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|She didn't hold herself back this time. She didn't cage her emotions this time. She finally roared like a wounded lioness who have finally explored her claws.|

by medicallymessedup

•present•

BadiMa always used to tell me that we humans were born bound to our blood relatives but there are some rare and priceless relations that are chosen by us during our course of life. Some of these relationships might prove fake in the long run but the right ones shall loyally stand by till the very end. The choice might be risky and harsh but again it's upon us to distinguish and eliminate the wrong influences to have and cherish the true ones.

I used to be cynical about that saying earlier believing that the blood was thicker than water so how can the people whom we are associated by blood can mean anything less than some outsider. But today I know that BadiMa was right all along and I was clearly blinded.

An outsider wasn't any stranger who we never met before but someone who we mistook for understanding us and backwards. An outsider is a coward living among us right when it's also preoccupied with backstabbing us. This pernicious outsider shields itself behind the hauberk of selfishness, unsung ego and recreancy to efficiently uproot our soul from the absolute core.

Who can know it better than me?

I relentlessly dedicated myself to such abject entities yet I was stamped as a black sheep.

I somehow ended up picking the wrong side of the coin and therefore I suffered the unkind consequences. I disregarded the righteous holding up in front of me for the duplicitous slobs. I looked out on the countless efforts put up by BadePapa, BadiMa and Bhai to keep me safe for the obnoxious weal of pleasing someone who never meant me any good. I deserted the concern of my friends to keep up with the sham of a good daughter in this unforgiving society. I crudely spent my life on such unworthy individuals when I should've shunned them and accepted the right long back.

My chastening was inevitable, I was quite late to take on the concept but now I am keen to repent my mistakes.

I wanted a chance to work on myself. I want to give in to my whims of accepting the people who in every way means good for me.

I want to start by accepting Anchal Maa and Dad wholeheartedly. I want to apologize to everyone who I hurted even when they accepted me along with my flaws. I wanted to tell Bhai that I've finally embraced the harsh reality and was ready to let it go. I wanted to tell Samiksha that after a long time I actually have a family that I don't need to justify my love and respect for. I wanted to tell BadiMa that her little girl had learnt from her mistakes. I wanted to assure BadePapa that his daughter had eventually grown up. I wanted to bid my in-laws with gratitude for they've sheltered me like their daughter. I wanted to confess to my husband that he was the wishful blessing in my weary doom and that I was longing to rewrite my jinxed stars with him.

It's not too late, is it? Can I still embrace all that I've missed out on? I have a right to this chance, don't I?

"My dear, is everything alright?" Anchal Maa's harmonious voice abstracted my radical musings, "Why had you stopped walking suddenly?"

"I.." My shoulders hunched down in hesitation, "Maa, mein kuch puchu aapse?" I inquired her uncertainly.

["Mother, should I ask something from you?"]

"Maa bhi bulaogi aur itni formalities bhi karogi ab mujhse?" She knitted her brow and berated me rattily, "Quida gairon se karte hain, apno se nahi. Jo puchna hai wo be-jhijhak pucho, bache." She commanded gently.

["Will you even call me 'mother' and maintain such formalities with me now? We reserve such formality for strangers, not for our own. Ask whatever you need to without hesitation, my child."]

You don't know, Maa, even amidst the family, I've felt estranged. However, today, you all are showering me with selfless affection that prompts me to get past those old pains. You're giving me the love my own biological parents failed to provide.

I bobbed my head in accordance as the giddiness paddling inside me mounted each time when either of the Mallik's made me feel home. Their action and their words were both unmatchable and intangible. Even their earfuls sounded like sweet nothings. All of my blotched childhood I was exposed to either uncurbed barbarity or throttling ignorance so their affection towards me was inarguably mollifying like a gentle tide.

"How did you meet Dad?" My incredulity played out, "I mean, how did you both marry even when you've contrasting personalities?"

"Oh, I see. Aryan's fascination has already started rubbing on you." She chuckled when I couldn't hide my eagerness to know their story, "Well, living to see that brooding businessman fall for my evergreen charm seems unbelievable, no?"

"Bataye na phir." I insisted.

["Tell me then."]

"Acha baba, suno!" We walked inside the mansion together, "Ours was an arranged marriage."

["Okay, fine, listen!"]

My gaze expanded in awe.

Their jugalbandi was something that was mostly seen in love marriages. How is that magical connection even possible if their match was arranged?

[Jugalbandi - here used for partnership]

"PapaJi aka my father-in-law was an old friend of my Papa. MummyJi and PapaJi knew me beforehand unlike my dear husband who was busy writing his papers in a foreign land. He visited my house for the first time on my twentieth birthday and I must add reluctantly as he looked so out of place in the party that was radiating with feminine energy. Soham was so uneasy that with the help of my girlfriends I pulled a prank on him by stealing one shoe from his pair. He searched for it everywhere around, interrogated everyone about his converse chuck 70' black shoe when I came up to him and sweetly acted up to help him."

"Wow, that's pretty unkind of you, Maa." I supposed.

She let out a playful snicker and went on with her story, "Oh, you won't believe it but that moody businessman looked so cute while huffing like a penguin after he literally hunted every corner of the house. My father offered him his shoes when he was about to leave with his family but they turned out to be too big so I took some pity on his handsome face and lent him my hot pink fancy slippers for which he thankfully hugged me."

"Dad is downright understanding and has an exceptionally kind heart."

"My Soham was too naive for his own good." Maa reflected with a serene smile, "But then somehow PapaJi figured out my little game."

"Aryan's grandpa scolded you then?" My brows knitted together.

"PapaJi never scolds anyone, in fact he was impressed by my daring and disgruntled by his son's daftness."

"Great! What happened after that?" I asked eagerly, fully immersed in the story.

"And then, of course, our marriage took place." She shared with a chuckle. "Our families arranged our match after three or four years. We both were sitting right under the mandap when I unexpectedly took a promise from Soham that he won't scold me as I had something to tell him later. He was confused at first but gave in anyway and after all the guests left our side and we were left alone inside our room the first thing he professed was that he has developed a crush on me but that was alright with him if I didn't like him but someone else. He assured me that he would let me go and unite with my lover without any pressure from him or his family."

"You really liked someone else, Maa?" My eyes nearly zoomed out of their sockets like soccer balls as soon as I heard her say that.

"Jhalli kudi!" Maa lightly knocked my arm and I bit my tongue in regret. "Why would I have married him in the first place if I liked someone else?"

[Jhalli Kudi - A hindi term that means "crazy girl" or "silly girl. It's often used in a playful or affectionate manner to describe someone who is carefree, whimsical.]

Stupid, stupid, Ruchi! Kuch bhi, bina soche samjhe, bol deti hai tu!

["You speak anything without thinking."]

"I fell into a bad laughing fit after his long speech and finally had to confess all my crimes before my husband could've got a heart-attack by my unexpected reaction. I bared him with the inside story of the shoe incident. Soham was too shocked and robbed of his wisdom for a minute or two but eventually he forgave me when I showed him my puppy face. It always works on him."

"That's one helluva iconic love story, Maa. Dad actually really loved you to forgive you so easily."

My sweet mother-in-law was glowing red and incredibly shy by now. Oh my beloved eyes! Where did the indomitable iron lady go?

"Oh, honey, there's no denying it, your dad's been smitten with me from the very beginning." Maa boasted confidently, though her eyes spoke of the endearing love story she and Dad had together.

We were both caught up in our own giggles like two peas in a pod, when a systematic voice interrupted us and a uniform-clad female staff stood before us with a bothered look on her face.

"Is everything alright, Alina?" Maa questioned her.

"Yes, actually there is a problem, Ma'am." She confirmed. "Ms. Shahane mistakenly ate the sausages with celery which has triggered her allergies and now her husband is creating a ruckus."

"Goodness! I'm sure the staff thoroughly listed the ingredients of every item on the menu, so how could this happen?" Mom anxiously lamented. "Anyway, how is she doing? I pray it's nothing serious?"

"It was a mild reaction. She appears to be better now, but Mr. Avasthi is unstoppable. He's belittling the server and the rest of the kitchen staff. Mallik Sir is trying to handle the situation, but it may escalate." Alina informed.

"That pompous duo has an exasperating habit of instigating chaos wherever they turn up." Maa was unmistakably agitated now. "Why did I even add them to the invitation list? Soham will definitely lose his temper!"

"If you have a moment to spare, would you mind checking it yourself? Perhaps they will listen to you." Alina requested, but Maa seemed wary of leaving me alone. "Soham will handle it-'"

"Maa, it's quite urgent, I think. You really should check it out. I'll be alright on my own! Please, you should go." I attempted to reassure her about myself.

"Are you sure, sweetie?" She asked again indecisively, "Soham could possibly manage it alone too."

"I'll be alright, believe me. You should go." I affirmed.

I believe that nobody should ruin her special day, least of all me. I don't want her to be burdened with unnecessary worry and feel obligated to cater to me just because it's me who finds crowded places overwhelming. I understand that my dear ones are worried about me but I want to fight my fear alone. I don't ever want to be a burden on anyone else. I don't want to fall prey into that deceptive trap again.

"Okay then. I'll get back to you in a bit. And if you ever feel uneasy, don't hesitate to reach out to any of us, Ruchi, at any time. Understood?" Maa strictly instructed me.

"Sure thing, chief!" I comically saluted and then spun around to find the restroom after they left my side.

I roamed leisurely in my search when I stumbled upon a family portrait hanging on the wall, featuring Maa, Dad, and him. It seemed to be taken during one of Aryan's birthday celebrations. Young Aryan was nestled cozily in Dad's lap while Maa lovingly held onto his arm. They were all smiles and celebrating like a merry, blissful family, except for the grouchy little fellow who now happens to be my man. He was frowning at the camera as if it had personally offended his highness's supremacy. Undoubtedly, I know it's him because he still wanders about with that pouty expression of his.

I giggled softly and couldn't resist capturing an image of the portrait on my phone, then peered closely at it for some minutes. Aryan's former self feels strangely familiar, almost as if we crossed paths during our childhood. Maybe we did meet, but why is my memory of our familiarity so vague?

I was deep in thought, unaware of my surroundings when a sharp, squeaky voice disrupted me from nearby.

"Madam, you're trespassing in the private area of the estate. Only the Mallik family has access here." The woman exclaimed hastily.

"Pardon me, but I am fam-" I tried to explain, yet she was already hyperventilating.

"Madam, I'm respectfully asking you to vacate the premises for the time being. Even as a guest, there are strict protocols here, and your presence here might put my job at risk." She repeated paying no heed to my objections.

Although I wanted to explain it to her, but in the end, I conceded nonetheless. I'd prefer not to argue with her over such a minor issue. The world isn't aware of the marriage, so naturally, she wouldn't know, and it was probably her duty. Moreover, I was already meant to be in the party hall, so it's fine.

"Sure, I'll leave from here." I assured her, but then, recalling my need, I politely asked again, "I'm sorry to bother you, but I need to use the restroom. Would you mind helping me find one?"

"Yes, of course. The restroom for guests is right over there." She replied, and I thanked her as I followed her said directions.

I was nearly done with my business inside the restroom when I heard commotion from outside. Assuming them to be the other guests from the party, given the closeness to the hall, I continued with washing my hands. However, upon the accidental mention of Aryan's name, I found myself drawn into the loud conversation happening there.

"Did you catch a glimpse of that unknown dame hanging onto him?"

"Absolutely, everyone did. They're attached at the hip like a pair of lovebugs. Aryan couldn't tear his gaze away from hers the whole time he was around."

"Shut it! Couples don't act that way. Also, Aryan doesn't bring random women to parties. He's single and certainly not involved with that distasteful thing." Another angry female voice admonished the other two, "Did you not see that hussy trying to worm her way into our elite circle like some opportunist?"

I visibly winced as they addressed me, deeming me as though I were some detestable object rather than an ordinary individual they were unfamiliar with. Why did they assassinate my character when they had no knowledge of me? They've never had a personal interaction with me, so why are they badmouthing me without reason? What was the deal with these deranged folks?

Dear God! I'm absolutely appalled and really need to get out of here. I can't stand the stupidity of these people who clearly have never applied themselves mentally. I'm tempted to give them a piece of my mind, but perhaps it's wiser to pretend I haven't heard their nonsense. Trying to reason with them might end up being an even bigger waste of my time.

"Precisely! Aryan has never gotten involved with any woman. There haven't been any rumors about him, in fact, he's never been seen with a woman until now. That woman must mean something to him if he brought her home tonight-"

"She means nothing to him!" I cringed as that previous voice screeched, throwing something that crashed to the floor. "Don't you get it?"

Aryan Mallik is my husband.

He is mine.

You dense, obsessed witch! Refrain from casting your eyes upon him.

He's taken.

"Alright, Alright! Geez, calm down. Why are you yelling at us? We're on your team, Shaira." The other girl encouraged her deflated ego.

"Here, take your purse." The third girly voice grumbled, but then insinuated, "Hey! I think there's someone else inside here apart from us."

They fell quiet for a moment, and I found myself holding my breath as well. Damn them, why can't they just leave me alone!

"That ugly chick's been missing from the party hall for ages. Is she here-?"

"Hold on, Ana!" Their footsteps echoed ominously closer to me then and I somehow freaked out.

I was huddled in a corner when their forms cast ominous shadows from across the door, and my firm grasp on the door handle slipped as they violently knocked down the door. I was thrown off balance by the force and narrowly avoided falling.

What in the name of sanity!

Have they gone off their heads?

Who the hell breaks in like that while someone is using the washroom?

"Oh! Look, girls, who do we have sneaking here spying on us!" The blatantly whitewashed girl whose voice I recognized from earlier, hollering at the top of her lungs, leered at me spitefully. "Do you feel bad hearing us talk trash about you?"

Is she thick? What logic dictates that I'd be here early if I was aware they were trash-talking me? What on earth makes her think their opinions about me would matter to me? Seriously? I barely even know them.

"Is there no shame in you, girl?" Then, following her lead, mocked one of the other two.

"I never knew that using the washroom was termed shameful in your uptown dictionary." I replied calmly, "Oh, and are you here for some sightseeing?" I implored genuinely, "You're welcome to join, but I'll just step out while you explore. I'm just not into such classy hobbies like yours."

I nonchalantly walked away, leaving them to wallow in their own bitterness. Time to ditch these petty haters and get back to my real fam.

They clearly underestimated my willingness to retaliate, but I won't tolerate any nonsense about myself now that they've confronted me head-on. I'm not a supporter of nonviolence, but maybe it's time to shake things up. My bestie says some good things are always a first. It's time to prove her right.

"As expected, I was completely right, girls." The superficial doll simpered with faux sweetness, and I could feel them trailing me in the corridor as well. "She's just a side dish for Aryan, isn't she?" My feet came to an abrupt halt at her words. "Oh, am I right, you greedy gold digger?" She taunted.

I balled up my hands to control the urge to fling my sandal at her greasy face. Is that permissible? I highly doubt anyone would have the nerve to object to my actions given that this entitled snob is treating me like crap for some invisible cause.

"You think you've got me all figured out, huh?" I sought, raising an eyebrow challengingly. "God forbid, but have you ever visited my place because unlike you, I don't remember hosting psychotic fools like yourself." Her smirk dimmed as I emphasized my assertion. "I'm sure Aryan has never led you on so why don't you knock it off! Abandon this absurd obsession with a man who wouldn't even spare you a second glance, let alone offer you a bite." I looked her squarely in the eye, my tone crisply cutting through the air. "Take note, honey, spewing flowers from your mouth to tear down another woman won't secure you a man with that surgically altered face."

Munch on it, doggo! See if that pacifies your relentless envy for me and my man.

I turned my back on them, ready to leave when abruptly I was hemmed in by three dubious strangers who reeked of trouble. Their presence projected a repugnant, menacing energy that set off danger bells within me as I swiftly tried to maneuver past them, yet they intentionally obstructed my path.

"What the hell do you think you're doing? Get the hell out of my path!" I snapped at them, my voice dripping with frustration and anger.

"What's the rush? Let's enjoy ourselves a little longer, especially since you're our very own Aryan Mallik's exclusive guest." The imperious men mocked as they hemmed me in. "Well, well, well, Shaira, seems like she's the VIP around here, huh?"

"Oh, absolutely! She believes she has the Mallik empire's sole heir wrapped around her finger, while I'm merely here to endure her incessant yapping." Shaira, with a disdainful sneer, bared her teeth at me, her eyes gleaming with malice. "This gutter rat needs to be humbled, Arka. She's getting too big for her britches."

"What exactly do you mean by that?" I interjected, my agitation mounting.

"Get ready to be schooled, honey!" They jeered, their lips curling with hostility as they advanced and before I could react, the massive brute closed in on me. He roughly yanked the phone and purse out of my hand belittling my feeble efforts to hold on.

"What the hell are you up to?" I spat malevolently, baffled and outraged by their audacity to physically bully me.

"Shaira, there's something about these fragile-looking brainless bimbos. They like to play the game of being hard to get." He rebuked, addressing the girls who were clearly enjoying my misery. "Yet all they really do is spread their legs for a skimpy roll of cash!"

"You bastard, give me back my things! Let me go! You fucking morons don't know jack shit about me." I attempted to fight back, but the one holding me tightened his grip on my wrists, embedding his sharp nails into my arm.

"You hit the nail on the head, bro, she appears to be just the same!" Shaira's cronies mocked me as if I were a mere speck of dust, "Oh, isn't miss goody-two-shoes going to cry out for her lords to come to her rescue?"

"You seem to think you're ruling the world with the snap of your fingers, but don't forget, you're not a god." I hurled, "You imbeciles, every action in this world has its own repercussions and yours is going to hit very soon."

But there they stood, the six of them, watching on with evident pleasure as my defenseless form suffered before them. Damn! They're monsters! Every single one of them. They're without a scrap of shame or regret for the anguish they're putting me through.

"Fresh meat, huh? You just starting out, girl?" He viciously clamped down on my cheeks, his fingers digging into the flesh with a ferocity that sent waves of searing agony rippling through my jawbone, the intense pressure threatening to crush bone beneath his grip. "Come on, I've never seen hookers like you resisting so hard before." My teeth ground together involuntarily, the pressure leaving my skin tender and throbbing. "Relax, chick, I'm sure you'll have a great time with us."

They all laughed sadistically as they witnessed my futile struggle against the tormenting hold they had on me, but their amusement turned to shock as I aggressively struck down the man trying to grab my waist with the edges of my sandals.

"What the hell, you bitch!? Shit, it hurts like hell!" The guy on the floor cried out in pain, clutching his crotch. "Get a tighter hold on her, man! She's a menace."

"Free my hands once, you impotent faggots!! I'll give you a taste of my strength then." I challenged them, unwilling to retreat anymore and prepared to strike back twice as fiercely as soon as their grip on my wrist slackened.

"Oh, she's got a bit of fight in her! How about we rate your 'feistiness' when you actually serve our interests." The third guy sneered disdainfully, "Let's kick things off by peeling off that dress hiding your so-called assets!"

"I bet your father voiced similar opinions to your mother when they spawned an unmanly dickhead like you!" I berated, my disdain evident in every syllable. "Why don't you begin by sizing up your puny, shriveled manhood first," I rebuked, "Maybe then you'll come to terms with your non-existent masculinity."

"You whore!" He lunged forward, aiming to hit me, but, just then the man holding me down was unceremoniously tossed aside.

I winced in pain with my hands hanging loose limply on my sides, throbbing from the blood-draining clasp of the scoundrel. I squeezed my eyes shut momentarily, hoping for temporary relief, while listening closely as the others gasped in dismay because the one trying to disrobe me was ruthlessly slammed to the ground by my savior.

My husband.

He was here, for me.

My jaw throbbed as I forced it to remain steady, suppressing the tears welling up behind my eyes. Aryan distanced himself from them for a brief moment before approaching me, he gently smoothed my dress with his whispering touch and my body fought to remain stiff under his care. His eyes stayed alight with rage, yet he soldiered on fixing his gaze on me as if I were the only thing on his mind.

"Aryan-" I breathed, my voice barely above a whisper, tinged with anxiety.

I can't give up now. I reminded myself, shoring up my resolve. I've come a long way by standing up for myself. I don't want to sabotage it now. I wasn't supposed to lose my resilience in front of these despicable cowards who thirsted for gratification in my torment. My Aryan understands me like my shadow, he knows the brutality these people have inflicted upon me. He can detect the distress in my eyes. He isn't scrutinizing me or my actions. He's still staring at me with his unaltered love.

"Shh! Don't worry, Baby." He hushed me, tenderly cupping my face and calming the spot where I had been coarsely held. "You showed great courage, my love, and I'm proud of you, but now let me fulfill my promise to protect my wife." My throat tightened as I assimilated his words.

Though it felt easy to let myself break down, I cannot give up so easily, especially after finding the strength to stand up for myself for the first time. I won't let the world dictate my fate any longer; I've moved past that weakness. I might be free to fall apart in my husband's arms, but for now, I need to hold back my tears from weakening him.

"Baby-"

"Mmm-hmm! Go!" I consented, suppressing the urge to stop him from leaving my side. "I won't stop you," I bravely conceded to his contrary request, my heart heavy with concern. "But just don't get yourself killed, Mr. Mallik. Maa will hate me for causing mayhem on her birthday."

My warm, inspiring smile was a lifeline for him, a small attempt to soothe his rattled nerves amidst the chaos. I wasn't sure if my humor was merely a coping mechanism for my own pain or an effort to calm his searing rage, but I knew one thing for certain: nothing would deter him from standing by my side, even if it meant facing things together.

"Mayhem or not, how about you see it for yourself, Mrs. Mallik?" He probed pensively. "Plus Mom will definitely join me soon. Once she got wind of the escalating situation, she would undoubtedly jump into action."

"What do you mean, Aryan?" The harsh voice behind me sent a shiver down my spine. "You and this ugly worm can never belong together!"

I sensed his fingers twitch with the urge to react impulsively, but my presence grounded him somehow, my touch calming the storm within him before it could spiral out of control.

"Just a friendly reminder, she's a lady." I gently stroked his fisted palm, my gaze meeting his, seeking calm amidst the chaos though I doubted that shall work in the longer run since it seemed like hell we'll be breaking lose soon enough.

Lots of Love,

ANKITA