The next morning, at the breakfast table, everyone wondered where Ranveer was. He had never once missed breakfast or dinner, as those were the only two times he got to see his sister without her walking away.

But Isha knew why he wasn't there. She missed her brother. Only now did she realize how deeply she had hurt him. She had never done that before.

No matter how much people had hurt her, she had never held grudges against them. In fact, she didn't even know how to. What she felt for her brother wasn't anger... It was unbearable pain.

The pain of being abandoned by the one person who meant everything to her. Yes, he hadn't come to save her. And when the only person she had ever relied on gave up on her, something inside her had shattered.

Yet, somewhere deep within, his presence over the past few weeks had begun to soothe those broken pieces. She hadn't spoken a single word to him, but merely having him around had slowly started healing the wounds she carried. More importantly, her husband had eased his punishments ever since Ranveer began staying at the palace, and she knew that too was because of her brother.

Everyone believed Ranveer had put aside his Rajput pride and was staying at the Ranawat Palace only to earn his sister's forgiveness. But only she and Abhyansh knew the truth. Ranveer wasn't there just to seek forgiveness. He was there to protect his sister from the BEAST.

Abhyansh, on the other hand, was quietly enjoying everything that was unfolding.

He wanted to see just how far Ranveer Rajput could go for a sister who hadn't uttered a single word to him, despite knowing how desperately he was trying to reach her... despite knowing how much he was suffering because of her.

Everyone was quietly having breakfast when a servant hurried into the dining hall.

"Hukum, I seek your forgiveness for interrupting your breakfast, but this is urgent. Prince Ranveer Rajput met with an accident last night. He will be shifted to the Rajput Palace within an hour," the servant informed.

Isha's eyes widened in shock. And fear.

According to protocol, the servants had to report any important news concerning a select few people to Abhyansh immediately. Those people included his immediate family, his most significant business associates, and his rivals.

And right after his family... Ranveer Rajput's name topped that list.

"How is he?" Isha rushed towards the servant, panic evident in her voice. "Is he alright? He..." Her words trembled. "Please tell me... please."

In her anxiety, she forgot every rule. Until the King finished his breakfast, she wasn't even permitted to step away from the dining table.

"He is fine... Mrs. Ranawat," the servant replied respectfully, his head lowered.

"Leave," Abhyansh said calmly, continuing his breakfast as though nothing had happened.

He already knew about the accident.

The previous night, the very moment Ranveer's car had crashed, his men secretly following him had rushed him to the hospital and informed Abhyansh immediately.

"Maharaj..." Isha's voice quivered as she turned towards him. "May I go and see my brother? Please..." She folded her hands unconsciously. "I beg you."

"No."

Abhyansh's reply was flat. He didn't even look up from his breakfast.

She wanted to go. No matter what. Even if it meant defying his orders. She wasn't afraid of his punishments when it came to her brother. But... She had given him her word. She had promised to be his slave and obey every command he gave. She was a true Rajput. And Rajputs never went back on their word.

Neither could she.

"Maharaj..." She fell to her knees, tears spilling uncontrollably. "Please... I beg you... My brother... he is my brother. Please..."

She hated herself for breaking down before the BEAST. For letting him witness her weakest side. But she couldn't stop. It was her brother. The person she loved more than anyone in this world. The thought of him lying injured after an accident was tearing her apart.

His face... His voice... The way she had uttered those cruel words to him... Everything replayed before her eyes. She had known those words would wound him. Then why had she said them?

Yes, she was hurt and she was drowning in pain. But that never gave her the right to hurt her brother. The guilt clawed at her heart, and fresh tears streamed down her face.

Abhyansh watched her silently.

"What are you?" he asked coldly. "When your brother stood before you, begging you to speak to him, you treated him like a stranger. Now that he's lying on his deathbed, you're crying for him." His gaze shifted briefly towards his mother before returning to Isha. "Which emotion is real? You women... you're all the same."

"He is not on his deathbed," Isha replied.

She had risen to her feet. Her head remained bowed, but her voice had turned unexpectedly firm.

"So..." Abhyansh continued without a trace of emotion, "...you don't have to go."

In reality... He had already decided to take Isha with him to see Ranveer. He was merely playing with her. Her desperation, her helplessness... Watching her struggle had become his favorite pastime.

"Maharaj... please..." Isha whispered.

For the first time. He heard something in her voice that even fear had never carried. Vulnerability. He decided to show her mercy. Only because he intended to recover every bit of it through future punishments.

"We leave in five."

He resumed his breakfast as though nothing had happened. Isha nodded vigorously. She rushed upstairs, grabbed her phone, and hurried back. She returned within four minutes. Exactly as the fifth minute ended, Abhyansh rose from his chair and walked out.

Amruta quickly embraced her daughter-in-law.

"Be strong," she whispered softly.

Isha nodded gratefully, thanked her mother-in-law, and hurried after her husband.

She noticed he wasn't walking towards the palace's main entrance. But she knew better than to question him. The last thing she wanted was to anger him now. She couldn't risk it. Not when all she wanted was to see her brother. She silently followed him.

After walking nearly half a kilometer, they stopped before an elevator she hadn't even known existed inside the palace. She stepped in after her husband. The doors slid shut. It was the first time in her life she had entered an elevator. The enclosed space made her chest tighten almost instantly. Her breathing turned uneven.

She fought the rising panic in silence. Abhyansh noticed. She was claustrophobic. A faint smirk tugged at his lips. Another punishment... For another day. 

The elevator doors opened. Isha hurried out almost immediately, drawing deep breaths until her racing heartbeat gradually settled. Only then did she look around. They were standing in an enormous underground basement. At least a hundred luxury cars were parked in neat rows before her. One glance was enough for her to realize... Every single one of them was worth a fortune.

She assumed he simply loved cars. 

What she didn't know was that every single one of those cars had been bought out of revenge. Years ago, Abhyansh had worked under a man who constantly criticized him, belittled his abilities, and looked down on him. That day, he had made a promise to himself. One day... He would become powerful enough to snatch away his ex-boss's most prized possession.

That man had an unusual obsession. He bought the very first model of every car released by the world's top three automobile companies. The moment Abhyansh established his own business, he began purchasing every one of those first models before his former boss could.

Eventually, the man's bruised ego became his downfall. Abhyansh baited him into bidding against him for one such model, driving the price so high that the man lost nearly half his fortune acquiring it.

That single move triggered the downfall of a once-stable company and its celebrated CEO. Almost overnight... Abhyansh Singh Ranawat became the rising star of the business world. His ruthless intellect, calculated cruelty, and unmatched business acumen earned him the power and position he enjoyed today.

The driver opened the rear door for the King, and Abhyansh stepped inside. The driver moved to open the other door for Isha as well, but Abhyansh stopped him and instructed him to start the car instead.

Isha quietly got in beside her husband. Abhyansh raised the partition separating them from the driver and turned his gaze towards her. She kept her eyes lowered, nervously rubbing her hands together. Being trapped inside a confined space with the BEAST made her feel suffocated.

But the thought of her brother's condition quickly overpowered that fear. Her anxiety turned to worry. She silently prayed for his safety. She knew he was alive and safe... But she wouldn't find peace until she saw him with her own eyes.

"You are not my slave in the Rajput Palace," Abhyansh said. Her eyes widened. Did he really say that? "Act like my wife."

Those four words hurt more than she expected.

Act.

She was his wife. She wanted to remind him of that. But, as always... She remained silent. 

Her brother's condition occupied every corner of her mind, leaving no room for anything else. Abhyansh had no intention of letting the outside world know how he treated his wife. His wife might be his slave within the walls of the Ranawat Palace... But the world didn't need to know that.

He was already infamous as the BEAST. But how he treated his wife was something he preferred to keep hidden.

"Yes, Maharaj," she replied, lowering her head.

Soon, they reached the Rajput Palace. The moment the car stopped, Isha rushed out and ran inside. For a brief second, Abhyansh wondered if springs had been fitted into her feet, watching the way she leaped out of the car and disappeared inside.

He stepped out and followed at his usual unhurried pace.

Isha had never imagined she would return to this palace again. Considering the years of torment she had endured within these walls, she had expected to feel nothing for it. Yet... To her own surprise, she had missed it.

"Isha..."

One of the lady servants pulled her into a warm embrace. 

Sheela and Kailash had never allowed anyone to address Isha as Princess or Your Highness. They treated her no better than the servants. If anything... Worse.

"Bhayyu?" Isha asked anxiously.

"In his chamber," the lady servant replied.

Without another word, Isha ran upstairs.

As Abhyansh walked through the palace, the servants respectfully bowed before him. He acknowledged none of them. His face remained as cold and unreadable as ever. Many of them couldn't help but feel sorry for their princess. They wondered how she managed to live with such an emotionless husband. If only they knew... He had never truly been a husband to her.

"Bhai..."

The moment Isha entered the chamber, she ran straight into Ranveer's arms and broke down, sobbing against his chest.

He had only just returned from the hospital. Even moving his legs caused him pain. Doctors were still setting up the medical equipment required for his treatment at home, exactly as he had insisted.

Ranveer wanted Isha to remain with him for a few days until he recovered. It would be the perfect excuse... To keep her away from the BEAST. The accident had handed him an opportunity. And he had every intention of using it.

He knew the moment she heard he had met with an accident, she would rush to him, forgetting every ounce of anger she held against him. Exactly as she had. He also knew she would never willingly agree to stay back. Fortunately... He already had another drama planned. One that would leave her with no choice but to agree.

"Bhai..." Isha immediately broke the hug and started checking him from head to toe. "Are you alright? How did you meet with an accident? You always drive carefully, don't you?" Her eyes narrowed suspiciously. "Were you drunk?"

"Ishu..." Ranveer smiled despite the pain. "Had I known my accident would bring you running to me, I would've gotten into one much earlier."

He kissed her forehead. Isha rolled her eyes at her brother's theatrics. For the first time... Abhyansh witnessed this playful side of his wife. The woman who constantly trembled before him... Could smile so freely.

"Bhai..." she folded her arms. "Done with your drama?" She narrowed her eyes again. "Now tell me... were you drunk?"

"How does that matter, Ishu?" Ranveer shrugged casually. "Leave it. I'm fine now."

"So you were drunk." She lightly smacked his head. "How many times have I told you not to drive after drinking? It's not safe, and it's against the law too. Just because you have money or influence doesn't mean you have the right to break the rules."

"Ouch!" Ranveer rubbed his head dramatically. "Idiot... that hurts."

He turned towards the doctor.

"Are you really my doctor? Can't you see she's assaulting your patient? At least tell her something."

The poor doctor looked as though even breathing had become difficult. Being in the same room as the BEAST was enough to fill anyone with overwhelming tension. Noticing the doctor's pale face, Ranveer immediately understood. He couldn't help rolling his eyes at his brother-in-law's terrifying reputation.

"Th-that..." the doctor stammered.

"He isn't hurt on the head... right?" Isha asked anxiously.

"No, Your Highness," the middle-aged doctor replied respectfully. "His left arm and both legs have sustained fractures. He requires complete bed rest for at least a month. Two nurses will remain here to look after him, along with a junior doctor. I'll personally visit once every two days to monitor his recovery."

Isha nodded gratefully.

"Thank you, Doctor."

The doctor politely excused himself and almost hurried out of the room, silently thanking his stars.

"Mr. Ranawat..." Ranveer looked towards Abhyansh. "Thank you for bringing my sister."

His gratitude was genuine. Though the faint trace of sarcasm in his tone was unmistakable.

"Don't mention it, Rajput." Abhyansh's expression remained unchanged. "Consider it compensation."

Ranveer immediately understood what he meant. He had already suspected Abhyansh's involvement in his father's disappearance. Those two words confirmed it. His jaw tightened. He barely managed to suppress the anger rising within him. The last thing he wanted was to say something in front of Isha.

"Sir..." one of the nurses stepped forward cautiously. "It's time for your medicines."

Her condition was no different from the doctor's. Perhaps even worse. Unlike the doctor, she couldn't escape. Ranveer understood their discomfort.

"You may leave," he said gently. "Just explain the medication schedule to Isha."

The nurses carefully briefed Isha about his medicines and precautions before leaving the room.

"We'll be in the guest rooms, sir," one of them informed politely. "If you need anything, just press the call button."

Ranveer nodded, and they quietly stepped outside.

"I'll make something for you to eat. Then you can have your medicines," Isha said and was about to get up when Ranveer caught her hand and gently made her sit back down.

"I know you haven't forgiven me yet." His voice softened. "I'll make it up to you. Ishu... you're my everything. Your bhayyu lives for you... only for you. You know that, don't you?"

"I know." A faint smile touched her lips. "Now forget all that. I'm sorry, bhai... I said all those things to you, and I'm sorry I stayed angry with you for no reason. You were right... it was I who pushed you away." She shook her head gently. "Anyway, let's leave the past where it belongs. I love you the most. You're my everything too. Now let me make something for you."

She stood up. She didn't want to hold anything against her brother anymore.

Even if a part of her still carried unanswered questions, she didn't want him burdened by them. Whatever had happened to her... had already happened. Clinging to the past or making her brother suffer for it served no purpose. She had never wanted to become the reason for his pain.

So... She chose to let it go. And Ranveer knew his sister well enough to understand exactly what she was doing.

"Ishu..." he called out before she could leave. "Cook in the kitchen here. Don't go downstairs." His face hardened. "I don't want you crossing paths with that woman who, unfortunately, happens to be my mother."

"Bhai..." Isha frowned. "She's your mother. You can't speak about her like that. It's wrong."

"She deserves it, Ishu." His jaw clenched. "For everything she did to you." He looked straight into her eyes. "When are you going to tell me the truth?"

Isha stared at him in surprise. How did he know? She had never told him about the torment her uncle and aunt had put her through.

All he had ever known was that they didn't love her and treated her like a burden. It was only after coming to India after her wedding that he had begun uncovering the truth, one piece at a time. The incident involving Madan... he had learned only the previous night.

Before that... She had made sure her brother never suspected a thing.

"It's fine," she said quietly, dismissing the topic.

"It's not!" Ranveer's voice thundered through the room.

Isha's eyes widened. She immediately glanced towards her husband, silently reminding Ranveer of his presence. Ranveer merely rolled his eyes. Abhyansh observed the exchange with quiet interest. So... His wife had been abused since childhood. That wasn't difficult to believe. Judging by the hatred Kailash harbored for her, anything seemed possible.

What he still didn't know... was that she had spent years living like a prisoner within these very walls.

"Don't shout," Isha said softly. "Let me make something for you. Till then... get some rest."

She turned to leave before pausing before her husband. Abhyansh was seated in a chair, his attention fixed on his phone.

"Maharaj..." she asked respectfully, lowering her gaze. "Would you like something to eat or drink?"

"Coffee."

"Ji"

She bowed slightly and walked away. Five minutes later, she returned with his coffee, placed it before him, and quietly made her way to the kitchen to prepare food for her brother.

"Mr. Ranawat..." Ranveer spoke after a brief silence. "Let Isha stay here until I recover."

"No, Rajput."

The refusal was immediate.

"She's my sister." Ranveer held his gaze. "She'll stay with me for as long as I want."

"She's my slave. She'll obey me." Abhyansh's tone remained emotionless.

"Don't call her that."

Anger flashed across Ranveer's face.

"Ask her." Abhyansh didn't even look at him. "And see."

Ranveer studied him for a moment.

"If she agrees... will you let her stay?"

Abhyansh finally lifted his eyes.

"We'll see." A faint, arrogant smirk tugged at the corner of his lips. "But let me tell you something... She won't. She fears me the most."

"Maybe." Ranveer shrugged lightly. "But she loves me the most. And don't forget..." A smug smile appeared on his face. "She's my sister."

Before Abhyansh could respond, Isha returned with a tray of food. She sat beside Ranveer and began feeding him herself, even though his right hand was perfectly fine.

Abhyansh noticed.

Watching the way she patiently blew on every spoonful before feeding him... the way her eyes instinctively checked whether he was comfortable... he realized she genuinely loved her brother.

There wasn't a trace of pretense in her affection. Then again... She was a woman. With them... Anything was possible.

"You made my favorite khichdi?" Ranveer's face lit up. "I love your handmade food. Even if it's just khichdi... it's the best, Ishu."

Isha smiled softly and fed him another spoonful.

"I'll make your favorite dishes for lunch too. The nurse said you can eat regular food now. I'll just use less oil..." she said fondly, ruffling his hair. "You'll love it."

Ranveer nodded enthusiastically like an excited child, making her giggle.

"Ishu..." he said after a while. "You'll stay here till I recover... right?"

Abhyansh slowly turned towards him, his gaze hardening.

"Um... bhai..." Isha lowered her eyes. "I can't."

She already knew the answer. Her husband would never allow it. After all... His day never seemed complete without making her suffer.

"I know," Ranveer sighed dramatically. "I still thought I'd ask." He leaned back against the pillow. "Actually... I missed you so much that I got drunk yesterday."

Abhyansh inwardly sighed. His brother-in-law really was shameless when it came to manipulating his wife.

"What?" Isha asked, guilt and concern instantly filling her face.

"Yeah." He nodded sadly. "Then I kept thinking about what you said." His smile disappeared.

"You've never used words like that for yourself, Ishu. But yesterday you did. I knew something was terribly wrong. So I decided to drive here... right then and there. I wanted to find out what had happened that night. The whole drive... I couldn't stop thinking about you. I never even noticed the truck coming from the opposite direction."

It wasn't entirely a lie. Only... Not the complete truth.

"Bhai..." Isha gasped, horrified. "Nothing happened. Please leave it. It's not important. I overreacted." Fresh tears gathered in her eyes. "Please don't punish yourself over this. Don't keep thinking about it."

"No, Ishu." Ranveer shook his head firmly. "I won't let it go. I'll find out the truth... by hook or by crook." His voice carried quiet determination. "And once you leave... I'll have nothing else to do anyway. So I'll spend all my time finding out what happened."

Across the room... Abhyansh mentally applauded his brother-in-law. Clever. Thinking only about her brother's suffering, Isha's resolve began to waver. If staying here meant stopping him from digging into the truth... Then perhaps she should stay. She had no idea... That her brother already knew everything.

"Bhayyu..." she whispered softly. "I want to stay... but Maharaj..."

Although she spoke barely above a whisper... Abhyansh read her lips with ease.

"Oh." Ranveer smiled innocently. "I already spoke to him." He deliberately raised his voice. "And he agreed."

"Really?" Isha's eyes sparkled.

Ranveer nodded. A delighted squeal escaped her lips before she threw her arms around him in a tight hug. Ranveer smirked victoriously over her shoulder while affectionately stroking her hair, his eyes meeting Abhyansh's.

Abhyansh looked back at him. Then... The corners of his lips curled ever so slightly.

"Yes." Both siblings looked towards him. "You can stay here." Relief instantly flooded Isha's face. "I'll stay here too."

The words landed like a thunderclap. Ranveer's victorious smirk disappeared. Isha's smile vanished just as quickly. Abhyansh's own smile deepened almost imperceptibly seeing Rajput siblings, whose faces turned visibly pale now.

"J... Ji, Maharaj..." Isha stammered, lowering her gaze immediately.

Abhyansh made a few calls, instructing his staff to shift everything he would need to the Rajput Palace. Since it was Isha's home, he assumed she would already have enough clothes and essentials there.

Meanwhile, Isha busied herself settling Ranveer's things while simultaneously scolding him for the state of his room.

At first, she felt awkward with Abhyansh sitting in the same room. His mere presence kept her restrained, making it impossible for her to behave naturally.

When Ranveer finally asked him to rest in one of the guest chambers, Abhyansh calmly reminded him how, for over a month, Ranveer had turned his home office into his personal bar, bedroom, and entertainment room whenever he pleased.

That single remark was enough to silence Ranveer.

As time passed and Abhyansh remained seated in a far corner of the room, engrossed in something on his phone, Isha slowly forgot his presence.

"Bhai... a two-year-old makes less of a mess than you." She shook her head while folding his clothes. "And what is this?" She frowned, holding up one of his shirts. "Do you wear clothes without ironing them? How many times have I told you..."

She continued scolding him while arranging his wardrobe, ironing his clothes, and tending to every little thing around him as though she were his mother rather than his younger sister.

Watching her, Abhyansh finally understood why Ranveer loved her so fiercely. It was because... She loved him even more. Apart from acknowledging her beauty once or twice before, this was the first genuinely positive thought he had ever had about his wife.

It changed nothing. He still hated her.

But for the first time, he didn't hate himself for acknowledging one of her virtues. It was simply a fact... and Abhyansh Singh Ranawat had always accepted facts for what they were.

"Ishu..." Ranveer huffed. "I'm older than you. You shouldn't scold me like this."

"If you behaved like an elder brother, I'd behave like a younger sister." She folded another shirt before looking at him sharply. "Tell me something. When was the last time you bought clothes?"

"Um..." He scratched the back of his neck. "Six months ago."

"Oh?" She raised an eyebrow. "Then show me one shirt you bought six months ago."

She already knew he couldn't. Ranveer had never cared about clothes.

Every time he visited India, Isha personally coordinated with designers because he would never bother buying anything for himself. He was always buried in work. Even dressing well felt like a waste of time to him. So... She took care of it.

"Ishuuuu..." Ranveer whined.

"These shirts?" She held one up. "I got every single one of them designed the last time you visited." She sighed helplessly. "Bhai... why are you like this? You're the CEO of a multinational company. At least wear decent clothes... if not your formal suits." Ranveer obediently nodded. "I've already called the designer. He'll come with a few new designs. Just finalize whichever you like."

"Ishu... please, no." He made a face. "I can't do that. You choose them."

"Bhai..." She folded her arms. "Every single time I'm the one who chooses for you. This time... you're doing it yourself." She added dramatically, "I'm married now. Leave me alone."

"Shut up." Ranveer scoffed. "It's your lifelong duty. You have to do it."

"Oh really?" She laughed. "Then what will you do after me? Who'll take care of you?"

The smile instantly disappeared from Ranveer's face.

"This is the second time you've spoken like that in less than twenty-four hours." His tone hardened. "What the hell has gotten into you, Ishu? Listen to me carefully. Nothing is going to happen to you." He pointed towards the door. "Now get out of my sight. And don't come into this room until I call you."

"Bhayyu..." Isha's voice softened immediately. "I just said it casually."

"You never used to."

The quiet accusation in his voice hurt far more than anger ever could. She lowered her eyes. She had no answer.

"Go, Ishu."

Ranveer let out a weary sigh. He already knew... His sister would never speak about her suffering. Not to him. Not to anyone.

"Okay..." she said gently. "I'm leaving." She smiled faintly. "If you need anything... call me on my mobile."

She stepped down from the bed and slowly walked towards her husband. With every step she took towards the BEAST... The confident, commanding sister disappeared. By the time she reached him... Only his obedient slave remained.

"Maharaj..." she said softly, bowing her head. "Do you need anything?"

Without looking up from the document in his hand, Abhyansh answered,

"No."

"If you need anything... please let me know." Her voice remained respectful. "I'll be here the very next minute."

He neither nodded nor acknowledged her words. But she knew he had heard her. She quietly turned around and walked out of the room.

"Why do you behave so rudely with my sister?" Ranveer demanded the moment Isha disappeared from sight.

"That's how I am." Abhyansh remained engrossed in his phone. "And that's what she deserves."

Ranveer stared at him for a moment, controlling his anger before asking the question that had been bothering him since morning.

"Why are you saving my father?"

Abhyansh didn't answer. A faint smirk curved his lips, his attention never leaving the screen.

Ranveer narrowed his eyes at him. He knew that smirk well enough by now. The BEAST had understood exactly what he was asking... and had absolutely no intention of giving him an answer.

With nothing better to do, Ranveer picked up his phone and opened Candy Crush, already regretting sending his sister out of the room.

Meanwhile, Isha made her way to the main kitchen to gather everything she would need for the smaller kitchen attached to Ranveer's chamber. After learning how his mother had treated her all these years, she knew her brother would never allow her to cook in the main kitchen for him.

She collected the necessary groceries and asked one of the servants to have them shifted upstairs. While going through the pantry, she realized a few ingredients she needed to bake a cake weren't available. Her brother had always had a terrible sweet tooth. And now that he was injured and confined to bed, she wanted to make something he loved.

So, she decided to go out and buy them herself. But the moment she thought of stepping beyond the palace doors... Her feet hesitated. Suddenly, the palace felt like a prison again. She knew things were different now. No one could stop her from leaving. She wasn't the helpless girl she had once been at least in Rajput Palace. Yet her body remembered what her mind was trying to forget.

Years ago, she had tried sneaking out of the palace once while Ranveer was away on a school trip. Her uncle had found out... and the punishment that followed had ensured she never dared to try again. Most of the worst punishments had always come when her brother wasn't around.

Isha swallowed hard.

You can go out. No one can stop you now.

She tried convincing herself. Gathering whatever courage she could, she started towards the exit. And then... She saw him.

Madan.

Her steps came to an abrupt halt. Dread crawled through every inch of her body as his gaze travelled over her with the same sickening hunger she had feared for years. Madan had heard about Ranveer's accident. More importantly, he knew Ranveer could barely move.

That knowledge had given him enough confidence to return to the Rajput Palace. But when he couldn't find Kailash anywhere, uneasiness had begun to creep in. He had been searching through the hidden places and secret chambers they had used over the years when he spotted Isha heading towards the exit.

And just like that... Everything else left his mind.

He had lusted after her for years—even when she had been far too young for any grown man to look at her that way. But, Kailash had always kept him under control.

For all his hatred towards his brother and the daughter he had left behind, Kailash had never allowed Madan to violate Isha's dignity. He could starve her, punish her, cage her and make her life miserable... but in his twisted sense of Rajput pride, there was still one boundary he refused to let his servant cross.

The only time he had deliberately allowed Madan near her was when he needed Isha terrified enough to stop Ranveer from coming to India and interfering with the wedding.

Even then, Kailash had warned Madan beforehand not to cross the limit. He hadn't needed Madan to actually do anything. He had only needed Isha to believe that he would. Because Kailash had noticed long ago how badly she trembled whenever Madan looked at her.

And fear had done the rest.

"Princess Isha..."

That sickening voice froze her blood. Isha shuddered. Madan approached her, raising his hand towards her, but she immediately stepped away.

"Don't touch me."

For once, fear wasn't the only emotion in her voice. There was disgust too. Madan's lips twisted into a vile smile.

"Oh... the princess found her voice." He took another step towards her. "How I'd love to hear that voice moaning my name."

Revulsion churned through her stomach. Before he could move any closer, a servant appeared in the corridor. Madan immediately stopped. He ordered the woman to leave, claiming he needed to speak privately with Princess Isha.

The servant hesitated only briefly before hurrying away. Everyone in the palace knew Madan's cruelty far too well to question him.

The moment they were alone again, Madan grabbed Isha's arm.

She violently jerked herself free.

"Oh..." His smile widened. "Princess Isha. Why so reluctant?"

He reached for her again. Isha backed away, putting as much distance between them as she could.

"I'm not a princess anymore." Her heart hammered violently, but she forced the words out. "I'm the Queen. You'd better behave, Madan... if you don't want my husband to kill you."

She had expected one name to be enough. Abhyansh Singh Ranawat.

The Royal BEAST.

A man whose name alone could make powerful men reconsider their actions. Instead... Madan laughed. The sound made her stomach sink.

"That man will kill me... for you?" His laughter grew uglier. "He hates you so much, he might reward me with a palace and enough wealth to last a lifetime for torturing you... for tainting you forever." Isha's eyes filled with tears. "You don't even know the extent of his hatred for you, Princess."

The confidence she had desperately gathered began to crumble. Her husband hated her. There was no doubt about that. But... Would he truly not protect her even when her dignity was at stake?

Her mind immediately dragged her back to one of the cruelest things he had ever called her.

A slut.

Her eyes burned. And despite herself... A broken sob escaped her throat. 

Madan was about to reach for her again when her phone rang. Isha glanced at the screen.

Bhai

She hurriedly answered, but before she could even utter a hello, Madan snatched the phone from her hand and flung it aside.

"Ishu, I'm sorry for asking you to leave. Come back. Your husband is so boring..." Ranveer whined from the other end.

Silence greeted him. His smile faded.

"Ishu?"

He strained his ears. There were voices in the background. One belonged to his sister.

The other— Ranveer's eyes widened in horror. That b***ard Madan.

He immediately tried to get off the bed, only for a sharp pain to tear through his fractured body. Gritting his teeth, he turned desperately towards Abhyansh.

"Ranawat, please go downstairs. Isha is in trouble." Panic overtook his voice as he struggled to move. "Please, go quickly. I can't even get up!"

Abhyansh neither moved nor looked at him.

"I don't care about her." His voice remained indifferent. "Let her suffer."

Ranveer's temper snapped.

"That b**t*rd will molest her if you don't go!"

Abhyansh's head snapped up. He was on his feet the very next second.

"Where?"

One word. Deadly calm.

Ranveer had seen Abhyansh furious before, but something about the sheer emptiness in his eyes now unsettled even him. There was no roar. No visible rage. Only danger.

Abhyansh didn't ask who the man was. He didn't care. There was only one thing that mattered at that moment—reaching Isha. He could inflict pain upon her. He could make her life hell. But there were boundaries even his cruelty would never cross. And he would never allow another man to cross them either.

"I think near the main hall... close to the exit," Ranveer answered, once again attempting to get up.

Abhyansh was already gone. He stormed through the corridors with a fury that needed no expression. No one had the right to touch his wife. No one. She was his wife.

Abhyansh Singh Ranawat's wife.

"Don't come near me, Madan..." Isha warned, retreating another step.

"Oh, Princess Isha..." Madan sneered, advancing towards her. "How far will you run?" She continued backing away. "And who's going to save you from me now? I've wanted you for years, but your uncle always stood in my way. Now there's no one left to stop me." His vile smile widened. "Your beloved brother is bedridden... and your husband wouldn't care even if you died. So perhaps I can finally have a little fun with you."

"Says who?"

The voice thundered through the hall.

Madan froze.

Isha's breath caught. Abhyansh Singh Ranawat stood at the other end of the hall. His fists were clenched tightly at his sides as he began walking towards them. Madan's face drained of colour. His gaze immediately dropped to the floor.

With every step the BEAST took towards him, it felt as though death itself was closing the distance. 

And for the first time in her life... Isha felt relief at the sound of her husband's voice. Madan stumbled backwards. Then turned and fled. He knew better than to wait for Abhyansh Singh Ranawat to reach him. Abhyansh didn't chase him. He wasn't going to waste his energy running after a coward.

Madan could run wherever he wished. Abhyansh would find him. And when he did, he intended to put a bullet through the very head that had dared entertain the thought of touching his wife. His gaze shifted to Isha.

She stood trembling where Madan had left her, fear still etched across her face.

Abhyansh looked at her for a few seconds.

"Get lunch ready."

Nothing more. He turned and walked away.

Isha stared after him. The strength holding her upright finally deserted her. She sank onto the nearest sofa and broke into sobs. His casual reaction hurt.

For those few moments when she had heard his voice, something inside her had felt safe. She had believed—perhaps foolishly—that Madan had been wrong. But then Abhyansh had simply looked at her... Asked her to prepare lunch... And walked away.

Madan's words returned to haunt her. Perhaps he truly didn't care whether another man touched his wife. Then again... why would he? This was the same man who had once called her a s*ut. A bitter thought crossed her mind. If her own husband could call her one... perhaps he wouldn't care if someone actually made her one.

She wiped her tears angrily. If only she knew how terribly wrong she was. Because somewhere beneath the hurt and bitterness, even Isha knew one thing. Her husband might hate her. He might punish her mercilessly. But he wasn't that kind of man. And today... He had come when she needed him.

That alone filled her with a gratitude she didn't quite know what to do with. After gathering herself, Isha rose and headed towards the kitchen. She decided to prepare the dishes Abhyansh liked. Of course, no one actually knew what his favorite food was. The man would never bother telling anyone something so trivial. But Isha had watched him.

She knew which dishes he took a second serving of. Which ones remained untouched after the first bite. Which curries disappeared from his plate faster than the others. Without ever asking him... She had quietly created her own little list of Abhyansh Singh Ranawat's favorite foods.

Precap - Isha's misconceptions are cleared. Ranveer tells about Madan to Abhyansh