Bonus Chapter-5

Author's POV,

Pihu's smile turned mischievous as she glanced at the keys on the table, a gift from Veer. There was no way Rudra would get the keys from Madhu Aunty; she had already planned for that. But she wasn't cruel enough to leave him outside all night. She just wanted to hear him plead a little more.

Suddenly, the knocking stopped. Silence filled the hallway outside, and Pihu's curiosity got the better of her. She tiptoed closer to the door, pressing her ear against it to listen.

Outside, Rudra called Madhu, the head maid, for the keys, but she explained that Veer had taken them earlier. Rudra sighed, muttering under his breath, "Veer, just wait. I'll make you pay for this."

He then instructed Madhu to fetch the spare keys from his study, where he always kept an extra set. Madhu nodded and hurried off.

Back inside, as the silence stretched on, Pihu grew worried. She was about to unlock the door herself when she heard the faint click of the lock turning. Her eyes widened, and she stepped back hurriedly as the door swung open.

Rudra stepped inside, closing and locking the door behind him. Their eyes met, and for a moment, they simply stared at each other. Pihu's surprise was evident. She glanced at the keys still sitting on the table, then back at Rudra, who stood with a satisfied smile.

"How...?" Pihu began, but her voice trailed off as she saw the look in Rudra's eyes. He wasn't paying attention to the keys or the locked door. His gaze was fixed entirely on her.

Rudra's eyes scanned the room, taking in the sight of his beautiful wife standing amidst a room bathed in a romantic glow. The floor was covered in a carpet of red rose petals, candles casting a warm, flickering light around them. The entire scene was like something out of a dream. His gaze finally settled on Pihu, his expression softening as he drank in her beauty.

"You think you can lock me out of my own wedding night?" Rudra said, smirking. "I always keep a spare key."

Pihu crossed her arms, trying to look annoyed but failing as a small smile tugged at her lips. "That was supposed to be my trump card."

Rudra stepped closer, his voice dropping to a low, husky tone. "Do you really think you can win against me, Pearl?"

Pihu met his gaze, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "Maybe I wanted to see how much you'd beg."

Rudra closed the distance between them, his hand gently caressing her cheek. "I don't mind begging, as long as you're mine." His words were soft, but they carried the weight of his feelings.

Pihu blushed, looking down at her hands, trying to hide her smile. "I just wanted to teach you a lesson," she mumbled.

Rudra reached out, gently lifting her chin so she had to look at him. "And what lesson is that?" he asked softly.

Pihu's eyes sparkled with defiance, but there was a hint of laughter in her voice. "That I won't always listen to you. And that sometimes, you'll have to listen to me."

Rudra's smile deepened. He pulled her closer, wrapping his arms around her waist. "I'm listening," he whispered. "And I'll gladly listen to anything you say. But remember, Pearl, no door, no lock, no barrier can keep me from you. Not now, not ever."

Pihu felt a shiver run down her spine at his words, the intensity of his gaze making her heart race. Despite the teasing, the playfulness, there was a sincerity in his eyes that made her breath catch. She nodded, feeling the warmth of his embrace, the safety of his arms around her.

"Rudra, I—" she began, but her words were cut off as Rudra leaned in, his lips capturing hers in a gentle, tender kiss. The world around them faded away, leaving just the two of them standing there, connected by the promise of their love.

When they finally pulled apart, both were breathless, their foreheads resting against each other. Rudra whispered, "No more games, Pearl. Just us."

Pihu nodded, her eyes shining with happiness. "Just us."

Pihu's heart pounded as Rudra's lips left hers, the intensity of the kiss still lingering in the air. He didn't move far, his breath warm against her skin as his fingers gently traced the outline of her jaw. The tenderness in his touch was at odds with the fiery passion that had just erupted between them, making her feel cherished and loved in a way she had never expected.

Rudra's gaze softened as he looked at her, his eyes full of unspoken promises. His hands slid from her jaw to her shoulders, guiding her towards the dressing table. The room was bathed in the golden glow of candles, their soft light reflecting off the mirror in front of them. Pihu caught a glimpse of herself in the mirror, standing beside Rudra, and for the first time, the reality of their union truly settled in her heart. She wasn't just his bride; she was his partner, his equal, and the woman he had chosen to love and protect.

As Rudra stood behind her, his fingers moved to the intricate braid that held her hair in place. His touch was careful, reverent, as if each movement was a declaration of his love. Pihu felt the jasmine flowers fall from her hair, their delicate fragrance filling the room as they landed on the table. Her hair cascaded down her back, free and unbound, much like the emotions she had kept hidden for so long.

Meeting his eyes in the mirror, Pihu's voice wavered slightly as she spoke. "It's strange," she began, her tone revealing a vulnerability she had rarely shown. "I always thought I'd always hate you, fear you, and despise you. I imagined that one day, I would leave you, live a life free from you... but now..." She paused, her gaze dropping to the floor as her emotions overwhelmed her. "Now, I can't even imagine a life without you, Rudra."

Rudra's expression shifted, a flash of guilt crossing his face. He turned her gently to face him, his hands resting on her waist as he looked into her eyes. "Pearl, I'm sorry for everything I put you through," he said softly, his voice filled with sincerity. "I promise you, I will always protect you, even from myself. When I first saw you, I never imagined that you would become my world. Tonight, I want to show you just how much I crave you, love you, and desire you. I want to make a promise to you that you will never regret being with me, not for a single moment of your life. I love you, Pearl."

Pihu's breath caught in her throat, her heart swelling with emotion. She reached up, cupping his face in her hands as she whispered, "I love you too, Rudra. I've fought it, denied it, but I can't anymore. You've shown me what love truly is, and I want to give you all of me, just as you've given yourself to me."

Rudra's eyes lit up with a mixture of joy and relief, and without another word, he captured her lips in a kiss that was deeper, more passionate than before. Pihu responded eagerly, her arms wrapping around his neck as she pulled him closer, desperate to feel the warmth of his body against hers. The world outside faded away, leaving only the two of them in this moment, a perfect union of love and desire.

As they kissed, Rudra's hands moved to the back of her blouse, his fingers expertly untying the delicate strings that held it together. Pihu's breath hitched as she felt the fabric loosen, exposing her skin to the cool air of the room. Rudra pulled back slightly, his gaze dropping to the bare skin of her shoulder, his eyes dark with desire.

"You're perfect," he murmured, his fingers trailing along the curve of her collarbone. Pihu shivered under his touch, her body responding to the sensuality of his caress. He continued to undress her slowly, each movement deliberate and intimate, as if he was unwrapping a precious gift.

His hands moved to the necklace around her neck, carefully unclasping it and setting it aside. The heavy earrings were next, and as he removed them, he placed soft kisses along her earlobes, sending shivers down her spine. Pihu closed her eyes, losing herself in the sensation of his lips on her skin, each touch igniting a fire within her that only he could quell.

Rudra's fingers slid down to the waistband of her lehenga, slowly easing it off her hips and letting it fall to the floor. The cool air kissed her exposed skin, but it was the warmth of Rudra's gaze that made her feel truly naked, vulnerable yet completely safe. He took his time, his hands exploring every inch of her, memorizing the way her body responded to his touch.

Finally, he reached for her anklets, removing them one by one with a tenderness that made Pihu's heart ache. Pihu felt her breath catch as she looked down at him, her heart swelling with a love so intense it almost brought tears to her eyes. She reached out, running her fingers through his hair as she whispered, "I'm yours, Rudra. Completely and forever."

Rudra stood,he left only her chuda—the traditional red and white bangles—on her wrists, a symbol of their marriage that she would keep on. As Rudra's hands traced the intricate designs on the chuda, he looked up at her, his expression one of reverence and love. His gaze never wavering from Pihu's as he gently scooped her into his arms.

She felt the strength and warmth of his embrace, the world fading into a soft blur around them. With deliberate tenderness, he carried her to the bed, laying her down with a reverence that made her heart flutter. His eyes, filled with adoration, remained locked on hers as he joined her, every movement echoing the unspoken vows that bound them together.

His hands cradled her face, his touch light as a whisper, yet powerful enough to send shivers down her spine. When his lips met hers, the kiss was slow, deep, and full of the love they had both fought so hard to deny. Each caress, each brush of his fingers along her skin, felt like a promise—a vow that went beyond words, reaching into the very core of her being.

As their bodies intertwined, moving together in a rhythm, Pihu felt a sense of completeness that she had never known. It was as if every part of her had been waiting for this moment, for this man, to finally feel whole. This wasn't just a wedding night; it was a sacred union of souls, the start of a lifetime woven together in love, trust, and unwavering partnership.

In Rudra's arms, Pihu felt a profound sense of safety, as if nothing in the world could ever harm her. She was cherished, adored, and loved in a way that made her heart swell with a joy so intense it brought tears to her eyes. Every touch, every kiss, spoke of a devotion that was as fierce as it was tender.

And as they lay together, their breaths mingling, their hearts beating in perfect harmony, Pihu knew with absolute certainty that no matter what storms they might face, they would weather them side by side. Together, as husband and wife, they were unbreakable, bound by a love that was both beautiful and eternal.

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The soft morning light filtered through the curtains, casting a warm glow over the room. Pihu slowly stirred, feeling the familiar weight of an arm draped over her waist. She blinked, adjusting to the light, and as her vision cleared, she realized she was nestled against Rudra. Her heart skipped a beat.

She looked down at herself, only to find she was wearing one of his shirts. Confusion crossed her face for a moment—she distinctly remembered falling asleep in his arms without any clothes. Her mind wandered to the intensity of the previous night, the way she had been swept away by his passion. She smiled to herself, realizing that Rudra must have dressed her after she passed out from exhaustion. The thought of him taking care of her even in such intimate moments made her heart swell.

Her gaze shifted to Rudra, who lay beside her, shirtless, his toned muscles relaxed in slumber. Pihu had shared a bed with him before, but those nights had been filled with nervousness, fear, and a constant readiness to escape. But now, as she lay there wrapped in his warmth, she didn't want to move. She didn't want to run. For the first time, she wished time would slow down, just so she could admire him a little longer.

She studied his peaceful expression, the way his dark lashes fanned against his cheeks, his sharp features softened by sleep. He looked so innocent, so utterly handsome in this vulnerable moment. A small smile tugged at her lips as she thought about how he had stormed into her life, a force she had once feared would destroy her. But now, that same storm had become a gentle breeze, soothing her soul in ways she never imagined possible.

Without thinking, she reached out and lightly traced her fingers along his jawline, her touch featherlight. She whispered to herself, her heart swelling with unspoken emotions. "How could you love me so much?" Her finger trailed down to his neck, admiring the warmth and strength she felt beneath her touch. She believed he was still asleep, lost in dreams, while she allowed herself to cherish this rare, peaceful moment between them.

But to her surprise, just as her hand moved to his chest, Rudra's eyes fluttered open. His sudden movement made her gasp softly, her eyes widening in surprise. She quickly tried to pull her hand away, embarrassed that he had caught her admiring him so openly.

Before she could retreat, Rudra caught her hand, his grip gentle but firm. He brought her hand to his lips and pressed a soft kiss to her knuckles, his voice low and filled with warmth as he whispered, "I love you."

Pihu frowned in mock confusion, her heart racing at his unexpected words. "Hmmm? What are you saying?"

Rudra chuckled, his smile broadening as he explained, "It means good morning. From now on, every day, the first thing I'll say to you in the morning is 'I love you.'"

Pihu couldn't help but laugh softly, her earlier embarrassment melting away as she replied, "I love you too." She shook her head playfully, her tone teasing. "Why didn't I know you were so flirty before?"

Rudra grinned mischievously. "Pearl, it's just my way of loving you."

Pihu rolled her eyes but couldn't stop the smile from spreading across her face. She started to slip out from under the covers, ready to head to the bathroom and shake off the remnants of sleep, but before she could make it far, Rudra moved. With a swift, fluid motion, he hovered over her, his eyes sparkling with amusement.

"You were saying something earlier, Pearl," he murmured, his voice low and teasing. "While you thought I was sleeping..." He glanced down at himself, his grin widening. "And you were touching me."

Pihu's eyes widened, her whole face flushing a deep shade of red. "I—what? I wasn't—" she stammered, trying to backtrack, but the teasing glint in his eyes made it clear he wasn't letting her off the hook that easily.

Rudra leaned down, his breath warm against her cheek as he whispered, "Don't worry, I liked it." His playful tone sent a shiver down her spine. "But next time, don't stop. I will love if you do even more when I will wake up."

Pihu's face burned even hotter, her words lost in a mix of flustered embarrassment and affection. Rudra chuckled softly, enjoying her reaction far too much. He dipped his head, pressing a kiss to her forehead before murmuring, "You're too cute when you're flustered."

She tried to hide her face, but Rudra wasn't having it. He held her chin gently, making her meet his gaze. "You don't have to be embarrassed around me, Pearl. Not anymore. You're mine now. Completely."

Pihu's heart fluttered at his words, and despite her earlier embarrassment, she smiled softly, her hand reaching up to cup his face. "And you're mine," she whispered back.

Rudra's eyes softened at her words, and he kissed her once more, sealing the moment with a tender, again getting lost in each other one more time.

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After their morning of intimate moments, Pihu and Rudra finally managed to leave the bedroom, both dressed and refreshed, though a soft glow lingered on Pihu's cheeks and Rudra's smile refused to fade. The house bustled with activity as they made their way downstairs, where everyone was gathered in the living room. The atmosphere felt cozy, filled with laughter and conversations, yet Pihu couldn't spot her mother, Neha, among them.

Realizing where she must be, Pihu excused herself and walked toward the kitchen. As expected, Neha was there, busily stirring something in a pot with the maid by her side, helping with the preparations. The familiar scene made Pihu shake her head in fond exasperation.

"Maa, what are you doing?" Pihu asked as she leaned against the doorway, crossing her arms. "You're supposed to be relaxing with everyone else. Here too, you start working?"

Neha turned to her with a teasing smile. "So, if my daughter is lazy, it doesn't mean I have to be," she quipped. Then, in a more serious tone, she added, "And today is a special day, beta. It's your first day after your marriage. Shouldn't you be the one cooking?"

Pihu made a face at the typical Indian motherly lecture, but her heart softened. She knew Neha was right, and honestly, she wanted to do something special for Rudra too. With a playful roll of her eyes, she sighed, "Fine, Maa. I'll cook something."

Neha smiled approvingly as Pihu joined her in the kitchen, looking around for inspiration. Her eyes settled on the ingredients for kheer. A sense of determination filled her as she decided to prepare the dish, something sweet to mark the beginning of their life together.

While Pihu set to work, Rudra appeared at the kitchen entrance, his eyes searching for her like they always did. "Pearl," he began, stepping closer. "Where did you disappear to? I thought you were supposed to be with me, but you're here cooking?"

Neha didn't miss a beat, glancing up at Rudra with a smile. "She's just like me. Once she enters the kitchen, she forgets about the rest of the world."

Rudra chuckled, moving to stand beside Pihu as she measured the ingredients for the kheer. "You both don't need to cook, you know. We have cooks for that," he said, glancing between his wife and mother-in-law.

But Neha waved off his protest, determined. "No, I want to cook for my son-in-law on this special day. And as for Pihu, she's making kheer for you—it's tradition. Her first day after marriage means she should cook something for you."

Pihu felt her cheeks warm at her mother's words, but she kept her focus on stirring the milk, pretending not to hear the teasing glances exchanged between Rudra and Neha.

"But, Maa," Rudra started, clearly trying to be the voice of reason, "you should both be relaxing. I don't want you working in the kitchen when we have help."

Neha cut him off before he could finish. "I'm not listening to you, Rudra. This is something I want to do. Now, go outside and wait with the others."

Rudra, knowing when to concede, raised his hands in surrender. "Alright, alright." He paused, then added with a mischievous glint in his eyes, "But if it's also my first day after marriage, doesn't that mean I should cook with Pihu too?"

Before either Pihu or Neha could object, Rudra grabbed a knife from the counter and moved over to the vegetables that the maid had been chopping. He started cutting them with practiced ease, his grin widening at their surprised expressions.

"Rudra!" Pihu exclaimed, unable to stop the laugh that bubbled up in her throat. "You don't have to do this."

"I want to," he replied simply, glancing up at her with a warm smile. "We're a team now, right? If you're cooking for me, then I'll help you."

Neha, seeing his determination, smiled warmly, nodding in approval. "Fine then, if you insist. But just know, Rudra, that I'll expect you to cook for my daughter often now."

Rudra chuckled, continuing to chop the vegetables. "You have my word, Maa."

Pihu watched them with a mix of affection and amusement. She never expected Rudra, the man she once feared, to so effortlessly blend into her life, her family. Yet here he was, standing beside her in the kitchen, laughing with her mother and making her feel like they were truly building something together.

As she stirred the pot of kheer, she couldn't help but smile to herself. Maybe, just maybe, things would turn out alright after all.

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TBC........