chapter 45
Next morning, Ishni’s eyes fluttered open slowly. The first thing she saw was Rudra, sitting upright, gazing at her with that soft, almost protective look in his eyes.
“Morning, Jaan…” he whispered, his voice gentle, almost teasing.
Her eyes widened as she blinked a few times, the reality sinking in.
She was still curled up on his lap, his arms wrapped securely around her.
“Rudra…” she whispered, her cheeks turning slightly pink, a mix of embarrassment and warmth flooding her chest. She realized she had spent the entire night in his arms, safe and held, while he never once moved.
“Rudra… I’m so sorry, I—” she started, her voice trembling.
“Shh… Jaan, aap ka haaka hai,” he cut her off gently, pressing a soft kiss to her temple. (Shh… Jaan, it’s your right .)
He held her a little closer, letting her rest against him, his warmth and presence saying everything words couldn’t.
Two months
Ishni had recovered fully, her usual spark shining brighter than ever.
She stood in front of the mirror, adjusting her outfit, while Rudra leaned against the doorframe, arms crossed, eyes glued to her.
“Jaan… do you really have to go?” he asked, voice soft but teasing, a pout already forming on his lips.
Ishni turned with a sly smile, winking at him.
“Yes, husband… I’m a lawyer, and a lawyer is always on duty.
”
Rudra huffed, crossing his arms tighter and tilting his head.
“Hmph! Always on duty… except noticing your husband standing right here!”
Ishni giggled, walking over and looping her arms around his neck.
“Oh, I notice you… just… sometimes I have bigger cases to handle first,” she teased.
Rudra grinned, tugging her closer so their foreheads touched.
“Bigger cases, huh? I think my case should come first… every single day.”
She laughed softly, nuzzling him.
“Fine, fine… but I’ll make it quick, promise.
”
Rudra smirked, holding her a little tighter.
“Quick? With me? Jaan… you don’t know what you just signed up for. ”
Ishni tilted her head, a mischievous glint in her eyes.
“Now give me a kiss so I can go,” she said softly, pretending to be innocent.
Rudra’s smirk widened, his eyes darkening with that familiar dangerous edge.
“Ohh… well, I wasn’t planning on letting you leave without marking you first,” he said, his voice low and teasing.
Before she could react, he leaned in, brushing his lips against hers in a slow, deliberate kiss.
Ishni melted into him, her hands tangling in his hair as he deepened it just slightly, enough to make her heart race.
Pulling back just enough to look into her eyes, he whispered, “There… now you’re mine… even when you’re away.”
Ishni looked at him through the mirror and scoffed softly. “You clingy monster… I’m going to kill you someday,” she said, retouching her look, pretending to be annoyed.
Rudra walked up behind her and rested his chin on her shoulder, his arms slipping around her waist. “Someday?” he chuckled. “Take your time, jaan. Until then, I’ll keep annoying you… loving you… and protecting you.”
She tried to hide her smile, but it betrayed her. He kissed her cheek gently, eyes full of warmth. “Now go,” he said softly, “and come back to me safe. I’ll be waiting.”
Time skip
Everything had settled into a calm rhythm.
Ishni was driving back home from work, the late afternoon sun glinting off her car as she slowed near a bakery.
She parked, stepped out, and adjusted her blazer, only to find four guards stationed around her car.
She rolled her eyes, a mixture of amusement and mild irritation on her face.
“Stay inside the car. You don’t have to come in,” she said firmly, her tone icy enough to freeze any argument before it even started.
The guards hesitated, clearly wanting to protest, but her sharp, unwavering gaze shut them down instantly.
Ishni strode past them into the bakery, heels clicking confidently on the pavement.
Inside, the warm scent of fresh pastries wrapped around her, and she allowed herself a small, content smile.
“A chocolate cake, please,” she told the cashier, her voice softening.
As Ishni came out of the bakery with the cake in her hands and started walking toward the road, something sudden happened. Out of nowhere, someone pushed her hard. She lost her balance, and both of them fell onto the road together.
At the same moment, a bike passed extremely close to them, missing them by just inches. Ishni’s heart stopped for a second.
If that person hadn’t pushed Ishni at that exact moment, the bike would have hit her.
It would have been a terrible accident.
She lay there on the road, shocked, her breath uneven, realizing how close she had come to losing her life.
Suddenly her guards rushed toward her and helped her stand up.
“Ma’am, are you okay?” they asked in panic.
Ishni nodded, still shaken. Then her eyes moved to the person who had pushed her. A young, beautiful girl was lying on the road, her knees badly scraped and bleeding.
Ishni’s heart softened. She immediately went to her and held her gently.
“I’m so sorry… you got hurt because of me,” Ishni said with concern. “Come, I’ll take you to the hospital.”
With the help of the guards, they carefully helped the girl up and took her to the hospital.
After some time, the girl’s wounds were properly dressed. Ishni sat beside her, watching her quietly for a moment, then smiled softly.
“Thank you so much,” Ishni said with genuine warmth.
The girl looked at her and gave a small, shy smile.
“It’s okay, didi,” she replied.
“What’s your name?
” Ishni asked gently.
The girl smiled, a little proud.
“My name is Tara… basically, star,” she chuckled.
Ishni smiled back warmly. “You’re very sweet, Tara.
” As she looked at her, something tugged at her heart Tara’s smile reminded her of Preeti, her best friend, and for a moment, the memory made her chest ache.
“So, what do you do, Tara?” Ishni asked softly.
Tara’s smile faded a little. She lowered her eyes and spoke hesitantly.
“Well… I’m an orphanage girl. Actually, since I turned twenty, the people there were trying to marry me off to someone.
I didn’t want that… so I ran away.”
“I… I didn’t have anywhere to go,” Tara continued, her voice breaking.
“I wanted to study, didi. I really did. So I started doing a part-time job, thinking I could manage everything on my own… but the people there were not good.” She swallowed hard, forcing the words out.
“Every day felt unsafe. Every day I felt alone.”
Listening to her, something inside Ishni cracked. Her chest tightened, the ache spreading deep into her heart. She saw not just Tara, but a young girl who had been forced to grow up too soon, carrying fears no one should ever have to.
Without saying a word, Ishni pulled Tara into her arms and hugged her tightly.
Tara froze for a second, then broke down, clutching Ishni as if she was the only safe place left in the world.
Ishni closed her eyes, holding her close, silently promising herself that this girl would not be alone anymore.
“Tara… would you mind coming with me?” Ishni asked softly.
Tara looked at her in shock, unsure of what she had heard.
“I’m married,” Ishni continued gently. “My name is Ishni Rudra Singh Rajput. Since you don’t have anywhere to go, you can live with us.”
“Didi… no,” Tara said quickly, shaking her head. “I don’t want to be a burden on you and your family. I’ll manage somehow.”
Ishni raised an eyebrow and gave her a mock-stern look. “What is this, Tara? First you call me didi, and now you’re talking about being a burden?” she said, then smiled softly. “How about you think of it this way I’m just repaying the favor you did for me today. You saved me, remember?”
Her tone was light, but her eyes were warm and firm, leaving no room for refusal.
“So that’s final. You’re coming with me,” Ishni said with a wide, reassuring smile.
Tara tried to smile back, but a tear slipped from her eyes. Ishni noticed it immediately and gently wiped it away with her thumb. “No crying now,” she said softly. “You’re safe.”
Time skip
The car finally stopped in front of a huge mansion. Tara stepped out and froze on the spot, her eyes going wide.
Ishni smiled at her reaction. “Tara, this is my home,” she said casually.
Tara’s mouth fell open. She slowly turned in circles, staring at the massive gates, the long driveway, and the grand building. “Yeh… yeh aapka ghar hai?” she said in disbelief. “Aisa lag raha hai jaise poora gaon yahin reh sakta ho!”
Ishni chuckled at her expression. “Haan,” she said playfully, “bas main aur mere husband hi rehte hain.”
Tara looked at her, then back at the mansion, then again at Ishni. “Didi…” she whispered, completely stunned.
As they walked inside, the guards immediately straightened up and bowed their heads respectfully.
Tara noticed it and stopped mid-step. Her eyes widened, and she leaned closer to Ishni, whispering in shock, “Yeh… yeh kya ho raha hai?”
Ishni smiled softly at her reaction. “Kuch nahi,” she said lightly. “Bas thoda zyada respect karte hain.”
Tara looked from the guards to Ishni and back again, still stunned.
“Didi, aap sach mein… bahut badi ho,” she muttered, half in awe, half confused, clutching Ishni’s arm as they continued walking inside.
Ishni chuckled softly and waved it off.
“Arey nahi,” she said, a little shy. “Woh mere pati bhut dramatic hain na… isliye.”
Then she added with a small, proud smile, “Well, he is a good man.”
Tara looked at her with sparkling eyes, clearly impressed. “Good man?” she repeated, grinning. “Didi, itne guards, itna bada ghar… aur aap itni simple. Aapke pati toh pakka hero type honge.”
Ishni laughed, her cheeks warming. “Hero nahi,” she said gently, “bas mera Rudra.”
Finally they stepped inside the mansion, and Tara froze at the sight in front of her. The place looked unreal high ceilings, soft lights, everything so grand that it felt like a dream. Her eyes moved everywhere, mouth slightly open, completely stunned.
Before she could say anything, a few maids came forward respectfully. Ishni turned to them and said calmly, “Please arrange the guest room for Tara. Make her comfortable, and set everything according to whatever she likes.”
Tara looked at Ishni in shock. “Didi… yeh sab… mere liye?” she asked softly, her voice trembling.
Ishni smiled warmly and placed a hand on her shoulder. “Haan Tara. From today, you’re safe here.”
Tara suddenly hugged her tightly, as if she was scared to let go. “Thank you, didi…” she whispered, her voice breaking.
Ishni smiled and hugged her back just as tightly, gently patting her back. “Arey pagli,” she said softly, “pehle didi bolti ho, phir thank you bhi? Aisa thodi hota hai.” She pulled back slightly and looked at Tara with warmth in her eyes. “Isse apna hi ghar samajhna, samjhi?”
Tara nodded again and again, unable to stop her tears, but this time they weren’t of fear this time, they were of relief.
Tara’s room was neatly arranged. After freshening up, she and Ishni sat together for hours, talking about small things, laughing softly, and sometimes sitting in comfortable silence.
For the first time in a long while, Tara felt safe.
When she finally fell asleep, Ishni gently covered her with the blanket, brushed a strand of hair from her face, and quietly left the room.
Ishni came to her own room and started removing her jewellery, placing it carefully on the dresser. She glanced at the clock and frowned slightly. “Yeh Rudra abhi tak kyun nahi aaye?” she thought. After wiping off her makeup, she turned towards the bathroom to change.
Just then, a pair of arms wrapped around her from behind.
“Rudra…” she whispered softly.
“Hm,” he hummed, his voice low and tired.
“I missed you,” he murmured, burying his face in her hair, breathing her in like he had been holding his breath all day.
Ishni closed her eyes and leaned back into him, her hands slowly resting over his. “Itni der kaha the,” she said in a faint, almost complaining voice.
He smiled against her neck. “Kaam mein phas gaya tha, jaan. Par dimaag yahin tha… aapke paas.” He turned her slightly, his arms tightening around her waist. “aap theek ho na?”
She nodded, resting her forehead against his chest. “Ab hoon. Aap aa gaye na.”
Rudra kissed the top of her head gently, holding her as if the world outside didn’t exist.
“Achha chhodo, mujhe change karne jaana hai,” she said, trying to step away.
But he only pulled her closer, turning her fully towards him. His arms tightened around her waist as he buried his face in the crook of her neck.
“Mat jao,” he murmured, his voice soft and stubborn.
“Rudra…” she whispered, half-smiling. “Main bas change karke aaungi.”
Instead of answering properly, he rubbed his face against her chest like a sulking child, mumbling something unintelligible. She laughed softly, her fingers automatically sliding into his hair.
“aap bhi na…” she sighed, amused. “Aise chipak jaate ho jaise main kahin bhaag jaungi.”
He lifted his head just enough to look at her, eyes full of mischief and affection. “Kahin bhi jao,” he said quietly, pulling her forehead to his, “par laut ke yahin aana. Mere paas.”
She smiled, heart warm and heavy at the same time, resting her head against his shoulder while he continued to hold her, refusing to let go even for a moment.
After so many attempts, Rudra finally let go of Ishni.
She took a deep breath, trying to steady herself, and went to change.
After some time, she came out of the bathroom, feeling refreshed.
She saw Rudra sitting on the bed, silently scrolling through his phone.
The sight of him made her chest flutter.
A soft smile spread across her face as she walked toward him.
“Rudra…” she whispered, her voice gentle, almost hesitant.
He looked up, his eyes immediately softening when they met hers.
“Jaan…” he murmured, his voice low and warm, and for a moment, the entire world seemed to shrink to just the two of them.
She sat beside him, nudging him playfully.
“You’ve been sitting here for so long… thinking or brooding?
”
He let out a small, amused sigh, his fingers brushing hers.
“Thinking about how stubbornly beautiful you are, and how every time I see you, I realize I can’t live a single moment without you.
”
Ishni blushed, hiding her face slightly in his chest. He pulled her closer, resting his chin on her head.
“You know,” he whispered, “I could just hold you like this forever and never get tired of it.”
She tilted her head up, smiling softly.
“You’re hopelessly romantic, Mr. Rajput.
”
He grinned, pressing a gentle kiss to her forehead. “And hopelessly yours, Jaan.”
Ishni leaned closer, her fingers brushing the tiny hairs falling over his eyes, their gazes locking lost, burning, unspoken fire in each other’s eyes.
Then, without a warning, Rudra’s hand came up, gripping her neck with a possessive force.
His lips crashed onto hers, hard, claiming, devouring.
It wasn’t soft. It was desperate, raw, dark every ounce of rage, lust, and obsession he had for her spilling into that kiss.
“Fucking hell, Jaan… you think I’ll ever let you go?
” he growled against her lips, teeth grazing hers, pulling her impossibly close.
His other hand tangled in her hair, keeping her captive against him, his body pressing hers against the bed.
Ishni gasped, her own hands digging into his chest, matching the intensity, her body trembling under the storm of his touch.
His hands wrapped around her waist, pulling her fully onto his lap.
The kiss didn’t break; it only deepened, rough, claiming, possessive.
His body pressed into hers with a weight that made her knees weak, every inch of him demanding, taking.
Her hands tangled in his hair, fingers threading through the dark strands as she pulled him closer, matching the hunger in his touch.
Rudra’s lips left hers just enough to trail a hot, bruising path down her jaw, nipping softly before capturing her mouth again.
His hands traveled boldly across her body, memorizing every curve, every shiver his touch could provoke.
“I swear, Jaan… I’m not stopping,” he growled, his voice low and dangerous, vibrating against her ear.
“Then don’t stop…” she whispered, her voice trembling with need.
Rudra’s lips trailed down her neck, leaving hot, wet kisses that made her shiver uncontrollably.
His hands were firm on her waist, pulling her closer with a possessive grip, while slowly, deliberately, he began unbuttoning her shirt.