Hey everyone! Thank you for all your love for this book. There is a small poll at the end of this chapter, let me know your opinion! Thanks in advance!
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Ponky!

Phiss Ponky!

Utho...

Ponky woke up sleepy and saw a face close to his. He got up in hurry, eyes wide awake and quickly ran to the door.

Mayuri: Ponky arey...mai hoon..daro mt...bhaag kahan rahe ho?

Ponky turns and keeps a hand near his heart. He looks at the time. It was 3:30 at night.

P: tum pagal ho gaya!?!...ye Veer bhai ka room nahi hai...and waise bhi tumhara wahan bhi koi kaam nahi hai..what are you doing at our house? Kl tabyat kharab thi and you stayed over pr abhi kyun ayi ho? And tumhe andr kisne aane diya?

M: shut up Ponky! I am Veer's childhood friend..mai bachpan se aati rahi hoon.

P: correction miss, Childhood friend thi...you ruined your friendship and now bhai hates your guts...ladki hone ka lihaj krte hai pr tum to besharmi pr utar ayi ho..

M: shut up Ponky!...pehle kaam ki baat kro...

She shows him her phone, it had a screenshot from her video call with Veer. Half of Bani's face was visible.

M: ye wahi hai na ...Bani...jo Tapish ki fiancé ki behen hai...iska Veer ke saath kuch chal raha hai kya?

P: tumse mtlb?

M: Ponky!...bolo na...

P: leave nahi toh mai police bula lunga for trespassing.

Mayuri huffs angrily and leaves.

P: Iska kuch krna padega...guards ki bhi class lagani padegi...pr subah...abhi (yawns) and goes to sleep.

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Meera: Bani tu business meeting me jaa rahi hai?

B: Meeting nahi, party hai...

M: with Veer?

B: yes di

M: why?

B: why what?...it is a good opportunity. Mujhe kuch seekhne ko hi milega..

M: yeah right! Kya seekhegi party me?(rolls her eyes)

B: aap jo soch rahe ho wasie kuch nahi hai..

M: toh kaise hai..

Mayank: iss Meera mata ko bohot panchayat hai...didi ji apne khud toh humari naak ke neeche bf rakha tha...humne aaj tk kabhi toh-toh kiya?

M: chup kr...Bani ka chamcha!

Mayank: chamcha nahi hoon pr Bani- the bunny ko sirf mai hi tang kr skta hoon...baaki sbke against, we are a team.

Bani and Mayank high-fived each other while Meera sulked in a corner. They rolled their eyes at her drama and hugged her. Bani from the front and Mayank from the back. They sandwiched her.

M: aah....bs badmasho...leave!

They all laugh.

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Bani got ready in a simple and elegant green dress for the event. The door bell rang and she opened the door to a dashing Veeranshu Singhania.

He greeted her family and promised to have her home on time. They got into the car.

V: you look like an enchantress sweetheart!

B: Thank you Veeranshu. You look great too...Daksh and Ponky nahi aye?

V: wahin milenge...

They had a small conversation in the car and reached the venue. It was a party where majority of the business men came. There was food and music and some card games as well. Fundraisers would also happen for charities but the event was primarily for contacts. People got to know others well and made important business networks. Moreover, a business group was picked each year and was awarded as the best. Veer had told her about it. He had gone once but found it very boring. Usually Tapish would go, representing Singhanias, but he had gone for an important meeting overseas immediately after his engagement. He was working overtime so that he can take a long break for his wedding and honeymoon. So, now Veer had to go. Daksh and Ponky were accompanying them too as Pawan wasn't there either.

Vani entered the large hall and were greeted by Daksh and Ponky.

D: bhai!!!...is baar ka music last time se bhi bekar hai...

P: the bar is fine pr ye games me saare buddhe log hi hai...wait...I see a girl from my class, see you later guys...

D: which girl? She is from my college and my friend also...I am also coming...bye bhai..I am going to network.

V: yeah right!

Vani stood by the corner. There was elegant music and everyone was dressed in their best. Rich looking men with beautiful woman latched on their hands. There was also a group of rich, snobby housewives sipping wine at a corner. Everything screamed rich. Bani felt very out of place. She held on to Veer's arms for support. Veer smiled at her. To him, she was the best. All these people reeked of vanity and she was like a breath of fresh air.
A man came there and greeted Veer.

Man: hey Veer...great to see you here!...didn't think I'd meet you...and who is gorgeous woman..??

V: hi Nikhil!...everyone else was busy...this is my sweetheart...

Bani raised a brow at his introduction of her. The way he called her sweetheart was like he was stating a claim. Also, this could easily be interpreted as they were in a relationship. Before Bani could say a word, Nikhil left.

B: what was that?

V: what?

B: why would you introduce me like this? He will think I am your gf!

V: nahi ho?

B: (frowns and looks at him) wha-!

V: uff sweetheart (moves her fingers on her forehead and eases the frown)...See, If I don't say this, people will approach you and you will feel uncomfortable.

B: You are over thinking Veer. No one would approach me...look at me!...I stick out like a sore thumb.

V: tch tch tch... I am looking Bani and trust me, you stick out the best way possible..

Bani blushed and looked away. Vani kept talking and Veer also kept casually flirting. They kept each other company. Veer was enjoying this summit for the first time.

V: accha sweetheart...guess vo log kya baaten kr rahe honge..

They look at a large group of young businessmen, all gathered around an old businessman with a round belly...

B: the old man in saying: (he was rubbing his tummy while talking) I ate three kids today, just need one more..

V: (laughs) and abhi vo ladka bolla mujhe mt khana, meri toh abhi shaadi bhi nahi hui hai..

They laughed. They kept lip reading people in a funny way and cracking silly jokes. Fundraiser happened and Veer donated a large sum.

B: quite passionate to help others?

V: (smiles back at her) It was pre-decided Bani..dad ne bolkr bheja tha...

Bani nods. Finally, the most awaited moment for everyone arrived. The announcer tried to build suspense but then said the best group of the year is Singhania group of industries and cites their numerous achievements. Veeranshu went to collect the prize on behalf of the company.

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Jai put down his fourth peg and gritted his teeth as Veer climbed up the stairs. The entire night he had seen Veer stick to a corner with a woman in his arms. The way he protected her, Jai understood she must be special to him. Unlike his usual style, Veer didn't take the limelight this time. He was sure a lot of women were upset that Veeranshu was so smitten by another woman. As Veer went to collect his award, Jai studied the woman. She had long brown hair, pinned neatly to her sides and in loose waves. She was dressed simple yet it was her simplicity that made her look so elegant. Her face wasn't caked with makeup, nor was she laden in jewels but she looked like a jewel herself. He felt his mouth go dry. He approached her.

J: excuse me? I am Jai, Jai Mathur..

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excuse me? I am Jai, Jai Mathur..

Bani turned to face a man in red tuxedo. He was leaning towards her, a little too close for comfort. She could smell the alcohol on him and backed away, smiling politely.

B: Hello..

J: Your name..

B: um..?

J: forget it..prize bata do?

B: kiska?

J: tumhara? You are an escort right?

B: excuse me? I am Veeranshu's friend.

J: ooh..

He gazed her up and down. Looking at her body with lust. Bani felt uncomfortable. She looked away to see Veer had received the award and said his speech. He was getting greeted my men on his way down.

J: You are extremely hot by the way...

Bani looked at him in the eye, irritated and suddenly a strange vision flashed before her. The people were wearing old fashion clothes. Bani also felt a sudden rush of negative vibes. She felt confused as to why she was seeing these visions again and again. On the other hand, Jai too was feeling deep lust as well as anger. He was drunk and these emotions confused him. He pulled Bani with him.

B: (gets dragged to the corner but frees her hand before he can drag her further) let me go!...how dare you!

J: Who are you?

B: kyu batau? Badtameez admi... (thinks: isse dekh kr aisa lg raha hai jaise janmo se mera dushman ho...iske toh vibes hi ghatiya hai)

J: (thinks: ye kon hai...khoobsoorat to bohot hai lekin isse dekh kr mujhe gussa bhi bohot aa raha hai, maybe gussa isliye aa raha hai kyunki ye Veer ke saath hai) apna naam to bata do babe...

He tries to touch her again. This time, a hand comes from behind and hold his hand. He flips it and Jai get turned due the force and comes face to face with a red-eyed Veeranshu.

J: Y-You!

He raises a hand to punch him and Veer stops it. He looks at Bani from the gap in his hands. He saw a look of worry in her eyes and gave her reassuring smile. He looked back at Jai and his smile turned sinister.

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Bani has met Jai and it is hate at first sight! I know some people are getting confused but remember this that in this story, Nageshwari took birth again for Akesh. It was Akesh whom she loved in satyug and Hriday was the one she hated when she died. She swore vengeance on Hriday before she died so she will always get bad vibes from him and good ones from Veer.

Now for the poll. I had asked on my books, Fated: Vani arranged marraige and Naagin5 Oneshots regarding future plot for a story. The response was very mixed and I started with plot 1 (this book) first and said that I cannot publish two books parallel unless one is on track . Now, I feel like this book is somewhere on track with its publishing schedule and story line. I have chapters planned in advance and can handle another book. That would be based on plot 2. But, that would affect my publishing speed. I will publish one book one day, which means alternate days. So please vote:

1. YES 💛: Publish the second book as well based on plot 2 (separation track) and update chapters with a gap of one day.

2: NO ❤: Finish this book first and then start another.

And please ye mt kehna ki dono book ek saath, mai ek din me dono update nahi kr paungi. Iska mtlb bhi no hi maan lungi...😜

Lets me know your view point.

Loads of love

xoxo