Rudra wasn't prepared for this. He had wanted to take things slowly, to understand his own emotions before making any move. Yet, she had ruined his plans in the most unexpected way—with a kiss.

It wasn't just a casual brush of lips; it was something that sent a jolt through his entire being. He could still feel the warmth, the lingering sensation, and that was exactly the problem. He wasn't supposed to feel this way. He wasn't supposed to let his guard down.

Sitting alone in his penthouse, he ran a frustrated hand through his hair. "Yeh kya ho raha hai mujhe?" He had built walls so high around his heart, and yet, she had effortlessly broken through them.

(What is happening to me?) 

He needed to stop this. He couldn't let her continue this game when he himself didn't even know how he felt. The only way to put an end to this was to disappear. If she couldn't find him, she wouldn't be able to play with his emotions.

Making up his mind, Rudra immediately ordered his team to change his location. He erased every possible trace she could use to track him. He was grateful to her—there was no doubt about that. She had been his silent protector, his shadow in the dark. But this was different. Gratitude wasn't love. He needed to make himself believe that.

The next day

The next morning, Rudra immersed himself in work, arriving early at his company—the third most powerful in Asia. He tried everything to distract himself, drowning in international deals and high-stakes meetings. Yet, his mind remained restless. No matter how hard he tried, his thoughts kept wandering back to her.

Frustrated, he decided he needed a change of environment. He found himself at Kashish's house, hoping his childhood friend could provide some clarity.

As soon as he stepped into the estate, a deep, guttural growl echoed through the halls.

Rudra halted, sighing. "Tch... ab mujhe bhi tolerate nahi karega?" 

(Now he won't tolerate even me?)

A sleek black panther emerged from the shadows, its golden eyes gleaming with hostility. Its powerful muscles flexed as it stood between Rudra and the hallway. Then, with a loud, menacing roar, it made its displeasure clear.

Rudra chuckled, holding up his hands. "Haan haan, pata hai. Tujhe sirf Kashish pasand hai." (Yeah yeah, I know. You only like Kashish.)

The panther—Varun—snarled again, his tail flicking in irritation.

Varun was no ordinary panther. Years ago, Kashish had found him in the base of an enemy gang they had taken down. At first, they had believed he was just a cub, but as he grew, it became evident that Varun was much bigger than a normal panther. By the time they realized what he truly was, he had already become an unstoppable force, feared by everyone in the underworld.

Yet, despite his ferocity, Varun was extremely particular. He didn't let anyone near him—except Kashish. The two shared an unbreakable bond, ruling the mafia together like a force of nature. Kashish had trained him, molded him into a lethal guardian.

Rudra tried to step forward, but Varun let out another warning growl, his sharp fangs gleaming under the light.

"Alright, alright! Tujhse baat nahi karni thi waise bhi,"  Rudra muttered, walking past him carefully.

 (I didn't want to talk to you anyway.)

Behind him, Varun huffed before stalking off towards Kashish who was coming downstairs.

 Kashish patted," Varun you should not scare the guest now go, you should have your lunch go ma will give you."

After Varun went Rudra wasted no time. "Mujhe samajh nahi aa raha ye sab kya ho raha hai," He told him everything—the kiss, his decision to avoid her, the turmoil in his heart.

(I don't understand what's happening to me.) 

Kashish listened silently, then smirked. "Tujhe pata hai na yeh kya hai?"

(You do know what this is, right?)

Rudra narrowed his eyes. "Agar pata hota toh yahan nahi aata,"

(If I knew, I wouldn't be here.)

Kashish leaned back, arms crossed. "Tu usse pyaar karne laga hai." 

(You're falling for her.)

The words hit Rudra like a punch. His jaw clenched, his breath caught. "Bakwas mat kar," he said, almost like a plea.

(Don't talk nonsense.) 

Kashish only laughed. "Sachayi se bhaag ke kahaan jaayega, Rudra?" 

(Where will you run from the truth, Rudra?)

Rudra felt suffocated. He couldn't accept this. Love? Him? Impossible.

"Mujhe sirf ek break chahiye. Sab thik ho jayega." His company had an upcoming international project—Spain. That would be the perfect escape.

(I just need a break. Everything will be fine.)

Before leaving, Rudra asked Kashish, "Aur tu? Tera kya plan hai Anshika ke saath? Wo toh teri duniya se alag hai." 

(And you? What are your plans with Anshika? She's too innocent for your world.)

Kashish's expression darkened slightly, a dangerous glint in his eyes. "Woh sirf meri hai." 

(She is only mine.)

Rudra exhaled. He didn't know what was worse—his own dilemma or the way Kashish claimed Anshika like an unshakable truth.

At Ritika's house

Meanwhile, at Ritika's house, Anshika listened as Ritika excitedly recounted her first face-to-face encounter with Rudra.

"Tu samajh nahi sakti, Anshika," Ritika sighed dreamily. "Woh sirf mera hai. Aur ab hum mil chuke hain." 

(You don't understand, Anshika. He's mine. And now we've finally met.)

Anshika felt uneasy. She had seen Ritika's obsession before, but now that Rudra and Ritika had officially met, she was truly worried.

She hesitated before asking, "Vaise, tu us din feast ke baad gayab kahaan ho gayi thi?"

(By the way, where did you disappear after the feast?)

Ritika's dreamy expression turned sharp for a moment before she casually shrugged. "Bas thodi safai karni thi." 

(Just had to clean up a few things.)

Anshika nodded slowly, understanding the hidden meaning in Ritika's words. If Ritika had "cleaned up," it wasn't something simple as she was also related to that cleaning.

But even as she worried for Rudra, her own mind was restless. No matter what she did, she couldn't shake off Kashish's words from that night—

"Mujhe pasand nahi jab doosre tujhe aise dekhte hain." 

(I don't like it when others look at you like that.)

She clenched her fists. "Woh sach keh raha tha ya bas ek aur khel?"

(Was he telling the truth, or was it just another game?)

And more importantly—did she even want to know the answer?

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