Chapter-38

Author's POV

Before reaching the mall Rudra takes her to restaurant to eat the breakfast , as Rudra and Pihu arrived at a mall that was entirely secured by bodyguards and empty. Pihu, still processing the unusual turn of events, followed Rudra through the quiet halls of the shopping center. The emptiness of the usually bustling mall felt eerie, accentuating every footstep and rustle of clothing.

Rudra, seemingly familiar with the path, maintained a confident stride, his hand securely holding Pihu's. The soft echo of their footsteps reverberated through the vacant space, emphasizing the surreal nature of the deserted mall. Pihu's gaze flitted nervously around the empty shops, a stark contrast to the lively scenes she remembered.

As they strolled through the silent spaces, Rudra cast a sidelong glance at Pihu, gauging her reaction. The mix of curiosity and wariness in her eyes didn't go unnoticed. Sensing her discomfort, he decided to break the silence, "Pearl, this mall is all yours today. You can pick anything you like."

Pihu's eyebrows furrowed in confusion, her guarded stance unchanged. "But I don't need anything, especially from you," she responded, her skepticism evident.

Rudra's gaze softened, and he explained, "But didn't you say you want to dress according to your wishes? So, you can choose whatever and as many dresses as you like." Before Pihu could react or understand his motive, Rudra swiftly guided her into a clothing store.

He pointed towards an employee standing ready to assist, saying, "Pearl, she will help in showing the clothes. You can tell her whatever you like."

Pihu began to voice her opinion, "But......", however, Rudra, pulling her closer through the waist, their bodies almost touching, swiftly intervened. Pihu, maintaining a firm stance, placed her hand on Rudra's chest to create a distance, and in a stern voice, he warned, "Don't deny, Pearl, or every employee present in the mall will lose their job."

Pihu reluctantly let go of her resistance, realizing the consequences of defiance. Her thoughts raced, "He just knows how to force; can't he do anything without threatening?" While pondering these things, she went to select a few clothes, as she genuinely wanted to dress according to her own wishes.

It's not that she didn't like sarees or suits; it's just that the clothes Rudra had placed for her in the wardrobe were so flashy that she found them difficult to wear on a daily basis.

On the other hand, Rudra observed that Pihu was reluctantly shopping, and the realization hit him, "I am trying to change for you, not trying to force you, Pearl, but your reluctance to accept my gestures makes me lose control. But don't worry, your this habits will change very early."

As Pihu choose some dresses, she saw where Rudra was sitting on the sofa with one leg on another like a king, watching her all moves. When her gaze met with Rudra she feel different. The gaze Rudra which was always full of dominance and obsession always made her uncomfortable and fearful but today she is feeling different intensity in his eyes like he is admiring her every move. Like he seeing some proclain doll which he trying to protect her. The eyes which always feel more of obsession feel more love in it.

On the other hand Rudra was just trying to give her the space which she wanted, when Pihu was saying all her unspoken thoughts to him from the night before. His heart felt something which he doesn't feel when he kill people mercilessly, that is guilt. He thought by caging her he can make her love him.

But when he saw the broken self of her yesterday, he knows he is breaking her bit by bit. He make her losing her soul, her spirit, her heart. And he don't want to be like this. That's why he decided that he will change himself, his ways of claiming her. But instead of make her fall in love with him.

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After an hour of browsing through the store, Pihu found herself being led by Rudra once again, her hand gently clasped in his. Confusion etched her features as they entered a formal clothing store. She couldn't fathom why they were here, considering Rudra's wardrobe was already brimming with formal attire.

Rudra caught her attention, his voice steady and determined, "Pearl, it's time for your second surprise. You want to work, don't you? Well, you can rejoin Rathore Empire and start working again. I won't stand in the way of your dreams, as long as you promise not to leave me."

As Pihu listened to Rudra's words, her heart swelled with joy at the prospect of being able to work again, of having the opportunity to pursue her dreams once more. She was so consumed by happiness that she didn't even catch his last sentence.

A wide, genuine smile graced her lips as thoughts of returning to work flooded her mind. Rudra, observing the radiant expression on her face, felt a sudden stillness in his own heart. It was the first time he had witnessed her smile like this – a smile untainted by fear or tears. In that fleeting moment, he wished for time to stand still, to capture the beauty of her happiness forever.

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As they journeyed back, Pihu sat silently beside Rudra, feeling adrift amidst the bustling streets. Before Rudra, she had a clear purpose, but now, uncertainty clouded her future. Despite his recent gestures, Pihu felt her autonomy slipping away, her freedom at the mercy of Rudra's decisions.

The independence she once fought for now felt like a distant dream, fading with each passing moment under Rudra's control. As the landscape blurred outside, Pihu grappled with a deep sense of loss, her dreams slipping further from her grasp. She longed to shape her own destiny, but under Rudra's formidable presence, it seemed like an insurmountable challenge.

The sight of the temple spire stirred something within Pihu, wanting to find the peace and direction by praying to god, prompting her to muster the courage to make a request. "Can we go to the temple?" Her voice, barely audible, betrayed her apprehension.

Rudra, taken aback by her unexpected plea, turned to her, his expression softened as he took her hand in his. Locking her gaze with his own, he spoke with a sincerity that resonated deeply. "Pearl, you need only to tell, and I will fulfill all your wishes, except for leaving me. I promise you, now and forever."

Pihu gazed into Rudra's eyes, searching for any trace of deceit or uncertainty. Yet, all she found was the same unwavering determination that had captivated her before, back when he was consumed by the fervor to marry her.

As they arrived at the temple, Rudra's presence commanded respect, swiftly clearing the space of onlookers with the authority of his guards. Pihu, once again struck by his power, followed him inside.Within the temple's sanctum, the air was thick with the scent of incense, carrying with it a sense of reverence and peace.

As they approached the altar, Pihu's thoughts turned to her request. She longed for the strength to break free from Rudra's control, to find her own path in life. Closing her eyes, she whispered her plea to the divine, hoping for a sign that would guide her towards the independence she so desperately craved.

Beside her, Rudra knelt in silent prayer, his thoughts a stark contrast to Pihu's. He had always prided himself on his ability to handle any situation, to overcome any obstacle. But now, standing before the divine, he felt a sense of vulnerability that he had long buried beneath his facade of strength.

As he prayed, Rudra's thoughts drifted to the years of hardship he had endured, the disasters that had plagued his life. He had lost so much along the way that he stopped asking anything from god, and yet, here he was, once again standing before God, asking for safety and the love of the woman who had become his world.

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The next day, Pihu was sleeping soundly, but her sleep was abruptly interrupted by the sound of shouting. Startled, she woke up and sat on the bed looking towards the balcony, where she saw Rudra shouting in anger.

Rudra had received an early morning call about a business matter, and it seemed to have infuriated him. He was yelling into the phone, his voice filled with frustration and rage. "HOW CAN THE ACQUISITION GO WRONG? WHAT ARE YOU ALL FUCKING IDIOTS DOING?" he bellowed.

The person on the other end of the line, sounding nervous, explained, "Sir, it's the Italian mafia, Matteo Ricci. He offered a higher price than us for acquiring the hotel."

Rudra's face darkened, his jaw clenched as he processed the information. His voice was low and menacing as he gave his order while cursing Matteo. "THAT FUCKER, MAKE SURE THE DEAL WON'T CLOSE UNTIL I ARRIVE. IF IT DOES, I WILL MAKE SURE ALL OF YOURS DEATHS WORSE THAN MY ENEMY'S."

Pihu, watching from a distance, felt a chill run down her spine.She wondered what he was capable of when pushed to his limits because she knew that what she saw was just a glimpse of Rudra's capabilites.

Meanwhile, Rudra stood gripping the balcony railing, his knuckles turning white. He was consumed by thoughts of the ways of killing that motherfucker Matteo Ricci, whom he now considered a significant nuisance. The Italian mafia boss was sheltering Yashvardhan and his son, who sought to destroy Rudra and take over the Indian mafia. Matteo believed that by aiding them, he could ascend to the position of a mafia king. His anger simmered, fueling his determination to deal with Matteo decisively.

With a steely resolve, he made the call, his voice was firm yet filled with an underlying intensity, his anger palpable. "Veer, make my jet ready. I'm leaving for France in two hours. I know you've heard the news, so ensure everything is ready.

As he spoke, he moved gracefully around the room, his jaw clenched, brow furrowed, and dark eyes softened as they fell upon Pihu, who had just woken up.He began to walk towards her, ending the call, and greeted her with a tender yet the edge in his voice is still present, "Good morning, Pearl." Leaning in, he placed a gentle kiss on her forehead. Pihu, feeling his presence so close, closed her eyes as instinctively.

However, as Rudra pulled back from the kiss, Pihu's eyes flickered open, revealing a mix of emotions - fear, confusion, and a hint of resistance. It was a daily ritual for Rudra; he liked to see his "pearl" as soon as he woke up and would lovingly kiss her forehead. Sometimes, if he had to wake up early, he would just give her a peck while she was still sound asleep.

His voice carried an icy edge as he issued his command, "It's good you woke up. Get ready; we are leaving for France." Pihu's drowsiness vanished as she looked at him, her voice laced with defiance, "What do you mean by 'we'?"

Rudra's expression hardened, his frustration palpable. "It means what I said. It means you and me."

Her reply was resolute, contrasting his demand, "I am not going anywhere with you."

Rudra's eyes narrowed, and his jaw clenched in anger. He had anticipated resistance, but he was in no mood to entertain it now. "You don't have a choice, Pihu," he stated coldly, gripping her arm tightly, his face inches from hers. "You belong to me, and you will do as I say. Now, pack your things. We leave in an hour," he ordered before storming out of the room, the door banging shut behind him, leaving Pihu alone with her thoughts.

As Rudra left, Pihu sat on the bed, contemplating her situation. Tired of his constant commands, her heart urged her to resist, but her mind warned her to fear Rudra's wrath. She realized she couldn't let her fear control her; otherwise, she'd never break free from his grasp.

With determination, she whispered to herself, "Who does he think he is, that Ravan?" Her voice carried a hint of defiance. "I will not fear him this time. I will not obey. What can he do other than threaten me? If he harms me, it will only strengthen my resolve to escape him." With that, she pulled the covers over her head and drifted back to sleep, momentarily forgetting the chaos around her.

Meanwhile, Rudra strode through the corridors of the mansion, his steps echoing in the quiet hallway. He was on the phone, issuing commands. "Make the jet ready. I am reaching the airport in half an hour, Veer. Make sure everything is ready."

Ending the call, he reentered the room, his eyes scanning for Pihu. The air seemed to crackle with tension as his gaze fell upon her. She was still in her sleepwear, looking disheveled from her sudden awakening.

His temper flared, and he shouted her name, "PIHU!" The sound reverberated off the walls, startling her awake.

Pihu's eyes widened in fear as she met his intense gaze. His eyes were red, veins bulging, and his jaw clenched tightly. Rudra tried to control his rage, closing his eyes briefly, aware that he didn't want Pihu to become the target of his anger.

He took a deep breath to calm himself. On the other hand, Pihu, who looked at Rudra who look like a raging bull standing in front of her, lost all her courage in an instant. Rudra opened his eyes and took strides towards her. Pihu cowered back in fear, but before she could move further, he reached her.

Gripping her legs, he pulled her and lifted her into his arms in a bridal style. Pihu shrieked "aahh", wiggling while trying to break free from his hold.

Rudra, carrying Pihu in his arms, began to move out of the room. Pihu started shouting and wiggling more, her voice echoing through the corridor, trying to pull Rudra's hair at the back of his head. "Put me down, you Ravan, monster, you..."

Before she could say more, Rudra jerked her fiercely, bringing her closer to his face. In a very low and cold voice, he said, "Just shut up, Pearl. I don't want to hear a word from your mouth. Or I won't hesitate to take you back to the room and make you ready myself. And that's a promise. So..." He said the last line with a smirk on his face while eyeing Pihu from one side to another, leaving his threat hanging in the air.

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To be continued........