Vaishali's POV

Warm sunlight brushed against my face.

For a moment, I didn't know where I was.

The bed beneath me was soft. Softer than anything I had ever slept on. The sheets smelled clean and fresh, and the room around me was quiet... peaceful.

Slowly, the memories from last night returned.

The mansion.

The doctor.

Rudraksh.

My eyes widened and I sat up quickly.

This room was enormous. Tall windows let golden morning light spill across the floor. The furniture looked expensive, elegant - like something from a different world.

A world I didn't belong to.

Just then, there was a soft knock on the door.

Before I could respond, the door opened and Rudraksh walked in.

He was already dressed, looking calm and composed as always. His sharp eyes softened slightly when he saw me awake.

"Good morning, Vaishu," he said.

My heart skipped at the nickname.

"G-good morning," I replied nervously.

He walked closer and placed a small kiss on my forehead and gave me a dress to change.

"You should eat something," he said.

I hesitated.

"You didn't sleep much," he added quietly.

I looked down, unsure how to respond.

After a moment, he spoke again.

"Come downstairs with me after you're ready."

I blinked.

"Downstairs?"

"My family is there."

My stomach tightened.

Family.

The word alone made me nervous.

Seeing the fear on my face, Rudraksh sighed softly.

"They won't hurt you."

His voice was firm, but gentle.

"Trust me."

He turned to leave, pausing near the door.

"I'll wait outside."

The door closed behind him.

I sat there for a long moment, staring at the dress.

My hands trembled slightly.

Family.

I had never truly experienced that word.

Not after my parents died.

After getting ready, I slowly walked toward the door.

When I stepped outside, Rudraksh was waiting in the hallway.

His eyes briefly scanned my face.

"Ready?" he asked.

I nodded nervously.

We walked down the large staircase together.

Each step made my heart beat faster.

Voices drifted from the dining hall ahead.

Laughter.

Casual conversation.

It sounded... warm.

As soon as we entered the hall, the room slowly became quiet.

Everyone turned toward us.

My breath caught.

A large dining table filled the room, surrounded by many people.

This was his family.

I instinctively moved slightly behind Rudraksh.

He noticed.

But he didn't move away.

Instead, he gently held my wrist and guided me forward.

"This is Vaishali," he said calmly.

For a moment, no one spoke.

Then a tall, serious looking man stood up.

His presence was commanding.

"I'm Virendra Rathore," he said. "Rudraksh's father."

Beside him stood a graceful woman with kind eyes.

"And I'm Meera Rathore," she said warmly. "His mother."

Her gentle smile instantly made my nervousness soften a little.

A young girl with bright eyes rushed forward next.

"I'm Rhea!" she said cheerfully. "Rudraksh's sister."

She looked at me curiously but smiled warmly.

Soon more people began introducing themselves.

A tall man with a calm expression spoke next.

"Mahendra Rathore," he said. "Rudraksh's uncle."

Beside him stood a warm smiling woman.

"Sunita Rathore," she added kindly.

Two young adults waved casually.

"I'm Arjun," the boy said with a grin.

"And I'm Kavya," the girl beside him smiled.

Another elegant couple stood.

"Ranvijay Rathore," the man introduced.

"And Anjali Rathore," the woman said with a polite smile.

Two younger cousins waved from their seats.

"Vivaan!"

"Arya!"

Their energy made the room feel lively.

Then a peaceful looking man spoke next.

"I'm Rajendra Rathore."

"And I'm Priya," the woman beside him smiled softly.

Two younger kids waved shyly.

"Kaarthik."

"Myra."

More introductions followed as the entire family greeted me warmly.

No one looked at me with suspicion.

No one questioned why I was here.

Instead, someone pulled a chair for me.

Another person placed a glass of water in front of me.

"Sit, beta," Meera ji said gently.

My hands trembled as I sat down.

Everyone continued talking normally, like I had always been there.

Someone asked if I had eaten.

Another offered fruit.

Rhea asked if I liked tea.

Arjun cracked a small joke that made the table laugh.

I sat there frozen.

My chest tightened.

My vision blurred.

Because this...

This warmth...This laughter...This care...

I had never experienced any of it before.

A tear slipped down my cheek.

Then another.

I quickly wiped them, embarrassed.

"I'm sorry," I whispered.

The table grew quiet.

Meera ji immediately leaned closer.

"Why are you apologizing?" she asked gently.

My voice trembled.

"I... I just..."

I struggled to find the words.

"I've never... experienced something like this before."

The room became completely silent.

My hands tightened together.

"I've never sat with a family like this," I continued softly. "No one ever... asked if I ate. Or talked to me like I belong somewhere."

More tears fell before I could stop them.

"I'm sorry... I didn't mean to make things awkward."

Before I could wipe them, a hand gently lifted my chin.

Rudraksh.

His thumb brushed my cheek, wiping the tears away.

"Don't cry for things you never received," he said softly.

His voice was calm... but intense.

"Cry only if someone dares to take them away from you now."

My hands clutched his coat tighter. Then, to my surprise, he carried a plate of breakfast - toast, fruit, and warm tea - and sat opposite me.

"Eat," he said softly. "Let me take care of you."

I hesitated, overwhelmed by the attention. But he smiled and fed me a bite, then another, each gesture gentle, careful.
When a tear slipped down my cheek again, he lightly brushed it away, his eyes locking onto mine.

The entire Rathore family watched in stunned silence. Some looked shocked, others whispered to each other, but Meeraji sensed the depth of it and smiled softly, seeing the tenderness and care he had for me.

My heart raced. I had never felt such attention, such warmth, such... love.

Rudaksh's POV - 

She trembled slightly as I guided her to the dining hall, hiding behind me. Her fragility pulled at something deep within me - protective, possessive, tender all at once.

I watched her take in the warmth of my family, the laughter, the smiles. And I saw her tears fall when she realized she had never experienced anything like this.

I had to make her feel safe. Now. Always.

I brushed the tears from her cheeks, my thumb lingering softly. Her gaze met mine, startled, vulnerable, and something protective surged through me.

I sat opposite her, carrying her breakfast. Each bite I fed her was more than food ... it was comfort, security, care. The entire family was silent, watching a side of me they rarely, if ever, saw. Maa's smile was quiet but knowing. She understood.

When she looked up at me with wide, uncomprehending eyes, I whispered, "You don't have to be afraid. Not here. Not ever."

Then, I rose slightly, my voice cutting through the quiet room. Calm, firm, absolute.

"I love her."

Every eye in the room turned toward me. Shock. Surprise. Confusion.

But my gaze didn't leave her.

"And I'm going to marry her."

The room froze. Some mouths opened in disbelief, some eyes widened. Even my father, looked stunned.

"As soon as possible," I added.

I didn't wait for anyone else's permission. She was mine. And I would ensure no one could ever hurt her again.

Her breath caught. Her small hands trembled in hers. And I knew that everything had just changed. For both of us.