Chapter Thirty Nine.
In the glow of the living room, Kunal was deep in conversation with Ira’s father and brother.
He looked devastatingly handsome in a charcoal-grey suit, his hair styled with a precision that matched his silhouette.
He was laughing at something her father said, looking every bit the perfect, composed gentleman.
Then, his gaze drifted.
The moment he saw Ira, the smile didn't just fade..it vanished.
Kunal stood up so abruptly, his body snapping to attention as if he’d been struck by lightning. The sudden movement drew Ira’s father and Raghav’s attention instantly, their eyes following Kunal’s frozen stare toward the staircase.
As Ira reached the final step, Ritika followed close behind, wearing a grin so wide.
"What the hell! Ira?!" Raghav’s eyes were nearly bulging out of his head. "Is that actually you?"
"Oh, stop being so dramatic, Raghav." her mother chimed in, though she shot her son a warning glare to keep his mouth shut.
"Ira?"
She turned to her father, offering a shy, radiant smile. She walked toward him, feeling the unfamiliar sway of her hips in the body-con fabric.
"You look beautiful, Beta.." he said softly, his eyes filled with a mix of pride and fatherly concern. "But... are you truly comfortable like that?"
Ira giggled lightly but slightly nervous. "I'm fine, Papa. I promise."
He smiled, leaning down to press a tender kiss to her forehead. "Take care of her."
Ira finally turned to Kunal. He was standing like a statue.
He was looking... down? He seemed to be intensely focused on the floor, his chest heaving under his suit.
"Kunal, you two be careful tonight, alright?" her father said.
Kunal snapped his head up, nodding frantically. "Yes. Of course, Sir. Absolutely."
His gaze finally collided with Ira’s. He swallowed hard, his Adam's apple bobbing.
When he finally spoke, his voice was an octave deeper, vibrating with a raw edge he tried to mask with a cough.
"We... we should go. Let’s go."
Ira frowned slightly. Is he okay? He’s acting so strange.
Kunal extended his hand, his fingers trembling almost imperceptibly. Ira slid her hand into his, and the moment their skin touched, she felt a jolt of heat radiate from him.
He led her toward the door with a sudden, hurried urgency.
Behind them, Ritika leaned toward Ira's mom, whispering with a worried look.
"He looks terrified. Did I go too far with the dress?"
"I knew it!" Raghav snapped, turning his glare toward Ritika. "You’re the one who pushed her into this. Ira would never choose to dress like that on her own!"
Ritika didn’t skip a beat, rolling her eyes with elegance.
"Oh, shut it, Raghav! She’s twenty-five years old, an adult. She’s not revealing anything..she’s finally showing up as the woman she is. Besides, it's just for tonight."
Raghav sneered, but his mother stepped in with a weary sigh.
"Do the two of you still enjoy hating each other this much?"
"Oh, Aunty, let’s not ruin the mood with talk of him.." Ritika said, her tone instantly turning sweet. "Instead, how about some more of those Gulab Jamuns? I deserve a treat for turning your daughter into a literal goddess, right? I even make Kunal speechless."
Ira’s mother chuckled, shaking her head.
"Come, dear." As they headed toward the kitchen, Ritika glanced over her shoulder, sticking her tongue out at Raghav before punctuating it with a discreet middle finger.
Raghav let out a huff of indignation, especially when he heard his father chuckle behind him.
"It’s not funny, Papa..."
~??~
Meanwhile...
Kunal held the door open for Ira, his movements stiff. Once she was safely inside, he walked around to the driver's side but stopped.
He stood by the hood for a moment, head bowed, taking a deep, shuddering breath as if he were trying to stabilize his very soul before getting in.
The silence inside the car was thick, broken only by the sound of Ira’s breathing. Kunal reached for the ignition, his hand hovering over the start button, but he didn't push it.
He just stared straight ahead through the windshield.
Ira watched him, her heart sinking. He looked more than nervous..he looked like he was in pain. Tentatively, she reached out and placed her hand over his on the steering wheel.
The moment her skin touched his, Kunal shivered so violently that Ira flinched. She could feel the tremors racing through his arm, a raw vibration.
"Kunal? What is wrong with you?" Ira asked, her voice small and laced with a sudden sadness. She looked down at her lap, her fingers twisting nervously.
"Why are you trembling like this? You won't even look at me... Do I look that bad? Did I make a mistake wearing this?"
Kunal’s head snapped toward her then. His gaze was dark, heavy with a heat she had never seen before...a look that was almost predatory, yet desperately restrained.
He let out a ragged breath and hissed a single word under his breath.
"Fuck."
"Ira... fuck!" Kunal’s voice was a ragged whisper. He finally turned his head, his gaze sweeping over her with a raw intensity that made her breath hitch.
"I’m so sorry. It’s just... you look beautiful. No, scratch that..you look so breathtakingly attractive in that dress that I’m actually struggling. I feel... jealous and a bit Insecure."
Ira’s mouth parted in a small ‘o’ of surprise, her eyes wide as she took in his disheveled composure.
"W... what? Kunal, if it’s making you feel that way, maybe I should go back and change into–"
"No.." he said firmly, cutting her off as he reached out to capture her hand. His grip was warm and possessive.
"You look incredible, Ira. It’s just... I’ve never seen this side of you before. Seeing you like this, I suddenly have this irrational fear that every man in that room is going to try to take you from me." He let out a self-deprecating breath.
"I’m sorry. It’s my possessive side coming out. I can handle it. I promise."
She looked into his eyes, her lips curling into a soft, teasing smile. "You don't have to feel that way, silly. You know I’m yours."
"I know.." Kunal said, but his expression remained serious as he leaned closer, his voice dropping. "But please... stay by my side all night. Don’t answer any man who calls for your attention, and please do not accept a drink unless it comes directly from my hand."
Ira felt a shiver of excitement at his protective tone. She nodded, her heart racing.
"I promise."
Kunal stared at her for a beat longer, his eyes dark.
"You’re beautiful." he muttered. The blush Ira had been holding back finally flooded her cheeks, turning them a deep, radiant pink.
"Alright, let’s go." she giggled, trying to hide her face.
Kunal didn't pull away immediately. Instead, he leaned in, his lips brushing against her cheek in a slow, lingering kiss that made her toes curl in her heels.
He grinned when he saw how much he had flustered her, then reached across her to pull her seatbelt into place..his arm brushing purposefully against her as he clicked it in.
He finally straightened up, started the engine, and the car driving them away.
~??~
A sedan drive through the night. In the backseat, Devraj sat as rigid as a statue, his silhouette against the dark leather.
The only light in the cabin came from the cold, blue glow of his phone, illuminating a face that looked more like a death mask than a man's.
His amber eyes were fixed on the screen, burning with an intensity.
It was the photo Ritika had just posted..Ira, looking radiant and untouchable in that body-con dress.
The caption underneath felt like a knife twisted in his gut... “New look! Going out with my Man!”
The silence in the car was suddenly shattered by a sickening crack. Devraj’s grip had tightened until the screen of his phone spiderwebbed under his thumb.
He shoved the device away, his fingers clawing into his own hair as he struggled for air.
"I’ve been miserable, Ira." he rasped, "A month of agony. A month of living in the dark while you smile for him. Did you even think about me for once!"
"I will have you, Ira.." he whispered, a promise and a threat entwined. "I will tear down every wall, I will burn every bridge, and I will destroy anyone who stands between us."
Suddenly, "Drive faster!" he growled. The command was more of a roar than a shout.
The driver flinched, his hands tightening on the wheel as he caught a glimpse of Devraj’s face in the rearview mirror.
He didn't ask questions, he slammed his foot onto the accelerator, the engine roaring in response as they sped toward the event.
Devraj threw his head back against the headrest and closed his eyes.
In the darkness of his mind, he could still smell the jasmine on her stolen dupatta. He was coming for her, and he wasn't planning on leaving without her this time.
??
Ira’s breath hitched as the car pulled up to the venue.
The event was set outdoors, thousands of fairy lights that dripped from the trees like liquid diamonds.
The air was filled with the scent of expensive perfume, the entire garden transformed into a shimmering, ethereal dreamscape.
"Wow... it’s so beautiful." Ira whispered, her eyes dancing with the reflection of the lights.
Kunal leaned closer, a low smirk playing on his lips.
"Not even close to being as beautiful as you." he murmured. He caught her eye and gave a wink.
Kunal stepped out, circling the car. He opened her door, offering his hand to help her navigate the gravel in her killer heels.
As she emerged, the paparazzi caught sight of her, and a barrage of white-hot flashes erupted from the sidelines.
Kunal reacted instantly, sliding an arm around her and shielding her face with his shoulder.
"Still haven't gotten used to the spotlight, have you?" he teased gently.
Ira let out a shaky sigh. "Can't they just report on business without all this unnecessary noise?"
"In this world, Ira, you are the story." Kunal replied softly. He slid his hand down to her waist, pulling her flush against his side in a firm, protective grip.
"Don't worry. I’ve got you."
~??~
Few Minutes later, Devraj’s car came to a stop, the driver rushed to the door as if his life depended on it and opened it.
Devraj stepped out.
The paparazzi went into a frenzy, but the blinding strobe of flashes didn't make him so much as blink.
He stood there, his suit tailored to perfection, his amber eyes scanning the place.
"It’s actually good to see you in the light for once, Devraj." Advik said, stepping out of his own car with a wide smile.
Devraj didn't even turn his head. His jaw was a hard line, his muscles coiled. He looked less like a guest.
Advik caught up to him, nudging his shoulder. "Come on, Raj. Drop the god of war expression. We’ve got the daughters of half the billionaires in the country here tonight. You might actually find someone who catches your eye."
Devraj finally looked at him, his gaze so cold it made Advik’s smile falter.
"I’m only here for her" Devraj rasped.
He didn't wait for a response. He turned and stalked toward the crowd, his stride long and powerful, the limp of the past month completely erased.
Advik stood frozen for a second, his brow furrowing in confusion.
"Huh? Her? Who is her?" He looked at Devraj’s retreating back, an uneasy feeling settling in his gut, and hurried to catch up.
Devraj had barely crossed the threshold into the place when a figure moved to him.
Mr. Prateek.. He was the one who always host gala for rich folks in India, the purpose for this was for Charity. It always happens once in every year and it's mandatory.
"Mr. Devraj Singh Rathore. What a surprise to see you gracing us with your presence tonight." Mr. Prateek said, stepping forward with a smile.
He extended his hand, his eyes curious, searching for any sign of the weakness the rumors had whispered about for the past month.
Devraj met the handshake with a grip that was cold and absolute.
He didn't offer a smile, he simply gave a curt, imperious nod that acknowledged the man's existence without welcoming it.
"Hello, Advik.. pleasure to see you again. " Mr. Prateek added, turning to shake Advik’s hand with a bit more warmth.
"Isn’t it just lovely to see Mr. Prateek again?" Alia's voice interrupted.
The three men turned as Alia glided toward them. Advik barely suppressed a visible roll of his eyes, while Devraj’s expression remained indifference.
His gaze didn't even linger on her.
"Oh, how lovely to see you, Alia." Mr. Prateek said, his tone shifting to one of appreciative flattery. "And I must say, you look absolutely stunning in that gown. A vision in blue."
Alia beamed, tucking a lock of hair behind her ear. She was draped in a deep sapphire satin gown that clung to her frame, featuring a daring slit that climbed high up her thigh and an entirely open back that left nothing to the imagination.
Her hair was swept elegantly to one side, showcasing the diamonds at her neck. She was, by all societal standards, the most beautiful woman in the room.
"Oh, I'm flattered, Mr. Prateek.." she purred, her eyes flicking toward Devraj, desperate to see if her transformation had earned even a flicker of his attention.
She angled her body toward Devraj, tilting her head to give him a smile.
"Well, enjoy the evening, gentlemen and you sweet Alia. " Mr. Prateek said. He gave a polite nod and walked away.
"Hey, Raj... you actually came." Alia said, her voice dropping into a sultry purr. She reached out as if to touch his arm, but Devraj was already gone mentally.
His head was moving in a slow, restless sweep, his amber eyes searching every face, every corner, every shadow in the massive hall.
And then, he found her.
There she was, standing with Kunal, both of them locked in a lighthearted conversation with a young associate.
Ira.
She was breathtaking. The Instagram photo hadn't prepared him for the reality...the way the fabric of that dress clung to her hips, the way her red lips parted in a genuine, carefree smile, and the way the overhead lights caught the copper fire in her hair.
He felt an aching need to reach out and touch her.
His Ira. After an eternity of isolation, she was finally back in his line of sight.
"Ira..." he whispered.
His body reacted before his brain could even process the move.
A month of grueling gym sessions, the pain, the sweat, it all culminated in this moment.
He began to stride forward, the limp of the past forgotten.
A ghost of a smile almost touched his lips at the sight of her... His Ira..until he saw Kunal’s hand resting possessively on her waist.
The smile died. His jaw locked with a sound like grinding stone.
"Raj?" Alia called out. She watched the direction of his predatory march and saw Ira.
In an instant, she realized she wasn't just being ignored, she was being erased.
She clenched her teeth so hard her jaw ached, her eyes burning with a sudden, venomous jealousy.
"If I don't do something this bitch will make Devraj slip of me. Not Tonight." She thought.
???