chapter 50
Tara stood in front of the mirror wearing a fitted bodycon dress, hugging her curves perfectly. Her hair was open, slightly wavy, lips tinted pink, looking way too confident… way too pretty… way too—
“fuck…” the word slipped in his head before he could stop it.
He quickly zoomed out, then in again.Why was she sending him this?! Another message popped.
“Is this decent enough, Mr. Fashion Consultant?”
His throat went dry,The AC was blasting cold air, yet suddenly he felt hot.Very hot.
He loosened his tie slightly.
A drop of sweat rolled down his temple.
One of the board members looked at him weirdly. “Mr. Vipul… are you alright? Why are you sweating in an air-conditioned room?”
Vipul immediately locked his phone and straightened up. “No… I’m… I’m fine.”
His voice cracked. Rudra slowly turned his head and gave him a suspicious look.
“Fine?” Rudra said dryly. “You look like you ran a marathon.”
“I’m perfectly fine, boss,” Vipul replied stiffly.His mind kept replaying the picture.
That dress.
“Control yourself,” he scolded himself. “She’s just trouble. Walking disaster. Headache. Problem. I feel like heartattack "
His phone vibrated again.
Another message.
“Reply fast. Do I look good or not??”
He squeezed his eyes shut.
Why was his heart beating like this?
Taking a deep breath, he typed quickly under the table.
“Change it.”
Three seconds later—
“WHY?? It looks nice !!!”
He glanced at the photo again and gulped.
“That’s exactly the problem…” he muttered.
After sending it, he locked the phone and forced himself to look at the presentation screen.
But for the next thirty minutes…
He didn’t hear a single word of the meeting.
Because all he could think about was one stupid girl in a bodycon dress.
Ishni’s POV
The conference room was filled with low murmurs, files shuffling, and the constant clicking of pens. Everyone was busy discussing the upcoming case. Slides changed on the screen while I explained a few legal points, trying to sound professional and focused.
“Alright, so if we submit the documents before Monday, we—”
I suddenly felt eyes on me.
One of my colleagues, Neha, tilted her head. “Mrs. Rajput… are you alright?”
“Hm?” I looked at her.
She pointed toward her own neck. “Your neck is kinda red.”
Red?
I quickly grabbed my compact mirror from my bag and opened it.
The moment I saw my reflection my eyes widened a very clear , Very dark.Hickey.
Right. On. My. Neck.
My brain went blank for two seconds.
Rudra.
RUDRA.
Last night flashed in my headhis stupid smirk, his “just one more kiss jaan,” and his dramatic obsession with my neck.
I clenched my jaw internally.
I swear… I’ll kill that man.
“Uhmm… it’s just a mosquito bite,” I said casually, closing the mirror like nothing happened.
The whole table went silent, someone coughed. Then Neha smirked.
“Very handsome mosquito, huh?”
Another colleague laughed. “Yeah… looks like it loves only your neck.”
Heat rushed to my cheeks.
I cleared my throat. “Can we please focus on the case?”
But they weren’t done.
“Ma’am,” one girl grinned, “please give us that mosquito’s contact number. Even we want this kind of bite.”
The whole room burst into laughter.
I wanted the floor to open and swallow me.
Rudra Singh Rajput… just wait till I reach home. I imagined strangling him with his own tie.
“Meeting over,” I said quickly, gathering my files. “We’ll continue later.”
I almost ran out of the room.
While walking down the corridor, I covered my neck with my hair and muttered under my breath “Bas ghar aane de aapko… mosquito bana ke hi chhodungi.”
I stormed back to my cabin, still fuming.
Cheeks still burning from embarrassment.
Colleagues still laughing in my head.
“Handsome mosquito…”
“Looks romantic…”
Ughhh.
I threw my file on the table and dropped into my chair dramatically.
“Rudra Singh Rajput… aaj toh gaye aap,” I muttered.
Just then video call from my so called patidev
My eye twitched. Okay so now he have, THE AUDACITY.
I picked it up immediately.
The screen showed him leaning back in his chair, sleeves folded, glasses on, looking calm… handsome irritatingly hot.
“Jaan—” he smiled softly.
“Kya jaan jaan huh?!” I snapped.
He blinked. “Huh?"
“I told you NOT to do this!”
“Do what?” he frowned. “Why are you boiling like this? Abha kya kiya maine?”
Without a word, I flipped my hair and showed my neck.There was silence two seconds.Then—
“Ohhh… that,” he said casually.
THAT?!
“That?! Bas that?!” I almost screamed.
He rubbed his neck sheepishly. “I was… lost last night, jaan…”
He said it so innocently like some kid who stole chocolate.
I glared. “Lost? LOST? Office mein sab mujhe dekh ke has rahe the!”
He tried not to smile.
“Don’t you dare smile!” I warned.
He bit his lip but still smirked. “Toh kya karu… you smell nice… I couldn’t control…”
“RUDRA!”
“Okay okay sorry sorry,” he raised both hands dramatically. “Next time I’ll put it somewhere hidden.”
My brain froze.
“…NEXT TIME?!”
He grinned. “Scientific planning, jaan.”
I grabbed a pen and threw it at the screen like he could feel it.
He leaned closer to the camera, voice softening.
“But cute lag rahi ho gusse mein.”
“Shut up.”
“Show me properly,” he teased. “Let me see my artwork.”
“Artwork?!” I gasped. “Main painting canvas hu kya?!”
He chuckled.
Then his tone changed, softer, warmer.
“Still… sorry. Didn’t mean to embarrass you.”
Then he whispered,
“Waise… tonight I’ll make it up to you.”
My heart skipped.
“Don’t you dare,” I warned, but my voice came out weak.
He smirked knowingly. “We’ll see, Mrs. Rajput.”
Call ended.
I stared at my phone.
Author POV
Vipul drove toward the mansion with one hand on the steering wheel and the other checking the time every two minutes. He already knew this girl would somehow make him late again. The moment he parked the car, he stepped out and shut the door with a thud.
“Tara!! Come fast! I won’t wait for long. It’s already five, you’ll be late!” he shouted, irritation clear in his voice.
He adjusted his watch, sighing impatiently. Why am I even doing this job… driver bana diya mujhe boss ne…
Just then—
Tok… tok… tok…
The sharp sound of heels echoed through the driveway. Vipul frowned and turned.
And then—
He froze.
For a whole three seconds.
There she was.
Open hair falling over her shoulders, bold makeup, glossy lips, and that black bodycon dress hugging her like it was stitched on her skin. She looked nothing less than dangerous. Like trouble wrapped in confidence.
His brain short-circuited.
Wait… didn’t I tell her not to wear that dress? His jaw clenched.
This woman…
She walked toward him like it was a runway, totally unbothered by the storm brewing inside his head.
“Chalo!” she said casually, swinging her bag.
Vipul was still staring at her like his brain had stopped functioning. The black bodycon dress fit her way too perfectly, her open hair dancing slightly with the evening breeze, heels clicking confidently against the floor. She looked way too bold… way too noticeable… and way too distracting.
He cleared his throat and looked away quickly, pretending to check his watch.
“I thought you won’t wear this,” he said stiffly, trying to sound normal.
She blinked innocently. “Wdym huh? Didn’t you say it’s good?”
Vipul’s eye twitched.
“Are you—” he stopped mid-sentence, running a hand through his hair in frustration. “Leave it.”
Because if he continued, he knew he’d either shout… or say something stupid.
She noticed his reaction and smirked.
Oh. So he did care.Interesting.
She took a slow step closer. “Kya hua, Mr. Serious? Ab problem kya hai?”
“No problem,” he muttered.
“Then why are you not looking at me?”
“I am looking.”
“You’re literally staring at the wall.”
He clenched his jaw. “Bas… late ho raha hai. Chalo.”
She chuckled softly at how flustered he looked. For someone so cold and strict all the time, he was surprisingly easy to tease.
“Okay okay, chill,” she said dramatically. “Itna gussa health ke liye acha nahi hota.”
He didn’t reply.
He just opened the car door and gestured for her to sit.
Both walked toward the car, but Vipul stayed half a step ahead like he was escorting a criminal instead of a girl.
Meanwhile Tara followed behind, smiling to herself.
Because for the first time Mr. Cold Vipul looked completely, adorably disturbed.
The car engine hummed softly as Vipul drove through the evening traffic, both of them unusually quiet for once.
The streetlights had started turning on, their golden glow passing over their faces every few seconds.
Tara leaned back in her seat, playing with the end of her hair, while Vipul kept his eyes fixed straight on the road, hands tight on the steering wheel.
After a moment, he spoke.
“And when will your so-called freshers end?” he asked casually, though his tone still carried that usual strictness.
“I’m not sure… maybe around ten,” she replied, looking out the window.
“Hm.”
That was all he said.
But his mind wasn’t calm at all.
Ten? That’s late. Too late. College events, random boys, crowds… stupid dress… stupid girl…
He clicked his tongue softly.
She noticed.
“Why are you asking?” she turned toward him, squinting suspiciously. “Do you care?”
He almost choked.
“What? No.”
She raised a brow. “Then?”
“I don’t care,” he said quickly. “It’s just… boss and ma’am trust me. I don’t want to break that trust. That’s it.”
His voice was firm. Professional. Cold.
But Tara kept staring at him.
She smiled softly and teased, “Ohhh… toh sirf responsibility?”
“Yes.”
“Bilkul bhi tension nahi hai mere liye?”
“Bilkul nahi.”
“Zara sa bhi?”
“Not even one percent.”
She leaned closer with a grin. “Pakka?”
He tightened his grip on the steering wheel. “Miss Tara, sit properly. Don’t distract the driver.”
She giggled and leaned back again.
“Liar,” she whispered under her breath.
“What?”
“Kuch nahi, Mr. Cold.”
Vipul didn’t reply.
But the slight redness in his ears gave him away completely.
By the time they reached the college, the sky had already turned orange and purple. The evening air carried excitement, laughter, loud music, and groups of students dressed up for Freshers’ Day. The entire campus looked alive.
Vipul parked the car near the gate while students kept passing by, some staring, some whispering.
Tara opened the door and stepped out, smoothing her dress. The soft lights made her look even prettier than before.
Vipul got out too, automatically scanning the surroundings like always, eyes sharp, protective without even realizing it.
She adjusted her bag and gave him a small smile. “Okay… I’ll leave.”
She turned to go.
“Wait!!” he suddenly called out.
She stopped and looked back, confused.
Before she could ask anything, he quickly removed his blazer. For a second she just stared.
“Yeh kya—”
“It’ll get cold,” he cut her off, voice calm but firm. “Wear it.”
He handed it to her.
She blinked.
“Vipul… it’s not even that cold.”
“its cold And…” he looked away awkwardly, “crowd zyada hai.”
Meaning: too many people staring.
But he didn’t say that. “Just wear it,” he muttered. She slowly took it from his hands.
It was warm.And it smelled like him.
For some reason, her heart skipped.
“And call me once it’s done,” he added. “I’ll come pick you.”
She teased lightly, “Aap wait karoge mere liye?”
“No. I’ll just come because it’s my duty,” he said instantly.
“Liar,” she smiled.
He glared. “Go inside, Tara. Late ho raha hai.” She giggled and wore the blazer anyway. It looked oversized on her, sleeves covering half her hands.
She took two steps… then turned back.For a second, their eyes met. “Thank you… Mr. Cold,” she said softly.
Vipul didn’t reply.He just watched until she disappeared into the crowd. Only then did he sit back in the car, sighing.
“Yeh ladki… meri jaan leke hi maanegi…” he muttered to himself, starting the engine.
It was already late at night. The mansion, which was usually filled with chatter and movement, felt unusually quiet. Only the soft ticking of the clock and the faint sound of the TV in the background broke the silence.
Ishni sat on the couch, scrolling through her phone absentmindedly, but her eyes kept drifting toward the main door every few seconds.
Rudra walked in from the kitchen with two cups of coffee and handed one to her.
“Tara abhi tak nahi aayi?” he asked, sitting beside her.
“I don’t know… she told she’ll be late today. Freshers day tha na,” Ishni replied, taking a sip.
Rudra frowned slightly. “Kitna late?”
“Maybe ten… or something.”
He checked the wall clock.
It was almost 08:45.
His jaw tightened a little.
“Itna late?”
Ishni noticed his expression and smiled lightly.
“Relax. Vipul will be there na. He’ll drop her safely.
”
At Vipul’s name, Rudra scoffed softly.
“Haan… woh toh hai. Usse zyada responsible maine kisi ko nahi dekha.”
“Exactly,” she said confidently.
“If Tara is with Vipul, mujhe bilkul tension nahi hoti.”
Rudra casually sipped his coffee like nothing in the world could bother him.But the way she kept glaring at him? Yeah. Something was definitely wrong.
He glanced at her from the corner of his eye.
“Aur haan,” she suddenly said, shifting away from him, “stay away from me. I’m not talking with you.”
Rudra almost choked on his coffee. “Excuse me? Maine kya kiya hai?”
She shot him a look.
“Don’t act innocent, okay? Because of you I was so embarrassed in office! Thousand times I told you not to leave hickeys near my neck. Par nahi… aap toh aap ho!!”
Rudra blinked.
Oh.
That.
He tried very hard not to smile.
“Ishni—”
“No! Don’t Ishni me!” she snapped, pointing a finger at him. “Whole meeting,people were staring! One colleague even said ‘very handsome mosquito’! Do you know how embarrassing that was?!”
For two seconds, Rudra stayed quiet.
Then—
He laughed.
“Rudra!” she smacked his arm. “It’s not funny!”
“It kinda is,” he said, still chuckling. “Mosquito, huh?”
“Shut up!”
He moved closer, but she immediately scooted away. “Don’t come near me.”
“Jaan—”
“NO.”
“Baby—”
“NO.”
“Wifey—”
She covered her ears dramatically. “La la la la I can’t hear you!”
Rudra sighed like the most tortured husband alive and suddenly grabbed her wrist gently, pulling her toward him.
Before she could protest, she landed straight in his lap.
“Rudra!!”
He wrapped his arms around her waist, trapping her easily. “Itna gussa health ke liye acha nahi hota.”
“Leave me!”
“Nahi.”
“Rudra!”
He buried his face in her neck again, inhaling softly. “What to do… my wife is too pretty. Control nahi hota.”
Her cheeks flushed instantly.
“That’s not my problem!”
“It is,” he whispered near her ear. “Because you’re mine.”
She tried to stay angry… really tried.
But this stupid man and his stupid voice.
“Hate you,” she muttered weakly.
He smiled against her skin. “Love you too, jaan.”
College
The college campus looked completely different tonight.
Colorful lights were hanging everywhere, music blasting from the speakers, seniors dancing like crazy, juniors taking selfies, laughter echoing through every corner. The Freshers’ Day vibe was loud, chaotic, and full of energy.
Tara stood with her group of friends near the lawn, laughing so hard her stomach hurt. Vipul’s oversized blazer still hung around her shoulders, sleeves covering half her hands. It looked way too big for her but weirdly comforting.
“Yaar music kitna loud hai!” one of her friends shouted.
“I knoww!” Tara laughed.
Just then, someone’s shadow fell in front of her. She turned.
A tall guy stood there curly hair falling on his forehead, cute smile, soft brown eyes, and that effortless charming look.
Basically… the type girls instantly notice.
“Hey… tum Tara ho na?” he asked politely.
She blinked. “Yes… aur tum?”
“Main Raj. Same course. Orientation mein dekha tha tumhe,” he said, scratching the back of his neck shyly.
“Ohh,” she nodded. “Hi.”
Her friends immediately started giggling behind her like background aunties.
Raj smiled. “Actually… I was thinking… tum akeli khadi thi toh thought I should come say hi. Freshers mein friends banana zaroori hota hai na.”
Tara smiled back. “Haan, true.”
From a distance, a few boys whispered, clearly staring at her. The blazer sleeves slipped a little as she adjusted them.
Raj noticed. “Nice blazer, by the way. Boyfriend ka hai kya?”
She froze for a second.
Boyfriend?
Her mind instantly flashed— Cold face. Stern voice. “Sit properly, don’t distract the driver.” “Wear it.” “Call me once it’s done.”
Vipul.
She quickly shook her head. “N-no! Aisa kuch nahi.”
Raj grinned. “Good. Toh dance karein?”
She hesitated.
Dance?
She looked down at the blazer again.
For some weird reason… it felt wrong.
Like someone would glare at her if she did.
And she could literally imagine Vipul’s dead serious face saying— ‘Miss Tara, behave.’
She almost laughed.
“Maybe later,” she said politely. “Friends ke saath hoon abhi.”
“Cool. I’ll catch you later then,” Raj winked and walked away.
Her friends immediately attacked her.
“Ohoooo Taraaa!”
“Cute hai yaar!”
“New crush??”
“Shut uppp!” she groaned, hiding her smile.
But deep inside—
She didn’t know why…Raj was cute.
But someone else’s annoyed, angry, cold face kept popping in her head instead.
And that confused her way more.
The party was slowly coming to an end.
The loud music had turned softer, fairy lights flickered around the lawn, and most students were either tired, sitting in groups, or busy taking last-minute selfies to post online with captions like “Freshers Night ” and “Best day everrr”.
Tara stood near the juice counter with her friends, laughing at some random joke, when someone called her name.
“Hey, Tara!”
She turned.
Raj.Still smiling. Still annoyingly charming.
“Haan?” she said.
He walked closer, hands in his pockets. “Party almost khatam ho rahi hai… ek picture toh le lo saath mein. Yaad ke liye.”
Her fingers automatically tightened around the sleeves of Vipul’s blazer wrapped around her.
Call me once it’s done. His voice echoed in her head.
Why am I even thinking about that khadoos? she scolded herself.
“Okay,” she finally said, giving a small smile.
Raj grinned widely. “Nice! Come.”
They stood side by side. Raj lifted his phone. “Smile?”
She smiled politely. Click.
“Arre one funny pose also,” he laughed.
She rolled her eyes but played along.
Click.
As they were taking pictures, a few people nearby whispered—
“They look good together.”
“Cute couple vibes.”
“Freshers romance already started.”
Tara immediately stepped a little away.
“Thanks,” she said quickly. “Send kar dena.”
“Sure,” Raj smiled. “Waise… drop kaise jaogi? It’s late.”
“Someone’s coming,” she replied.
“Boyfriend?”
She almost snapped. “NO!” Raj raised both hands. “Okay okay, chill.” She looked away, embarrassed.
Why did everyone keep assuming that?
And why did her heart react weirdly every time? She checked the time.
10:07 PM.
Her stomach flipped. Shit.
She quickly took out her phone.
One missed call.
Vipul.
Tara walked out of the college gate with a soft smile still lingering on her face, her phone in hand as she looked at the pictures Raj had just sent.
The night air was cool, filled with the fading noise of music and chatter as students slowly left the campus.
Everything felt light and fun.
Her eyes searched for the car.
And then she saw him.
Vipul was standing near the car.
But he wasn’t alone.
A woman stood beside him — tall, well-dressed, laughing freely.