**Kindly tolerate this boring chapter 🙈**

Writer's POV:-

You forget the rest of the world when in the arms of your beloved. The amorous touches entrap not only your heart but also ceases the tendency to process anything else. 

That was the same situation with Diksha when she heard him muttering right from her neck. Her mind didn't process what he said. She let out a heavy breath, distracted by his ministrations and hummed deeply. But, as soon as he travelled his lips below her neck, his words rang loudly in her ears.

"What??" Her eyes were snapped open, as she realised his intentions. 

"You heard me!" Aakarsh smiled and nuzzled more in the crook of her neck, mistaking her reaction as her teasing. His fingers pressed her soft skin over the fabric, wanting to get more reactions from her.

Diksha breathed hard, trying to pull her mind out of those carnal pleasures his mighty fingers and lips were promising. Those were undoubtedly tempting. But now was not the time she reminded herself

 His hoarse voice gave her an idea of his mood and how fast his actions were resembling made her believe in those words. Fearing being late in her very first post-wedding ritual, she immediately unwrapped her hands from his back and slightly pushed his shoulders, “Aakarsh, leave me!”

"No." His mouth again found a sweet spot on her neck, drawing out a raspy moan from her.

Her heart thumped badly, convincing her to give in. She sucked in a deep breath and controlled her fuzzy desires while pressing her hands on his shoulders — a sign to stop.

"Aakarsh, wait." 

Her resistance irked Aakarsh. He pulled his head out of her neck and looked at her annoyed, "What's the problem now?" 

"I have to get ready by nine and before that, I need some sleep as I didn't sleep well last night." She said, cupping his right cheek.

"Why?" He creased his forehead.

"You were angry last night. I was counting the hours to come to you." She looked deep into his eyes, softly telling him how tougher the night had been on her knowing he was upset.

Aakarsh kept looking at her as his annoyance vanished hearing her words. He didn't think that his sour mood would affect her equally. Somewhere he felt guilty for being the reason for her restless night but somewhere he was also thrilled to know how much he matters to her. 

"I should have talked to you last night. I'm sorry." He whispered before kissing her forehead and shifting back on his side, "Come". 

She smiled as he pulled her on his chest and covered them with the duvet.

"You should be, and I will take revenge for keeping me worried all night. Let me complete my sleep first." Diksha threatened him, narrowing her eyes before sliding her arms around his waist and keeping her head on his chest comfortably.

"Sure, madam!" Aakarsh chuckled, kissing her head again while his fingers made their way to her hair. He massaged her scalp, slowly slipping into slumber along with her.

❃❃❃❃❃

He got up and sat straight on the cemented block. The last night had done nothing but add more malice to his vengeful mind. Things haven't gone as per his plan doesn't mean he lost. Palash looked ahead at the grey walls of the cell. His eyes were full of straining red lines. Some were the result of his sleepless night, some were the proof of the rage burning his nerves. 

His attention was drawn away from the past events as the clock struck six. He heard the sound of the clock clearly given the early morning silence. From a distance, the light sound of footsteps was audible. A dirty smirk played on his lips. Palash stood up and walked to the bars with a confident face and his eyes shone wickedly looking at the person approaching his cell.

"You are late, Sir," His thick voice reverberated through the walls.

"Thank your stars that I came at this hour." The man replied sternly after checking the surroundings. 

"You're not in a position to brag about your greatness, boss. Don't forget you're not favouring me for nothing." Palash grunted, holding the bars tightly.

The man shook his head with a grimace on his face and threw a dirty glare at him. "I have warned you not to create any scene, Palash. Not every time I can rescue you. The last time when ACP Vidyut got information about your hideout, I somehow managed to help you escape the raid. But this time you've been arrested on the spot. My team has strong proof against your illegal business and kidnapping. Now, I can't help you much." He tried to refuse.

"Oh, just cut the crap. I know how easy it is for a senior officer like you to misplace a file of proof and prove me innocent after all it won't be the first time." — Palash smirked before pulling a scary face again — "I don't care what you do with Neel but if you don't get me and Stuti out soon, I'll reveal everything about you in court. How you helped me six years ago and how you kept helping me till now." Palash warned, gritting his teeth. His hold on the bars and the red linings intensifying in his eyes were proof of his rage. 

"You won't do any such thing, Palash, we had a deal. You won't drag me in your mess, I will not interfere in your business." The officer warned, pointing a finger at him.

"But, if I were to go down you'll go with me, officer. Don't forget all the money that I spent on you… I have every record of you being the receiver. And your major help. Your junior is already searching for the truth about his parents' death. One word from me and you'll be doomed." Unfazed by the officer's warning, Palash smirked, threatening him.

"This is the last time I'm helping you. You three will be presented in court in four days. I'll arrange something to get you out after the first hearing as this case will not get settled in one sitting. But after coming out, don't you dare to show me your face." Anger took out the best of the officer. He glared at the man behind the bars and left the place without hearing Palash's reply.

"You'll have to face me again, Sir, after all, you're the only one going to prove Aakarsh's murder as another accident." A malicious smile was back on his face. His mind was already planning the worst.

❃❃❃❃❃

Nakshatra:-

"Are you sure you don't need any other help?" Krishna asked Diksha, worried.

"No, Maa, you already helped me with the preparation. I just have to cook them now. I'll do it, don't worry." Diksha squeezed her hands, smiling at her mother-in-law. 

It was 8:45 in the morning and Krishna was helping Diksha to prepare breakfast for everyone. Though Krishna told her to cook the dessert only and the kitchen staff would do the rest but she denied it politely. However, Krishna didn't want to load her already, hence, she helped her with chopping, dough kneading, and a few other things. 

"I know you'll do it, but I can't help worrying, beta. You have never done all this and that too in this heavy saree. I don't want my daughter to get burdened on the very first day." Krishna patted her cheeks, concerned. 

"It's okay, Maa, I do it. That's why I learnt cooking from you and Mumma in these months. I know it won't be perfect but I can cook decently now." She smiled, assuring.

"With your efforts and love in it, I'm sure everything will taste much better than just decent." Krishna boosted her confidence, returning the smile before she turned to the two lady staff and instructed them to help Diksha. 

"Call me if you need me, okay!" 

"Sure." 

Krishna left the kitchen and Diksha indulged herself in cooking. She dismissed the staff assuring them that she will ask for help if needed. 

It was 9:30 in the morning. She was done cooking. The staff helped her by taking everything to the dining area. Just the 'Kheer' that she prepared for dessert was left for garnishing. 

"Aunty, You go call everyone, I'll bring it out after garnishing." She said to one of the elderly staff, Shanti.

As Shanti exited the kitchen leaving Diksha alone there, the latter turned to crush the dry fruits but the next moment she shrieked loudly as two arms wrapped her waist tightly.

"What the …" 

"Shhh… it's me…" Aakarsh murmured in her ear, stopping her from wiggling.

"You scared me, idiot." She hit his stomach with her elbow and glared at him, turning her head sideways. 

"I'm not sorry!" He chuckled at her face; his arms tightening on her waist.

"What are you doing here? And leave me, I have work." She wiggled again, trying to come out of his hold. But, Aakarsh being the stubborn man, only pulled her closer. She wiggled but stopped when he pulled up her chin, grabbing her attention. He smiled as she creased her eyebrows. With their eyes locked, Aakarsh lightly rubbed his lips on her. 

Once!

Twice!

Thrice!

Was he trying to cast a spell on her? If yes then surely it was working. Diksha sucked in a deep breath through her parted lips.  She felt his hot breath falling on her face sending ripples of current in her body. Aakarsh slid his hands on her bare waist hidden by the saree. The normal process of breathing now appeared tougher to her. Unknowingly, her fingers clutched his hand over her stomach.

"I haven't trapped you in my arms to leave, Jaan. And for your first question, I'm here to meet my wife and probably get a kiss or two!" Murmuring the words above her lips, Aakarsh eyed them. He had a beautiful yet naughty smirk playing on his lips as he leaned down to capture hers.

"Someone will come…" She tried to voice out, but it came out as a mere whisper. Her eyes flickered between his lips and mischievous orbs.

"Not that I care," he again rubbed his lips lightly with hers.

His gaze and action had already sent her into a state of trance when she felt a current running down her spine. Aakarsh licked her lower lip and looked back into her eyes. He repeated his action, making her shudder. Her fingers dug deeper into his skin through the fabric of the saree. The minimal action had brought maximum intensity to her nerves. 

"Aakarsh…" No words came out of her mouth except his name. Her vision was automatically driven to his lips. 

The man in action smiled triumphantly seeing his effects on his bride. He leaned more and took her lower lip between his teeth.

"Uhhh…" 

She moaned involuntarily feeling his perfect teeth biting the softness of her lip. The sense of euphoria blinded her mind and the kheer was long forgotten as well. Her throaty moans encouraged Aakarsh to show more of his lover skills. His calloused fingers grasped a handful of her butter smooth skin on her waist and stomach — kneading roughly — while his lips replaced the teeth and captured her lips finally, giving both of them jolts of pleasure. She shivered in his arms, and gripped his hands, feeling their lips fusing. 

Oh, the sensations made her knees weak. She pushed herself more in his clutch.

Their eyes were almost closed; they almost gave into the full-fledged temptation but as Aakarsh says — nobody lets him have his wife alone — They heard someone clearing their throat loudly.

"I thought you were thirsty, Krish!" A loud loud voice jolted them; they jumped apart.

"What the hell?" Aakarsh grunted looking at the entrance of the kitchen. Neev was standing with a mischievous smirk while keeping his right palm on Vidyut's eyes who was trying hard to remove it. He was dying to see Aakarsh's reaction but Neev's hand was restricting his vision.

"Neev Bhai, at least remove your hands now," Vidyut whined, tugging at Neev's hand which he was forcefully closing his eyes.

"What the hell are you two doing here?" Aakarsh glared at them after taking a glance at Diksha, who was calming her breaths, turning her back to them. Well, it was just an excuse as she felt embarrassed and shy at the same time to face the two men who practically witnessed them kissing a few seconds ago.

"We have kids around, Krish, you should be careful. These stunts would harm their naive mind. See, I have to close his eyes to keep his innocence intact." Neev teased patting Vidyut's back at the word 'kid', indicating him as the child. 

"Aye, I'm not a kid and why did you even close my eyes," Vidyut whined, looking mad at Neev.

"Arey, didn't I just explain? To keep your innocence intact, Chhote!" Neev pinched his cheek only to get an annoyed look in return.

"Don't…" Vidyut argued,

"Shut up you idiots," Aakarsh shouted, silencing them both. "Didn't I tell you not to come here until I come back?" He glared at them and they smiled notoriously in answer.

"Of course. But you said you are thirsty and going to have some water. So, we just came to see what took you so long!?" Neev replied, and wiggled his eyebrows at Aakarsh. 

"But, we should have guessed Neev Bhai, after all my beautiful bhabhi was here." Vidyut chipped in loudly to tease Diksha.

She heard them but decided not to speak a word and continued what was left before Aakarsh intruded. She was already embarrassed enough for the day and didn't want any more leg pullings. Her hands acted faster. She spread the dry fruits in the big bowl of kheer and kept it in a tray. 

"Come out for breakfast." In a low voice, she mumbled near Aakarsh and left with the tray without sparing another glance at them. 

"What did she just say?" Neev asked, raising her eyebrows as he heard her mumbling something.

"That I shall kick you both hard for distributing us." Saying so Aakarsh lunged toward but before he could catch them they ran out of the kitchen.

The dining area had all the relatives sitting around the massive dining table as breakfast was being served. They frowned looking at the two boys running towards the table and a pissed-off Aakarsh followed them with the same speed.

"Neev, Vidyut, what's happening, why are you running?" Mrinal asked as the boys came by his side.

"Uncle, first save us," They panted, holding his chair.

"No, Papa, you won't." Aakarsh glared at them.

"Why are you three coming from the kitchen? Haven't you two gone to call Krish from his room?" Gayatri, Krishna's mother, asked suddenly.

"Yes, Nani, that's where we have gone but we met him midway and he said he was going to the kitchen to drink some water as he was thirsty," Vidyut answered, rolling his tongue inside his mouth as he looked at his brother with mischief. 

"They went to call you almost ten minutes ago. You took quite some time to drink water, beta?" Veena, one of Aakarsh's aunties asked him while Gayatri and Krishna chuckled. Aakarsh felt heat crawling up his neck and ears in embarrassment. He looked at his wife who was sitting just beside his mother and not looking up at all. His eyes then went back to the two boys standing leisurely behind Mrinal's chair and giving his teasing looks.

"Of course, Veena, he must be very thirsty after all his beautiful wife was also there." Gayatri chuckled again, pulling the legs of the bride and groom. The room was filled with the peal of laughter. 

With utter embarrassment, Aakarsh sat on one of the three vacant chairs opposite Diksha.

"Go sit!" Mrinal told Neev and Vidyut.

"Wait till I get my hands on you, morons." He muttered under his breath, loud enough for Vidyut and Neev to listen, who sat at either side.

"First of all get your leg out of this teasing session," Neev advised, mocking him. 

"You…"

"Start eating, boys." Mrinal scolded them as the food was served. Aakarsh threw a death glare at Neev and Vidyut who were giggling silently before focusing on his plate.

❃❃❃❃❃

The breakfast was completed with everyone appraising Diksha for the tasty meal and the dessert was something they liked the most. As a part of the ritual, everyone gave something or other gifts to Diksha and blessed her heartily. However, amid all this what caught their attention was Aakarsh's words.

"Krish, won't you give anything to your wife?" Gayatri had asked while Krishna and Mrinal smiled looking at each other.

"I will, Nani, but after the party." He had replied, looking intently at his wife. 

Diksha knew, from his tone, that whatever he was going to give her would be the most special gift of her life. 

It was now 6 PM. Nakshatra was buzzi6 with people getting ready fastly as the reception would start at 7. Mrinal had booked the most luxurious hotel for the party as there were many businessmen, politicians and high-profile guests to come. They also have a press conference at 7:30 for the announcement of Aakarsh's wedding and his first appearance with his wife after marriage.

"Madam, we have to go there tonight only!" Aakarsh knocked on the locked door of his room.

"And tell my madam that she didn't even meet me yet!" Neev added, addressing Sejal. 

She along with Diksha's parents reached two hours back. They had just greeted each other briefly and since then the two girls were locked inside the room getting ready for the party. Neev hadn't met Sejal as he had gone to his house to bring his stuff. 

"And since I have no madam, my dear bhabhis, please hurry up," Vidyut added dramatically, looking at his wristwatch. How he would have stayed behind!

"This is the third time in the last half an hour that you three are disturbing us." Sejal burst on them, half opening the door. She was dressed up in a purple shimmery off-shoulder gown, looking like some royal princess. 

Vidyut let out an appraising whistle, making her giggle.

"Haye! Do you want me to die here only?" Neev kept a hand on his heart and fell back. Aakarsh and Vidyut caught him and chuckled at his state.

"Shut up!" Sejal scolded him but blushed at his reaction as Neev didn't reply but kept looking at her with dreamy eyes and a big grin.

"How long do you two still need? We need to leave in twenty minutes." Watching his friend losing his senses temporarily in his woman's beauty, Aakarsh asked what they were here for.

"I'm ready!"

They heard a sound coming from behind the door. Sejal opened the door completely revealing a dolled-up Diksha in a beautiful navy blue lehenga. Aakarsh stared at her from head to toe and his grip on Neev loosened, disbalancing the three of them.

"Aakarsh!" 

"Neev!"

"Fu*k!"

🌺🌺🌺🌺🌺🌺🌺🌺🌺🌺🌺🌺🌺🌺🌺🌺

Precap:

"Aakarsh would have gotten married to me had you not interfered!" She spat venomously, eyeing Diksha's sindoor.