Author's pov

Rudransh stood alone in his dimly lit study, the phone pressed firmly to his ear. His voice was cold, precise, and dripping with authority.

“Push harder,” he instructed, each word coated with a chilling calm. “No leniency until he breaks. Make sure he remembers who he crossed.”

There was a brief pause as the person on the other end confirmed, and a dark, satisfied glint appeared in Rudransh’s eyes. “Good. Keep me updated.”

Ending the call, he adjusted his black tuxedo jacket, the fabric tailored to perfection against his broad shoulders.

His reflection stared back at him—a mix of sophistication and danger, hidden behind that polished exterior. Tonight, he had a role to play, and the grand reception would be his stage.

As he arrived at the venue, the hall was already filled with guests—family, friends, business magnates, and society’s elite. The entire venue sparkled with light, flowers, and decor that screamed elegance.

The crowd’s attention shifted as the anchor announced the entrance of the evening’s host, “The CEO of one of the country’s top textile companies, Rudransh Tanwar!”

Rudransh entered, his presence commanding the room. He walked to the stage, his powerful stride and sharp jawline attracting the admiration of countless women in the audience. Yet, he paid them no mind—his focus was elsewhere.

Then came the announcement that everyone had been waiting for: “And now, let us welcome Mrs. Rudransh Tanwar!”

Vanya appeared at the top of the grand staircase, moving with effortless grace.

She wore a rich, wine-red net saree that hugged her figure elegantly, her hair cascading down her back like waves of silk. Her lips glistened in a shade of deep red, perfectly matched with her winged eyeliner and the soft glow of her diamond necklace and earrings.

Rudransh found himself descending from the stage without realizing it, mesmerized by the sight of her. She was radiant, a vision of grace and strength, and he could feel every gaze in the room captivated by her presence.

Reaching the foot of the staircase, he extended his hand to her, his heart beating just a little faster. This time, she accepted his hand without hesitation, her fingers soft and warm in his grip.

Together, they walked to the stage, an aura of power and elegance surrounding them.

As they stood together on the stage, Rudransh couldn’t take his eyes off Vanya. She looked stunning, but it wasn’t just her beauty that was making his heart race.

He leaned in, his voice low so only she could hear, and said, “You look… breathtaking. But it’s not just that. Every time I see you, Vanya, I realize how lucky I am. Not because of how beautiful you are, but because you’re beside me, and somehow you make me feel like I’ve found something I didn’t even know I was looking for.”

His hand gently squeezed hers, his tone turning softer. “Tonight, with everyone watching us, I want you to know… you’re not just my wife in name. You’re my partner, the only one I want with me.”

He reached up and tucked a stray strand of hair behind her ear, his fingers lingering for a moment. “And if you’ll let me, I’d like to spend every day doing whatever I can to make you happy.”

He felt his own heart beat faster, waiting to see how she would respond.

Vanya said ," Everybody is looking us ".
Rudransh smirked, then leaned in even closer, his voice barely a whisper, “Let them look. Tonight, you’re the only person I see.”

He brushed his thumb over her hand, his gaze locked on hers. "Besides," he added playfully, “I want everyone to know just how lucky I am. So, let them be jealous.”

Seeing the faint blush on her cheeks, he chuckled softly. “Tonight is about us."

After meeting with her family and friends, Vanya looked around, only to realize Rudransh was nowhere to be seen. Confused, she scanned the crowd, searching for him.

Suddenly, the lights dimmed, and a single spotlight focused on the center of the room, revealing Rudransh stood at dance floor, holding a microphone with an intense look in his eyes.

He began to sing, his deep voice filling the hall:

"Hum tere bin ab reh nahi sakte,
Tere bina kya wajood mera,
Tujh se juda kabhi ho jayenge,
Toh khud se hi ho jayenge juda."

The soulful melody and the emotion in his voice captivated everyone, but it was clear his gaze was fixed on Vanya, as if the song were meant for her alone.

As the final notes played, he extended his hand toward her, inviting her to join him. Vanya felt her heart skip a beat, and with a soft smile, she walked forward, placing her hand in his.

Gently, he pulled her close, and together, they swayed to the music, each step filled with silent promises and unspoken feelings.

As they danced, Vanya’s cheeks flushed, fully aware of his gaze. For a moment, they were lost in each other, oblivious to the onlookers.

It was as if this dance, under the dim lights and the mesmerizing tune, was their own little world, and in his embrace, she felt safe, cherished, and undeniably loved.

****

Vanya stepped outside, changed into a light kurti, and started tying her hair in a bun. She noticed Rudransh staring at the bed, lost in thought.

She asked, "Why are you looking at the bed like that?"

Without looking at her, he said, "I was just thinking about how perfect we’d look  on this bed, our bodies sticked together."

Vanya blushed, and her hair slipped out of the bun, falling over her shoulders. Rudransh smiled and started walking toward her. She took a few steps back, just before she could hit the wall, his hand pressed against the it beside her, gently preventing her from bumping into it.

Caging her between his arms he said,“Today marks one month of our marriage. Doesn’t that make it our suhaagrat?” he asked, his voice low.

Flustered, Vanya gently pushed him away and slipped out from between his arms. "You missed your chance. It's over now. I’m taking the bed, and you take the couch."

He stepped in front of her, blocking her way. "No way. I’m not sleeping on the couch."

"Fine," she said, “Then you can have the bed, and I’ll take the couch.”

He grinned and said, "You got beautiful pair of ears to listen darling, use it . I mean I’ll only sleep where you are. That’s it."

Vanya raised an eyebrow. “So, how are you going to share the couch with me?”

He pretended to think for a second before smirking. "I’ll sleep on the couch, and you can sleep on me."

She stared at him, shocked. "Are you crazy? Did you drink at the party? No way!"

He crossed his arms and smiled. “That’s up to you, biwi. Either we share the bed or the couch. Your choice.”

Annoyed, Vanya climbed into the bed and glared at him before covering herself with the comforter. Rudransh laughed, slipped under the comforter on the other side.

He asked while lying , “Okay Vanya, what would you do if you saw that man from the club again?”

Vanya, still irritated, responded with a smirk, “I will kill him . Now, can I please sleep?”

Rudransh grinned, covering himself with the blanket, “As you wish, biwi.”

Vanya rolled her eyes, trying to hide a smile, as she adjusted herself in the bed, the playful banter between them making the moment feel lighter.

At nearly four o'clock Rudransh's phone buzzed. He quietly slipped out of the bed to balcony, carefully not to wake up Vanya.

Taking the call , he spoke up in cold tone," Kill him."

He ended the call and walked back to the room , his eyes drawn to Vanya
Moonlight poured through the window, casting a soft glow on Vanya’s peaceful face, her features relaxed in sleep.

He stood there for a moment, watching her, his voice low but firm," I promise from now I will burn down every person in ashes who dares to lay a finger on you, even if that person is me".

******

Stay tuned 🤍