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Mythili's POV -

The next two weeks passed and sailed through extremely smoothly with the wedding preparations in full swing but Shivaay wasn't really being fair to me.

I had my finals next month, and with the wedding and office responsibilities, I was hardly getting any time to study. However, my husband was cutting me absolutely no slack at all.

Here I was, sitting at my desk, pretending to work, but in reality, I was just an exhausted chicken with my head buried in the files.

Then, Shivaay's PA walked towards me, demanding that I see him in his office in the next five minutes, leaving without even giving me a chance to speak.

I sighed, realizing that I couldn't escape this. Gathering my scattered files and papers, I made my way to Shivaay's office, hoping to talk to him about how he needs to stop.

Before entering, I hesitated, then lightly knocked on the door. A muffled "Come in" allowed for my entry, and as I stepped in, I found him engrossed in a phone call, his back facing me.

The charcoal grey fabric hugged his broad shoulders, tailored to perfection as I took a seat waiting for him to finish whatever call her was on while I tapped my legs against the carpet on the floor impatiently.

It took him about ten minutes before he was done talking and then turned towards me, his face softening.

" You asked for me?" I looked at him waiting for some more work thrown at me, blinking bored.

" Mrs. Rathore that look of disinterest you are currently throwing my way is not settling well with me. I think you need to be reminded that this is your husband right here and not just your boss." His voice carried a hint of tease on his otherwise straight face which just made a shiver run down my spine while he continued to stand there, his eyes completely focused on me.

I blinked at his raw brashness a couple of times before heat rose up my cheeks.

" Here, you are my boss and boss only, Mr. Rathore. I am here to work, remember?" I cleared my throat before speaking, now trying to match his captivating gaze even though everything within me seemed like it would melt if he continues to look at me the way he was.

As I continued to stare at him, challenging his statement, Shivaay's lips curled into a playful smirk. He leaned against his desk, crossing his arms over his chest, and raised an eyebrow in response to my assertion.

Is that so?" he replied, his tone continuing to hold that mischievous undertone. "Well then, Mrs. Rathore, if you insist that this is a professional setting, let's talk about your recent performance."

I shifted uncomfortably in my seat, feeling the weight of his gaze on me. "Performance? I've been managing everything quite efficiently, considering the circumstances." I retorted, a hint of frustration in my voice.

I don't know where this frustration was coming and Shivaay hadn't really done anything to deserve this but it was still there.

"What is going on Mythili? I was trying to get you to loosen up a bit. There is absolutely no fault in your work."  His playful demeanor shifted to one of concern, and in an instant, he was on his knees before me, gently taking my hands in his, which rested in my lap.

"Nothing I....I am sorry. I don't know, I just overreacted." I stammered, taking a deep breath in an attempt to regain composure. My emotions were in disarray, running wild and untamed.

He looked like he just heard a lot of nonsense come out of my mouth and his eyes narrowed slightly, fixing on me. Despite my feeble attempt to withdraw my hands, he steadfastly held onto them, refusing to let go.

"What is it that you're not sharing with me, Mythili? Or perhaps, there is something I am overlooking. Your burdens are mine to bear Love, but sometimes I may fail to figure them out and when that happens, I would need your help just like I need it today." His words rang into my ears and my breathe hitched as I looked at him, that frustration slowly melting into gratitude for him.

"Shivaay, I swear I am fine. I think I just need to get home a little early today and I am dragging you with me." I said with a small smile when it hit me, he was more overworked than I was and yet here he was, trying to pacify me while I was being a baby about it and anyway, today was the last day we were working before the wedding.

He had a lot more responsibilities than I did and there was no way I was adding more to it instead of sharing it and to top it all, his dad and my family were in no way behind in creating more trouble, all of which he was handling on his own.

"I have a meeting in an hour and after that, we can leave." He didn't object to suggestion for which I was thankful before he stood back on his feet.

"I know that there is something you are not telling me but I am holding onto this trust that you will to come to me if something gets too much for you." He said as I gave him a nod in agreement before standing and getting to leave but he simply held me back once again, this time blocking me from moving out by standing in front of me. He matched every step of mine towards the door with his, blocking my way.

"Shivaay!" I murmured looking up at him but there was a small smile playing on his lips.

"Where do you think you're going Mrs. Rathore? I asked for you because I want you here."

"Don't you have a meeting that...?" I began to speak, but before I could finish, he simply scooped me into his arms, eliciting a surprised gasp from me.

"Meetings can wait." he whispered with a mischievous glint in his eyes. Before I could protest or fully comprehend what was happening, he carried me back to the chair, where he sat down with me on his lap.

"Now, where were we?" he asked, a playful smirk on his face as he held me close while my hands were still wrapped around his neck.

"Shivaay! We're at work, will you please..." I wasn't allowed to complete my sentence as I felt the tender touch of his lips on my neck. A soft gasp escaped me again, and I felt a delightful shiver run down my spine.

"Everything else can wait, Mythili. My world revolves around you and I think you need to be reminded of that. " He declared with a sincerity that washed away any resistance rising within me before his lips were on mine.

His touch was soft at first but as the kiss deepened, the intensity surged and I felt myself melting into his touch as his hands, warm and possessive, cradled my face while mine tugged instinctively found their way into his hair, fingers entwining in the soft strands.

As we parted, a breathless quiet enveloped us. His eyes held mine and all I could do was close my eyes and rest my head on his chest, listening to his heartbeat as Shivaay's chest rose and fell in sync with my own breaths while he traced patterns on my wrist.

"I really wish you'd worn a skirt today, Love. There's so much more I could have done to you to make you sigh and whimper my name." For a whole five seconds, I attempted to process those words, each replaying in my mind and when realisation finally dawned, I gazed at him, my eyes wide open in astonishment and shock while he looked like there was nothing remotely unusual to what he had just said.

"I can't believe you just said that!! Get that mind out of the gutter Mr. Rathore." I don't think my face had ever been so red before today, which is saying something considering that there was almost nothing he hadn't done to me.

I then pulled myself away from him, standing up while shooting glares at my husband while all he did was laugh at my reaction while I brushed off imaginary dirt off myself before giving my hair a flip and walking out of his office as fast as I could before he had a chance to stop me again.

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Once back at home before even if was four in the afternoon, which was a welcomed surprise by everyone else, Anamika, Nupur and I were finalising the floral decorations while Shivaay had taken Maa, Baba and Cooper out for some fresh air. Snowflake was right here beside me, meowing and purring in appreciation at the pictures.

"I think the red roses, marigolds with gold-toned gerbera daisies and jasmine strings. Perfect for a day wedding." Nupur said, pointing at the screen and Anamika was on-board.

"I agree, we can also request those Rajnigandhas for the smell. Yeah?" I suggested and they agreed in a second.

"Finally, we are all done with the arrangement decisions. I will call up the mehendi artist now and remind her of the booking too in a while. Now what is the status of both of your outfits?" I asked again making a note of these small little details in my notepad.

"All done." Anamika replied and I nodded, they both had made each other's dresses from scratch and god were they gorgeous. They were also insisting to make all ours too but Maa strictly forbade them. Now we didn't want the brides to be overburdened, did we?

"Oh my God I am so excited!! You two of getting married in four days!" I hugged them as they shrieked in excitement but there was a gripping fear within me.

That of Anamika and Shivaay's father. He still hadn't made an appearance yet but he wasn't going to let things go as smooth as we had planned. His was cruel and evil.

I tried my best to shake off the uneasy feeling, focusing on the joy reflected in Anamika's and Nupur's eyes. Their love was so evident and I couldn't let the looming presence of a troubled past overshadow the happiness of the present moment.

"Okay girls now before Maa comes back and gets some boring dinner cooked, let's order some pizza for all of us." Anamika said, standing up with her phone and ordered 2 large pizza's for three girls because Maa, Baba and Shivaay were never going to eat it but who among us three would so no to the za? That's just criminal.

"Okay, I am going to go and give a reminder call to the Mehendi artist, take a shower and get back. Till then just decide a nice movie to watch and it should be Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone." I said and they laughed before I left them alone.

After a quick shower, I found myself in pyjamas and hopping down the stairs to get to the pizza as quick as I could but of course My foot caught onto the edge of the carpet, sending me sprawling onto the floor with an undignified thud.

"Ouch," escaped my lips as I found myself sprawled on the floor. Before I could gather my wits and attempt to regain my footing, I noticed a strong arm extended towards me. Looking up, I found Shivaay, wearing an expression that seemed to say there-is-nothing-in-this-world-she-won't-trip-over." Sheepishly, I grinned and accepted his offered hand.

With a gentle yet firm pull, he effortlessly hoisted me back on my feet.

"Do I even want to know how this happened?" He asked with a sigh and I grinned.

"Pizza and Harry Potter." Was my reply and he looked like he was this close to banning that combination in this house.

But he wouldn't dare.

"Snowflake is waiting for her dinner Shivaay, you have done some kaala-jaadu on her. She won't eat when I give her food!" I said, suddenly remembering how obsessed my cat is with my husband.

He nodded muttering something about how he had already warned me that she was my cat and I had to do all her work but it was him taking care of the little furrball but then again, he didn't say that explicitly when keeps me out of a problem.

After that, the girls and I were up till like 2 having a semi marathon of the movies before they were too tired. Well I was too tired too and that's why I decided to just crash on the sofa instead of climbing so many stairs back to the bedroom and closed my eyes.

I don't think it had been more than ten minutes when I found myself shifting before being raised up and my eyes flung open. Of course it was Shivaay.

"The couch was so comfortable." I sleepily muttered, snuggling into his chest.

"Well too bad Mythili. My bed is the only place where you belong, right in my arms." His words rang in my ears and I hummed softly in response half asleep as he carried me to our bedroom.

I mumbled a drowsy "I love you" as he covered me with the comforter before brushing a strand of hair away from my face and pecked my forehead  before letting me succumb to the arms of sleep.

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The next day passed by so quickly with all the preparations and today was their Mehendi Ceremony and currently, I was helping Maa get ready.

"Maa this necklace goes beautifully with your saree. See?" I said, putting it on and she gave me a smile.

"Mythili beta you have helped me get ready and now I am. Will you please go and get yourself ready for the function too? The guests will start to arrive soon and you are roaming around like this, in a nightsuit." Maa teased and I pouted before she finally pushed me out of the room and I went to check on Baba who was chilling with my friends.

Yes. Amrita, Hritik and Viraj were already here. They were helping out.

"Well Baba see, this is how you serve." Viraj said, showing him how to play tennis on the computer. They all were ready and chilling.

"M, is this is what you're planning to wear? Nice though." Hritik teased me and I rolled my eyes, walking inside.

"Baba did you take your medicines?" I asked him and he nodded, too distracted playing the game.

I double checked with his medicine supplies and yes, he had been given them, probably Shivaay.

"M, go and get ready. We are here with Baba." Amrita said and I then nodded at her, making way to the room where Shivaay was already standing all ready and extremely hot in cream - coloured kurta which made me smile like a smitten fool.

I walked to stand in front of him, and his lips curved into a smile upon seeing me. I went up on my heels, adjusting the collar of his kurta while he wrapped his arms around my waist.

"How am I supposed to take my eyes off you?" I ask him, still holding on to his collar.

Upon hearing my words, he chuckled.

"Are you flirting with me Mythili?" He asked, his voice laced with a teasing note and I smiled.

"Well, if I am, Mr. Rathore, would you mind terribly?" I teased back, my voice a soft whisper.

"Never in the least. But as much as I want you right here with me, you should get ready or my sister will probably kill me for holding you back." He said and I laughed, agreeing.

He went downstairs to look after things while I quickly finished getting ready in a blush pink saree with a pair of earrings, did some make-up and made way to the hall where the ceremony was taking place. The artists, a lot of the guests had already come and with those guests, I found a face, a really really unpleasant person I didn't want to ever see, make his way towards were Maa and Shivaay were standing, talking to the guests.

Please God, not this please, was all I could pray before rushing to stop him but I wasn't nearly quick enough, unfortunately.

"I did warn you Shivaay, I will not let my daughter taint my name by committing this sin. This wedding will not take place under my watch." His hateful voice rang around the hall as all the guests turned around to look at my so called father-in-law who was here despite Shivaay warning him to stay away.

My eyes travelled from him to Shivaay whose fists were clutched tightly and the muscle in his jaw twitching while I rushed to Maa who had begun to shake like a leaf, looking at the disgraceful man in front of her.

"Maa, Maa please it'll be okay. He won't be able to touch another hair on your hair now. You have your family with you. Please Maa." I tried telling her as I pulled her by my side, holding her protectively.

"You dare stand in my home and speak to me like that? You had some audacity coming here in front of my mother today Mr. Malhotra. It took me two days to destroy you multiple businesses, didn't it? Now watch me destroy your life. As far as my sister is concerned, it's her life and happiness. She will get the world she deserves and more and if you as much as sprawl your filth here, you will regret it to no length. There is nothing I will not do for my family and speak another word if you are up for that challenge. " Shivaay spoke in the calmest manner that he could, taking two steps ahead of where we were standing, just like our protective shield that he had always been.

Anamika and Nupur too came by Maa's side while I stood made my way towards my husband, standing beside him shoulder-to-shoulder.

Shivaay's Look -

Mythili's Look -

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