•Kaise aankhein chaar kar loon,
Kaise aitbar kar loon...
Apni dhadkanon ko kaise,
Itna bekaraar kar loon...
Kaise tujhko dil main de doon,
Kaise tujhko pyaar kar loon•

Vansh's POV :-

"Angre, Everything is under control?"

Standing near the window of my room, I asked over the call to Angre.

"Yes boss"

He replied after a pause.

"Good. Any update about Thakral? Did you find out what he is doing in Chandigarh....?"

I asked impatiently. Thakral being somewhere near my location is not going well with me. If I'm not wrong, he is upto something. But what? Damn you Thakral. Next 3 days are very important for me. And I swear I'll show you hell if you dared to make it difficult for me.

I'm Vansh RaiSinghania... I don't get trapped. I Trap....

"Boss, My sources are working on it. "

He said. Working... How the fuck his sources are still working on it? They should have traced Thakral by now. I don't pay his sources for being so inefficient. They better give me what I want, or else I'll make sure those so called "sources" won't be able to become anyones source next time.

"So tell them to work fast. I want information till night anyhow...."

I tightened my hold on the mobile and put my other hand in the pant's pocket. Looking at the garden from window, I gritted my teeth.

"Do whatever you want to Angre. I don't care. Just give me what I want..."

My voice boomed in the room as my anger rose due to the inefficiency of my staff. Delhi's most powerful person Vansh RaiSinghania's men can't even trace the location of a man even after 3 hours... Wow. Just wow.

"Sorry Boss. Just give me sometime. I'll get back to you with all the information that you require."

Angre assured. I hang the call not before reminding Angre of the deadline.

Putting the mobile back into pocket, I looked outside from the glass pane of the window. I looked at the sky as it transformed into a dark colour as the day came to an end, letting the darkness to take over the sky.

From the window, I could see kids playing some game in the garden. The girl... Jasleen's daughter... What's her name? Umm... Pihu, right ... Was running behind three other kids. One was her brother Armaan, other two are unknown to me. Pihu ran fast and got Armaan who freezed as soon as pihu touched him. Now, Pihu was running behind the rest two, whereas Arman was standing like a statue- Immobile.  Later, one of them came and touched Armaan, and Arman started running as if someone just pressed his invisible unfreeze button.

Interesting! Very Interesting.

The kids were playing happily, whereas I was silently watching them from my window reminicisning my childhood days. I was always spotted dribbling with basketball alone in the basketball court while the kids of my age were seen running all around the ground ,learning and playing different games.

"Bhai...."

I heard Siya's voice from behind, but didn't turn back. I was too engrossed in watching the game these kids were playing.

"Hmm..."

I just hmmed and smiled looking at these kids running behind each other happily..

"Kya dekh rahe ho?"

(What are you watching?)

I heard her question. She wheeled her wheelchair and reached next to me. I pocketed my hands and looked at her.

"Accha wo chodo. Bhaiyya, Batao aap kaunsi sherwani pehenoge?"

(Leave it... First Tell me bhaiya, which sherwani are you going to wear?)

Siya asked looking at the two sherwanis kept on the bed... I looked outside the window as the kids bid good bye to each other. Pihu and Arman went inside taking their ball and toys.... And the other two kids also left from the main gate...

"Ye wali ya ye wali?"

(This one or this one?)

She asked picking up the navy blue sherwani first and then black sherwani...

"Koi bhi do. Kya fark padta hai..."

(Anything would do. How does it even matter?)

I said unbuttoning my shirt. What difference does it make if I wear Blue one or black one? I'm anyways going to look good.

"Ya right. Aap to har colour me handsome lagte ho. Koi aapko dekhke to bus dekhta hi reh jaaye...".

(Ya right. You look handsome in every colour. One cannot take off eyes from you)

Siya said making me smile. Me and smiling .  I know its rare but there is something about today that is making me excited and happy from within.

"You think so?"

I asked throwing the shirt on the bed. Taking the Navy blue sherwani from her hand, I put my head in it...

"I know "

Siya replied with a smile. I pulled the edge of sherwani down with both hands and adjusted it on my body properly....

"Bhai, aap abhi tak taiyaar nahi huye?"

(Bhai, why aren't you ready till now?)

Aryan came unannounced. I gave him a sharp pointed look. He himself walked in my room just in his black vest and burmuda, and see the guts of him...

" You look so ready. Mujhe nhi pata tha tum ye laal chaddi aur kaali baniyaan pehenke niche roke me aa rahe ho?"

(You look so ready. I didnt know you are going to attend roka in this red burmuda and black vest)

I taunted. Aryan scratched his head like a stupid being embarrased while Siya laughed hard covering her mouth...

"Woh, mere kapde sukh rahe hai. .."

I said, with a idiotic smile. 

" Aur Siya tu ye baato me kya lagi hai... You go and get ready first. I'll help Bhai..."

(And Siya you... Why are you wasting your time in talking? You go and get ready first. I'll help Bhai)

He said coming towards me. Siya nodded her head, still laughing. One pointed look from Aaryan, and Siya kept her finger on her lip as if telling him that now she won't laugh at him...

Saying "come soon", Siya turned her wheelchair and left the room.

I buttoned the sherwani whereas Aaryan got my watch from the table and made me wear it. Standing in front of the mirror, I set my hairs.

"Don't Aaryan...."

I shouted when I saw Aaryan touching my trimmer. He dare not to use it on me.

"Bhai, you'll look handome with clean shave"

He suggested. I glared at him angrily. Does he think of me as a college going boy to carry out clean shaven look? Not even a fly will get scared after seeing my clean shaven cheeks....

With a sorry, Aaryan kept back that trimmer. I asked him to sit quietly on bed till i get ready....

i don't know what made Mom and Dadi think that this Aaryan will help me in getting ready. The one who roams in half pants and sweat shirt in the entire mansion, will make me ready. Joke of the day. 

I picked up the perfume bottle which is 1 Imperial majesty, the world's most expensive perfume costing 3.2 crore. Special things are to be used for special occasion right? Today is my Roka. Roka ceremony is believed to be the first step towards marriage. It represents the starting of the relationship between girl and the boy that they will cherish all their life.   It's not me, but google who is saying this shitt....Otherwise I don't know even R of Indian rituals and neither I'm interested to.

Marriage was never on cards for me as never have ever before any woman was successful in holding my interest for more than 2 weeks. Flings came and went like passing wind... But There is something about Riddhima that I'm not able to take her out of ny system... She pulls me towards her. She is like an jigsaw puzzle for me. A mystery that I want to solve...

Her eyes make my brain go blank...Her nose teases me to drop a wet feverish kiss on it. Her chubby cheeks invites me to take a bite of them.. Her lips makes me thirsty and her smile makes my heart skip a beat...

She is a natural beauty. One in millions. Just like this perfume. And today I'm going to take my first step to make her mine.

"Chale Bhaiyya?"

I heard Aryan's voice. Spraying the perfume, I looked in the mirror and saw him doing something on his mobile.  And knew what that something must be. This idiot is still a kid to play that stupid game Ludo on his mobile. I don't know when will he grow up.

"Chalo..."

(let's go)

I said and marched out of the room, with Aryan following me.

As I descended the stairs I saw Mom sitting on the sofa pinching her forhead, something that she does only when she is stressed.

"Mil nahi rahi matlab? Dolly tumhare saath hi hogi na woh"

(What do you mean? Dolly she must be with you na?)

I heard Mamaji's voice. Why is he scolding Dolly? And what are they talking about? I looked at Dolly who was talking to mamaji.

"Naa Papaji. Guddiya dii to dopohar se room me nahi aayi hai. Menu laga aap logoke sath hogi. .".

She replied. My ears got alert when i heard guddiya. Are they talking about Riddhima? I need to find out. I turned my head to ask Aryan about this matter, but Aryan was no where near my sight.... Now where did this monkey go? Most Probably to take out that red chaddi and black baniyaan and wear a decent outfit.

"Tune rasoi check kiya puttar? Kya pata rasoi vich khana banane me teri maa ki madat kar rhi ho"

(Did you check the kitchen? She might be helping your mother in cooking)

Nani asked. The creases on her forehead were clearly indicating how much she is stressed. What is going on?

"Nahi Dadi. Waha bhi nahi hai..."

(No dadi. She is not even there)

Dolly replied making Nani more tense. With each step I took down the stair, I observed everyone's worried expression. Mamaji and Nani were scolding Dolly for something which I ain't aware of, Jasleen was shouting at her two kids who were plucking the petals from the flower garlands wrapped around the pillars, whereas Dadi was sitting on the sofa worried and Mom was explaining her something which I couldn't hear from this distance.

"Hayyo Rabba. Kudi kithhe chali gyi?".

(Oh God. Where did this girl Go?")

I heard Nani say. Who went? Where? Did Riddhima go anywhere? For a second I felt my heart stop. No, she better not try to go away from me. Now that I have come this close to making her as mine, I'll not let her slip out of my hands.

Taking slow steps, I descended the stairs. All eyes snapped towards me as I stood on the last stair announcing my arrival.

"Ye kya horha hai?...."

(What is happening here?)

I asked looking at all the faces that were looking back at me.

"Kuch nahi Vansh. Tu baith yaha"

(Nothing Vansh. You sit here)

Mom stood up from the sofa and came to me. I looked at her. She was still in the same off-white saree she was wearing in the evening. In fact everyone was in the same cloth. Why have they not changed? Aren't we getting late?

"Bhabhi aap aarti ki thaal aur shagun laao. Mai zara Riddhima ko dekhke aati hun"

Mom said to Mamiji who just came out from the kitchen. Mamiji nodded and walked towards the temple area.

"Bua pura ghar chaan maarliya. Guddiya didi kahi nahi hai. Unka phone bhi nahi lagrha hai...."

(Aunty, I looked for her in the entire House. Guddiya dii is nowhere. )

Dolly said to Mom. My fingers closed into a tight fist as those words left Dolly's mouth. Where the fuck is Riddhima? Did earth bury her or sky swallow her?

"Anu, Riddhima aisa to kabhi nahi karti hai. Mera dil baithaa jarha hai".

(Anu, Riddhima never did anything like this before. I'm scared)

Dadi said keeping hand on Mom's shoulder. I looked up at Dadi as her words started registering in my mind. What if she is right? I hope Riddhima is safe. I was about to stand up from sofa and tell her not to worry. I'll find out Riddhima but just then a random thought crossed my mind and then it all started making sense....

Did... Did thakral kidnap her? Was this the motive behind his visit to Pataila? Oh yes, how could I miss this. Thakral if you come even an inch near Riddhima, then you are doomed.

" Badi Maalkin. Wo upar ke kamre ki bhi safai karni haikya?"

(Ma'am. Do you want to get the upper room cleaned?)

A young girl asked standing in front of Nani's wheelchair. She had a water bucket in her one hand and a mopping cloth in the another hand.

"Hain ji? Saare kamre to tune tabhi saaf karliye the Babli. Ab kya saaf karegi? Ghadi dekhi hai? Ye koi saaf safai karne ka time hai? Batao to"

(But Babli, Didn't you clean all the rooms before? And is this time to do the cleaning work? )

Mami asked facepalming. I glared at the maid. Is this the time to ask such questions? Fucking idiot.

"Saare to kiye the parjaayi ji... Bus wo ekdum upar wala kamra haina...wo nahi kiya tha"

(I cleaned all the room Bhabhi jii, except the one in the uppermost floor)

The maid answered. Oh, Cut the crap please.

" Wo kamra khula tha to mujhe laga safai karwani hogi. Waise bhi us band kamre ka tala to sirf safai ke liye khulta haina".

(Door of that room was open. So I thought I'm suppose to clean it too. You know, that room is unlocked only for cleaning purpose)

She further added. I was losing my cool with every passing second.

"Tu jaa yahase Babli. Ekto Guddiya mil nahi rahi hai upar se tu pure ghar me ye jhadu pocha leke ghoom rahi hai."

(You go from here Babli. Guddiya is missing, and here you are adding more stress to us by roaming in the entire house with this broom and mopping cloth in your hand. )

Mami said frustrated. I gritted my teeth. What the fuck. Who the hell says such things in front of househelps? Family matter should strictly stay between the family members. What the hell is wrong with this family I don't understand... Here, servants speak more than the masters. Such an ill-mannered breed of househelps they have.

"Mil nahi rahi hai? Eh ki keh rhe ho prajaayi ji?  Unka to roka haina kuch der me. Ek minute...Hayyo rabba, Kahi Riddhima jiji bhaag to nahi gyi."

(Missing? What are you saying bhabhiji? Today is her roka ceremony na? One minute... Oh my god, Did she run away from the marriage?)

The maid exclaimed covering her mouth with both of her hand. If this was RaiSinghania mansion, I would have burried this girl 6 feet deep in the backyard for uttering shitt in front of me.

"Phate muh. Eh kya bakwaas karrhi hai. Nikal yahase warna.."

(What are you saying? Go from here right now or else....)

Nani said coming forward with the use of her wheelchair. The maid appologized and left.

I checked my phone and saw a notification of message by Angre.

"Boss, We traced Riddhima's Location. Her mobile is in Naniji house. It's in the same location since last 5 minutes. Trying to trace her exact location"

I clutched the mobile tightly and murmured few colourful words under my breath. Turning on the GPS , I Got up and dialled Angre's number...

"Guide me Angre"

I ordered. Throwing the off white dupatta stole of sherwani on the sofa, I marched towards my destination.

"Ab Tu kitthe jaarha Gattu? Ruk ja puttar."

(Now where are you going Gattu? Stop my child)

I heard nani's voice from behind but I didn't stop. I ascended the stairs, holding mobile in my hand and followed the direction Angre told me over the phone.... .
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Riddhima's POV :-

"Aapko sharminda to nhi karrhi hun naa Mai, Maa?"

(You are not ashamed of me naa, Maa?)

I asked her. I don't know why, but I'm feeling guilty. I'm feeling like..like..like i don't know how to put it into words.

"Bohot bechaini horhi hai mumma...kuch samajh nahi aarha kya karu...."

I said closing my eyes. I remember when I was a kid, Mom use to always say that whenever I will be in problem, she'll the first one to help me, guide me...And Today, I want her to guide me...

".please maa...."

I requested with my eyes closed. Just then I felt a hand on my shoulder.

"Maa ...."

The word involuntarily left my lips and I opened my eyes only to meet with the blood shot eyes of. ...Him.

"Va... Vansh"

My heart almost came in my mouth seeing him. No... How did he find me under the table?... Now, what to do next? Where should I hide? Riddhima... Calm down...think something.

I wiped the sweat forming on my forehead with the back of my hand.

"Kya Hua?Kisi aur ko expect karrhi thi sweetheart? "

(What happened? Were you expecting someone else, sweetheart?)

He said gritting his teeth. I clutched the edge of free end of the saree in my fist. The way he was looking at me was making me feverish.

"Bahar niklo....."

(Come out)

He ordered. When I didnot listen him, he banged his fist on the leg of the table and shouted again.... I flinched at his tone.

Mustaring courage, I came out of my hiding place. Standing in front of him, my body shivered as his intense gaze bored into me.
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Vansh's POV :-

Pushing the door of the room, I stepped inside. The room was quite dark... The moonlight from the open window was the only source of illumination in the darkness. I looked left and right trying to find the switch of the room. But the switch button was broken.

According to the direction that Angre told me, Riddhima must be in this room. I turned on the torch of my mobile. As far as my eyes could reach, the room was completely empty. Spider webs were hanging from the ceiling and There was a large photoframe nailed on the front wall. I went near the frame. Focusing the torch on the frame, I read the name written below....

"Priyanka Chiragbhai Pathak"

Pathak? I focused the torch on the face of the woman... To my surprise, she was Riddhima's mom. I don't remember much about her, but i do remember her face when she use to come to VR mansion to work. Then she suddenly stopped coming, and few years later Mom returned in VR mansion holding an 8 year old crying Riddhima in her arms and broke of news of Riddhima's mom's death in an accident.

But, what is Riddhima's mom's picture doing in Naniji's house? And where is Riddhima? I turned back and looked around but found nothing except an empty bed, an wooden almirah, a wooden chair and table....

"Mumma...."

I heard someone's voice... It was almost inaudible. If there wasn't complete silence in the room, I would have missed it.

"Please....."

I again heard the same feminine voice....And this time, i was luckily able to locate the place where it was coming from.

Standing in front of the wooden table, I bent down. My eyes widened to see Riddhima hidding under it. She was praying something closing her both the eyes....

I shouted at her, and made her come out from her hiding....

"Kya karrhi thi yaha..... Huh?"

(What were you doing here...huh?)

I asked grabbing her shoulder and pinning her to the table. Has she lost her mind or what? She is asthamatic... How could she even sit in this dirty room?

She looked at me angrily and then pushed me. What the fuck.... What has gotten into this woman?

"Tumse matlab... Darwaza udhar hai. Jaao yahase"

(And what difference does that make to you... You see door... Just get out.)

She shouted pointing at the door. The fuck... How many times should i tell her not to use that tone in front of me...

"Jyada battameez nahi hogyi ho tum? Lagta hai kal raatki abhi tak utari nahi..."

I said gritting my teeth. Is she fucking mad or what? Everyone was so worried for her, but look at this madame Victoria... She was hiding under the table as if we were planning to eat her alive. I knew she is careless and irresponsible...but to this extent?

"Janti ho niche sab tumhara wait karrhe hai. But tum....."

(You knew everyone was waiting for you, but you.....)

I shouted on her face. Does she even have any idea how much everyone was worried for her? Oh, how could I forget... Riddhima Pathak loves to make people run behind her... From childhood she was like this only. That time, she'd refuse to eat and make mom and dadi chase her with foodplate in their hands... And now she is making me chase her.... 

I grabbed her shoulder and pulled her close to me. She looked at me scared. Fear.... That's what i was seeing in her eyes... And it was what I wanted to see in her eyes at this moment.

"Maza aata haina tumhe dusro ko pareshaan karke...."

(You enjoy troubling others, right?)

I asked gritting my teeth. She flinced at my tone. With a hand around her bare waist that was left uncovered by the blouse, I pulled her furthur close to me.

"Bachpan se yahi to karti aarhi ho tum. Apni harkato se humesha dusro ka dhyaan khudpar khich leti ho...."

(From childhood, you have been doing the same thing again and again. You do something or the other that draws everyone attention towards you)

I uttered whatever came to my mind. Whatever she did today infuriated me... No matter how much I try to control my anger, but this girl always manages to bring the worst out of me...

She looked at me as if I have accused her of a very serious crime. Oh, my words are hurting Madame Victoria... Good. It must hurt... Infact, she should get used to it. Afterall, Being VR's wife won't be easy for her. The sparkles of the fire burning inside me will also fall on her.... And sadly, she has no choice except suffering with me...

"Sab tumhare baareme hi baate kare...tumhare baare me hi soche... Tumhari fikr kare.... Yahi chahti ho na tum?"

(Everyone should talk about about, think about you, worry about you... That's what you want right?)

I said tighting my grasp on her shoulder. She hissed in pain,and then the next second it was me who moaned in pain as her heel crushed my big toe, hurting my nail badly.

How dare she do it????

Utilizing the opportunity, she pushed me hard and took few steps back to maintain a safe distance from me. I stumbled before holding a wall for support...

"Mai kya chahti hun kya nahi...isse tumhe koi matlab nahi hona chahiye Vansh. Jaao yahase. Mujhe akela chhod do"

(What I want and what i don't is none of your bussiness. For God sake, Go from here... Just leave me alone)

She shouted almost at the verge of crying. What's with this attitude? Huh... I took a deep breath and calmed down myself. Everyone must be waiting for us down... We can have this conversation later, but right now going down and getting done with this Roka ceremony is more important. I can't take a chance...

"Roke ke baad jitna akela rehna hai reh lena. Yeh tamasha band karo aur chalo mere sath..."

(After Roka ceremony, you are free to stay alone for as long as you wish .... But For now, just close this drama and come with me)

I said walking towards her and held her hand. But Riddhima jerked my hand. Oh.... So, Madame Victoria is in mood to do more drama... Bring it on...

"Kiska roka? Mera? Mujhse pucha tumne? Puchna to dur, atleast bata to dete...."

(Whose Roka? Mine? Did you even ask me? Atleast you could have informed me....)

She yelled. Tears rolled down her eyes as she looked at me. I don't understand what she is crying for... I can give her everything that a woman expects from her man.... Right from luxurious life, status in society, a big fat family, secured future, to ....steamy nights . Then what the fuck she is crying for.....

"Ab bata raha hoon na... Chalo niche"

(Now I'm telling you... Come down with me)

I ordered. She turned her face and refuse to budge from her place.

"Ab nahi sunna mujhe. "

(Now I don't want to listen)

She told, testing my patience. Can't she see how hard I'm trying to control my outburst.... No one ever dared to refuse me for anything... If it was someone else in her place, I swear I'd have shown him hell by now.... Do not take advantage of my leniency Riddhima....

"Riddhima...."

I warned.... But looked like Riddhima was hell bent on making things difficult for her...

"Mujhe nahi karna koi roka....Mai yeh shadi nahi karna chahti hun"

(I won't do this roka. I just don't want to marry you)

She completed in a breath and looked at me. Though she tried to sound brave, but I know from inside she is trembling in fear....

"Tumse pucha maine? "

(Did I ask you?)

I asked pocketing my hands. She looked at me shocked. Then her expressions changed from angry to disgusted ones...... Now what is she upto?

"Kyu puchoge? Mai to logoka bistar garam karti phirti huna"

(Why would you ask? Afterall, I roam around warming others bed... Right?)

She spitted the same  venemous words that i didn't want to hear. I do say things in heat of moment, but I donot mean it... And when she triggers me like this, my tongue loses its control....

"Riddhima...."

I shouted because I donot want her to take me on another guilt tripping ride.... but she didnot stop...

"Mujhe kitno ne.... Kaha kaha chhua haina, meri marzi se.... To kyu karna chahte ho aisi characterless ladki se shadi"

(I...I have been touched by many by my wish, Right? So why do you even want to marry a characterless girl like me)

Her eyes accused me as she repeated exactly the same lines I uttered that day after seeing her with kabir in the bar.  Her words were pricking my ears. If someone else have uttered this words in front of me, I would have punched his face and broken his nose by now... My hand formed the fist as her words infuriated me. I grabbed her shoulder and pushed her back, till her dorso hitted the wall... Pinning her against the wall, I looked angrily in her eyes, daring her to utter a single word....

"Ganda khoon hoon na mai. Mujhse naam jodkar apna naam kyu kharab karna chahte ho?"

(I'm a bad blood, right? Why would you ruin your name by linking me with you?)

She asked looking into my eyes. Enough.... if that's what it takes to make her quiet,...if that's what she wants to hear... then I'll tell her today.... I'll tell her how fucking crazy I'm about her ....

"You want to know? Then listen..... Because I...."

She cut me off...

"Apna Bistar garam karna chahte hona..."

(You want to warm your bed, right?..)

I heard something similiar to it ..

"Excuse me, whatt?"

I asked to confirm if I heard wrong...  But the way she was looking at me, as if I'm the most disgusting creature on this planet, confirmed my doubt....

I clenched my eyes to control my anger. Opening them suddenly, I punched my fist on the wall behind her. She almost flinched at her place. The eyes that were accusing me few seconds back were now scared of raising in front of me.... 

"Tumhe jo sochna hai socho... I don't fucking care... "

(Think whatever you want to.... I don't fucking care....)

I said leaving her shoulder and took few steps backward. Taking out watch from my wrist, I looked at it.... She looked at me surprised..

"Bohot bol liya tumne, aur bohot sun liya maine... Now, I don't want to waste my time anymore."

I said to myself and took out mobile from my pocket...  Dialling a number, I brought the mobile close to my ear. I should have done this earlier.... 

"Angre....Electrocute Inspector Kabir in the hospital...."

I ordered in a cold tone... Told you Riddhima, not to push my limits. But you wanted to play with fire... Now bear....

She looked at me shocked, as I cut the call....

"No...no... Tum aisa nahi karsakte. Pagal hogye hokya.... Wo already injured hai aur tum...."

(No...No...You can't do this to him. Are you mad! He is already injured and you.....)

She shouted... Tears flowed down nonstop from her angry eyes that were looking at me as if I have really murdered someone.

" I'm waiting outside the door....You have just 5 minutes to decide whether you want to marry me or want to see your Kabir in graveyard "

I announced. To be honest, I would not mind murdering Kabir, for he is the main hurdle between me and Riddhima. And even she knows that I can do this because just in the afternoon she saw me electrocuting the pervert worker who dared to eye something that was exclusively mine....
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Vansh's POV :-

All the eyes looked at us as me and Riddhima walked down the stairs....

"Riddhima kaha chali gyi thi beta... Aur yeh kya halat bana li khudki..."

(Riddhima where were you beta? And what did you do to yourself?)

Dadi asked, wiping the smudged kohl from Riddhima's eyes.

"Riddhu tum royi?...."

(Riddhu, You cried?)

Mom asked coming near us.

"Mere taraf dekho. Kuch hua haikya Riddhima?"

(Look at me. Did something Happen Riddhima? )

She asked taking Riddhima's face in her hand. Riddhima looked at me and then at mom.

"Bata beta. Mera dil baitha jaa raha hai...."

(Tell Beta. I'm worried)

Dadi asked. Riddhima opened her mouth to say something and then again closed. She looked at me. And then looked back at Mom.

"Jii... Woh .. Maa...Maa ki yaad aagyi thi. Isliye mai upar unke kamre me thi. Sorry"

(.. I... I was missing Mom...That's why I wanted to spend some time alone with her in her room. Sorry)

She completed stammering. Anyone could make out from her voice that she was lying through her teeth but i donno how everyone got concinved.

"Tumhe pata hai kitna dar gye the hum sab."

(You know how much we all were scared)

Mamaji said coming forward... Riddhima lowered her head and appologized.

"Ab to kudi bhi aagyi. Chheti kar Anupriya. Roke ka muhurat nikla ja raha hai"

(Now even the girl came. Be Quick Anupriya. We don't have time. Roka ceremony's muhurat can finish anytime soon)

Nani said. Mom nodded her head and held riddhima's arm. Walking near the sofa, she left Riddhima's arm and made her sit properly on the sofa.

"Baitho beta"

(Sit my child)

She said to me. Riddhima looked at me and shifted a little. I sat beside her....

"Shuru kar Anupriya...."

(Start Anupriya..)

Nani said. Mom nodded her head and took the plate from Mamiji's hand.

Putting little water in the vermillion, she dipped her finger in it. Applying a tilak on Riddhima's forhead, She dipped her hand in the rice and pasted it on Riddhima'sforhead just over the vermillion. All the time, Riddhima's eyes were lowered and she was sitting like a statue.

Mom applied vermillion and Rice on my forehead. Picking a red cloth from another plate that Dolly was holding, Mom opened the cloth. It was a beautiful semi-net red chunari... Opening the chunari fully, she took it behind Riddhima and then put it on Riddhima's head. I smiled looking at my beautiful life partner.

"Mera baccha....."

Mom said in awe and kissed Riddhima's forehead while I looked at them with a smile on my face. What are you Riddhima? Your mere presence is enough to make me forget everything.... Even my anger ..

Dadi passed a plated to Mom which had few boxes. Mom picked up boxes and kept it in Riddhima's lap.

"Tumhara Shagun...."

She said holding Riddhima's chin. I looked at Riddhima who was sitting expressionless... Why is she behaving like she is attending someone's funeral... Someone please tell her that I didn't electrocuted Kabir yet.  Can't she smile even for a minute.

"God bless"

Mom kept her hand on Riddhima and my head and blessed us.

Dadi came next, and gave a box of dryfruits and cookies to Riddhima. One by one, all the elders gave us gifts and blessed us.

I wanted to go slow with Riddhima,but after whatever happened today... I can't take risk. I don't want to lose her to anyone. With Roka, I have officially confirmed this alliance. But now I guess, its not enough. If it was in my hand, i would have married her at this moment itself. But one thing is in my hand, and I'm not going to wait anymore for it.

I put my hand in the pant pocket and took out a small blue box. Pushing the button, i opened the box and looked at it...

"Vansh, ye anguthi?"

(Vansh, This ring?)

Mom asked confused looking at the ring box that i was holding. I looked at the ring...It had the letters VR on it and was studded with diamonds. Simple yet beautiful.... A perfect choice for Riddhima.

"Mom, You know shadi bus 3 din me hai. So maine socha engagement bhi abhi hojaye toh"

(Mom, you know our marriage is in 3 days. So i thought how if we do the engagement ceremony now itself)

I suggested. Riddhima looked at me in shock. This was the first time she looked at me from the time we came down... No. I'm not going to give her time to create any scene... Not now....

"Seedha seedha kyu nhi kehte Gattu bhaiya, aapse wait nahi horha haina"

(Why don't you say it directly Gattu bhaiyya, that u aren't able to wait anymore...)

Dolly teased, earning a glare from me. My roka, my engagement... I'll do whenever i want to. That's none of her or anyone's bussiness....

And i think, few people here needs to learn to mind their own bussiness

"Ab laaye hi ho ring Riddhima ke liye to use pehena bhi do"

Dadi said. I looked at Mom for her permission. She nodded her head....

"Sure"

Forwarding my hand, I looked at Riddhima... Mom gave her hand in mine. Taking out the ring from the box with one hand, I held Riddhima's finger... Everyone clapped as I slipped the ring in her ring finger.

"Kitni pyaari lagrhi hai.. By god"

Mamiji complimented. At this moment, i wanted her to look at the ring. How beautiful it was looking in her finger. But Riddhima didn't even spare a look at it. I don't understand what is her problem? What does she exactly want?

"Ye lo...Riddhima kya pehenayegi ?? Humne to engagements ring kharide hi nhi the Anupriya. "

(Oh no.. What will Riddhima make him wear? We didn't buy engagement rings Anupriya)

Dadi said from behind. So what if they don't have enagement ring for me... I don't care if Riddhima puts engagement ring in my finger or not. I have already put my engagement ring in her finger and thats all matters to me....

"Uski fikar aap mat kariye mummyji."

(You don't have to worry mummyji...)

I heard mom's voice. She looked at me and took out a metallic ring from her left thumb.

"Yeh Vansh ke Dad ki ring hai. Aajse Vansh ki...."

(This is Vansh's dad's ring. From now, its yours)

She spoke keeping the ring in the plate. Mom doesn't have to do all this... I have already said that it doesn't matter to me if Riddhima puts ring in my finger or not...

Also, I know what does this ring mean to Mom. It was the first thing that dad bought for himself from his salary. It is a simple inexpensive metallic ring, but for Mom this is her most priced possession. After Dad's death, when the people in the mortury handed Dad's belongings including the ring, Mom wore it in her thumb... From that day, dad's ring is with mom... And I can't take it from her...

"Mom ,you don't have to..."

I said... She may not say it, but i know it's not easy for her to hand this ring to me...And i don't want to take her most important thing from her....

"Ajay ka gift samajhlo. Woh yaha hote, to jarur kuch acchasa gift dete tumhe. Wo to nhi hai, bus unki ye nishani hai. Aajse yeh tumhari"

(Consider this as Ajay's gift. If he was here, he would have gifted you something very special. I don't have him with me, but I have his belongings. From today, it's yours)

Mom insisted. I could see the thin tear film forming in her eyes. I know she is missing Dad today. I miss him too....

"Mom..."

I got up and hugged mom.

"I'm fine...."

She spoke patting my back. Withdrawing from the hug, she opened Riddhima's fist and kept the ring on her palm...

"Riddhima ye loh. Pehenaao Vansh ko."

(Riddhima, Take this. Make Vansh wear it)

Mom said with a smile. But when Riddhima didn't make any move, Mom called her name again...

I forwarded my hand. Riddhima held the ring and slowly put it in my finger.... God, why is she behaving like this was a huge task for her...

Everyone clapped as we exchanged the rings and gifts....

"Bhabhi smile please"

Sia said, holding a camera in her hand... Sia and Aaryan clicked our pictures as we took blessings of the elders...

"Jiyunde reh puttar"

(Live a long life child)

Nani blessed us as we touched her feet.

"Aaiye aaiye"

I looked at mamaji who welcome few men in the house. They were wearing traditional punjabi outfit and had big dhol hung around their neck....

"Ye lo jii... Dhol wale bhi aagye...."

Mamiji exclaimed... Taking one of the dhol, Mamaji gave it to Naniji.... Soon they started striking the dhol with two sticks...

Oye baari barsi khatan gaya si
O khat ke liyanda naacha
O kamaal kitha oye
Oye bhangda daa sajda
Ke nache munde da mama
Bhangda daa sajda

Mamaji did bhangra steps as Nani sang beating the dhol with the other men... Dolly pulled Mom and Dadi for gidda dance while mamiji clapped on the beats of the dhol... As the sound of dhol grew louder, everyone started dancing with a new energy... Aryan joined them handling the camera to Sia for recording their dance....

I looked at Riddhima, who seemed to be irritated by the loud sound of the dhol. Without saying anything, she got up front the sofa and went upstairs making me angry at her cold behaviour.... All the time, she acts so sweetly with everyone, now what happened? Leaving your own engagement ceremony like this, isn't it rude?

Thank god others were busy in dancing and thus, they didn't notice when Riddhima left.....

.
.
.

At night

Author's POV :-

Sitting on the swing chair in the poolside, Riddhima stared at the full moon that was illuminating the dark sky.

"Bachpan se yahi to karti aarhi ho tum. Apni harkato se humesha dusro ka dhyaan khudpar khich leti ho...."

Tears rolled down her eyes as she remembered the bitter words her so called fiancee used for her. Why does it affect her so much? She should have been used to it by now. Why his words holds the power to stab her heart?

"Maza aata hai tume haina..."

She wiped her tear with the back of her hand and looked at the sea blue water in the pool. She always liked the company of nature. Even during childhood ,she'd spend hours gazing at the moon from the window of her room. The moonlight illuminating the charcoal dark sky and the blanket of stars stretched to infinity always fascinated her.

With her arm around the chain of the swing, her head gently leaned on the side of swing chair. Stargazing- it is something Riddhima do when she don't know what to do.

"Forward me Angre. I'll check. "

Vansh said pressing his bluetooth in ear with his finger. Angre had called Vansh to inform about the papers of a deal with foreign elites that VR associates was suppose to sign. As a signing authority of VR associate, Vansh has to cross check papers twice before doing his signature. As the network signal was less in his room, he moved out of his room and walked towards the pool area.

"Don't forget to forward Maasi's reports to Dr.Batra. Tell him to talk with Dr. Mirchandani , who is handling Maasi's case presently. She might get discharged tomorrow "

Vansh instructed before pressing a button on the bluetooth to turn it off. Taking out the earpiece from his ears, He kept them in his pocket and turned to go when his eyes fell on the most serene scene. Calm, peaceful and untroubled.

Tugging the chain of the swing in her hand, an angel was sitting on the hanging swing chair, looking up in the dark sky that was teeming with bright stars. She gazed at the sky, completly oblivious of his present.

Soft gentle breezy wind was blowing her hairs and the moonlight reflected on her face, giving it a natural glow. Under the dark sky, and a starry night.. The fairy stargazing sitting on the swing chair was an epitome of beauty.  Vansh was mesmerized.

Taking slow steps, he walked towards her not taking his eyes off from her even for a second.

Riddhima was lost in her deep thoughts when all of sudden she experienced a sudden jerk. She stirred and look around to see who pushed the swing chair.

"Shhhh.... Don't move. Mai hun"

A voice from behind froze her body. Her eyes darted recognizing the owner of the husky baritone. She tried to get down from the swing chair but Vansh kept his arm on her right thigh halting her movement. Her soft eyes met his cold ones. Her lips parted and closed quite a few times, as if she wanted to say something.

"Daro mat. I just came to congratulate you , soon to be Mrs RaiSinghania..."

He whispered in her ears, before tightening his grip on her right thigh and lifting it upward.

"Yeh..yeh kya karrhe ho. Hatto. "

Riddhima resisted not understanding what he was going to do. But Vansh remained unfazed and bent down. Before her brain could process anything, Vansh RaiSinghania was on his one knee in front of her. He looked up at her wide eyes and smiled just like a child smiles after getting his favourite Ice candy. For the first time, he felt like his smile is reaching his eyes.

"Vansh..kya...."

She asked as Vansh lifted her right leg and placed it on his left knee. Taking out a pair of anklet from his pocket, he placed the anklet around her ankle. Holding the two ends close, he locked the anklet. His entire focus was on the anklet, while she was looking at him spellbound.

"Aah..."

She hissed as he placed her right leg back on the ground, grasped her left leg and kept it on his thigh tying the other anklet around it.

"Beautiful "

He smiled looking at the diamond anklets that were now shining on her ankle. The design was a mixture of modern and medieval period, embedded with diamonds and pearls. It was quite heavy for her fragile legs, but it looked more beautiful on her. And He couldn't help but adore her.

Only he know, he much he waited for the right moment to make her wear this anklet. When he saw this beautiful anklet in an Indian shop in London for the very first time, He couldn't help but appreciate the design and the fine work. There was something about those anklets that he couldn't take off his eyes from them. He simply bought those anklet without even knowing for whom....with the hope that one day he'd find a pair of beautiful leg that would increase the beauty of these diamond studded accessory.

Lifting her foot ,He brought it to his face level. Sliding her paijama slightly up her leg, He pressed his lips on her ankle, almost giving her a heartattack. Her mind went numb, and she didnot know what to do...how to react. She kept gawking at him like an idiot.

"Kya hai ye sab..."

She pull back her leg as soon as realization dawned upon her. He smiled and looked up at her. His dark orbs met her brown ones, and once again she was spellbound.

"Gift. Kaisa laga Aapko Mrs.Vansh?"

He asked getting up from the floor. She looked at him shocked and then looked at her ankle that were adorned with beautiful anklets.

"Gi..gift."

She whispered to herself. Gift? For what? What is he trying to prove by giving her such an expensive thing? Riddhima doesn't need anything. Neither his gift, nor his concern. She lifted her leg up, and placed it on the swing chair. Pulling the lock of the anklet, she tried to take it off, but all in vain. The locking mechanism of this anklet, seemed to be different from all the other ordinary anklet she wore till date.

"Utaaro ise..."

She said strictly. The anklets were quite heavy and the skin over her ankles was already itching. She was feeling like someone has chained her legs.

"Ye to nahi utaar sakta. Kuch aur utaarna ho to..... "

(I can't take this off. But if you want me to take out something other than this.....)

He said looking at her and then unbottoned the first two button of his shirt just to tease her.

"Wo utaar sakta hun"

(I can do that)

Her eyes widened at his shameless statement. The naughty grin on his face made her gape at the height of his pervertness. Did he really sell his shame in London's market?

"Chee. "

She uttered looking away. Her reaction made him in awe of her cuteness. How could she manage to look so innocent just like a kid, he wondered.

"What Chee?"

He asked shrugging his shoulders. She gave him "you are impossible look" and hopped from the swing chair. Adjusting her night dress properly, she wore her slipper and was about to leave from there. But seemed like Vansh had other plan in his mind.

He caught her wrist, thereby preventing her from going away from him. She turned back and look at her wrist that he was holding strongly, and then looked at him only to find him staring back at her.

With her other hand, she tried to remove his grip on her wrist. But Alas....With a sudden force, he pulled her wrist towards him. Her body came colliding with his torso making her shut her eyes tightly due to the sudden contact.

Riddhima opened her eyes slowly and looked up at Vansh, who was looking back at her. His intense gaze tightened a knot inside her stomach. No matter how much she pretend to be brave in front of him, the reality is his one serious look is enough to send chills down her spine.

"Riddhima. Stop struggling. Please. "

He said. She looked up at him in shock to see if he actually requested. Did he actually use that P word? Not believing her ears, she looked down and tried to get away from him once again, But he left her wrist and grabbed her shoulder pulling her closer to him.

"Jab mai request karta hun, to wo logo ko order sunai deta hai..."

His voice, a strict one... Made her gulp her saliva in fear. He closed his eyes in frustration and murmured something under his breath which she is sure were not good words. Opening his eyes, he gave her a forceful smile. She just couldn't understand what the F was happening with her. He should be shouting at her for not listening to him but here he is giving this smile to her. What kind of bipolar disorder does he have? She wasn't wrong that day when she said in Aaryan's Cabin that Vansh's moods changes like season.

"Baitho. "

He made her sit on the swing her and went behind her. Just when she was about to get down from the swing chair, he held the chain and moved it to-and-fro. The swing chair also moved to-and-fro with the movement of the chains that were holding the chair. Riddhima grasped the edges of the swing chair tightly with both of her hand to prevent herself from falling.

One forceful push from behind and the swing chair moved forward with increased velocity. Riddhima clenched her eyes and tightened her hold on the edge of swing chair as she felt she might be thrown away from the swing at any moment. The velocity with which the swing was being moved to-&-fro by Vansh was scaring the shitt out of her.

As the swing chair bounced back with greater velocity, Vansh got hold of it and pulled it little higher.

"Congratulations Mrs.Vansh".

Bringing his lips close to her ears, he whispered from behind. She opened her eyes only to see the swing chair hanging in the air under his mercy.. The fuck with Congratulations... If he continue to hold the chair in air from behind like this even for a minute more, then she feared she might slip from the slanting slope of the chair and end up getting hurt.

" Fine. "

He left the swing chair and gave it one hard push when he didnot get any reply. Is he taking any revenge for from her? She wanted to ask him. Her mind went back to all the incidents in past when he punished her just because he believed she did a mistake.

That means everytime he feels she did a mistake, he'll punish her just like he's doing right now.
And this scared her more about her future. No, this was not the life she wished for.

He slowed down the swing, making her take a sigh of relief. She almost got ready to jump  from the swing chair, when he held it close and brought it back towards him. Leaning down, he tugged the blowing hairstrand behind her earlobe.

"Meri baat abhi tak khatam nahi huyi hai Riddhima"

He whispered in her ears from behind. She tightened her hold on the edge of swing chair. Now what does he want to talk?

"Don't you dare to run away when I'm talking to you"

Warning it was. A dangerous one. She knew and she did not dare to open her mouth in front of him.

"Stop resisting Riddhima. Just go with the flow. Humari shadi horhi hai. Har rasam, har function enjoy karo, jaise har ladki karti hai. "

(Stop resisting Riddhima. Just go with the flow. We are getting married. Enjoy every ritual ,every function...just like any other to be bride would)

His voice sent chills down her spine. Was he even serious? When their marriage itself isn't occuring under normal circumstances, then how the fuck he could expect her to react like every normal girl... Does this even make a sense to him?

"Itna majboor mat karo ki mujhe tumse har chiz forcefully karwaani pade. Because if I do that Mrs.Vansh, you won't like it at all... "

He warned in a strict tone. Pushing the swing from behind, he waited for it to come back. And when the swing came back again just like a boomerang, he stopped it by holding the chain together.

Riddhima got up from the swing immediately and turned to face him...

"Kehna kya...kya chahte ho tum? Mai koi remote control ki guddiya nahi hun Vansh, jise tum jaisa chalana chahte ho, chala lo..."

(What  ..what are you implying Vansh? I'm not a Remote control doll that you would want to control me..)

She stammered visibly scared of his hidden threat. What was he talking about? Wasn't this marriage fiasco enough that he want to force all his wishes on her? Does he considered her as a remote control doll whom he can control? What about her choice, her wishes....

"Baate banani mujhe aati nahi hai Riddhima. I'll come straight to the point"

He came forward and sat on the swing pocketing both his hand.

"Shadi karrha hun tumse Riddhima. Aur ye shadi nibhaunga bhi. Ek humsafar bankar har kadam par tumhare sath chalunga, Ek dost bankar tumhari har choti badi khushiyo ka hissa banunga, Tumse bada hone ke naate jabhi galti karogi, saza bhi mai hi dunga."

His eyes held her captive while he spoke his heart out looking straight into her eyes. For a second, she saw whirlpool of emotions in those two orbs that always intimidated her. Whatever he was saying, was very new for her. No man has ever said anything like this to her before.

"Aur Ek pati bankar tumhe toot kar chahunga...I'll take care of you. Believe me please...."

By the time he completed, she didnot even realize how and when he interlocked her fingers with his. His thumb carrassed the VR design on her engagement ring. He was always territorial about his things. All his clothes, ties, towels, shoes, cars ,files, plates or even the bedshits had VR logo imprinted in a corner. So, how could he not leave his mark on his most important thing?

She immediately removed her hand, and took a step back to maintain a safe distance between them.

"Mai nahi maanati. Mujhe na tumhari dosti chahiye, na saath aur na hi saza. Jo mujhe respect nahi de sakta, usse mujhe kuch nahi chahiye.... "

(I don't believe. Neither I want your friendship nor your Punishment. I don't need anything from the one who can't give me respect)

She said looking in his eyes before leaving. He called her name thrice, but she didnot stop and ran away from there.

"Tum jab aise mujhse dur jane ki koshish karti hona sweetheart, to mujhe ghussa aata hai. Bohot jyada ghussa aata hai...."

(Whenever you try to run away from me like this sweetheart... I feel angry... Very very angry)

He said to himself looking at her retreating figure. But there was no anger in his tone. Surprisingly, he was smiling, smiling at his deed. He opened his fist and looked at his left palm ....Reading the lines that he wrote with a dark marker on his palm while he was giving her a nice time on the swing, he smiled sheepishly....

"I want you to stay with me. Forever....."

"I want to love you, cherish you. Forever......"

"Love me Riddhima. Love me back. "

Riddhima ran to her room and closed the door from inside. Resting her back on the closed door, she took deep breath....

"Aap kaha thi guddiya dii? Sach bataiye aap Gattu bhaiyaa ke sath thi na..."

(Where were you Guddiya dii? Tell me truth... You were with Gattu bhaiyaa na?)

Dolly asked excited getting up from the bed and turning on the light. Riddhima closed her eyes in embarassment as she was caught red handed.... Oh fuck,how did she forget that this is not Delhi, but Patiala and she is sharing room with Dolly. She mentally scolded herself for making noise while entering inside the room...

"Nahi..nahi toh. Wo mai bahar dhoop ..i mean   thand thi toh... Chaand dekhne gyi thi.... "

(No...No. I was outside in sunlight...i mean it was cold....I ... I was gazing the moon)

Riddhima tried to make a sentence with whatever words that came in her mind. Lying  people on face was not her thing. Never.

"Tu kyu nahi soyi abtak? Raat kaafi ho chuki hai..."

(Why didn't you sleep? It's too late)

She continued, trying to divert the topic. Taking a duvet from the couch, Riddhima threw it on the bed. Walking near the dresser, she picked up moisturiser from the vanity. Squeezing ample amount of coco moisturiser on her palm, she rubbed both her palms together and applied moisturiser along the length of her arm.

"Woh akele neend nahi aarhi thi. Ab aap aagye ho to so jaungi. "

(I wasn't feeling sleepy alone. Now that you came, I guess i'd be able to sleep)

Dolly said taking out the duvet and sitting on the bed. Picking an oil bottle from the vanity, Riddhima squeezed the oil on her palm. Keeping back that bottle, she applied oil to scalp using her finger while Dolly observed her....

Removing the hair from her back, she brought it on frontside of her shoulder and applied oil to it...

"Ek min Guddiya dii.... Ye kya hai?"

(One minute gudiya dii... What is this?)

Dolly asked getting up from the bed. Riddhima looked at her from the mirror and raised her eyebrow in question...

"Ye.... "

(This...)

She pointed at the back of Riddhima's left shoulder.

"Kya...."

(What?)

Riddhima tried to see over her left shoulder. Keeping her right hand on her left shoulder, she turned her neck to side and tilted it to see what Dolly was talking about....

"Kuch likha hai..... Ek minute"

Dolly said standing behind Riddhima and tried to read the words... The words were faint and inverse of alphabets. When she couldn't, an idea struck her mind.

"Aap aise baithiye...."

(You sit like this....)

She said making Riddhima sit such that her back faces the mirror of the dresser. Looking at the reflection of Riddhima's back in the mirror, she tried to read the words.

"I want you to st....stay with me. Forever....."

"I want to love you, che....cherish you. Forever......"

"Love me Riddhima. Lo... Love me back. "

Riddhima's breathed hitched as Dolly completed reading the faint lines.

_____________________________________
Precap - Mehendi + Haldi + any other scene

______________________________________

A/N :- Hii. Again late update. What to do... Believe me, I don't get time. Jitna tum ek update ke liye update k liye wait karte ho, utna hi time hota hai mere paas bus exam k liye padhne ka. Becoz i have exams every month... I'll have final exams in end of january..  Usse pehle 20 december se prelims hai.. This is the reason why i have stopped using almost all social media platforms. Twitter to pura chod hi diya, insta pe i'm not that active. So chalta hain.... I know i make u wait for long, but update bhi badi deti huna🙄... This update had 10,000+ words.

Anyways, Coming back to update... How was the chapter? Since it was written in parts ( half of the chapter was written in october and it took almost 13 days for me to write the next half because I fell ill... ) so i felt that it lacked continuity... Will work on it next time...

Also, honest reviews are welcomed because it makes me understand what kind of conte t or scenes or dialogues u like n what u don't like....

Chalo, time to sleep. Goodnight ....