Chapter-39

Author's POV,

As Rudra felt the weight of everyone's gaze on Pihu, clad in her cute night pajamas, his possessiveness screamed inside him. He despised the idea of anyone else seeing her in such an intimate state, his madness for her driving him to the brink. His eyes blazed with intensity, and his gaze could have set the room on fire, such was the ferocity of his glare.

The atmosphere around them became charged with tension, the silence palpable as Rudra's unspoken command hung in the air. The bodyguards and maids, sensing his wrath, immediately lowered their heads in deference, acknowledging their place in the mansion.

Pihu, her heart hammering against her ribs, remained silent, a small bird caught in the talons of a hawk. The weight of his possessiveness pressed down on her, suffocating the yearning for freedom that flickered within.

Satisfied with the submission of those around them, Rudra continued on his way, his grip on Pihu unwavering. The air was thick as they descended the staircase, the echo of their footsteps the only sound in the stillness that had fallen over the mansion.

As they reached the ground floor, Rudra's steps quickened, his grip on Pihu tightening. Without a word, he strode towards the main entrance, where a car was waiting. The driver, seeing Rudra's approach, quickly opened the door, and Rudra sat inside the car with Pihu in his lap.

The atmosphere inside the car was tense, the silence suffocating as they sat back of the car in a privacy. As they drove through the city, Pihu stole glances at Rudra, noting the rigid set of his jaw and the distant look in his eyes.

"Did I forget to mention, Pearl," his voice broke the silence, a low rumble laced with an undercurrent of threat, "that we're leaving for France?"

Pihu's breath hitched. "But... I...I didn't want to go" she stammered, her voice barely a whisper.

Rudra's face hardened, a flicker of something akin to anger flashing in his eyes. He turned away, his voice devoid of warmth. "I don't recall asking for your opinion, Pearl. I told you," he stated firmly, his tone leaving no room for argument.

Pihu felt a surge of defiance battling the fear that constricted her throat. She knew she had no choice but to comply with Rudra's demands. The weight of his control and the isolation it brought pressed down on her, suffocating her spirit.

Rudra glanced at her, his gaze softening slightly. He reached out and gently lifted her chin, forcing her to meet his gaze. "Listen, Pearl, I know you don't like my control and I am trying to change it. But trust me, it's for your own safety. I have to go there for work, and Veer also needs to go somewhere else for some business, so I can't leave you here as I don't trust anybody for your safety except me and Veer," he said, his tone softer now, almost pleading.

Pihu didn't respond. The words felt hollow, a mere justification for his controlling behavior. She knew the dangers that lurked in his world, but she also knew she wasn't a pawn to be moved around at his will.

As they reached the airport, a private jet awaited them, ready to fly. Rudra carried Pihu out of the car, his grip firm yet strangely gentle. The hurried boarding process felt like a blur, a whirlwind of activity that left Pihu feeling even more detached from her reality.

Inside the luxurious cabin, the plush seats and expensive amenities seemed to mock her predicament. A flight attendant, her smile as polished as the chrome fittings, greeted them warmly.

Pihu sat in her own world, feeling the weight of the day's events pressing down on her. Rudra turned towards her and said, "Pearl, if you want, you can go and sleep or freshen up."

Feeling weary and drained, Pihu nodded silently and made her way to the private room on the plane. As she closed the door behind her, she leaned against it, letting out a sigh. The morning's events had taken a toll on her, and she needed a moment to collect her thoughts.

Meanwhile, Rudra stood outside the room, his heart a tangled mess. He knew his possessiveness suffocated Pihu, yet the thought of her being harmed sent shivers down his spine. She was more than his partner; she was his anchor, his obsession. He yearned for a deeper connection, but his controlling nature kept pushing her away.

"I know you feel trapped, Pearl," he whispered to the closed door, his voice thick with regret. "Every attempt to bridge the gap feels like a step back. But this time, it's different. I can't risk you getting hurt. You're my everything, and I'll move mountains to keep you safe."

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In Italy, Yashvardhan paced back and forth in his luxurious office, his frustration evident in every step. He was on the phone with his man in India, who delivered the news of Rudra taking Pihu with him to Italy, thwarting their plans.

Yashvardhan's voice was laced with anger and disappointment as he spoke into the phone, "What ?" His eyes flashed with fury, his plans crumbling before his eyes.

Because he thought Rudra will never bring Pihu with him and hide her in his mansion in strict security which he can breach easily with some men of his who worked as spies. But now everything changed.

Yashvardhan slammed his fist on the desk, his face contorted with rage. "Damn it! I had everything planned. With him out of the picture, it would have been child's play to strike. But that cunning fox always manages to slither out of my grasp, doesn't he?"

He paused, his mind racing with possibilities. Matteo Ricci, the Italian mafia boss, was their ally in this plan. Yashvardhan knew he had to inform him of the new developments.

Calling Matteo, Yashvardhan's voice was steely as he spoke, "Matteo, our plans have hit a roadblock. Rudra has brought his little weakness to France. We need to rethink our strategy."

A chilling chuckle emanated from the receiver. "Don't fret, Yashvardhan," Matteo's voice was smooth as polished marble, yet laced with a hint of sadistic amusement. "This just makes the game more interesting. And let me assure you, Rudra won't be around to witness the ending."

As Yashvardhan hung up the phone, a sinister smile played on his lips. This setback was just a minor hurdle in his path to power. He was determined to eliminate Rudra and take control of the Indian mafia, no matter what it took.

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Meanwhile, as the plane touched down in France, Pihu's heart hammered against her ribs. Despite the captivating blend of old-world charm and modern sophistication, France felt like a world away from the familiar comfort of home, amplifying her unease as she was surrounded by strangers in a foreign land.

Stepping off the plane, a wave of cool, crisp air sent shivers down her spine despite the layers she wore. The stark contrast to India's humid climate mirrored the turmoil within her. A knot of apprehension tightened in her stomach as she took her first steps in this foreign land, a world away from the familiar comfort of home.

Rudra, sensing her dread, reached out and squeezed her hand gently. "It's alright, Pearl," he murmured, his voice laced with a tenderness that rarely graced his features. "I'm here."

Together, they walked towards the waiting convoy, Rudra's men flanking them like vigilant guardians. At the forefront stood Laurent Rousseau, his imposing stature mirroring Rudra's own. Yet, his handsome features, usually etched with amusement, held a hint of genuine warmth as he greeted his friend.

"Rudra!" boomed Laurent in his deep, gravelly voice, a wide grin splitting his face. "Welcome to France. It's good to see you again."

Rudra returned the firm handshake, a hint of relief flickering in his eyes. "Laurent,I appreciate you accommodating us on such short notice. I trust everything is in order?"

Laurent chuckled heartily. "Of course, everything is prepared as per your instructions, mon ami. Your stay is arranged, security is top-notch, and I've got everything set for the deal."

Rudra then turned to Pihu, who stood slightly behind him, and gently brought her forward. "Pearl, this is my friend Laurent Rousseau, a French mafia boss. For the time being, we will stay at his place." He then introduced Pihu, "Laurent, this is my wife, Pihu."

Laurent greeted her with a friendly smile, attempting to soften his imposing demeanour. "Hello, Madame Rathore. It's a pleasure to meet you. I hope that you'll find that my wife and I are quite hospitable hosts."

Pihu returned his smile with a polite nod, but inside, her emotions were in turmoil. It was the first time someone had referred to her as "Mrs. Rathore," making her realize that her identity was now intertwined with Rudra's. It was a stark reminder of the life-altering decision she had been forced into. She felt a sense of loss for the life she once had, where her identity was her own, and now it seemed to be overshadowed by Rudra's.

The interactions were tense, and Pihu couldn't shake off the feeling of unease. She followed Rudra and Laurent to the waiting cars, her mind racing with thoughts. This foreign land, so far from home, seemed to amplify her sense of isolation and vulnerability.

As they drove through the streets of France, Pihu couldn't help but marvel at the beauty of the city. The architecture, the quaint cafes, and the bustling streets were a stark contrast to the chaos of India. Despite her apprehension, there was a part of her that was intrigued by this new world.

Rudra, sitting beside Pihu, noticed her tense expression. He wanted nothing more than to ease her worries, but he knew she needed time to adjust to her new surroundings. So, he remained silent, offering her a comforting presence.

As they arrived at Laurent's mansion, Pihu was struck by its elegance and grandeur. The mansion stood tall and proud, its architecture a beautiful blend of classic French design and modern luxury. The exterior was adorned with intricate carvings and embellishments, showcasing the craftsmanship of its construction.

The driveway leading up to the mansion was lined with towering trees, their branches gently swaying in the breeze. The gardens surrounding the mansion were meticulously landscaped, with vibrant flowers in full bloom adding a splash of color to the scene.

As they entered the mansion, Pihu was greeted by a sense of opulence. The foyer was grand, with a sweeping staircase leading up to the upper floors. The walls were adorned with paintings and tapestries, each telling a story of the mansion's rich history.

The furniture was plush and luxurious, inviting guests to relax and unwind. The rooms were spacious and filled with natural light, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. Pihu couldn't help but feel a sense of awe as she took in the beauty of Laurent's mansion.

Pihu turned to see a woman with a radiant smile standing at the bottom of the grand staircase. Her features were softened by the gentle glow of pregnancy, bump noticeable beneath her flowing dress.

"Laurent!" she called out, her voice warm and welcoming. "You're back early. And Rudra, what a pleasant surprises."

Claire approached Rudra, her smile widening. "Rudra, It goods to see you after long time. How have you been?" she asked, genuine curiosity in her voice.

Rudra, still guarded and reserved, nodded politely. "I've been well, thank you, Claire. It's good to see you again," he replied, his tone measured.

Pihu's gaze flicked between Rudra and the woman, curiosity piqued. She noticed a flicker of recognition pass between them, a silent exchange that hinted at a deeper history.

"Claire, this is Pihu, my wife," Rudra introduced, his voice softening as he wrapped an arm around Pihu's waist, pulling her closer. There was warmth and love in his tone as he introduced her to Claire.

"Pihu, welcome to France," Claire greeted, her voice carrying a familiar melody and a hint of French accent. "I'm Claire, Laurent's wife. It's lovely to meet you. Or else I thought your husband is going to die single."

Pihu found herself returning Claire's smile, a sense of intrigue stirring within her. She shook Claire's hand, feeling a flicker of warmth replace the initial stiffness in her posture. Despite her inner turmoil, Claire's genuine smile and gentle demeanor put her at ease, making her feel welcomed in this unfamiliar environment.

As Rudra's phone rang, breaking the moment, he quickly answered the call and realized he needed to leave. He turned to Pihu and said, "Pearl, I have to leave, and I am going to be busy these days. So, you spend your time with Claire, and if you need anything, just call me. Okay?" He took out Pihu's phone, which he had given her before, and handed it to her. "Here's your phone. I will not come for two days, so take care of yourself and your meals. And I will call you, so keep this phone always with you."

Pihu stood there, feeling a mix of emotions as Rudra spoke to her. She felt a surge of frustration, almost wanting to shout at him that she was not a child to be lectured like this. But she held back, knowing it wouldn't change anything. As he kissed her forehead and hugged her, she felt a pang of longing for the freedom she once had, before her life became entangled with Rudra's.

When Rudra broke the hug, Pihu noticed Claire smiling foolishly with a teasing look on her face. Pihu's cheeks turned red as she saw her expression and cursed Rudra in her mind for putting her in such an embarrassing situation.

Before Claire could comment on Rudra's abrupt departure, he moved towards the door to deal with his business. Laurent, noticing Rudra leaving alone, called out, "Hey, Rudra, wait for me." He quickly moved towards Claire, giving her a peck on the lips as he said, "Darling, take care of yourself, the baby, and our guest. I have to go." With that, he left.

Pihu stood awkwardly, unsure of what to say or do. She felt a mix of frustration and anxiety, cursing Rudra silently for leaving her alone with strangers. Claire noticed Pihu's hesitation and frustration, and reassured her, saying, "Pihu, don't curse Rudra. He's just busy. Come, let's talk after you've rested for a while. I know you're tired. Come, I'll show you to your room."

Pihu's eyes widened, surprised that Claire could read her thoughts so easily. She fumbled, trying to respond, "How, no, no I..." But before she could finish, Claire laughed heartily and said, "Girl, don't be embarrassed. Come, let's get you settled in." She then led Pihu towards her room.

As they walked, Pihu couldn't help but ask, her curiosity getting the better of her, "How do you know what I am thinking?"

Claire chuckled softly. "You are such a cute girl, anyone can read your expressions. But besides that, working in the mafia, it's not hard to read people, especially someone as innocent as you."

Pihu's brief interaction with Claire had momentarily made her forget the dangerous world she was in. However, Claire's response quickly reminded her of the reality of being in the center of the mafia. Despite this realization, Pihu chose to remain silent, her thoughts racing with the implications of her surrounding.

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