Ishita's POV

A faint golden light seeped through the curtains, casting a soft glow inside the room. My eyelashes fluttered as I stirred slightly, my body shifting against something warm... and solid.

Huh?

My half-asleep mind took a few seconds to register the firm, muscular arms wrapped around my waist.

My entire body froze.

"Wait... wait... yeh kya ho raha hai?"

[What is Happening]

My eyes flew open, and my heart nearly jumped out of my chest. Virendra. Mere pati.

[My husband]

"Mujhpar chipke hue hain."

[ Clinging to me]

I gulped, suddenly hyper-aware of our position. My back was pressed against his broad chest, his strong arms holding me so tightly as if he had no intention of letting go. His slow, steady breaths tickled the side of my neck, making a shiver crawl down my spine.

Oh. My. God.

I bit my lip, my heartbeat thudding wildly.

His scent-a mix of expensive cologne, sandalwood, and something purely him-was too intoxicatingly close. My cheeks heated as I realized just how snugly I fit into him.

Okay, Ishita, calm down. Breathe. Just... get out of his arms quietly.

I carefully tried to wiggle away, my fingers lightly gripping his arm to lift it off my waist.

Bad idea.

The moment I moved, his grip tightened-pulling me even closer.

My breath hitched.

"Mmm..." he let out a deep, husky sound, his warm breath fanning against my ear. Oh God.

I could feel my entire body heating up. Butterflies? No. A whole damn zoo was loose in my stomach.

"Su- Suniye..." I whispered hesitantly, barely above a breath.

[Li - listen]

No response.

I turned slightly to look at him-his sharp features were relaxed in sleep, his long lashes resting against his cheekbones. He actually looked... soft. Unlike his usual arrogant, intimidating self.

If only he was this peaceful while awake...

Wait, focus!

I carefully tried to lift his arm again, but this time, he did something that almost made me die on the spot.

He nuzzled against my neck.

My entire body stiffened.

A warm shiver ran through me as his lips brushed against my skin, his deep voice murmuring sleepily, "Chup raho..."

[Stay quiet]

MERA SYSTEM SHUTDOWN HO CHUKA HAI.

[MY SYSTEM HAS SHUT DOWN]

I felt lightheaded, my face turning redder than a tomato. He did not just-

Okay, that's it. I need to escape. NOW.

Summoning all my courage, I pushed against his chest. But the moment my palms met his bare skin, I froze.

Wait. Bare?

My fingers trembled slightly as they pressed against his hard, warm muscles.

OH MY GOD. Ye aadmi Bina shirt soya hua hai?

[This man slept without a shirt?]

I swear my brain stopped functioning.

No, Ishita! This is not the time to be affected by his... abs.

I squeezed my eyes shut and pushed him harder. Big mistake.

Instead of letting go, he tightened his arms further-this time, flipping me onto my back and caging me beneath him.

BHAI, MERI ATMA NIKAL CHUKI HAI.

"Ahh!" I gasped, eyes wide in panic.

He stirred slightly, his brows furrowing. His dark, sleepy eyes opened halfway, looking at me with that usual unreadable expression.

For a moment, there was complete silence.

Then...

A slow, lazy smirk appeared on his face. "Good morning, Buttercup. Enjoyed the night?"

"Main-aap-yeh-" I stuttered like an idiot, my face burning hotter than the morning sun.

[I-I-you-this-]

He stretched lazily, completely unbothered, as if waking up with his wife in his arms was an everyday thing for him.

"Agar uthna hi tha, toh mujhe jaga deti," he said, his voice still husky from sleep. "Yeh kya bed se girne wale stunt kar rahi ho?"

[If you had to wake up, you should have woken me up."

Are you performing a falling-off-the-bed stunt?]

I gawked at him in outrage.

"Main stunt nahi kar rahi thi! Aapne mujhe bandhua bana rakha tha!"

[I wasn't doing a stunt! You had me trapped!]

He raised an eyebrow, clearly enjoying this. "Maine? Tumhi toh raat ko mere paas aayi thi."

[Me? You were the one who came to me at night.]

I gasped. "Jhooth! Main nahi aayi thi!"

[Liar! I didn't come to you!]

His smirk deepened. "Nahi? Toh kya neend mein chalke mere baahon mein aa gayi thi?"

[Oh really? Then did you sleepwalk into my arms?]

I wanted to scream.

"Aapko toh main-" I muttered under my breath and stormed toward the bathroom, leaving him laughing behind me.

[I will surely-]

Just as I slammed the door shut, I heard him call out in a teasing tone, "Mujhe bata dena agar tumhe roz subah meri baahon mein uthne ki aadat dalni hai, Mrs. Raghuvanshi."

[Let me know if you're getting used to waking up in my arms every morning, Mrs. Raghuvanshi.]

I squeezed my eyes shut. Bas Bhagwan! Yeh aadmi mujhe pagal karke hi maanega!

-------

I had barely managed to calm my racing heart after the morning kaand in the bedroom when I stepped into the dining hall, only to realize-I had entered a war zone.

The moment I sat down beside Him, all eyes turned towards between me and him.

A strange silence hung in the air. The entire family-Meera maa, Papa, Payal, Vikrant bhaiya,-exchanged knowing glances before suddenly...

"Ahem... ahem..."

A chorus of exaggerated coughs broke out.

I stiffened. Yeh sab kya ho raha hai?!

[What is this all happening]

Before I could understand, Payal smirked, resting her chin on her palm. "Bhai, aaj bada late uthe aap... sab khairiyat?"

[Bhai, you woke up late today... everything okay?]

He, calmly buttering his toast, didn't even flinch. "Hmm."

Just... hmm? That's it?!

Vikrant Bhaiya his brother leaned forward, grinning. "Woh toh theek hai... par bhai, aap toh morning person ho na?" He wiggled his eyebrows. "Aaj late kaise ho gaya?"

[That's fine... but bro, aren't you a morning person?

How come you're late today?]

Meera maa gasped dramatically, "Hai re! Kya bhala-bura din aa gaya ki hamara beta late utha?"

[Oh dear! What kind of day has come that our son woke up late?]

My stomach dropped.

Oh no. Oh no no no.

Papa nodded wisely. "Ajeeb baat hai... kuch toh hua hoga."

[Strange... something must have happened.]

I choked on air.

Payal smirked at her, eyes twinkling mischievously. "Bhabhi, aapko kuch pata hai kya?"

[Bhabhi, do you know anything?]

My eyes widened,and cheeks turning impossibly red.

Mujhe zameen kha jaaye bas!

[I just wish the ground would swallow me up.]

"Main? N-nahi... mujhe kya pata hoga?" I stammered, fidgeting with the end of my dupatta.

[Me? N-no... how would I know?]

Payal, grinned. "Hmm... bhabhi ki shakal dekhke toh lagta hai ki kuch bada hi important ho gaya."

[Hmm... looking at Bhabhi's expression, it seems like something really important happened.]

He, meanwhile, sat completely unaffected, calmly sipping his tea like he was oblivious to the chaos unfolding.

"Waise, Virendra beta," Meera maa said, hiding her smile. "Aaj Ishita bhi zyada der tak soyi thi... pehle din hi aap dono ne same schedule follow karna shuru kar diya?"

[By the way

Today, Ishita also slept in for longer... did you both start following the same schedule from day one?]

Vikrant Bhaiya snorted. "Matlab dono saath-"

[Means, Both together -]

"Bhai!" I gasped, mortified. "Aap log kya keh rahe ho?!"

[Bro

What are you all saying?]

Payal chuckled. "Hum toh bas wohi keh rahe hain jo dikh raha hai, bhabhi."

[We're just saying what we can see, Bhabhi.]

"Matlab? K-kya dikh raha hai?!"

[Meaning? W-what do you see?!]

Payal smirked, leaning in. "Yeh laal-gulabi chehra sab kuch bata raha hai, bhabhi!"

[This blushing face is telling us everything, Bhabhi!]

My ears burned.

He finally set down his cup and sighed, looking at his family expressionlessly.

"Tum logo ka khatam ho gaya? Ab main breakfast kar sakta hoon?"

[Are you all done? Can I have my breakfast now?]

Silence.

Then-everyone burst into laughter.

Meera maa wiped her eyes. "Arey, ab ladka itna serious ho jaega toh mazak ka maza kharab ho jaata hai!"

[Oh come on, if the guy gets this serious, it ruins all the fun!]

He, completely unbothered, continued eating.

I, on the other hand, was dying a slow, embarrassing death.

Payal nudged me, whispering. "Bhabhi, sach sach batao... bhai ki baahon mein uthna kaisa laga?"

[Bhabhi, tell the truth... how did it feel waking up in Bhai's arms?]

I nearly knocked over her water glass.

"PAYAL"

-------

The morning had been nothing short of chaotic. First, I woke up trapped in His arms, then his family teased me endlessly, and now... this.

I stood near the front door, watching as His buttoned his crisp white shirt, rolled up his sleeves, and adjusted his expensive watch. His usual calm yet intimidating aura made it impossible to look away.

He looked like one of those powerful CEOs from dramas-the kind that everyone feared and respected at the same time.

I still don't understand why people are so scared of him.

Wait. No. I do understand.

Last night's agreement was proof-this man was dangerous when it came to making deals.

Lost in my thoughts, I didn't realize that he had already walked up to me.

"I'm leaving," his deep voice snapped me out of my daze.

I blinked up at him. "H-huh?"

"Office," he said simply, his sharp eyes studying my reaction.

There was something about the way he looked at me-intense, unreadable, almost like he was waiting for something.

I fidgeted with my fingers, suddenly feeling strange. "Oh... okay..."

Why does it feel so weird?

It's just a normal day. He's leaving for work. So why does it feel like something is missing?

But what?

I kept staring at him, unsure of what to say.

And then-it happened.

Without warning, he leaned in-too close, too sudden.

Before I could even process what was happening, his warm lips pressed gently against my forehead.

My heart stopped.

My entire brain shut down.

The world around me blurred, and the only thing I could feel was the lingering warmth of his lips on my skin.

He stayed there for a second too long before pulling away, his face calm-too calm for someone who just did something so unexpected.

I, on the other hand, couldn't breathe.

He stepped back, adjusting his cuff. His face didn't give anything away, but his eyes-those dark, unreadable eyes-held something I couldn't figure out.

"Take care," he said in a deep, quiet voice.

And just like that, he turned and walked out the door.

I still stood there. Frozen.

My heart? Betrayed me completely.

It was racing like it was competing in a marathon.

Slowly, I lifted my fingers and touched my forehead-the place where his lips had been.

"What... was that?" I whispered, my cheeks heating up at an insane speed.

And then-

Loud laughter broke my trance.

I jumped, turning around to see Payal and Vikrant bhaiya watching me with amused grins-like they had just witnessed a love story unfold in front of their eyes.

"Ahem ahem," Payal smirked, nudging Vikrant bhaiya. "Did you see Bhabhi's face?"

Vikrant chuckled. "Looks like Veer Bhai didn't just leave for the office-he took her heart with him too."

My eyes widened. "I-I have work to do!" I blurted out, spinning around and practically running away before they could tease me more.

But even as I escaped, my heart refused to calm down.

I had no idea what this feeling was-but it was definitely not normal.

-------

After breakfast, I was finally able to escape the relentless teasing of the Raghuvanshi family. Just when I thought I could breathe for a moment, Payal linked her arm with mine and said, "Chalo bhabhi, aaj main tumhe mansion dikhati hoon."

[Come on, Bhabhi, today I'll show you around the mansion.]

I smiled, trying to shake off my nervousness. "Haan, mujhe bhi dekhna hai yeh mahal kitna bada hai."

[Yes, I also want to see how big this mansion is.]

And oh boy, Raghuvanshi Mansion-it wasn't just a house. It was a freaking palace! Every corner, every single corridor, screamed of legacy and power. The wooden doors were intricately carved, the chandeliers sparkling with history, and paintings from centuries ago lined the walls, adding to the grandeur.

I couldn't help but gasp, "Yeh toh kisi historical movie ka set lag raha hai!" My eyes widened as I took it all in.

[This looks like the set of a historical movie!]

Payal chuckled beside me. "Bhai ka taste royal hai. Har cheez exclusive hona chahiye."

[Bhai's taste is royal. Everything has to be exclusive.]

I followed her through the mansion, each room more magnificent than the last. She showed me the library, which was probably the most serene room in the house, with its rich mahogany shelves filled with books and a cozy chair by the window.

I peeped inside, my mouth agape. "Waah! Yeh toh dreamy hai," I murmured. "Lekin Unke jaisa insaan yahaan kaise relax kar sakta hai?"

[Wow ! This is dreamy.

But how can someone like him relax here?]

Payal giggled. "Relax nahi karte, bas kaam hi karte hain yahaan bhi."

[He doesn't relax, he just keep working here too.]

Next, she led me to an indoor garden, complete with an artificial waterfall. The soft sound of water trickling made the entire space feel magical. I spun around, a grin spreading across my face. "Yeh toh fairy tale jaisa hai!"

[This looks like fairy tale]

Payal smirked and said, "Haan, aur fairy tale ka ek rule hota hai-husband apni wife ko shaadi ki raat gift deta hai."

[Yes, and there's a rule in fairy tales- the husband gives his wife a gift on their wedding night.]

Suddenly, I froze in mid-spin. "Raat ka gift?" I repeated, blinking in confusion.

[Night gift?]

She nodded, excitement dancing in her eyes. "Haan! Shaadi ki pehli raat, har husband apni wife ko koi special gift deta hai. Yeh toh ek tradition hai!"

[Yes! First Married Night, every husband gift gives special gift to their wives. This is a tradition.]

I felt my heart drop to my stomach. Wait...Unhone ne mujhe koi gift diya tha kya?!

[Did he gift me something?]

I mentally retraced the events of our first night. Nope. No gift.

He and I were still negotiating the whole "who sleeps where" situation!

Payal raised her eyebrows, noticing the panic on my face. "Oh my God, bhai ne aapko gift nahi diya?!"

[Oh my god, Bhai did not give you any gift?]

I bit my lip, trying to keep my voice steady. "W-well... shayad busy the..."

[I think he was busy.]

Payal raised an eyebrow, unconvinced. "Busy? First night pe?! Bhabhi, aapko toh protest karna chahiye!"

[Busy?On ther first night!Bhabhi you should protest]

I quickly waved my hands, trying to dismiss it. "Nahi nahi, waise bhi mujhe gifts ki aadat nahi hai..."

[No, no... anyway, I'm not used to receiving gifts.]

Payal gasped louder than I thought was possible. "Matlab aapko surprises pasand nahi?"

[Means, you don't like surprises?]

My face went red. "Aisa nahi hai... bas..."

[It's not like that... just...]

Payal shook her head in fake disappointment, her expression far too dramatic. "Bhai ne aapko kuch nahi diya, yeh toh bahut bada injustice hai!"

[Bhai didn't give you anything? This is a huge injustice!]

I rolled my eyes, trying to maintain composure, but the seed of doubt had been planted. Mujhe sach mein kuch nahi diya? Even a small thing?

[He really didn't give me anything?]

I tried to brush it off. Acha chalo, laddoos ka deal toh hua tha, but woh toh maine khud agreement me likhwa liya!

[Okay fine, there was a deal for laddoos, but I was the one who got that added to the agreement!]

Payal, seeing my mind racing, suddenly grinned mischievously. "Bhabhi, ek kaam karo."

[Bhabhi, do one thing.]

I raised an eyebrow, already wary of her plans. "Kya?"

[What]

She smirked, clearly excited. "Aaj raat bhai se apna gift demand karo."

[Tonight, ask Bhai for your gift.]

My face instantly turned crimson. "K-kya?! Main kaise-"

[W-what?! How can I-]

Payal giggled, nudging me playfully. "Bhabhi, raja-maharaja log bhi apni raniyon ko gifts dete the, aur tum toh Raghuvanshi Mansion ki chhoti maharani ho!"

[Bhabhi, even kings used to give gifts to their queens, and you are the little queen of Raghuvanshi Mansion!]

I groaned, feeling the weight of the situation. "Mujhe tumhari excitement se darr lag raha hai."

[I'm scared of your excitement.]

But Payal wasn't done. She nudged me again, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "Bas dekhna, bhai kya karta hai. Mujhe full report chahiye."

[Just wait and watch what Bhai does. I want a full report!]

As we continued our tour, my mind couldn't focus on anything but that one nagging question.

Why hadn't he given me a gift?

And even more pressing-

What should I ask for?

I tried to ignore the thought, but every part of me kept wondering. Would he even remember? Would it be something I liked? Or would I end up having to negotiate my way into a gift, like everything else so far?

-------

The night had fallen, and I was curled up on the bed, waiting for Mr. Khadus Raghuvanshi to return from work. It had been a long day, and though I wouldn't admit it aloud, I was secretly excited to see him.

As soon as I heard the door creak open, I perked up.He entered, removing his watch and loosening his tie, completely oblivious to the fact that his innocent little wife was about to start a battle.

I sat up straight, narrowing my eyes at him. "Rukiye, rukiye-zara idhar aaiye!" I demanded, folding my arms over my chest.

[Wait, wait-come here for a moment!]

He stopped, one brow raising as he looked at me in amusement. "Ab kya kiya maine?"

[Now what did I do?]

I scoffed, getting off the bed and marching up to him. "Aapko pata hai maine aaj kya realize kiya?" I asked, dramatically placing a hand on my forehead as if the realization had physically exhausted me.

[Do you know what I realized today?]

Virendra leaned against the cupboard, smirking. "Ki tum mujhe bina dekhe ek din bhi nahi reh sakti?"

[That you can't go a single day without seeing me.]

I gasped. "Haww! Kitne overconfident ho aap!" I huffed, placing my hands on my hips. "Mujhe yaad aaya hai ki abhi tak aapne mujhe Muh Dikhai ka gift nahi diya!"

[Haww.. How much confidence do you have?

I just remembered that you still didn't give me my Muh Dikhai gift!]

His smirk faltered slightly, and he blinked at me. "Muh Dikhai gift?"

"Haan!" I huffed, dramatically flipping my hair over my shoulder. "Sabke pati apni patniyon ko kuch na kuch gift dete hain. Koi necklace, koi ring, koi earrings... Par mujhe? Mujhe kya mila, haan?" I pointed at myself with exaggerated disappointment. "Ek naya ghar, ek akdu pati, aur bas!"

[Yes

Everyone's husband gives their wife something-a necklace, a ring, earrings... But me? What did I get, huh?

A new house, a grumpy husband, and that's it!]

Virendra let out a chuckle, his eyes twinkling with mischief. "Toh madam ko necklace chahiye tha?"

[So, madam wanted a necklace?]

"Arey, kuch toh dena chahiye tha na! Yeh bhi koi baat hui?" I pouted, crossing my arms. "Aap toh mujhe gift dena bhi bhool gaye."

[Arey, you should have given me something! Is this even fair?

You even forgot to give me a gift.]

He sighed, shaking his head with amusement. "Acha, toh abhi yaad aaya?"

[Oh, so you remembered just now?]

"Haan!" I nodded firmly. "Aur main bina gift liye nahi maanungi!"

[Yes!

And I won't settle without getting my gift!]

Virendra smirked, stepping closer. "Toh batao, kya chahiye?"

[So, tell me what you want]

I thought for a second and then dramatically spread my palms. "Mujhe ek khubsoorat sa, pyara sa, bahut hi meetha gift chahiye!"

[I want a beautiful, lovely, and very sweet gift!]

smirk deepened, and he leaned in slightly, lowering his voice. "Toh ek meetha gift chahiye?"

[So, you want a sweet gift?]

I blinked at the sudden intensity in his eyes, feeling my breath hitch. "H-Haan..."

[Y-yes]

He suddenly cupped my face, his thumb brushing over my cheek as his deep voice sent shivers down my spine. "Toh phir ek meetha kiss chalega?"

[Then, will a sweet kiss do?]

My eyes widened, and I instantly stepped back, my face heating up. "Hawww! Aap... sharam kariye thodi!"

[Hawww! Have some shame.]

Virendra chuckled, stuffing his hands into his pockets. "Tumne hi toh kaha meetha hona chahiye."

[You were the one who said it should be sweet.]

"Mujhe chocolate ya sweets chahiye thi!" I argued, flustered.

[I want chocolate and sweets]

He shrugged casually. "Par maine toh socha ek meethi chhoti si kiss tumhari demand puri kar sakti hai."

[But I thought a sweet small kiss will fulfill your demand.]

I covered my face with my hands.

"Aap na... bahut besharam ho!"

[You know... you're really shameless]

He laughed, stepping closer until there was barely any space between us. "Aur tum bahut cute ho."

[And you are so cute ]

My heart fluttered at his sudden compliment, but I refused to let him win this round. "Gift doge ya nahi?" I demanded, pouting.

[Will you give me a gift kr not?]

Virendra sighed dramatically. "Acha theek hai," he said, walking toward his wardrobe. "Ek minute ruko."

[Alright,fine .

Wait a minute.]

I stood there, watching curiously as he rummaged through his things and pulled out a small velvet box. My eyes sparkled at the sight.

"Aree wah!" I clapped my hands excitedly. "Sachhi mein surprise rakha tha?"

[Oo wow.

You really had a gift ready?]

He walked toward me, opening the box, revealing a beautiful diamond pendant. My breath hitched.

It was simple yet elegant, the delicate chain holding a small diamond that twinkled under the room's warm lighting.

I stared at it, suddenly feeling overwhelmed. "Yeh... mere liye?" My voice softened.

[This....for me?]

He nodded, taking the chain out and stepping behind me. "Chalo, pehno."

[Come on, wear it ]

I felt his fingers brush against my neck as he gently clasped the necklace. My heart thudded in my chest at the unexpected tenderness.

When he was done, I turned to face him, still a little stunned. "Aapne yeh kab kharida?"

[When did you buy it?]

He smirked. "Shaadi se pehle. Socha tha tabhi dunga, par fir socha... thoda intezaar karwana chahiye."

[I had planned to give it before the wedding, but then I thought... a little wait would make it more special.]

I narrowed my eyes playfully. "Aapko na, sab cheezon mein mazak sujhata hai!"

[You find everything funny!]

He chuckled. “Tumhaare expressions dekhne ka maza bhi toh alag hai, Jaan."

[The joy of watching your expressions is something else, Jaan.]

I blushed at the way he said that. “Toh ab maan gayi? Muh Dikhai gift pasand aaya?"

[So, have you accepted it now? Did you like your Muh Dikhai gift?]

I smiled, touching the pendant softly. "Bohot zyada pasand aaya."

[I loved it so much.]

Virendra grinned, leaning in slightly. “Bas ek cheez missing hai."

[Only one thing is missing]

I frowned. "Kya?"  [What]

He tilted his head, staring at me with that same mischievous glint in his eyes. “Muh Dikhai hui, gift bhi mil gaya... ab ek thank you kiss toh banta hai, na?"

[The Muh Dikhai is done, you got your gift… now a thank-you kiss is a must, right?]

My jaw dropped, and I immediately turned red. “Hawww! Aap na bilkul besharam ho!"

[Hawww..you are so shameless]

Virendra only laughed, grabbing my wrist and pulling me into his chest. “Aur tum bilkul meri ho."

[And you are also mine]

I let out a flustered giggle, hiding my face in his chest. Maybe, just maybe, my Khadus pati wasn't as bad as I thought.

After a moment he broke the hug and

“There's a ritual you forgot," he said.

My heart skipped a beat.

“Mehndi?" He asked

Oh no! I had completely forgotten to show him my mehndi!

“Mehndi?" I repeated, blinking innocently, trying to play dumb.

“Yes, mehndi," he smirked. “You never showed me your mehndi. And isn't there a ritual where the husband finds his name hidden in it?"

I froze.

His name?!

Oh God!

I never wrote his name!

Instead of writing Virendra, I had written 'Arrogant Businessman' out of sheer frustration!

I had been so worried he'd notice, and now, this man wanted to personally search for it?!

“W-well... the color is already fading..." I mumbled, quickly hiding my hands behind my back.

But Virendra Singh Raghuvanshi was not a man to give up. He stepped closer, raising an eyebrow. “Let me see."

“No, there's nothing visible anymore-"

“It will be." He cut me off, smirking. “Let me find my name."

Before I could react, he grabbed my wrist. His large, warm fingers wrapped around my hand as he brought my palm closer to his sharp gaze.

“Hmmm..." He traced the fading design with his fingertips, and I held my breath. “Where is 'Virendra'?"

My heart pounded.

“I-it must be somewhere..." I stuttered, trying to pull my hand back.

But he was determined.

“Hmmm... this doesn't look like Virendra..." He squinted, “this looks like... 'A-r-r-'"

And then, I felt his body stiffen.

Shit.

His expression shifted from amusement to pure disbelief.

“Arrogant... Businessman'?" he read out slowly.

I instantly tried to yank my hand away, but he held on tighter, staring at me in utter shock.

“I-I wrote it by mistake!" I blurted before he could say anything.

Virendra narrowed his eyes. “By mistake? How do you 'mistakenly' write an entire phrase instead of my name?"

“W-well... that's just what was on my mind at that time!"

“Oh really?" His smirk returned-this time darker, more dangerous. “So that's what you think of me?"

“It's the truth," I mumbled under my breath.

“Even so, you should have written my name, hmm?" He took a step forward. “And since you didn't, you'll have to face punishment."

I gulped. “W-what punishment?"

His eyes gleamed mischievously. “This mehndi will last at least two more days. Until then, every night, you will call me 'Pati Dev'."

I gasped. “What?! That's cheating!"

“No, you cheated. Not me." His smirk widened. “Now, you must be punished."

I scowled. “I won't say it!"

He leaned in, whispering dangerously close to my ear, “Oh, but I want to hear it."

I froze. This man was in full teasing mode!

“I won't say it." I crossed my arms stubbornly.

“You will." He grinned. “And every night, without fail."

I groaned. He was impossible!

“P-pati dev," I muttered grudgingly, my cheeks burning.

“Hmm?" He cupped his ear. “What did you say?"

I shut my eyes tight. “PATI DEV!"

He smirked, stepping back like a king who had won a battle. “Good. Get used to it."

I wanted to cry at my

fate.

But one thing was clear-The mehndi secret was out, but now, how was I supposed to survive this 'Pati Dev' drama?!

———————

Next Chapter Spoiler:-  Ishita wants to go to her home.