Vasu's POV

The bridal room was quiet, save for the soft hum of crickets outside. I sat on the edge of the bed, slipping my bangles off one by one. The jasmine garlands draped above the bed felt too heavy, their sweetness clinging to the air.

And he was watching me again.

"Are you planning to stare all night?" I asked, not bothering to look up.

Vijendra's voice was slow, almost lazy. "I was thinking about tomorrow."

I finally glanced at him. "Tomorrow?"

"Yes." He walked to the wardrobe, opening it like he owned the air around him. "From now on, you'll wake before me, keep my clothes ready, and make my breakfast. Ask Amma about my likes. You'll eat after I'm done. And..." — he turned slightly, smirking — "no wandering like in your city. This isn't Hyderabad, Vasu."

My jaw tightened. "Anything else, Your Highness?"

His smirk deepened. "Plenty. But we'll start small. Oh, and smile more. It suits you."

I crossed my arms. "From tomorrow, you can also remember I'm not your servant."

Something flickered in his eyes — sharp, unreadable — before his smirk returned, slower this time. He stepped closer. "I like this fire. Let's see how long you can keep it burning, my bangaram."

The nickname caught me off guard, heat rushing to my cheeks. I grabbed the clothes already laid out and escaped into the washroom.

Inside, I struggled with the stubborn pins and slides tangled in my hair, finally freeing them. I began pleating my saree when movement caught my eye — a lizard clinging to the bathroom window, its beady eyes fixed on me.

I screamed.

Half-pleated saree forgotten, I rushed out, colliding into something solid — no, someone solid. My body was flush against his, my hands looped around his neck without thinking.

Vijendra's arms locked instinctively around my waist, pulling me tight. For a moment, the world was just heartbeats and warmth.

I tilted my head from the crook of his neck, my voice trembling. "There... there's a lizard in the washroom."

He bit back a grin. "Really? Let me chase it away so you can... leave me." His tone dripped with amusement.

Realizing our position, I pushed away abruptly. He staggered slightly, then steadied himself, chuckling to himself. I clutched my saree, my face burning, unable to believe I had just clung to him like that.

Vijendra returned after checking the washroom, freshening up slowly — giving me time to fix my saree and composure.

"Good," he said with a low chuckle. "I thought I married a tigress. Turns out I got a scared little cat."

"Careful, Vijendra," I shot back, arranging the pillow between us. "Even cats rebel when cornered."

He leaned closer, voice dropping to a whisper. "That's what I'm counting on."

"One more condition," I said firmly. "Stay on your side."

"Agreed," he replied easily. "But remember, Vasu... you're in my house now. My rules."

I didn't answer. I just lay down facing away from him. The lights clicked off. In the dark, I could still feel his gaze — steady, patient — like a man already ten moves ahead in a game I never agreed to play.

One of us drifted to sleep with restless thoughts. The other, with quiet satisfaction.