It was two hours since they were at the boutique and Dev was still not satisfied with the designs shown by the salesperson. He was very picky and particular when it came to choosing things for Sonakshi. He spent so much time at every single place; From the jewel stores to choosing the invitations, he had spent so much of precious time. Sona never knew this side of Dev existed. She had no choice but to give in to all his craziness as she knew how much all these were important to him.

Sona's POV

Dev was such a girl when it came to choosing clothes. But I had to agree, that his choices were always the best! He showed me a wide range of designer clothes to choose from, but they were all too expensive. Whenever I got worried about the price, he would just give me a glare and I would stop worrying and just choose whatever he offered me.

I noticed that Dev had something for the colour white and red. He somewhat loved those two colours. All his selections were trendy and beautiful. He took one of the long white dress and handed over to me to try it. Without any protest, I went towards the dressing room and tried the dress.

No doubt, it was really beautiful and elegant. For the first time, I actually admired myself in that dress. Before Dev could knock the door, I immediately changed back and went to meet him outside. Seeing me coming out with my normal clothes, he frowned.

"Sonakshi.... What happened? You didn't like it?" he asked.

"I tried it and I like it a lot!!" I told him, forwarding the dress towards him. He looked at me with confusion and waited for my explanation.

"Why didn't you wear it? I thought you would let me see-"

"Dev! You should only see me in this during the Sangeet, so that it would be a surprise! Not now...so go!" I told him while he sulked and threw lots of tantrums. But as usual, after a while he decided to give in and paid for the dress before we left the store.

For the first time, we actually enjoyed a date properly. It was a long time since we came out as a couple, went shopping, ate lunch and had normal conversations without involving our pasts or having any arguments. I liked this side of Dev where he showed me how protective and caring he was. His love and care just made me fall for him all the more. Moreover, I realised how happy he was when I allowed him to pamper me...

At first, I thought that it was his male ego hurting him when I refused to use his money. But later on, I realised that his happiness was derived from little things such as buying me things and making me happy. Buying me things with his money made him feel like I belonged to him...or that's what he said all the time. For once, I didn't want to deny his happiness and I allowed him to do whatever he wished.

Few days passed and our Sangeet ceremony was around the corners.

It was a hard time for Dev to manage his family and business at the same time. Since Nisha was working with him now, I hardly managed to catch a glimpse of him at work. He promised me to meet me often but I knew how hard he was trying to finish his work within a short span of time. Especially when he had taken a long leave after our marriage.

Nisha had stopped bothering me after that day in the office. Despite my nervousness about his mad family, Neha and Jay uncle always made me feel welcomed there. They even visited baba a few times after his return from the hospital. Baba was feeling better after his surgery and started working for my marriage even after advising him to rest.

As for Dev, he was back to his extremely cheesy mode. He would just stay all night and talk to me over the phone about his plans after the marriage. I couldn't deny that I wasn't excited. But Dev's enthusiasm was over the top!

It became a routine for him to pick me up and drop me back home. His gestures and hugs became too sensual as I could pick up the naughty signals which he was sending me secretly every moment he got. Although I tried to ignore it, I couldn't help my face turning red every now and then.

As for the Dixit ladies, they were mysterious. They stopped nagging Dev and were now acting like they were pleased with his decision. Nisha was helping Dev in all his marriage works. This act of hers, kept me even more suspicious. I needed to know what she was planning. She was a horrible person. No doubt. There was no chance of her turning into a good person overnight and these acts were all a complete bullshit!

Days passed quickly and finally it was my Sangeet! Dev made almost thirty calls to my house, ensuring all the preparations were done. Damn! Such an excited kid he was!

I left home and informed Jatin to reach Dev's place straight as my close relatives came over to my house and accompanied me to there. I was freaking nervous and Dev was making it difficult for me by demanding selfies all the time. Annoyed by his messages, I switched off my phone in the car and headed to my future in-law's place.

Dev's POV

I was getting so restless. Who said guys always had to be cool? Sonakshi refused to even grant me a glimpse of her in the dress. No doubt, I was an impatient man. I descended down the stairs and greeted all the guest. The hall was decorated with white and pink flowers while Jatin made his entrance with a wide grin!

He rushed up to me and gave me a hard punch before pulling me into a hug. He and his stupid ways of congratulating me just made me roll my eyes! Pooja entered behind and gave me a hug. I quickly took Ayaan from her arms and kissed him. While I was playing with that kid, Jatin came and told me that Sonakshi's family was here.

My mum quickly instructed me to get seated while the rest of them went outside to welcome Sonakshi's family. Finally, the wait was over as the music started to play.

The minute I saw Sonakshi entering the hall, I froze.

With loosened black hair and her head held high, she waltzed on with an effortless saunter. The clicking of her heels added rhythm to the soft classical music that played onward without pause. Her eyes scanned the room with determination in search of someone and when her eyes met mine she smiled which immediately turned to a blush. Her smile was so beautiful like the stars themselves, decided to rest behind the soft cushion of her lips.

I could just stare at her the whole day. The creamy sheets of the silk dress slipped onto her shoulders, peppering her body with soft, sensual kisses. It truly was a surprise to me to see her in that dress. Definitely it was worth the wait. She walked gracefully and stood beside me with a shy smile.

Sona's POV

When I entered the hall, I could see a very smitten Dev staring at me with wide eyes. I couldn't contain my happiness and I walked towards him. No doubt he was looking dashing as always.

Eventually my eyes took hold of the surrounding and finally settled at Nisha who was looking least interested in the function. In order to divert my mind, I turned away to face Dev who just kept staring at me, making me feel conscious of the surrounding.

Without any warning, he kneeled down on his knees almost giving me a heart attack. Oh no Dev!

"Hey beautiful, for the first time in my life I feel so jealous of myself because I am getting to marry the most gorgeous woman in the world. So beautiful in and out. I might not have done a proper dreamy proposal but this is the guy whom you will be seeing for the rest of your life. Not so dreamy but definitely loving. You taught me the real meaning of love. So, to the love of my life.... Will you marry me?" he asked and my heartbeat skyrocketed, causing me to blush furiously.

"Yes..." I smiled and nodded my head almost instantly. The crowd erupted in cheers as Dev pulled me in a hug, soothing my nervousness. The proposal was so unexpected. Simple but extremely sweet.

*End of POV*

Nisha and Ishwari were fuming at the side while Radharani was busy at the kitchen preparing 'Badam' milk for Sonakshi. Nisha just couldn't hold her anger inside her. She wished that she could kill Sonakshi at that moment itself. She couldn't understand why Dev was so attracted to her despite Sona being such a low-class person. Nisha felt that she had everything, compared to Sonakshi. Education, beauty, wealth and love for Dev. 'So why Sonakshi?' she thought.

When the milk was placed in the tray, Ishwari took the milk and fed Sonakshi while informing that it was a ritual to do that. Without any hesitation, Sonakshi drank the contents in the glass and gave a warm smile to Ishwari who did not even hold any eye contact with her.

Sonakshi was already expecting a cold behaviour from Ishwari, so she just decided to ignore the awkwardness and enjoy the dance performances planned by their friends and relatives.

After some time, she felt an extreme pain on her lower abdomen. It almost felt like someone was punching her constantly without a break. She tried hard to sit down straight but she couldn't act anymore. Sonakshi tried hard to keep her face under control but the pain was getting unbearable every second.

Dev who noticed her face losing its colours, got worried and asked her what was wrong. But Sonakshi being the strong woman she was, told him that she was fine. When time passed, Dev forwarded his hands towards Sonakshi and called her for a dance. This time her face totally lost its colours.

She looked around and spotted Nisha who was holding a knowing smile. She raised her eyebrows and gave an evil smile, indicating how she spoilt her Sangeet successfully! Sona's eyes widened in realisation that the reason behind her stomach upset was Nisha and her family. Maybe Ishwari too?

She quickly masked her pain with a weak smile and forwarded her hands to Dev. She was determined to show Nisha that she wasn't weak and she was strong enough to handle all the pain till the marriage. She gave a helpless look to Pooja, who could already sense something wrong with the situation.

Neha took the couple along and made them stand at the centre of the hall. The crowd surrounded them making Sonakshi even more nervous. She knew she couldn't do this but yet she kept telling herself to give it a try.

Soon the song started playing and the crowd silenced. Dev faced Sonakshi and pulled her closer to him. Nisha started to burn in jealousy when she realised that her plan totally got spoilt.

"Make the dance a short one Dev... I can't keep up." Sona whispered while Dev looked at her with worried expressions.

"What's wrong?" he asked as she gulped still suffering from the hammering pain. She badly wanted to curl up into a foetal position.

"I.............am.......not very well............ Dev..." she spoke trying to inhale a deep breath.

Dev placed his hands on her waist while she moved her hands from his chest towards his shoulders.

"Breathe love..." he whispered as she felt a bit better by just having him close.

Dev's other hand, held Sonakshi's while he started moving to the song playing behind. In between the song, he sensed her fisting her hands in his collars while her eyes shut in deep pain. She tried to smile at him but ended up giving a pleading look as if asking him for help. Dev knew that she wasn't well and wanted to end the dance immediately.

So, he immediately twirled her and ended their dance on a smooth note. He took Sonakshi back to her seat but instead of following him, Sona excused herself and told Dev that she wanted to use the washroom. Giving her a gentle nod, he went towards Pooja and asked her to follow Sonakshi.

Sonakshi walked towards Dev's room as all the other rooms were occupied with guests. Once she reached she rushed towards the washroom. She stumbled to the corner of the toilet, and with each step her stomach tightened and ached all the more. She kept swallowing, and her throat kept clenching, but no matter what she could not stop the warm feeling rising through her chest. Then she could taste it at the back of her mouth.

Without warning she buckled over and felt her stomach flipping upside down. A warm, clouded, cream coloured liquid spilled from her mouth, and sizzled as it splashed over the sink.

Before she could completely faint Pooja held her from her waist and helped her balance from behind. Sonakshi had no idea when Pooja came, but she was so exhausted that she wasn't even paying attention to her surroundings. She cleaned the place but again, her stomach began to contract violently and she puked again. Pooja was horrified. She didn't know how to make Sonakshi feel better. Her Sangeet was going on downstairs and here, Sonakshi was on the edge of passing out.

After throwing up three times, Sonakshi felt extremely weak and sick. She shivered violently in the humid room. Now that her stomach had stopped lurching she merely felt bruised inside. After cleaning up, she entered the room and sat on the cold floor, looking at Pooja helplessly.

"Sona, let me ask Jatin to get some medicines. I am sure you will be fine..." Pooja consoled as Sonakshi shook her head in defeat.

"This is all their work Pooja.... All theirs." She said as she let the tears roll from her eyes. She looked so broken and torn.

Suddenly Dev barged into the room and was appalled to see Sonakshi curled up on the floor while Pooja stood there, confused on what to tell Dev. Dev motioned Pooja to leave as he would take care of Sonakshi. Reluctantly, Pooja left the room making a mental note to inform Jatin about everything.

Sonakshi wiped her tears as she didn't want Dev to think of her as his 'cry baby' again. She sat straight and looked at him while he settled beside her. He sat closely as his breath hit her neck. She gulped and looked at him while he was waiting for her to speak first.

"Dev...... my stomach hurts... I don't know but-" before she could continue Dev put his fingers on her lips.

"Shhh....I know. Why didn't you tell me you weren't feeling well. I would have cancelled the Sangeet you know. You didn't have to do this Sonakshi..." he asked with a worried tone.

"Dev... I was fine till I came here. It was only after drinking the milk." she paused as Dev looked at her with shock.

"Are you trying to say that you got food poisoning by the milk?" he asked with a stern tone. Sonakshi knew that the conversation was not going to be a good one but she had no choice. She wanted to tell him the truth.

"Dev....I didn't mean that. I just don't know" she sighed and gave up as she rested her head against the wall.

Few minutes of silence passed by before she spoke again.

"Dev ....I am sorry. The Sangeet is spoilt because of me... I am such a failure!" she spoke as her voice choked and her eyes became blur due to her tears.

"Come on now! Don't call yourself like that! This is not just my Sangeet. It's ours!" he chuckled as Sonakshi stared at him with disbelief. He stood up immediately and gently scooped her from the floor. Carrying her to his bed, he made her lay on the soft mattress. Sonakshi was still in a daze.

His hands moved towards her stomach and caressed her slowly while her breathing got hitched. She felt as if all her weakness just disappeared with his not-so-innocent touches. His other hand held hers as he traced her ring lovingly.

"How are you feeling now?" he asked as his eyes never left her face.

"Better......Dev..." she breathed as just his touch caused every ounce of oxygen to leave her lungs.

"Hmm.." he hummed as he moved his face closer to hers. His fingers which were caressing her stomach slide towards her waist and held her firmly.

"What are you doing?" she asked trying to sound strong and not to give in to his actions.

"Doing what I have been waiting to do the whole evening...." He whispered huskily while his face nuzzled in her neck. She tilted her face up to give him more access while he started placing small kisses all the way up her throat to her jaw.

"Dev....." she moaned as he continued his tortures.

His hands moved up and down her sides, feeling her curves while Sonakshi's hand wrapped around his neck and supported herself in their heated romance. She could feel his hands trying to move the sleeve down her shoulder. But since the material was strong and tight-fitted, he failed to do so.

"I hate it when this dress doesn't allow me to feel your skin..." he whined as he bit slightly on whatever skin that was visible near her neck, making her moan loudly.

"Dev no hickeys please... I don't want to go down and answer your relatives anything." she said immediately pulling herself away from him but Dev was hell bent on marking her. He pulled her towards him while she kept fighting him.

Eventually both of them landed on the bed again with Dev on top and Sonakshi struggling below. Sona's blush seared through her cheeks and for a minute she thought her face was on fire. The feeling of lying down in Dev's bed, inside his room, with him on top of her made her feel so dizzy with pleasure and embarrassment.

Understanding her shyness his hands started roaming towards her hips and drew patterns on her forbidden corners. He parted her legs and settled himself in between. Sensually he started move his hips on her while his eyes never left her face. She was so lost in the moment that she forgot that the door wasn't even locked. Sona's eyes darted towards the entrance and she saw the door slowly opening. Nisha tried to get inside, but after seeing the bed, she stood frozen on her spot.

Sonakshi smirked internally as she didn't want Dev to stop now. She wanted Nisha to feel horrible just like how she felt, minutes ago. So, she pulled Dev closer and slowly kissed his neck making him growl loudly. His legs interlocked with hers and he peppered kisses down her jaw.

"Sonakshi..." he groaned as he heard her breathing become deeper. Her posture altered, yet she stayed close. Starting at her ankle, he allowed his hands to touch her gently, slowly moving her dress up to her knees and then pausing for her reaction.

Sona felt her back arch in anticipation, knowing where his fingers will soon reach. Her head rocked back against the pillow and he kissed her near her cleavage. The first moan escaped her lips. Before he could proceed lower, Sonakshi grabbed his face and slammed her lips on his, pouring all her possessiveness and love towards him.

Seeing their intense make out, Nisha's burning rage hissed through her body like deathly poison, screeching a demanded release in the form of unwanted violence. Stomping out of the room with burning rage, she hit the vase which was nearby the room to break the couple's intimate moment. But to her horror, she could still hear the moaning and groaning coming from the room inside. The couple were too caught up in their act that they did not even hear the sound outside. Clutching her ears tightly she stormed away from the place after taking a final glance at Sonakshi.

Satisfied with her reaction, Sonakshi stopped and tried to pull away. But Dev was still not ready to leave her. Sona knew that he wouldn't stop his tortures till he was satisfied. Moreover, his looks suggested that his intentions were way more intense than whatever he was doing now. She slowly held his arms and sighed. She had no choice. She had to do this...

"Dev...I am still feeling pain..." she whispered and Dev's eyes widened.

"Oh Shit!! I am sorry..." he panicked. Immediately leaving the bed, he caressed her cheeks. His face instantly changed from mischievous to concern. Sona regretted lying but she knew that he wouldn't stop if she didn't say this.

"Did I hurt you? Shit I didn't know what I was thinking... Is it still paining a lot?" he asked with concern while she just shook her head in denial.

"Nope you didn't hurt me at all Dev..." she said smiling at him.

He pulled her into a bear hug and whispered,

"Did I tell you how beautiful you are looking today?" he asked while Sona looked at his face in awe. Dev traced circles in her arms and kissed her forehead.

"No..."

"You make this dress look so beautiful Sonakshi....." he replied making her heart skip a beat. Sonakshi was completely smitten as she looked at Dev with so many emotions. Her eyes wandered along his perfect facial features to his kissable lips. She regretted changing her mind for once. Her gaze never left his until he cleared his throat.

"Don't look at me like that!" he chuckled.

"Look at you like what?" she replied still staring at his face.

"Like....you want me to take you to bed right now." he whispered huskily as Sona gasped, audible enough for Dev to hear.

"Dev..."

"Are you okay now, Sonakshi?"

"I am fine Dev... Just a little weakness! I am sure people are waiting for us downstairs. We should leave now..." she suggested and he just nodded with a weak smile.

----------------------

The Sangeet went as usual. Sonakshi was feeling slightly better. The performances were a treat to watch. Guests were busy having their dinner and their families were having fun chatting. Only Ishwari, Radharani and Nisha seemed to be the odd ones out.

Sonakshi's parents were concerned about their daughter, until they saw her coming out with Dev. Dev explained to them that Sona wasn't too well and informed that he would bring her to a hospital nearby to get her checked. After they agreed he left the house with Sona after informing Ishwari and Jay. Although Ishwari was not happy with Dev going out with Sonakshi at night, she had no choice but to agree in front of all the family members.

----------------------

"Dev....you can leave now. Your parents might be worried. Plus, Jatin and Pooja said they will be here anytime. They can drop me home!" Sonakshi said for the nth time but Dev was hell-bent on staying with her in the hospital till her results came.

"I am your soon-to be husband Sonakshi. I don't want anyone taking my place here! So, I would appreciate if you just keep your mouth shut for once! Got it?" he snapped as Sonakshi instantly kept silent. She knew anything she said after that wouldn't make sense to her soon-to-be-husband! She mentally rolled her eyes.

Finally, Elena and Pooja came and they offered to send Sonakshi home while Jatin decided to just stay with Dev for some time. When they were about to leave, Dev pulled Sona and gave her a warm hug.

"I am sorry darling... I was just annoyed at my own self. I didn't mean to snap at you like that. Take good rest, okay? I love you..." he said as he pressed a small kiss on her hair. Sonakshi just couldn't believe he just displayed his PDA in front of their friends.

After some time, Dev was called by the doctor to the room.

"Hi Mr Dixit. I just received Ms Sonakshi's reports. Her reports clearly states that her food was spiked with some drugs which causes extreme stomach burns and food poisoning. I have given her the necessary medications. Just focus on giving her simple food items for the next few days. Spicy food may cause severe damage and ulcers inside her stomach." the doctor spoke in a worried tone while Dev became suspicious.

"Hmm... Doctor... Could it be anything she ate few days back?" Dev asked, just to clear his doubts again.

"No Mr Dixit... Food poisoning reacts approximately about one to two hours after the food is consumed. As for this drug in particular, it's extremely reactive. It could have reacted even faster." The doctor explained while Dev felt as though he was living in his own nightmares. He recalled the conversation he had with Sonakshi.

"Dev....I was fine till I came here... It was only after drinking the milk.."

"Are you trying to say that you got food poisoned by the milk?"

"Dev....I didn't mean that! I...just don't know" she sighed

He was extremely furious. He quickly went called his house and enquired about who provided Sonakshi with the milk. Radharani answered the phone and lied that an old lady among their relatives was the one who prepared the milk. Dev asked his mami to call that old lady and report her to the police as this act could have harmed Sona's life!

Radharani was just stoned in her place as she knew that now, she was completely in trouble. She mumbled a weak 'ok' to Dev before putting down the phone.

Dev drove back home in a pissed-off state while Jatin tried to calm him down. By now, Jatin knew who could have done all these. But he wanted Dev to find out on his own instead of others telling him.

"Jatin..." Dev spoke.

"Hmm?" Jatin hummed.

"I have a feeling Sonakshi is hiding too many things from me...."

"Why do you say so?" Jatin asked completely taken aback by Dev's sudden confession.

"I don't know why... But I feel like she is not willing to tell me anything. Today when she told me about her stomach pain, she didn't have any eye contact with me. Even a few days back when she told me about her back pain, she didn't look into my eyes. I knew she was lying about falling down, but I didn't ask her anything because I did not want her to feel stressed over things. But today, when she told me, she hesitated to even speak about it fully...." He stated making Jatin smile. Jatin knew how much Dev observed little things about Sona.

"Dev.... Are you trying to say that she is lying to you?" he asked.

"Not completely lie... But I just think she tells me only half the story..."

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

DANG DANG DANG!!!!

That was an extremely long chapter guys!!!

Precap: Mehendi night!!