Naina was in deep sleep when, in the middle of the night, she suddenly woke up. Still drowsy, she shifted slightly and blinked, her gaze wandering around the dimly lit room.

Ishaan was nowhere to be seen.

Her sleepy mind struggled to process-where had he gone? And in this heavy rain...? A strange feeling settled in her chest.

Still exhausted, she pushed herself up and leaned back against the headboard. Reaching for the glass on the side table, she poured herself some water and took a few small sips, letting the coolness soothe her dry throat.

But a thought gnawed at her.

Had she made a mistake by telling Ishaan? Would he now see her differently, the way Vansh once did-with pity, or worse, with judgment?

For a moment, fear crept in. But then, another realization struck her-why was she even worrying about Ishaan's opinion? Hadn't he hurt her enough already? Hadn't he been the one to make her suffer in so many ways?

And yet, despite everything, something about this night felt different.

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Meanwhile, There was only one reason Ishaan had stepped out into the stormy night.

He wanted the man responsible for Naina's trauma to understand exactly what he had done. To make him realize the weight of his unforgivable actions. To make him pay for daring to harm something as rare, as precious, as Naina.

Ishaan had always seen her as someone stubborn, someone who refused to bend, no matter how much he pushed her. He had imagined her thoughts, her fears, but he had never, even in his wildest assumptions, thought that behind her innocent face lay a horrifying past.

The thought of it burned inside him like wildfire. And for the first time in a long, long time, Ishaan felt helpless.

He wanted to find the man, hunt him down, and end him right this moment. But there was one problem-he didn't know who it was.

And the only person who could tell him... was Naina.

But he couldn't ask her. Not now. Not when she had finally let her walls down and allowed herself to be vulnerable with him. Not when she had trusted him enough to share her pain.

He wouldn't push her further.

Driving through the rain, Ishaan's mind was a storm of its own, filled with flashes of Naina-her tear-streaked face, her hesitant voice whispering his name, the way she clung to him as if he was her only shield against the world. The more he thought about it, the stronger his obsession grew.

Naina had unknowingly bound herself to him that night, and now, there was no escaping it.

He arrived at his farmhouse, the rain drumming violently against the rooftop. As he stepped inside, his footsteps echoed through the eerily silent corridors. Without hesitation, he walked straight to the painting room-the place where every inch of the walls was filled with Naina's portraits. Each stroke of color, each brush of paint, captured a different side of her.

He stood there, staring at them, memorizing her face all over again.

And then, in the dim glow of the room, he sat down, his eyes locked onto the paintings, as if they were the only thing keeping him sane.

He wanted to bring her here. Right now. To make her understand that she belonged to him, that no one could protect her the way he could.

Ishaan had no idea how much time had passed as he sat there, lost in thoughts of Naina. Sleep overtook him before he even realized it.

But even in his dreams, one thought remained constant-he wanted her. No matter what. He also knew that during this week, he had left Naina behind, but it was also her birthday-something she hadn't shared with anyone. Or maybe she simply didn't want to. She hadn't even replied to Ishaan's messages because she hadn't opened her phone at all. She didn't want to hear anything from him back then.

Still, he forced himself to wait. A day or two, at least. He needed to give her time. He needed to be patient.

Because when he finally took her with him... she wasn't going anywhere ever again.

Two Days Later-

Naina wore a peach-colored dress that made her look nothing less than an apsara. The soft fabric draped around her, flowing with every step she took. In her hands, she held a small silver plate filled with fresh flowers as she slowly descended the stairs.

The house was calm, the air scented with sandalwood and incense. A puja had been arranged by Karan and Shalini for the peace and prosperity of the household.

Reaching the bottom of the stairs, Naina quietly handed the plate to Shalini, who accepted it with a warm smile. She dipped her fingers into the red kumkum powder and gently placed a small teeka on Naina's forehead.

Naina gave a small nod and stepped aside, adjusting the drape of her chunni as she sat down in a quiet corner. She had never been one for prayers, but today, she found herself silently hoping-for what, she wasn't sure.

Just as she lost herself in her thoughts, a shadow fell over her.

She blinked and slowly looked up.

Standing in front of her was Savitri.

Naina's eyes widened slightly. She hadn't expected to see her here. Not today. Not now.

Still, she quickly stood up and greeted her with a small nod.

For a long moment, Savitri simply stared at her, lost in thought, before finally stepping forward and pulling Naina into a soft embrace.

Naina didn't say a word.

She didn't know what to say.

Savitri's voice was gentle when she finally spoke. "How are you, Naina?"

Naina hesitated before replying, "I'm good... what about you?"

A small, knowing smile touched Savitri's lips. "I'm well."

The two of them walked outside into the garden, the cool breeze making the scent of fresh flowers even stronger. They talked about many things-trivial things, nothing too deep. But for some reason, Ishaan's name never came up.

Not even once.

Naina, lost in thought, reached out absentmindedly and plucked a rose from the bush. She began pulling its petals off one by one, letting them fall onto the grass.

Savitri watched her carefully before finally speaking, her voice quiet but firm. "Naina... do you not like Ishaan at all?"

Naina's hands froze mid-motion, the last petal still between her fingers.

She kept her eyes on the ground, not answering.

Because, truthfully, she didn't know.

There were times when she hated Ishaan. And yet... there were moments when she found herself drawn to him.

Fascinated by him.

But was fascination the same as liking someone? Could she even allow herself to think that way?

Ever since that night, a part of her had begun to soften towards him.

Savitri noticed Naina's hesitation and called her name again. "Naina?"

Naina startled slightly, blinking up at her. "Huh?"

She had been lost in thought, only half-listening.

But Savitri misunderstood.

To her, that hesitant "Haan?" was an answer. And in that moment, she became certain-Naina had feelings for Ishaan.

Savitri gave a warm smile and said, "He may get angry, but he's not as bad as you think. Just give him a chance... You'll see, he'll treat you like a queen."

Naina didn't respond. She simply listened in silence, her expression unreadable.

Savitri, however, wasn't looking at Naina anymore. Her gaze had shifted behind her, and a knowing smile appeared on her face.

Naina frowned slightly, confused, and turned her head just in time to hear Savitri say, "Finally,.... Ishan is here."

A strange nervousness settled in Naina's chest.

After everything that had happened that night-the revelation, the vulnerability, the way she had unknowingly allowed herself to seek comfort in him-she wasn't sure if she was ready to face him yet.

Still, she forced herself to turn around.

And there he was.

Ishaan stood casually by his car, leaning against it like he had all the time in the world. He wore a black pent-coat, his tall frame exuding effortless power and control. A pair of dark sunglasses covered his eyes, making it impossible to read his expression, but the way his hands were clasped in front of him, relaxed yet precise, only added to his intimidating aura.

He looked not less than a hot model.

And then, he started walking toward them.

Slowly. Purposefully.

Savitri's smile only grew wider.

Naina felt her heartbeat quicken.

The remnants of the rose in her hand-just a few petals and a broken stem-began slipping through her fingers, but she barely noticed. The closer Ishaan got, the more she felt an odd sense of panic bubbling inside her.

She hadn't seen him in two days.

Two days since that night.

And now, he was close. Too close.

Ishaan finally stopped right in front of her.

His lips curved into the faintest smirk as he leaned in just a little , Naina's breath hitched. Her eyes snapped toward Savitri, as if hoping for some kind of rescue, but her mother-in-law only watched them with quiet amusement, her smile never fading.

Ishaan followed her gaze and looked at Savitri, tilting his head slightly. he drawled, "Do you mind if I borrow my wife for a little while?"

His voice was teasing, but there was an edge to it.

Something possessive.

Something that sent a shiver down Naina's spine.

Savitri let out a soft chuckle, shaking her head knowingly. "Of course"

And with that, she turned and walked away, leaving them alone.

The second she was gone, Ishaan took another step forward, closing the last bit of distance between them. Before Naina could react, she felt his hand slide against her back-firm, steady-before he effortlessly pulled her into his embrace.

Her breath caught in her throat.

Ishaan's grip on Naina's waist tightened just slightly, pulling her closer.

Her breath faltered.

Her gaze flickered toward the house, a nervous knot forming in her stomach. What if someone saw them? What if someone came outside at this very moment?

She knew Ishaan wouldn't care. His actions were never dictated by what others thought. But she... she had to be careful. She had to control herself. Because if there was one thing she had learned about him, it was that Ishaan never stopped-his words, his touch, his presence... they always pushed her to the edge of something dangerous.

But today, she didn't move.

She stood still. Silent.

Ishaan, however, didn't miss the way her body stiffened under his touch. Leaning in, he rested his forehead against the side of her neck, his warm breath sending a shiver down her spine.

And then, in a voice so soft it almost melted into the air, he whispered-

"Sorry... for that night."

Naina blinked.

Her fingers curled slightly as a strange feeling washed over her.

She hadn't expected an apology. that too at this time. She had spent the last two days wondering if she had made a mistake-if revealing her past had changed something between them. If, somehow, Ishaan now saw her differently.

But she didn't know that for him, hearing her truth had changed everything. Because for Ishaan, Naina's honesty mattered more than anything else in the world.

Ishaan slowly lifted his face from Naina's neck and looked into her eyes. His gaze was intense yet soft, like he was memorizing every detail of her face.

A slow smirk tugged at his lips before he murmured, "You look beautiful... so beautiful that I fear even my own eyes might cast an evil spell on you."

Naina's eyes slightly narrowed, a flicker of warmth crossing them. She wouldn't admit it, but something about his words, the way he said them so casually yet sincerely, made her feel... nice.

Ishaan's gaze then dropped to her lips. He leaned in slowly, his intent unmistakable.

Naina's breath hitched.

Before his lips could touch hers, she gently placed her hands on his chest, creating a small barrier between them. "Someone will see us... let go of me." Her voice was barely above a whisper, but her hesitation was clear.

Ishaan simply smiled. Without another word, he took her hand in his and started leading her inside.

The house was bustling with activity. The preparations for the prayer ceremony were nearly complete, and everyone was beginning to take their places.

No one in the family-except Savitri-knew the truth about Ishaan and Naina's marriage. To them, the divorce papers had been signed, and their short-lived relationship was over. But now, as Ishaan guided Naina to a seat beside him, his grip firm on her hand, their reality was on full display.

Whispers spread through the room. Curious glances were exchanged.

Ishaan held Naina's hand tightly, his fingers locked around hers as if to say she belongs to me.

Shalini and Karan were among those watching. Shalini, in particular, looked confused-almost unsettled. She had believed Naina was free from Ishaan. So how was he holding her hand so boldly, as if nothing had changed?

The prayer ceremony began, and for a brief moment, everyone was absorbed in it. But as soon as it ended and the prasad was being distributed, Shalini called out-

"Naina, come here for a moment."

Naina turned to look at her, nodding silently. She was about to get up when Ishaan's grip on her hand tightened.

She looked at him, startled.

His expression had darkened. His jaw was clenched, his teeth pressing together in frustration. The softness from earlier had disappeared, replaced by something dangerously possessive.

Naina swallowed.

She understood Ishaan well enough by now. He didn't want her to go. He didn't want anyone, especially Shalini, to take her away from him.

But she wasn't afraid.

Keeping her voice calm and firm, she whispered, "Let go, Ishaan."

His sharp eyes met hers.

For a second, he didn't move.

Then, exhaling harshly through his nose, he slowly loosened his grip and let her go.

Naina walked toward Shalini, feeling Ishaan's burning gaze follow her.

Shalini handed her a plate filled with prasad. "Distribute this to everyone."

Naina nodded and began passing it around.

Ishaan, meanwhile, did nothing but watch her.

His eyes never left her. The way she moved, the way strands of her hair fell over her face, the way she gently smiled while handing out the prasad-he was mesmerized.

And he wasn't the only one who noticed.

Among the people seated in the gathering was Raysa, Ishaan's childhood friend. She had known Ishaan for years, had seen him at his worst and his best. But never-never-had she seen him look at a woman like this.

She wasn't the only one shocked.

Several women in the gathering, particularly those who had once admired Ishaan from afar, now sat in stunned silence. Their expressions shifted from surprise to disappointment, as if reality had finally struck them-Ishaan was taken. Completely.

Naina, meanwhile, was well aware of his gaze.

She felt the weight of his stare, the intensity of it. And deep down, a small part of her felt something she didn't quite understand. Once the prasad was distributed and everyone settled into their conversations, Shalini called Naina into her room.

Naina hesitated for a moment before stepping inside.

Shalini was already seated on the bed, her expression serious. As soon as Naina entered, she got straight to the point.

"Naina... is he still forcing you?"

Naina froze.

She slowly walked over, sitting beside her. Her voice was quiet but firm. "No, Maa."

Shalini's brows furrowed. "Then why was he holding your hand so tightly? Why did he look like he was never going to let go?"

Before Naina could answer, a shadow fell over them.

At the door, standing silently with his hands in his pockets, was Ishaan.

Ishaan smirked as he stepped inside the room. His movements were slow, deliberate-his confidence unshaken. A couch sat across from the bed, and he casually lowered himself onto it, one arm resting over the back, his legs crossed in an effortless display of dominance.

Naina's breath was uneven. Her heart pounded. She didn't know what was coming next, but something in the air felt heavy, suffocating.

Just then, Ishaan extended his hand without looking, and Faris-who had been standing silently by the door-walked over and placed a stack of papers in his palm.

Naina and Shalini both watched him intently.

Ishaan unfolded the papers, his sharp gaze scanning them briefly before-without hesitation-he began tearing them apart.

Naina's eyes widened in shock.

Shalini gasped, her face pale.

Piece by piece, the divorce papers were destroyed, floating to the floor like meaningless scraps.

Ishaan turned his cold, piercing gaze toward Naina. His voice was calm, but the warning for Shalini was clear. "Do you really think I would let Naina go? My wife?"

Shalini's lips parted in disbelief. There was shock, but also rising anger. Meanwhile, Naina sat frozen, her emotions tangled between fear and hatred-fear because she had no control over Ishaan, and hatred because she knew what he was capable of.

Blood. Bodies. A graveyard full of his enemies.

Tears welled up in Naina's eyes.

Ishaan ignored her trembling hands and looked back at Shalini. "Do you want me to cause a scene and take her away in front of everyone?" His voice was eerily quiet, but the threat underneath it was loud.

Shalini swallowed hard, her voice breaking as she pleaded, "Ishaan... why are you doing this? Please... just let her go."

Ishaan pushed himself off the couch and stepped forward, his presence overwhelming. Suddenly, Karan stormed into the room, his eyes blazing with fury. He stepped between Ishaan and Shalini, his fists clenched. "What the hell are you trying to prove?"

Ishaan exhaled sharply, running a hand through his hair in frustration. His patience was wearing thin. "I haven't done anything yet. Do you want me to?" His voice dripped with sarcasm, but there was an unmistakable warning in his tone.

Karan's jaw tightened. His hand twitched as if he wanted to strike, but deep down, he knew who Ishaan was. He wasn't just any man-he was someone who didn't ask for control. He took it.

Faris stepped forward slightly, sensing the tension, ready to act if needed.

And then-Naina moved with fear.

She stepped a little forward, looking small, fragile-like a delicate thing caught in a storm. But there was something resolute in her eyes. She didn't want things to spiral further. She didn't want Ishaan to hurt Shalini or Karan.

Ishaan's gaze snapped to her.

Her eyes, filled with unshed tears, begged for this madness to end.

Ishaan clenched his jaw. He grabbed her wrist, his grip firm but not painful. "I'm taking her with me." His voice had a finality that left no room for argument. "And if you try to stop me again..." He looked at Shalini. "Don't bother thinking you'll get her back."

Shalini and Karan stood frozen. They had no power here-not against Ishaan. And just like that, he led Naina downstairs. The moment they stepped out, all eyes were on them.

Guests whispered, exchanging curious glances and with confusion. And then there were those-especially the women who once admired Ishaan-who looked downright devastated.

Ishaan ignored them all.

His grip on Naina's wrist remained firm as he walked her outside. His black car was waiting, the door already open. But Naina didn't move. She turned to him, her face etched with sadness. Her lips parted slightly before she whispered-"My cat."

Ishaan blinked.

For the first time, there was something... innocent in her request. She didn't beg to stay. She didn't plead for him to let her go. She simply asked for her cat-the only thing that had ever brought her comfort in his world.

Understanding flickered in his dark eyes. Without hesitation, he gave Faris a subtle nod. "Bring it."

Naina sat quietly inside the car, waiting. Ishaan got in beside her, his body tense, exhaustion visible in the way he leaned back. He exhaled, rubbing his forehead. For a long moment, there was silence. And then, without warning, he shifted. His head dropped onto her lap.

Naina stiffened.

Her hands hovered in mid-air, unsure what to do.

Ishaan, however, didn't care. His body was drained, his mind exhausted. He gripped her thigh tightly, as if grounding himself. He needed this. He needed her. Half-asleep, his voice came out low, husky. "Put them down, Naina."

She hesitated.

His lips curved into a small, lazy smirk. "You won't do anything unless I ask, will you?"

A command. A request. A truth.

Slowly, cautiously, Naina placed one hand on his shoulder, the other resting against the seat. Ishaan exhaled, his smirk softening. And after a long, he felt peace.

As the car pulled up to the mansion, Naina's eyes swept over the grand structure she had once tried to escape. But now, she understood-there was no point in running. No way out.

She was his. Always had been.

Ishaan's head was still in her lap, his breathing slow and heavy as if sleep hadn't fully let go of him. Then, with a small movement, he lifted himself up, half-awake, while she remained completely alert.

His head rested against the seat now, but his attention was elsewhere. On her.

Naina could feel his gaze, sharp and unrelenting. She didn't need to look-she just knew.

Swallowing hard, she nervously bit down on her lower lip, her mind racing with unspoken thoughts.

Ishaan smirked.

"Don't bite your lip..." His voice was low, teasing. "I want to do that."

Naina's breath hitched.

Her eyes slowly darted toward him hesitantly, only to find him watching her with a look that made her stomach flip.

Before she could react, Ishaan lifted his right hand and gently pushed back the strands of hair that had fallen over her neck, revealing her delicate skin.

The moment his fingers brushed against her, a shiver ran down her spine. It was like a current-dangerous, electrifying.

Her body tensed. She didn't know if it was fear or something else.

Ishaan leaned in, his lips ghosting over her neck before pressing a slow, lingering kiss against her skin.

A soft gasp escaped her lips.

Her body instinctively tilted slightly, reacting to the unexpected touch.

Ishaan, encouraged by her response, deepened his kisses. His lips moved along the curve of her neck, as if he was memorizing her scent, getting lost in the softness of her skin.

He had lost control.

His hands slid into her hair, pulling her closer, his lips trailing from her jawline to her collarbone. Each kiss was slow, possessive.

Naina's fingers trembled as she placed them on his shoulders-unsure if she was trying to stop him or steady herself. Her heart pounded, panic and confusion mixing inside her. Someone could see them. Someone could walk by.

But she didn't realize-no one else mattered. Because in Ishaan's world, only he had the right to look at her. Only he had the right to touch her.

Ishaan had waited too long. Every second, every moment-all for her.

And now, she was back. His, once again.

His hands moved over her body, tracing every curve as if memorizing her all over again. It wasn't just touch-it was claiming.

Naina's breath hitched. Her wide eyes met his-filled with confusion, shock, and something else she couldn't name.

Then, without warning, Ishaan pulled away.

Before she could process anything, he stepped out of the car.

She stared at him, bewildered. What was he doing?

Ishaan walked around to her side, opened the door, and without a word, lifted her into his arms.

Effortless. Possessive. Unstoppable.

Naina gasped softly, her hands instinctively clutching his shoulders. "what are you doing?" she whispered, uncertain.

But he didn't respond. He just kept walking. Step by step, carrying her inside the mansion-straight to his room.

Once inside, he moved toward the bed and gently placed her down, his eyes never leaving hers. Naina's heart pounded. The way he was looking at her-intense, dark, unreadable-made it impossible for her to breathe properly.

Then, he took a step back.

Without a word, he reached for his coat and slipped it off, placing it to the side. Naina's brows furrowed in confusion. Then, he started unbuttoning his shirt.

One. Two.

Naina's breath stilled.

Her lips parted slightly, and before she could stop herself, she whispered again, "...Ishaan?"

He didn't answer. And kept unbuttoning.

Ishaan's fingers paused on the last button of his shirt as he leaned slightly forward, his gaze locked onto Naina's.

His voice was deep, slow, almost dangerous as he murmured,

"I desire violently- and I wait."**

A shiver ran down Naina's spine.

His words settled in the air between them, thick with unspoken intensity.

She swallowed hard, her hands gripping the sheets beneath her.

Ishaan's smirk deepened as he took another step toward her, his half-unbuttoned shirt revealing glimpses of his sculpted skin.

He had waited too long. Too damn long.

And now, she was here.

With him.

Where she belonged.

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