Roshini's PoV

Finally the day I was waiting for is here. Sunday. Reyhaan would get engaged with some another girl today at his home. And I would become a closed chapter in his life forever. Not before I get answers for all my questions. That's why I decided to attend the party his mom has invited us.

I don't know what is the truth. But I won't believe that he betrayed me until I see him with another girl. If I have to see that today even after giving all my love to him, that would be the end of trust in my life. I wouldn't trust anyone hereafter. And yes, Roshni wouldn't be in Reyhaan's life thereafter.

I took the cover out that I was hiding under my bed. I opened it and unpacked the red salwar that he has bought for me. I can't believe that I was saving this all these while finally to wear in this occasion. I quickly changed into the new salwar and glanced at the ring one last time.

"Reyhaan, I trust you. I haven't asked for anything in my life except you. You are the one who taught me to love. You made me fall in love with you. Now you can't snatch everything away from me that you only given me."

I looked at the mirror once before coming out of the room. For my luck, my family had already left a few minutes ago. Thank god. Atleast I don't have to answer them now. I decided to go along with the maids.

This is really important for me and I can't miss this function at any cost. All these days he was ignoring me as if I didn't exist. Today he have to face me.

Soon we started our journey towards his home. We reached there within half an hour. This is the first time I am seeing his house as I was not allowed to accompany the groom's gang during my brother's marriage ceremony. I was amazed seeing how big his house is. Reminded me how small I am infront of them. Rather I say this is a beautiful mansion.

I entered into the house along with the others and immediately felt my mother's and Rithu bhabhi's eyes on me. They burnt me with the fire in their eyes. Also they noticed the new salwar I am wearing. Not now. I may answer them once I get the answers for all my questions. I moved towards an empty corner of the big hall. I don't want to catch any eyes on me further. I am here for a purpose. That's all matter to me.

I travelled my eyes across the surroundings and wondered seeing how beautifully the whole house has been decorated. Every corner is shining. A lot of people have been invited for the function.

But where is Reyhaan?

Why he is not showing up?

Is he really getting engaged today?

Then why did he play with my feelings?

How could he do this to me?

My eyes slowly started welling up. That's when I saw his mother having a chitchat with some of the guests. She is having the most proud smile on her face. Wait, is she holding hands of another beautiful girl? She is introducing that girl to almost every person present on the hall. That means, she is the girl who is getting engaged with Reyhaan today. A very costly lehenga along with many ornaments on her made me sure what I am thinking. Soon I felt the entire earth falling over me. I felt dizzy.

I don't think I can manage myself. I tried to be as calm as I can. But nothing is working. I looked over for a help and that's when I saw a washroom at the opposite corner. I rushed into it and started washing my face. I was continously pouring water onto my face and my eyes are already turned red. I wiped my face with my dupatta once before walking out of the washroom.

That's when two strong arms caught me and pinned me to the wall. The washroom door closed behind us making me shocked. It took all my courage to finally met those eyes.

Him....

"Reyhaan....???" I shouted.

Suddenly he covered my mouth with his palm not letting my voice go out. I was surprised and shocked at the same time.

"Hey Roshini, is it mandatory for you to scream every time I tries to surprise you?" He put his finger on my lips.

I lost all my senses to respond. I was getting lost into his eyes when realization hit me. And that's when I pushed away his hands angrily. He gave me a totally confused look.

"Don't touch me. You are very bad." I was helpless.

I am getting weak every moment in his proximity.

"Hey my queen, what happened?" He tried to cup my face. But I moved back.

"Wait.. Stop this for now. Let me know why you are angry. Already I was missing you like hell. I was craving to see you all these days. It's my luck that you came here today. Totally unexpected."

"Yes, it must be unexpected. So that you could have get engaged without me knowing it. But don't worry. I am not here to break your alliance."

Now he gave me an horrified expression.

"What to do, I was such a fool that everybody could easily lie and betray me." I added making him narrow his eyes.

"But you think that...." before I could speak more he pulled me towards him. For a moment I lost into his eyes which still had the magic to capture my heart.

"Let me know what is your problem. Engagement? Whose engagement?" He asked.

"As if you don't know. Your mom has invited me too."I spoke not looking at his face. "Or is it another act from you? Don't worry. I wouldn't do something stupid. I saw your girl and I must say she is really beautiful. Definitely not like me."

He suddenly left the hold on me making me stir.

"Please tell me that you are drunken" he said and my eyes widened.
"Otherwise I don't see a reason for you to speak this rubbish especially when you see me after a break."

I pouted hearing him.

"I thought you would be happy seeing me but.. better don't speak about how idiot you look like. But atleast I am happy seeing you on my birthday. Indeed I feel very special."his words made me shocked.

Birthday? Is this his birthday?

"So what about the engagement?" I asked out of nowhere and his body language completely changed.

"Engagement? Today is my birthday Roshini. All these arrangements have been made for the birthday party." He shouted, his eyes no longer held the calmness he had.

I gulped unable to digest what I heard. I did nothing but stared at him. Out of shock and embarrassment.

"What are you even saying? How can I get engaged with another girl when I already did that with you? Are you serious?" He asked making me freeze.

"Or what else did you think about me? That I betrayed you?"

I closed my eyes feeling his pain. He was staring at me as if he wants answers from me. Unfortunately I don't have that. Where did this all begin? Still the wall of confusion between us keeps us silent. I decided to finally break it.

"Where were you all these days?" I asked hoping for an answer that may bring us back to our old selves.

"I had to attend an urgent meeting in Dubai. It was unplanned and unexpected. And ofcourse very very important for me that I can't miss at any cost. I wished I had time to inform you. But nothing worked out. But I informed both your dad and Rithu in a hope that you would get to know from them someway. After reaching there I tried many times on your landline number with a hope that you may attend it. But everytime it was either your parents or one of your brothers. I was disappointed. But I didn't think that I was commiting a mistake. Because it's not intentional as much as I know." He said stressing each word.

I hugged him realizing my mistake. After a few moments of thinking he hugged me back.

"I returned back only today evening. I had no idea that you would come to attend the party. So I was about to come to your house, to meet you by making some excuse. That's when I saw you here. " he looked at me intensely. "And you have no idea how happy I was seeing you in my salwar. That too on my birthday."

I cried hearing him.

I was a fool.

I always was.

No words of regret can now undo the mistake that I have done.

"Tell me Roshini. When did I betray you? When did I lie?" He asked making me lose all my strength.

"How could you think about your Reyhaan as a cheater?"he shook my shoulders.

I couldn't meet his teary eyes.

Did I hurt him this much?

"I am sorry Reyhaan. I am really sorry. I was a fool. I wouldn't ever forgive myself for this. Never ever."I was completely shattered.

He closed his eyes and let himself calm down before cupping my face.

"Don't forgive me Reyhaan. I don't deserve you."I continued crying.

"Roshini, just shut up. If anyone deserves me, it is you only."he made me wondered. "Listen to me. Stop crying first please. For me. Please." He spoke in his soft tone.

I composed myself before meeting his eyes again.

"See, even if you doubt me I can't blame you for that. May be it was my mistake too. Whatever happens I should have informed you before leaving. I made you worried. That's what made you think like a fool."

How can he still take the blame on himself? When he has nothing to do with that. The extent to which this man is loving me...Unbelievable.

"We both are fools made for each other. That's the truth." His words finally made me smile.

He was relaxed with that.

"Thank god. Finally you smiled. You have no idea how much I missed your smile which is only meant for me. I missed everything about you Roshini. I was dying to see you."

He kissed my forehead. After a while, I felt him. That was enough for me to be normal. There are still questions unanswered. But I let it go. He have given me enough assurance that he is mine only. Now I should trust him instead of worrying about anything else. I decided. I smiled wholeheartedly.

*****
Reyhaan's PoV

I kissed her forehead with all my love. Only god knows how much I missed her. It felt surreal. To feel her touch after many days. She is a fragile flower under my love. It is still a mystery how did I spent all these days without her. My heart and mind was here. It was difficult for me to even concentrate on the meetings. I was waiting to come back and feel her again. Her worried face has haunted me all these while.

I looked at the ethereal smile she has given me. It felt like a volcano has just errupted and now it has calmed down. I didn't see this side of her before. She haven't fighted for any of her rights before. But today she is a different Roshini.

Seriously? She is fighting for me. For her right over me. With me. I am very happy inside. This shows how much I matter to her. How much she wanted me. And my love. She values me over anything else in this world. She loves me more than her. She is even ready to do anything for me that she haven't done before for herself.

I felt guilty remembering how shattered she was just a few minutes ago. I touched her nose gently and she hugged me.

"Reyhaan, please don't go away from me. I can't live without you. It's better I die rather than seeing you with someone else."

I placed my finger on her lips to stop her.

She looked at me all amazed.

"Don't say that. I am all yours. I was also dying without seeing you all these days. But it made me understand how precious you are for me. Noone can make me happy in the way you are doing to me."

I hugged her.

There is still something missing. I could see a part of her still anxious.

"Roshini, are you worried over something?"I asked to clear my doubts.

"That...Reyhaan, why did your mom tell that it's your engage...."before completing I stopped her hearing some footsteps nearing towards us.

What the hell?

Not now.

"Roshini, I am sorry. We can't stay like this for a long time." I moved away from her much to my own dismay. "We both together, inside the washroom. I mean, I don't care about me. But it may affect your reputation. It would create a bad name for you. I care about your dignity. I don't want anything bad happen to you because of me." I said for which she gave me an understanding nod.

She was about to go but I held her wrist. I kissed her forehead once again.

"We can talk after everyone disperses. I would come for you."

We came out of the washroom together.

Reaching the main hall, I saw a group approaching me headed by my mom, Dayamaa, my sisters and some familiar but not so familiar faces. Soon Roshini disappeared behind a pillar. I sighed. I wanted her right beside me. But all I can see is she maintaining distance from me.

"Happy birthday Reyhu.." My mother hugged and wished me.

"Thank you my sweet mother."

She kissed my forehead.

I saw Dayamaa behind my mom, all confused but still trying to give me a fake smile.

Soon everyone started showering me with their wishes and gifts. Dayamaa still didn't wish me, may be she is waiting to make it special. Ofcourse she is one of the most special person in my life. I can't wait to introduce Roshini to her. May be after this busy time. Wait, Roshini also didn't wish me. What's wrong with all this women? They get something to worry and they would forget all the other important things.

"Reyhu, I have something important for you." Mom came close to me breaking my thoughts.

"Yes, sure. Tell me." I stole a glance at Roshini who vanished away again after showing me her face for a moment.

"This is my birthday gift for you. A gift that you would cherish throughout your life. And I am sure you would love this surprise." Mom said making me all excited.

Before I could decipher anything, she made a girl stand infront of me.

Wait, I know this girl.

But how? I don't know.

"You remember Vinaya, right?" Mom asked as excited as she can.

My happiness was slowly slipping away.

"She is my gift for you. I can't wait to see you marrying her. And today, this is not just a birthday party. But your engagement." Saying this she forwarded an expensive ring towards me.

What the hell?

I was shocked beyond limits.

Suddenly everything started making sense to me. Dayamaa's confusion, Roshini's sorrow.

"What are you even talking mom?" I yelled.

"Yes son. I have arranged everything. I won't give you something that wouldn't be best for you.  You trust me, right?" She asked pushing me into a dilemma.

I know this girl. We talked a few times. That's all. How could mom do this to me? How can she even think about such an alliance?

Suddenly my all thoughts went to Roshini. I turned to her side but she is missing. She must be crying behind the pillar. Poor girl. I looked at Dayamaa who is still tensed.

What am I supposed to do now?

Why didn't I have a slight idea about this? If I had, I would have done something to stop my mother.

"Mom, who told you that I am willing to get married?"

"I am your mother. Ofcourse I know. See, she likes you. Her parents agreed for this. She is  perfect for you and our family."

"Wait, are you talking about my life?" I asked angrily.

"What do you mean by that?"

"If this is about me, you should know that I can't marry anyone because you like her. This is my life, mom. You should ask me before finding a partner for me. I can only live with a girl whom I like."I shouted.

The whole atmosphere turned silent.

"Reyhaan, you always wanted me to take decisions of your life. When did that change? Why didn't I know that my son has grown a lot?"

I closed my eyes. I was preparing myself to fight with her. For Roshini. But this is not the way I wanted things to open up.

"Why are you not answering me? You even agreed to marry Khanna's daughter for me and your sister. That time you didn't tell all this."

Before She completes, I interrupted.

"That time I had no other option. And if it is still your problem, then I am ready to marry Khanna's daughter even now." I finally erupted that volcano infront of everyone.

All are shocked. But nobody respond.

"Are you on your senses, Reyhaan?" Mom asked loudly.

Dayamma tried to calm down her. But she stood infront of me with rage.

"Stop this mom.  Just stop this. How much more you pretend that you don't know anything? You intentionally didn't give me a chance to open up about my feelings. Because you wanted everything in your own way. And suddenly out of nowhere you came up with a bride for me. Hats off to you." I clapped.

She now turned completely pale.

"Reyhaan, don't forget that she is your mother. This is not the right time to talk."Dayamaa tried to console me.

"If it's not now, then it's never."I spoke firmly.

"Let him speak Daya. I know. His family nomore matters to him. All that matters to him now is that girl from the garbage." Mom said gritting her teeth.

"Watch your words mom"

"Khannas have trapped him the way they wanted. He is an idiot still not able to understand that." My mom has no intention to stop this which made me furious.

"Why do you have to involve our family name everywhere? Can somebody care to explain us?" Praveen asked.

"Yes, I will make it clear for everyone."

I walked towards the pillar and pulled out Roshini from there. She appeared all confused. I dragged her along with me and stood infront of my mom. I could feel her shivering. I held her close to my chest hoping that I am not making it difficult for her. She looked at me all worried. I gestured her that everything would be alright.

"This is the girl whom I am going to marry."

Everyone is shocked. Pin drop silence. I felt all eyes on us. Her family threw her murderous glares. I held her hand tightly. My mom was not looking at us. Dayamaa has a slight smile.

"What did you say?" Sumeet uncle was the one who first responded.

"Yes, I do love her. I love Roshini. I would only marry her."

Soon we heard whispers among the crowd.

"You think that she is perfect for our family?" Mom smirked throwing disgusting look at her.

Roshini started crying.

"May be she is not perfect for our family. But perfect for me. She have everything that I desires to be in my wife." I said proudly.

"If you want to know what is her eligibility to become my wife, I can explain." I continued. "She have a beautiful heart which only knows to love. She can sacrifice anything for her loved ones. She loves me without expecting anything in return. She have the courage to serve people who hates her for no reason. And that's how she is. I can't wish for someone better than her."

Roshini looked at me with respect. I smiled at her.

"And if you forgot, let me remember you mom. This is the same girl with whom you fixed my marriage once.  That time your priority was your daughter's life. So you had no problem whatever happens to my life." I said shocking mom.

"Reyhaan, mind your words." She shouted back.

"I won't. Because this is the truth."

Roshini gestured me with teary eyes to stop. But I can't.

I have to do this now.

"So you don't want us anymore. You care only for the person who tried to trap you not once, but twice. Isn't it, Reyhaan?" Mom asked looking into my eyes.

I didn't reply.

"If your decision is to marry her and if there is no change in that decision, then this is my decision. I don't have a son hereafter." My mom declared breaking my heart.

I closed my eyes feeling the pain. The pain of rejection. But this time I am not going back.

"It's ok mom. Anyway I can't live without her. I have to keep my word. I can't leave her alone. For you, your ego holds much more value than your own son's life. May be you don't deserve a son like me. Even if I leave, you still have two more daughters. But if I leave her hand, she don't have anyone else. I need to do this. Please forgive me, mom."

Everyone once again shocked. They all gave me an amused look.

"Reyhaan..."Roshini called me. I turned to face her. She was pale, sad and shattered.

"Please don't do this for me. I would go far away from your life. You can't lose your mother because of me. Please Reyhaan. Please fulfill all her wishes. She is the one who have right on you. Not me." She pleaded making me disappointed.

I held her hand stopping her from speaking further.

"I wouldn't Roshini. I can't lose you. If my mom can't understand your value, it is her lose."I stated.

"This is ridiculous. What are we here for? Reyhaan, listen. You can't marry our daughter without our consent." Out of nowhere, her mother spoke.

That was enough for me to lose the last thread of control over me.

"What? Come on, again. Your daughter?" I gave her an angry smirk. "If I am right, she was your maid till now. You want her money? Take all the properties under her name. I don't want anything except her. And I don't need anyone's consent to marry her."I said firmly.

"Is it? Then ask her whether she is ready to marry you. If she agrees, then you can take her." Sumeet uncle said sending glares at Roshini.

I am aware about the indirect threats her family is giving her. Just through their eyes. But that doesn't matter. She is not going back to them.

I turned around to see a totally panicked Roshini. I patted her back.

"Roshini, I don't want anyone else's consent. Only a word from you. That's enough. Tell them, are you ready to marry me?" I asked gently holding her shoulder.

Roshini's PoV

"Tell them, are you ready to marry me?" He asked holding my shoulder.

I looked into his intense eyes which screamed he wants me. He gave me assurance that I am safe.

But...

I looked at his mother who is all silent now. She is crying inside. She is about to lose her son and nobody deserves that. I know him. He loves his mother. I don't care about my parents. They doesn't fit into my priority. But this mother, she haven't done any mistake.

What should I do?

"Roshini, come on. You can't stay silent forever. You loves me. I had done my part. Now you have to fight for me. Just a word. That's only I am asking. There is no place for sacrifice here." He kept me reminding about how much I wanted him.

I looked at him who is fighting with the entire world for me. He is ready to give up all his relations for me. He has no problem leaving his home, the place where he has brought up. All for this maid girl. In the hope that I may give him the peace and love he always wanted in his life. He don't expect anything else from me. He didn't demand anything else apart from my trust.

How can I break his trust?

How can I make him alone in this fight?

How can I live without him?

I held his hand in assurance. He smiled.

"I am all yours Reyhaan. I am ready to marry you. I would come with you if you calls me. Wherever it is." I stated.

He hugged me tightly.
"Thank you my love" he whispered into my ears.

He held my hand and walked towards his mother.

"Mom, I am extremely sorry. Please don't hate us." He joined his hands. "I am going to live with her. She needs me now. You taught me to be loyal. Now I can't betray her."

His mother gave him an horrified expression. She wanted to speak. But she didn't.

He made me stand infront of another woman who must be his Dayamaa. I guessed.

"Dayamaa, she is..."he couldn't complete.

"Your Roshini. I know." With a heart touching smile she engulfed me into a warm hug. I felt very happy.

"Dayamaa, please bless us and pray for us. I am sure. Mom would understand me one day."he said looking at his mom for once.

Dayamaa hugged both of us together.

"Go and live your life, kids. It is your life and you are right Reyhaan. There is no place for sacrifice in true love." She told making us relieved. "My prayers would be always with you." She touched our head.

"Roshini, come here my child." She stretched her arms for me. I hugged her. She kissed my forehead.

"Don't give up. You should be with him. Always. Only you can complete him. I have never seen him wanting something in his life the way he wanted you. You can make him feel loved more than anyone else in this world. I believe."
She took one of her bangles from her hand and made me wear it.

My happiness had no limits. Reyhaan smiled.

She hugged me once again before facing him.

"Reyhu, take her with you. Don't leave her hand ever in your life. Never ever. She is your responsibility and she must be your priority now." She placed my hand into his hand. He held it gently.

"I would be with her. Always. I promise."he said making me blush.

"Shall we go?" He asked facing me.

I nodded.

Slowly we started walking outside while everyone continues looking at us. He wiped away my tears before gesturing me to enter into his car.

I don't know whether I am walking towards a new life or the next phase of tests in my life. But I am sure Reyhaan would be there for me for life. He would never leave me alone. Whatever it is, we would face it together.  I promised myself.

He was driving the car and I stared at him losing myself into his beautiful eyes.

******

My favourite chapter of this book.

Finally they are together :)

The Next Phase begins here.