𝕭𝖗𝖆𝖛𝖊.

Hey guys! This is the next chapter. I hope you all like it. To unlock the next one, at least 140 comments are required on this one.

CHAPTER - 17

BRAVE.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Aadya ~

I should've known today was going to be a disaster the second Aarav woke me up by throwing rose petals at my face like some stupid Bollywood movie.

"Utho, dulhaniya ji!" he announced dramatically, grinning ear to ear.

I groaned, shoving my face into the pillow. "You have five seconds to disappear before I disown you."

Aarav plopped down beside me, completely unbothered. "Come on, this is your mehendi day! A little excitement wouldn't kill you."

"What might kill me is this shaadi." I muttered, sitting up groggily.

Before Aarav could reply, Maa and Gayatri Aunty entered the room, looking way too enthusiastic for my comfort. Maa had that 'don't argue with me' expression, while Gayatri Aunty clapped her hands in excitement.

"Okay, how about I get up and freshen up and then you both come back in like half an hour to do all the experiments you'd like on me?" I asked them.

They nodded in agreement before leaving me with Aarav.

"Now you....I need you to ask that Rakshas to meet me in the lawn outside in the next fifteen minutes." I instructed Aarav.

"But why Di?" He asked, throwing himself on the couch and keeping his legs on the coffee table like he owned this room.

"Because I am asking you to. Now go." I said, pulled his arm to make him get up and pushed him out of the room.

Fifteen minutes later, I was standing in the garden in my jeans and kurti, pacing furiously, waiting for Rajveer Tyrant Ranawat to show up.

The wedding preparations were in full swing, decorators running around like their lives depended on it, which, honestly, given Rajveer's personality, they probably did.

And then, he arrived.

Dressed in a white kurta, sleeves rolled up, hair slightly tousled, looking like he had just stepped out of a movie poster.

Annoying.

He stopped a few feet away from me, hands in his pockets, watching me like he already knew I was about to say something for which he was prepared to say no to already.

"I hear you summoned me, Reporter sahiba." His voice was mocking, that stupid smirk firmly in place.

"Before this function starts, I need to go and meet my boyfriend." I announced, referring to Vishesh.

Rajveer stilled.

For exactly three seconds.

His smirk faded so fast, I almost wanted to frame the moment and hang it in my new prison—I mean, my future home.

I folded my arms, watching him like a cat watching a cornered mouse. "Well? I don't have all day, Ranawat. I need to leave."

Rajveer exhaled sharply, running a hand down his face before pinning me with an unimpressed stare. "You mean your ex- boyfriend?"

"Yes."

He cocked his head. "That publisher?"

"Why am I not surprised that you exactly know who he is?" I asked, sighing.

Rajveer's jaw tightened. "Why do you want to meet him?"

His jaw twitched. "And you think you're leaving this house to meet him?"

I lifted my chin. "Absolutely."

Silence.

And then, he laughed.

Not just any laugh—a low, deep, mocking laugh that made my blood pressure spike.

"Oh, Miss Sharma," he mused, taking a slow step forward. "You are truly delusional if you think you're stepping out of here to meet another man."

I scoffed. "I didn't ask for your permission."

"You should have."

"Listen Rajveer, I might be marrying you but let's make one thing extremely clear, you do not own me and you will not own me, ever. I am my own person who makes her choices for herself. You will not dictate my life." I stepped one step forward at him and crossed my hands close to my chest.

Just like that, his smirk was back.

If anything, it deepened, his dark eyes flickering with something dangerous—something too calm for my liking.

"Miss Sharma, I think you keep forgetting that your choices have led you straight to me. Tied you to me. And in my world, you don't get to walk away, let alone going to meet another man on the day you will be getting my name written right here." he said slowly, mocking amusement lacing every syllable as he got hold of my right wrist in his hand.

I yanked my wrist back, but his grip tightened, not enough to hurt, but just enough to remind me who held the control here.

Jerk.

"Let go of my hand!" I hissed.

He tilted his head, his fingers brushing over my pulse point, his grip firm but lazy, like he had all the time in the world. "You want to meet your ex-boyfriend on the day of our mehendi, Aadya?" His voice was soft, dangerously so. "Does he deserve that explanation you're dying to give him?"

I gritted my teeth, glaring up at him. "First of all, I am not an object to be claimed. Second, Vishesh has been my boyfriend for two years, and I have every right to see him to end what we had."

Something flashed in his gaze, something sharp, possessive. "Stop calling him that if you don't want to attend his funeral, sweetheart."

My breath hitched.

I opened my mouth, then shut it.

Because what the hell was I even supposed to say to that?!

Rajveer's fingers flexed around my wrist, his voice dark, almost bored. "You're standing here, fighting for the chance to meet a man who doesn't matter anymore. And yet, you refuse to acknowledge the one fact that does."

I swallowed, forcing my glare to stay sharp. "And what's that?"

His smirk was slow, deliberate. "That you belong with me now and I do not want you meeting him."

I opened my mouth to argue, but he cut me off. "Doesn't matter," he said, voice dropping an octave. "He is your past. I am your future."

I wanted to punch him. Right in his arrogant, self-assured face.

"It is not for you to decide who I meet and do not meet." I shot back. "I will meet him, Rajveer. One last time. With or without your approval."

A muscle ticked in his jaw. He hated this. Hated that I was pushing.

For a long moment, he said nothing. Just stared at me, his fingers tightening the slightest bit around my wrist, as if debating whether to just lock me in my room until the wedding was over.

And then, he exhaled sharply. "Fifteen minutes."

I blinked. "What?"

His hand released mine, but his gaze remained locked onto me, unwavering. "You have fifteen minutes to meet him."

I narrowed my eyes. "What do you....."

"Don't test my patience, Aadya," Rajveer warned, stepping closer, voice like a threat wrapped in silk. "I am already being generous."

I huffed, crossing my arms. "Generous? Please. This is just your way of pretending you're in control."

His smirk returned. "Am I not?"

I ignored the way my stomach flipped at his tone. Instead, I lifted my chin. "Fine. Fifteen minutes. But I am not taking a bodyguard into a café."

Rajveer arched a brow, amusement flickering in his gaze. "You assumed that I will allow you to step outside in public at the moment?"

I frowned. "Then where—"

"He will be brought here." he stated simply.

My eyes widened. "What?! You can't just summon him like one of your men!"

"I just did." he said smoothly, already pulling out his phone. "If you want to see him, he'll meet you here. End of discussion."

I clenched my fists, wanting to argue, but I also knew when to pick my battles.

Fine. He wanted control? I'd let him have it.

For Now.

"Cool." I said and walked back inside.

I was pacing around the room I was staying in and in another ten minutes, there was a knock.

Ishaan.

Telling me that Vishesh was here.

I walked out.

And in the middle of the room, looking distinctly out of place, was Vishesh.

My heart stilled.

His usually neat hair was slightly disheveled, his shirt crumpled, and there was a mixture of confusion and irritation on his face as he looked around the lavish, suffocating space.

"What the hell—" I started, but before I could take another step forward, a voice interrupted me.

"Your ex-boyfriend has been delivered, Miss Sharma."

I turned sharply to find Rajveer leaning casually against his desk, arms crossed, an infuriatingly smug smirk on his face.

"Rajveer." I gritted out, barely restraining the urge to throw something at him. "What the hell is this?"

He raised an eyebrow. "I did exactly what I had promised."

I clenched my fists. "I said I wanted to meet him, not have him kidnapped and dragged here like some criminal!"

Vishesh, finally finding his voice, turned to me. "Aadya, what is going on? Who are these people?"

Before I could answer, Rajveer stepped forward, his presence suffocating. "I suggest you use your time wisely, Aadya. You have ten minutes."

"Are you serious—"

"Nine minutes, fifty-five seconds." he interrupted smoothly, his dark eyes glinting with challenge.

"Leave me alone now." I demanded.

"That will not be happening." He replied.

"Rajveer...." I started but all he did was point towards his super-expensive wrist watch.

Realising that he was not going anywhere, I turned to Vishesh.

"I'm sorry about this." I said.

"I'm sorry about this." I said, exhaling sharply, trying to keep my frustration in check.

Vishesh scoffed, running a hand through his hair. "Yeah? Because this is insane, Aadya! Who the hell is this guy? And why did his men drag me here?"

Before I could respond, Vansh's voice cut in lazily from behind me.

"Oh, don't be dramatic." He leaned back against the desk, looking completely at ease. "You were invited. Just... in a way that ensured you actually showed up."

I turned around and glared at him. "Shut up."

He smirked but didn't move.

Of course, he didn't.

I took a deep breath and turned back to Vishesh. "Look, I just wanted to talk to you before—before everything changes."

Vishesh narrowed his eyes. "Changes? What is changing?" His voice was laced with disbelief and confusion.

I lifted my chin and pointed towards Rajveer. "I am getting married to him."

He let out a humorless chuckle. "Wow. Is this a joke going on here?"

I crossed my arms. "I don't exactly have a choice."

Vishesh shook his head, looking at me like I was a stranger.

Something in me snapped.

I exhaled. "I didn't ask you here for seeking some twisted permission, Vishesh. I just... I wanted closure."

He hesitated, then ran a hand through his hair. "Maybe it's for the best."

That made me pause. "Excuse me?"

He let out a deep breath. "Aadya, I... I was going to tell you anyway." His fingers drummed against the table, his gaze avoiding mine. "There's someone else."

My heart stopped.

For a second, I thought I had misheard him. "What?"

Vishesh sighed, finally looking at me. "I've been seeing someone else, Aadya. For the past few months."

Something inside me cracked, but I kept my expression blank.

"Who?" My voice was disturbingly calm.

He hesitated. "You don't know her."

"Try me."

He swallowed. "Her name is Tanisha Malhotra."

I blinked.

The name sounded familiar, and then it clicked.

The daughter of R.K. Malhotra. Multimillionaire. Industrialist.

I stared at him, my mind processing the words, the betrayal, the absolute irony of it all.

"You're joking." I said finally.

Vishesh looked away. "I didn't mean for it to happen—"

"Didn't mean for it to happen?" I repeated, laughing bitterly. "That's what you're going with?"

He flinched at the sharpness in my tone. "Aadya, I—"

I held up a hand. "Stop. I don't need an explanation. You cheated. You moved on before I even knew I had something to move on from. That's all I need to know."

Vishesh had the audacity to look guilty. "I never wanted to hurt you."

"Well, congratulations. You did." I exhaled, steadying myself, pushing down the ache in my chest.

"Aadya—"

I stood up, my chair scraping against the floor. "We're done here, Vishesh."

He opened his mouth to argue, but I turned on my heel, walking away before he could.

I didn't cry.

Didn't break.

Didn't even falter.

I refused to.

Instead, I walked past Vishesh without a single glance, my footsteps steady, my face blank.

He had no right to see me hurt.

I felt Rajveer's eyes on me.

Standing at the other end of the room, arms still crossed, gaze unreadable.

But I didn't stop.

I didn't acknowledge him, didn't care about the way his dark eyes followed my every move as I walked straight to the door.

But just as I reached for the handle, his voice stopped me.

"Say the word, Miss Sharma." he murmured, low and lethal, "and I will make sure he never gets to enjoy his new, upgraded life."

A sharp exhale left my lips.

I turned my head slightly. "Rajveer—"

"One word," he repeated. "And I will make him disappear."

I clenched my fists.

Because the worst part?

The absolute worst part?

A tiny, vicious part of me wanted to say yes.

I wanted him to hurt.

To feel even an ounce of the humiliation I was feeling.

But I wasn't like Rajveer.

I wasn't someone who destroyed people just because I could.

I forced my voice to stay calm. "No."

Rajveer tilted his head. "Pity."

I ignored him, walking out.

_____________________________

Rajveer ~

I watched her go.

Watched the stiff line of her shoulders, the tight clench of her jaw, the way her fingers curled into fists as if holding herself together by sheer force of will.

She didn't cry.

Didn't tremble.

Didn't show a single sign of weakness.

"Well," Vansh murmured beside me, arms folded as he observed the scene with mild interest. "That was awkward."

I ignored him.

Instead, my gaze flicked back to him.

Vishesh.

The pathetic excuse of a man who had, apparently, been treating Aadya like a backup plan while sleeping with some billionaire's daughter.

How boring.

I walked forward slowly, my shoes echoing in the now silent room.

He shifted uncomfortably as I stopped a few feet in front of him.

"You should be grateful," I said smoothly. "She is kinder than I am."

Vishesh swallowed. "Look, I don't want any trouble—"

"Then you should have thought twice before breaking what's mine."

His face paled. "I—"

I leaned in slightly, lowering my voice to something soft. Dangerous. "If you ever contact her again, even by accident, I will make sure your career, your life, and your precious new girlfriend's daddy's business—" I smirked, tilting my head, "—all disappear."

His breath hitched.

I straightened, giving him a slow, cold smile. "Get out."

He didn't need to be told twice.

He practically ran out of the room.

I turned to Vansh.

"Make sure he never steps anywhere near her again."

Vansh smirked. "On it, boss."

I exhaled, rolling my shoulders. What the fuck was she thinking, seeing a pathetic man like him?

He had the audacity to hurt her, to make her feel less about herself.

Fool.

Settling for gold when he had the whole damn titanium to himself.

The world is truly filled with dumbness.

Now, I had a mehendi function to attend.

And a very pissed-off bride to deal with.

Fucking fantastic.

_____________________________

By the time I stepped into the function, everyone was already there.

I scanned the crowd lazily, ignoring the curious glances thrown my way. Being the groom, I was expected to partake in the excitement, smile for the guests, act like this was the happiest day of my life.

Too bad I had never been good at pretending.

And then—

I saw her.

Aadya.

Standing near a large, beautifully decorated swing, talking to some women.

That damned green lehenga. Her long, wavy hair cascaded down her back, strands loosely pinned.

Frustratingly beautiful.

Completely unaware of the way she had the entire function gravitating toward her without even trying.

I should have looked away.

I didn't.

Aadya was smiling at something someone had said, but it didn't reach her eyes. Not really. The edges of her lips curved just enough to fool the people around her, but I wasn't people.

I was me.

And I knew that look.

That usual fire, the one she reserved specifically to burn me alive was dimmed. The hurt, the betrayal she had just endured, she was burying it beneath layers of composure, forcing herself to play the part of the soon-to-be bride.

I should have let her be.

Given her space.

But I wasn't a man known for his patience. And certainly not when it came to her.

So I moved.

The moment she sensed my presence, I knew. Her spine stiffened, her fingers curled slightly as if preparing for battle, and when she finally turned to face me, her eyes narrowed.

"Miss Sharma," I murmured, letting my gaze sweep over her, taking my time. "Aap kaafi khoobsurat lag rahin hain."

Her jaw ticked. "Did you come here just to state the obvious, Ranawat?"

My lips curved. "Maybe."

I watched the irritation flicker in her eyes, the tension in her shoulders stiffening even more at my words.

This was good, this meant that she was feeling something. Anything but the hollow look she had when she walked away from that bastard.

Aadya exhaled sharply, tilting her head, a sickly sweet smile on her lips. "How generous of you, Ranawat, to bless me with a compliment. What's next? You'll start writing poetry about me?"

I smirked, stepping a fraction closer, deliberately lowering my voice just enough for her to hear. "Agar aap chahein toh zaroor, reporter sahiba. Aapki churi si tez aankhon aur kainchi se teekhi zubaan pe kaun nahi likhna chahega?"

Her eyes narrowed. "You should try it. Maybe it'll help develop whatever is left of your cold, dead heart."

I chuckled. "Careful, little dove. That almost sounded like flirting."

She scoffed, turning away from me with a spin, instead, her foot caught on the edge of the carpet.

For one second, she teetered, her body tilting dangerously, her arms instinctively flying up to grab something, anything, to stop herself from falling.

And before she could crash onto the floor, my hands shot out.

One arm wrapped around her waist, pulling her close, the other steadying her wrist. Her body jerked against mine, and suddenly, she wasn't falling.

She was pressed against me.

Soft. Warm. Just a breath away.

Aadya sucked in a sharp breath, her hands instinctively grabbing onto my kurta for balance.

She didn't move.

Neither did I.

The space between us vanishing entirely, her heartbeat fluttering so close to my own that I could feel it.

Something unfamiliar curled in my chest.

Something dangerous.

Her eyes flickered up to mine, startled, wary, almost hesitant.

For the first time since this madness began, she wasn't glaring at me.

She was just... looking.

I tightened my grip, fingers pressing lightly into the soft silk of her lehenga, feeling the warmth of her skin beneath. Her lips parted, her breath uneven, her fingers still clutching my shirt like she wasn't sure if she wanted to push me away or hold on tighter.

"Aadya." I murmured.

She blinked. "What?"

"Be careful." My voice was softer than I intended, rougher, like something I had no business feeling. "You almost fell."

Her brows furrowed, like she was trying to figure out if I was mocking her.

I wasn't.

Not this time.

And I think she knew that because, instead of snapping back, instead of rolling her eyes or throwing some sarcastic remark my way—

She just looked at me.

For one suspended second, it was just us.

No arguments. No power struggles. No wars.

Just the sound of music playing in the background, the soft breeze tangling around us.

I watched her throat move as she swallowed, watched the war in her eyes, watched the way her grip on my shirt loosened before she finally found her voice.

"Let me go, Rajveer."

I should have.

I should have stepped back, let her have her space, let her pretend this never happened.

But I didn't.

Instead, I let my fingers brush against her waist, just a fraction, just enough to feel the way she tensed. "Are you sure?"

Her breath hitched. "Yes."

I exhaled sharply, then, slowly, deliberately, I let my hands fall away, making her stand back on her feet.

She took a step back.

Then another.

Then she straightened, smoothing out her lehenga, pretending like she hadn't just nearly lost her balance in every sense of the word. "Thank you." she muttered, eyes flickering anywhere but at me.

I smirked. "For saving you or for making your heartbeat race?"

Her glare returned instantly, her hands clenching at her sides. "You—"

Before she could finish whatever insult was forming in her pretty little head, a voice interrupted us.

"Jijaji, you are getting mehendi done, right?"

Aarav.

I turned just in time to see him walking toward us, a wide grin on his face, clearly enjoying himself far too much.

"Jijiji has to, right Di?" Aarav smirked, looking between us. "If dulhan ka naam mehendi mein likhna tradition hai, dulhe ko bhi kuch toh karna padega."

Aadya recovered quickly, her expression shifting into something devilish. "You know, Aarav, you're absolutely right. He should get mehendi too."

My eyes narrowed. "No."

Aadya gasped dramatically. "Oh? The great Rajveer Pratap Ranawat is scared of a little mehendi?"

Aarav laughed. "He is, isn't he?"

I shot him a warning look. "Choose your words wisely, kid."

He just grinned wider. "Come on, jijaji. Prove you're not a coward. Let one of the ladies apply something small. Maybe Di's name?"

Aadya burst out laughing. "Oh, I love this idea."

My jaw ticked. "You both siblings have no regard for self-preservation, do you?"

Aarav patted my back. "Not really. You may be the crime lord or something but I am sure you won't be killing your wife and her brother."

Before I could murder the boy, the women around us had already started giggling, maa grabbing my wrist. "Come, beta, just a small design. It's for good luck!"

Aadya smirked, watching me struggle, her earlier frustration clearly forgotten.

Fine.

If she wanted to play, I'd play.

I allowed the mehendi artist to take my hand, but just as she was about to start, I leaned toward Aadya, dropping my voice low enough for only her to hear.

"If your name is on my hand, Miss Sharma," I murmured, "shouldn't mine be on yours?"

Her smirk faltered.

Her throat moved as she nodded her head. "Ji nahi, zaroori nahi hai. Aise toh phir tum bhi apni elbows tak mehendi lagwao aur apne pairon mein bhi."

I tilted my head, smirking. "Touche."

She glared. "You will not be winning every freaking time."

I grinned. "But I will, sweetheart."

She turned away with a huff, but not before I caught the way her cheeks tinged the faintest shade of pink.

That felt like victory.

Aadya's Look ~


Hey guys! This is the next chapter. I hope you all like it. To unlock the next one, at least 140 comments are required on this one.

I love you all. Until next time. Byee!!

Bạn đang đọc truyện trên: AzTruyen.Top