•Pehle bhi dhadkan yeh
Dhun koi gaati thi
Par ab jo hota hai woh
Pehle na hota tha•

As the rays of sun entered through the
glass pane in the master bedroom of Vansh RaiSinghania, he stirred on the couch, before opening his eyes slowly only to see the best scene in front of him.

As his eyes adjusted with the day light around, what he saw brought a smile on his lips.

There was his wife sleeping on the bed next to his cat Ruby facing her. The little paws of Ruby were pressed against Riddhima's shoulders while Riddhima's hair were spread on the bed...

Last thing he remembered was Ruby dozing in her cat house. Then how come she shifted here?

Vansh chuckled at his baby kitten who was just like him. It wasn't her fault. She was used to sleeping on bed next to Vansh. Now when he is transferred to couch, poor kitty had to go back to the cat house which was kept in the corner of the room. But why would she suffer for the deeds of her master?

The scene in front of Vansh was so cute that he wished the time to freeze so that he could stare at them all his life. All this cuteness was too much for him....It felt so dreamy...

Turning on the phone, he captured this moment in his mobile camera from all different angles possible. A beautiful lady in white nightdress sleeping next to a white pussy cat on a white mattress and partially covered by a white sheet.... Such an exquisite scenario it was. Any photographer would die to click this beauty through his lens.

Approaching towards the bed, Vansh sat near the head end slowly ruffling Ruby's fur with his fingers... It is something that he does to wake up Ruby and as usual, she responded to it by stretching her neck, thus accidentally hitting her paw on Riddhima's button nose. Oops.... Did that hurt?

Riddhima knitted her eyebrows in sleep, rubbed her nose before pulling her duvet upto her head and turning to the other side. Damn girl. Now how will he stare him?

Sighing, Vansh moved his hand on lazy Ruby's head who opened her eyes recognizing his touch. As the pet and her loving master had an eye contact, she got up from the bed and jumped on him. Taking Ruby in his arms, Vansh stood up and leaned to plant a kiss on the side of her head.... But this adamant cattie of his was placing a paw on his lip everytime he was leaning to kiss her... It is something she does whenever she doesn't want a kiss. Looks like the girls are not in mood to give him attention today...

Clicking his tongue, Vansh carried Ruby with him to the backyard. The first thing that his baby does after waking up is to empty her bladder and bowel. And Being the cleanliness freak that he is, he obviously doesn't want her to do pee in his room...
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•Oo-ooh....•

Riddhima tossed on bed, covering her head with the duvet as the voice from the surrounding was disturbing her precious sleep...

She pressed her temple as the high sound from the surrounding was giving her a headache... It wasn't even a sound, it was kind of high pitch music that was screeching her ears. Who was doing noise pollution early morning?

"Band karoooo....."

She shouted keeping pillow on her ears to stop the voices from reaching her ears... But nothing seemed to work. Getting up, she threw the pillow in irritation. Who the hell plays such a loud music in early morning.... What enemity people have with her sleep?

Opening her eyes partly, she yawned and stretched her body...

•Don't you tell me what you think that I could be
I'm the one at the sail, I'm the master of my sea, oh-ooh
The master of my sea, oh-ooh•

Riddhima knitted her eyebrows as the music of the fast track reached her ears again. Who the hell was playing so loud music that too in her room.... She wanted to sleep more but this ear piercing music wasn't letting her sleep.

Getting up from the bed in hurry, she reached the speaker and was about to turn it off, when she heard a voice from behind her....

"Don't. It's my workout music."

She froze hearing the voice. Vansh?... Oh fuck. Why does Bappa have to remind her every single day that now she has Vansh in her life who is the root cause of all the chaos around her.

•I was broken from a young age
Taking my sulking to the masses
Writing my poems for the few
That look at me, took to me, shook at me, feeling me
Singing from heartache from the pain
Taking my message from the veins
Speaking my lesson from the brain
Seeing the beauty through the...•

The next stanza continued, while pressing her temples she turned back. The loud music and lack of sleep was giving her headache. Though she slept for eight hours, but it was still less for her.

As Riddhima turned back, she saw Vansh on the floor of the balcony doing pushups with one hand while his other hand was folded behind his back.

She averted her gaze as he was Shirtless, wearing only his track pants. How could he roam shirtless when he knows that a girl is living with him?

"Just want to show off his body. Pata nahi khudko kahaka Salman Khan Samjhta hai... "

She murmured turning her head sideways. Agreed he had a very checkoutable body, the one that would put even a model to shame.... But that doesn't mean he has free pass to use this body to lure anyone.....

Riddhima bite her tongue and slapped her skull for overthinking. He is just doing his workout, but guess what... She has become habitual of blaming him for every single thing. Sangat ka asar, they say....

•Pain!
You made me a, you made me a believer, believer
Pain!
You break me down and build me up, believer, believer
Pain!
Oh, let the bullets fly, oh, let them rain
My life, my love, my drive, it came from...
Pain!
You made me a, you made me a believer, believer•

As the song continued, Riddhima looked at Vansh from peripheral vision whereas he was so focused and wasn't even looking at her. Riddhima's jaw dropped as she saw his bicep and chest muscles contracting and relaxing as his body went down and rose up with each pushup. His bulky muscles were covered in sweat yet he continued exhausting himself.

•Pain!
You made me a, you made me a believer, believer
Pain!
You break me down and build me up, believer, believer•

The song continued filling a different kind of energy in him. Workout music gives him some kind of kick. He always enjoyed the adrenaline rush that occurs when he exhaust himself in the gym. It kinda motivated him to push himself a little more...in the gym and in the life.

Taking out her clothes from the cupboard, Riddhima walked inside the bathroom and latched the door whereas Vansh continued to do his workout, After all he wasn't one of those lucky husbands who gets to join their wives in the shower. But He is sure, one day he'll fulfill this desire too.

Getting up, he walked to the treadmill in the balcony and turning it on, he began running on it. Balcony of his room is the favorite place of him in this entire mansion. He converted it into a mini gym for doing workout at home. It also has a hanging swing chair, a small table and cube shaped sitting stools in the corner for him to sit and read the newspaper after the workout.

As the pace of treadmill increased, his running speed increased as well and he continued running God knows how long.

Vansh's both the hands were folded behind his back and he was doing No- Hand pushup . The weight of his entire body was on his toes. When he heard the tingling of the anklets, he rose his head and saw Riddhima walking out of the bathroom in a salwar kameez wiping her wet hairs with the towel. His mind diverted due to her beauty and he lost his balance. Soon, laughter erupted in the room as his jaw hitted the ground. Oh mahn!

Rubbing his jaw Vansh looked at Riddhima who was pressing her lips together to supress her laughter.

"Dadi kehti hai, Rubber ko utna hi khichna chahiye jitni wo khichi jaa sake...."

Riddhima spoke turning her back to him and picking up a comb from the dresser. Vansh stood up from the floor, picked up the napkin from the stool and sliding the glass window of balcony, he entered in the room.

"Warna toot jaateya......"

She completed, chewing the inner side of her cheeks to control her laughter. Vansh scrunched his eyebrows not understanding in what context she was talking....

"Kya tootega? Rubber?"

Vansh asked, to which Riddhima shook her head.

"Nahi, aapke daat"

She said before putting the comb on the dresser and moving out of the room to save her ears from his shouting.

"Youuuuu......."

He screamed annoyed. But before he could say anything further, Riddhima was already out of the room...
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"Chanchal zara Ekbaar phir Mummyjii ka room knock karke aajao...."

Indrani RaiSinghania was always the first person to wake up and first person to go to bed in VR mansion. But today, when she didn't open the door of her room inspite of knocking few times, Chanchal was worried. She informed about the same to her Anu Didi... Anupriya was talking to Chanchal in the living room when she felt a hand on her waist....

"Uth gyi Tum. Good morning Beta"

Anupriya said without even looking back. After all, she knew only Riddhima could hug her like this. Vansh and Ishani had No time for her and Sia couldn't stand on her leg to hug her because of her disability.

"Morning Maa. Aap kyu nahi aayi uthaane?"

Riddhima asked back hugging Anupriya who smiled in return and turned to face her.

"Kyuki Vansh ko nahi pasand koi uski neend kharab kare."

Anupriya replied knowing very well knowing how much her son gets annoyed when someone disturbs him early morning. He doesn't step out of his room before completing his workout, not even for attending morning aarti.

"Aur wo dusro ki neend kharab kare to chalta hai...."

Riddhima taunted furrowing her brows. Only if Anu Maa knew her son hardly sleeps.... She thought.

"Goodmorning ladies....."

Aaryan wished walking down the stairs in his night suit. Rubbing his eyes, he touched his Badi Maa's feet and kissed his mother's cheek.

"Bhabhiji.... Pranaam"

Aryan turned towards Riddhima and wished her by joining his hands in front of her and bowing his head. Riddhima who was shocked by his gesture flared her nose angrily...

"Aaryan ke Bacche... Teri toh mai"

She tiptoed and twisted Aaryan's ear making him wince in pain. Anupriya and Chanchal laughed looked at them.

"Aaah... Arey Kaan chodo behen. Agar tootgya to hukum chalane ke liye Devrani nahi milegi"

He winced in pain and shoved Riddhima's hand from his ears.... Riddhima flared her nose angrily and complained to Chachiji

" Chachiiiiii aapki is husn pari ko dekho na..."

She whined like a child. Chanchal glared at Aaryan who was flashing his thirty two teeth.

"Oye Khotte... Teri na battisiya Tod dungi mai ainda meri kudi nu pareshan kiya toh. Aayi baat samajh!"

Chanchal warned making Riddhima laugh while Aaryan was aghast.

"Mummyyyyyyy...."

He whined and looked at Riddhima who was showing her tongue to him. Aaryan made a point to do his DNA test because now he had doubt if he was an adopted kid.
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Carrying a wooden basket in her hand, Riddhima walked on the green lane in the backyard. As Dadi wasn't feeling well, Riddhima came to collect the flowers for the morning pooja.

There was a mini garden in the backyard which was the home of many indigineous as well as exotic species of flowers. A smile played on her lips when she saw flowers blooming full on the plants. Flowers can make anyone happy, right?

Approaching near the plant of white periwinkle (sadaphuli), Riddhima lowered the bush with her one hand and plucked the flower with the other hand. Plucking the bunch of white flowers from the plant, she put them in her wooden basket humming a tune of a song.

Collecting the big blooming marigolds, Reddish pink fully blossomed roses, And white chrysanthemum from the plants, Riddhima put them in her flower basket.
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"Do whatever it takes to clean this mess Angre.... Do you hear me?"

Vansh shouted holding the phone close to his mouth while walking towards the backyard. The only thing he wanted to do at this moment was smoke at least a bundle of cigarette. Because That is the only thing which could calm him right now.

"How dare they? How could these scoundrels even think about ditching me? I'm not going to spare anyone Angre.... Anyone....."

Vansh roared over the phonecall when Angre informed him that their old trusted clients want to cancel deal. No body is willing to deal with VR Associates in the market because of the kidnapping cases.

Pinching his forehead, Vansh closed his eyes.
"Anger is man's greatest enemy. It deteriorates the thinking capacity of a sane man" His father use to say. Taking deep breath, he opened his eyes and took out lighter from his pant pocket.

Smoking was strictly prohibited in VR Mansion. It was a rule made by his Mom, Anupriya and everyone followed it. But Vansh RaiSinghania was an exception. Afraid of being caught in broad daylight, he came out in backyard to smoke few pack of cigarette before going to office.

He walked in the backyard puffing a cigarette and releasing smoke from his mouth, his steps halted hearing a feminine voice. It wasn't clearly audible to him, but there was something in the voice that made him curious. Automatically his foot started following the source of voice which was coming from somewhere behind the bushes.

As Vansh approached near, he could hear the voice clearly. Someone was humming a tune of an old Hindi song. His heart thudded identifying the voice. It recognized her even before his eyes could see her.

Crushing the dry withered leaves under his footware, he walked towards her. Behind the bushes, there she was in a pink kaftan and blue jeans, plucking the little white flowers from the creeper curled around a big Peepal tree.

He was lost in her beauty. To him, she looked no less than an angel descended from heaven. He could never get tired of staring at her beautiful face. He was a storm in himself and she was a miracle that can calm his inner storm. She was his peace and choas at the same time.

Unaware of the pair of eyes staring at her from far, Riddhima continued plucking the flowers from the bush. When the basket in her hand was full with colourful flowers, she turned and collided with a hard chest of the man who was automatically pulled towards her.

Due to the collision, Riddhima stumbled and lost her balance. The basket from her hand was up in the air. She closed her eyes in the fear of hitting the ground, but two pairs of hand supported her waist and held her firmly.....

The flowers from the basket showered on their bodies as Vansh held Riddhima to prevent her from falling..
Her hands automatically grasped his arms, as she opened her eyelashes and blinked seeing Vansh's face in front of her. As the roses,marigold, crysenthemum fell on their bodies, time froze for them. The chirping of the birds in the sky added a romantic background tune as the two souls lost in each others eyes.

"Tum thik ho?"

Vansh was the first one to come out his reverie. He helped her to stand on her feet and took a step back. Jerking his blazer to remove the flower petals, he asked looking at her.

"Saare phool gira diye? Hey bhagwaan, Ye kya kardiya....."

Riddhima whined looking at the fallen flowers scattered on the ground. Her heart ached seeing the flowers laying on the ground like this. Vansh scrunched his eyebrows, not understanding what was wrong with her. She was on the verge of crying and he didn't understand why....

"Itne saare phool tum apne baalo me lagane wali thi?"

He taunted, making Riddhima flare her nose in anger. Instead of saying Sorry, he was taunting her.... Mannerless. How could God make someone so irritating, she thought .... Not just irritating, she found him dumb too. Which girl in her right frame of mind would put these many flowers in her hairs.... Nonsense.

Vansh knew she was pissed off, but the way she was flaring her nose right now was making her look more cute and he was liking it.

"Nahi... Aarti ke liye the. Aur tumne dhakka marke saare phool giraa diye."

She blamed. God has given him two round eyes to see things around him, but The Great Vansh RaiSinghania uses them for only one purpose and that is to scare people.

Vansh raised his eyebrows. It was her fault too... Who asked her to turn just when he was standing so close to her? It wasn't like he intentionally pushed her.

"What dhakka huh? You bumped into me... Anyways, if you think I did this... Fine, I'll pick these flowers."

He replied arrogantly to coverup his mistake. He knew he was at fault. But when did Vansh RaiSinghania even accepted his mistake that he'll do now....

Riddhima opened her mouth to reply but then closed it again. She was in no mood to argue with him, that too early morning. Already his loud workout song has given her enough headache. And she didn't want to aggrevate it by arguing with him. Quarelling over petty issues is not in her nature.

"Rehne dijiye.. Iski Koi zarurat nahi... Waise bhi Niche gire huye phool bhagwaan ko chadhaye nhi jaate hai..... "

She replied bending down to pick up the fallen basket from the ground.

"Fine."

Vansh replied craning his neck and stood there watching Riddhima as she turned her back to him and raised her hand to pull the branch of the Hibiscus plant. He chuckled seeing how his little wife was tip toeing to pluck the Red Hibiscus flower that was blooming on one of the upper bush. When her hands didn't reach to the flower, she started pulling the branch towards her. She was too cute, he wanted to say her aloud but kept quite ....

"Ouch... Ye kya harkat hai Vansh?"

Riddhima whined as Vansh stood in front of her and before she could say anything, he lifted her in air. Her hands clutched the material of his blazer over his shoulders as he raised his neck to look at her.

"What.... I'm just helping you sweetheart"

He replied innocently. Riddhima scrunched her eyebrows. Vansh gazed at her as she lifted her hand from his shoulder and pulled the branch of the plant. Plucking the Red Hibiscus, she put it in the flower basket that she was holding behind his back in her other hand....

As she continued to collect the flowers, Vansh took his good own time to observe her closely. She loves flowers, he guessed it from the smile that played on her lips after touching the flower petal. No wonder why the fragrance of cologne she used was always Jasmine or Lavender.

His chin was dug in her upper stomach. Her hair blowing in the air, hitted his face and shoulder.

Her Hand behind his neck was causing a havoc inside him. He had a hard time maintaining a stoic expression, especially when he tightened his grip around her hip to prevent her from slipping. He just wanted to hold her like this, for lifetime.

"Utaaro mujhe"

Vansh came out of his reverie when Riddhima poked her finger on his shoulder. Her bossom and his lips came at same level as he lowered her slowly. Her body crushed against his as he placed her back on the ground.

Turning her back towards him, Riddhima tugged her hairstrand behind the earlobe. She felt the air around her changing. Her heart beats accelerated when she felt someone standing behind her back. His strong cologne was enough for her to recognize him.

Vansh took a step towards Riddhima and stood exactly behind her making her conscious because of his presence. Riddhima gasped when she felt Vansh's hand encircling her stomach to pick a flower from the basket that she was holding right in front of her abdomen.

Taking a big fully bloomed Red Rose from the basket, Vansh twisted it in between his fingers. Shiver ran down Riddhima's spine when He very gently removed the hair from her shoulder to the other side. She clutched her fist and clenched her eyes when his hot breath fanned behind her ears tightening a knot inside her stomach.

"I don't like Roses. But this one is really looking fresh and Beautiful. Just like you"

Whispering in her ear, he put the Red Rose in her hair behind her ear and hooked it in her hair clip...

Riddhima looked in his eyes and touched the rose that was now pinned in her hairs.

She was in trance and didn't even realize when Vansh left from there. When her reverie broke, she found herself standing alone in the backyard under the flowering plant.

"I don't like Roses. But this one is really fresh and beautiful. Just like you...."

His words echoed in her eyes as she touched the petals of the rose that was behind her earlobes.

"I like roses, but I like parijaat flowers more"

She spoke to herself looking at the little white flowers falling on the ground having tiny orange stem and an orange colored dot in the centre.. She just loves collecting these night blooming flowers. .

For the first time she felt like sharing her likes with him, but He just left.
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After the morning Aarti, Riddhima returned to the room with Prashad. Vansh was already in the room ironing his clothes. She was surprised to see him working.

"Aapko iron karna aata hai?"

She asked keeping the bowl of prashad on the bedside table.

"Hmm... I didn't had any house help in London for years. So....."

He replied ironing the sleeve of his white shirt.

"Anu Maa ne aapke liye prasad bheja hai"

Riddhima said looking at the bowl of prashad. Vansh nodded his head. Turning off the iron, He forwarded his hand.

"Tumhe college jana hoga na. Get ready. I'll drop you"

Vansh said looking at Riddhima who was giving him prashad. Her eyes widen and she immediately shook her head into a No.

"Koi jarurat nahi."

She replied curtly. Riddhima had her own reason to refuse. Firstly, she didn't want her classmates to find out about Vansh. And secondly, Sejal. Before their marriage, once when Vansh came to pick up Riddhima from College, he refused to give lift to Sejal saying his car is not a public transport. Aryan always picks up Sejal from her home, but if she ask Vansh to stop his car in front of Sejal's home...He will again taunt her.

Vansh furrowed his brow. His wifey was wrong if she was thinking he would take No as an answer. Never Ever.

"I ain't asking Riddhima. I am informing you that I'll drop you to college today. "

He said sternly keeping the iron back in wardrobe and turning towards Riddhima who opened her mouth to say something but then again closed.

"But...."

She was cut midway by his husky voice.

"Stop arguing Riddhima. Go and get ready. We are leaving"

He said turning his back to her. Riddhima was stun. When the heck did she argue? What he does every single time with her is called an Argument.... But he doesn't understand this simple things.
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Riddhima lowered the window and looked outside as Vansh started the car. With one hand on the steering wheel and foot on the clutch, Vansh drove through the crowded streets of Delhi. A smiled played on Riddhima's lips as she saw a vendor selling cotton candy to the kids on the street.

"So, college ke baad kya karnewali ho? Kuch socha hai"

Vansh asked, his gaze fixated on the road. Riddhima turned her neck towards Vansh and scrunched her brows. Did he ask something to her?

"Ghar jaake Chachi ke sath market bhi jane wali hun, phir unki packing me bhi help karni hai. "

She replied making Vansh roll his eyes... What the F is he asking and what the F is she answering?

"I'm asking about your future plans Riddhima..."

He said making Riddhima bite her tongue. Not her fault. Out of all the people, She wasn't expecting him to ask her about her future plans. Even if he wanted to asked, he could have explained her properly... What is with this College ke baad kya karogi ...

"Kuch jagah Jobs ke liye apply kiya hai. Abhi tak to kuch response nhi mila, but dekhte hai...."

She replied looking at the passing roadside trees through the car widow.

"Agar tum chaho to you can join our office"

He offered, making Riddhima frown her brows. She wasn't expecting him to say this. Wasn't he suppose to say I don't allow you to work. You can't work outside and blablabla.... When did he become so nice?

"Waise bhi, Construction business hai. To Interior designers ki jarurat padti rehti hai"

Vansh suggested averting his gaze towards Riddhima. He knew she was surprised by his sudden offer. But won't it be a win win situation for him if he gets to stay close to his wife even in the office hours. Besides, she would get good exposure and working experience under him...

"Nahi. Mai dhundlungi job. Waise bhi bohot time baki hai abhi"

Riddhima replied, clearly displeased with the idea of working in his office. HIS..... She had heard from Aaryan how rude Vansh is with his employees. One thing she was sure of, and that is - She would never want to work with such an Arrogant and rude Boss.

Vansh gritted his teeth listening to Riddhima's reply. He had serious problem in taking "No" as an answer. It feels insulting to him.

"Oh Com'on Riddhima. Baki companies and VR Associates me fark hai. We are number one in Asian Subcontinent right now. And besides, tumhari hi company hai. To bahar kyu jana?"

He spoke averting his attention to the road. From the way he was clutching the steering wheels, Riddhima could guess that he was offended by her refusal....

When he said "tumhari hi company hai" Riddhima could feel her ears heating up. She wasn't used to hearing goods things, especially from him. Just few months back, he wasn't even considering her as his family member and now he is addressing his company as Her.... Unbelievable.

"Meri?"

She asked to check if she hear right. Did he really call his company as hers?

Vansh stopped the car and leaned towards Riddhima to take out her seatbelt.

"Hmm.... Jo kuch mera hai woh tumhara hi to hai Riddhima."

He spoke unbuckling her seatbelt. Riddhima felt her body freeze and heart beats accelerating when Vansh leaned closer to remove her seat belt. His nosetip slightly touched her cheeks as he unbuckled the seatbelt. The heat radiating from his body made her feel something different in her stomach. She herself wasn't aware of how to describe what she was feeling. It felt like a knot was forming in her stomach and his proximity was tightening it.

" Mera ghar, meri family, mera room, meri company..."

Riddhima jolted as Vansh's voice broke her trance. She tugged the hairstrand behind her ear and lowered her head. Picking up her bag from the seat, she pushed the car door and got out of car followed by Vansh.

Vansh watched her as she walked towards the college gate sliding the belt of her college bag on her shoulder and adjusting the dupatta around her neck.

Wearing his goggle, he took out his mobile from the pant pocket and punched something on it....

Riddhima's mobile beeped as she passed by the security guard at the college gate. Her eyes widened looking at the notification.

"..... Aur mai", the text message read which was sent by an unknown number .... Before she could block the number, another text message notification flashed on the homescreen.

"Mai bhi tumhara hi hun Riddhima....." The message read, giving Riddhima cold feet. Her legs rooted to the spot and She clutched her mobile tightly.

"Jo kuch mera hai woh tumhara hi to hai Riddhima.Mera ghar, meri family, mera room, meri company.....Aur mai"

She remembered the words Vansh said to her few minutes back when he was unbuckling the seatbelt.

She turned back and saw Vansh who was still standing near the car pocketing his hands. Her mouth wide opened when he took out his spectacles and winked at her. She was aghast. She closed her mouth and turned back. Before he could do anything else, she literally ran to the college gate and disappeared in the crowd of students.

Vansh couldn't help but grin at her reaction. The innocence in her actions and expressions what something that attracted him the most. But he also knew what was brewing between them was much more than attraction. It was the feeling a boyfriend has for his girlfriend, a husband has for his wife, a man has for his woman.
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"Boss. Thank God you came...."

Angre sighed as he saw his Boss walking out of the glass elevator. Only he know how much it was difficult for him to handle everything single handedly in past few hours. The investors were shouting on him, threatening him to call off the collaboration.. More than three-fourth of employees didn't show up in the office today after the news of people associated with VR Associates getting kidnapped spread like a wild fire. In his boss's absence, the entire burden of this huge empire was on Angre's shoulder, because everyone knew Aaryan was as useless as "Ay" in "Okay". He comes only to use free wifi of the office.

Angre's forehead creases decreased as he saw his Boss approaching towards him for he knew, Boss sab samhalenge.

"What's the situation Angre?"

Vansh enquired as he walked past the receptionist. When Angre informed how the investors barged into their office and were demanding to call a meeting with Rudra Chachu. He gave his nod...but when he saw Riddhima getting ready for college, He thought to drop her to college first.

"Boss, Investors are waiting for you in the conference room. They are demanding return of their investments."

Angre informed as they climbed they staircase. Those investors who were dying to invest in his project few months back were now planning to back off...

"Interesting. Very Interesting"

Vansh said with a dangerous smirk on his face that scared even Angre.. Because he knew his Boss uses this dialogue only when something dangerous is running in his mind.

"Good morning Sir"

A lady in grey shirt and white skirt wished Vansh as he approached near the conference room... Though she knew that as usual, Vansh won't wish her back but she was also aware that he could fire her if she forgets to wish him.

Pushing the door of the conference room, Vansh walked in. He gritted his teeth seeing little brother Aryan trying to handle the investors who were screaming at him.... Is this how Aaryan is going to shut investor's mouth? Vansh thought and looked sharply at Aaryan. His brother really needed a lot of strict training and Vansh swore to give him that.

The investor's heads shot up as they saw Vansh walking inside followed by Angre....

"Dekho RaiSinghania Sahab Aagye"

One of them said, and stood up from his place... Silence prevailed in the room and One by one all of them stood up.

"Sit. Sit..."

Vansh said as he walked towards his chair and pulled it out for himself.

The investors sat in their respective places. They knew Vansh Raisinghania was one of a crazy man and everyone feared him in the market. For this same reason, they wanted to meet Rudra RaiSinghania and not him.

"Mr. RaiSinghania... Hume humare paise lautadijiye. We aren't interested to invest in your project anymore"

One of the investor stood up from his place and spoke looking in Vansh's eyes. Vansh couldn't help but chuckle at this investor's daring. He fucking had the balls to speak in that tone in front of Vansh RaiSinghania....

Angre and Aryan exchanged looks as they saw Vansh surprisingly silent. Wasn't he suppose to blast the investor?

"Any more demands?"

Vansh asked calmly tapping his finger on the table and sat crosslegged.

Investors looked at each other and exchanged smiles as they felt their demand was expected so easily.... All of them began thanking Vansh. Aryan and Angrey looked at each other wide eyed not understanding what's going on. Never have ever their Boss accepted someone's demand so quickly.

Vansh snapped his finger, and the same lady in grey shirt and white skirt appeared taking black briefcase in her hand.... She placed the briefcase on the table between them, bowed at Vansh and left the room.

"Open it. ...."

Vansh ordered looking in Aaryan's direction. Aaryan who was standing in one corner yawning and rubbing his eyes, nodded his head and walked towards the table. Pressing the push button,he opened the briefcase and was left aghast seeing so many bundles of notes in the suitcase.

The investors were finding it definitely difficult to suppress their joy. They didn't think they would get their money so easily. Maybe God was with them today....

"5 crore each. Pickup and walk out....."

Vansh said, showing his hand towards the briefcase. The investors were wide eyed as 5 crore was more than their actual investment which was around 4.2 crore. Angre and Aaryan couldn't believe their ears.

"What the Fuck... Boss has lost it..."

Angre murmured under his breath only for Aryan to hear. The way Vansh was sitting calmly cross legged on his Boss chair was making both of them nervous. Because they knew it was the calmess before the storm.

The investors couldn't stop grinning when Vansh's secretary kept each briefcase on the table in front of the investors. Just when they were about to pick up the briefcase, Vansh tapped the table making every head turn in his direction....

"But remember, if you chose to walk out from this project today... We won't give you another chance. Because VR Associates does not work with Betrayers and cowards like you... Not on this project..... Not on any project... "

Vansh spoke with a dangerous glint in his eyes. By the time he completed, the investors were left aghast. They looked at each other, this time with fear in their eyes. Because now their plan was backfiring. They just wanted to put a pause on their investment till the time this kidnapping fiasco doesn't solve. When the condition would be favorable, they would have invested back in ChandiBagh Project. After all, it wasn't just another project but a jackpot for them. They knew once the project Completes, each one of them would get return of 100 times the amount they invested. After all, ChandiBagh is the first and the only Twin Tower in Delhi..All the actors, politicians, cricketers, business tycoon were in talks with the agency to book the lavish and luxurious flats in Chandibagh.

"But if we invest in your project, the kidnapper might kidnap us as well. We don't want to take risk...."

One of the daring investor spoke, Making Vansh grit his teeth. If the investors leave with their money today, it would be a major setback for him. He wanted to turn this odd in his favor.

" I didn't know you were this coward Mr. Chhabra. You should have known that you can't do business if you don't have balls to take risk.... Besides, Police is doing their job. They would catch the kidnapper soon. "

Vansh told, shutting the investor. They were in dilemma. They knew Vansh was a man of his words and once he showed them the gate, they won't be ever welcomed in VR Associates again. Investors bank balance skyrocketed after investing in VR Associates under the leadership of Rudra RaiSinghania 5 years back. They too didn't wanted to cutt off their source of income. And what is business without risk?

Angre and Aaryan tried to read the faces of the investors who were taking too much time to make a decision.

"I'm counting till 10. Either pick up the back and never show me your face again or apologize immediately for wasting my time and energy and Leave quietly"

Vansh said in a stern voice, looking dangerously towards the investors. If he could, he would have murdered each one of them through his murderous eyes for thinking to betray him. But Naah, Vansh RaiSinghania doesn't do dirty work.

"10....9....8....."

Vansh started the countdown and before he could count one more number, A investor pushed the briefcase, got up from his seat and appologized Vansh. Seeing him, other investors mustered courage and refused to take the money....

Aaryan couldn't believe the miracle he saw in front of his eyes. The investors who were eating his head since morning for return of their investments were now refusing to take the money. Not just that, they were apologizing for their behavior too. When did the things take 360 degrees turn?

As Vansh walked out of the conference room, He looked at Angre...

"Mail a Notice to all the employees who are absent today. Ask them to join their duty from immediate effect or else VR Associate would be free to terminate their contract and fire them from their services."

Vansh said while walking pass the cabins on the second floor followed by Angre who religiously noted each and every work given by his Boss.

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"Vansh Baba... Khana lagadu?"

D'Souza asked as she saw Vansh entering the living hall. Vansh nodded his head. Till the time Vansh returned from his room changing into casuals, Mrs. D'Souza reheated the food and kept the dishes and bowls on the dining table.

"Baki sab kaha hai?"

Vansh asked looking around. He looked in his wrist watch. It was 8.30 pm.. Ideally everyone should be on the dining table at this time.

He pulled the chair and sat. Mr D'Souza kept the dish with two bowls in front of him.

"Baki sabka Khana hogya hai. Chanchal Madam is going out with Rudra Sir tommorow. So, unki packing me help karne ke liye sabne jaldi khana khaa liya"

Mrs. D'Souza said, serving the mushroom sabji in his plate. Vansh picked up the spoon and tasted the sabji while Mrs. D'Souza put the rice and chapati in his plate.

"Aur Riddhima?..."

Vansh asked putting the spoonful of hot daal-chawal in his mouth. He wasn't able to pick her from college due to his back to back meetings, so he asked Aaryan to drop her home.

"Uska khana bhi hogya hai..."

Mrs. D'souza replied filling Vansh's bowl with his favorite fruits custard. Vansh sighed. He never got chance to eat peacefully sitting next to her on the dining table. He wanted her to wait for him on the dining table so that they could have meal together just like any normal couple but he wasn't heartless to Starve her till he returns from office. If she waits from him willingly, it's OK. And Even if she doesn't, it's still OK.

As Vansh finished the food in his plate, Mrs. D'Souza filled his waterglass from the mug and kept it near his plate. Vansh gulped the water and wiped his mouth with the napkin.

Mrs. D'Souza collected the dish as Vansh stood up and went upstairs. Pushing the door of his room, he threw his black coat on the bed and sat on the couch.

Untieing his shoe laces, he looked towards the bathroom door which was locked from outside.

"Riddhima....."

He called, hoping her to be in the closets. When he heard no reply, he took out his shirt and walked towards the closet.... His wife was neither in his room and nor in the closet. Where was she? Vansh thought as he opened the button of the long sleeves of his white shirt.

He looked at the cathouse... Even Ruby was missing. These women! He huffed and took off his shirt. Discarding the coat and the shirt in laundary basket, he walked into the closet. Because of the long meetings today, his back was aching. So he needed a hot shower to relax his back muscles...

When he walked into the closet, He was stunned to see all the clothes scattered here and there. His underwares were lying on the floor and shaving cream, lotions, Deo bottles were fallen down....

"What the hell....."

Vansh groaned looking at the condition of his closet. He has never seen his closet untidy before...Who the hell did this to his closet?

He bent down and started picking up the clothes from the floor. As he extended his hand to open the laundary basket kept in the rack of the closet, he saw a furry ball emerging from inside....

With his tie on her head, there was his furbaby Ruby sitting inside the laundary basket between his clothes. By her big greenish grey eyes, She looked at her hooman Vansh innocently as if she didn't do anything of what Vansh saw in the closet.

"Ru... What have you done? Dadu ko aise pareshan karte hain?"

Vansh asked picking up Ruby from the basket. With one hand he held her body tightly and with other hand, he turned Ruby's neck towards him. Ruby was refusing to look at him, it was something that his naughty baby does when she is caught red handed.

"Accha to badmashi bhi karni hai aur Dad ki daat bhi nhi sunni hai?"

Vansh said holding Ruby's body straight in his hands. He knew she hated it when somebody handled her like that, but it was the only way to explain her not to mess with his room... She hitted her paw on Vansh's nose And turned her neck away from Vansh, mad at him for scolding her and then not handling her properly...

"Accha bacchu. Dadu se ghussa? Abhi batata hun....."

Looking into Ruby's eyes, Vansh carried her to the bathroom with him and latched the door. Bathing was something she hated the most.... So she meowed as Vansh put her in her small bathtub.

"Aaj Ruby Dadu ke sath Nahayegi.... Yeh aapki punishment hai."

Vansh uttered rubbing the loofah on Ruby's furry body whereas Ruby had no option other than sitting quietly in her small bath tub and let him clean her...
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"Riddhima Aaramse Yaar..."

Aryan shouted as Riddhima mistakenly pulled his hair while applying the hot oil on his scalp...

" Chup reh warna aur jorse khichungi...."

Riddhima warned, as she applied the pressure on Aaryan's scalp with her thumb.

They were all sitting in Chanchal chachiji's room. Anupriya and Dadi were helping chanchal in packing, whereas Sia was just sitting on the bed. Riddhima was giving head massage to Aaryan whereas Ishani was partying somewhere as usual...

"Bhabhi. Aaryan Bhai ka hone ke baad aap meri bhi champi kardegi please?

Sia asked, to which Riddhima smiled and nodded her head rubbing her eyes. She was feeling sleepy but how could she ever say No to Sia for anything...

"Haan"

Riddhima replied keeping the bowl of hot oil on the bed and dipping her fingers in it. She massaged Aaryan's scalp, whereas Aaryan closed his eyes feeling relaxed.

"Bilkul Nahi. Sia Beta Riddhu ko neend aarhi hogi.... Champi kal karwaa lena aaj der hochuki hai.."

Anupriya interrupted. Dadi and Chachiji both agreed to her. Riddhima didn't fail to notice how Sia's face fell down.

"Bas Hogya...."

Aaryan said standing up and stretched his body.

"Koi baat nahi Bhabhi..Aap jaiye abhi. Mujhe kal champi kardena..."

Sia spoke with a smile when Riddhima looked at her. Giving Sia a goodnight hug, Riddhima Walked towards Vansh's room... Yes Vansh's. She was just a occupant in his room.

Pushing the door of his room, Riddhima entered inside. The room was empty. She looked at the clock. It was Nine past Thirty.

"Abhitak office se nahi aaya ye insaan? Roz is time tak to aa jaate hai"

Riddhima spoke to herself looking at the clock.

"Khair, mujhe kya...."

She murmured to herself under her breath and walked towards the bed. When he comes and when he goes is none of her business, and she wasn't like Vansh RaiSinghania who doesn't know how to mind His own business.

She picked up duvet from the bed but dropped it down when she felt her hands sticky...

"Ye Tel ke wajahse Chipchipa lagrha hai. Haath dho leti hun"

She uttered to herself looking at her oily palms that were shining.

Pushing the bathroom door, she entered inside and Walked towards the sink which was just on the opposite wall.

Turning on the tap, she washed her hand under the water....

"Meow....."

Her hands froze when she heard the voice. She looked at her reflection in the mirror.

"Ruby ki awaaj .... Bathroom se?"

She said slowly and then turned her neck to look in the side. Her body straightened ,eyes widened, mouth agaped looking at the sight in front of her.

A tall man was under the shower naked. Not even a single piece of cloth was on his body. Though his back was facing her, she knew it was her husband. Near his leg was a small bathtub from which Ruby was looking at Riddhima.... Riddhima's gaze shifted from Ruby to above and She clenched her eyes tightly when they accidentally felt on the place they shouldn't have. She bite her tongue from committing the mistake of walking into the bathroom without knocking... She turned her back immediately towards him.

The image of his naked ass cheeks flashed in front of her eyes making her clench her eyes again. She decided to run out of the bathroom before he notices her.

"Tum?"

Her steps halted and body froze when she heard his voice...

"Woh mai galtise... Maine..maine kuch nahi dekha"

Riddhima uttered in a breathy voice and before he could say anything further, she dashed out of the bathroom in lightening speed....

" Arghhh... Battameez insaan.... Darwaza andar se lock nahi karsakta tha... Ya shower-curtain khich leta. Aise khulle me naha raha tha jaise nadi-talaab me bhaisa nahata ho...."

She spoke resting her back against the wall. The visual of her husband's naked body in the bathroom refused to leave her mind.... She never saw any porn movie before. So seeing a naked man directly for the first time was so gross for her. She regretted going in the bathroom for the first time...

"Hey bhagwaan. Ye bathroom se bahar aayega to maine kaise....Mai...mai kya karu"

Riddhima sat on the bed biting her nail thinking about how to avoid him. She was embarrassed and didn't want to face Vansh... Atleast not for sometime.

"Mai... Mai naa Maa ke paas jaati hun.... Fir Vansh sone ke baad aajaungi....Haan yahi thik rahega".

She got up from the bed and walked hurriedly out of the room closing the door.
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Wiping Ruby's wet furry coat with her small towel, Vansh wrapped the towel around her little body and place her on the bed. He dried himself and put on the sweatshirt and track pant after spraying deodrant and rubbing two three more lotions on his body.

He roamed his neck to look at his wife who was nowhere in the room. A smile kissed his face when he remembered how she walked into the bathroom few minutes back. He wished he could see her face when she saw him naked. She must have gone all red. He regretted missing her reaction. But after spending near about three weeks in a room with her, now he can guess what must have been her reaction. She would have definitely widened her small almond eyes, flared her little parrot nose and parted her highly kissable lips.

No. He wasn't a bit embarrassed because she was his wife. And a husband wife's relationship has No barrier of clothes.

But where was she?

Latching the door, he walked outside. Just when he was about to descend downstairs, he heard bouts of laughter from Chacha Chachi's room. He didn't fail to recognize that giggles which felt like a music in his ears....

"Ye ladki itni raat ko Chachu chachi ke room me kya karrhi hai"

Vansh wondered and decided to check. But after taking few steps, he decided against it and went back to his room...

"Aajayegi khud hi thodi der main"

Vansh thought and laid on the bed. His back smiled as he laid on the soft mattress after ages. Since the day he married, he was officially shifted to sofa... All thanks to his little wifey who was adamant on not sharing the bed with him.

He picked up a magazine from the bedside table and flipped it's pages.... What kind of magzines she reads? To him, this magazine felt so boring. He was literally yawning while reading the articles on Power of manifestation. How does she even read this unscientific and baseless things, He wondered.

He was done reading the forty six pages of magazine, but his wifey didn't show up in the room yet. He was feeling sleepy but these days,he got used to closing his eyes only after watching his wife go to sleep.

"Ye ladki bhi naa...."

Vansh huffed and got out from his bed. Taking a file in his hand, he walked towards Chachu Chachiji's room.
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"Ye wali saree ki sath na Chachi aap ye Baaliya pehenna. Acchi lagegi "

Riddhima said keeping the earrings that were in her hand on the red saree. All the ladies of RaiSinghania family were in Chanchal's room today to help her in packing as she was going with Rudra out of city to attend an award function. Poor Rudra Chachaji had to sit on the bed to do his office work as the king size bed was occupied by the ladies and the luggage bags.

"Arey haan. Ye sathme rakh leti hu..."

Chanchal said picking up the earring and the Saree and packed them in her travel bag.

"Ye mungfalli bhi sathme rakho Chanchal.. Pta nahi waha samay pe khana milega bhi ya nahi.."

Dadi said giving the container of roasted peanuts to Chachiji. Rudra shook his head looking at the ladies. They were behaving like Chanchal was going to some foreign country with him. She was his wife, and he knew how to take care of her.

"Mummyjii, Ye to maine socha hi nahi"

Chanchal exclaimed covering her mouth. She can live without her husband, but she can't live without food.

"Suno jii... Waha khana time pe to milta haina. Zara apne wo organizer se call karke puchiye to"

Averting her gaze towards her workaholics husband, she said. Rudra looked up from his laptop screen and just hmmed.

"Waise Anu Didi, Mai aapki nayi wali lipstick lejaau? Wo shade kaafi accha hai aur mere outfit ke sath bhi jayega."

Chanchal asked Anupriya making a puppy face. Anupriya smiled at her and nodded her head.

"Isme puchna Kya. Tumhe jo chahiye le jaao"

She replied making Chanchal happy. Rudra couldn't help but smile looking at them.

"Chachu..... "

Rudra looked up and saw Vansh at the doorstep.

"Arey Vansh. Aao naa"

He replied immediately keeping his laptop aside. Vansh entered inside the room. To his surprise, Riddhima and all the other ladies were already present in the room. Big luggage bags were kept, clothes, jwelleries and cosmetic items were spread on the bed.

"Kuch kaam tha Vansh?"

Rudra asked knowing very well his nephew won't come to him for anything that is not work related. From the time Vansh joined office, the only discussions they had were about their upcoming projects or past deals... Sometimes Rudra missed the old Vansh who at least use to bother about their well being....

"Nothing much. Is file pe aapki signature chahiye thi"

Vansh said, his eyes fixated on Riddhima who was giggling with the ladies.

"Chachi, aap award function se pehle ye walnut ka scrub lagana. Ise use kaise karte hai wo mai aapko sikhadungi"

Riddhima spoke, keeping the walnut scrub packet in Chanchal's luggage. She noticed Vansh was looking at her but pretended to not see him. She kept talking with Siya who was helping Chachiji to fold saree's.

Rudra took his good own time to go through the file. Vansh utilized this time to steal glances of his beautiful wifey. The way she gelled up with his family astonished him. She had a special place in everyone's heart...including him.

"Aapko pata hai, Sejal ne us chor ki itni dulaai ki...Bechara chappal chodke bhaag gya"

Riddhima laughed while narrating the incident of how her bestie Sejal beat a boy black and blue when he tried to prank them by robbing their footwares. Vansh couldn't stop himself from smiling at his wife's cute antic. The Riddhima who is laughing her heart out right now and the Riddhima who stays in his room seemed to be two different personality to him. The more he was getting to know her, the more his interest in her increased.

Riddhima's laughter died when she noticed Vansh looking at her from the sofa. She tugged the hair strand behind her ears and lowered her head. His constant staring was making her feel uncomfortable. She was becoming conscious of his presence.

"Vansh, Woh Board members aur investors ki meeting ka kya hua?"

Rudra Chachu asked while flipping the pages of the file. Vansh averted his gaze from Riddhima and looked at Chachu

"Sab sort out hogya hai. Don't worry"

He assured, taking the file from Rudra Chachu and walking out of the room. Riddhima took a sigh of relief seeing his retreating figure.

"Sia, tumhari baaloki champi kardun?"

Riddhima asked, to which Sia nodded happily.... After ten minutes, Vansh again appeared in Chachu's room, this time with a pendrive in his hand.

"Chachu, ye kal ke meeting ki presentation hai. Ekbaar check karke batadijiye kuch changes honge to"

Vansh said forwarding the pendrive to Chachu who was working on the laptop. Riddhima narrowed her eyes looking at him...

By the time Rudra went through the presentation, Vansh stared at his wifey who was applying oil in Sia's long hair. How he wished even he could get one massage from her....

"Hmm Bhabhi...."

Sia called slowly as Riddhima applied gentle pressure on Sia's scalp...

"Huh?...."

She asked, dipping her finger in the bowl of oil...

"Nazre uthaake Dekhiye to bhaiya aapko kaise dekh rahe hai....."

Sia teased making Riddhima widened her eyes. She looked around to check if Dadi, or anyone around around them.... Thankfully they all were busy in packing.

"Sia.... Sshhhhh. "

Riddhima shushed her. She was already embarrassed and she didn't want to embarass herself more... But Sia was in no mood to let go of the topic.

"Abhi bhi aapke taraf hi dekhrhe hai...."

Sia said slowly elbowing Riddhima. Her statement made Riddhima go all red because even she knew Sia wasn't lying.

"Nahi...nahi toh"

Riddhima denied, lowering her head. Why wasn't Vansh going....She thought. Her prayers were answered as Vansh got up from the couch and left Chachaji's room. Riddhima couldn't thank her God more for sending him back.

"Waise yaha chachiji ke sath packing me help karne ke liye bohot log hai. Aap apne room me jana chahti ho to......"

Sia suggested and covered her mouth with her hand. She was loving how her Vansh Bhaiyaa was coming in the room with one work or another just to see his wife.
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"What the hell..."

Vansh spoke through closed teeth looking at the wall clock. The hourhand in the clock strike 12 yet his wife wasn't back in the room.

"Itni kya important baate karni hai jo kal nahi hosakti.... Bewakoof ladki"

He clenched his jaw and flared his nose. Latching the door of his room, he walked out. Enough of his goody goody behabviour , now he is going to pull his wife out of that room. Others can think what the F they want to.... He doesn't care.

When he approached near Chachu's room, the lights were already closed.

"Agar yaha nahi to phir......"

Vansh wondered and turned to go downstairs. He heard some sounds from the kitchen...

"Bartan dho diye, kitchen saaf karliya, jhaadu maardiya.... Ab aur kya karu... Kuch to karna padega na.....Soch Riddhima "

Riddhima spoke to herself as she looked at the washed utensils. When everyone went from Chachu Chachiji's room, she left too but didn't want to go back to her room because her husband was awake. She was waiting for him to sleep so that she could sneak in the room without having to face him... So, she came in the kitchen and thought to do some work to pass the time....

She didn't realize when someone approached close to her. A hand snaked behind her waist and other around her hip.... Before she could understand or recollect anything, she was sitting on the kitchen counter pinned by a strong masculine body in front of her....
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