RUDRANSH' S POV

Days are passing quickly, and I still have no clue about what’s going on here. Everything feels strange, especially the people—they’re at the center of this mystery. No one knows what the construction worker was doing at the site that night, and my men couldn’t uncover much either. All they found was a small, random object near his body.

Arjun claims to have some important information, but even he seems suspicious to me, like he’s hiding something.

He walked in and, without hesitation, revealed everything in a clear and direct manner.

What he said left me stunned. My mind stopped processing for a moment.

It wasn’t just about the details he shared—it was the way everything connected. This wasn’t just about construction. It was deeper, darker, and unsettling.

And I had a strong feeling this was only the beginning. Whatever comes next won’t just need answers—it’ll demand decisions and sacrifices.

But my sole moto was to only protect my family.

I had so many questions swirling in my mind, and I needed answers—from Dadi Sa, from Tauji, from anyone who could shed light on this mess. With a heavy heart, I headed home, the clock nearing midnight.

As my Purosangue SUV pulled up to the haveli, the guards promptly opened the door for me. I walked in briskly, my steps echoing through the quiet corridors. I went straight to Dadi Sa’s room, determined to talk to her now.

I stopped outside her room and asked the maids, “Is Dadi Sa awake?”

One of them shook her head. “Badi Baisa retired early tonight.”

I sighed. It wasn’t right to wake her at this hour—it could affect her health. Reluctantly, I turned and made my way to my room.

Closing the door behind me, I noticed Vanya asleep on a chair. My heart ached at the sight. Oh, my careless girl... how can you be so thoughtless about yourself? She could easily wake up with a stiff back or a neck pain.

Without a second thought, I walked over and gently scooped her up into my arms, holding her close to my chest. She fit so perfectly there, as though that’s where she’d always belonged. I laid her carefully on the bed and pulled the comforter over her.

For a moment, I stood there, watching her. Her peaceful, sleeping face had a way of calming every storm in my mind. The stress of the day slowly ebbed away as I took in her serene expression.

With a deep breath, I headed to the bathroom to freshen up. When I returned to the room, I was dressed only in my trousers. I opened the closet to grab a plain T-shirt, careful not to disturb her sleep.

But as I searched, a box slipped from the top shelf and landed on the floor with a dull thud.

"Rudransh…" came the sweet, soft voice of my wife, pulling me out of my thoughts.

I turned to see her sitting up, her hands rubbing her eyes like a little girl waking from a dream. In her sleepy voice, she asked, "When did you come back?"

I couldn’t help but smile at how adorable she looked, but the moment she fully opened her eyes and scanned me, her face turned a deep shade of red.

She quickly turned her head in another direction, mumbling, "Why are you standing like this in front of me?"

Confused, I glanced down at myself and realized I was shirtless.

Still avoiding looking at me, she said, "You can’t walk around like this in front of a woman."

"But there’s no woman in this room."

Her head snapped toward me, her mouth forming a small 'O' in mock surprise. "Do I look like a man to you?" she shot back, her tone laced with amusement and disbelief.

I grinned, stepping closer, lowering my voice as I said, "No, you’re my wife. You can see me however and anything you want . I don’t have any problem with that."

Her cheeks turned an even deeper shade of red, and she quickly changed the subject. "Why did you wake me up by throwing things?"

Mentally slapping myself, I thought, Seriously? I carried her to bed, and she didn’t wake up, but now, a little noise does it? Instead, I just said, "I’m sorry, biwi."

I grabbed a T-shirt from the closet and slipped it on. Heading toward the couch, I said, "Get some rest now. Go to sleep."

I lay down on the couch and closed my eyes, but my brain was still reeling from Arjun’s words. The puzzle pieces were scattered, and nothing made sense.

Just as I was trying to push the thoughts away, I felt a hand on my shoulder and heard her voice. "What happened? Are you tense about something?"

I opened my eyes to see Vanya standing beside me, her face etched with worry.

"I’m fine," I said, not wanting to burden her. "Please Vanya, just rest now."

But she wasn’t convinced. "Look, you never call me by my name this means something is bothering you. Tell me what it is, Rudransh."

I couldn’t help but admire her stubbornness and how much she cared about me. But the truth was, my mind was too scattered, the puzzle too incomplete. I didn’t want to drag her into this mess.

I sat straight, and Vanya followed, sitting beside me. Her soft hand rested on mine, and her voice carried a warmth that soothed my restless mind.

“Rudransh,” she began, her tone gentle yet firm. “I know things didn’t start perfectly between us, but that doesn’t mean our future can’t be better. I see how hard you’re trying, and I want you to know... I’m here for you. I know this textile company in here was dream of dada sa and you will do everything to fulfill it. I want to be with you in all . Whatever is weighing you down, we can face it together.”

Her words struck something deep within me. I stared at her, caught off guard by her concern and the way her delicate face seemed to glow even in the dim light. She looked so earnest, her brows slightly furrowed, her lips moving as she continued to speak.

I barely heard the words. My gaze drifted to those soft, glossy lips that had distracted me for too long. The way her hands moved animatedly, her entire being radiating care—I was overwhelmed.

“Rudransh, are you even listening to me?” she asked, her voice tinged with mild annoyance as she tilted her head.

I couldn’t take it anymore. Without a second thought, I reached out, cupping her face in my hands. Her eyes widened in surprise .

Then I closed the distance between us, my lips capturing hers in a kiss that held all the tension, the longing, and the unspoken emotions I’d been carrying. Her lips were soft, warm, and hesitant at first, but as I deepened the kiss, she melted into me.

Her hands moved instinctively—one gripping the edge of my shirt and the other tangling in my hair. I pulled her closer, my arm wrapping tightly around her bare waist as our bodies pressed together. The taste of her, the way her breath mingled with mine, sent a thrill coursing through me.

She gasped softly against my mouth, and I took the chance to explore further, my tongue seeking hers. My fingers trailed up her back, tracing her spine, feeling the warmth of her soft skin .

“Rudransh,” she whispered breathlessly when I pulled away for a moment, our foreheads touching. Her eyes searched mine, clouded with something I hadn’t seen before—desire and trust all at once.

“You drive me crazy, biwi ,” I confessed, my voice low and hoarse. “Every time I’m near you, I can’t think straight.”

Her cheeks flushed a deep crimson, but instead of shying away, she surprised me by brushing her fingers along my jawline, her touch feather-light. “Then stop thinking,” she whispered, leaning in again.

This time, her lips found mine. Her boldness ignited something primal in me. I gently guided her backward onto the couch, careful not to hurt her. My hands roamed her sides, caressing her curves as our kiss grew fiercer, more consuming.

Her hands slid under my shirt, her touch tentative but electrifying as her fingers explored the muscles of my chest. The sensation sent a shiver through me. I broke the kiss to look at her, her face flushed and her lips swollen from our passion.

“Are you sure?” I asked, my voice barely audible, but she nodded, her gaze steady and filled with trust.

I smiled, brushing a stray strand of hair from her face before trailing kisses along her jawline, down her neck. Each touch elicited soft gasps that drove me further into the depths of my desire for her.

I scooped her into my arms, our lips still entwined in a fiery kiss as I carried her toward the bed. She broke the kiss just enough to whisper breathlessly, “But… you haven’t had dinner yet.”

I smirked, brushing my lips against hers and murmuring, “I’m about to have my feast now.”