Author's pov.
The first rays of the morning sun filtered through the tall glass windows of Rathod Mansion, casting golden streaks across the polished marble floors. Outside, the vast estate stood in regal silence, surrounded by lush gardens and ancient trees that had witnessed generations of power, pride, and legacy.
But inside one particular wing of the mansion, silence did not exist.
The rhythmic sound of metal clanking echoed sharply through the private gym.
Rudraveer Singh Rathod.
At exactly 6:00 AM, like every single day, he stood in his domain—his personal gym, a space designed with precision, discipline, and control. Much like him.
Sweat glistened over his tan skin as he lifted weights with calculated intensity. His 191 cm tall frame moved with raw strength and lethal grace. Every muscle in his body was sculpted to perfection—broad shoulders, defined chest, powerful arms, and a core that spoke of relentless discipline.
He wasn't just strong.
He was intimidating.
His dark brown eyes, sharp and emotionless, reflected nothing but cold focus. His jaw remained tight, his expression unreadable—almost dangerous. There was something about him that made people instinctively step back.
An aura.
A dangerous one.
He completed his final set, placing the weights down with controlled force before grabbing a towel. He wiped the sweat off his face, his gaze drifting briefly to his reflection in the mirror.
Cold. Ruthless. Untouchable.
Just the way he preferred it.
Without wasting a second, he walked out of the gym, his presence alone enough to make the staff straighten up instantly as he passed through the corridors. No one dared to speak. No one dared to even meet his eyes.
Because this was not just Rudraveer.
He was Kunwar Sa—the Crown Prince of Rajasthan.
And soon… after marriage—
Hukum Sa.
The King.
—
The Rathod family dining hall was the complete opposite of his world.
Warmth filled the space. Laughter echoed gently as members of the royal family gathered around the long dining table, adorned with traditional silverware and a grand spread of breakfast.
At the head sat Dada Sa, Veerendra Singh Rathod, his aura still commanding despite his age. Beside him was Dadi Sa, Rajeshwari Devi Rathod—the true pillar of the family.
On one side sat Rudraveer's parents—Maharaj Pratap Singh Rathod and Maharani Meera Rathod, their presence dignified yet gentle.
Nearby were his uncle and aunt—Rajendra Singh Rathod and Kavita Rathod, both known for their supportive and affectionate nature.
And then came the younger generation.
His siblings.
Aryan Singh Rathod – the responsible and composed younger brother.
Vihaan Singh Rathod – mischievous, playful, and always smiling.
Rajveer Singh Rathod – bold and slightly rebellious.
And the only sister—
Aarohi Rathod – the heart of the family, full of life and warmth.
The atmosphere was light, filled with casual conversations and teasing remarks.
Until—
The doors opened.
Silence followed.
Every single conversation died down as Rudraveer walked in.
It wasn't forced.
It was instinct.
The air shifted instantly, growing heavier, sharper… colder.
He walked toward the table with measured steps, his posture straight, his expression unchanged. Without acknowledging anyone verbally, he gave a slight nod—a gesture of respect—and took his seat.
For a moment, no one spoke.
Then Dadi Sa smiled softly, breaking the silence.
"Rudra beta, you are late today."
"I am on time, Dadi Sa," he replied calmly, his voice deep and controlled.
And just like that, the warmth slowly returned.
Breakfast resumed.
Vihaan leaned toward Aarohi and whispered dramatically, "And the temperature drops by ten degrees the moment he enters."
Aarohi bit back a laugh.
But unfortunately for them—
Rudraveer heard.
His eyes lifted slowly.
One single glance.
Vihaan immediately straightened up, focusing on his food like his life depended on it.
Aarohi looked down, hiding her smile.
Aryan cleared his throat, pretending nothing happened.
Rajveer smirked but wisely stayed quiet.
Rudraveer resumed eating as if nothing had occurred.
Control.
Always control.
—
After a few minutes, Dadi Sa placed her spoon down gently.
That simple action was enough to signal something important.
"Rudra," she began, her voice calm yet firm.
He looked up.
"Yes, Dadi Sa."
"It is time we talk about your marriage."
The entire table went silent again—but this time, it wasn't because of his presence.
It was because of hers.
Rudraveer didn't react immediately. He simply placed his glass down before speaking.
"I am not interested."
Straightforward. Final.
But not enough.
Dadi Sa's expression didn't change.
"That was not a suggestion."
A subtle tension filled the room.
Maharaj Pratap Singh watched quietly. Maharani Meera looked slightly concerned but remained silent.
Rudraveer's gaze hardened just a fraction.
"I do not believe in marriage," he said calmly. "Nor in love. It is unnecessary."
Vihaan blinked slowly, whispering, "Here we go…"
Aryan elbowed him.
Dadi Sa leaned back slightly, her eyes sharp despite her gentle demeanor.
"Marriage is not about what you believe in. It is about responsibility."
"I have fulfilled every responsibility given to me."
"And what about the future of this family? The throne?"
Rudraveer didn't respond immediately.
Because he knew—
This was not a conversation he could walk away from.
Dadi Sa continued, her voice softer now but no less powerful.
"You are the Crown Prince. After marriage, you will become Hukum Sa. You cannot carry this legacy alone."
A brief silence followed.
Then Rudraveer spoke again.
"I will not marry for emotions."
Dadi Sa smiled faintly.
"Then marry without them."
That… made him pause.
For the first time.
A contract.
A duty.
Not love.
Not emotions.
Just… responsibility.
His fingers tapped lightly against the table as he thought.
Everyone watched him carefully.
Waiting.
Finally—
He exhaled softly.
"Fine."
The word fell like a verdict.
Aarohi's eyes widened.
Vihaan almost choked on his food.
Rajveer smirked, impressed.
Maharani Meera sighed in relief.
But Rudraveer wasn't done.
"I will meet him first," he said firmly. "And only if he meets my expectations… I will agree."
A condition.
Of course.
Dadi Sa nodded.
"That is acceptable."
The tension eased.
But the atmosphere didn't return to normal just yet.
Because everyone knew—
This wasn't just a marriage.
This was a decision that would change everything.
—
Vihaan, recovering from the shock, leaned slightly forward with a mischievous grin.
"Bhai sa, should we prepare a checklist for the future bhabhi?"
Aarohi added instantly, "Yes! First requirement—must survive your glare."
Rajveer chuckled. "Second—must not run away within a week."
Even Aryan allowed a small smile.
Rudraveer slowly looked up.
Silence.
Immediate.
Vihaan lowered his head.
Aarohi bit her lip.
Rajveer coughed.
Aryan resumed eating.
And just like that—
The teasing ended.
—
Rudraveer stood up, adjusting his watch.
"I have work."
With that, he walked away.
No unnecessary words.
No lingering.
Just presence—and absence.
—
As he stepped out of the dining hall, his expression remained unchanged.
But inside—
Something had shifted.
Marriage.
A stranger.
A contract.
He didn't believe in love.
Didn't believe in destiny.
But he did believe in control.
And whoever would enter his life—
Would do so on his terms.
His eyes darkened slightly as he walked down the corridor.
"Let's see… who dares to step into my world."
—
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That's all for today.
Until next time, enjoy the story and happy reading.
With love,
Brahmvanya ✨