Her cheeks turned red in embarrassment, and she looked down.

Slowly, Rudra stretched out his hand.

"Raa ikkadiki."

Nitya hesitated.

His voice dropped dangerously low.

"Nitya... nenu rendu sarlu cheppanu."

She stepped forward.

**************************** let's continue

Author's POV

Nitya moved closer, her steps small, careful, as if she were approaching a sleeping tiger.

Rudra watched every movement—sharp eyes following her like a shadow. When she finally stood beside the bed, he caught her wrist, firm but not hurting, pulling her a little closer.

His gaze scanned her face, still half-asleep but fully in command.

"Inkeppudu late avvakudadhu sarena," he said quietly, but the warning behind the words was unmistakable.

(“Don’t be late again, alright?”)

Nitya nodded immediately. "Ok, Bava..."

Rudra exhaled slowly, the irritation from earlier fading just a bit now that she was near. He lifted himself upright, sitting on the edge of the bed. His broad shoulders and calm authority filled the room more than the morning sunlight did.

Nitya kept her eyes lowered, her fingers nervously twisting her pallu.

Rudra tilted his head slightly. "Navaipu Chudu," he ordered, but his tone was softer than before.

(“Look at me”)

She lifted her eyes hesitantly.

For a moment, the room was silent. Rudra simply... looked at her. As if checking if she was okay. As if making sure she was really in front of him.

Then—

A knock sounded at the door.

Before Nitya could step back, Rudra tightened his grip on her wrist—subtly, possessively—and spoke without looking away from her.

"Come in," he said, voice deep and cold.

Priya entered, holding a file. She stopped short at the sight of Nitya so close to Rudra, her cheeks slightly pink.

"Anna.... Dad is asking for your signatures in this file."

(Anna means Brother)

Rudra didn't react. His eyes stayed on Nitya.

It was Priya who cleared her throat. "...Anna?"

Only then did Rudra look at his sister.

"Cheppu," he said, expression unreadable.

(“tell me”)

Priya handed him the file. "Just signatures. And breakfast is ready."

Rudra took it silently.

Priya looked at Nitya with a warm, teasing smile and said, "Nitya, come downstairs soon. Grandma is waiting."

Nitya nodded shyly.

Priya left, closing the door behind her.

Silence returned.

Rudra placed the file aside without opening it. He ran a hand through his hair and stood up, towering over Nitya.

"Nenu Breakfast ki vasthanu," he said, adjusting his hair. "Nuuvu 5 minutes lo na coffee tevali. Artham ayindha?"

(“I’ll come for breakfast. You need to bring my coffee in five minutes. Understood?”)

Nitya nodded. "Sare, Bava."

("ok, Bava.")

But as she started stepping back toward the door, Rudra stopped her with one cold line—

"ee sari nenu kallu theravakamundhe raa, Ammulu... ninnu first chudakapothe na day start avvadu ani telsu ga."

(“This time, come before I even open my eyes, Ammulu… You know my day won’t start unless I see you first.”)

It wasn't romantic.

It wasn't poetic.

It was simply Rudra—raw, straightforward, unfiltered.

Nitya gave a small, shy smile without realizing it.

Rudra caught it.

For the first time that morning... he smirked faintly.

DOWNSTAIRS – BREAKFAST TABLE

The long dining table was already lively.

Raghuram Reddy was reading the newspaper. Janaki Devi supervised maids.
Shiva Reddy discussed office matters with Shekhar and Devraj.
Priya, Govind, and Srikar argued about a TV remote someone misplaced.

Rudra walked in.

Silence fell for a moment.

That's what his presence always did.

********************

That's it for today, guys

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See u in the next chapter