Ranveer's sleep was gently broken by the sweet melody of birds chirping outside the tent.

He slowly opened his eyes, blinking away slumber, and looked up to see the soft morning light peeking through the tent fabric – dawn had arrived, casting a warm glow over their intimate little world.

His gaze shifted to his side, and his heart swelled with something he didn't understand. Dhruvika was still sleeping peacefully, her head nestled in the crook of his neck, her gentle breathing a soothing serenade.

A soft sigh escaped his lips as he pulled her closer, feeling grateful for the sense of calm she brought him – like a safe harbor from life's turbulent storms.

She was indeed a magician – erasing his worries and troubles with her presence

He thought back to their conversation the night before, her whispered words still echoing in his mind: "Make me yours..."

Then, like a splash of cold water, reality struck – yesterday was her birthday... and he had forgotten, consumed by his own guilt and anxiety!

His eyes widened in alarm as he carefully extricated himself from her gentle grasp.

He sat up slowly, searching for his clothes in the dim morning light, finding them rumpled but wearable – a reminder of their passionate night together.

Quickly dressing, he returned to Dhruvika and gently adjusted the blanket around her sleeping form before scooping her up in his arms.

She murmured softly in her sleep, "Veer..."

...he hummed a gentle "Hmm" in response, and she sighed softly again, nuzzling deeper into his chest.

Her trust in him was palpable, even in sleep .

He carefully carried her inside the house, his eyes adjusting to the brighter indoor light.

The silence of the morning hours wrapped around them like a warm blanket as he made his way to their bedroom.

Gently laying her down on the mattress, he adjusted the blanket around her peaceful form, ensuring she was comfortable.

Then, he stepped back to gaze at her – Dhruvika looked incredibly innocent in sleep...

So soft, innocent, and naive – a stark contrast to the strong-willed woman he knew her to be.

He caressed her hair softly, his fingers trailing down her silky strands, feeling a sense of longing he couldn't quite explain.

Impulsively, he bent down towards her face, his lips inches from hers – .

But he froze, unsure what to do next –

why had he gotten so close to again?

His heart raced slightly as he pulled back, questioning his own emotions.

What was he feeling for Dhruvika ?

He shook his head slightly, clearing the haze of emotion, and straightened up.

Again, he gently caressed her hair, his touch tender – a comforting .

Then, he turned away from her peaceful face and walked over to his nightstand, picking up his phone – only to groan in frustration.

It was dead.

He closed his eyes, recalling the previous night's events – he should have charged it before falling asleep.

Now what?

He plugged in the charger and waited for it to turn on, feeling a sense of mild panic – he needed to make arrangements for her.

While waiting, he retrieved a small, parcel from his bag –  he had purchased before .

With the parcel in hand, he glanced at Dhruvika again, ensuring she still slept peacefully, before heading out of the room. He washed his face before going out, locking the main door behind him to run some secret errands for her surprise.

Dhruvika's sleep was abruptly shattered by the persistent ringing of Ranveer's phone, piercing the peaceful morning silence like an alarm bell.

She sat up with a start, frustration etched on her face, and rubbed her eyes – only to realize she was in their bedroom, surrounded by familiar comforts.

A gentle smile touched her lips as she recalled the previous night – Ranveer must have carried her here while she slept, his gentle care a soothing balm to her soul.

But her smile faded as the phone rang again, its insistent tone refusing to be ignored.

She groaned softly and grabbed Ranveer's shirt from the nearby chair, slipping it on – it swallowed her whole, the hem falling mid-thigh, but she barely noticed her disheveled state.

Getting up, she approached the nightstand where Ranveer's phone lay charging – still ringing insistently, demanding attention.

Her frown deepened – what could be so urgent that people were calling him at this early hour?

She picked up the phone, scanning the caller list – her eyes widening slightly as she took in the names:

Agastya – calling repeatedly, his persistence hinting at importance

Avyan – multiple missed calls, his name adding to her growing unease

And now... Samesh Rawal – his name making her heart skip a beat

Her mind racing, Dhruvika's eyes narrowed – why were all these people calling Ranveer simultaneously?

Samesh Rawal, in particular, raised her alarm – he had handed palace affairs to Agastya; his direct call implied something serious was amiss.

A chilling thought occurred to her: Had Agastya and Avyan reported something about Ranveer to Samesh?

Perhaps they had discovered his growing feelings for her or his increasing distance from palace duties...

She answered the call, remaining silent – listening intently as Samesh's thunderous voice exploded through the speaker:

"WHAT WERE YOU DOING, RANVEER?! Why weren't you receiving calls? Agastya has been trying to reach you... Avyan too – what's going on?!"

Dhruvika's grip on the phone tightened as she heard another voice in the background – likely Agastya – prompting Samesh:

"Dad, ask him where he is?"

Dhruvika got the confirmation she dreaded - Agastya's voice in the background meant he was indeed with Samesh, likely complaining about Ranveer.

Her lips pressed together in a tight line as she thought urgently.

She couldn't let Samesh doubt her innocence in all this...

He was her pawn to manipulate Ranveer's distance from the palace, and she needed to keep him blinded.

With calculated casualness, Dhruvika held the phone slightly away from her ear and spoke aloud, as if instructing someone else in the room:

"I'll reach there in a few hours... no, no, take care of everything."

Her voice was firm yet gentle, like she was talking to a staff member .

Samesh's end of the line fell silent. He started to think

Are they saying truth...? Dhruvika and Ranveer living together?

His uncertainty was palpable even through the phone silence.

Then, Dhruvika brought the phone back to her ear, a sweet innocence infused in her voice.

"Hello, uncle?"

The pause before Samesh responded was almost audible – he was still processing the implications of her previous words...

Samesh cleared his throat and spoke, attempting casualness:

"Dhruvika beta?"

"I'm here, uncle," she replied normally.

"Actually, Ranveer has left his phone in my penthouse," Dhruvika explained, as if it was the most normal thing in the world.

"Your penthouse?" Samesh repeated, a hint of surprise and curiosity in his voice.

"Yeah," Dhruvika confirmed calmly, prompting Samesh to laugh nervously – clearly trying to ease the tension he felt.

"What was he doing there?" Samesh asked, still trying to sound casual, but Dhruvika detected a hint of probing beneath his words.

Dhruvika launched into a  story, her tone confident and convincing.

"Oh, I only called him for some work, uncle. To be honest, I'm in a bit of a mess today..."

Samesh's curiosity was piqued

"What work, beta?" he asked, his voice slightly softer now – intrigued by her vague statement.

Dhruvika played the vulnerable card perfectly:

"Don't ask me, uncle... I'm in deep trouble... actually, today is my birthday..." Dhruvika said, her voice laced with a hint of distress.

Samesh's tone softened immediately:

"Oo, really? Happy birthday, beta!"

Dhruvika continued spinning her tale, weaving a complex yet believable narrative.

"Thank you, uncle... actually, I throw a party for my staff every birthday – sometimes on the day, sometimes after. I planned to throw one today, but then models arrived for a magazine shoot . And to make matters worse, no one's available to help –Megha's on leave for her sister's wedding, Harsh flew to London yesterday because our UK branch is facing some issues, My event manager quit last week and I am going to Bangalore for a meeting so I needed someone trustworthy to organize everything..."

Dhruvika paused  before delivering the final blow:

"Then I remembered, uncle, you once told me I could ask Ranveer for any help – so I called him, and he kindly came over to take care of the party arrangements "

Samesh's response was music to her ears

"Oo" – a relaxed, thoughtful sound – followed by.

"You did right, beta... You can order anything to Ranveer; he won't deny anything to me."

Dhruvika gritted her teeth  but maintained a sweet tone:

"Yeah, uncle, he obeys everything you say..."

Then she added casually:

"Uncle, I need to leave for Bangalore . I will talk with you later and as I am leaving I can't able to return his phone "

But before she could end the call, Samesh spoke up again.

"Beta, in which hotel are you throwing this party?"

"It's hotel grand empire "

"Okay beta take care"

Dhruvika cut the call with Samesh immediately and dialed Harsh's number, her mind racing with the elaborate deception.

Harsh answered promptly:

"Good morning, ma'am, and many many happy returns of the day!"

Dhruvika launched into her instructions, cleverly weaving in details to hint at the true scenario:

"Very good morning, Harsh. Listen carefully...I need you to arrange a party at the Grand Empire Hotel - supposedly my birthday party.

Add a twist - schedule a magazine photo shoot to take place there as well. You're currently in London, handling branch issues...Megha's on leave for her sister's wedding...

I'm heading to Bangalore for an urgent meeting...And Ranveer is conveniently handling all party arrangements..."

Harsh caught on quickly to the underlying implication .

He asked cautiously:

"Any problem, ma'am?"

Dhruvika replied tersely

"Hmm... slightly. Just arrange all this."

Harsh understood the unspoken urgency and deception:

"Done, ma'am."

The call ended, and Dhruvika felt a hint of relief . But still she can't take much time . If Ranveer won't try to leave job she had to do something else..sone other way she can't take much time.

She stood at the window, lost in thought, her hair dancing gently in the soft breeze.

Her eyes were closed, senses heightened, and she felt his presence before even hearing him – a spark of awareness that only he could ignite.

Suddenly, she felt a gentle touch on her head, and her eyes fluttered open.

Behind her stood Ranveer, his fingers still resting on her hair as he secured something in place.

"Happy Birthday," he spoke low and smooth, his voice weaving a spell around her heart.

Dhruvika's lips curved into a soft smile – a rare sight from him had made her happy, but what he had placed on her head left her breathless.

Her gaze dropped, and her heart skipped a beat – a sunflower tiara adorned her hair, its bright yellow petals shining like miniature suns.

"Tiara?" she whispered, surprise mingling with delight.

Ranveer's expression remained serene, no smile – he hadn't yet learned to curve his lips upward – but his eyes and face held a softness  replaced his usual cold reserve.

"You wanted one," he stated simply, his deep voice low and husky, as if the memory of her desire had been tucked away carefully in his mind.

Dhruvika's smile grew wider, her heart racing with emotion – he had remembered .

Dhruvika hugged him tightly, feeling a surge of emotions she had long suppressed – considering them weaknesses or fearing they'd never be shared with anyone.

But Ranveer was different; he was her safe haven.

He hugged her back, his embrace warm and gentle, until her stomach growled loudly, breaking the intimate moment.

"I'm hungry," she said, looking up at him with a pout.

"Let me take a bath, then I'll prepare breakfast," she suggested, but Ranveer stopped her.

"No, I will."

He turned to head to the kitchen, prompting her to ask.

"Where are you going?"

"To prepare breakfast," he replied matter-of-factly.

Dhruvika looked at him and she realized he had went out like this.

She put her head on his chest and a smile formed in her lips.

"Veer, you need to take a bath before you do anything after... we're intimate."

Ranveer's sudden stillness hinted at embarrassment.

She looked up at him, asking

"Okay?"

Ranveer's face was  nervous as he looked away gulping.

So that's why everyone is looking at him like that.

"Now go ahead take bath"

Dhruvika finished her bread jam and got up, noticing Ranveer already washing the dishes. She smiled, knowing he wasn't exactly the most skilled cook, but he'd managed to make do with bread jam and coffee.

The simplicity of the meal was endearing, and she appreciated the effort he'd put into making something for her.

As she wiped her hands, she spoke up, "I've got you for the whole day." Ranveer looked at her quizzically, "Huh?"

"I asked Samesh uncle to give you a leave," she explained with a smile.

Ranveer's expression changed, and he frowned,

"When?" Dhruvika's smile didn't waver,

"You went out, he called, and I asked him if I could keep you today since it's my birthday." Ranveer's jaw clenched, and he seemed taken aback,

"Why did you? I would have asked him for leave." There was a hint of frustration in his voice,

Dhruvika's response was casual,

"What's the difference? You said it, or I said it, it's the same..."

But Ranveer's reaction was intense, "NO, IT'S NOT." He shouted, making Dhruvika flinch. For a moment, she was taken aback by his anger, and the atmosphere in the room shifted.

Ranveer's eyes seemed to hold a deep-seated emotion, and Dhruvika could sense that something was bothering him.

Ranveer's mind was elsewhere, replaying Bishakha's words -

"Servant's wife, servant."

The phrase echoed in his mind, making him feel uneasy and frustrated. He didn't want Dhruvika to feel like she was in a position where she had to ask for permission or favors from others.

Ranveer looked away before taking a deep sigh"If you want anything just ask me I will do it no need to ask to anyone" he spoke and went to backward to collect the tent. But in reality he just wanted to distract himself.

Dhruvika stood frozen, processing the exchange. She was taken aback by Ranveer's reaction.

"Did he just....'

"He did"

A small smile played on her lips but then it's turned icy.

"Your countdown starts Rawals."

Dhruvika's mind racing with a new plan, she quickly slipped into her room and grabbed her phone.

"Harsh, I need a scooty and mask," she whispered urgently into the phone.

Harsh responded calmly

"Scooty, ma'am?"

"Yes," Dhruvika confirmed. "

A new one?."

"Do you have one?" Dhruvika asked.

"No, ma'am," he replied.

"So ofcourse new one"

"Okay mam I will arrange..."

"Perfect," Dhruvika cut in. "Buy one, remove the wrapper stickers so it doesn't look brand new. And remember, you'll tell Ranveer it's your scooty and my car broke down."

Harsh understood

"Oo... okay, ma'am."

Dhruvika ended the call and sneaked outside to her car, eyes scanning the area to ensure Ranveer wasn't watching.

She popped the car hood open and quickly removed the distributor cap , ensuring the car wouldn't start.

Dhruvika entered the room to find Ranveer putting things in place. She walked up to him and took his hand, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "Veer, I'm taking you out on a date," she announced, her voice filled with anticipation.

Ranveer's expression was immediate. "No, I'm taking you out," he countered, his tone firm but gentle.

Dhruvika's face fell slightly as she gulped, her mind racing with the implications. She had already lied to Samesh so they need to careful. If Ranveer insisted on taking her out, her carefully laid plans might fall apart.

"No, I will," she declared, trying to sound firm but playful. "It's your first birthday celebration, so I'm taking you out... and no arguments."

Ranveer frowned, his brow furrowing slightly, but then he sighed, seeming to acquiesce to her demands.

Dhruvika quickly took advantage of the momentary lapse and led him into the room. She rummaged through the closet and pulled out a set of clothes, handing them to Ranveer with a bright smile. "Go wear this," she instructed.

Ranveer's eyes widened as he took in the outfit – a green tee shirt and black pants.tgr pant is okay but the tee..He had never worn anything beyond black, and the vibrant colors threw him off.

"We will match today," Dhruvika explained, her eyes sparkling with amusement.

Only then did Ranveer notice that Dhruvika had chosen same for herself as well, ofcourse with smaller size, and the matching outfits made him raise an eyebrow.

"This?" he asked uncertainly, holding up the clothes.

Dhruvika's face fell, and she looked at him with such sadness that Ranveer felt a pang of guilt. "You won't wear it?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

He quickly shook his head. "No, no, I will," he reassured her, trying to make up for his initial hesitation.

Dhruvika's face lit up with a smile, and she pushed him gently toward the door. "Go, go get ready," she urged, her excitement infectious. Ranveer couldn't help felt light as he headed to change, feeling a little out of his comfort zone but willing to play along for Dhruvika's sake.

Dhruvika came out of the house, checking her phone to see Harsh's message: "Arrived with scooty."

Harsh handed her the scooty key and she gave him the cap discreetly, just as Ranveer emerged from the house.

Harsh's eyes widened in surprise – the emotionless bodyguard he knew was now standing before him wearing green clothes, looking utterly out of character.

Dhruvika turned to face Ranveer, and her heart skipped a beat.

She had always found him handsome since the day he saved her life, but today he looked... different.

Younger, almost carefree – like a college teenager who had stolen her breath.

She murmured only for Harsh to hear.

"Isn't my husband looking gorgeous?"

Harsh shook his head in amusement before speaking loudly.

"Happy Birthday, sir.... Mam told me today is your birthday too. What a destiny coincidence!"

Ranveer hesitantly nodded his head, still looking slightly uncomfortable in his new attire.

Harsh attempted to leave, saying:

"Okay, mam, I'll take your car..."

Dhruvika intervened quickly.

"Veer, my car isn't starting, so I asked Harsh to take it for repair, and he also brought his scooty."

Ranveer frowned, asking.

"Why?"

Dhruvika smiled innocently:

"I'm taking you out, so how should we go?"

"My bike"

"NO" She shouted before smiling nervously"No we will go on scooty "

She put on a mask and took another to Ranveer and made him wear, saying

"So much pollution..."

Then she walked towards the scooty, saying.

"Come sit behind me."

Ranveer hesitated for a moment before sitting down, his large frame looking awkward behind her slender one.

It's not like she is small..if he is 6.4 he is also 5.9 but he is muscular and broad-shouldered – while she was  slim and petite or so he thought – to him, her tiny waist and delicate features made her seem almost fragile.

He wrapped his hand around the back holder, feeling a bit clumsy – this was a completely new experience for him.

His chest pressed against her back, as she started to drive.

As the day unfolded, Dhruvika dragged Ranveer to various places across Rajasthan, enjoying the cloudy weather that accompanied them. They visited ancient forts, marveling at the architecture, and strolled through bustling markets, taking in the vibrant colors and sounds. They had a delightful lunch, savoring local delicacies, and went shopping, with Dhruvika insisting on buying Ranveer a few gifts. As the evening approached, the skies suddenly darkened, and rain began to pour down.

Dhruvika quickly stopped the scooty, and Ranveer pulled her under a nearby sh