chapter 27
Time skip
Voices… muffled at first… slowly pulling me out of that dark place.
“Didi… are you okay?”
A soft voice. Concerned. Familiar.
My eyes fluttered open — vision blurry at first, but then Naina’s face came into focus. Her brows were furrowed, eyes glassy with worry.
I looked around — I was inside their house again, lying on a makeshift cot. Her mother was beside her, holding my hand. A few villagers stood nearby.
“We saw you unconscious on the road, so we brought you here,” one of the men said gently. “There was blood on your head.”
I blinked a few times, trying to remember… and then it all came rushing back.
The laughter.
Those faces.
That night.
That pain.
I flinched.
Naina quickly held my hand tighter. “You’re safe now didi… don’t be scared…”
Her words—so soft, yet they broke something in me.
I swallowed hard and gave a faint nod. “Thank you…”
After resting in Naina’s house for a while, I made sure everything was in place — a few local men were now guarding the house, Naina’s father had been given basic first-aid, and I handed her mother some emergency contact numbers just in case.
Once I was sure they were safe, I stepped out quietly.
But my mind... it wasn’t quiet.
That one glimpse — those same disgusting faces from my past — kept playing on loop in my head.
I clenched my fists. My nails dug into my palm.
I could still hear their laughter. Still feel that night.
I shook my head, “Not now, Ishni. You’re not her anymore.”
I took a deep breath and got in the car.
Time skip — office.
As soon as the car stopped, I stepped out, adjusting my bag on my shoulder.
No greetings. No glances. Just straight into my cabin.
I didn’t want anyone to see the way my hands were still trembling.
I placed my files on the table, removed my coat, and collapsed on the chair.
I leaned back, closing my eyes for a second, trying to shake off the storm in my chest.
It didn’t help.
I grabbed my coffee mug, took a long sip — it burnt my tongue. I didn’t care.
It grounded me.
Okay. Focus.
The next hearing is crucial. All documents, facts, timelines, victim protection — everything needs to be air-tight.
I opened my drawer and started sorting through files.
One after another.
Suddenly, my eyes drifted to the clock.
9:42 PM
“Rudra…” I whispered.
No texts....No calls...Not even missed anything.
That’s odd…
And then it hit me.My phone.
“Shit.”
I yanked open my bag, found it buried under the papers, and pressed the power button.
Dead.
“Just great.”
I quickly connected it to the charger under the desk and waited impatiently, tapping the table.
Seconds later, it lit up —
And the screen exploded with notifications.
34 missed calls.
16 messages.
All… from Rudra.
My eyes widened.
“Oh… crap.”
My phone suddenly buzzed loudly on the table. The screen lit up with one name.
"Patidev calling..."
I stared for a second. Shit.
I picked up immediately, pressing it to my ear, trying to sound normal.
“Hello?”
His voice came sharp, laced with concern and irritation. “Where the hell were you, Ishni? I’ve been calling you since morning! Your number was unreachable—I was about to go mad!”
I bit my lip. “Relax Rudra, my phone died... I was in a remote area and I didn't realise it switched off.”
“I don’t care if you were on Mars. You could’ve informed me somehow—I’ve been going crazy here!” he snapped.
“I’m sorry,” I whispered, hoping that would calm him.
“I’m coming there. Right now.”
“Rudra—” before I could say more, the line disconnected.
Damn it.
I exhaled sharply and looked at my reflection in the glass of my cabin. That stupid bandage on my head was very much visible. If Rudra saw this? Ugh. He’d flip the entire city.
I quickly opened my drawer, took out my compact mirror and some foundation. Blending carefully, I tied my hair to fall over the side with the bandage, brushing it perfectly. Then I slid on my formal coat.
He cannot know.
Not now. Not when I have a case to fight and demons to burn.
Just as I sat straight and collected the papers, I heard footsteps. Heavy ones. Confident. Possessive.
The door flung open.
There he was—Rudra Singh Rajput. Wrath still visible in his eyes.
“I swear to god, woman, you’ll be the death of me,” he said, marching in.
I stood, adjusting my coat. “I said I’m sorry.”
He grabbed my face gently, looking into my eyes. “Something’s not right... you look pale... are you hiding something?”
I forced a smile. “Maybe just hungry.”
He narrowed his eyes suspiciously. “You sure?”
I nodded quickly, keeping my head tilted so the bandage stayed hidden. “Absolutely.”
He kissed my forehead. “You worry me too much.”
And if you knew what happened today... I thought silently... you'd burn the whole world.
He held my hands and we walked out of the place. His fingers were wrapped around mine like he was afraid I’d vanish again. The moment we stepped outside…
Of course, fate wasn’t on my side.
The winds started to blow—hard and wild—as if someone up there really wanted to test my limits today.
My hair? A mess.
A proper, tangled mess.
“No no no…” I muttered under my breath, trying to tame the strands that were now flying in every direction.
Ohh God. Why are you doing this to me?
I had tried my best. I had curled it to one side, sprayed it to stay still, even pinned it slightly—but nope. The universe clearly had other plans.
A sudden gust pushed the strands away from my face—exposing the bandage.
And that’s when Rudra stopped.
Dead in his tracks.
I felt his hand tighten.
I turned slowly toward him, my smile fake and awkward. “Rudra—”
“What. Is. That.” His voice dropped, laced with danger.
I laughed nervously. “What? Nothing! Just a minor—”
“Is that a bandage? Are you hurt?” His eyes locked on mine, sharp and already burning with fury.
“Rudra, listen—”
“Don’t lie to me, jaan.” he snapped.
I sighed, rubbing my temple. “I fell. On the road. Hit a stone. It’s not a big deal—”
“Not a big deal?” His jaw clenched. “You were unconscious and I wasn’t even informed? Where the hell did this happen?! Who were you with?!”
“Rudra, I’m fine! I didn’t tell you because you would overreact—like you’re doing now!” I snapped back.
He stared at me for a long moment. “Tell me everything. Now.”
And just like that... I knew there was no escape.
Because hiding anything from Rudra Singh Rajput? Was like hiding fire from the wind.
It always finds a way to burn through.
And in no time—ugh, my dramatic husband—picked me up in his arms like we were in some Bollywood climax.
“Rudra! What are you doing? Put me down!” I squirmed.
“Either you tell me everything… or I’ll use my way,” he said, voice deadly calm but his grip firm.
Oh no. Not his way. That meant intense glaring, cold silences, and unpredictable acts of madness.
Before I could protest again, he had already walked over to the car, opened the door like a gentleman in rage, and gently—yet with a whole lot of ‘I’m-done-with-your-nonsense’ energy—placed me on the passenger seat.
He shut the door.Got in Started the car.
And then…Nothing Pin drop silence.Like literal graveyard silence.
He didn’t even play music. No radio. Not even his signature humming. Just the cold sound of the engine and the occasional turn signal clicking.
I peeked at him from the corner of my eye. His jaw was clenched. One hand tightly gripping the steering wheel, the other resting on the gear—but both looked like they wanted to crush something.
I opened my mouth to speak—
“Don’t,” he said without looking.
Oof.My dramatic husband was in his cold war mode.
And I knew one thing for sure: if I didn’t do something quickly… this car ride was going to end with either a full-blown interrogation or me being locked in our bedroom till I spilled every detail.
The moment we reached the mansion, he didn’t speak a word. Not a single one.
He quietly opened the car door for me like a gentleman—only this gentleman had a volcano simmering inside him.
He held my hand firmly, fingers laced tight, and we walked inside.
The silence was so thick, I could hear my own heartbeat drumming in my ears. My heels clicked softly on the marble floor as we entered. No staff dared to appear. Maybe they sensed the tension in the air—or maybe Rudra’s aura had warned them off.
He made me sit gently on the couch, didn’t even look me in the eye, and then walked into the kitchen.
I sat there frozen, not knowing whether to run, cry, or brace myself for the storm.
Few minutes later, he returned with a tray—simple dinner, my favourites, of course. Grilled paneer, roti, a little bowl of dal, and even that weird salad I liked with too many cucumbers. He placed the tray on the coffee table in front of me.
Still no words.Just… quiet care.
I looked at him. His jaw was tight, his eyes unreadable.
He sat beside me, calm but distant, and started feeding me with his own hands. I looked at him, trying to find that usual warmth in his eyes, but all I found was silence layered with worry and something unspoken.
“Rudra…” I whispered softly, hoping he’d let me explain, hoping his heart would hear mine.
But he simply held the spoon near my lips, his brows arching in a quiet warning — "Eat first."
I pouted dramatically like a child denied her favourite toy, but of course, I obeyed. Slowly, quietly, I ate, watching him the whole time. His eyes never left me, but not a single word escaped his lips.
Once I was done, he took a napkin and gently wiped the corner of my lips, still silent. His fingers brushed my cheek, soft yet tense. He stood up without a word.
I blinked, a little confused, until he returned in seconds — carrying the first-aid box.
I sat straight instantly. Panic bloomed in my chest.
He sat beside me again, opened the box, and took out the antiseptic and gauze like he’d done it a hundred times. Like he’d already planned this.
My heart pounded.
“Rudra…” I tried again, my voice barely a whisper now.
He didn’t answer. Just gently, ever so gently, pushed my hair behind my ears.
I froze. I knew what was coming.
His fingers brushed the edge of the bandage peeking beneath my hair.
He stopped.
His eyes finally met mine — unreadable, deep, and dark.
He gently unwrapped the old bandage, his fingers so soft—as if touching porcelain, as if one wrong move might break me. I didn’t dare say a word. My heartbeat was loud, almost louder than the silence between us.
After cleaning the wound with utmost care, he placed the fresh bandage gently on my head. I was staring at him all this while… and he?
He didn’t once look away from the wound.
"You know right," he finally said, voice low, calm, too calm, "I don’t like when you hide your pain from me?"
I blinked, heart sinking.
"Rudra… I… I was going to tell you, just—"
He looked at me, eyes tired and pained but still holding me like I was his whole world.
“Jaan…” he interrupted, his hand coming to rest against my cheek, “I can’t imagine losing you.”
That broke me a little.
His thumb softly caressed my skin, eyes searching mine for a truth he was scared to hear. “If something ever happens to you and I’m not there—” his voice cracked just a bit, “—how do you expect me to breathe?”
I bit my lip, guilt washing over me like a tidal wave. “I didn’t want you to worry…”
“I worry even when you sneeze,” he smiled faintly, “What made you think this won’t kill me from the inside?”
I looked away, unable to answer.
He gently pulled me into his arms, letting me rest against his chest. “You’re mine, jaan. All of you — your smile, your anger, your pain… even your scars. If you won’t share them with me, then who will?”
He narrowed his eyes, clearly trying to stay serious, but I knew that expression—he was melting inside.
I cupped his face more dramatically this time, pulling his cheeks like he was five.
"Awww... my baby husband is sooooo cuteeeee!" I teased, giggling.
“Jaan… come on… don’t call me that!” he groaned, grabbing my wrists gently to stop me.
I smirked. “You don’t like it, patidev?”
He exhaled dramatically. “I’m Rudra Singh Rajput, feared by half the country… and my wife calls me baby husband. Wah.”
I leaned closer, voice soft but mischievous, “Feared by the country… but whipped by his wife?”
He raised an eyebrow, lips twitching. “Whipped? Jaan… do you want a reminder of last night?”
My eyes widened, cheeks instantly turning red. “Rudraaa!”
He chuckled darkly, pulling me into a warm hug, “Only you can drive me crazy and make me soft at the same time, woman.”
I smiled against his chest, feeling that rare peace again—the kind only he could bring after a storm.
I looked up at him, still wrapped in his arms, his hand gently brushing my hair aside as he whispered, "And what happened to your case, mm?"
I sighed, resting my head on his chest. “It didn’t go as planned… the hearing got postponed.”
He tilted my chin up, concerned. “Why?”
"why?", I looked at him… this time I didn’t want to hide anything. I held his hand tighter and spoke slowly.
“I took Naina’s case… because no one else did, Rudra.
She’s just a kid. 17. Her own parents tried…
they went to school, to the police—no one helped.
They shut the doors on them because of his father’s power.
That bastard Aman—her senior—took advantage of her and then twisted everything. Made it seem like it was her fault.”
I looked at Rudra’s face—it was hardening second by second.
“And today... today was the hearing. But they didn’t show up. I didn’t understand why. So after court, I went to find them. Their house was a mess. Uncle was hurt, aunty was crying, and Naina... Rudra, she was shaking like a leaf. Scared out of her mind.”
I took a breath. My voice cracked. “Amans father sent people. To stop them. To threaten them. So they wouldn’t testify.”
He didn’t speak.He just stood there for a second.And then his jaw clenched.
His fists tightened.
"they told they will show up in next hearing" i said he just looked at me, his expression unreadable…
Should I tell him about those men's also? About that night… about today…? My mind started spinning with questions… but before I could say anything—
"jaan..?" he said softly, cupping my cheeks… his touch so gentle yet strong.
I looked into his eyes—those deep ocean blue eyes. Damn those eyes.
Anyone could tell… they don’t just look at me—they worship me.
His gaze held love… fierce, raw… but also something else.
Admiration—as if I’m the most precious thing in the world for him.
“jaan…” he whispered, leaning a little closer, “there’s something you're not telling me, isn’t there?”
My lips parted… but no words came out.
“Your eyes…” he said, brushing his thumb across my cheek, “they’re scared. Not from the case… from something else.”
I swallowed hard.
Do I tell him?Do I open that part?
But his gaze… the way he held me—as if even if the world falls apart, he’d still choose to hold me…
“I—” I opened my mouth...
He pulled me into his lap gently, yet possessively—as if his arms were the only place he ever wanted me to be.
I instinctively wrapped my legs around his waist, our chests pressed close, heartbeats loud in the silent room.
My arms circled around his neck while his hands held my waist firmly, anchoring me to him like he’d never let go.
Our faces were inches apart.
He looked at me—no rush, no pressure—just silent patience, waiting, like he could sit like this for eternity if it meant I’d open up. His forehead touched mine. That soft silence broke me more than a thousand words could.
“R-Ru…rudra…” I whispered, voice trembling.
“Shh…” he murmured, brushing his thumb softly against my cheek. “Look in my eyes.”
I did.
And God… they weren’t just eyes.
They were storms. They were oceans. They were fury and gentleness all in one—and all for me.
I took a shaky breath.
“Rudra… you remember that night I told you about… those men… the ones who tried to…” my voice wavered, “molest me…”
His jaw tightened, his grip on my waist firmed, but he said nothing.
“I saw them,” I whispered, tears threatening to fall. “Today. I saw them.”
His whole body went rigid.His silence was louder than a scream.
He didn’t speak. Didn’t blink. His knuckles turned white against my waist.
“They didn’t see me,” I continued quickly, “I ran away… I didn’t know where I was going… I tripped… I hit my head on a stone, fainted for a while. But I’m okay now, Rudra, I swear—”
“You’re not okay,” he growled lowly, voice sharp like a blade hidden in silk.
“I—”
“You’re not okay if you had to face that alone,” he said, gripping me closer, his nose brushing against mine. “You’re not okay if you had to hide that from me. I should’ve been there.”
My hands trembled as they clutched his shirt, “I didn’t want you to worry—”
“You are my worry, Ishni. You’re my everything. You don’t carry pain alone—not when I’m breathing.”
Tears rolled down my cheeks, I buried my face in his chest — his warmth, his scent, his heartbeat — all wrapping around me like a cocoon. I felt his jaw clench above me, his breath heavy.
"Jaan…" he whispered, voice dark, controlled rage trembling beneath it, “they’re not worthy of your tears. This time, they will shed tears… but it will be blood of tears.”
He tightened his arms around me, shielding me from the world, from the past, from the monsters.
I nodded slowly, lifting my head, fire rising in my own chest. “Rudra… I want them to bleed. I want them to regret ever breathing. I’ll make sure they remember me till their last cursed breath.”
His eyes gleamed with pride — and madness. “That’s my woman,” he said, voice low and dangerous. “And when you lead, I’ll make sure the world kneels in front of you.”
He leaned closer, lips brushing my forehead as he murmured, “My lord.”
Next Morning
Ishni POV
I buttoned up my crisp white shirt, slipping into my black blazer, hair tied neatly, my heels clicking softly against the marble floor as I walked across the room gathering the files I needed. Today was big — I needed strong evidence, strong presence, and a stronger voice.
I glanced once in the mirror, fixing my kajal, and then turned — only to find him leaning against the doorframe, arms folded, eyes fixed on me.
“Rudra?” I asked, adjusting my sleeves. “What happened?”
He just smiled, slow and soft, the kind of smile that melts away all chaos.
“Bas… aapko dekh raha hoon,” he said, his voice deep, laced with affection.
I raised a brow, biting back a small smile, “Kya? Aise kya dekh rahe ho?”
He walked closer, pulling me gently by the waist, his forehead resting against mine, “Because this is my most favourite view. A lioness in her armour — ready to burn the world if someone dares to touch what's hers.”
I raised a brow, chuckling softly. “Seriously Rudra? Are you always this romantic even in these situations? And how do you come up with these lines?”
He smirked, pulling me even closer, his fingers brushing a loose strand of hair behind my ear.
"Aur kya karun, jaan?" he whispered, his voice low and intoxicating.
"Jab meri duniya khud itni khoobsurat ho… toh lafz toh dil se hi nikalte hain."
He leaned in, eyes locked with mine, “Main romantic nahi hoon, jaan... bas aapse bepanah mohabbat karta hoon… aur jab aap saamne hoti ho, toh har jazba lafz ban jaata hai.”
He kissed my forehead gently.
"Ye pyaar hai jaan... ismein logic nahi, sirf aap ho."
After sometime
He opened the car door for me like always, his hand resting at the small of my back protectively as I stepped in. Just then, I noticed several black SUVs pulling up behind us, identical, sleek, and intimidating.
I turned to him, narrowing my eyes a little. “Rudra… yeh sab?” I asked, suspicion lacing my voice.
He smirked, shut the door gently, and walked over to the driver’s side. Sliding in beside me, he glanced at the rearview mirror where the SUVs stood like an army.
“These men,” he said, voice firm yet calm, “will accompany you to your work... and everywhere you go from now on.”
I blinked. “Rudra…”
He looked at me, his tone not up for debate. “Aur haan—don’t even try to deny it. Aapki safety meri zimmedari hai. Aap meri ho, jaan... and I won’t take any chances.”
I sighed, half in disbelief, half in helpless admiration. “But this much security?”
He leaned closer, eyes darkening just a little. “aapko yaad dilana padega kya? Aap meri weakness bhi ho... aur meri strength bhi. Agar duniya meri jaan ko aankh uthake dekhegi, toh us aankhon ko main hamesha ke liye bandh kar dunga.”
My heart skipped a beat. Damn this man.
“Fine,” I muttered, crossing my arms.
He smirked, “Good girl.”
Time skip
Rudra POV
After dropping jaan at her workplace, my hands were on the steering wheel…
but my mind? It was far from still. Her words echoed in my head—“I saw them again…”
That single sentence set fire to every cell in my body, I sat in my chair, facing the city skyline.
But all I could see were four faces—the same four bastards who once dared to touch what’s mine.
A knock broke my thoughts.
Vipul entered, holding a thick file in his hand.
“Boss… the information you asked,” he said, placing it in front of me.
I took the file and flipped it open.
There they were.
Four photos. Four names. Four dead men walking.
“Are they being treated well in the basement?” I asked with a slow smirk, not even looking up.
Vipul didn’t flinch. “Yes, sir. Just the way you like it.”
I shut the file and stood up. “Good.”
I walked to the window, hands in my pocket. “Make sure they don’t die too early. I want them to feel every second of what she felt. And more.”
Vipul nodded with a cold expression. “Understood.”
I turned back to him.
“Prepare the room. I want to pay them a visit tonight.”
His brows twitched. “Alone?”
I simply smiled.
“Let hell have a taste of Rudra Singh Rajput."