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HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY GUYS!
#JAI HIND🇮🇳

💙

|She was mourning over the obnoxious moon while he brought her the untouched stars|

by medicallymessedup

•present•

There are probably three types of bipolar disorders I have come so far with my research on Google.

Though they're elucidating enough, none of it happens to match the symptoms with my dearest husband, Aryan Mallik.

Note my sarcasm there.

It is the truth or I am the one who just happens to hallucinate about two different people associated with polar traits but having the same faces which happens to be the reason for my daydreaming throughout these days.

I remember Sammy once said that a similar situation of split personality was being faced by Kartik Bhai and I always ended up laughing. I knew my brother was anything but Hulk unlike my bestie who often stated that Bhai was altogether another person when she locked horns with the latter. But they just somehow kept their fights in check for my sake.

But Aryan was something I couldn't understand even after knowing him for the last three years. The fruity tabloids did not do justice to his intriguing personality. His mood flickers faster than one's status from online to offline even on a super Wi-Fi network.

So far, I have seen him from getting angry with me, to seeking trouble from my angered state then looking out for me, to caring for me again. I was acting like an inconsiderate lunatic witch mistakenly happening to be his wife-by-chance to whom he was tied down undesirably into a marriage-of-convenience.

It was obvious that he had a right to be more moody than a woman on her periods, I accepted.

I loved my man wholeheartedly but still there was this uncontrollable urge to escape from the stoic reality lingering somewhere in my mind, with me literally shutting down everything since a week of my undecided marriage.

At one point, I was on the verge of doing so which I feel was really important for me to reflect on where I stand on my life here on. I needed answers to my own questions.

I couldn't make my mind or heart stable and realize that I was lawfully wedded even after too much contemplation. It just felt too surreal to be believed.

I was Mrs. Ruchi Aryan Mallik.

His miserable wife who never had a leash on her emotions.

My well-wishers tried to console me but I couldn't receive any of their support except my family who lately had been worrying a lot for me and were ready to fetch me back from Gulmohar if I wasn't doing well but I somehow convinced them otherwise.

I had been avoiding stepping out of the room whenever the master of this mansion was around even if he was rarely present or either arrived too late at night. I made sure to give no reason for our interactions that led to a whirlpool of feelings. He enjoyed his life to the fullest and I didn't want to change it for me.

I was supposed to go to the university today for my engagement or I may say that my unplanned marriage leave was over. My awesome friends had been sending me some threatening messages every then and now and coercing me to reveal my wellness except Sammy who had disappeared from the face of earth. Their concern for me was irrefutable but I was shit scared to tell them the truth but today I will have to face them anyhow.

I packed my stationary in the bag and hurriedly jogged out of the room as I had lost track of time and was quite late to start in the morning but like a drunk driver I, unawaringly bumped into the great suave husband of mine.

What a great start of the day indeed!

Aryan shook his head as the books he was carrying scattered down due to the impact of our collision. He squatted down and I did too to help him but he glared at me as if I stole his fragrance eraser.

I pouted and parted an inaudible apology, "I was getting late." until my kleptic gaze snagged him up like a predator.

I strongly tried to scrunch up my nose to coax myself into believing that he had just bathed himself in the hot springs of an exotic deodorant and nothing else but who was I kidding because Aryan Mallik was one finest looking specimen besides he looked too appealing to be ignored just like that.

He was wearing a round neck black T-shirt with gray trousers and vans sneakers. He had dressed too well for someone who's going to attend their regular classes or maybe there is a secret ramp walk being organized unknown to nerds like me.

I pushed up my imaginary glasses trying to stay unaffected by feeling underdressed in front of this Ralph Lauren model.

My printed multi-coloured tunic and ankle length off-white pants with plain loafers did no justice to the fact that I was the most consistent topper from our batch in every semester for two consecutive years. I suddenly feel the need to demand a certain identification batch for people like me who are kept away from the limelight just because everyone had formed a perspective that we were boring.

"Aren't you getting late now?" Aryan's tone snitched upon me and I hastily walked past him. On my way, wishing a good morning to the help who was busy doing their work somehow getting used to their presence.

I was so going to get punished because daydreaming in broad daylight had become my unusual pastime.

"Baby!"

"Hey, listen!"

I knew who was calling out for me but I didn't want to commence our day on a rude note. Neither of us had time to entertain each other's tantrums as we were already running late.

"Mrs. Mallik!!" His profuse voice came, halting me in my hurried steps.

Why did he call me that again?

Does it mean anything when I made it very clear about my pedigree in his family?

It wasn't so hard to understand. Was it? I surrendered to my fate then why can't he do the same?

Why is he so unbelievably impossible?

I rushed again and was about to cross the bronze fountain to exit the huge iron gates when out-of-nowhere I was twirled back only to be arrested in his welcoming warmth that resulted in a shiver racing down my spine.

This was exactly what I dreaded as our closeness scares me to the core.

I could never let anyone else do that to me before but since the moment I unlatched the window to my secrets for Aryan, he owned it like Flynn Rider did it for his Rapunzel.

He didn't lay a specific claim on me but I somehow knew. He was acquainted with the news that I was well-affected by his mere touch and it was enough to laud his confidence.

I struggled to maintain our distance by securing my sweaty palms over his chest but strangely both of us knew it was equal to nothing.

The scrutiny of the nosy housekeeping triggered me to peep around but they turned away from our sight. My fever restored its foot on my mind and I was obliged to pull away.

"What are you doing?" I ridiculed him but he held his ground and anchored my trembling ship altogether.

"Do I possess some special powers to excite you or is it panic-?"

"It's nothing." I slammed shut his wild guess. He arched up his right brow which was an outright indication of my white lie, "Kuch bhi, huh. Yuhi bewajah apni akal ke ghode mat daudao tum." I lessoned.

["Anything, huh? Don't make the horses of your mind run without any reason."]

He puckered his lips out as if I hurt him when he was the one digging out irrelevant details, "I'm just working to get my morning kisses, wifey!" Aryan exclaimed, a fugitive intangible charm laced his lips and I closed my eyes in pure anger.

"Stop this, okay! Everyone is watching us." I wiggled in his arms but did he even care? God! Why me? "Would you have liked it if we were alone?" Aryan asked. "No!" I heaved, "Now get away from me."

For a whole lot of minutes, he stared at me in imperial silence and I had to try to look away from him to sober up my drumming heartbeats. I can possibly die from the little shocks he throws at me every now and then.

His fingers swiftly brushed my cheeks while the other hand nested over my waistline. It's miraculous that I didn't burst into crackers by now because he posed a grave threat to my sanity.

"What if I die when you leave me-"

This man is so bloody infuriating! He keeps me on the edge of a cliff just for his damn fun.

"Don't spit nonsense." I clamored, "I won't let you die on me."

He flashed me a stupid grin in response that was as enchanting as the toothless smiles of a toddler. How long would I be surviving if he so often melts me into a puddle of chocolate ice-cream.

You're so dumbly whipped for this man, Ruchi!

I cleared my throat to stop swooning over my sweet lord, "Now if you allow then shall I move out of here to reach the university?"

He nodded his head but wasn't very keen upon setting me free. How long is he planning on keeping us glued to each other?

"Follow my lead."

Aryan beckoned leaving me to sulk alone in this chilly winter only to blow a loud horn in my ears and spook me stiff.

When did he even bring that gorgeous beast out?

"Hop in my beauty, Baby!" He urged and I denied at first but he persuaded me quickly enough on the pretext of being late.

I wordlessly walked to his sleek black limited edition car and settled on the passenger seat with my bag on the lap cautiously to not cause any damage to the flashy interiors. I shall settle for my scooter without any second thoughts because this beauty seemed expensive enough for never boarding it again.

Aryan hit the road and none of us said a word throughout a forty-five minute long drive. My silence wasn't shocking but it was him who couldn't prevent being chirpy whenever we were left alone. Had he deserted his soul back in the mansion to overtake his position as the uni's bad boy?

The thought alone was enough to woo negativity in me. Yes, I wanted him to continue his life in the way he used to before me but was I ready to see him practicing the good ol' ways.

We reached the university and Aryan halted the car at his usual spot on the parking grounds and to our good luck it was empty as the students must have retired for their respective classes.

"What the fuck!!" Aryan jinxed wanly, "Geetika was attending the classes!?"

My face dropped and so did my mood after hearing the familiar name from his mouth. His tone was benign but moderately extinguishing my petty expectations. A glob of bitter taste dissolved in my mouth and I gulped the air hard through my nostrils.

My mean aunt once said, "A man lives with his past but a woman lives to hide her past and their marital bliss somewhat lies between the acceptance from a man and the sacrifice of a woman."

Then I was beyond understanding this but now, the meaning hits me roughly in the gut and strays me back in pain.

Both my parents failed to do their end of bargain and hence their marriage crippled but can my relationship be saved if I grip it from the loose ends? Will sacrifices on my part won't allow our compromised marriage to break apart?

I didn't have any appropriate answers as of now but somewhere deep down countless doubts had resurfaced my mind. They were oddly intimidating my feelings.

"Ruchi, shall I tell my circle about us?" His approach was formal but then what had I ever done to expect something more. I should be thankful instead that at least he's inquiring about my say.

"I don't think that it's really something important." I grabbed my bag to leave from here faster, "There must be some reasons when your parents decided to keep me under wraps and maybe the news can disrupt your fearless lifestyle-"

"I can ask Dad-"

"It's fine, Aryan. Let it be." I steered myself more than him and moped around with the door's handle.

But he held me back by the straps of my bag, "Okay! It's fine if you think so but I will be the one picking you up in the evening, right?"

It's not like I have an option.

I bobbed my neck vaguely just when the five minute warning bell rang and that was my cue to flee away.

"May I come in, Sir?"

I sought Mr. Gupta's permission as he along with the students who stared at me with their drooping eyeballs.

"Ruchi, were you late today?" The old professor was appalled as if the sun rose up from the west.

Attention is exactly what I despise.

"I am sorry, Sir! I will stick to that in mind from next time."

"Sir, may I get in too, with her?" The ultra humorous student behind me implied, "But I won't mind if you take a little longer to elaborate our lessons on punctuality!"

Why can't he see a day without getting under the skin of others.

"You're a regular interruption to my teaching ethics, Aryan." I bet the said guy was harboring a grudge beside me whilst the professor roasted him.

A feather-like silky whisper brushed against my sensitive earlobe, "What did I ever do to this oldy who hates me as much as he adores you." My faint breathing caught up and everything I felt during that moment was him and his magnetic aura overlapping the power of my sensory nerves.

I have no idea about my surroundings except my man who's tantalizing my nerves like no one else could've ever done. The puckish twinkle pasted on his face didn't go unnoticed by my periphery gaze.

Can I legally get away with the murder charges of my one-week old husband because he's toiling real hard to earn a death wish.

"-Attend the classes on time or else you'll fail the upcoming finals. Ruchi, it was an exception for you this time and Master Aryan Mallik," The professor scoffed, "Well, I don't want to waste my time and energy on you." He added, "Both of you now take your respective seats." Mr. Gupta allowed us but the cells in my body were still drowsy.

"Get in now." He yelled and my stupor faded.

I battled my eyelashes to get over the tingling of my skin and dashed inside blindly knocking over some bags kept in the way.

Shoot!! Lord!!

Whose face did I wake up to today?

I searched for my friends and the spot near them but the space was occupied by other students. I glared at them for no valid reason and only Vivek visibly shrugged his shoulders in response.

Traitors!!

Where will I sit now?

I scanned the lecture room and found the last few rows empty. I occupied the nearest desk and rummaged through my bag when someone stood upon my head.

The day wasn't clearly anywhere close to please my wishes.

"What?" I barked impatiently.

"Make some space, Baby!" Aryan piped in politely but he was a minute away from getting smashed on his ugly face.

"Do not call me that here!" I hissed lowly, grateful about everyone being concentrated towards Mr. Gupta who religiously wrote something on the whiteboard.

But unknown to the others, this infuriating butterhead slanted down his head to directly meet my flaring glare with his daring moon-eyes that danced in mischief. My perplexed eyes widened and boosted his ego when both of us physically tried to prove ourselves stronger.

"Move away!" I seethed.

"Why don't you?" He hailed.

"You, Aryan Mallik, listen to me!" I called out.

"I am Mrs. Ruchi Mallik listening to you!" He repaid smugly.

This father of a shark-!!

"Stay within your limits." I beseeched like a squirrel. I can't raise my voice or else every eye in this room would greet us.

This bug-swipe cleverly knew it all.

"I promise to grant your wishes but I want you to try harder." Aryan gently emphasized but his black opal beads bedimmed, "Baby, try H-A-R-D-E-R."

My greatest comebacks died down as Aryan repeated the syllables of a word that had an underlying message apart from the sexual blitz. It was a plea to stop the chase of trepidation and roll out the red carpet for new beginnings but I wasn't poised enough to take up a new venture.

I could only hope for the best.

I darted my resigned eyes away, "I will move from here." I muttered.

"Ruchi." Aryan purred in assurance, "I want you to stay with me." His elbows on the table supported his weight as he leaned closer. "Breathing together in the same space cannot be that bad." He appeased, "Right?"

I queasily clutched on the hardwood of the desk under my tensed palms but he appeared unfazed.

My prominence in Aryan's life was questionable but his implicit grit to prove me things had been capable of surging thousand emotional thunders inside me all at once.

And none of us can predict how my reluctance and his passion can end up changing our course of relationship.

"Ab itna bhi kya tum apne rajkumar ke khyaalo mein ghum ho rahi ho?" Aryan leered, "You have your prince charming waiting right in front of you, Baby." He tapped my nose playfully.

["Are you getting lost in the thoughts of your prince?"]

I rubbed my face to gain back my composure and replied to him back with a slogging smile which wasn't very true. "You for sure are a prince but I'm not just the same Cindrella you've been waiting for, Aryan."

I added, "Also, you are free to share the space however you may feel like because it's not like I own the campus or anything else here."

I shifted and gave him space to sit and opened my register to scribble down the important points taught by the professor. I didn't let my focus sway anywhere else but my co-mate wasn't the one who would let it go.

His concentration was steady on me and nothing else. Aryan barely learnt a word or two during the lectures but shockingly his scores in every class test, semester exam, assignments and project files were always up to the mark. He was an A-grade student but nobody actually believed it, everyone was convinced that he was among the best five representatives of the campus because of his father's influence.

I personally don't believe in rumors because no sane parents would want their kid to gain fame by indulging in distortion and also a very big biased section of me blindly respect and believe in their family ideologies.

For now, Aryan's undivided gawking bothered me for the first time leaving me incapable of functioning with a clear mind. I really wanted to turn his neck straight at an angle of ninety degrees and mercilessly hit on his thick head each time with a cane if dares to drink in my sight like some daring assassin.

I hate his bravery a little too much at times like this one.

The morning lectures got over slowly and I rushed to the canteen where my mighty army roosted. They were full on ignoring me during the entire day but I was earnestly wagging my tail to procure their forgiveness for being a coward when all of them were dead worried for me.

"Yaar, tum log ek baar meri baat to sun lo. Meri galti thi, I'm sorry."

["Man, listen to me at least once. It was my mistake, I'm sorry."]

"I didn't mean to hurt you all."

"Vivek!" I stomped, "Tu bhi mujhse nahi bolega kya ab?"

["Will you not even speak to me now?"]

I slumped down beside Sammy and darted her the best puppy face I could pull up so that she could adopt me as her favorite friend. I know she won't deny me for the world-

But hey, I was so wrong because she simply looked away.

"Sam-" I cried in distress.

"Shut up, Ruchi!!" Vivek sliced testily and so many heads hogged me in like a fugitive on the run. "Just shut up for once!!" He yelled, "Why shouldn't we get angry with you?"

"Vivek!"

"Bro!"

Chhaya and Bhavesh tried to intrude but I ceased their effort, "I know it's my f-fault-" I mumbled.

I was ready to take their anger on me if I had to earn their apology. Lately, I have started acting like a terrible friend.

"I had been a nuisance for you'll but I had been in a situation-"

"Bitch!!" Sarah shrieked like a cougar, "You got engaged." She howled to grab the attention of others while almost flipping me off the table.

Why would she even say that? They're present in the engagement, right?

Even before I could contradict her misinterpretation she grasped my palm and paraded the ring in my finger like I had kohinoor.

"Sarah, no-" I retracted my hand.

"You really got engaged to Aakash even after everything." Bhavesh whistled bewildered.

Sarah snickered, "She was supposed to get engaged to him the same day if that shithead did not put up such a drama."

"Though I really wished for you and Aryan to end up together-" Chhaya was discouraged but didn't stretch it further realizing the gravity of the situation.

The twins had chosen not to comment on anything and my lips sealed up on its own accord. I stayed mute and didn't tell them anything about the changes in my life.

"I decided to beat the asshole but the coward didn't show up for a single day since the engagement and the internet was clueless too."

Aryan wasn't much at his home then where was he for the whole week?

"You are with Aakash and that's for the best." Sarah clapped, "Welcome to the perfect couples club, Baby!!" She upbraided, "Six and Kick! C'mon, raise a toast for our buddy!"

"To our lovely girl who's no longer single!" The trio hooted and celebrated while the anonymous crowd cheered.

When my phone continuously pinged with messages, "Your fiancé needs some attention!" They teased me while I tried to shut down my phone as Aakash's name flashed on the screen without a break.

I didn't get over his demeaning words to support his arguments against Aryan but it must be in the heat of the moment so I tried to overlook his behavior. He probably didn't know about the arrangements.

So I allegedly declined his call and texted him instead.

~Me

Can you meet me, Aakash? Tomorrow, maybe?

∆∆∆

~Aakash

Thank God that you replied, Ruchi!

I was mad. I'm sorry.

Heck! I even called Aunty but she refused to say a word.

Yes. We can meet tomorrow.

∆∆∆

~Me

Fine. I'll meet you when my classes get over.

∆∆∆

~Aakash

I'll book the table for us, Ruchi!

I hope you're good. Don't worry about the engagement either because I had a talk about us with my parents and they'll be no problem to us.

∆∆∆

~Me

I'll see you tomorrow, Aakash.

I halted the flow of his conversation because Aakash couldn't have been in the definition of my fate's 'US'.

Lots of Love,

ANKITA