chapter 30
Rudra’s voice was soft but firm as his rough hands cupped her tear-stained cheeks, grounding her trembling body.
“Ishni… jaan, let’s go home. You need to rest.”
Her lips quivered, exhaustion sinking deeper than her bones. The cries, the blood, the flames, the terror—all of it was still echoing in her head. She blinked slowly, eyes flickering between the lifeless bodies on the floor and the steady warmth of her husband’s gaze.
Home.
That word felt like salvation.
She nodded weakly, almost childlike, and leaned into his touch. Rudra immediately pulled her into his chest, wrapping her in the shelter of his arms as if shielding her from the ghosts of the basement.
Phoenix padded closer, his massive form brushing against her legs, letting out a low protective rumble—refusing to be left behind.
Rudra exhaled, half-amused, half-annoyed. “Even now… you can’t give her a moment alone, huh?” he muttered at the beast, though his tone was less angry and more begrudgingly accepting.
Ishni gave a faint chuckle, muffled against his shirt, her fingers clutching the fabric tightly.
He pressed a lingering kiss on her forehead before lifting her effortlessly into his arms, not caring about the weight of the world outside. Phoenix silently followed, his glowing eyes fixed on them, like a shadow that vowed never to leave.
At the Mansion – Author’s POV
Ishni had changed into something comfortable—soft satin pajamas, her hair slightly damp from the shower, cascading over her shoulders. The scent of lavender clung to her skin as she padded down the grand staircase.
The mansion was unusually silent. No clinking of utensils from the kitchen, no hushed whispers of maids, no guards hovering in the shadows. Just… silence.
Her brows knitted in confusion. Where is everyone?
A soft thud of paws broke the stillness. She looked down, and there he was—Phoenix, the black jaguar, slinking towards her like living shadow. His golden eyes gleamed under the chandelier’s light.
She crouched, a small smile tugging at her lips as her fingers sank into his sleek fur.
“Where are others?” she asked playfully, as if expecting an answer.
Phoenix tilted his massive head, gave her a look that clearly said, ‘Do I look like your butler?’ Then, in dramatic fashion, he flicked his tail and glanced around the empty hall as if to say, ‘I don’t know. Don’t ask me.’
Ishni chuckled softly, her laughter echoing in the hollow mansion. “Of course, you wouldn’t know,” she whispered, pressing a kiss to his head.
A sudden clatter from the kitchen broke the thick silence. Ishni froze mid-step, her brows furrowing.
Who on earth is in the kitchen right now? The staff is gone…
Then it hit her like a truck. Her eyes widened in pure horror.
“Wait… Rudra is in the kitchen… cooking?”
She slowly turned her head to look at Phoenix. The majestic jaguar blinked back at her with an expression that screamed, ‘Are we… going to survive today or should I call animal rescue?’
That did it—she burst into laughter, covering her mouth to stifle the sound. The sound of spoons clanking continued, accompanied by what sounded suspiciously like a muffled curse word.
“Come on, let’s see what your dad is up to,” she whispered, patting Phoenix on his broad head. He let out a low chuff, almost like a sigh, and padded beside her obediently, tail flicking with amusement—or was it concern for his taste buds?
The sight that greeted Ishni almost made her laugh out loud.
Rudra—The Rudra Singh Rajput—the man who made the entire underworld tremble, stood in the kitchen looking like a warrior who had lost a battle with…
spices. The counter was a disaster. Flour sprinkled like snow, vegetables scattered like a crime scene, and a frying pan hissed threateningly.
“Rudra… why are you cooking? Where are the staff?” Ishni asked, walking toward him, her tone a mix of shock and amusement.
He turned sharply, glaring—not at her, but at Phoenix, who sat like royalty near the doorway, flicking his tail lazily.
“Really, jaan? You’re asking me? Why don’t you ask your little baby?” Rudra said, voice dripping with sarcasm.
Ishni blinked, confused, and looked down at Phoenix. The majestic jaguar tilted his head innocently, his golden eyes wide, as if saying, ‘I have no idea what this human is accusing me of.’
“Rudra… tell me?” she asked, holding back a laugh.
Rudra dropped the spoon dramatically, pointing at Phoenix like a prosecutor exposing a criminal.
“Well, your baby… used to live in the old mansion near the forest. He never comes here, ONLY when I call him. But now…” Rudra narrowed his eyes, voice rising in mock frustration,
“…since YOU came here, madam, his highness decided to move in permanently. And now the staff left early because of… him!”
Phoenix blinked slowly, then looked at Rudra with a perfect ‘Excuse me, sir? How dare you accuse me of this crime?’ expression. If he could roll his eyes, he would. His tail swished, a silent insult to Rudra’s cooking skills.
“You can’t blame me if you have to cook! It’s not my fault,” his expression practically screamed.
Ishni burst out laughing, holding her stomach.
“Awww, my poor baby husband… let me help you,” Ishni said in a teasing tone, biting back her laughter as she looked at Rudra wrestling with the frying pan like it was a sworn enemy.
Rudra shot her a look that was part pride, part stubbornness, his jaw tightening in determination.
“It’s fine, jaan. I’m almost done. You just sit there and wait,” he said, voice laced with authority as if commanding an army instead of cooking dinner.
Ishni arched a brow, amused at how serious he looked—like this kitchen mess was a battlefield and he was the general about to claim victory.
“Okay, Mr. Chef Mafia… I’m watching you,” she muttered playfully, walking over to sit on the high stool near the counter.
Phoenix, like the loyal shadow he was, padded over gracefully and rested his massive head on Ishni’s lap. His golden eyes looked up at her with a soulful expression, and Ishni chuckled, running her fingers through his sleek black fur.
“What is it, baby? Hmm?” she whispered.
If Phoenix could talk, his expression said it all: ‘It’s not my fault… I just wanted to stay with you. I didn’t know it would cause World War Kitchen.’
Ishni laughed softly, leaning down to kiss the jaguar’s head.
“I know, baby… daddy’s just jealous.”
Phoenix flicked his tail and shot Rudra a side-eye glare, which only fueled the silent war brewing between the man and the beast. Rudra glanced at Phoenix like he wanted to challenge him for the title of Ishni’s favorite.
“Don’t look at me like that, you oversized cat,” Rudra grumbled under his breath, flipping something in the pan with unnecessary force.
Ishni smirked, enjoying the tension.
“Careful, Rudra… if you burn dinner, Phoenix and I might just order something instead.”
Rudra froze, turned his head slowly, and gave her that deadly mafia glare that made the underworld tremble—but to Ishni, it only screamed jealous husband mode activated.
After a while, Phoenix was finally settled with his food in the corner—his sleek tail lazily swishing as he kept a sharp eye on the two humans who had his entire world.
Rudra and Ishni sat across the elegant dining table, the warm light reflecting off the crystal chandelier above. Plates were set, the aroma of Rudra’s hard-earned cooking filling the air. Ishni picked up her fork, about to take a bite, when Rudra stopped her by gently holding her wrist.
“Rudra… I can eat,” she said with a small laugh, raising an eyebrow.
“I know you can,” Rudra replied smoothly, that familiar husky undertone curling around his words. He picked up a spoon, scooped some curry, and held it near her lips. “…But let me do it.”
His dark eyes held hers, and Ishni’s breath hitched for just a second before she smiled softly and leaned forward, taking the bite.
“Mmm… not bad, Mr. Mafia Chef,” she teased, licking her lips slowly just to see his reaction.
Rudra smirked—deadly, possessive, sinful—and without warning, he pulled her plate closer to him. “My turn.”
Ishni blinked in surprise, then laughed, picking up a piece of roti and dipping it in curry. She leaned forward, holding it to his lips, and Rudra didn’t break eye contact as he took the bite—slowly, deliberately, like it was something intimate.
And just like that, their quiet dinner turned into a silent game of feeding each other, every touch of fingers brushing adding a spark, every glance dripping with tension only they understood.
From the corner, Phoenix looked up mid-chew, his golden eyes narrowing as if saying:
‘What is this nonsense? Did you two forget I exist?’
Rudra noticed and smirked at the jaguar. “Don’t even think about coming between us this time.”
Phoenix flicked his tail, almost offended. Ishni laughed, reaching down to pat his head gently. “Don’t sulk, baby… you’re still my favorite.”
Rudra shot her a glare that could kill. “Excuse me?!”
“Seriously, jaan? How can you be so cruel!! It was me who cooked for you,” Rudra said with exaggerated drama, clutching his chest like a wounded hero.
Ishni rolled her eyes, biting back a laugh. “Rudra, come on… he’s just a small baby,” she said, reaching down to scratch Phoenix’s ear. The jaguar purred softly, enjoying every second of her attention.
Rudra’s lips curled into a dark, amused smirk. Small baby? If only she knew how this “baby” had ripped a man’s throat out with one swipe. He chuckled inwardly at the irony.
Leaning in slowly, Rudra’s warm breath fanned against Ishni’s ear, making her shiver involuntarily. His voice dropped to that sinful husky tone only she could bring out of him.
“Enjoy, Mrs. Rajput…” he whispered, his lips brushing the shell of her ear, “…but in bed, I’ll remind you exactly why I’m your husband.”
A flush crept up her cheeks, her breath catching for a second. She turned to look at him, those dark eyes burning with a promise that made her heart race.
Phoenix blinked at them, tail flicking as if saying:
‘Okay… this is getting weird. Should I leave or…?’
After dinner, Ishni was curled up on the couch, her soft voice floating as she spoke into the phone. Her hair fell in loose waves, and the glow of the chandelier made her look like a painting Rudra never wanted to stop staring at.
Phoenix was still lounging on the carpet, his golden eyes fixed on Ishni like an overprotective shadow.
“Phoenix… now go to your place and sleep!!” Rudra said in a firm tone, glaring at the jaguar who clearly had no intention of moving.
Phoenix blinked slowly, lifted his head, and stared at Rudra as if saying:
‘Excuse me? Did I hear that right? You’re asking me to leave HER? Not happening.’
Rudra clenched his jaw. “Don’t give me that look, you little brat,” he muttered under his breath. “Go. Sleep. NOW.”
Phoenix didn’t move an inch. Instead, he deliberately rested his massive head on Ishni’s lap, closing his eyes as if to say, ‘She’s mine now.’
Rudra’s nostrils flared. “You… disobedient furball!”
Hearing Rudra’s frustrated tone, Ishni ended her call and looked at both of them, trying not to laugh.
“What’s going on here?” she asked, arching a brow.
Rudra pointed at Phoenix like an annoyed dad. “Your baby REFUSES to leave! I’m trying to send him to his place, but no… he wants to stay glued to you.”
Ishni chuckled softly and ran her fingers through Phoenix’s sleek fur. “Aw, Rudra… he just wants to sleep near me tonight. Look at those innocent eyes.”
“Innocent?!” Rudra’s jaw dropped. “That demon once dragged a man into the woods and came back with half his shirt in his teeth!”
Phoenix opened one eye at Rudra, slow-blinking like a king who didn’t care.
Rudra leaned closer to Ishni, voice dropping dark and low, just for her.
“Fine. Let him stay for now. But later, jaan… when we’re in bed, I’m locking the door. And then…” His lips brushed her ear. “…you’re all mine.”
Ishni’s breath hitched, her cheeks warming as she whispered, “Rudra…”
Phoenix huffed loudly, like he understood, tail thumping the floor in protest.
“I’m going to the study room!!!” Rudra announced, his voice dripping with fake patience as he jabbed a finger at Phoenix. “And YOU—little brat—better be gone by the time I come back… OR I swear, I’ll send you back to the forest!!”
With that royal declaration, he stomped away like a king exiled from his own throne, slamming the study door shut behind him.
The silence that followed lasted all of two seconds.
Then—
Ishni burst out laughing, clutching her stomach. Phoenix, as if understanding the joke, let out a low chuff that sounded suspiciously like a chuckle. He flopped onto the floor dramatically, rolling onto his side and looking up at her as if saying, ‘Did you see his face? Priceless.’
Ishni wiped a tear from the corner of her eye, giggling uncontrollably. “Oh my God… Phoenix, you’re going to get us both killed!” she whispered, still laughing as she scratched under his chin.
Phoenix gave her a smug look that said, ‘Worth it.’
From inside the study room, a loud voice echoed through the door:
“I CAN HEAR YOU BOTH!!”
Ishni froze mid-laugh, hand over her mouth, eyes wide—then burst into even louder laughter. Phoenix joined in with another chuff, his tail smacking the floor like he was clapping for the performance.
“Rudraaa,” Ishni called teasingly, “don’t be jealous! You know you’re my favorite human!”
From the other side of the door came a low, dangerous growl of a voice:
“Just wait, Mrs. Rajput… You’re not sleeping peacefully tonight.”
Ishni’s breath hitched slightly at the dark promise in his tone. Phoenix, however, looked completely unbothered, yawning and resting his head back on her lap like the smug little king he was.
It was almost midnight. The mansion was draped in silence, except for the soft glow of the TV in the living room. Ishni and Phoenix sat glued to the screen, eyes wide as if the fate of the world depended on that show.
Rudra stepped out of the study, stretching his shoulders after hours of work. His sharp gaze immediately landed on the sight before him—his wife and his jaguar lounging together like two spoiled royals, utterly ignoring the existence of the man who owned this mansion.
He stared for a moment, disbelief curling his lips into a smirk.
“Seriously? THIS is what I trained him for? To sit with my wife and watch TV?” Rudra thought, his jaw clenching as Phoenix dared to rest his massive head comfortably on Ishni’s lap, purring like a content kitten.
The audacity.
He walked closer, his footsteps deliberately heavy, voice calm yet commanding:
“Jaan… it’s quite late. Come. It’s time to sleep.”
Ishni, still absorbed in the drama, barely glanced up. “Rudra, just five more minutes—”
His eyes narrowed dangerously. In two strides, he was standing in front of her, blocking the TV screen with his tall frame.
“If you don’t come right now,” his voice dropped low, laced with authority and something darker, “then I won’t allow you to have your ice cream for a whole month.”
The remote slipped from Ishni’s hand as her head snapped up, eyes wide in pure horror.
“WHAT?! Rudraaa… that’s not fair!” she whined, sitting up straight.
Behind her, Phoenix froze mid-yawn, eyes widening as if saying, ‘He just went nuclear.’
Rudra folded his arms, smug smirk playing on his lips.
“Oh, it’s fair, Mrs. Rajput. Now choose—ice cream… or your midnight soap operas with this oversized cat.”
Phoenix shot him a murderous glare, his tail swishing like a whip on the floor, practically screaming: ‘WHO ARE YOU CALLING A CAT, HUMAN?’
Ishni bit her lip, torn between her current guilty pleasure and her eternal love for desserts. She whispered dramatically, “Phoenix… forgive me,” and got up, clutching Rudra’s arm.
Phoenix’s jaw dropped—figuratively, of course—as if saying, ‘TRAITOR! How could you?!’
Rudra smirked in victory, leaning close to Ishni’s ear.
“Good girl. Now… let me show you how husbands handle disobedient wives.”
Her heartbeat stuttered. “Rudra…” she breathed, knowing that tone all too well.
Phoenix flopped back on the couch with a dramatic sigh, glaring at Rudra like a grumpy ex-boyfriend, while Rudra led Ishni upstairs—his grip firm, his intentions crystal clear.
The second the bedroom door shut with a soft click, Ishni turned to him, crossing her arms with mock annoyance.
“Rudra Singh Rajput… are you serious? You blackmailed me with ice cream?”
Rudra chuckled, stalking toward her like a predator savoring his prey.
“Blackmailed? No, jaan. I simply reminded you of your priorities…” He brushed a loose strand of hair behind her ear, his touch deliberate, voice dripping with dark amusement.
“…And clearly, I’m more tempting than sugar.”
Her breath hitched as his fingers traced down her jawline. “Oh really?” she teased, tilting her chin up.
“You’re so full of yourself, Mr. Rajput.”
He smirked, leaning so close his breath fanned against her lips.
“Full of you, sweetheart. Always.”
Before she could retort, his arms snaked around her waist, pulling her flush against his chest. Her heart thudded wildly as his husky whisper curled in her ear:
“Tell me, jaan … did you enjoy ignoring your husband for a… jaguar?”
She blinked, caught off guard by the sharp possessiveness in his tone. His grip tightened slightly.
“Answer me.”
Her lips curved in a teasing smile. “Well… Phoenix is cute, cuddly, and doesn’t threaten to ban my ice cream—”
She didn’t get to finish. Rudra’s mouth crashed onto hers, swallowing her laughter into a kiss that was anything but gentle. It was hungry, staking his claim, each movement screaming mine.
When he finally pulled back, his eyes were a storm.
“Cute? Cuddly?” he growled softly, lifting her effortlessly and tossing her onto the bed.
“Let me show you what dangerous feels like.”
Her pulse spiked as he hovered over her, his voice dropping to that sinful octave she could never resist:
“You wanted entertainment, Mrs. Rajput? Tonight, you’ll remember exactly who your husband is.”