Agastya's voice dripped with venom as he spoke, "You're right, he needs to learn a lesson."

Avyan's eyes blazed with anger, his jaw clenched in rage. "Exactly...he deserves to suffer," he growled.

Ikshita remained silent, her anger simmering just below the surface. But after catching sight of the lipstick mark, she couldn't help but think that he deserved to be punished. And once he's paid for his mistake, she'd make him hers.

Agastya's eyes gleamed with calculation as he spoke.

"Send Aadikya to inspect the East Wing building site."

Avyan's head snapped towards him, a hint of surprise – before a sly smirk spread across his face.

Ikshita's heart skipped a beat – her eyes widening fractionally – she knew the truth about that building,

Abandoned mid-construction due to structural flaws, collapsing Little by little.

Avyan's voice dripped with malice:

"Yeah, perfect idea... he needs to 'supervise' that project personally."

Ikshita's expression turned neutral again – rationalizing to herself.

"It's just a warning, a scare... Ranveer will be fine. He needs this punishment for betraying me"

Ranveer bowed his head slightly, nodding:

"Okay boss" – before turning to leave immediately, clearly sensing Agastya's impatience.

As soon as Ranveer exited the room, Agastya and Avyan exchanged a smirk – their eyes gleaming with sinister intent.

Agastya leaned back in his chair, steepling fingers together.

Ikshita remained silent, her gaze fixed on some point beyond them – her expression unreadable.

Ranveer reached that site. He don't know what to inspect. There are no one but then it's his duty.

He entered that damaged building without knowing it's dangerous effect.

He started to look around and click pictures as Agastya has asked.

But suddenly he heard something... someone calling his name...not someone... it's his wife.

"Veer"

Dhruvika's frantic eyes scanned the abandoned building – calling out softly.

"Veer... veer, are you here?"

Her voice echoed off crumbling walls until she finally saw him – Ranveer stood still, camera in hand, frowning slightly at her sudden appearance.

She rushed towards him with a smile.

"Thank god I found you! I was worried sick – your phone was dead. I went to your company and  got to know that you came here  to inspect this place..."

Dhruvika held out his ID card and wallet

"You forgot them in home... thought you might need them. And honestly, what's to inspect here? This building looks condemned!" She continued to spoke looking arround. While he was little surprised. Why suddenly she came and how can he forgot these things.

He don't know that Dhruvika took them back from his bag as she has Idea they would do something like this.

Dhruvika repeated her question, eyes fixed on the crumbling structure:

"What's the need of inspection of this building?"

Ranveer's deep voice broke his silence:

"How did you come here?"

Dhruvika replied casually, still gazing at the building:

"With my car."

Her attention remained focused on the decaying walls and rusty beams – Ranveer's eyes narrowed slightly.

He took a step closer, voice low:

"Why did you came alone?"

Dhruvika walked towards the old building's entrance, turning to Ranveer with a casual smile.

"Common Veer, I travel miles alone and I was getting bored anyways."

Ranveer followed closely behind her into the ground floor area – suddenly, the building trembled violently.

He was pulled outside just in time – watching in shock as the structure began collapsing behind him.

Then, a faint cry pierced the air:

"Ouch..."

Ranveer spun around – his heart sank – Dhruvika was clutching her head, blood trickling down her forehead.

For the first time ever, he spoke her name aloud – voice laced with panic:

"Dhruvika..."

Her pain forgotten, Dhruvika's eyes locked onto his – filled with love and a hint of madness.

Ranveer's panic intensified as he rushed to her side...

"Dhruvika..." he uttered again, voice low and urgent – his hands gently cupping her face to inspect the wound.

Her eyes never left his – a soft whisper escaped her lips:

"What..."

Ranveer's thumbs carefully wiped away trickling blood as he replied:

"We need to go to hospital... now."

Dhruvika's forehead was smashed quite badly – she swayed slightly, dizziness setting in.

Ranveer swiftly scooped her into his arms, holding her close as he spoke her name once more – panic rising:

"Dhruvika..."

She murmured something barely audible – he leaned in closer – ". thrice.."

His mind racing, Ranveer hurried towards her car – got her inside – and just as he closed the door behind her...

The building collapsed completely – a deafening boom.

He looked back in shock where the building collapsed.

Ranveer's eyes remained fixed on the cloud of dust where the building once stood – Dhruvika's words echoing hauntingly in his mind.

"'Honestly, what's to inspect here? This building looks condemned!'

His mind replayed the events – Dhruvika pushing him to safety, her head smashing against the wall, the blood...

A chill ran down his spine as he thought.

What if she hadn't pulled me out... what if she'd been inside, not near the entrance....

Ranveer's grip on the wheel tightened – his eyes darting towards Dhruvika in the passenger seat.

She lay unconscious, pale face streaked with blood and dust.

His throat constricted – emotions he rarely showed threatening to surface:

She could have....

He shook his head.

Suddenly, Dhruvika's faint whisper reached him – though she was unconscious, she'd murmured something twice earlier...

He recalled her words:

"... thrice..."

"She's fine... will regain consciousness soon. She just needs to stay under observation,"

the doctor said calmly, but Ranveer barely nodded, his attention fixed elsewhere.

His eyes devoured Dhruvika's pale face – a stark contrast to the radiant smile he'd grown accustomed to since their marriage.

Before , he'd seen her cold demeanor – reserved and distant, only revealing glimpses of emotion to those closest to her family.

But after vows were exchanged, her walls crumbled, revealing a talkative, loving person – always smiling, always laughing, always brightening his dark world.

Now, seeing her injured and still – her usual vibrant spirit temporarily extinguished – Ranveer's chest tightened like a vice.

An unfamiliar ache spread like slow-burning fire through his normally numb heart – the kind of heart that had witnessed darkness and cruelty, yet remained unscathed.

But Dhruvika... she was different. She'd awakened feelings in him – gentle care, soft affection.

Ranveer's large hand hovered above Dhruvika's face for a few hesitant moments – as if seeking permission from himself to touch her gently.

Then, with slow deliberation, his fingers brushed against her soft skin, tucking a stray strand of hair behind her ear.

His touch was feather-light, yet conveyed intense emotion – his eyes never leaving hers, even though she lay unconscious.

The hesitation in his gesture betrayed his usual tough demeanor – revealing a man unsure of handling fragile feelings, yet drawn to express them for her.

His thumb lingered barely a second on her skin – a fleeting caress – before he withdrew his hand, fist clenching slightly as if grasping control again.

But his eyes remained fixed on her face, filled with an unspoken whisper.

" wake up..."

Agastya's growl filled the air as he turned to his informant.

"What nonsense are you speaking?"

The man swallowed hard before replying:

"Yes boss, the building has collapsed completely."

Agastya's expression turned thoughtful – eyes narrowing as he processed the unexpected outcome.

He had intended only to injure Ranveer, assert dominance – not potentially kill his most valuable asset.

Ikshita's terrified voice shattered his contemplation:

"Bhai, what's happening?!"

Avyan tried to calm her:

"Relax..."

But Ikshita cried out:

"How can I relax?! You said Ranveer would just get hurt a little... what if..."

Agastya's jaw clenched – he turned to the guard:

"Do you know Ranveer's status?"

The guard hesitated before answering:

"No boss... his bike is outside, but he's nowhere to be seen... And we have not seen under the debris."

Agastya's grip on his jaw tightened – mixed emotions swirling.

He loathed Ranveer personally, yet the man's brilliance propelled their company's success.

This outcome was never part of his plan...

Harsh and Megha exchanged worried glances – Dhruvika's pale face and bandaged forehead testified to her pain as she lay in the hospital bed.

"Are you okay mam?" Harsh asked with concern

"Yeah"

"What yeah...it must be paining"  Megha spoke .

"But mam..."

Harsh trailed off, concern etched deeply on his face,

"Are you sure this was necessary? Seeing you like this... it's unsettling even for us."

Dhruvika's grip on the hospital bed rail tightened – her voice low and intense, revealing strategic thinking:

"They've controlled Ranveer for years – Royal family's manipulation runs deep roots. Agastya, Avyan...samesh Ikshita... they've pulled strings, dictating his every move. He won't blink if he's hurt himself – physical pain means nothing to his strong will...but seeing me like this?"

Her eyes gleamed with conviction, sparkling with emotional insight:

"......He'll question everything in his mind. My injury will be his wake-up call. veer will finally see beyond duty and loyalty – He'll recall every suspicious moment, every ambiguous order from Agastya. His brilliant mind will reconnect dots – Royal family's true intentions, their grip on him...And when he does, Ranveer will shatter free from their control."

Megha leaned in closer, eyes wide with curiosity:

"But mam, how can you be so sure he cares for you enough to trigger this backlash?"

Dhruvika's expression softened slightly – a hint of pride, affection, and strategic triumph:

"He married me for Royal ?, yes... but I've made him feel something more.

His heart is engaged now ...I have successfully made a place in his heart"

That time only Ranveer entered with a plate.

"Veer where were you...I was searching for you " Dhruvika spoke with a frown

Megha raised her eyebrows where harsh silently shook her head. Dhruvika was talking so cheerfully as if she wasn't planning downfall of someone some second before.

"Soup.." Ranveer spoke and Dhruvika gave a silent massage to Harsh and megha who run from there giving silly excuses

Dhruvika swallowed another spoonful of soup before looking up at him:

"Veer, I don't want to stay here anymore. Take me home."

Ranveer's eyebrows furrowed slightly – he hesitated, spoon still in hand, unsure how to respond.

Dhruvika gently placed her hand on his arm, encouraging him:

"Please..."

Ranveer slowly nodded, still looking uncertain – then carefully placed the spoon down and stood up.

He walked silently to the doctor's station, Dhruvika watching him – she knew this meant he was going to arrange her discharge.

A few minutes later, he returned with a nurse and discharge papers – his eyes locked on hers, as if seeking confirmation this was really what she wanted.

Dhruvika nodded softly, and he helped her up from the bed. He quickly took his blazer before warping around her .

As Dhruvika stood up with Ranveer's support, she suddenly swayed – her eyes glazing over as if losing balance.

Ranveer's reaction was instantaneous – he scooped her into his arms effortlessly, holding her close against his chest:

"Dhruvika..."

His deep voice laced with concern, though she remained silent, head tilted back – eyes closed as if fainting.

Ranveer quickly glanced around – the nurse rushed forward, but he shook his head slightly:

"I've got her."

He began striding swiftly towards the hospital exit, Dhruvika still limp in his arms – her chest rising and falling gently against his.

Just as they reached the door, Dhruvika's eyelids fluttered open – barely visible to anyone and she smiled hiding her face in his neck.

Ranveer gently placed Dhruvika into the passenger seat of his car, buckling her in with care...

His eyes searched her face – she looked pale still, but her eyes were open now, watching him.

He closed her door and walked around to the driver's side, getting in silently – starting the engine with a soft roar.

As he pulled out of the hospital parking lot, Dhruvika leaned her head back against the headrest, eyes still on him:

"Thanks, Veer..."

Ranveer glanced at her briefly – his expression softening further – before returning his gaze to the road.

The drive home was silent except for occasional gentle glances from Ranveer towards Dhruvika – ensuring she was okay.

Finally, he reached infront of their home– killing the engine before turning to face her:

"We're home."

Ranveer slowly got out of the car and walked around to her side, opening the door with hesitation – as if afraid of jostling her injured head.

He offered his hand carefully, helping her out of the vehicle – his eyes scanning her face for any signs of pain or discomfort.

Dhruvika leaned slightly on him as they walked towards their home's entrance – Ranveer's arm instinctively wrapped around her waist, supporting her gently.

Inside, he guided her to the chair, sitting infront of her with caution – then slowly began removing her shoes.

His large hands moved delicately, undoing the laces with hesitation – glancing up at her face repeatedly to ensure he wasn't causing discomfort.

Once her feet were bare, he stood up and helped her to went to bedroom.

He guided Dhruvika into their bedroom, his hand still supporting her lower back – concern etched on his face.

He helped her sit down gently on the edge of their mattress –  and helped Dhruvika lie back against the pillows – arranging them softly behind her head.

His eyes scanned her face, ensuring she was comfortable – then he sat beside her again, close enough for their legs to touch.

The room was quiet except for gentle breathing – Ranveer's hand hovered above hers, hesitant to touch further – before slowly coming to rest lightlyon her bandage. Then he quickly took off his hand before going out.

Dhruvika's eyes sparkled wit

h amusement as she watched Ranveer hastily withdraw his hand – his touch lingering only briefly on her bandaged forehead before going out.

She smiled softly to herself, lying back against the pillows – her mind analyzing his behavior.

"He's losing control... slowly but surely."

Her lips curved further upward – triumph and affection mingling in her expression.

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