c h a p t e r 44

12.1K 630 33
                                    

Happy reading!

Happy reading!

Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.

SHIVANI'S POV

We're getting ready for a business party. Rudra told me about it today morning, I can't believe him. I don't really have any appropriate outfits. I don't know what to wear. He keeps saying he doesn't really want to attend it, all he wants to do is spend his time lazing around with me, tangled in our bedsheet. I can't understand how he can be so bold.

"What should I wear?" I ask, "something comfortable," The corner of his mouth lifted up in a smirk, "something easily accessible."

"Rudra!" I yell, "you're shameless." I exclaims, "and you love it." he chuckle. His playful nature always brings a smile to my face, even when I'm trying to be serious. I blush, feeling the heat rise in my cheeks. It's my favorite sight, seeing him so effortlessly charming. I shoo him out of the closet, despite his begging, and now I'm left to decide on my own. My heels click on the floor, as I walk towards him, nervous yet excited. He turns to look at me, and his eyes light up.

"You look breathtakingly beautiful," he says, and I feel my heart swell. The gown is a striking black, hugging my curves in all the right places, exuding a sense of timeless beauty. A stunning white cape cascades over my shoulders, adding a touch of regality to my already captivating presence. The fabric flows down my back, creating a dramatic, ethereal effect as I move. I grin at him, feeling a little more confident.

"You look...you look like art," he says, his voice filled with awe. I swat his arm playfully, feeling a bit shy at his compliment, but I can't deny the warmth it brings me. He always knows how to make me feel special.

"You'll make heads turn at the party," His eyes darken, "you look too good." He pulls me towards him, and I slam into his body.

"Should I change?" I whisper, "I will never stop you from wearing any dress baby," He pecks my lips, "it isn't your fault that you are so beautiful, instead I am going to beat up every asshole who looks at you wrong way." A mix of amusement and warmth floods through me at his words. Rudra has always been fiercely protective, and I've come to appreciate his possessive nature. I know he hates it when other men look at me, but I can't help but find it endearing.

"Don't worry,” I whisper, “They can look, but only you get to touch.” A sly grin tugs at the corners of my lips. He looks at me amused.

"Let's go!" I say holding out my hand, he takes it, kissing my hair.

He senses my nervousness and squeezes my hand in return, his thumb rubbing soothing circles across my knuckles. The gesture is small but so meaningful to me, and I silently scold myself for being such a mess when he’s trying to calm my anxious heart.

"There will be media, right?" I ask, my voice barely above a whisper. I hate the media, their incessant questions, their invasive tactics. Everytime they're around, I go blank, the flashes and constant chattering makes my mind go numb. "Yes," he says softly. "But I've arranged a back entrance for us."

I look at him, my eyes grateful. He’s always thinking of ways to make things easier for me, to shield me from the chaos.

He pecks my lips, and I gasp, "You'll get lipstick on your mouth."

"So what? It's your lipstick," he grins, making me laugh.

We spend the rest of the drive in comfortable silence, his thumb drawing soothing circles on the back of my hand. As the driver stops at the back entrance, Rudra helps me out of the car. We step into the venue, and I feel tighten my grip on his arms. The lights are dimmed, music plays softly in the background, and I can feel the stares of the people around us.

"We'll have to meet a few people, is it okay, baby?" he asks, his concern evident. I nod, more to reassure myself than him. "You'll be with me," I say, feeling a bit braver with him by my side.

"Mr. Malhotra, thank you for joining us today," A man in his fifties exclaims, shaking Rudra's hand. "Congratulations on 50 years of your company, Mr. Kapoor." He looks between us, and Rudra introduces me. "This is my wife, Shivani."

"Ah! So the rumors are true," he laughs. "Anyways, you have a beautiful wife," he says, and I feel Rudra tense beside me. "Enjoy the night," Mr. Kapoor says, raises his glass and walks away.

"That wasn't so bad," I say, trying to lighten the mood. Rudra smiles at me, leaning in to kiss my cheek.

"You look irresistible, darling," he whispers, his voice sending shivers down my spine. "I want to take you right here," he adds, his hand slowly moving towards my ass and giving it a light squeeze. I gasp, my body responding to his touch.

"Rudra," I sigh, feeling both embarrassed and exhilarated.

"Relax, baby," he murmurs, his lips brushing against the delicate skin of my neck. "I won't do anything...yet," he teases, pulling me closer. The crowd around us continues to chatter and mingle, oblivious to the growing tension between us. He tightens his grip on my waist, his thumb tracing slow circles against my hip bone. I can feel my skin flushing under his touch, my breath growing shallow. I know he's doing this on purpose, teasing me, making me ache for more.

"Mr. Malhotra!" I hear someone call him out. His hand not wavering at all and I feel flustered. "How are you?" The man greets, "Fine" He responds. "I need to use the washroom." I say, escaping his hold. He looks at me amused, before he could open his mouth, I make my way to the hallway, away from the crowd. I finally escape the crowd, stepping into the hallway that leads to the washrooms. But I'm not here for that. I lean against the wall, taking a deep breath, trying to steady my heartbeat. My mind is still buzzing from the feel of Rudra's hands on me, the way he teased me shamelessly in front of the guests. It's embarrassing and yet exciting at the same time.

I wait for a few minutes, expecting him to come searching for me. But just as I'm about to lose hope, footsteps echo down the hallway, getting closer and closer. I hide behind a pillar to scare him playfully. I jump out, "bhoo!" only to find someone else standing there. A man in his fifties, he has a sinister smile on his face, I take a step back, "remember me sweetheart?" He says, looking at me. I freeze, my breath catching in my throat, my blood runs cold. I recognize him, his voice, one I never wanted to hear again.

Panic grips me, and I try to move, but he's too quick. He grabs my arm, pulling me towards him. I struggle, trying to fight him off, but his grip is strong.

"Let go of me!" I hiss, trying to push him away.

He laughs, a cruel sound that sends shivers down my spine. "Your father sent me here to remind you what a slut you are," he sneers, his voice dripping with malice. "Will your husband accept you if he gets to know how you let men your father's age touch you?"

Terror floods my system as his words sink in. I fight harder, but he has all the control. His hand roams over my body, and I feel disgusted and powerless.

"No," I whisper, tears streaming down my face. "Please, stop."

Suddenly, footsteps echo down the hallway, and someone calls out my name. The man curses under his breath, releasing me abruptly. "This isn't over," he snarls before running away, disappearing into the shadows.

I collapse against the wall, my knees giving out beneath me. My chest tightens, and I can't catch my breath. Panic washes over me in waves, and I feel like I'm drowning. The world spins around me, and I clutch at my chest, gasping for air.

Voices reach my ears, but they sound distant and muffled. I try to focus, but my vision blurs.

"Shivani!" That's the last thing I hear before darkness engulfs me, thankful that I am safe in my husband's arms.

˚ ༘♡ ⋆。˚
Author's note:
We are so close to hit 50k reads, I am grateful to everyone. Thank you so much, please vote and comment too!
Love:)

Heal my heart Where stories live. Discover now