Chapter 53

Author's POV,

Pihu's temper flared. "You can't just fire people for my mistakes, Rudra. That's not fair. As your wife, I have a say in these matters."

Rudra paused, spoon halfway to his mouth. His eyes locked onto hers, a mixture of surprise and amusement flickering in their depths. "Wife, huh? Deciding to use your title now?"

Pihu's mouth opened and closed like a fish, her mind cursing her for saying that. How could she say that? She stammered, "I... I..." but then gained her composure and said softly, "That's not the point because you can't fire her."

Rudra leaned back in his chair, considering her words. "Why are you so adamant about this, Pearl?"

"Because it's not fair to punish someone else for my actions," she replied, her voice steady. "Please don't fire her. She doesn't deserve to lose her job because of me."

Rudra looked at her, the hard lines of his face softening slightly. He sighed, running a hand through his hair. "Alright, Pearl. I'll talk to Marie and offer her job back. But you have to promise me you'll listen to her next time."

Pihu's face lit up with a relieved smile. "I promise."

Just as they finished breakfast, the doorbell rang. Rudra got up to answer it and returned with Pihu's physiotherapist.

"Good morning, Pihu," the therapist greeted warmly. "Ready for your session?"

Pihu nodded, determined to make progress. Rudra helped her onto the mat they had set up in the living room, ready to support her through the exercises.

The session began with gentle stretches, Rudra's hands guiding Pihu's movements, his touch firm yet careful. The therapist instructed them through a series of exercises designed to strengthen Pihu's leg and improve her mobility.

As Pihu struggled with one particularly challenging stretch, Rudra knelt beside her, his presence a comforting anchor. "You've got this, Pearl," he murmured, his voice low and encouraging.

Pihu met his eyes, drawing strength from his unwavering gaze. She pushed through the pain, focusing on the warmth of his hands on her waist, steadying her.

"Good job," the therapist praised. "Now, let's try standing."

Rudra stood first, extending his hands to Pihu. She grasped them, her grip tight with both determination and fear. Slowly, with Rudra's support, she rose to her feet. The pain was there, a dull ache, but the triumph in her eyes overshadowed it.

"That's it, Pearl," Rudra whispered, his voice filled with pride. "You're doing great."

With Rudra's hands still holding hers, Pihu took a tentative step. Her legs wobbled, but Rudra's grip tightened, keeping her steady. The closeness of their bodies, the intimacy of the moment, created a spark between them. Pihu felt her heart race, not from exertion, but from the proximity to Rudra.

"One more step," he encouraged, his eyes never leaving hers.

She took another step, then another, each one more confident than the last. The room seemed to fade away, leaving just the two of them, connected by a shared goal and the unspoken emotions that simmered between them.

Finally, exhausted but exhilarated, Pihu sank back into her wheelchair. Rudra bent down and kissed her forehead, sending her heart into a flutter and causing butterflies to erupt in her stomach.

"Thank you for your hard work, Pearl," Rudra whispered, a smile playing on his lips.

The therapist cleared her throat, breaking the moment. "Great job today, Pihu. Keep up the hard work, and you'll be walking without pain in no time."

Pihu nodded, still caught in the spell of Rudra's closeness. As the therapist packed up her things and left, Rudra remained by Pihu's side, his eyes filled with a tenderness that made her heart ache.

"Let's get you comfortable," he said, scooping her up gently and carrying her to the couch. Rudra called Marie.

Marie came with a bowl of oil. Rudra took the bowl and dismissed her. He gently lifted Pihu's legs onto his lap, his hands warm and firm against her skin, resting her back against the couch handle.

Pihu squeaked, trying to pull her legs back. "What are you doing?" she asked, her voice a mix of surprise and embarrassment, her cheeks flushing a delicate pink.

Rudra's expression remained calm and focused. "I'm not doing anything. Just massaging your leg. I know you complained to Marie about your leg pain after walking yesterday."

"But you don't need to do this. It's fine," Pihu protested, her heart hammering in her chest. Ignoring her words, Rudra gently rolled up her pajamas to her knees, his touch sending electric shivers up her legs. Her breath hitched as his fingers brushed against her skin, creating goosebumps in their wake. Her heart raced even more. She tried to protest again, but Rudra's next words made her freeze.

"Pearl, stop or else I don't mind massaging your back too," Rudra said, his gaze locking onto hers deeply, hypnotizing her. The intensity of his stare made her feel as if she were the only person in the world.

Pihu's heart pounded in her chest as she felt his hands on her legs, the warmth of the oil easing her tension. Each touch was slow and deliberate, his fingers kneading her muscles with a tenderness that belied his tough exterior. She could hardly breathe as she watched him, his focus solely on her, his movements both gentle and intimate.

"Can I ask you something?" Pihu's voice was tentative, her eyes searching his, her chest rising and falling with shallow breaths.

"Anything," Rudra replied, his gaze steady, his hands never pausing in their soothing rhythm.

"Why do you call me Pearl?" she asked, her curiosity getting the better of her, her voice barely a whisper.

Rudra's eyes softened further, a distant look in them as if he was recalling a memory. "Pearls are rare, beautiful, and precious. They start as something small, just a grain of sand, but through time and perseverance, they become something extraordinary. Just like you, Pihu. Despite everything, you have remained strong and resilient."

Pihu's heart swelled at his words, and for a moment, she forgot about the pain, the conflict, and the past. She saw a future where she could be happy, where they could be happy together. The warmth of his touch and the sincerity in his eyes made her feel something she hadn't allowed herself to feel in a long time: hope.

Rudra's hands continued to massage her legs, each touch sending waves of warmth and comfort through her. The intimacy of the moment, combined with his heartfelt words, made Pihu feel as if she were melting under his touch. She bit her lip to suppress a gasp, her body responding to the gentle pressure of his fingers, the sensation both soothing and electrifying.

As she looked into Rudra's eyes, she saw not just the mafia king who had once terrified her, but a man who had shown her kindness, tenderness, and love. The butterflies in her stomach fluttered wildly, and for the first time, she allowed herself to believe that maybe, just maybe, they could find happiness together. But as the thought lingered, she reminded herself of the complexity of their relationship, her heart torn between hope and reality.

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After some days, Pihu found herself in the garden, the sun casting a gentle warmth over her. Marie was pushing her wheelchair, and the fresh air filled her lungs, offering a temporary escape from the confines of her worries. She tilted her head back, closing her eyes and savouring the moment, but something nagged at her. The presence of doubled security around the estate was hard to miss.

Her instincts told her something big was on the horizon. For the past three days, Rudra had been absent from the mansion, waking up early and returning late. The pattern was unusual, and her curiosity gnawed at her. She needed to find out what was going on.

"Marie, Why security has increased? Has something happened?" Pihu asked, her voice light but probing.

Marie shook her head, her expression sincere. "No, ma'am. I don't know."

Pihu's mind raced. She needed more information and decided that a visit to the main mansion of the Claire estate might yield some answers. Claire might know something. And besides, observing her surroundings might give Pihu more insight into the tension she felt in the air.

"Marie, take me to the main mansion. I want to talk to Claire," Pihu said, her tone firm.

Marie hesitated, glancing around nervously. "Ma'am, I don't think Mr. Rathore would like that. He might get upset if I—"

Pihu cut her off, her voice unwavering. "I'm not telling you to take me outside the premises. I'm just asking you to take me to Claire. I don't remember Rudra telling me not to go to the main mansion of Claire's estate. Now, please."

Marie still looked uncertain, but Pihu's determined gaze left no room for argument. She nodded reluctantly and began to push the wheelchair towards the main mansion.

As they approached, Pihu's eyes darted around, taking in the heightened security presence. The guards were more alert, their postures tense. Something was definitely brewing.

Marie bring her inside the mansion and moved to inform Claire about her living Pihu in the living room. As Pihu is waiting and roaming her eyes around the living room. She saw a man coming out from basement. She knows what type of basement is this as Rudra also has one in his mansion where he bought her.

Before Pihu could observe more, Claire appeared, walking slowly towards her with her seven-month pregnant belly. Claire's face lit up with a warm smile despite the strain of her condition.

"Pihu, did something happen? Or do you need anything? You just have to call me," Claire said, her voice filled with genuine concern.

Pihu smiled at her concern. "Nothing like that. It's just that you didn't come to meet me this past week, so I decided to come to you. Are you alright?"

"I'm alright," Claire reassured her, smiling. "Let's go inside."

They both moved further into the mansion, Claire leading Pihu to her bedroom. Marie pushed Pihu's wheelchair into Claire's room and then quietly left, closing the door behind her.

As they settled into the comfortable surroundings of Claire's room, Pihu couldn't shake the image of the tense man from her mind. She decided to probe gently. "Claire, I noticed the security has increased significantly. Is something going to happen?"

Claire's smile faltered for a brief moment before she composed herself. "It's just a precaution, Pihu. Laurent and Rudra have been busy these days. They increased the security for their peace of mind." Claire knew about Rudra's plan but didn't want to worry Pihu, so she kept silent.

Pihu nodded, sensing there was more to it that Claire wouldn't reveal. The uncertainty and fear were hard to ignore, but she chose to stay silent. She decided to change the subject, hoping to lighten the mood. "How are you feeling? The baby must be quite active now."

Claire's face softened, her hand gently caressing her belly. "Yes, very active. It's a blessing and a challenge at the same time. But it keeps me hopeful, you know?"

Pihu smiled, feeling a warmth spread through her. "I can imagine. You're going to be a wonderful mother, Claire."

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In the evening, Pihu sat down to eat dinner, but the absence of Rudra weighed heavily on her mind. Her usually bright demeanor was clouded by a deepening frown, her face a canvas of worry and unease. She picked at her food, unable to muster any appetite. After finishing her meal, she returned to her room, her heart heavy with concern, and tried to sleep.

Late at night, when Rudra finally returned, the sight of him brought a fleeting relief that chased away her anxiety. He moved quietly, his exhaustion evident in the slump of his shoulders. After changing his clothes, he slipped into bed beside her, pulling her into his embrace with a tenderness that contrasted sharply with his usual stern demeanor. Molding his body against hers as if seeking solace, he murmured into her hair, "Just two more days, Pearl. Then I can live with you peacefully my whole life."

Pihu, who had been awake with her back to him, was startled by his words. She tried to process what he had said, her heart pounding in her chest. "What do you mean?" she asked softly, but there was no response. She attempted to turn towards him but found herself unable to move as he held her tightly. Glancing over her shoulder, she saw that Rudra had already fallen asleep, his exhaustion finally claiming him. Not wanting to disturb him, she nestled back into his arms, feeling an unexpected sense of calm and contentment. A small smile formed on her lips as she drifted off to sleep.

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The next morning, Pihu woke up in an unfamiliar room, her brow furrowing as she tried to piece together how she had gotten there. The room was elegantly decorated, but it wasn't her room. It took her a moment to realize that she was in a room in Claire's mansion. Confusion and unease settled in as she tried to figure out where Rudra might be. Just then, Marie entered the room, and Pihu immediately asked, "How did I get here, and where is Rudra?"

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