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Mayura put her head on Mrs. D'Souza's lap, her legs dangling over the stony arm rest. Putting her hands on her stomach, she turned her face away from the sunlight and fell asleep.

Mrs. D'Souza caressed her hair, watching her sleep. She looked down at the chocolate in her palm, her mind travelling back to the days of the childhood of her master and his only best friend.

Flashback

Mrs. D'Souza always loved children. She enjoyed their company, enjoyed adoring and pampering them. Unfortunately, her dull face and mean eyes always made them cry and run away in fear, shattering her heart.

She tried hard to keep up her spirits and fulfill her dream, but was hit hard by reality when she was employed by the Rai Singhania's. The fear in the eyes of Ishani and Siya, the frustration in Aryan's words and the coldness in Vansh's behaviour made her feel like a failure.

Her very dream, her happiness had started to crumble away. When the exhausting reality had pushed her to write her resignation, she found a ray of hope.

Mayura, the mansion's daily visitor, was a scrawny girl of eleven, always dressed in full length clothes regardless of the weather. She knew not time, coming as early as dawn to the mansion and leaving at late midnight, making Mrs. D'Souza worry.

'What kind of parents let their child roam so freely?' She would always wonder, worried about her safety.

This carefree child was the only one who could look at her in the eye with a genuine smile. And when they'd cross paths, she would always be presented with a flower or chocolate by the child. All of which she had stored carefully in her room.

And before she knew it, even the Rai Singhania children began to change their behaviour with her.

It was a shocker for her!

Children who feared her existence started to open up slowly. As much as she loved the change, she was surprised and puzzled by it also.

Someone had changed their mind, she had understood by then. But, who? And why?

The answers to her questions came in the most unexpected form, followed by a surprising apology.

"What did you do to make my bunny like you?" Vansh asked her in a harsh tone, stirring the spoon in his chocolate mug. Leaving it, he looked coldly at the confused woman.

"I'm sorry, baba. I don't understand your question." She answered, her eyes fixed on the floor. A shy blush appeared on her cheeks, her heart racing in happiness.

A child liked her! What more could she want in life?

"It is as simple as it is." He growled, frustrated by her ignorance. "My bunny likes you and I want to know what you did to win her over."

He sighed, taking a sip of his milk. Vansh's ability to dominate and manipulate people was a talent he had acquired from his father. He had mastered it well to protect his bruised and tender heart from the world.

But there was one who was completely unaffected by his tricks, forcing him to revert to his childish nature to win over her.

He leaned back on his chair, crossing his right leg over his left. He propped his head against his fist. He puckered his lips, "Bunny despises adults. Every one of them. She even dislikes chachu-chachi who love her like their daughter."

Narrowing his gaze, Vansh asked in a dark and cold tone. "Then how do you get lucky enough to be liked by my bunny?"

"I'm sorry, baba. I am unaware. It is best that you ask her."

Vansh scoffed. Gulping down his milk, he gave her back the empty mug. "You can leave." He ordered, staring at the wall in thought. Just as she reached the door, he spoke something unexpected.

"I'm sorry for treating you rudely till now."

Before either of them could speak, Mayura burst into the room with a bright smile. "Rai!" She squealed, running towards him.

Stopping in her tracks, she beamed at Mrs. D'Souza and gave her a chocolate. "Have a nice day, D'Souza aunty." She wished, running to Vansh.

"Bunny!" Vansh grinned, jumping down his seat and they held hands, doing their happy dance.

Flashback

"Why do you like me, baby?" She voiced her thoughts. Letting out a dry chuckle, she added, "Everyone gets scared of me. Why don't you?"

Mayura giggled, drowsily looking up at her. "Because you're very nice and sweet and cool and strong, D'Souza aunty!"

"Aur kisne bola you're scary? Woh andha hoga. You are not at all scary, D'Souza aunty. Aap apne mann se yeh khayal nikal dijiye." She scolded.

"Theek hai, baby." She smiled, pulling her nose. Mayura pout. "Baby mat bulaiye. Badi ho-gayi hoon mein. Aap Vansh ko bhi baba nahi bolte, mujhe baby mat boliye."

"Mein toh bolungi. Joh karna hai karlo." She teased, pulling her cheeks.

"Theek hai, theek hai. Bula lijiye aap. No tension." Mayura resigned to her fate. Letting out a yawn, she placed her arm over her eyes, to block the sunlight, and dozed off.

Finishing his conversation, Vansh joined them. "Mayura baby fell asleep five minutes ago, sir." She informed, running her fingers through her hair. Vansh gazed at her sleeping figure in silence.

Putting his phone in his pocket, he bent over and put her arm over his shoulder. Effortlessly, he lifted her off the seat, her head cocooned in the crook of his neck, and started walking towards the farmhouse. Mrs. D'Souza followed them quietly.

"Angre aaj shaam tak aa-jayega." He informed as soon as they stepped into the main hall.

"Mein uske liye room tyaar karwa deti hoon."

✎

Using his leg, Vansh pushed the door open. Stepping in, he closed it using his leg, again, and walked to his bed.

Carefully, he put her down on the bed and got rid of her shoes and bag. Ensuring that she was comfortable, he covered her with the duvet.

She snored lightly, her body sinking into the softness of the mattress. A smile appears on Vansh's lips as he gazed at her face. Planting a kiss on her forehead, he lay beside her on the bed and clasped her hand in both of his, surprised by the smallness.

"You are so small, darling." He remarked, kissing her knuckle. His beard brushed against her skin. Vansh gazed at her face in adoration. He was amused by her small stature, and the big impact she had in his life and upbringing.

'Bunny, I should be your only best friend. Forever. We don't need anyone else, promise me!'

'I promise!' She lovingly wiped away his tears, her words watering the plants of over-possessiveness in his heart.

He moved closer, wrapping his arms around her. "We don't need anyone, darling. Just us, is enough. We'll look after each other and survive. There is absolutely no need for a third."

He declared, his eyes turning dark as his hold on her began to tighten. It had tightened to the point where she began to feel suffocated.

Mayura coughed, trying to push him away weakly. Vansh barely budged.

"Why do we need a third person between us? It's always been this way. Since childhood, it's always you and me, bunny. Why do we need others? Why should I date, or marry? Aryan and Angre can also do that." He lamented.

Mayura struggled to breathe, barely conscious.

"We don't need anyone, bunny. Just you and me is fine. I'll give you everything. Money, status, power, security, stability, support - everything you need. And you will stay by my side, forever. Protecting and loving me, guiding me through everything. Like you always have."

He confessed, his voice revealing the depths of his desperation. "Be with me. Guide me. Care for me. Love me, darling."

Mayura coughed. Vansh pulled away, caressing her cheek.

"Become my darkest secret, darling. Become the comfort you have always been." He spoke in a dark and determined tone.

Why can I not be loved like everyone else?

Her words played in his mind. He cupped her cheek, his eyes fixed on her innocent face.

"Why do you need their love, darling? Is my love and care not enough to make you happy? Don't beg them for attention. They don't know your value." He breathed, each word costing him his life. "I do. I know your worth, your value, your importance. I know every-little-thing about you. Your likes, dislikes, fears, strengths, weakness, abilities. Every. Damn. Thing! Then what do you seek for in others? I will give you everything you desire."

Vansh let out breath, controlling himself. In a soft and composed voice, he added. "You are special, my sweet bunny. It isn't in the capacity of ordinary people to love you."

Mayura's fingers wrapped around his hand, a feeble whisper leaving her lips. "Don't leave me alone." She cried in her sleep.

Vansh pat her hand, giving it a squeeze. "I will never leave you, chestnut. I promise! After all, you belong to me, and me alone. I could never abandon you."

He moved closer, hugging her like a child hugs their favourite stuffed toy for comfort. He snuggled against her, his head resting on top of hers.

Vansh's eyes fell on the Rakhi tied around her wrist. "This year, you will be the one tying it on my wrist."

'When your hand is bigger than mine, then you can protect me.' She said, showing him the difference in their hand size, making him pout.

"I have lived enough in your protection. Now, it's your turn." He smirked. "What would you like as a gift, my precious?"

A knock on the door broke Vansh's one-sided conversation. He took a few minutes to compose himself. "Come in," he said, sitting up on the bed and realised her hand from his hold.

Mrs. D'Souza stepped in, holding three files and a first aid kit in her hands. She handed the files to Vansh. "Angre wants you to check these once."

Vansh accepted and, remembering something, jumped to his study table. Placing the files on the table, he pulled out a key from his pocket and unlocked the drawer.

While Vansh rummaged through the drawer, Mrs. D'Souza sat beside Mayura. She placed her palm on her forehead, relieved that she hadn't caught a fever this time. Opening the first aid kit, she undid the dressing on Mayura's left hand. It was drenched in blood. She sighed in relief at the sight of the dried wound. Although there was no need for another dressing, Mayura's weak constitution and the possibility of an infection led her to do it.

A glint embraced Vansh's eyes as he pulled out a brown leather bound file from the drawer. Glancing through its contents, he placed it on his table and locked the drawer.

"Sir, lunch is ready." Mrs. D'Souza informed, packing up the first aid kit.

"Later," he answered in a cold tone. Leaning back on his seat, he crossed his left leg over his right and opened the first file, reading it.

"With Mayura baby?" Mrs. D'Souza inquired.

"Yes," He dismissed her.

✎

83 missed call(s) from Vihaan♡

Vansh scoffed. Drinking a sip of his wine, he placed the glass on the table with a thud. "Be more desperate, Vihaan. Only when you break completely will you realise her value."

Vansh picked the glass and emptied it of its contents. He chuckled, going to her contacts. Tapping on Vihaan's contact, he added it to the blocklist. He swiftly moved to the message app, deleting all the messages Vihaan had sent recently and blocked him on it.

Placing the phone away, Vansh went through the last file Angre wanted him to check. Going through it, he threw it aside and filled his glass with wine. Getting up, he stood near the window and stared at the garden, lost in thought.

When the glass was empty, Vansh went back to the table and picked the bottle. Leaving the glass on the table, he took a gulp from the bottle and sat on the ledge, his legs spread along on the breadth of it.

"Rai?"

Vansh blinked, turning his head towards her. A small smile appeared on his lips. He crossed his legs, gesturing her to sit beside him.

As she sat, Vansh put the bottle on the floor and embraced her, his head on her shoulder. "My sweet bunny," he called softly. "Do you feel better now?"

"Mhm, yes." She replied, ruffling his hair. "Why are you drinking, Rai? Are you okay?"

Vansh looked up with a giggle. "You worry too much, my cute bunny. It's just grape wine."

Mayura pout. Cupping his face, she pulled his cheeks. "Don't mess with me, Rai. Are you in pain?" She asked worriedly.

Vansh laughed, pulling her closer. His voice echoed in the room. "It's grape wine, darling. I drink it occasionally, when I'm exhausted from work. Do you want to try it?"

Mayura shook her head. "I'm not supposed to drink." He nodded, emptying the bottle.

Holding her hand, Vansh led her to the couch against the wall. "Rai," she called softly, tugging his sleeve. "I'm feeling very hungry."

"Mrs. D'Souza should be getting our lunch anytime now." He informed, as the two sat side-by-side on the couch. A minute later, Mrs. D'Souza knocked on the door and stepped inside with a tray of food.

"Bola tha na," Vansh whispered with a smirk. Mayura giggled, puzzling the older woman. Regardless, she gave her a pill while Vansh placed the files aside and lay out the food on his plate.

"How are you feeling now, baby?" She asked, touching her forehead.

"Perfectly fine, aunty!" She beamed, gulping down the pill with a glass of water. Vansh opened the utensils, Mayura following his movements with a curious gaze.

When all the dishes were revealed, Mayura pout and turned towards the wall, her arms crossed against her chest. "Nahi khana," she declared in a childish voice.

"Abhi toh badi bhookh lag rahi thi tumhe." Vansh taunted. "Abh kya hua?"

"Nahi khana," she repeated. Glancing at Mrs. D'Souza, she waited until their eyes met and then looked away, puffing her cheeks in anger.

Vansh raised a brow, realising the reason of her anger. He chuckled, and leaned back on the couch, allowing Mrs. D'Souza to handle the situation.

Mrs. D'Souza suppressed her giggles at her antics. She too wasn't far behind in understanding the reason of Mayura's tantrum.

"Baby,"

"Nahi khana."

"Par,"

"Nahi khana."

"Theek hai. Phir mein saara khaana staaf mein de deti hoon. Aur woh badam ka halwa. Socha tha woh dessert mein khaogi, par abh lagta hai woh bhi tum nahi khaogi. Mein baakiyon ko de dungi." She teased, shrugging her shoulders.

Yes. Mayura was throwing a tantrum because she couldn't find her favourite badam ka halwa among the dishes.

"Nahi!" Mayura whined, looking at her.

"Pata hai. Tum nahi khaogi." She teased.

"Kisne bola?" She turned to Vansh, shaking him by his shoulder, "Do na. Mujhe bhook lagi hai."

Mayura jerked her head towards Mrs. D'Souza, giving her puppy eyes. "Iske baad halwa pakka na?" Pulling her cheek, she left the room with a smile.

"Ho gaya drama? Abh kuch kha le?"

Mayura nodded, sitting on the couch properly. Vansh broke a bit of the roti and dipped it in the curry, holding it out for her to eat.

"Mein kha lungi." She declined, shaking her head. "With those fingers?" He scoffed, eyeing her bandaged fingers. "You can barely bend them, forget holding a spoon to eat."

"Right," she said slowly, staring at the bandages. Vansh put the morsel in front of her, waiting for her to eat.

"Can I get curd rice?" She asked politely. "Tumhe pata hai na during my cycle, tel aur masalon ki khusboo se mujh irritation hoti hai."

Vansh nodded. Eating the morsel, he put a bowl on his plate and filled it with a big spoon of rice. "Itna theek hai?" Mayura nodded, smiling as he added a spoon of curd and a pinch of salt. Mixing it well, he held out a spoonful for her to eat.

"Thank you, Rai!" She beamed, eating it. While she chewed slowly, Vansh ate his share of the lunch. "Angre shaam tak aayega."

"Really?" She asked, a mischievous glint in her eyes.

"Don't hit him." Vansh warned, feeding her.

"I won't hit him." She giggled. "I will punch him."

"Exactly what I mean."

"Then you --" Vansh cut her off by feeding her another spoonful of rice.

"Finish your lunch and rest. We can talk about him later."

"Sadu." She mumbled under her breath, taking the spoon in her hands. Her fingers felt stiff as she tried to grip the spoon.

"I told you," he sighed, snatching it from her. "Kabhi toh meri baat maan liya karo."

"But I'm bored." She fell back on the seat. Vansh put the empty plate away, washing his hands. Picking the brown leather bound file, he gave it to her.

"Yeh kya hai?" She asked, opening the file. Vansh sat beside her. "Ek project hai. I want you to be my project partner."

"To be more precise, co-founder." He clarified.

"A fashion business? You should Ishani about this. She knows this the best!"

"Yes, but she's best at designing. She knows nothing of marketing and sales pitching, which you're well-versed with."

Mayura hummed, understanding his point. "So you want to lay out the foundation for her."

"Just this once." He sighed. "If she fails, I won't be able to trust her with any business anymore."

"She'll do it." Mayura asserted, going through the contents. "If we give her a few months of training, I'm sure she'll be able to handle the company."

"Alone?"

"Mhm, not possible. Two people minimum. Business kaafi complex hai."

"Aryan?" He suggested. Mayura shook her head, "He wants to be a game developer. Let him be."

"For how long? He's barely showing any progress." Vansh complained.

"He's still learning. Give him some time, yaar!" She defended. "Not everyone is talented like you."

"Woh toh hai," Vansh said proudly. "I am talented and handsome by birth."

"Dono Bhai ek dum pagal hai." She mocked, rolling her eyes at his antics.

"Kuch bola?"

"Tumne kuch suna?"

"Haan,"

"Toh sunte raho." She laughed, closing the file. "Marketing, HR aur accounts mein sambhal lungi. Architecture tum dekh lena."

Vansh nodded.

They spent a few more minutes discussing about the project, after which Vansh ushered her to the bed and made her sleep.

[3106]

Mrs. D'Souza >>>>>>>>

Why did they have to kill her? She was such a nice character. (⁠｡⁠ŏ⁠﹏⁠ŏ⁠)