Whispers....
That just won't stop....

"She's definitely a demon child..... Eating her grandparents from both her parents side as soon as she was born....and now, even her own father..... Poor Nagma! Had to lose her parents and even become a widow at the apex of her youth and has to take care of this demon girl....I pity the beautiful woman soo much.... her husband left behind all his property in her name.... she'll now become a bait to all the hungry wolves of the world....that brat should've never been born....a devil baby with a face of an Angel.....a cursed child indeed....no one will marry such a cursed child.... she'll just be a burden on her mother.... she'll even end up eating her own husband.... she's not even a boy to take over the company... anyone who marries her will only marry her for the company....demon child...."

Please stop....stop... please....no....

Zayaan's POV,
I quitely opened the bedroom door to check on Inarah. It's like I have a gut feeling whenever she's having nightmares or has trouble sleeping. This time too, I was right.

She was shivering and whimpering in her sleep. In the middle of a nightmare I suppose. It's been more than a week since our marriage and this is the 2nd time I'm seeing her like this. I walked in and laid in the bed beside her pulling her in my arms. Usually she calms down as soon as I do that....but not this time....she was crying even more with her eyes closed, like in a fit.

"Inarah.... Inarah wake up!" I shook her worried now.

She opened her eyes and my heart clenched seeing her in soo much agony. What did she even see? I began wiping her cheeks as my hands covered in her warm tears

"Am I really a cursed child?" She whimpered.

What?

"Everyone around me dies because I'm a demon child.... I should've....never been born...." She whispered choking.

"What nonsense Inarah.... that's not true!" I whispered.

She hid her face in my neck clutching my t-shirt.
"I'm soo sorry....you had to marry me....soo sorry...." And her voice died down as she fell asleep again.

I held her tighter in my arms carrasing her back.
You're not cursed my darling. You're an Angel who's tainted and cursed by a demon like me.

Marrying you was the best thing that ever happened to me.

I kissed her sweaty forehead. It's funny, I became soo uneasy and restless at just her mere presence around me but the only time I get a peaceful sleep is when she's in my arms....like this.

****
An urgent Extraordinary General Meeting of the Shareholders was being held with the objective of dismissing the CEO. He's trying to throw me off now huh?
This would be interesting....

"A CEO is the face of a company. Acting wildly without a conscience or without caring about his own reputation hampers the company's reputation as well. By acting in such a ridiculous manner of breaking a marriage of the future owner of the company by use of force and ammunition, attempting to induce fear among the people is an intolerable behaviour from a CEO of the Qureshi group. It's illegal and immoral, highly offensive!" Was announced.

"Mr Zayaan Hashmi, do you accept these charges?" The chairman questioned.

"Yes, I do." I answered.

"Would you like to speak something in your defence?"

I stood up buttoning my suit jacket. This was quite amusing actually... however, troublesome.

"All I did was to protect the future CEO and owner of the Qureshi group. My actions were solely based on the attempt to protect the company and it's future heir, that is Miss Inarah... no, pardon me,
Mrs Inarah Zayaan Hashmi.
If she would've married a man like that, not only her life but the company's life was in danger to. It's shareholders, employees would've all gone down the drain. I'm not the permanent CEO and my position here is just till the time my wife takes over what's rightfully her's. As for the reputation of the company after the incident, it's already been taken off. As you can see there was no sign of the incident anywhere across the media and there was no effect on the stocks either. Infact, there has been a consistent rise in our company's stock in the market."

I gestured my secretary and she handed over the reports to all the shareholders.

"But that doesn't deny the fact what you did was illegal." One of the shareholders said.
"Such a man is not fit to handle the company and must be dismissed immediately.
All in favour, please raise your hands."

And...he was the only one to raise his hand quite enthusiastically. A few hesitant hands raised too but, they were just a few, minor shareholders. I smirked.
I could see the chairman clenching his jaw across the table.

"Due to lack of votes, the dismissal of the CEO will be rejected." He announced glaring at me. I gave him a nod.

Ofcourse, no one would dare to go against me. I have dirt on almost each and everyone of those filthy rich bastards. From young mistresses to tax frauds, corruption, and what not. With a snap of my fingers I can ruin thier lives for good bringing them on the streets. And for setting a good example of it... I should take some minor action against that asshole who ran his mouth just now.

Next thing, I was invited by the chairman in his cabin.

"You look quite unhappy sir. Were you quite surprised Mr Chairman?" I asked him amused.

"Trying to steal both my daughter and the company....you won't get away with this Zayaan!" He grunted

I chuckled.
"Is that how lowly you think of me.... Father in law? If I want the company I don't have to play such cheap tricks for it, I can take over on my own accord...and we both know how capable I am of that?"

He glared at me.

"Now if you'll excuse me, I have a lot of work to be done...the company won't stay at the top on it's own right?" I smirked and strode out of the cabin leaving the chairman fuming in anger.

The company rightfully belongs to you and only you Inarah, no one else and I'll make sure of it.

Inarah's POV,
"Dad did what?!" I raged across the phone. They were trying to throw off Zayaan as the CEO, how could they?
Thank God he didn't get much votes supporting that decision. How would he even, everyone knows he's the best in the business. Even I have a lot to learn from him. And why wasn't I informed of this meeting? I'm one of the major shareholders of the company too after Dad, Mom and Zayaan.

I need to talk to my parents.

I waited in the living room for my husband to return and as soon as I heard the elevator door open I ran to him and hugged him tight.
"Welcome back love."

"Hey?!" He complained of course not hugging me back.

I rested my chin on his chest looking up at him grinning.
"Isn't it a good wife's responsibility to welcome her husband back home lovingly, so that as soon as he sees her all his fatigue goes away?"

He blinked at me. He's just soo cute sometimes. Almost irresistible...well, he's always irresistible.

"And it's also a husband's duty to reward his wife with a passionate kiss then." I puckered my lips at him playfully.

He chortled before pushing my head with his finger and walking past me. I huffed.
"Meany!" I called out behind him.

Zayaan's POV,
I shook my head at her cuteness as I entered my room. That did drove away all my fatigue. I can get use to it. I could feel her footsteps following behind me and I erased my smile immediately. I walked to the closet getting rid of my tie and Jacket while she sat on the edge of the bed behind me.

"I...uh...heard about today's meeting. I'm sorry, I never thought Mom and Dad would go that far." She sounded guilty

"Don't apologise. I knew it was coming and it's taken care of anyways." I said nonchalantly.

She let out a heavy sigh and fell back on the bed covering her eyes with her arm. The curve of her thin waist exposed by her saree showing her milky skin.

Her lips twitched in a smirk.
"Like what you see hubby? Wanna see more?" She cooed sliding her saree a bit more.

I immediately tore my eyes away from her. This girl!!!
"Not interested!" I said sternly.

I heard her giggle as she opened her eyes and sat up.
"Oh come on. Don't be such a sakht launda. It's no sin wanting to see your own wife a bit exposed." She winked.

I threw my coat on her face.
"Ouch hey!" She yelled angrily picking it and throwing it back at me.

She huffed fixing her hair. My cutie!
"Anyways! I was thinking about going back to my.... I mean my parents place for a few days. Maybe a week. Is that ok Zayaan?"

My heart skipped at her words.
She'd be away from me for that long? I won't be able to see her then?

"You know as a new bride I should visit my parents for a while. It's kinda tradition." She informed.

Stupid fucking traditions! Who made those?!

"It's your choice. You don't have to ask me." I said acting unfazed walking into my closet.

"Great! But I'll miss you though. I'll video call you everyday ok. So you better pick up." She warned with her finger.

"Whatever!" I said camouflaging the joy in my heart. Thankfully, she's acting like her usual self now. Not like last night.

Am I really a cursed child...
I should'nt have been born...
Sorry you had to marry me...

Why would she even say such things?!

Then I remembered...

"Inarah, follow me to the study." I said setting out.

"Huh? You wanna romance me in the study?" She made a face.

I turned back to glare at her but she just gave me a flying kiss. I shook my head and kept walking. She's a lost cause! I swear, sometimes I just wanna grab her and....bite all over that cute face of hers.

I took out the file from my drawer as she sat on my seat. I ignored it and handed her the file.

"What's this love?"

"Your Mahr. Sorry it took time." I said.

She blinked at me and opened the file.

"Hamidi constructions? What's thi...." Then she gasped loudly leaning forward from the chair in shock.

"Abid Hamidi? His construction company?! In my name?!" She almost screamed.

I nodded.

"Wait...why... how....what the...huh?!"

She blinked at me with her wide honey eyes.
"It's yours. Do whatever you want with it." I said leaning back on the table.

"But how did you? I mean.... it's the biggest construction company in Mumbai and....that guy didn't seem like he would sell his own company." She looked at me questioningly.

I just shrugged.
"I have my ways."

She again went through the papers in utter disbelief. Ofcourse I had to make that fucker pay one way or another. He dared to touch my Inarah...dared to lay his filthy hands on her, his filthy eyes on her.... I had to bring him on the streets by taking over his company and leaving him in shambles. Tsk! Wasn't easy thought, but I can do anything for my Love.

"Sign the papers now." I said handing her a pen.

She took it hesitantly still gaping at the papers.
"This isn't right." She leaned back throwing her pen. I frowned at her reaction.

"Why not?"

"Well, you know how much I hate those mergers and takeovers. Employees changing, system changing, people loosing thier jobs. Those employees have thier families to feed. I know Abid was a shitty person but....he was good with his work and..."

"No he wasn't Inarah. The only reason his company was at top because of all the bribes he took and gave to acquire the lands, you can't even imagine how much the innocent land owners have suffered thanks to him. He didn't pay the wages properly of the workers, the female employees and worker women were harassed by him and his engineers and managers...even the poor children of the workers were killed as sacrifice after every completion of the project. All hidden up perfectly by his connections." I said as my blood boiled in my veins.

She gasped with horror in her eyes. "The women and children....how could he?! That monster!"

"Exactly! By taking over we'll be doing a favor on all those people and I know for sure in your hands this company can see much better days. You can be a CEO that bastard could never be. Can you do that?" I said gently.

She sighed and gave me a smile. Then taking the pen signed the papers.
"I can...and I will!" She said with a firm resolve.

That's my girl!

She stood up in front of me and quickly kissed my cheek. Before I could even pretend to protest she wrapped her arms around my neck freezing me.
"You are a good man Zayaan. I don't care what the world thinks of you or what side of yourself you show to them. Because they haven't seen you from my eyes, for when they do, they'll realise what a gentle heart you have my love. As I see it everyday and I'm happy you only show this side to me or else everyone else will fall in love with you too and try to steal you away from me, and I won't like that at all. I Love you Zayaan and you'll always be My Prince Charming."

Her words made my eyes widen. Whenever she says something like that...my heart warms up and I feel alive again.
She got back with her arms still around my neck. Giving me her beautiful dimple smile.
"Thankyou for my Mahr. And thankyou for your faith in me... It would take some time, but I won't let you down."

I couldn't help but smile too and her cheeks flushed a shade of red.

"You shouldn't look soo hot when you smile. It's illegal." She winked.

And there's my flirty queen back. I shook my head and hit the side of her head gently as she giggled hitting my chest.
"You meany!"

****
Inarah's POV,
"I'm back!"
I announced as soon as I entered my house.

Mom came running towards me and pulled me into a tight hug. Even all the employees of the house lined up on either sides of the entrance to welcome me with huge smiles. I waved at them equally happy to see them all.
"Oh my baby! How are you? Are you alright my precious? Are you eating well? Come, I've arranged a feast for you!" Mom bombarded me with questions to which all I could do was keep nodding. She pulled me in by my waist and I completely forgot I was angry with her and Dad. He was again on a business trip abroad and baby bro was in school. I hope he gets surprised when he comes back home this afternoon from school.

I threw myself on my soft round bed rolling around. Oh how I missed it. There was a knock at my door.

"Come in~" I sang and it was the maids bringing in the rack of a fresh set of clothes.

I jumped off my bed and ran to hug them all.
"I missed you all!"

"We missed you too madam. The house feels soo lonely without you!" They said one after the other sobbing.

"Aww, don't cry. I'll be staying here for a few days." I said and they all smiled.

I changed and was called down for lunch. As I entered the dining hall Mom smiled at me and baby bro was sitting with his head down lost in his game. I told everyone not to tell him about me as I wanted to surprise him.

I tiptoed behind him and quickly wrapped him in a squeezy hug from behind giving long kisses on both his cheeks.
"Hey baby bro~ My koochi koo~"
I thought he would yell irritated as usual but instead he jumped of the chair and hugged me.

I looked at Mom shocked and she gave me a knowing look.
"Mom! It's a miracle!!! Take a picture quick!" I giggled.

"Di...where were you!" He yelled.

I ruffled his hair.
"Right here kiddo." He has his own way of worrying about me. He really did miss me huh. As a kid he wouldn't leave my side even for a second. Now, as he's growing up, sometimes he tries to act like a big brother. It's just soo adorable.

I hugged tighter his shaking figure getting a bit nostalgic myself. Home sweet home eh!

Zayaan's POV,
I slammed shut the file exhausted only to pick up another one. Just then my phone rang bringing a huge smile on my face. It was a video call from my darling wife. I quickly managed to erase my smile and answered it.

"Zayaan...." She squealed from across. I rolled my eyes.

"What?" I said bored.

She pouted making me bite my cheeks.
"How mean! Your new bride wasn't home the whole day and this is how you greet her. I'm offended hubby. You didn't even miss me huh?"

Didn't miss you?! Yeah right!

"Whatever!" I said.

She shook her and laid down on her pillow holding her phone up high....her cleavage showing. Oh God!

"Don't tell me you're still in your study. God! Zayaan! It's almost midnight. Did you even have dinner?"
She scolded.

"I...uh..." I looked at the time wincing.

"Tsk tsk! Seriously! You're a lost cause love. Work is important but soo is your health. I want my hubby to be healthy and sexy always."

I rolled my eyes.

And she rewarded me with a giggle.
"Btw, you won't believe what happened today. Emmad...my baby bro, he hugged me himself today after soo many years. Whoa!...." And she went on and on as I rested my chin on my palm listening to her melodious voice. The happiness in her voice was warming my heart although, it felt a bit empty that she wasn't beside me. The house felt empty without her too.
My Angel.

"Soo, hubby, you do miss me right?" She said in a seductive tone bitting her lip.

Fuck! Don't do that Inarah! I'd lose control.

"Why should I? I have more important things to do." I said plainly waiting for her reaction.

"You...." She huffed frowning.
"You're saying that now my darling but just you wait. Inarah Zayaan Hashmi challenges you that I Will make you fall madly in love with me soon enough. Wait and watch! I'm learning quite the tricks here." She winked.

"Go to sleep and keep dreaming." I said and she sticked her tongue out at me disconnecting the call.

No wait! Don't go! Damnit!

I sighed.
I've already fallen deeply in love with you since a long time my Inarah. How much deeper do you want me to fall? Have some mercy on my innocent heart!

I thought this happiness, these sweet moments would last forever, until...
My awful curse tried to catch up to her....