Chapter-27

Author's POV,

As the convoy of black cars glided through the ornate gates of Rudra's mansion, Pihu couldn't help but notice the heightened security measures that had been put in place since the last time she had been here. It was as though the entire estate was cocooned in an impenetrable shield of vigilance.

The mansion, bathed in the soft glow of strategically placed lights, stood as a beacon of opulence amidst the darkness of the night. It was an imposing structure, each intricately designed detail whispering stories of power and influence. The grandeur of it all overwhelmed Pihu, and she couldn't shake the feeling that she was being drawn deeper into a world she had never wanted to be a part of.

The cars came to a halt, and Rudra, ever the epitome of authority, stepped out first, his grip on Pihu's hand unwavering. They entered the mansion, and Pihu's eyes couldn't help but roam around, tracing the intricate details of the opulent decor. Every corner whispered tales of luxury and power, and it left her in awe and trepidation simultaneously. The maids, lined up and waiting as if they were statues, acknowledged their master's presence with a silent nod.

In a room enveloped by an air of unwavering authority, Rudra's voice rang out like a decree from a ruler of old. "Let me to introduce the lady of the mansion," he declared, each word dripping with a possessive fervor, "Pihu, my beloved wife."

As his words settled in the room, they carried a heavy weight, emphasizing the depth of his claim. Rudra's gaze, sharp and authoritative, swept across the assembled maids, and in his eyes, there burned an unmistakable possessiveness. It sent a subtle shiver through the room as he continued, "She holds the same respect here as I do. Any disrespect shown to her will be met with consequences you can't even fathom. Is that understood?"

The maids nodded in unison, their expressions a symphony of fear and deference. In this world governed by Rudra's unyielding authority, obedience was not a choice but a necessity. Standing beside him, Pihu felt an uneasy discomfort, the weight of all eyes in the room fixed upon her. She could keenly sense Rudra's dominion, not just through his voice but in the very air around them. The fear that shimmered in the eyes of those present in the living room was palpable, a testament to the power he wielded.

Rudra turned towards Pihu, his features softening into a light smile as he said, "Let me show you our room." He gently caught Pihu's hands, her trepidation palpable. As he guided her down the grand corridor towards their room, a wave of apprehension washed over her. The thought of sharing a room with Rudra filled her with both fear and uncertainty, and she couldn't help but wonder about the upcoming night as they moved forward together.

As they entered the room, Pihu couldn't help but feel overwhelmed by its atmosphere. The room seemed to embody the dark, enigmatic life of Rudra, exuding an aura of power, authority, and luxury that was both enticing and intimidating. She couldn't deny the opulence that surrounded her, from the richly adorned furniture to the subtle scent of expensive cologne that lingered in the air. Her direct thoughts raced, wondering what this night and her future would hold in this room, where shadows concealed as much as they revealed.

Before Rudra could say anything, his phone rang. Pihu's attention was instantly caught by the ringtone, and when she saw Rudra's sudden change in expression, from warmth to cold stoicism, her curiosity was piqued. Without uttering a word, Rudra swiftly moved away. On the other hand, Pihu couldn't help but feel a sense of relief wash over her as she watched him leave. It was a fleeting moment of respite, a pause in the intensity of the night, and she clung to it, her apprehension momentarily eased.

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Rudra entered his office in the mansion with purposeful strides, his aura commanding the room's attention. Veer was already waiting, standing by the large mahogany desk. On the polished surface of the desk sat a small, unassuming box.

Rudra's steely gaze locked onto the box as he spoke, his voice low and authoritative, "Have you figured out from where this box was sent?"

Veer nodded, his expression reflecting the seriousness of the situation. "Yes,Rudra. We traced the man, he is in our basement but he doesn't know anything. We check his background he is gambler and alcoholic, he said someone give him the club where he go. But we were unable to trace further."

Rudra's jaw clenched, and his hand instinctively reached for the box. With deliberate care, he opened it. Inside, there was a gruesome photograph of a young girl drenched in blood, with the lifeless head of the man beside her. He is one of the Rudra's trusted men, who is  spying in the Italian mafia. Rudra's eyes turned an intense shade of red, his face maintaining a stoic and unyielding demeanour, his jaw clenched tight.

As he continued to examine the contents, he found a recorder nestled within. He played the recording, and a voice filled the room, dripping with malevolence and a bone-chilling, sinister tone, "Hello, my dear Rudra. How's life treating you these days? I hope you liked the little wedding gift I sent your way."

The voice on the recorder continued dripped with malice and sadistic pleasure, "Do you remember something by seeing the photo? Ok let me remind you. You remember that innocent flower you once nurtured? The one whose petals I stained with blood right before your very eyes? She was such a fragile, delicate thing, just like your lovely wife, isn't she? I must say, I have plans for your dear, what you call her, ah, I remember Pearl. Plans for your dear Pearl that would make even the devil like you himself shudder. You see, I'll make her scream in agony when I will taste her, just as I did with your flower. I'll marry her right in front of your eyes, and then I'll snuff out your pitiful existence, leaving you to watch as she becomes nothing more than my obedient slave. Ah, the sweet symphony of your despair, Rudra. It will be music to my ears." The man laughed which was nothing short of psychotic, a chilling sound that can sent shivers down the spines of people. It was a laugh devoid of sanity, a glimpse into the twisted mind that lurked behind his menacing facade.

Hearing those words, Rudra's rage erupted like a violent storm. He hurled the recorder at the wall with a thunderous crash, shattering it into pieces. His normally composed demeanour shattered along with the device. His eyes blazed a furious crimson, veins pulsating beneath his skin, his jaw clenched so tightly it felt as if it might break. His chest heaved with heavy, laboured breaths, each one a testament to the seething anger that coursed through his veins.

Rudra, his eyes ablaze with fury, turned to Veer with an uncomposed demeanour. His voice was a low, dangerous growl as he spoke, "How in the hell did he find out about Pihu? I've taken every measure to ensure that no one in this world knows about her existence."

Veer, standing unwavering in the face of Rudra's wrath, replied with a firm and assertive tone, "I don't know, Rudra, but we will find out. There's a damn mole among us, leaking information. I'll get to the bottom of this, I promise." His words held an undertone of frustration and anger, mirroring Rudra's own emotions.

Rudra's anger smoldered beneath his composed exterior as he contemplated the betrayal. His mind raced with thoughts of retribution. He leaned in closer to Veer, his words a deadly whisper, "When we find this traitor, Veer, they will suffer a fate worse than death. I'll make sure of it."

Then, with a calculated intensity, Rudra continued, "And as for bastard in Italy, I want you to locate him precisely. The Italian Mafia can't protect him for long when I'm through. He's about to learn what it means to cross me."

A chilling silence filled the room as Rudra paused for a moment before uttering the name that carried a dark history of betrayal and bloodshed, "Yashvardhan Sinha, just wait for your end. You will beg for death, but I won't grant it. In the end, you'll be the one to seal your own fate."

The weight of that name hung in the air, carrying with it the dark history of betrayal, bloodshed, and a reckoning that had been a long time coming.

Veer nodded in understanding and left Rudra's study, the weight of their conversation heavy on both of them.

Alone in the dimly lit room, Rudra's gaze fell upon a picture frame on the shelf. It held a photograph of the innocent flower he had once nurtured, the one whose petals had been stained with blood because of him. His emotions flared, a storm of anger and grief threatening to engulf him.

In an attempt to drown his racing mind, Rudra reached for a bottle of alcohol. He poured himself a glass and downed it in one gulp. But it did little to ease the turmoil within him. One glass turned into two, then three, and finally, he emptied four bottles.

The thought of losing yet another person he cared about, especially Pihu, had set his entire being on edge. The mystery of how that bastard knew about Pihu's existence and the threat he posed weighed heavily on his mind.

As exhaustion finally overcame him, Rudra slumped in his chair, succumbing to a fitful sleep in his study, haunted by the spectres of his past and the uncertain future that lay ahead.

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The next morning, Pihu slowly opened her eyes, greeted by the unfamiliar surroundings of the grand room. As she tried to sit up, aches radiated from her neck and back, serving as a reminder of the uncomfortable night she had spent on the sofa. She glanced around the room, her initial panic subsiding when she realized that nothing untoward had occurred during her slumber.

Relief washed over her, but it was a fleeting sensation. Her thoughts began to drift back to the events of the previous day, emotions bubbling to the surface. Pihu knew she had to maintain control over her feelings, especially in this precarious situation. With a deep breath, she pushed her thoughts aside and swung her legs over the side of the sofa.

With determination to face the day ahead, Pihu gracefully rose from her impromptu bed, determined to take on whatever challenges awaited her. She made her way towards the bathroom, ready to refresh herself and prepare for the day.

After a soothing shower, she emerged from the bathroom, her skin tingling with the sensation of cleanliness. Her thoughts shifted to her attire for the day as she ventured into the closet. To her amazement, she was met with a sea of extravagant sarees and opulent suits, all exuding an air of grandeur and luxury. Pihu couldn't help but wonder, "What's wrong with this man's mind? How can someone wear these clothes on a daily basis?"

Her quest for a more modest outfit continued until she uncovered a dress that was notably less extravagant than the others. It was a simple yet elegant light blue suit, a choice that resonated more with her own sensibilities.

As she got dressed, her gaze couldn't help but linger on the mangalsutra and sindoor placed meticulously on the dressing table. The events of yesterday surged back into her consciousness, igniting a fire of anger within her. She stood there, torn between the symbols of marriage and her own unwillingness to accept them.

But before she could arrive at a decision, the door to the room swung open, and in walked Rudra. He had just completed his gym session, but his fatigue melted away instantly upon laying eyes on Pihu. It was as if his cherished dream had materialized before him - Pihu, in his room, a vision he had cherished since he first saw her. In his reverie, he had always pictured Pihu getting ready in this room each morning, and him, admiring her with unwavering devotion.

With tenderness radiating from his eyes and a soft, affectionate smile gracing his lips, he closed the distance between them, locking his gaze onto Pihu's as he greeted her with genuine warmth, "Good morning, Pearl."

Pihu's thoughts shattered at the sound of Rudra's voice, realizing that he was now just inches away from her. Though she remained silent, her turmoil was evident.

Rudra continued in a voice filled with adoration, "Pearl, you look stunning, just like a pearl. My pearl, the one I wish to treasure and hide from the world."

His hand moved gently toward the dressing table, where he picked up the mangalsutra. He spoke softly, his eyes brimming with love and longing, "Let me help you with this."

As Rudra's fingers began to tie the mangalsutra behind Pihu's neck, a rush of anger surged within her. Her pent-up emotions from yesterday were breaking free. In a swift and uncharacteristic motion, she snatched the mangalsutra from Rudra's hand and forcefully cast it across the room, her actions a vehement declaration of her resistance.

Rudra, initially taken aback, quickly comprehend the situation. His jaw clenched, his eyes aflame with simmering anger, but before he could voice his response, Pihu unleashed her torrent of words with fierce determination. Her voice rang with both fury and steadfastness, "Who do you think you are, Mr. Rathore? Do you consider me your pet to be leashed? I won't blindly obey your every command. Listen carefully. Even though you forced this marriage upon me, I categorically reject it. I will not wear this emblem. While I respect the tradition but it does not bind me to you, and I will never become your obedient little wife. I never considered you my husband, not before, not now, and not in the future."

Pihu's defiant words hung in the air, her breaths coming in ragged gasps as her anger collided with fear. In that moment, Rudra's carefully concealed restraint crumbled like a fragile dam giving way to a monstrous flood. His grip on Pihu's nape tightened, and he forcefully brought her face inches from his own, his voice a menacing, low growl that sent shivers down her spine.

"What did you say? Ah, repeat it," Rudra's voice resonated with an ominous intensity that seemed to vibrate through the room, sending chills across Pihu's skin.

Pihu trembled, her heart pounding in her chest, but she refused to yield. Her voice quivered, yet each word was punctuated with unwavering determination as she repeated, emphasizing every syllable, "I said I. Never. Ever. Acknowledge. You. As. My. Husband."

Rudra's sinister laughter seemed to reverberate through the very walls, causing Pihu's skin to crawl with dread. His fingers, like a vice around her nape, tightened their grip, adding to her discomfort. He spoke with a bone-chilling resolve, his words dripping with menace, "You've just unlocked something, Pihu. A side of me, a ruthless mafia king, I've kept hidden from you. You will find yourself, of your own volition, uttering those words—accepting me as your husband."

Pihu's defiance had ignited a dangerous spark, and as she felt Rudra's grip on her nape tighten, a shiver ran down her spine. His menacing words hung in the air, casting a dark shadow over the room. Fear mingled with the anger that had driven her to this point.

But Pihu, though frightened, remained resolute. She locked eyes with Rudra, her gaze unwavering, refusing to let him see the fear he had instilled.

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To Be Continued...........