Chapter-25

Author's POV,

Pihu glanced at her family, her mother's tear-stained face, her father furrowed face, her brothers' resolute expressions, and Shivani's unwavering support. They were her pillars of strength, her motivation to face the daunting path that lay ahead. With a deep breath, she nodded to Veer, signaling her readiness to proceed.

As she stepped out of the room, her footsteps resonated with both determination and heaviness. Veer led her towards the mandap, each step intensifying the whirlwind of emotions swirling within her. Memories of a life she held dear, the freedom she once relished, and the battles she was about to wage, all converged into a storm of thoughts within her heart. A spark of defiance burned brightly within her, an indomitable flame that refused to be extinguished—an emblem of her unyielding struggle for freedom and the love that fueled her fight.

Unbeknownst to her, guards had escorted her family to the mandap as well. As they emerged into the open garden, the sight that met their eyes was both breathtaking and heart-wrenching. The mandap stood as a symbol of union, but also a stark reminder of the circumstances that had brought them to this juncture. Pihu's gaze drifted to the center, where Rudra sat in all his imposing glory, engaged in the rituals with an air of control.

Her feet faltered for a fleeting moment, a surge of instinct urging her to flee. Yet, Rudra's icy gaze locked onto her, his eyes flashing with an unsettling mix of possessiveness and something far more sinister. Veer, sensing the impending turmoil, gently urged her forward.

With a heart heavy with reluctance, Pihu moved towards the mandap, her eyes clouded with a blur of emotions. The priest's voice resonated, reciting ancient chants and mantras, but in her mind, it was a distant hum. As the rituals unfolded, she found herself transported to happier times—moments spent with her family and her friend, her dreams and aspirations. Everything felt like grains of sand slipping through her fingers, irretrievable.

In the midst of the ceremonial echoes, Pihu's mind replayed the symphony of laughter and love, her heart yearning for the life she was being torn away from. The mandap, adorned with opulence, seemed like a gilded cage, confining her dreams and desires.

As the ceremony continued, Pihu's gaze inadvertently locked onto her family and Shivani, who were now seated nearby. Their expressions bore a mixture of pain and determination, a reflection of the love and support that enveloped her.

As the ceremony continued, the priest presented the varmala, the exchange of floral garlands, to both Pihu and Rudra. Pihu's hands trembled slightly as she attempted to place the garland around Rudra's neck. His towering presence demanded a slight bend, a token of what was to come. After adorning him with the varmala, Rudra reciprocated, gently draping it around Pihu's neck.

Veer stepped forward to perform the gathbandhan, a significant ritual symbolizing the binding of the bride and groom in holy matrimony. Since Rudra didn't have a sister, he had Veer take on this role. Pihu watched as Veer expertly knotted the ends of her Chunar to Rudra's scarf on his shoulder, an act that felt like the tightening of the chains that bound her.

The moment of kanyadaan arrived, and Pihu's eyes welled up with tears as she saw her parents approaching, flanked by Rudra's guards. Their eyes mirrored her own, filled with anguish and helplessness. With heavy hearts and a sense of profound loss, they performed the ritual, placing Pihu's hands in Rudra's. Tears streamed down Pihu's face, her voice caught in her throat.

After some time, it was time for the Pheras, the ritual of taking seven vows and circumambulating the sacred fire. Lost in the memories of her life before Rudra, her dreams, and the freedom she had once known, Pihu didn't hear the priest's call. It was Rudra who noticed her distraction. He bent close to her ear and whispered, "Look towards your father."

Pihu followed his gaze, and her breath caught in her throat. A man stood behind her father, holding a gun pointed at him. Fear gripped her heart as Rudra tightened his grip on her hand, compelling her to stand for the Pheras.

As they circled the sacred fire, each step felt like a descent into an abyss of uncertainty. The priest's recitation of the sacred vows echoed in Pihu's ears, her voice quivering as she made promises she never wished to keep. She glanced at Rudra, whose eyes glinted with triumph. His firm hold on her hand served as a stark reminder that her choices were no longer her own.

After completing the Pheras, they took their seats, and the priest handed Rudra a silver coin with sindoor. He applied a generous amount to Pihu's hair parting, some accidentally falling on her nose. Pihu's eyes welled with tears, and a tear slid down her cheek, landing on Rudra's hand. She quickly lowered her head, determined not to reveal her emotions to him.

Then the priest presented Rudra with a mangalsutra to tie around Pihu's neck. Rudra proceeded to secure it at the nape of her neck, his rough hands brushing against her delicate skin. It sent shivers down her spine, and she couldn't suppress the involuntary shudder.

As Rudra tightened the mangalsutra, the priest's voice rang out, "The marriage is completed. Now you are husband and wife." Rudra's face bore a triumphant and satisfied expression, a conqueror claiming his prize, while Pihu's heart ached with the knowledge that her fate was sealed, and she was bound to a man she could never love.

The wedding rituals had been completed, and as Pihu glanced around, she noticed the guards escorting her family away from the ceremonial area. Panic surged within her, and she instinctively moved to go after them. But Rudra, his grip on her hand unyielding, prevented her from taking a single step.

With desperation in her voice, Pihu turned to Rudra, her eyes filled with worry and fear. "Where are you taking them?" she implored, her voice trembling with concern for her loved ones.

Rudra's response sent a wave of mixed emotions crashing over Pihu. The relief of knowing her family was not being taken to a more sinister fate was overshadowed by the realization that she might never see them again.

Desperation welled up in her as she pleaded with Rudra, her voice quivering with urgency. "Please," Pihu implored, her eyes searching his, "let me meet them one last time. I need to say goodbye, to make sure they're okay."

But Rudra remained resolute, his expression unyielding as he firmly denied her request. "I already told you," he stated coldly, "that meeting them before marriage was your last time. You can't see them from now on."

Rudra's cold and unyielding response echoed in Pihu's ears like a sentence of eternal separation. She fought against his grip, desperate to reach her family one last time. Her tears flowed uncontrollably as she watched her family disappear from her sight, their figures slowly fading into the distance.

Rudra, despite the turmoil in his heart, remained steadfast in his decision. He wanted to console her, to ease her pain, but the ruthless demeanor of a mafia king overruled the empathy of a man. He couldn't afford to show weakness, especially not after what had transpired.

As Pihu's sobs intensified, Rudra steeled himself against his own emotions. He couldn't afford to let his guard down, not now. He turned to Veer, his voice steady despite the turmoil within. "Is the jet ready, Veer?"

Veer nodded in confirmation. "Yes, it is. We can leave whenever you're ready."

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Rudra helped Pihu into the car, settling her in the backseat. As the car began to move, Pihu watched through tear-blurred eyes as her city gradually vanished from view. The landscape outside seemed to blur into an indistinguishable collage of colors, much like her own future that appeared bleak and uncertain. Her tears continued to flow, and soon, sobs escaped her quivering lips. She clutched onto her seat, her knuckles turning white, as if desperately trying to hold onto the remnants of her past life slipping away.

Seeing Pihu's distress, Rudra couldn't bear it any longer. He reached out and gently took her hand, guiding her to lean against his chest. She resisted initially, her hand on his shoulder, trying to put some distance between them. But Rudra wrapped his left arm around her waist, holding her firmly while he used his other hand to wipe away her tears.

Pihu's emotions were a whirlwind of disgust, fear, and anger at Rudra's touch. She finally spoke, her voice trembling with a mixture of emotions. "Let me go, Mr. Rathore."

Despite Pihu's resistance and her trembling voice, Rudra didn't release his hold on her. He continued to wipe away her tears gently, his touch surprisingly tender for a man of his reputation. His voice, when he finally spoke, held a hint of softness beneath its usual stern exterior.

"I can't do that, Pearl," he murmured, his warm breath brushing against her ear as he spoke. "I know this is hard for you, but I promise, I'll do everything in my power to keep you happy."

Pihu's emotions remained a turbulent storm inside her, she loathed his comforting touch. As she struggled and resisted, Rudra didn't release his hold on her. Instead, he continued to silently wipe away her tears. After some time, Pihu's sobs subsided into gentle hiccups. Her voice, still hoarse from crying, repeated her plea as she again struggled in his hold, "Let me go, Mr. Rathore."

When Rudra was certain that Pihu had regained some composure, he reluctantly released his hold on her waist and reached for a bottle of water from the front seat of the car. He handed it to Pihu, who took it with trembling hands and sipped a little to stop her hiccupping.

After a brief pause, Rudra spoke, his tone taking on a more serious note. "Now that we are married, we must make some changes," he declared.

Pihu's confusion swirled in her eyes as she met Rudra's gaze, a silent plea for clarity hidden within her questioning look. Rudra's unexpected tenderness in the midst of their turbulent situation left her torn between apprehension and curiosity. His request felt like a subtle yet significant change, something she needed to grapple with amidst the chaos of her emotions.

As Rudra reached out to touch her cheek, his thumb grazing gently against her skin, he iterated his demand with a mixture of dominance and softness that sent conflicting signals to Pihu's already muddled heart.

"Quit addressing me as Mr. Rathore," he urged, his voice holding a commanding undertone tempered by an unexpected gentleness. "Just call me by my name, Rudra."

Pihu's brows furrowed in bewilderment. The man who had coerced her into this marriage was now making an unusual request, asking her to address him by his first name. It was a perplexing demand, and Pihu struggled to grasp his intentions. However, in her vulnerable state, she chose not to argue. Instead, she simply nodded, acknowledging his request with a hesitant compliance.

As they reached the airport, the car came to a stop in front of a private jet. Rudra stepped out of the car and then extended his hand to assist Pihu as she disembarked. However, when Pihu stepped outside, a wave of dizziness washed over her, causing her to lose her balance. Rudra acted swiftly, catching her before she could stumble further. Concern etched across his face, he asked, "Are you alright?"

Pihu nodded weakly, her head still spinning from the sudden dizziness. She leaned on Rudra for support, her body feeling like it might give way at any moment. "I'm... I'm okay," she managed to reply, her voice trembling.

Rudra's concern didn't waver as he continued to support Pihu. He could see the unease in her eyes as she looked around at the formidable security presence that surrounded them—a testament to his influence and power.

Pihu couldn't help but feel overwhelmed by the sheer scale of it all. The dozens of guards, the two private jets, the impressive convoy of cars—it was a stark reminder of the world she had been thrust into, a world far removed from her own.

As Rudra spoke with Veer, his tone was firm and authoritative, giving orders that were swiftly carried out. Pihu watched this exchange, her initial defiance giving way to a sense of resignation. She was acutely aware that she was no longer in control of her destiny.

Once Rudra had everything in order, he turned his attention back to Pihu. "Let's go, Pearl." he said, leading her towards the private jet. However, Pihu's lehenga made it difficult for her to move gracefully, and she stumbled slightly. Rudra quickly reacted, scooping her up into his arms bridal style.

Pihu protested, her voice quivering as she started, "Put me down, Mr. Ratho..." But before she could complete her sentence, Rudra's gaze bore into her, and he spoke with a steely resolve. "First, I am not putting you down, and if you call me Mr. Rathore once again, then you will face the consequences, Pearl."

Pihu had no choice but to remain silent, nestled in Rudra's arms as he carried her toward the waiting private jet. The deafening roar of the engines drowned out her thoughts as they approached the sleek aircraft. A flight attendant stood at the entrance, ready to receive them.

As Rudra stepped onto the luxurious private jet, Pihu couldn't help but feel a sense of awe at the opulent interior. The cabin was a world away from the cramped commercial flights she had taken in the past. Plush leather seats cradled passengers in comfort, and exquisite artwork adorned the walls. Yet, despite the lavish surroundings, Pihu couldn't shake the feeling of being ensnared in a gilded cage.

Rudra, ever the composed and dominant figure, found a comfortable seat for Pihu and gently lowered her into it. Relief washed over her as she sank into the softness of the chair, her feet aching from the day's emotional turmoil. Rudra took the seat beside her, a constant reminder of the unexpected turn her life had taken.

As the private jet taxied down the runway, Pihu couldn't escape the sensation of entrapment. She cast furtive glances at Rudra, whose presence loomed over her like an unyielding shadow. The luxurious trappings of the jet seemed to underscore her captivity.

Rudra, seemingly unfazed by the circumstances, reclined in his seat with an air of confidence and control. His eyes met Pihu's from time to time, each glance laden with an unspoken dominance.

"You'll get used to this life, Pearl," Rudra's voice was a low, assertive murmur. "You're my wife now, and I'll ensure you have everything you need."

Pihu bristled at his words, her defiance bubbling to the surface. "I never asked for any of this," she retorted, her voice tinged with frustration. The tension between them was palpable, like a charged wire.

His dominance intensified, his words leaving no room for negotiation. "This is your new reality, and I expect you to embrace it."

Pihu's determination flared. She couldn't bear the thought of being reshaped into someone she wasn't. "I won't change who I am for you," she declared, her voice infused with unwavering determination. "And I will never accept you as my husband."

Rudra's gaze hardened, his dominance unwavering. "You're mine, Pearl," he stated firmly, his tone final. "And you have to accept it."

Rudra's anger simmered just beneath the surface as he left his seat, his strides purposeful as he moved away. The defiance in Pihu's words had triggered something in him, and he needed a moment to regain his composure. After a brief absence, he returned, his attire now changed from the ceremonial groom's attire to a more relaxed, yet undeniably commanding look. He wore a crisp white shirt, its sleeves rolled up to reveal strong forearms, and a pair of tailored black pants. Two buttons on his shirt were casually left undone, hinting at a casual dominance.

His demeanor had shifted; his voice, when he addressed Pihu, held a newfound calmness. "You should change your dress," he said, gesturing toward the bedroom with a subtle authority. "There's an outfit in there for you."

Pihu hesitated for a moment, caught off guard by the transformation in Rudra's presence. His earlier dominance still lingered, but there was an unexpected allure to his commanding yet composed aura. With a nod, she quietly made her way to the bedroom to change, leaving behind the tension-filled air of the cabin for a respite.

As Pihu made her way towards the bedroom, a sudden wave of dizziness washed over her, leaving her disoriented. The world seemed to spin, and darkness encroached at the edges of her vision. With a gasp, she stumbled forward, her legs giving way beneath her.

A heavy thud echoed through the cabin as Pihu collapsed onto the floor, unconscious. Rudra, who had been watching her closely, spun around at the sound. His eyes widened in alarm as he rushed to her side. Kneeling beside her, he gently cradled her head in his hands, his fingers brushing against her cheek.

"Pihu," he called out urgently, his voice tinged with concern. "Wake up."

He lightly tapped her cheeks in an attempt to rouse her, his typically stern demeanor replaced by worry. The private jet cabin, once filled with tension, was now dominated by a palpable sense of anxiety as Rudra tried to bring Pihu back to consciousness.

With a sense of urgency, Rudra scooped Pihu's unconscious form into his arms, cradling her gently as he rose from the cabin floor. He strode quickly towards the private bedroom of the jet, his steps steady despite the concern etched on his face.

Once inside the bedroom, he carefully laid Pihu down on the spacious bed, her still form a stark contrast against the luxurious surroundings. Rudra's typically dominant demeanor had softened considerably, replaced by a deep sense of worry.

He swiftly reached for his phone and dialed Veer's number. When Veer answered, Rudra's voice was filled with urgency. "Bring the doctor to my private cabin immediately," he ordered.

Veer, who was always prepared for such situations, responded promptly. "On my way, Rudra," he acknowledged before hanging up.

Rudra remained by Pihu's side, his eyes never leaving her unconscious form. He brushed a lock of hair away from her face with a gentleness that contradicted his usual demeanor. The tension in the private jet cabin had transformed into an atmosphere of concern and anticipation as he awaited the doctor's arrival.

Moments later, Veer arrived at Rudra's private cabin, accompanied by the doctor who often traveled with them. The doctor, a middle-aged man with a calm demeanor, quickly assessed Pihu's condition.

Rudra watched intently as the doctor examined her. The tension in the room was palpable, the silence broken only by the soft hum of the jet's engines. Pihu remained unconscious, her face pale against the pristine white sheets of the bed.

After a thorough examination, the doctor turned to Rudra with a concerned expression. "She's severely exhausted and dehydrated," he explained, his voice laced with worry. "It's apparent that she hasn't eaten properly today, and the immense stress and emotional strain she endured have taken a significant toll on her. Right now, what she needs most is rest and a substantial intake of fluids to rehydrate."

Rudra nodded, relief washing over him that it wasn't something more serious. He was acutely aware of how fragile Pihu seemed in this moment, and it was a stark reminder of her vulnerability.

The doctor began to administer some fluids intravenously, and he assured Rudra that Pihu would regain consciousness soon. Rudra continued to watch over her, his dominant aura momentarily subdued by his genuine concern for her well-being.

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