The celebration came to an abrupt halt, and murmurs rippled through the crowd as Aahan strode closer, his presence heavy with tension. Jayasvi's family exchanged uneasy glances, unsure how to react to the unexpected intruder. Her breath caught in her throat as she watched him approach, his piercing gaze fixed on her.

"Stop right there," Jayasvi's voice rang out, cold and commanding, freezing Aahan in his tracks. Her sharp glare bore into him, and the boldness in her tone silenced the crowd further.

"How can you get married?" Aahan asked, his voice tinged with pain and disbelief. "I thought I still had a chance." His eyes swept over her, taking in the green lehenga, the intricate henna on her hands—a symbol of her impending union with someone else. The sight made his heart clench painfully.

"Did I ever tell you I had feelings for you?" Jayasvi retorted, her eyebrows arched, her tone cutting.

Aahan faltered, but she didn't stop. "What did you think, Aahan? That you'd show up here, in front of my family, create a scene, and I'd leave with you? Do you even hear how ridiculous you sound?" 

The coldness in her voice was unlike anything he'd heard from her before, and it left him reeling.

"You're coming with me," he said, stepping forward as though his demand alone could change the course of events. 

Jayasvi stood her ground, her voice rising with authority. "Take one more step, and I'll show you why no man ever dared to approach me. Do you think I'm defenseless? Let me make this clear, Aahan Dagar—I grew up learning to protect myself. I'm not afraid of you. My grandmother always told me that a woman's dignity lies in her words and her courage, even if it means wielding her slipper to protect it. Don't test me." 

A sudden gust of wind sent her hair flying, adding to the icy atmosphere she created with her words. Her cold, unwavering stare made Aahan pause, but he masked his hesitation with mockery. 

"You think the man you're marrying will love you?" he sneered. 

Jayasvi's response was instant, her voice firm. "Even if he doesn't, that's my destiny. And rest assured, I won't come running to you, crying over it." 

Aahan's frustration boiled over, and he took another step forward. "I could throw you over my shoulder right now and take you away. Let's see who stops me." 

Her eyes narrowed dangerously. "Touch me once, Aahan, and my Raghav will ensure you don't live to see another sunrise," she snapped, her words like steel.

Unbeknownst to her, Raghav stood on the terrace of a nearby house, his sharp eyes fixed on the unfolding scene. His expression was calm, but his clenched fists betrayed the storm brewing within him. His mind raced, already calculating ways to deal with Aahan if necessary. 

"Your Raghav, huh?" Aahan mocked, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "And who is this Raghav again?" 

Jayasvi didn't flinch. "Don't call your own destruction, Aahan. He's a silent storm—you won't even realize when you've been swept away," she warned, her tone deadly calm. 

Aahan laughed bitterly. "You act like he owns the country, Ms. Rana." 

"Soon-to-be Mrs. Raghav Hooda," she corrected him sharply. "And for your information, the same Raghav Hooda whose father controls those in power. The same Raghav Hooda who's a king in the hotel business. The same Raghav Hooda who's known as a business typhoon. The man who owns governments and rules empires. That's who my Raghav is." 

Her words struck like thunder, and Aahan instinctively took a step back. The crowd buzzed with murmurs, her parents looking stunned by the fiery display. 

From the terrace, Karan turned to Raghav, who remained silent, his face expressionless. But the tension in his jaw and his tightly clenched fists spoke volumes. 

"Should we go down there?" Shivaya asked cautiously. 

Raghav shook his head, his gaze never leaving Jayasvi. 

"I didn't know Bhabhi was this fierce," Karan whispered, clearly taken aback. 

Shivaya smirked, his tone admiring. "She's soft for those she loves, but the world isn't kind to a single woman. This is her true self—a tigress who doesn't need anyone to protect her." 

Raghav's eyes were sharp as he watched her stand her ground. A small part of him felt a deep sense of pride, but the larger part was already strategizing how to eliminate any future threats to her safety. 

Below, Jayasvi held her ground, her gaze unwavering as she confronted Aahan. The crowd around her watched in stunned silence, fully aware now of her strength and determination.

Aahan sneered, attempting to regain control of the situation. "Let's see how he reacts when I take his precious treasure," he taunted, stepping closer to her.

But before he could get any further, a strong hand yanked him back by the collar and threw him to the ground. Jayasvi gasped, startled, as the crowd parted to reveal a group of imposing guards, their presence commanding instant respect.

And then, Raghav stepped into the scene. His tall, broad frame exuded authority, his long black blazer perfectly tailored to his well-maintained physique. His curly hair shifted slightly in the evening breeze, and the confident stride of his strong legs in dark jeans made him appear almost larger than life.

For Jayasvi, everything seemed to move in slow motion. She couldn't tear her eyes away from him as he approached, his piercing gaze scanning the scene before landing on her.

"Why is everyone so silent?" Karan's cheerful voice broke the tension as he stepped forward with a wide grin. "It's my brother's mehendi, after all!"

Karan walked over to where Aahan lay sprawled on the ground, smirking down at him. "Hey, why don't you join the celebration? After all, it's the lion's wedding!" His tone was mocking, but his words carried an unmistakable warning.

Shivaya chuckled as he followed, his casual demeanor adding to the sharp contrast between their confidence and Aahan's growing unease.

Raghav, however, said nothing. His sharp eyes remained locked on Aahan, the intensity of his silence more intimidating than any words. Finally, he spoke, his voice calm but cold. "You dared to come here and threaten what's mine?"

Aahan flinched at the quiet menace in his tone but attempted to stand. "I—"

Before he could finish, Raghav raised a hand, silencing him. "Don't waste your breath. You've already crossed the line."

The weight of Raghav's words sent a shiver through the crowd. Jayasvi felt her breath catch as she watched him take control of the situation with effortless authority.

"Get him out of here," Raghav commanded, his voice steady but firm. Two guards immediately stepped forward, grabbing Aahan by the arms and dragging him toward the gate.

"Mr. Hooda, I—" Aahan began to protest, but Raghav's icy glare silenced him once again.

As the guards hauled him away, Karan clapped his hands together, his grin never faltering. "Well, now that the trash is taken out, let's get back to celebrating, shall we?"

The tension began to dissipate as murmurs of relief rippled through the crowd. Jayasvi's parents approached Raghav, gratitude evident in their expressions, Raghav nodded respectfully before touching their feet with respect before moving to touch every elder's feet in her family. His focus than shifted entirely on Jayasvi.

"You okay?" he asked his voice sharp, stepping closer to her.

She nodded, her voice momentarily caught in her throat. "I... I'm fine. Thank you."

Raghav's intense gaze was sharp "Good. He'll never bother you again."

Jayasvi nodded again, her heart racing. She had seen a different side of Raghav tonight—one that made her feel both safe and deeply unsettled.

"You both weren't allowed to see each other till the marriage", her mother spoke shaking her head.

"Mousi ji, our brother was missing our bhabhi", Karan announced teasingly but was silenced by the glare of Raghav.

"Thank you for coming on the right moment, Raghav ji. He send a proposal for Jayasvi initially but we said no. I didn't no he'll act up like this", her mother spoke shaking her head.

"It's fine, Maa. I never doubt Jayasvi", Raghav spoke. Jayasvi's eyes moved to him the moment he called her mother, maa.

"We should be leaving now," Raghav said respectfully, his tone measured.

"You three should eat something before you go," Jayasvi's grandmother suggested gently, her warmth evident.

"Oh, dadi, don't worry!" Shivaya chimed in with a grin, throwing an arm around Raghav's shoulder. "We'll come tomorrow with the whole baraat, and then we'll eat to our hearts' content when we take our dear bhabhi with us!"

Raghav shot Shivaya a pointed look, prompting him to awkwardly remove his arm. Shivaya smiled sheepishly as the three of them stepped out.

Jayasvi's gaze lingered on Raghav as he walked away. For her, the world seemed to pause whenever he was around. She could fight anyone, stand tall against any challenge—but in front of him, she felt inexplicably vulnerable. It was as though his mere presence melted her resolve.

"What an entry," Karan said with a laugh as they approached their car.

"A total heroic moment for our brother," Shivaya added, smirking as the guards followed them.

"But we need to take this seriously," Karan said, his tone sobering. "Anything could've happened if we hadn't been there."

"You'd be a fool to think Raghav hasn't already ensured her safety," Shivaya countered. He glanced at Raghav, who was now getting into the driver's seat.

"He's crazy for her, isn't he?" Karan whispered to Shivaya as they settled into the car.

"I think even he doesn't realize it yet," Shivaya replied with a knowing look.

Once inside, Shivaya took the front seat while Karan leaned back in the rear. As Raghav focused on driving, Karan suddenly broke the silence. "Bhabhi loves you a lot, brother."

Raghav remained silent, his expression unreadable as he kept his eyes on the road.

When they reached home, Karan headed to his room, but Shivaya followed Raghav to his study.

"You know she means a lot to you," Shivaya said as Raghav settled into his chair.

"So?" Raghav responded curtly, his voice devoid of emotion.

"So, think before hurting her," Shivaya continued, his tone firm. "I don't know if you've noticed, but even when you're not around, her eyes search for you in every face. And the moment she sees you, they light up in a way I've never seen before."

Before Shivaya could finish, the sharp sound of a paperweight crashing against the wall made him flinch.

"Stop *eying* my wife," Raghav growled, his voice low and dangerous, his eyes blazing with intensity.

Shivaya's eyes widened in shock. "Are you insane? Of course, I'm not eying her! She's like a sister to me! You're my brother—why would I even think of such a thing?"

"Whatever it is, I won't tolerate anyone looking at her," Raghav snapped, rising from his chair.

"You're going mad for her, you know that?" Shivaya said, watching his usually composed cousin act like a man possessed.

"She's carved a place in your heart without you even realizing it," Shivaya added quietly.

"Don't lecture me," Raghav barked, his voice sharp. "Attend the wedding and leave. I can handle my personal life however I see fit."

Shivaya folded his arms, undeterred. "You think I didn't notice the guards you stationed around her? Come on, Raghav, I've known you since we were kids. You're obsessed with her, even if you won't admit it."

Raghav's jaw clenched, his voice cold and firm. "So what? She's mine. I can do whatever I want. I don't need your advice."

Shivaya sighed, shaking his head. "You can deny it all you want, but it's obvious. She's not just someone to you. And whether you admit it or not, you'll have to face that someday."

"Until then, mind your own business," Raghav retorted. "And maybe find yourself a woman before you try to lecture me about mine."

Shivaya chuckled dryly, retreating toward the door. "Whatever you say, brother. Just don't wait too long to figure it out." With that, he left, leaving Raghav alone with his turbulent thoughts.

Meanwhile, back at the Rana household, Jayasvi sat on her bed, replaying the events of the day in her mind. Her heart was a whirlwind of emotions—gratitude, admiration, and something deeper she couldn't quite name. 

Ankita walked in, her curiosity evident. "So, what's going on with you and Raghav?" 

Jayasvi looked up, startled. "What do you mean?" 

Ankita smirked, sitting beside her. "Come on, Jayu. I've seen the way you look at him. And the way he looks at you? It's like he's ready to take on the world for you." 

Jayasvi blushed, looking away. "It's not like that. He's just... protective." 

"Protective? Sure," Ankita teased. "But I think there's more to it than that. Don't you feel something for him?" 

Jayasvi hesitated, her fingers playing with the edge of her dupatta. "I don't know. Maybe. He makes me feel safe, but it's more than that. It's like... when he's around, everything feels right." 

Ankita's smile softened. "It was so damn sexy."

Jayasvi looked at Ankita, startled by her words. "What was?"

"The way he walked in, all protective and commanding," Ankita said with a dramatic sigh, falling back on the bed. "It was straight out of a movie! I mean, the man basically screamed, 'Touch her and face my wrath.' You're living every girl's dream right now."

"Ankita!" Jayasvi protested, her cheeks turning crimson. "It wasn't like that."

"Oh, it was exactly like that," Ankita countered, propping herself up on her elbows. "And don't even try to deny it—you liked it. Admit it, Jayu, the way he looked at you, like you're the center of his universe... didn't it make your heart skip a beat?"

Jayasvi looked at her hands covered in the paste of henna which was dried up now looking at his name hidden in it, the few green bangles and the pious red thread tied around her hand making her realise how real this situation was.

She will be his bride tomorrow. She couldn't believe her luck. She only loved one man in her life and to marry him, it was like a dream come true and to see how protective he was for her. It just filled her heart with so much warmth.

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I hope you like the update. New update would be of the marriage.

What do you think about this new side of Raghav? Did you like Jayasvi in this update? I told you, you'll see a new Raghav in the upcoming updates.

Till next time...