Chapter-24

Author's POV,

Pihu stood in her room, adorned in the resplendent red lehenga that accentuated her natural beauty. The weight of the ornate jewelry and the subtle grace of her makeup combined to create an enchanting sight. Yet, innocence still lingered in her eyes, clashing with the maelstrom of emotions that churned beneath the surface. A maid who had been assisting her couldn't help but offer her genuine compliment, "Ma'am, you're looking absolutely beautiful." Pihu responded with a fleeting smile, her countenance a mix of conflicting feelings.

A wave of determination swept over her, and she turned to the maid, her voice quivering only slightly, "Can you please call Mr. Rathore?" Pihu's request was laden with unspoken hopes and desires, a last-minute plea to see her family before stepping into her ominous fate. The maid nodded, leaving to convey Pihu's message to the guard stationed outside. With a sense of urgency, the guard informed Rudra about Pihu's wish.

Entering the room, Rudra's gaze fell upon her, and for a moment, the world seemed to still. The intensity of his feelings surged within him as he beheld the breathtaking sight before him. Her radiant beauty held him captive, the intricate details of her attire enhancing her grace. His gaze lingered on her, admiration and a trace of something deeper gleaming in his eyes.

Pihu's eyes met his, and in that fleeting moment, an unspoken connection crackled between them. He saw the fear that danced within her, mingling with something more complex. Rudra's lips curled into a reassuring smile as he motioned for the maids to depart, leaving them alone in the room. As the door closed behind them, he took deliberate steps toward her, his expression a blend of confidence and intrigue.

With every step Rudra took, Pihu felt her heart race in tandem with the rhythm of his approach. Her breaths became shallower, her chest rising and falling with each nervous inhale. The atmosphere crackled with an electric tension, a magnetic pull that seemed to draw them inexorably closer. She stumbled backward, her movements instinctive as she collided softly with the wall, a physical barrier to the whirlwind of emotions coursing through her.

Rudra's eyes bore into hers, his gaze holding a mixture of intensity and something else—something that made her pulse quicken even more. He stood before her, close enough that she could feel the heat radiating from his body, and yet there was a distance between them that was far more profound.

A slow, enigmatic smile tugged at the corners of Rudra's lips, a faint hint of amusement dancing in his eyes. "My, my, Pearl," he purred, his voice a velvet caress that sent shivers down her spine. "You truly are a vision, more captivating than I could have ever imagined." His words were laced with a hint of flattery, a subtle acknowledgment of the ethereal beauty that Pihu exuded.

As his gaze travelled over her, Pihu felt a flush creeping up her cheeks, a mixture of self-consciousness and a strange sense of being seen in a way she hadn't experienced before. The heavy jewellery adorning her only seemed to accentuate her vulnerability, and she found herself at a loss for words.

"You know," Rudra continued, his tone dripping with an underlying possessiveness that sent a thrill down her spine, "this dress, these jewels—they all pale in comparison to the radiance you carry within." His words held an intimacy that bypassed the ornate trappings and delved into the heart of the matter.

Pihu's heart pounded in her chest, her confusion and fear intertwining with an inexplicable attraction she couldn't ignore. Her lips parted slightly, as if she wanted to respond, to vocalize the maelstrom of emotions swirling within her, but the words remained elusive.

The charged air in the room seemed to thicken as Rudra closed the gap between them, his every movement deliberate and magnetic. Pihu's breath hitched as his presence enveloped her, and her heart raced like a captive bird against her ribcage. It was as though the world had faded away, leaving only the two of them in this suspended moment.

Rudra's fingers brushed a stray strand of hair away from Pihu's face, his touch igniting a cascade of sensations that sent shivers down her spine. His thumb traced a gentle path along her jawline, his eyes never leaving hers. The intensity of his gaze held her captive, rendering her momentarily speechless.

As the space between them diminished, Pihu's instincts screamed for her to retreat, to break free from the spell that Rudra seemed to be weaving around her. But her body felt rooted to the spot, and the vulnerability that had been lurking beneath the surface now surged forth, a tidal wave of emotions she struggled to comprehend.

Rudra's lips curved into a soft, almost tender smile, his eyes conveying a mix of desire and curiosity. "Pearl," he murmured, his voice a velvet whisper that sent a shiver down her spine.

Her heart pounded like a drum in her chest, its rhythm echoing the thunderous clash of emotions within her. Rudra's hand moved to cup her cheek, his thumb brushing gently against her skin. The pull between them was palpable, a force that drew them closer with each heartbeat.

And then, almost unconsciously, Rudra leaned in, his lips mere inches from hers. The world around them seemed to blur as Pihu's thoughts spiraled into chaos. A mixture of fear and an unfamiliar yearning warred within her, making her heart race even faster. Her breath caught in her throat as the anticipation of that forbidden touch hung in the air like a suspended note in a song.

Just as their lips were about to touch, a sharp knock on the door shattered the fragile bubble they had been suspended in. The sound reverberated through the room, jolting them both back to reality. Rudra's gaze flicked towards the door, his lips freezing in mid-motion. His eyes widened as he met Pihu's frightened gaze, a storm of emotions crashing in his own eyes—desire, conflict, and an unsettling guilt.

Guilt washed over him like a tidal wave as he saw the fear etched on Pihu's face. His promise to himself resurfaced, a vow he had made in the depths of his possessive desires—to never touch her without her genuine consent, even if he had coerced her into marriage. The realization that he had almost crossed a boundary he had sworn to uphold gnawed at him, churning the guilt in his stomach.

The voice of Veer carried through the door, a reminder of the outside world that had momentarily faded away. "Rudra, Everything is ready. Priest is calling you." Veer's words were a lifeline, a distraction from the turmoil of emotions that had just transpired within the room.

Rudra's gaze remained fixed on Pihu, his lips still hovering in that suspended space between them. His heart pounded, torn between his desires and his newfound sense of morality. He took a step back, his expression a mixture of regret and frustration, both directed at himself.

His voice strained, Rudra acknowledged Veer's call. "I'll be there," he replied, his eyes reluctantly leaving Pihu's as he retreated from the precipice of an impulsive decision.

With a turn towards Pihu, he posed a question, a fragile bridge between the charged moment that had passed and the stark reality that still lingered. "What do you want to talk?" he inquired, his voice a mixture of curiosity and guardedness.

Pihu's throat tightened, her vulnerability heightened by Rudra's intense gaze. The moment had shifted, the charged atmosphere dissolving as Veer's voice cut through it. She watched as Rudra withdrew, the almost-kiss they had teetered on the edge of now fading into a memory.

As he addressed Veer, Pihu's heart still raced, her thoughts a whirlwind of confusion and apprehension. She realized that she needed to gather her courage and speak up before it was too late. She turned her attention back to Rudra, her voice trembling only slightly as she responded to his question, "I want to meet my family before the marriage."

Rudra's gaze softened as he regarded her, and for a moment, Pihu felt a flicker of hope that he might consider her request. But she quickly realized that his expression held a conflict of its own. As he agreed, "Okay, you can meet your family for the last time," Pihu's heart sank, sensing that there was more to his words than met the eye.

Her brows furrowed, and she couldn't help but ask, "What do you mean by 'the last time'?" Her voice quivered with a mixture of fear and urgency. The notion that this meeting might be her final interaction with her family before her life changed forever filled her with a sense of dread.

Rudra's gaze didn't waver, his eyes holding a cold determination as he spoke, his voice laced with an icy edge that cut through the room like a blade. "Pearl, it's time you come to terms with the reality you're in." His words were deliberate, resonating with a calculated cruelty that pierced the air. "You and your family may have managed to slip from my grasp once, to defy the destiny I've chosen. But I won't allow that defiance to happen again."

Her heartbeat pounded in her ears, the room growing colder with every passing second. The weight of his words settled on her chest, threatening to suffocate her. "What are you trying to tell me?" Her voice trembled, a mixture of fear and desperation overtaking her as she struggled to comprehend the gravity of his intentions.

A chilling smile curled Rudra's lips, his gaze holding a sinister glint. "I'm saying actions have consequences, Pearl," he responded, each word dripping with a chilling certainty. "Your family's attempt to change the course I've set will not go unanswered."

Her eyes widened, shock and disbelief mingling in her expression. "This can't be true," she whispered, her voice barely audible, unable to fully grasp the reality he was revealing.

"Oh, but it is," Rudra's voice remained steady, unwavering. "Believe me, Pearl, I am dead serious. I'm not a man who takes defiance lightly. You are mine, and anyone who threatens that ownership will face the repercussions."

Pihu's heart raced, her breaths coming in shallow gasps as the reality of her captivity became all too apparent. She had hoped for a glimmer of understanding, a shred of compassion from him, but all she found was a ruthless determination to assert his dominance.

Rudra's words lingered in the air, a chilling reminder of the darkness that loomed over her and her family. As he turned to leave, Pihu was left alone with the weight of his intentions, her hopes of escape crushed beneath the weight of his possessive and vengeful desires.

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Pihu stepped into the room, her heart heavy with a mixture of anticipation and trepidation. The sight of her family, gathered together in the midst of their own emotions, brought a surge of bittersweet comfort. Her mom and Shivani sat side by side on the bed, tear-stained faces reflecting the worry and helplessness they felt. Aakash and Aniket, her twin brothers, were huddled on the couch, their expressions a blend of concern and frustration. Her father occupied another seat, his solitude mirroring the weight of his own thoughts.

As Pihu entered, their eyes turned toward her like a collective sigh of relief, a mixture of emotions swirling within their gaze. Her bridal lehenga, once a symbol of joy, now seemed like a heavy cloak of destiny they had not anticipated. Her parents' faces held a mixture of grief and disbelief, realizing their daughter was trapped in a situation they couldn't have foreseen, a situation where she was claimed by a possessive force they didn't fully comprehend.

They moved as one, drawn to her like moths to a flame, seeking the reassurance that she was physically unharmed. Her mother's embrace was fierce yet gentle, a maternal shelter from the storm that raged outside.

"Are you alright, beta?" her mother's voice trembled as she spoke, her arms holding Pihu as if she never wanted to let go. "Did he hurt you? I'm so sorry I couldn't protect you."

Pihu's throat tightened as she gazed into her mother's tear-filled eyes. The overwhelming flood of emotions threatened to break her resolve, but she fought to keep her composure. "Mom, I'm fine," she whispered, her voice carrying a mix of truth and determination. "Don't blame yourself. None of this is your fault."

Pihu held her mother just as tightly, feeling the warmth of her embrace and the weight of her apology. She shook her head, her voice gentle yet firm, "No, Mom, I'm safe. Please don't blame yourself. None of this is your fault."

Her father's hand found hers, his touch a gentle reminder of his presence. He stepped forward, his eyes filled with a mixture of regret and sorrow. "Sorry, beta," he murmured, his voice heavy with self-blame. "I wish I could be the hero you deserve, but I couldn't protect you from this."

Pihu's heart ached as she looked at her father's haggard expression. She knew the weight he carried, the burden of his inability to shield her from the harsh realities of their situation. She shook her head, squeezing his hand reassuringly. "Dad, you've always been my hero," she said softly. "And I know you did everything you can."

Aakash and Aniket exchanged a glance, their expressions a mixture of concern and brotherly love. They moved closer, flanking Pihu with their presence. "We're here for you, didi," Aakash's voice held a touch of vulnerability that was rare for him. "We'll figure out a way to get you out of this mess, Didi."

Aniket nodded in agreement, his gaze steady and determined. "Yeah, Didi. You're not alone in this."

Shivani, who had been observing the scene with a heavy heart, stepped forward. Her voice was resolute, carrying the weight of a promise. "And I'm here to fight for you, no matter what it takes."

Amidst the embrace of her family and the reassuring presence of Shivani, Pihu felt a wellspring of courage building within her. She drew a deep breath, steadying her nerves as she knew the time had come to share the grim truth that lay ahead.

Gently disentangling herself from her mother's arms, Pihu looked into each of their eyes, her own reflecting a mix of determination and love. "There's something I need to tell you," she began, her voice quivering but resolute. "Rudra has agreed to let me meet you all, but he made it clear that this would be the last time."

Her family's expressions shifted from concern to a combination of confusion and alarm. "The last time? What do you mean, beta?" her father's voice was a mixture of worry and urgency, his protective instincts flaring up once again.

Pihu's mother's eyes welled up with fresh tears, her voice choked with emotion. "What kind of punishment, Pihu? What is he planning?"

Pihu's voice wavered as she recounted the cold and ruthless truth. "He believes that our actions have consequences, and he won't tolerate any defiance. So, he won't let us meet again, ever. He wants to show his power, to remind us that he can control our lives, and that we're at his mercy." Her words carried the weight of resignation, the sense of helplessness that came from being trapped in a web spun by someone so relentless and possessive.

Her twin brothers exchanged a look of anger and frustration, their expressions mirroring their shared determination to protect their sister. "He can't keep us apart forever," Aakash's voice held a simmering fire, his fists clenched at his sides. "We'll find a way to fight back."

Aniket nodded, his jaw set in determination. "Yeah, Didi. We won't let him break us."

Shivani's grip on Pihu's arm tightened, her voice carrying a blend of empathy and fierce resolve. "Pihu, we'll find a way out of this together. You're not alone in this fight."

Pihu's eyes glistened with tears, her heart swelling with gratitude for her family and friend. She looked at each of them, her voice filled with emotion. "I know you all care deeply for me, but I can't bear to see you suffer because of me. Rudra's wants on me, and I won't let him hurt any of you. So, from now on, I'll face him alone."

Turning to Shivani, Pihu's expression grew somber, regret pooling in her eyes. "And Shivani, I need to apologize to you. I'm sorry for involving you and uncle in this mess. I never wanted any of this for you, and I'll forever be grateful for your unwavering support."

Shivani's gaze softened, her voice warm with understanding and loyalty. "Pihu, you don't need to apologize. I made the choice to stand by you, and I'll stand by it no matter what comes our way."

Pihu nodded, her gaze shifting between her loved ones. "I need you all to promise me something," she said, her voice firm yet gentle. "Take care of yourselves, look out for each other, and stay strong."

Tears streamed down her mother's face, but she nodded, her grip on Pihu's hand unwavering. "We promise, beta."

Pihu smiled through her tears, her heart filled with a mixture of love and determination. As she looked at her family and friend, she felt a renewed sense of purpose. No matter the challenges that lay ahead, they were united, and together they would find a way to overcome the darkness that threatened to consume them.

As the weight of their emotions hung in the air, a knock resounded through the room. The door swung open, revealing Veer standing there, his presence a stark reminder of the impending ceremony. His gaze moved from one concerned face to another, sensing the tension that enveloped the room.

"Sorry to interrupt," Veer's voice was gentle, his eyes meeting Pihu's for a moment before he continued. "But the priest is calling for the ceremony. It's time to proceed to the mandap."

A heavy silence settled over the room as the reality of the moment sank in. Pihu's heart raced, her breath catching in her throat. The mixture of emotions she felt—fear, desperation, and an unwavering determination to protect her family—was almost suffocating.

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To be continued....................