ne mujhe maara!

"Bilkul sahi kiya teri Bua ne," Rudra rumbled in a low, gravelly voice, reaching out with one broad arm to pull both me and Purav closer to his chest. "Dadi ke aate hi team badal li tumne, little man."

"Aap silent spectator mat bano, Patidev," I huffed, leaning my head against Rudra's broad shoulder while my red bridal *chooda* jingled against his cotton t-shirt. "Aapne Mummy ke samne aise shareef hone ka natak kiya jaise bathroom mein toh kuch hua hi nahi tha!"

The moment the words left my mouth, my cheeks burned bright red as the memory of his relentless, deep thrusts against the wet tiles flashed vividly through my mind.

Rudra's arm tightened around my waist, his large hand resting possessing on my hip. He leaned down, his warm breath fanning against my ear as his lips brushed deliberately over the sensitive dark moles on my neck.

"Careful, Janna," he whispered in a raspy baritone meant only for me, his deep voice sending an instant, electric shiver straight down my spine. "If you keep reminding me of what happened in that bathroom, we won't be going downstairs for coffee at all."

"Ru!" I squeaked, slapping his shoulder as Purav looked between the two of us, entirely clueless.

"Chalo, utho dono," Rudra chuckled, effortless lifting Purav up with one arm and using his other hand to pull me off the bed, completely surrounding me with his warmth. "Before your Mummy comes back up with a bucket of water."

After a long, laughter-filled evening of drinking steaming *coffpe* and eating hot pakodas, night finally rolled around. It was time for us to head back to the Rathor Mansion-my *sasural*.

As Ravi Bhai and Rudra were loading all our luggage, Holi gifts, and sweets into the boot of the car outside, I stood dramatic as ever right at the main doorway, leaning against the doorframe with one hand resting over my heart.

"Ja rahi hoon!" I announced loudly to the whole hallway, casting a deeply wounded, theatrical look back toward Mummy, who was casually wiping the kitchen counter. "Rakho apna ghar apne paas! Mujhe nahi rehna yahan!"

Mummy stopped wiping, holding her dishcloth as she stared at me with her classic unbothered, 'I've-handled-you-for-25-years' expression.

"Wahan toh mujhe shaam tak sone ko milta hai aur koi kuch nahi kehta!" I continued ranting at the top of my lungs, making sure my voice carried all the way out to the driveway. "Meri saas itni saas nahi hain jitni meri maa meri saas hain! Aaj tak meri saas ne mujhe taane nahi maare... jitne meri khud ki maa ne bhar-bhar ke mere muh pe fek ke maare hain!"

Outside near the boot of the car, Ravi Bhai froze mid-step while holding a massive box of sweets, his shoulders shaking violently as he tried to stifle his laughter.

Beside him, my towering, imposing husband-the cold, ruthless president the entire corporate world trembled before-turned his head away toward the darkness of the yard. His jaw was clenched, his ocean-blue eyes dancing with pure amusement as he bit the inside of his cheek, doing everything in his power not to burst out laughing at his dramatic Queen.

"Acha? Itna hi dukh hai mere paas rehne mein?" Mummy said calmly, walking toward the door with her hands on her hips. "Toh mat aana agli baar! Main toh bolti hoon Rudra beta isko yahin chhod jao, do din mein khud hi sasural bhaag ke jaayegi jab subah aath bajey uthna padega!"

"Dekha! Dekha aapne, Ru?!" I gasped, spinning around toward the driveway and pointing dramatically at Mummy. "Aapne suna?! Abhi se mujhe ghar se nikalne ki baatein ho rahi hain!"

Rudra cleared his throat, adjusting his watch to hide his broad smirk as he walked up the porch steps toward me. He reached out with one broad, heavy hand, gently wrapping his fingers around my bare waist and pulling me against his side.

"Sunte sab hain, Janna," Rudra rumbled softly in my ear, his deep, gravelly baritone vibrating with suppressed laughter as his lips brushed against my temple. "Tano ke baare mein sahi kaun hai, wo pure district ko pata hai."

"Aap mere side ho ki Mummy ke side?!" I huffed, looking up at his sharp jawlin

"Hamesha teri side ishu" Ravi Bhai wheezed out, finally losing his battle with laughter as he slammed the car boot shut. "Lekin Mummy ke taano ka delivery timing top-tier hai, manna padega!"

"Tu toh bol hi mat, Ravi!" I pointed a stern finger at him, making Rudra softly chuckle into my hair as he gently guided me down the steps toward the car, shield

ing his dramatic baby from her mother's affectionate glares.

👑 Rudra's Perspective

I walked her around to the front passenger side, opening the heavy SUV door for my Queen. As she slid into her seat, I naturally raised my hand over the top frame, shielding her head so she wouldn't bump it. Before shutting the door, my eyes caught the edge of her long dupatta dangling near the hinges; I reached down, carefully gathering the soft fabric and tucking it securely inside onto her lap so it wouldn't get caught in the latch.

After shutting her door, I walked around to the driver's side. I offered a respectful namaste to papa and mummy , giving Ravi a warm nod. Little Purav was practically bouncing on his toes near the porch, so I leaned down and gently ruffled his soft hair.

"Take care, champ," I rumbled softly before climbing into the driver's seat and pulling my door shut.

The moment I settled in, Ishita was already squirming in her seat. She leaned completely over my lap, her soft body pressing against my chest as she stretched toward my open driver-side window to wave frantically at her family.

"Byyyyuuuuyuuuyyyyyyy!" she sang out at the top of her lungs, her hands waving wildly while her red bridal *chooda* jingled in the quiet night air.

Outside, Purav started jumping up and down on the lawn, copying her exact dramatically stretched voice: "Byyyyuuuuyuuuyyyyyyy, Bua!"

I placed a steadying hand on her waist to keep her secure as I started the engine and smoothly reversed out of the driveway. Once we cleared the narrow lane and turned onto the main illuminated road, Ishita finally leaned back into her own seat, breathless and glowing with a massive, mischievous grin.

Suddenly, she burst into a sweet, melodic fit of giggling, burying her face slightly in her hands.

I glanced over at her, my ocean-blue eyes softening as a faint smile tugged at the corner of my lips. "What?" I asked, my deep baritone smooth and relaxed against the quiet hum of the luxury car.

"Mummy ka muh dekha?!" she giggled, looking over at me with sparkling brown eyes and an adorable pout. "Bada maza aata hai unko chidane mein! Unka reaction so priceless tha, Ru!"

I let out a low, deep chuckle, keeping one hand on the steering wheel while my other hand reached across the console, his large fingers instinctively finding hers and wrapping around her small, delicate hand.

"You're a menace, Janna," I rumbled fondly, raising her hand to press a soft, lingering kiss right over her knuckles. "Absolute menace to your poor mother."

"Toh?" she huffed, tossing her long curly hair over her shoulder with a playful roll of her brown eyes. "Aapko kya pata? Jitni dikhti hain, utni bhi sweet nahi hain wo! Mujhse pucho... 25 saal rahi hoon main wahan!"

I kept one hand firmly on the steering wheel as the city lights flickered across her glowing face, my thumb lazily tracing circles over her knuckles.

"Itne taane sune hain maine... *itne* taane!" she continued dramatically, throwing her free hand up in the air before bursting into another fit of helpless giggles. "Koi aur sun nahi sakta! Kaano se khoon aa jaye sabke! Itne maine chalte-firte sun liye hain!"

A low, amused chuckle escaped my chest. "Is that so, Queen?"

"Haan! Tab main kuch keh nahi sakti thi na?" she giggled, leaning over the center console to look at me with wide, sparkling eyes. "Kyunki wahan rehna hota tha mujhe! Mujh grehen ko paal rahi thi vo! Isliye main ab bol deti hoon, kyunki ab toh main wahan nahi rehti! Now I am free!"

She kept laughing at her own foolishness, the sweet, melodic sound echoing inside the quiet luxury cabin of the SUV. Her red bridal *chooda* jingled happily every time she gestured in the air.

"Mummy ke paas taano ka bhandar hai," she wheezed out, wiping a tiny tear of laughter from the corner of her brown eyes. "Especially including sasural and all! Any topic, any time... boom! A fresh taana is ready!"

I couldn't hold back a deep, rumbling laugh at her pure, chaotic energy. I tightened my grip on her small hand, lifting it to my lips to press a warm, lingering kiss against her skin before resting our joined hands back on my thigh.

"So my Janna was holding back her sharp tongue for twenty-five years just to survive?" I rumbled, my ocean-blue eyes glinting with fond amusement as I glanced at her flushed, laughing face.

"Exactly, Patidev!" she giggled, resting her cheek against my broad shoulder while I drove. "Main bohot innocent thi pehle... phir Mummy ne taane maar-maar ke mujhe aisa strong bana diya!"

"Innocent? You?" I smirked, my voice laced with playful sarcasm as I turned the wheel into our private estate driveway. "Janna, you were born to drive people insane. Gayatri Aunty was just trying to protect the world from you."

"Ru!" she gasped, slapping my chest lightly with a loud laugh. "Aap firse unki side lene lag gaye! Main aapse baat nahi kar rahi!"

"You can't stay quiet for even two minutes, Ishi," I growled softly, my voice dropping an octave as I brought the car to a smooth stop right in front of the grand porch of the Rathor Raj Mahal. I turned toward her in the dim dashboard light, my thumb brushing over the dark moles on her jawline, bringing her sweet, giggling face closer to mine. "And honestly... I wouldn't have you any other way."

💖 Ishita's Perspective

Days passed happily like this after our return to the Rathor Mansion, settling back into our bustling, chaotic, and love-filled daily routine.

It was a busy weekday morning, and the grand dining table was packed as everyone gathered for breakfast. The men were gearing up for their usual corporate grind, while Dhristi Bhabhi, Ahana, and I were getting ready to head out to our respective

workplaces. Reet wasn't going to her design studio today-she had just entered the fourth month of her pregnancy and was feeling a bit under the weather with morning sickness, so she decided to rest at home under the pampered care of Siya Maa and Urmila Chachi.

"Janna, I'll drop you at your makeup studio today before heading over to Eternity," Rudra rumbled in his calm, authoritative baritone, setting down his coffee cup as he looked across at me.

"Okay, Ru!" I smiled brightly, spreading butter over my toast.

Suddenly, Jay cleared his throat from down the table. "Uh... why don't I drop Bhabhi today?"

The entire dining table seemed to go still for a fraction of a second. Rudra's ocean-blue eyes slowly shifted toward his younger brother, his sharp brows pulling together in a subtle, dangerous line.

"Why?" Rudra asked, his voice dropping into a flat, icy register that usually made boardrooms tremble.

Jay visibly swallowed, stammering slightly as he shifted in his seat. "I... I just need to discuss something with Bhabhi about my upcoming modeling shoot. She's super experienced with styling and camera angles, so I thought she could help me out on the drive."

"Then do it now," Rudra stated simply, his gaze locked onto Jay like a hawk.

"No, I can't do it here," Jay replied quickly, looking around awkwardly. "It's all work-related stuff... and Bebe strictly said no work talk on the breakfast table!"

I looked between the two brothers, completely clueless as to why a simple ride to work was turning into an intense standoff. Wanting to keep the peace and not delay anyone, I offered a warm, reassuring smile. "Ru, it's completely okay. I don't mind going with Jay Bhaiya."

Rudra didn't even blink. "But I do mind."

I froze, my fork hovering in mid-air. Out of nowhere, why on earth is he saying this?

Rudra was possessive, yes, but he never acted like this with Jay or any of our brothers without a genuine reason.

I glanced across the table at Jay Bhaiya and immediately noticed it-his hands were fidgeting with his napkin, his eyes were avoiding direct contact, and he looked unusually quiet, pale, and deeply nervous.

He wasn't acting like the usual carefree, loud football player and top model Jay we all knew. Something was genuinely bothering him, and my sharp, terrifyingly perceptive husband had caught onto his strange behavior in a heartbeat.

"It's okay, it's both of you," I said softly, looking between Jay Bhaiya and Rudra to diffuse the tension before it escalated into a full-blown argument at the breakfast table. "Don't fight. I will go with Jay, and it's final."

Rudra leaned in, his jaw setting as he began to protest, "But Isha-"

Before he could finish, I gently reached under the table and placed my hand firmly over his thigh, giving it a quiet, soothing squeeze to shut him down.

The touch worked instantly. Rudra stopped mid-sentence, letting out a subtle breath as he shook his head, relenting purely for my sake.

"It's okay, it's okay," Ram Papa chimed in smoothly, breaking the brief silence with a warm smile. "Continue eating, everyone."

As breakfast wrapped up, Jay stood up from his chair, avoiding direct eye contact with the rest of the table. "Bhabhi, I am waiting outside in the car."

"Okay, coming," I replied gently.

Rudra and I walked back upstairs to our bedroom to gather our bags, coats, and work essentials. I adjusted the soft purple floral saree draped around my waist, my diamond mangalsutra resting against my collarbone and my red bridal chooda jingling softly as I fixed my hoops in the mirror. Rudra stood near the bed in his fitted wine-red shirt, his ocean-blue eyes watching my every movement with a sharp, heavy intensity.

"Why does he want to drop you today?" Rudra asked, his deep baritone laced with quiet concern as he strapped on his watch.

"It's okay na, Ru," I said, turning to face him and resting my hand over his chest. "Maybe he's genuinely stressed about his upcoming shoot."

"Jay will never stress about work, Janna," Rudra rumbled firmly, his hand coming up to gently rest on my waist. "He knows he's the best at whatever he does. I have never seen him look like this before. Ever."

"Aap tension mat lo, main puch lungi," I reassured him softly, looking up into his burning blue eyes. "You trust me, right?"

"Of course I trust you, Janna," he said without a second of hesitation. "Even Jay does. That's why he chose you out of everyone to talk to."

He paused, his expression softening into a rare, vulnerable shadow of worry. "But please... if it's anything serious, tell me. He doesn't look okay."

"I promise," I murmured, touched by the deep, unspoken protective instinct he held for his brother.

"Take care of him... and take care of yourself too," Rudra added, his thumb gently stroking my cheek right near the small dark moles on my jawline. "He didn't eat much at breakfast. Make sure he eats something."

"I will," I smiled softly, leaning up on my toes to press a tender kiss to his jaw.

My heart swelled as I looked at him. Rudra never showed this softer, fiercely caring side to the rest of the world-or even directly to his own family. He loved his brothers deeply, but his cold, stoic Prince persona made it hard for him to express it in words to them. Only I was privileged enough to see the protective, deeply loving warmth he carried inside his heart.

I grabbed my bag, gave his hand one last reassuring squeeze, and headed downstairs to see what was truly bothering Jay Bhaiya.

Rudra and I walked downstairs together and stepped out into the crisp morning air of the grand courtyard. Jay was leaning against the driver-side door of his car, his hands buried deep in his pockets, looking lost in thought as he waited for us.

Rudra's heavy footsteps echoed against the stone as he approached his younger brother. His towering stance naturally

commanded respect, but his ocean-blue eyes held a subtle, watchful intensity.

"Don't be careless around her, Jay," Rudra rumbled in a low, firm baritone that brooked no room for mistakes.

Jay immediately straightened up, nodding respectfully. "Ji, Bhai."

Rudra held his gaze for a long moment before his tone softened just a fraction. "Okay. Drive safely."

"Okay, I will," Jay replied, offering a reassuring, though slightly tight, nod.

Rudra walked around to the passenger side, opening the door for me with effortless grace. As I slid into the leather seat, pulling my purple floral saree neatly around my legs, I met my husband's eyes. Without saying a word, I gave him a subtle, comforting look-I'll handle it, don't worry.

Rudra caught my glance, giving me a tiny, single nod of absolute trust. He gently shut the door, securing me inside, before turning to walk back toward his own car to head to Eternity.

Jay climbed into the driver's seat, pulling the door shut with a heavy thud. He started the engine, and the car smoothly glided out of the Rathor Mansion gates onto the main road.

The silence inside the cabin was unusually thick, a stark contrast to Jay's usual energetic, joking self. I settled comfortably in my seat, my red bridal chooda clinking softly as I adjusted my bag, and turned toward him with a warm, gentle smile.

"Jay Bhaiya," I began softly, my voice sweet and inviting. "I actually have very little work at the studio today. We can talk as much as you want... take all the time you need."

Jay stayed completely quiet for the first few minutes of the drive. Not wanting to push him before he was ready, I didn't force the conversation.

"What kind of shoot do you have coming up?" I asked gently, trying to ease him into talking.

He answered in short, clipped sentences-unusually subdued and quiet, completely unlike the vibrant, expressive model and star football player everyone knew.

Before long, we pulled up outside my studio. My team was already there, and as we walked through the entrance, the staff greeted me warmly: "Good morning, Ma'am!"

Jay opened the studio door for me, and I led him down the hallway into my private cabin. I turned to my assistant right away. "Charlotte, please bring us two hot coffees and some fresh snacks."

"Right away, Ishita Ma'am," Charlotte replied with a quick nod.

I guided Jay toward the plush leather couch inside my cabin. Once he sat down, I pulled up a chair directly in front of him, leaning forward with a soft, supportive look.

"Okay, Jay Bhaiya," I said sweetly, holding his gaze. "Tell me... what do you want to talk about?"

Jay took a long, heavy breath, raking both hands stressfully through his dark hair. He looked down at the floor, his shoulders slumping under a visible weight.

"Bhabhi... I know I crossed the line," he began, his voice trembling slightly. "But I just... I don't even have an excuse for it. But..."

"You have a girlfriend, right?" I interrupted softly, a knowing smile playing on my lips.

Jay's head snapped up instantly. His eyes widened in absolute shock, his jaw dropping as he stared at me in stunned silence.

For months, I had teased him about having a secret special someone whenever he got lost in his phone or sneaked out late, but he had always brushed it off as random Bhabhi-devar banter. He had no idea that I actually knew-and that my instincts about my family were far sharper than he realized.

"How do you know, Bhabhi?" Jay whispered, his voice laced with pure bewilderment as he stared at me.

I gave him a soft, reassuring smile, adjusting my purple saree pleats as I leaned closer. "I know it's only been four months since I married Rudra, Jay Bhaiya, and I didn't know you all that much before our marriage. But I've been paying attention. I understand a little bit of what goes on in this family."

I reached across the small distance and placed my hand over his trembling knee. "If you're worried that the family won't agree or accept your girlfriend, then please don't be.

You know how loving our family is-Ram Papa, Siya Maa, Bebe, everyone. They adore you. They will welcome her with open arms."

"No, Bhabhi..." Jay shook his head frantically, his face growing paler by the second as sweat broke out on his forehead. "It's... it's not about that."

"Then what is it?" I asked, my brow furrowing in genuine concern.

Jay swallowed hard, his throat bobbing as he struggled to find his breath. "Actually... actually, Bhabhi... she... she is..."

"Yes? She's what?" I coaxed gently, my heart beginning to thud with a strange premonition.

"Bhabhi, she and I... we crossed the line," Jay blurted out, his voice cracking with immense guilt and panic. "And now... she is two months pregnant."

The room went dead silent.

My breath caught squarely in my throat. My brown eyes widened in absolute shock, my hand freezing on his knee as the heavy weight of his words crashed into the quiet cabin. Two months pregnant. Jay-our carefree, younger football player brother-was going to be a father, completely out of wedlock, while trying to navigate his booming modeling career and the strict royal expectations of the Rathor name.

Just as the shock paralyzed me, Charlotte knocked softly on the door and walked in, carrying a tray with two steaming cups of coffee and a plate of fresh cookies.

"Here is your coffee, Ishita Ma'am, and some snacks," Charlotte said cheerfully, placing the tray on the coffee table.

"Thank you, Charlotte... that will be all," I managed to say, forcing my voice to stay even until she bowed politely and closed the heavy wooden door behind her.

The second the door clicked shut, Jay completely broke down. He buried his face in his hands, his shoulders shaking as he tried to explain himself frantically.

"Bhabhi, please... please don't hate me! I swear I never intended for things to get out of control like this!" Jay pleaded, his voice thick with desperate panic as he looked up at me with raw, tear-brimmed eyes. "Her name is Avni. She's an interior designer. We've been seeing each other quietly for almost a year now. It... it happened two months ago after my football match celebration. We were so happy, we got carried away, and... and we weren't careful enough."

"Jay Bhaiya, calm down-"

"I can't calm down, Bhabhi!" Jay stammered, raking his fingers wildly through his dark hair. "When she called me yesterday and told me her test came back positive... my whole world stopped! I haven't slept a single second all night! That's why I couldn't eat breakfast, that's why I couldn't face Bhai or Papa! Bhai looks at me once and he knows when I'm lying. If Bhai finds out like this... he'll tear me apart! He's so disciplined, so protective of the family reputation, and I... I brought a storm right to his doorstep!"

He leaned forward, grabbing my hands in a tight, desperate grip, his fingers trembling against my red bridal chooda.

"Avni is terrified, Bhabhi. She thinks my family will reject her, or think she's trying to trap a Rathor prince! But I love her. I genuinely love her and I want this baby, but I don't know how to handle this! I'm only twenty-six... my career is just taking off, and I've messed up so badly. You're the only person I felt safe coming to. Please... tell me what to do. If Bhai finds out without me telling him properly, he will never forgive me!"

I took a deep breath, squeezing Jay's trembling hands tightly in mine to stop them from shaking. I looked straight into his panicked eyes, keeping my expression firm yet grounded.

"Jay, listen to me," I said, my tone steady and serious. "I know you did wrong by hiding this and being careless, and I won't give you fake strength or tell you that everything you did was right. You made a massive mistake by keeping this a secret."

Jay lowered his head, tears welling up in his eyes as he nodded meekly. "I know, Bhabhi... I know I messed up. That's why I chose to talk to you out of everyone, because I knew you wouldn't just scold me and shut me down. I knew you would actually listen and try to understand me."

"Then answer my questions honestly right now," I said, leaning closer so he felt my undivided focus. "Do you want to be with her or not?"

"Yes... yes, I want to, Bhabhi! More than anything," Jay answered without a second of hesitation, his voice ringing with absolute certainty.

"Do you love her?"

"More than myself, Bhabhi," he choked out, wiping a stray tear off his cheek with the back of his hand. "I swear I do."

"Do you want to marry her?"

"Of course I want to marry her!" Jay replied earnestly, his eyes wide with emotion. "I can't even imagine my life with anyone else."

I observed his face carefully, seeing the genuine sincerity shining through his panic. "Does she have the exact same feelings for you, Jay Bhaiya?"

"Yes, Bhabhi, of course she does!" Jay said urgently. "In fact... when she called me crying yesterday, she told me that even if I don't marry her, or even if the Rathor family doesn't agree to accept her... she will still give birth to this baby all alone. She loves our baby so much already, Bhabhi. She's scared, but she's so strong."

A soft, warm wave of respect for Avni washed over my heart. Hearing that a woman was willing to stand up and take responsibility for her child, even if it meant facing the world alone, proved to me what kind of pure heart she had.

I took a sip of my cooling coffee, setting the cup down with a soft click, my red bridal chooda jingling against the table.

"I want to meet her, Jay," I said firmly, my brown eyes fixed on him with complete determination. "I want to sit down and talk to her personally about all of this today."

Jay's eyes lit up with a sudden glimmer of hope, though his panic didn't completely fade. "Really, Bhabhi? You'll meet her?"

"Yes, I will," I nodded warmly. "Call Avni right now. Ask her to come over to my studio or meet us at a quiet, private cafe nearby. Before we take a single step forward, or before we break this news to Rudra and the rest of the family... I need to see her, talk to her, and make sure both of you are completely ready for what comes next."