"Are you serious? We're definitely not going on that."

Mr Oberoi grunted.

I have to hold his elbow with both my hand pull him back. With so much efforts. Huff.

"Oh yes, we are. Now shush and help me out." The cold glare was all I could feel. And also, he didn't move. Without seeing back I knew it.

"Mrs Oberoi"

"No" I shivered, and stopped in my tracks to going out of door. Turning, I raised my eyebrow. "See, If you don't want, than I'm not forcing you, I'm much more capable of going on alone. But know there will be no end to you hearing 'backing out your words'."

Some more glaring and grunting.

Meanwhile I grinned. "Afterall I won."

"Yeah. By cheating!"

He snapped. And till now I haven't seen him losing his cool like this.

Is this because it's about to midnight and we have to go? Or is it because of Bullet, on which we have to go?

I mused some more. He was standing not at all concerned by cold, but his stern gaze was on behind me. On bullet? It was at that moment, it finally clicked.

"You haven't sat on Bullet?" His eyes snapped to me and yes, I got my answer. He wasn't showing but was  uncomfortable if you see carefully his fist. They were tightened. "Are you afraid of it, Mr Oberoi?"

"I'm not afraid of anything."

"So?" I shrugged.

He forced out. "I... haven't learnt riding a bike, yet."

I shook my head, I mean his ego was this big. He can't ever say 'I don't know'.

"Oh, so what? I know how to ride it."

"You know?" He raised his eyebrows in disbelief.

I passed him a proud grin. "One of my favourite activity it is. And don't be afraid, I have licence and a good experience."

He still looked not okay with the situation. "How do you even manage to get one?"

I shrugged my shoulder. "I knew I would win and even if that wasn't the case. I'm not going without.... Mr. Oberoi I'm not revealing the full plan. We're really getting out of time. Let's go."

I walked forward. Immediately taking the two helmet off the lock. The bullet. It was a beauty to behold. God knows how much I had to research for this to available at this hour that too on a good discount.

I had already planned this while we were trekking. But it wasn't supposed to happen now. If it wasn't the sadness the house carried for him, for us.

But you're never too ready for an adventure.

When I didn't feel him around me, I saw him, still standing on the road. Searching something on phone. In this dark night he almost looked like a ghost. A handsome ghost. Ugh

"Mr Oberoi?" I called loud enough for him to hear but not Khanna whose guest house lights were already off. "What are you looking for?"

He looked up. "A safe option."

I cocked my head towards him. "Do you mean it would be unsafe with me?"

His blank gaze at me and his  silence made me swear under my breath.

"Mr Oberoi. I swear if you don't come this instant, I'm leaving."

He didn't think I was serious. And boy, I totally was. I have been too adventurous for my life time that now I don't wait but rather go take opportunity.

He continued searching, and here I started the bullet. The sound made his head turn up and look at me. "I told you we're not going on that. Stop and wait, car is on it's way."

It was than he started walking.

"I told you too." Turning up the accelerator, I put the gear. "Goodbye."

And bullet started, leaving only the smoke on his face.

"WAIT! ANIKA!"

I knew it. Immediately I pressed the break.

He was just few steps  away as I intentionally started it slow.

"What the hell? I'm telling you to wait and you--"

"See, you know me a little. Last time asking- You coming, or not?"

He knew I was damn serious and he had no choice left.

"Fine"

"Good choic-"

"If anything happened, it's all on you." With that he finally sat down in one swing like he is a pro.  Our jackets were thick enough creating no space between us.

He took some time to adjust and by the grip on my poor shoulder I know this ride wasn't going to be eazy one.

"Hm, Helmet"

I passed him on. He quickly place it on his head  safely. "You sure you know how to ride it?"

"Want me to show you my licence?"

When he didn't answer and sat still I started bullet.

"Ready?"

"Not with you"

"I take it as yes."

With that it was only our Bullet that zoomed out on the street. One glance at mirror and I saw the uncertainty on his face. It was a thing out of his control. Something out of his plan.

And more I watched, more I enjoyed. He was going to have one of best night of his life.

"YOR'RE TOO FAST."

I rolled my eyes, shouting high so he could listen against the fast winds. "NO, IT'S TOO SLOW."

One thing, Mr Oberoi didn't hold me for support. He was holding the seat handle at his back. And now as we have less time and have to finish 2 hour journey in one, I shouted once more. "HOLD ME."

"WHY!?"

"BECAUSE..."

I didn't need to explain again, as I speed up the real speed that it should be and his hand came up flying over my waist. Their grip was tight. And his face was still devoid of emotion looking at my hands sometimes than at the lone road.

"WHERE ARE WE ACTUALLY GOING?"

"LADHAK"

"DO YOU KNOW HOW FAR IT IS!"

"I KNOW"

"YOU THINK YOU KNOW WHAT YOU ARE DOING?"

"DON'T WORRY...TRUST ME."

"YOU'RE MAKING IT HARD TO DO."

I laughed whole heartedly. More speed and I felt him close to me. First time seeing this cold composed man depending on me, makes me feel like accomplished something. This much I didn't even enjoy any of my journey.

I guess, he is not so bad.

And definitely not so fearless.

With his complaints in between to look out and ride slow and silence of outside where only two or three vehicles we saw. The beauty of mountain and plain in the moonlight however kept us too buzy.

Another forty minutes ride and I finally stopped outside market area I knew so clear. I have visited here a few times. It's an area opened up 24/7 and the monastry few metres away is not to miss out.

"Now was it so bad?"  I asked as I adjusted the balance on my legs, and took the helmet off.

"It's safe to say," He started, swinging off the bullet and standing straight beside me. "I'm never going to ride with you on this."

My grin turned into scowl, catching his helmet on time. "Hey! I wasn't that bad."

To my surprise, I didn't saw any sign of dizzy or problem in balancing for a first time rider as his. He walked on the street like he own it. Looking around and analysing everything.

A man come to me, taking the keys and helmet off. I paid him the total amount.

"What are you doing?" Mr Oberoi interrupted.

"Our deal was to come here. And give his bullet back."

"And how are we supposed to go back than?"

"I have plan." I nodded to the Man, as he took away the beauty bullet. I feel kind of sad.

"Mrs Oberoi, I want to know what's on your mind. You were stubborn about coming here and we have. Now tell me, what's your plan?"

"Now I should tell, Shouldn't I?" Saying so I starting moving to Market. His footstep were quick to follow beside me. "We're here to shop, as I haven't bought anything for family. And than I want us to go to a place. Before you go all angry, it's near by."

"Shopping? Why do you have to, there isn't anything that isn't available in our city."

"Offcourse there isn't. But I want to. Things doesn't count, but gestures do."

"All this way, you have just come for this?"

"Truth be told, No. But I'm not telling you. It's a surprise."

Before he could answer there his phone was ringing. Seeing Khanna on call I immediately stopped him from picking up the call.

"Don't tell him anything."

He cocked his eyebrow.

"Just tell him we're safe."

"And why should I hide it?"

I shrugged, "He would come here. And I want to enjoy once this trip without being carefully watched."

He slowly picked up the call.  "We're around. Take it off. We will see you in morning. Yes Khanna."

Hanging up, he turned to me seeing my large grin. "Now you tell--"

"Later." I cut him off, that seems to annoy him. "I saw real cute scarf for Prinku. Lets go."

And that was it. I got buzy in shopping. There weren't large mall but small shops open with good amount of crowd. Foreigners and locals mixed. I bought something for everyone. For his and mine family. That is basically ours. And he was quietly walking.

"Will you hold this for me?" I meant to ask just one bag, but without saying he took hold of more than half of bags.

"Thankyou"

He nodded once, and we moved forward.

"I want to go this monastry." I told him leading to secluded way. A silence enveloping us away from crowd. The cold hitting us and the wind picking up on us. "It's beautiful and so peaceful."

He didn't say, but from corner of my eyes I saw him nodding.

As I said, it was few feet away. There were 5 or 6 monk practicing their thing. It felt wrong to invade this pure place with such noise of our feet even though it's subtle. Going inside, we put our bags aside. I went to do quick prayer, meanwhile he looked around the creativity.

We were walking around the monastry, as there were saying we should do three rounds. It was than we heard a noise and utter cry "help"

I looked around the dark. So did Mr Oberoi.

"Somebody help"

I started going. It was there near the stairs leading back of monastry. But my arm were held back.

"Where are you going?"

"Didn't you hear?" I said in urgency.

"I did. But it's not safe. Let's call people for help."

"What if we got late?"

I didn't hear more and walked towards the stair. For all I know at this hour a girl could get....
The fear and anticipation filled me making me run. I ignored Mr Oberoi's call.

At the corner of the street, what I saw made my blood boil.  There was a women, getting manhandled by a man.

"STOP YOU BLOODY BASTARD!"

I shouted at top of my lungs, making both of them turn to me. My steps were quick and I snatched the man off woman and push him away.

"The hell! Don't interrupt me you lady. It's none of your business."

"You're manhandling a woman, and It's none of my business." Before I could register, in anger I slapped him hard.

He stumbled back. But when he stood up, he was staring me in anger. He saw behind me as that lady ran away. He tried going behind her, but I pushed him back, knowing with my karate lessons, I could easily beat the shit out of him.

"You bitch!"

He raised his hand gripping my hand tight and pushed me away. I instantly go off balance and when I thought I was about to hit me rears, I was stumbled against a well known person. Mr Oberoi hold me gently.

He stood me up, and walked in quick strides towards the man saying in an ice cold words, "Learn to respect women."

The words said in a way sending chills down spine. And with that he punched him square on his face so fast that no one saw coming, making him stumble back few step back.

That man wasn't weak. Infact seems bulky one. He was shocked and when registered what happened with him, he put his finger in his mouth and a loud whistle escape.  In a snap of second, 5...8...15 men came out of darkness making their hidden presence well known.

"Because of them, today we missed that bitch thief friends. And they seem to love fighting. What's say shall we teach them a lesson."

Bloody hell

Thief?

As if noticing the lightness of my hand I realised my watch. My new watch that was there in monastry is missing out.

My eyes widened sensing the weightage of this heavy scenario.

"Mr Oberoi..." I whisper shouted.

My husband wasn't concerned at all.

"Yes" He was sizing up the man in front.

"On the count of three be ready to run!" I whisper shouted. And at the same time those man too.

Those were some large bulky one.

"One"

"Two"

"Three!"

And I turned to walk, at the same time hearing bone cracking sound. Afraid that they had hurt Mr Oberoi, I turned.

The situation I found was quite the opposite. Three man was on the floor and Mr Oberoi didn't even seem moving from his place. When I sensed he was in full mode to fight and about to take his coat off. I ran to him. It was not to ignore that those man grow more and more angry with their starting defeat.

"What are you doing! Run!"

I pulled him with me, to balance my sudden force he ran with me. "Police is about to come. I already called. We can handle this."

I sarcastically laugh. "We sure can. It's not time to fight. Just run!"

And there my decision proved wrong. When I looked behind there were more of man behind us. May be 20 running to catch us.

"Shit shit shit"

I ran up the stairs of Monastry.

"Why are we going there, we should go other way!"

"Our things!" And quickly in two minutes I picked up our bags and when Monks looked at me suspiciously I apologized giving them some excuse.

Snatching half of bag, from one hand, we ran.

"CATCH THEM, THEY ARE THERE!"

And that only made me run even more fast. We ran through the market. People looking at us frantically. Most time Mr Oberoi, tried stopping me. His confidence to catch them and handle them did threw me off. But I ran. And he with me.

When I felt 4 man were just behind me, I picked up a plate of chilli powder kept on display of a shop and threw at an angle that got straight in the eyes of man just behind us.

"Yeah, you sucker! Deserve that!"

Those men cried and here my glare at them halted as Mr Oberoi pulled me with him. His hand never leaving mine.

"We could throw these alcohol bottles on them?" I asked while on my run.

"You already angered them enough."

"I'm not afraid of them!"

"Neither am I" Mr Oberoi declared. "But sizing them up, I couldn't save them from you."

"Did you just crack a joke?"

And all the while we kept running. Suddenly he pulled me an empty dark street. Pushing me with his body almost in the wall, holding both side of my waist, while bag hanging in one.

I was panting hard, while he was looking at the street where men passed us and ran in some other direction.  I was so jealous, he wasn't even panting. As my ear was pressed against his heart, I heard his strong fast heartbeat.

When he felt a man was inspecting the street. Mr Oberoi pushed me real hard against him, using his black clothes to complete advantage to hide us in this dark corner.

I inhaled deeply. The musk of his masculine smell filled in my lung. And I hate it how am I enjoying that smell. It's a precious one.

"Anika-"

Not Mrs Oberoi?

"Mhm?"

"You have to tell me, you have some option ready to go back Kalighat?"

I nodded against his chest. I don't think he realised that how close we were untill than. Because at that moment he got stiff. But still didn't go away.

We kept standing. It was quite some time when we were sure there wasn't anyone following anymore, he took a step back.

That moment I banished the thought how much I was enjoying his closeness.

"That lady actually was a thief." I told him, while I was still in disbelief.  Mr Oberoi blinked. "She actually stole my watch too."

When I showed my wrist, he held it inspecting like figuring out my wrist.

I chuckled. "It was first time, I saw someone fighting. Such a thrilling view."

When I thought about whole situation, a laugh escape my lips. "Came for adventure. And got a literal one."

It was a ghost of smile, but I saw corner of his lips twisting up. And that made me grin some more.

"Mrs Oberoi" Suddenly his tone turned serious.

"Mhm?" I looked up, frowning.

"You're never going to run into a dangerous situation alone, without being prepared. Ever again."

I bite my lip, my eyes turned apologetic. I know that was a big mistake. "I know, I just couldn't stop myself from helping that girl."

"That could all have turned other way. But remember that, You understand?"

I nodded meekly. Knowing this time he is right.

" Now where to go?"

"Come with me." I told him, dropping the idea of holding his hand. Turning away from here as I walked. "A car is waiting for us."

We walked in silence. At the end of street and walking a metre from there, a small car was really waiting for us.

"These items?" Mr Oberoi questioned watching the back seat of car filled with heavy items.

"I'll show you later."

"I'll drive. " He declared. And when he saw I was about to argue, he added. "Your hands are shaking and I don't think you have energy left to drive back."

It was than I noticed my whole body was shivering. We settle in the car. The moment the heater warm up the car, I normalised a bit.

Mr Oberoi was reluctant as I gave him the directions. He stopped the car beside a road, where far away we can see man tents were set up.

I immediately got out the car, took out all the big stuff. There were metal roads, tent, sleeping bag, wood and food.

"Why am I not surprised?"

I chuckled "don't worry this is the last thing of my bet."

"And when are we going back?"

I averted my gaze from him. Trying putting tent. "After this...if you want?"

I couldn't keep the hesitation out of my voice. And as I was a true lier, I'm completely sure he saw through me.  But I'm not sure his silence keep me anxious more or fear of him saying something hurtful.

We set the camp. And as the cold air picked up, we started putting the wood logs turning into  a bonfire night.

"Are you hungry?" I asked him as we sat across each other on a thick clothed seat on floor.

"Not much." He said looking at fire.

I rolled my eyes. "Yes, you are."

He looked surprise when I took out the pan and a water bottle and two big cups of instant noodles.

"You come prepared."

I smirked. "I always go prepared."

And when he gave me a look, I know it was about to be a taunting one about all the fight we had with.

"Don't say it. That was just one time thing!"

If someone could smirk with their eyes, it was him. I rolled my eyes and averted my gaze from this fine specimen of my husband.

The area we are on are mainly for campfires. There were so many but far away from each other giving the privacy.

As I boiled the water I looked up the clear sky, the short heighted  mountains surrounding us. And beautiful view, the breathable view.

"Here." I passed him the instant noodle cup. "I know you don't like junk, but it's a time of need."

"I didn't say anything."

"But you know you were."

He shook his head accepted the packet and start eating. I did too. Gulping up my bite with mineral water bottle.

"Did you ever think, you'll be here in Ladhak, at 3 am, camping and eating Ramen?"

He chew away his bite, looked up at me before admitting. "No, I didn't."

He added, "but than nothing is happening according to my plans  for past few weeks."

Marriage.

He meant us marrying and everything else changing.

I nodded. "I know. I'm in the same boat as you. Never expected any of this ever before. You, me or  all this craziness."

He looked at me for few moments. I raised my brow questioning silently. He asked a long silence later "Have you done this before, night ride and everything?"

"No" I chuckled. "You are the only one I did this whole 'adventure' thing. Should feel lucky yourself."

He didn't find amusement. He was assessing me before questioning. "And why did you do it today?"

I didn't answer him right away. Instead I concentrated on eating. Staring at fire than straight to his oceanic orbs I proposed, "Lets play a game Mr...Shivaay."

In reply I got his curious look.

I toyed around with a thin stick. "I'll ask you a question, than you can ask me any question. And we will answer truthfully, honestly."

He gave it a thought before nodding. "I already asked you first. Answer that."

A small smile played on my lips. "I actually had a plan to visit here as a consequence of our deal. Before our flight tomorrow." I looked up at him, seeing him giving me a light shake of his head.  My heart hurts while talking about this subject but knew I should tell him.  "But when we went to Rita di, she told me the last memory of the house we are staying for you. And I just thought how hard it must be for you to stay."

He stare at me unattached with emotions. "You sympathize with me?"

I frown and nodded. "I guess I do. Before you take me wrong, I had lost my...papa. And the first year it was near impossible for me to just enter his study. I connect with you in that sense. When I got to know about dadaji, I..."

I looked down at fire. Maybe I was wrong. My prediction could be wrong.

"I'm sorry, if I hurted you."

When I looked at him. He didn't say much but nodded. "You didn't hurt me. Your turn."

"You asked two, I got ask two."

"Fair enough."

"What was your favourite memory with your dadaji? A secret between you two?"

I couldn't see him behind the fire, but a spare glance at his face and I knew he wasn't that mad or uptight. He was actually taken aback by my question.

"That's two question."

"I know, answer them." I grinned mischievously, more to lighten the mood. "And truthfully."

"I'm always truthful."

"Brutally honest you mean."

"A good trait I'm proud of."

"Don't trail for time. Answer it."

"Why do you want to know it?"

"Not your turn to question."

He took a breath, staring straight at fire. "There was this one, Dadaji and I had a routine. Every morning he would take me on a walk, up on the mountains." He looked away from fire to my eyes. Fire crackling between us as he continued. "He would take me to mandir. Telling me all about the surroundings, tree, people, market, food anything and everything. There were times he would take me on his shoulder, walking all the way, we would laugh and eat snacks together, enjoy our time. That was just ours."

"It's a beautiful memory."

He nodded. "To answer your second question. I already told you about the secret stash."

I scoffed, "yeah, and I already knew it. I want to know another one."

"How does it matter."

"Rules. You gotta follow them."

"Fine. There isn't much of secret. It was this one, that Dadi till date doesn't know. Dadaji never forget his anniversary but pretend to forget every year so he could make up to dadi."

"Wow."

"What's wow? I didn't understand and I still don't why would he do that?"

I rolled my eyes. "That's something romantic you call. And it's understandable if you don't get it.

"Okay now my turn."

"You seem like really interested in this game now."

"Why would you care? Care enough to get out of house at this time?"

The curiousity was clear in his voice. And the part he subtly tried to hide, 'me'. Why would you care about me?

What should I answer. The truth of my decision.

"I don't know. I just do care about people around me..."

He studied me for a moment before declaring, "rule was to be truthful."

"And I'm."

"Are you?"

"Why are you bloody observant?"

"Because it's a good trait."

"It was rhetorical, not meant to answer."

"Why do you care about me time and again, when we clearly decided we won't expect anything from each other?"

And like a boom he directly asked. That's Shivaay Singh Oberoi for you.

"Very subtle, aren't ya?" This time he waited and didn't answer my comment. I took a long breath, chuckled and thought how to actually address. "Growing up, I admit I dreamed about being settled down and have good marrage and kids. Than more growing up I find the institution of marriage beautiful but not for me." I subtly answered, not yet ready to share my past. I continued, "than here I ended up. Even though we don't expect anything I accepted that I'm married and somehow I found caring about my husband naturally."

A bitter smile played on my lips, "I don't expect from you and never would again." I  added, last part silently.

To change the course of mood, I clapped. "Why didn't you want to get married?"

From my confession, I guess he really got into thoughts.   "Why didn't I? Better question will be , why would I? I didn't associated myself as a married type, to ties down to one. And I didn't feel the need to."

"Typical bachelor type answer. Be truthful now."

"That's the part of truth."

He continued though. "That's why you shouldn't  care and eventually your hopes will get up, ending you being hurt."

"I'm just in my nature Mr Oberoi. You don't have to worry about me. Don't worry you won't see me behaving all like rightfully wife excercising rule." I playfully said, lightning his mood.

"Noted. Now my turn--"

"It's a last one from you." I took a yawn so big, making me realise how tired and exhausted the day has made me. "I feel tired."

"Why didn't you wanted to get married?"

I shrugged my shoulder, "bad relationship I guess and also I didn't want to leave my house."

"Bad relationship?" He was intrigued. Wanted to ask more but no, I'm not ready to share that part.

"Nah huh. It's my question turn. The last one."

"Ask away."

I looked into his eyes, asked that thing burning in my mind and wanting to hear the real in voice. I asked slowly and in a low voice. "How did you feel like coming back here."

He froze. Hearing my question he didn't answer. He didn't like to face this question. He ran his hand through his dark hairs. His frustration so natural felt the I did mistake to question

"It's okay you don't have to answer."

"No" He spill out"Last of my memories was something that I don't like to ponder upon. Coming back here, I felt like my childhood entered my head. It was good memories filling up the rooms of house."

A sad smile played on my lips.

"Coming back here make me live more than remember the last day years ago.... It's painful."

"If you want we can go back." I immediately added.

He shook his head. "It's not that bad here."

To lighten the mood I grinned. "Admit it Mr Oberoi, you enjoyed so much our adventure and  you're liking my company. "

He stood up, walked to the car and picked out sleeping bag. Even though the fire I'm liking, I stood up too and walked inside the little camp. A small cramped up space. Barely for one and now we two have to adjust.

There was little torch I turned on. Meanwhile Mr Oberoi zipped close the camp, preventing outside aur to make our way inside.

"Where's the other one?" Mr Oberoi asked unfolding the sleeping bag.

The sleeping bag which was too big and fluffy. That I may have accidentally thought of two.

"Oops" I bite my tongue, rubbing my forehead.

"You just bought one?"

"Um... actually I thought it's two because of his fluffiness and plus it's in two colour combination."

"So how do we..?"

"There's only one way." I shrugged my shoulder.

Mr Oberoi cotemplated before suggesting, "I can sleep in the car."

"I thought about it too but the petrol will get finished and you can't sleep without thick blanket of your own."

He nodded, wordlessly now spreading the sleeping bag in middle, taking thick jacket off and laying inside the sleeping bag.

I bite my lower lip. I mean is that that eazy?

I took my thick jacket off too. And made my way to lay inside beside him.

I didn't think it would be more than cramped up than train.

He lifted the side off. And without thinking much as my exhaustion screamed at me, I slipped inside, and lying straight. There was awkward silence broken down by my long yawn. It was just our sides touching. Both our hand resting on our own body.

"Listen"

He called out just as I thought I'm drifting off in my peaceful slumber. "Hmm-"

"I didn't thank you today. Though it was not so brilliantly safe plan to take my mind off things but thankyou for today."

My sleepy eyes gazes at his side of his face. Always void of smile or emotions, looked deep in thoughts.

I don't like it.

Feeling my gaze, he looked at my side.  He has nice cheeks. Fair, and light subtle.

It was than I don't know what came into me.

I moved closer to his face. Very close. And my lips touched his upper cheek bone.

I gave him a chaste kiss. A kiss that froze the moment.

And his reaction of catching him in eyes widen, body frozen, mouth parted open, made me chuckle sleepily. That completed the day and I as well slept so well, unaware of the gravity of action I just performed.

"Your welcome..."

______