"Hey Sona...I want you to meet someone very special to me.....someone who I always wanted you to meet.....someone who always manage to cheer me up! Meet my one and only, favourite cousin Nisha!!!!" Dev said enthusiastically as Sonakshi stoned in her place.

The scene was quite unbelievable. Shocking to be exact. Sona's mind was sent reeling, unable to comprehend or process the images being sent by her eyes. She looked away, then looked back to see if Nisha was still there. She was! She was the one. The same person whom she met years back. But not as Nisha.

As Neha...

Why? Why must she act like his sister when she clearly wasn't. How could she benefit from that lie? What was the purpose? Sonakshi wanted to scream and make a fuss out of it. White knuckles clenched into fist, gritted teeth from the effort to remain silent and her hunched form radiated an animosity that was like acid – burning venom. Her face was red, suppressed with rage that even a finger set on her shoulder could spark a fire.

"Is she just your cousin or more like your sister, Dev?" Sonakshi asked with burning rage.

Dev could sense the difference in her tone. He was not able to understand the sudden change in her personality. Yet, he was trying his best to manage the awkwardness there.

"Hey... I have told you na? The one who helped me a lot when I was working in Australia? She has wanting to meet you ever since I decided to get married!" he stated while Nisha was fidgeting due to nervousness.

"Oh really? Looks like she wasn't interested in meeting me." Sona said rudely while Dev stared at her with disbelief. This time Sona was not even regretting a single word she was speaking as a sudden surge of confidence passed through her. She was going to teach every single one of them a lesson.

"Hi Sonakshi...nice meeting you. Sorry.... Since I was busy all these days in Australia, I couldn't meet you. But now that I have seen you, I feel so happy." Nisha said faking extra sweetness in her voice.

Sonakshi's anger knew no bounds. Just as she was about to retort back when a few guests came by and brought Dev with them. Dev excused himself and walked away. Now it was just Sona and Nisha.

Nisha's POV

How dare the bitch insult me infront of Dev? What does she think of herself? It was my dream to marry Dev. Marrying him was all I have ever wanted in my life.... I have always loved him with all my heart and soul. But she was the one who interrupted in our life. She came in between us. I have known him since he was young. He was my first crush, first love and first everything.....

What did she think? That she can happily steal him away just by showing some fake innocence? If that's what she is thinking, then she can forget him forever because as long as I am alive, I will never let her get in our way. He will always be mine.

Yes, I was the one who faked my identity as Neha and talked to her in college. I used Neha's name as her name was the safest at that point of time. Luckily Sonakshi wasn't aware of Dev's sister being a mute. Although it was a risky move, I just decided to take the chance. I never thought about the consequences of my lie, but this idiotic girl thankfully didn't reveal anything to Dev.

Because of her foolishness, I managed to escape and have Dev all for myself for the past 3 years. When things were all going by my wish, she decided to come again! Godddd why??

The moment Dev called and told me that he was patching up with Sonakshi, I felt like my heart was stabbed repeatedly. He wasn't even ready to listen to whatever I said. The next moment I heard him breathing heavily through the phone, I knew it. They were having an intimate moment. It had to be that bitch. That phone call just killed me that day.

I couldn't focus on my work in Australia anymore. I felt like dying. But why should I give up? I was there when Dev needed me the most. I was always there for him. Now why did he go back to her? Did I not do enough for him?

I decided to leave to India the next day itself. The company was no longer important to me. I tried to bring him back to Australia, making the company as a reason. But he was too involved in his own love life that he wasn't even bothered about his company there. I knew I had to be back to India for Dev. For my Dev.

The moment he introduced me to Sonakshi, I could see the fire in her eyes. If looks could kill, I would have been burnt on the spot. I saw the betrayal, anger and helplessness in her eyes. Somewhere in me, I enjoyed her helplessness because I knew that Dev would never belief her false accusations anymore. Thank god I used Neha's name or else I would have been dead this moment itself.

She gave me a rude answer in front of Dev, which already was the first step for her destruction.

After Dev left me and Sonakshi alone, I looked at her with a smirk which irked her to the core. I liked it when she was irritated with me.

"So Sonakshi, happy to see me again?" I asked her when she came near me with boiling anger.

"How dare you! You coward... Dev believes you so much and yet you, ruined his happiness. Happy? Do I look happy from any angle? All I have for you is hatred. Leave this place before I throw you out like a street beggar!" she yelled in anger.

"Ohh come on. Chill Sonakshi. Whatever done has been done and now, there is no point shouting. If you try to even do a little harm to me, I can assure you that Dev will throw you out of his life and things will become easier for me......So just shut the f**k up!" I told her with equal density.

"Throw me out? Are you for real Nisha or wait Neha? What was the purpose of such a cheap lie? " she asked with her eyes burning in rage.

"Hmm... Simple darling. I love Dev!" I told her clearly.

There was a long silence. It was like as if she was trying to register my words in her brain. When she tried connecting the dots and realised what I actually meant, her eyes widened.

"Oh god... how cheap of you to say that? I can't believe that I trusted you... It was my fault. I should not have hidden anything from Dev. How cheap of you to say that you actually like him when you already know that he loves someone else? How low was it to use a beautiful relationship like 'sister' as a reason to separate us? Aren't you ashamed of yourself? You actually called him bhai when you spoke to me three years ago! Do you even remember? If you had really loved him, you should have said that straight on his face rather than back-stabbing him like this. He will never...... Never forgive you ever if he....knows...." Sona's voice broke and she looked helplessly at me.

This was the exact reaction I expected from her. But her acting didn't do anything to me. I enjoyed seeing the helpless look on her face. It just gave me a sadistic pleasure.

"Now listen carefully.... Better stay away from Dev and back away from this marriage before you destroy your own life in this adventurous journey!" I warned.

"What will you do if I don't?" she asked me with a straight face. I like that courage!

"Hahaha... Trust me. By the end, you will be forced to leave because everyone is on my side Sonakshi.... I have my mum with me. Your wonderful mother in law and the entire family is on my side. Even Dev believes me... But you? You are so pathetic that no one will be here for you even if you get through with this marriage successfully! So, to sum it all up, you are an one-women army" I laughed and blocked her way from leaving. Once she saw my hands, her posture straightened.

"Dev will be with me! I believe him with all my life........ So, just get lost!!" she said as she pushed me away. I was furious as I have never known she had so much willpower in her. But before I fell off to the ground, a strong pair of arms straightened around me.

When I turned, I realised god was great at the moment. It was none other than Dev, the person who I wanted to be there to witness this drama. I internally smirked as everything was going according to my plan.

Sona's POV

Crap! Why was Dev here suddenly? I was sure from the look on his face, he did not know what happened few minutes ago. He looked furious. Before I could go and save myself, I heard Nisha enacting her fake story to him.

"Dev... I was just asking her about her job and what she works as.... I don't know why... She suddenly became so aggressive." She said as my eyes widened. He quickly straightened her posture and gave her a side hug before looking at me.

Fires of fury and hatred were smouldering in the small narrowed eyes as he weighed the pros and cons of starting a fight in the middle of the hall. He quickly walked towards me and dragged me away from the place to where my parents were standing.

"Hi aunty. Hello uncle, would you mind if I drop Sona directly from my car while you guys go in the other car first?" he asked politely. His calmness caused a strange fear in my heart. This was not good at all.

When my parents agreed, he gave me a murderous look before walking away to his car. I followed him until the car and witness him smash the car door. By the way he closed the car doors with a bang, I knew that I was in trouble. Dev's anger never leads to anything good so far and this time, I wasn't sure where it was going to lead us.

"So, do you want to explain what was that about?" he asked not having an eye contact with me.

"Dev trust me... She was blocking my way. She was talking to me rudely and I didn't have a choice. You know about me na? I don't do this kind of aggressive acts and it's not even my character. But just now, her acts just forced me to do so Dev." I trailed, desperately wanting him to believe me.

He closed his eyes, trying to calm himself down. I could sense his inner battles inside him. If I was in his position, I wouldn't blame him for getting mad at me. Now I knew how dangerous his house was and every movement there has to be made very carefully.

"Sonakshi.... Whatever the argument was about, you shouldn't have pushed her. She is a close cousin and more like a best friend to me. If she is hurt, it hurts me too, especially when the reason is you." He paused before continuing.

"Sona, I don't want you to lose your control like this anymore!" he ordered and I just nodded at him. I didn't want to argue because I knew there was no point arguing over something which he had no clue about. If I had to tell him, I had to have some kind of proof and I needed time for that.

When his car reached near my house, I wanted to immediately leave. When I tried to open the door, I noticed that he had locked all of them. I looked at him with confusion. But to end that, he immediately pulled me by my wrists and the next thing I knew, he had slammed his lips to mine, nearly knocked all wind from my lungs.

Not innocently, like a tease but hot, fiery, passionate and demanding. I wanted to pull away before I lose myself but I can't seem to...In this minty moment, my senses have been seduced and I can no longer think straight. My arms reached up and tangled around his thick, strong neck.

I tried to pull away but he wasn't even willing to remove his lips for a minute. I felt all his anger and possessiveness through this kiss. It felt as though he was trying to convey his deepest feelings to me through his passionate actions.

Dev's kiss stole the words I needed to say. In that silence all of our secrets were laid bare, awakening all of our passions and the spark of love that existed between us. In that moment, in his love, I was strong. One kiss and I had the courage to do what had to be done.

Finally, he pulled away and looked into my eyes. I was still breathless and gasping for air while he traced my face with his forefinger. His hand reaches under my hair below my ear and caressed my cheeks. I was getting more nervous with his sensual looks.

I did not know why he had to do this all the time we were outside my house. My parents might have reached or may be reaching soon. Was he even worried about all these? When I felt my breaths falling short, I heard his husky voice sinking through my ears.

"Breathe sweetheart..." he said before releasing me from his punishing clutches.

*******************

Hello guys!! Those reading my story might wonder why Dev is so bipolar! Reason is he loves Sona too much that he can't even stay angry on her for too long. But do you think he will continue being this way when matters gets worse?

Precap : Nisha in Dev's office😈

*IMPORTANT*

For those who are confused over why first cousins can't marry, let me tell you that first cousin's marriages are very common in southern and some parts of northern India too. I have seen many marriages happening that way... it has happened to my friends and even family members. So I thought, why not write it?

Plus, Nisha and Dev share more of a friendly relationship than a sister-brother one so according to that, the attraction she felt towards Dev can be justified... But when attraction turns into obsession, it becomes fatal.

Plus, father's sisters are called mami in many places as well... There is no right or wrong answer for this as everywhere you find people calling them with different names😂

I hope I answered everyone's questions through this. It's a cultural difference thing!😊😊