Chapter 43 - Chapter 40

Happy Reading📖 💕

Shivansh's POV

I drowning in guilt. The weight of my actions from yesterday had settled deep in my chest, suffocating me with each breath. I had rejected her. I hadn't listened to her. I had trusted Juhi.

And now, Isha was ignoring me.

It was too much.

I had seen the love in her eyes before—yesterday, when she confessed to me. But now? That love was gone. Her eyes, once filled with warmth, were distant, cold. It felt like a punishment I deserved, yet one I couldn't bear.

I knew I had feelings for her. I loved her. But somewhere, I had been denying it. Foolishly, arrogantly.

And now? Now, when I finally wanted to tell her… she wouldn't even look at me.

My head throbbed slightly from the events of last night, but none of it compared to the irritation creeping up my spine.

Isha was ignoring me.

Blatantly.

Deliberately.

And it was driving me insane.

She laughed with ishika and Prisha. She bickered with Avi and dhruv. She threatened Aarav with a slipper. But me? She barely spared me a glance.

I wasn't used to this.

Not from her.

And the worst part? I deserved it.

Because last noon, I let my own anger cloud my judgment. I let my pride get in the way. I didn't listen to her. I didn't even try.

And now?

She was shutting me out.

We were all gathered in the living room, the morning chaos finally settling as everyone prepared to leave.

"Alright, time to get going," Dhruv announced, stretching. "We'll drop Prisha, Ishika, and Aarav off first."

Avi nodded, jingling his car keys. "Let's go, people."

I glanced at Isha, who was busy hugging Ishika and Prisha, completely ignoring my existence.

I exhaled sharply.

This woman...

"Come on, Isha," I said, my voice neutral. "I'll drop you home."

She barely glanced my way. "No need. I can go with them. They are going my house and you don't have to take tension for me and i can go myself. "

My jaw clenched. "They are already five."

She turned to Dhruv instead. "Can I come with you?"

Dhruv blinked at her, then looked at me, then back at her.

"I mean... technically, yes, but-"

"Cool. Let's go," she cut him off.

I gritted my teeth.

Everyone stared at us like we were a live soap opera, but no one dared comment.

"Isha," I said, voice lower this time.

She walked past me like I was a ghost.

I closed my eyes, inhaled deeply, and bit back every single frustrated word I wanted to throw at her.

I knew she would avoid me the moment she left our penthouse.

I knew she wouldn't give me another chance to explain.

So, when I saw her walking toward Dhruv's car after work, chatting with Ishika and Arav, I didn't think.

I acted.

I grabbed her wrist, pulling her toward me.

She gasped, struggling. "Shivansh, what the hell—"

"You're coming with me," I stated, my grip tightening.

"Like hell I am!" she hissed, trying to pry my fingers off.

I didn't give her a choice.

I lifted her off the ground, ignoring her furious kicks, and carried her to my car.

"Shivansh, I will—"

I covered her mouth with my hand, opening the car door with the other.

"Enough," I growled. "Get in."

She glared at me, muffled curses spilling from beneath my palm.

Even though she bit my hand, I ignored it.

I smirked. "Glad we understand each other."

Once she was inside, I slammed the door shut and got into the driver's seat.

Isha sat stiffly, her arms crossed, her eyes burning holes into the side of my face.

"You're a caveman," she muttered.

"And you're impossible," I countered.

The silence between us was unbearable. It was not the peaceful kind—it was heavy, suffocating, filled with everything she wasn't saying.

I drove, gripping the wheel so tightly my knuckles turned white. She sat next to me, arms crossed, staring out of the window like I didn't exist.

She had never ignored me like this before. Not even when she was mad.

And yet, here she was, pretending I wasn't even in the car with her. Punishing me in the worst way possible.

I wanted to say something, anything, but I knew her well enough. If she was this quiet, it meant she was hurt beyond words.

Silence.

But at least she was here.

With me.

Where she belonged.

Isha sat in the passenger seat, her arms crossed, her gaze fixed out the window.

I had never seen her this silent before.

Usually, she filled the car with her endless rambling, her dramatic complaints, her stupid jokes that she found funnier than anyone else.

But today?

Nothing.

Just cold, suffocating silence.

"Isha," I started, gripping the wheel.

She didn't react.

I tried again. "I-"

"Focus on driving, Your Highness."

I flinched at the way she said it.

Your Highness.

Not Shivansh.

Not Ansh.

Your Highness.

She might as well have stabbed me.

I pulled up in front of her house, my grip tightening on the steering wheel.

She unbuckled her seatbelt, ready to bolt.

"Isha," I tried one last time.

She finally looked at me. Not with anger. Not with sadness.

With nothing.

It was like I was a stranger.

And then, she got out and shut the door behind her.

And I... I let her go.

For now.

I had lost her.

And I needed to get her back.

I walked into the palace, still reeling from the morning's events, only to be met with another blow.

"We're having guests for dinner," my grandmother announced, smiling warmly.

I ran a hand down my face. "Who?"

She patted my arm. "Isha's family."

I froze.

"What?"

She nodded. "I thought it would be nice to have one last gathering before we leave for Jaipur tonight. Don't you think?"

I wanted to think it was a nice idea.

But all I could think about was how the hell I was going to survive another evening of Isha pretending I didn't exist.

I thought that was it. That I had lost my only chance.

Until I reached home and found out her family was coming over for dinner.

I was relieved—no, grateful. I had another chance. Another chance to make things right. To make her stop ignoring me.

When I found out her family was coming for dinner, I knew this was my last chance to make her before going back to Jaipur.

But I didn't expect everyone to make it worse for me.

Isha walked in wearing a soft blue salwar suit, looking effortlessly beautiful, and still refusing to look at me.

I clenched my fists.

Fine.

If she wanted to play this game, I'd play too.

I sat across from her at the long dining table, watching as she talked to literally everyone but me.

She laughed at something Avi said.

She whispered something to dhruv.

She even smiled at juhi.

But not me.

Later, when the tea was served, i noticed that she hadn't taken a cup.

Without thinking, i reached for her favorite blend, the one I had noticed she always drank, and placed it in front of her.

But she didn't even look at it.

Instead, she took the cup from Arjun's hand, offering him a small, grateful smile. Even though she doesn't drink coffee, she still ignores me and takes a cup from him.

Something in my chest twisted painfully.

I had never been the type to seek validation, but the way she was so effortlessly erasing my presence made me realize how much hers mattered to mr.

I took a deep breath, then leaned in slightly. "Isha."

She continued eating as if I hadn't spoken.

I tried again, this time lower. "Isha."

Nothing.

Avi nudged Dhruv, smirking. "Damn. She's got skills."

Dhruv chuckled. "Ignoring His Highness? A rare sight."

I shot them a glare, but they only grinned wider.

Isha, of course, was unaffected.

The evening started in the living area. Everyone was enjoying their tea and snacks, engaged in conversations, laughter filling the air. Everyone—except Isha.

She was talking to my Choti Maa sa, Dadu Sa, Avi, and even my father. But she didn't look at me. Not once.

Juhi noticed.

She used the opportunity to sit close to me, laughing at things I didn't find funny, touching my arm unnecessarily.

But I ignored her.

My focus was only on Isha.

Later, when we moved to the garden, I thought maybe—just maybe—she would say something to me.

She didn't.

Instead, she spoke to Dhruv, Arjun, Avi, even Arav. But not me.

It was unbearable.

When the butler came to call us for dinner, I knew I had to do something.

We were at the dining table, and Avi was sitting next to Ishika. They had been spending a lot of time together lately, always lost in their own little world.

At the dining table, I moved instinctively, my hands gripping the back of a chair, pulling it out slightly for Isha.

But she barely even glanced in my way, walking past him and sitting elsewhere, choosing a seat next to Dhruv instead.

My jaw tightened, but i said nothing. Fine. If she wanted to ignore me, I would make sure she couldn't.

As everyone started eating, I reached for her plate and served her food myself.

She stiffened.

Everyone noticed. My Dadi Sa smiled. Choti Maa sa whispered something to my Maa Sa, who smirked.

Juhi? She was fuming.

But I didn't care.

Isha looked up at me, eyes narrowing, but I acted as if nothing was wrong. As if serving her food was the most natural thing in the world.

And when she finally took a bite, I smirked.

She was still mine. She could ignore me all she wanted, but she was still mine.

Dhruv smirked. "So, Avi, you and Ishika Bhabhi seem inseparable these days."

Ishika choked on her drink. "What?"

Avi narrowed his eyes. "Dhruv bhai, shut up."

But Dhruv grinned, ignoring him. "Come on, we all see it. You two are always together. Should we start planning another wedding?"

Everyone laughed. Even veer, who usually didn't get involved, shook his head in amusement.

I would have joined in. But my attention was on Isha.

She didn't laugh. She didn't tease them like she normally would.

She just sat there, eating quietly, her expression unreadable.

She was still angry.

And I hated it.

Dinner was even worse.

Juhi, as expected, sat beside me.

Isha, on the other hand, sat with ishika and arjun, laughing and whispering as if she wasn't murdering me in the process.

My patience snapped when Juhi placed her hand on mine.

Enough.

I removed her hand forcefully and stood up.

"Excuse me," I muttered, stepping away from the table.

Isha didn't react.

But she would.

Because I wouldn't let her ignore me anymore.

By the time dinner ended, my patience had hit its limit.

If she wanted to keep ignoring me, I'd make it impossible.

After dinner, everyone went to the garden for a walk and dessert.

That was my chance.

I clenched my fists as I watched Isha laugh at something Dhruv said. A sharp pang settled in my chest, one that i had been trying to ignore since the morning.

It wasn't just the silence she gave me—it was the way she acted like i didn't even exist.

I had always been cold, always prided himself on being untouchable, but this… this was unbearable.

The worst part? I knew it was my fault. I had pushed her away.

I had let my anger, my stupid ego, destroy something fragile and beautiful. How many times have I done this before? How many moments had slipped through my fingers because I never knew how to express what I truly felt?

It wasn't that i didn't want her—it was that i wanted her too much. Too much to risk losing her. Too much to let her see the parts of him that weren't perfect.

But now, as she turned her back to me like i was just another stranger, I realized that i had already lost her. And that thought terrified him more than anything else.

I came from behind, wrapping my hand over her mouth before she could scream. She tensed, her body frozen in my grip.

I picked her up effortlessly, ignoring her muffled protests, and carried her toward my chamber.

Later that night, when everyone was still in the garden, I pulled Isha away.

She resisted, of course. "Shivansh, let go."

I ignored her, dragging her toward my chamber.

When I opened the door, she froze.

But she turned to leave.

As Isha turned to leave, her foot caught on the edge of the carpet, making her stumble forward.

I reacted instantly, my hand reaching out to steady her, fingers brushing against her arm.

For a second, just a brief second, i felt her tense under my touch, as if her body recognized the comfort i once provided.

But then, just as quickly, she yanked her arm away, stepping back as if my very touch burned her. "I don't need your help," she muttered under her breath, not even meeting my eyes before walking away.

I stood frozen, my hand still hovering midair, feeling the invisible wall she had built between them.

It wasn't just anger. It was a pain. A deep, silent pain that she refused to show. And it hurt me more than any of her words ever could.

"Enough," I snapped, my voice cutting through the tension like a blade.

Isha stilled, her back still facing me, but i could see the stiffness in her shoulders. "I get it, Isha. You're angry. You're hurt. But do you think this silence is any better? You think it punishes me?" I let out a bitter chuckle. "Trust me, it does. More than you know. But if you think I don't care, then you're wrong."

Isha slowly turned around, her eyes flashing. "Oh, so now you care? Now, after everything? After pushing me away, after acting like I was nothing to you?" Her voice cracked, betraying the emotions she had been holding back. "I fought for us, Shivansh. I tried. But you—" She shook her head, swallowing hard. "You made it impossible."

My chest tightened. She was right. I had built walls so high that even she, with all her warmth and stubbornness, couldn't break them. And now i was watching her slip away because of it. "I know," I admitted, my voice is softer now. "And I'm trying to fix it. Just… let me show you."

Then she turn and sees the room.

The room was lit with candles. Fairy lights twinkled softly, casting a warm glow over everything. Roses were placed everywhere. A soft melody played in the background.

I had done this.

For her.

She turned to me, her eyes wide. "What is this?"

I stepped closer, my voice raw. "I made a mistake, Isha, a huge one. "

She stared at me, silent.

"I didn't trust you. I didn't listen. And I pushed you away when all you wanted was to be with me." I swallowed, my voice cracking. "I'm sorry."

I stepped closer. "Talk to me."

Silence.

I grabbed her wrist. "Isha, talk to me."

She turned away. "You rejected me, Shivansh. You made me feel like I wasn't worth listening to. And now you want me to just—"

"I'm sorry," I whispered.

She stopped.

I swallowed, my voice raw. "I'm sorry, Isha. I was a fool. I hurt you. And I know I don't deserve your forgiveness, but I—"

My throat closed.

I had never begged before.

But for her? I would.

"Isha," I whispered, resting my forehead against hers. "Please."

She exhaled shakily. "I hate you."

"I know."

She looked up at me, tears brimming in her eyes. "You don't get to hurt me and then act like this."

I cupped her face. "I don't want to act, Isha. I just… I just want you."

Her eyes searched mine.

Then, finally, she sighed. "You're such an idiot."

A small smile tugged at my lips. "But I'm your idiot."

She smacked my chest lightly. "Don't push it."

I chuckled, pulling her into my arms.

For the first time that day, she didn't push me away.

And that was enough.

She clenched her jaw. "You hurt me, Shivansh."

"I know," I admitted. "And I will spend my life making it up to you."

She looked away, her eyes shining with unshed tears.

I took a deep breath. It was now or never.

She turned to me, confused. "But What is this?"

I took a deep breath. My heart was racing.

It was now or never.

"Isha," I stepped closer, my voice raw with emotion. "I made a mistake. A huge one."

She folded her arms, her walls still up. "Oh, really?"

"I rejected you." My voice cracked. "I didn't listen to you. I trusted a damn video instead of trusting the woman who—" I stopped, swallowing hard.

Her eyes softened slightly.

"The woman who I love."

Her lips parted. "Shivansh…"

I reached out, cupping her face gently. No force. No arrogance. Just me. Just her.

"I love you, Isha." I whispered, my thumb brushing against her cheek. "And I know I don't deserve forgiveness. But I'll spend my life making it up to you."

She exhaled shakily. "Do you mean it?"

"I do." My voice was firm. "Every single word."

A tear slipped down her cheek. I wiped it away, pressing a soft kiss to her forehead.

Then, she smiled.

That same radiant, breathtaking smile I had missed so much.

"Isha… I love you."

She gasped softly, her eyes snapping back to mine.

I cupped her face gently. "I love you, and I was an idiot for not realizing it sooner." My thumb brushed against her cheek. "Please, give me one more chance."

A tear slipped down her face. I wiped it away, pressing a soft kiss to her forehead.

She hugged me back, and at that moment, I knew.

She was mine.

She wrapped her arms around my neck, pulling me into a hug. "Took you long enough, Your Highness."

I laughed, holding her tightly. "Yeah, I'm an idiot."

We stayed like that for a long time. Two souls, finally reunited.

And I would never let her go again.

The night had stretched long, but it had been worth every second.

Isha had finally stopped ignoring me. That unbearable distance, the coldness in her gaze—it was gone. We are okay now. More than okay.

Later, we went downstairs. She left with her family, but this time, she glanced back at me before leaving.

And that one glance? It was enough.

That night, for the first time in days, I felt peace.

Because she was mine.

And I would never let her go again.

Standing at the entrance of my palace, I watched as her parents and brother got into their car. Her mother smiled at me before leaving, her father gave me a small nod of approval, and Arjun… well, Arjun just stared for a second too long, as if silently warning me to take care of his sister.

The car pulled away, disappearing into the night.

I turned my gaze back to her. Isha stood near the other car with Ishika and Arav, adjusting the dupatta on her shoulder. This time, she did look at me.

A soft smile. A small one, but it was there.

I smirked in return. "Don't get into trouble without me, Miss Chartered Accountant."

She rolled her eyes but didn't deny it. "Try not to miss me too much, Your Majesty."

Dhruv and Avi—who had been standing beside me—immediately burst into laughter, teasing me like the annoying idiots they were.

"You're done for her, shiv," Dhruv whispered, nudging my shoulder. "This is what love does to people."

I shot him a glare but didn't deny it.

Isha shook her head, amused, and got into the car. As the engine started, she waved lazily. "Bye, boys. Try not to be insufferable without me."

And just like that, she was gone.

The silence that followed was oddly comforting this time. Because this wasn't an ending—it was just the beginning.

An hour or two later, our jet was ready to take off for Jaipur.

As I leaned back in my seat, staring out at the night sky, I felt something I hadn't in a long time. Peace.

She wasn't running away anymore.

And neither was I.

Isha's POV

The night had stretched longer than I expected. After everything—dinner, teasing, the silent war between Shivansh and me, and his unexpected confession—my mind was exhausted.

It was past midnight when my family finally decided to leave.

Papa, Maa, and my brother left first, driving off in one car. I stood at the palace entrance, watching their taillights disappear into the night, feeling an odd heaviness in my chest.

I wasn't sure why. Maybe because tonight has changed everything.

Ishika, Arav, and I left in another car shortly after.

The ride was silent. Ishika was lost in her own thoughts, Arav was already half-asleep, and I… I stared out of the window, my mind replaying everything.

Shivansh's words.

His confession.

The way he looked at me.

I love you, Isha.

I shut my eyes.

-----------------------------------------------------------------

How was the Chapter??

Aage kya hoga? Hmm?

Share your thoughts and don't forget to click on the star button below.

And follow me on Instagram for spoilers.

🔗link in bio.

Love you all, bye

Ish💗