Hey everyone..Thanks for all the love you are giving this story.... I am overwhelmed...
I am glad you all are keeping my request, and commenting so much on the last chapters. Thanksssss....I love you all..❤️

[New Characters (unimportant)
Ritu Sharma and Girish Sharma- Meera's parents..Same as show..

Also, please imagine Barun and Bhavani(Tapish's parents) on your own, I can't find suitable people for their character..]

Plz like and comment, and share if you like it. This is my first ff on Wattpad, and I really want everyone to read this and enjoy.
Happy Reading.

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"Nahiiiiii...."

Bani woke up with a jerk. She was shivering and sweating profusely. She took the glass from the side table and poured the water on her own head. But then also, the scary scenes kept playing in front of her eyes. She took the jug now and again poured its whole content on her head and started rubbing her arms. She kept murmering "No, nahii..".

Veer came down after freshening up, and saw Puchki and Ponky helping with the decorations. He looked around but couldn't find Bani. He went to Puchki and asked her about Bani.

V: Oyee, Bani kaha hai?!...

Puchki: *hopping down from the chair* Good morning bhaiyya.. Bhabhi kamre mein hai... So rahi thi aaram se, maine uthayi nahi...

V: *looking at the clock* 9:30 baj rahe hai, wo abhi tak so rahi hai?.. Strange.. Anyways, main jaake utha deta hoon...

Puchki: Bhaiyya, bhabhi kaanp rahi thi AC ke wajah se, isliye maine AC bandh kar di aur blanket odh di unke upar... Aur ha, bhabhi ko agar fresh hone jana hai, to bathrobe mere closet mein hain...

V: *smiling* Ok...

Veer ran upstairs to Puchki's room. He opened the door and saw that the room was dark. He sighed at his sister's weird nature, she didn't like sunlight early in the morning and thus kept the curtains closed. Veer turned and spotted Bani sitting on the bed. He called her, "Sweetheart..." and switched on the light. He looked at her, calling "Gharwali.." and saw her sitting there fully drenched. Bani saw him standing in front of her, perfectly alright and got a relief. He laughed seeing her like that and went towards the bed.

V: *keeping one leg on bed* Sweetheart arre hum saath mein chalte na shower mein; eksaath bheegte, maza aata, tum akele aise ye.. This is not done... Ye kya, akele tum aisi bheegi huyi...

Bani touched her hair and her hands, and stood up on the bed.

V: *confused* Arre...

B: *anxious, holding her hair strands* Ye-ye to, ye sach nahi tha, ye sab sapna tha to main... bheegi, main bheegi kaise?!...

V: *confused smile* Kya hua tum it-itni pareshan kyun lag rahi ho Bani?! Baat kya hai?!...

B: *coming towards him and touching his shoulders* Veeranshu...

V: Haa..

B: *very disturbed and shivering* Mujhe n-nahi pata ye pani kaha se aaraha hai... Ye sab sapna tha to-to ye paani kaha se aaya, m-main bheegi kaise?!*almost on the verge of crying*

V: *trying to divert her mind* Baapre, Bani Sharma roti bhi hai?! Aise aansu, mote mote aansu?!... Haa?!..

Bani started crying and sat on the bed.

V: *smiling* Arre, Bani tum...*getting serious seeing her breaking down* Bani...

She held her forehead and broke down. The dream was so terrifying that she was not able to get it out of her head. He understood that she was really scared, and quickly sat down beside her. He side-hugged her and tried to calm her down.

V: *pulling her in his embrace* Bani, arre... *patting on her cheeks* Main mazak kar raha tha... *kissing in air* Muah, main mazak kar raha tha...

B: *crying*...

V: *patting on her shoulder* Dekho... achha, achha thikhai, dekho tu-tum bheeg gayi ho na, *clicking his fingers* do second mein pochh deta hoon..

He tried to get up, but she got afraid thinking that he will leave. She instantly held his jacket tightly to stop him from getting up and leaving.

B: *sobbing in fear* Nahi.. nahi nahi.. nahi... nahi...

He understood her fear and hugged her and started caressing her head and shoulder.

V: Aa Ok..*kissing in air* Muah, ok ok ok.. *after a pause* Relax... Main kahin nahi jaa raha hoon, tumhare saath hoon tumhare paas hoon... Thikhai?!.. Kahin nahi jaa raha hoon, muah.. Bas, bas... Ok?!... Chalo, rona bandh karo, muah, chalo.. Come on... *making her stand up being in the hug* Um chalo aao...aao... Mere saath aao, chalo... *taking her towards the closet* Main kahin nahi jaa raha hoon, bilkul tumhare saath hoon... Aao...

B: *still sobbing*....

V: Bas.. Bas bas bas bas bas...*taking the towel from the closet handle*... Chalo, muah... Idhar aao, idhar aao idhar aao.. *wiping her shoulders and making her stand with her back on the closet* Tumhe main aaram se aise pochh deta hoon, hmm?! Muah... Kuch nahi, bas, tumhare saath hoon.. *trying to make her talk* Tum kuch keh rahi thi na, kuch hua tha?!.. Ky-kya hua tha, batao... Muah, batao...

B: *sobbing* Veeranshu.. Wo waha ek car thi.. Traffic tha... Bo-bohot horn baj raha tha...Aur t-t-tum the...*sobbing* Au-aur wo achanak, achanak accident hogaya...

In the mean time, Veer wiped her hair and quickly pulled out the bathrobe from the closet. He threw the towel on the bed.

B: *sobbing* Aur wo pura khoon khoon har jagah...

He caressed her head and nodded at her.

B: *crying fearfully* Mujhe nahi pata.. Mujhe nahi pata Veeranshu, main kya karu.. Mujhe nahi pata...*keeping her head on his chest and holding his jacket while crying* Mujhe nahi pata...

Veer sighed and decided to pull the last string to bring her back to normal. He moved her hair from her back and held the zip of her kurta. She felt his hand there and pushed him away angrily.

B: Ye kya kar rahe ho tum?!...

V: Good... Fantastic... Bheegi billi Bani ko purani Bani banane ke liye maine ye kiya...

She looked at him being shocked at his words.

V: *smiling* Sweetheart, tum bohot bheeg chuki ho... *giving her the bathrobe* Change karlo, muah, jao... Hmm?!... Go...

She took the bathrobe from his hand and he caressed her head.

V: Jao..muah...

He turned to go, but she instantly grabbed his wrist to stop him.

B: Nahi... *he turned to look at her* Main akele nahi jaungi...

Veer looked at her hand holding his, and smiled at her. He took her towards the washroom. He opened the door of the washroom and let her go in. He was going to leave when she tugged at his hand. He realised that she was not going to leave her hand because of her fear. He stood outside the washroom and started humming music. She left his hand and changed into the bathrobe while listening to his voice. He noticed the empty jug and glass on the table, and the whole matter became clear to him. She had seen some scary dream about an accident, and had poured the water on herself to calm herself down; but she thought she was pouring the water in her dream. He sighed at her helplessness.

Bani again held his wrist and came out of the washroom. She had stopped crying by then. Veer took her in front of the bed and turned towards her and held her hand that was holding his wrist. She looked ar him and started telling everything.

B: Wo, maine sapne mein dekha ki tum mujhe pickup karne aa rahe the... Bohot traffic tha... Fir signal green hogaya aur gadi chalne lagi.. Aur fir maine dekha ki tum gadi se nikle mere samne, aur... *getting anxious* aur tumhara accident hogaya, Veeranshu tum... Tum..

He cupped her face in assurance.

B: *starting to sob* Charo taraf khoon hi khoon.. Mere upar bhi pura khoon... *crying, not able to tolerate that scene anymore* Maine paani dali apne upar par wo khoon jaa hi nahi raha tha... Veer, Veer tumhe kuch hogaya to?!..

He nodded sideways indicating that nothing will happen to her, and held her hands. She kept on blabbering.

B: *restless* Main.. Mujh-mujhe nahi pata main kya karu... Main, main kuch nahi kar paa rahi hoon, kuch bhi nahi kar paa rahi hoon main...

V: *shushing her* Shhh shh shh..

B: *looking at him with fear* Main bohot darr gayi hoon... Main bohot darr gayi hoon...

V: *cupping her face* Nahi, nahi Bani..

B: *without hearing him* Main bohot darr gayi hoon Veeranshu...

V: *making her look at him* Bas Bani bas... Darne ki zaroorat nahi hai, haa... Sabkuch bilkul theek hain.. Main theek hoon, sab koi theek hain... Pata hai kya? Ye sab tumhara vehem hai, aur kuch nahi.. Sab kuch, sabkuch theek hai...

B: *tensed* To mujhe, to mujhe wohi sabkuch barbar kyun dikh raha hain?! Agar mera vehem tha to, main fir aise bheegi kaise...

He smiled at her innocent question, and pulled her to his chest. He started caressing her head and explained the actual scenario to her calmly, as if consoling a baby.

V: *smiling* Muah, main batata hoon ki ye sab kyu horaha hain... Wo kya hain ki tum almost do mahino se mere saath reh rahi ho, ab itne dino baad tum do din ke liye apne ghar rehne gayi akele... Tum mujhse dur thi to tumhe laga ki kahin main tumhe chhodke chala na jaau humesha ke liye... Fir kal tumne Jai ko dekha to tum stress mein chali gayi...

Bani was listening to him patiently and analysing his each word carefully.

V: Ye sab milake tumhare dil mein ek darr baith gaya aur tumhe bure khayal aane lage... Aur ye paani, ye tumne khud aapne upar daale hai..*showing her the empty jug and glass* Wo dekho waha... Tumhe laga ki wo sapne mein horaha hai, par asal mein tumne apne upar paani daalli wo sapne mein jo khoon dikhi wo mitane ke liye... You got confused between reality and dream and did this to yourself... Asal mein aisa koi accident huya hi nahi hai Bani, ye bas tumhara vehem hai...

Veer moved her away and made her look towards him by cupping her face.

V: Bani, aaj ab main tumhare samne khada hoon, ekdam theek hoon, haa... Ab tum bilkul kuch mat socho... Sab kuch bhool jao! Stress, bilkul pareshan mat ho... Main tumhare saath hoon... Ok?!..

B: *disturbed* M-main jaan bujhke nahi soch rahi hoon, mere dimaag mein khudse wohi cheez chal rahi hai, main... *with utter fear* Kahi aisa to nahi ki, ki ye sach mein hone wala hain... Veer, Veer tumhe kuch hone wala hai.... Main kaise handle karu ye sab?!...

V: *chuckling* Tum Bani Sharma ho, the strongest, bhul gayi?!... Koi mamuli ladki nahi ho... Arre, chutkiya marke tum badi se badi problem ko handle kar sakti ho... Aur, sab kuch theek rakhne ki guarantee main leta hoon, kisiko kuch nahi hoga, haa..*smirking* Aur jaha tak meri baat hai to, Bani Sharma bhi mera kuch nahi bigaad payi... *touching her cheek* Arre mere charm ke aage, koi theher sakta hai kya?!...

Bani smiled with tears and hugged him. He pulled her in his arms and smiled rubbing her back.

V: Bas... Main tumhare saath hoon, bilkul theek hoon, zinda hoon...

B: *closing her eyes in relief* Veer...

He looked at her hands which were now resting on his chest and shoulder, and smiled in contentment. This was their first proper hug after his love realisation. Veer closed his eyes trying to absorb this feeling. It felt great to have his love in his arms like this. He wanted the moment to stop, so that they could forever stay like that. He felt like telling her right then about how much he loved her, but stopped himself to wait for the right moment. He also thought about her condition right now. He felt very happy seeing her ample care and concern for him. She had literally gone crazy thinking about his accident, that proved how important he was for her. Veer now knew that she also loved him equally, but maybe had not realised yet. All this emotions were too overwhelming for him. He took a deep breath to control his happiness, and smiled contentedly.

He opened his eyes after few seconds and decided to lift her mood.

V: *teasing* Kya baat hai, aj tumne mujhe kitne dino baad hug kiya hai... Kahin khushi se mar naa jau...

As soon as he completed his sentence, she pushed him away and turned the other side. He looked at her being a little confused.

V: Arre, ye kya?.. Arre, ye it-itna lamba intezar, aur thodi si thandak... *going to hug her again* Ek aur hug to banta hai...

She again pushed him away, but without looking at him.

B: *wiping her tears* Nahi, tum mazak karte raho... Main yaha sach mein pareshan thi jis baat ko leke, wohi kaho... Aur karo marne ki baat...

V: *realising his mistake* Oops, shit... I didn't mean it Sweetheart... Galti se keh diya maine... Plz plz, ek aur hug dedo...

B: *hugging him tightly* Aur kabhi bhi ye sab mat kehna... Please Veer....

V: *hugging her back happily* Pakka Promise...

They stayed in that position for sometime, and then parted. Veer told Bani to get ready as she would be going somewhere, and went to his room to get his car keys and purse as he would be leaving too.

            **********************
The weather suddenly became gloomy and cloudy. Bani came down wearing the same pink saree. After breakfast, she went out when Shraddha's car came to pick her up. Veer had noticed that she was over the dream, and sighed in relief. He also left after few minutes.

Veer entered the store and saw Bani come out of the same store. They both looked at each other shocked.

V/B: Tum yaha?!...

He smiled and let her tell first.

B: Wo Meera di ke kuch gehne collect karne the... She was going to come herself, par maine kaha ki main aa hi rahi hoon bahar to main hi collect kar lungi...

V: Oh achha... Main aaya unn dono ke liye gift lene.. Maine kaha to tha tumse, customised diamond studded paired watch... Aj lena tha, isliye aaya hoon...

B: *smiling* Oh ok...

V: Ek minute ruko, main abhi aaya...

B: Arre par...

He went inside without listening to her. She sighed and waited for few seconds. Then she thought something and went out.

He came back to where she was waiting, but couldn't spot her. He went out and saw her walking away on the footpath. He sat in his car and drove towards her, and stopped the car in her front. He came out of the car and looked at her annoyed.

B: *questioningly* Veeranshu?!..

V:*sternly* Ssh, kuch nahi kahogi... Ab meri baat sunogi... Ek minute pehle maine kaha tumhe rukne ke liye, lekin dekho tum chupchap bahar jaa rahi ho... Pata hai kya, BANI SHARMA kaise rishte nibhati hai ye to mujhe nahi pata, lekin, meri biwi ka tareeka, tch-tch-tchk achha nahi laga...

B: *not able to make him understand* Veeranshu tum...

V: Ssh.. Tum mujhe kayi naamon se bulati ho na- Akdu, Idiot, Pagal.. To ab ye idiot pagal akdu tumhe batayega ke rishte kaise nibhaye jaate hai, pyaar kaise kiya jata hai...

B: Veeranshu meri

V: Ahaa, bolte raho, mera naam japte raho... Nahi, pata hai? Tum jaha jaogi main tumhare pichhe pichhe aaunga, nahi leke jaogi follow karta huya aaunga, par aaunga zaroor...

B: *annoyed* Tum Jai ko chepu bulate ho na, lekin usse bade chepu tum ho..

Bani went towards the passenger seat, but he crossed her and came there before her and opened the door smiling. She sat inside annoyed.

B: Haso mat...

He smirked closing the door and sat in the driver seat.

V: Kaha?!...

B: Raste ke opposite... Samne Shrads ka fashion house hai, waha...

He drove and stopped the car on the opposite side of the fashion house. They opened their seatbelts and he unlocked his door. She quickly locked his door back.

B: Tum nahi aaoge...

V: Jaha tum jaogi, main wahi wahi aaunga...

B: It's literally on the opposite side, I can manage alone...

She turned to open her door, but he pressed the child lock. She turned towards him being frustrated and saw him smiling.

B: Veeran-Veeranshu... Isi wajah se, isi wajah se main tumhe nahi bata rahi thi ke main chali aa rahi hoon.. Kyunki mujhe pata tha, jaise hi tumhe pata chalega tum saath mein chaloge, aur fir mere saath uss paar jaane ki zidd karoge, jo main nahi chahti thi... Maine already itna bura sapna dekha hai, agar tumhe kuch hogaya to fir mera kya hoga?!...

She faced him and saw him looking at her intensely with a smile. She recalled her words and looked away.

V: Bani Sharma, tum pighal rahi ho... *she looked at him* Jao jao, varna pyaar ka ikraar kar dogi... *kissing in air* Muah, jao...

She looked away blushing and tried to open the door, only to realise that he had still not opened the child lock.

B: *cutely whinning* Kholo...

He pressed the child lock again, and she opened the door and got out.

V: *calling her* Aur suno...

B: *looking at him from the window*...

V: Jaldi aana, saath mein chalenge...

She blushed looking at him.

She went away and he smiled, waiting for her.

After about half-an-hour, he saw her coming out of the fashion house in a new look. But to his surprise, she sat into Shraddha's car and went away. He groaned angrily and started his car, and drove off towards their house.

            ***********************
Bani reached the Singhania Mansion and directly went to Meera's room. Meera had been calling her rapidly as everyone were asking her to come down. Bani gave her the jewelleries, and she smiled gratefully. She hurriedly opened the boxes and started wearing the necklace and earrings. Bani also helped her in getting ready. Finally, after few minutes, she was fully ready and looking drop dead gorgeous in the yellow saree.

Bani came out with Meera and was going downstairs when they met Tapish. He was wearing a kurta matching with Meera and was looking handsome. Bani smirked teasingly at him, and he blushed.

But the next second, he frowned.

TS: Tumhara mahan pati kaha hai?! He was supposed to be there with me while I get ready...

Bani's eyes widened as realisation dawned upon her. She has come home leaving Veer waiting for her there... Shit.... She smiled at him nervously and hurriedly went down dialling Veer's number in her mobile. The duo looked at her confused. She met Daksh in her way and crossed him smiling nervously. Daksh turned and asked her why she was nervous. She replied that she will tell him later.

Just then, Veer entered calling for Bani. He spotted Bani talking to Daksh and went near them. She saw him and gave a apologetic look and turned to look at Tapish and Meera who had come down by then.

V: *sternly* Bani, mujhe abhi tumse baat karni hai...

Daksh: *teasing* Kya bhai, humesha baat karna hota hai bhabhi se aapko...

V: *rudely* Oye, ek second, mazak ke mood mein nahi hoon... *to Bani* Bani, mere saath chalo, baat karni hai...

Daksh understood the seriousness in his voice and shut up.

B: Veeranshu, ek minute

V: *pulling her along with him* Maine kaha baat karni hai, chalo... Aao mere saath...

Daksh, Tapish and Meera saw them going somewhere and got tensed as they were known to his anger very well. Bani turned towards them to blink in assurance and went with him.

Veer took Bani behind the huge pillar at the back corner of the main hall. He made her stand there with her back against it, and held her from shoulder while keeping the other hand on the pillar as support.

V: *stern* Kya harkat hai ye, haa?!..

B: Veeranshu plz, abhi nahi...

V: *angrily* Abhi, abhi isi waqt... Abhi.. Tumhe kya lagta hai main stupid hoon, idiot hoon, samajhdar nahi hoon, bewakoof hoon, haa?... Kaha tha na tumse ke main raste ke opposite wait kar raha hoon, kaha tha tumse... Aur tumne kya kiya, tum bhul gayi!! Nahi nahi, tum mere samne waha gadi mein baithke chupchap chali gayi.. Mere aankhon ke samne, maine dekha... *pointing his finger at her*

B: *looking at him apologetically*...

V: *holding her from shoulders and mock smiling* I see, bhul gayi hogi, ki main bahar intezar kar raha tha, hai na?!... Phir to tum ye bhi bhul chuki hogi ke kuch der pehle tum mujhse gale lagi thi.. Jhooti humdardi haa?! Wo feelings.. Sab dikhawa tha, chhal tha, drama tha... Sach mein ye hai ke dil mein kuch nahi hai, aur wo aansu bhi...

Bani just lost it at his words. He was accusing her of faking her care and concern towards him. She snapped back angrily.

B: Veeranshu just stop it plz.. Bas karo, muh bandh rakho apna... Koi chhal, koi dikhawa, kuch nahi tha wo... Sach much main mehsoos kiye, ok?!.. *He chuckled mockingly*.. Dil se.. Haa, tum bahar the ye mere dimaag se nikal gaya, uske liye I am very sorry...

V: *angrily* Plz Bani, iss situation pe ye word use mat karo... Galti karo aur fir wo quickfix hote hai na ke bas chalo aage badh jao, waisa hai... Takleef hoti hai, sorry mat kaho...

B: *apologetically* Veeranshu sab wait kar rahe hai, problem ho jayegi...

V: Problem to hai na... Main apni, apni biwi ke liye, gharwali ke liye duniya bhar ki feelings feel karta hoon, aur intezaar bhi karta hoon... Haa, pata hai kya, pati jo hai wo ek taang par andhi ho toofan ho, barish mein khada rahega... Tch tch tch tchk, lekin patni.. *showing no by moving her thumb*...

B: *pleading* Ab meri baat sunoge plz... Main iski bharpayi karungi... Galati maine ki hai na, to bharpayi main karungi main vaada karti hoon...

Veeranshu sighed wiping his face with his hands, and looked at her.

V: Kaise...

B: Wo kispe hai? Mujhpe hai, okay...

V: *smiling sadly* Bhul jaogi...

B: *determined* Main apni kasam kha rahi hoon, main nahi bhulungi... Sach much, aj jo kuch bhi hua na, maine jaan bujhke nahi ki... Matlab, waha late ho gayi thi aur Meera di ko jaldi thi... Wo mujhe bar bar call kar rahi thi, to jaldbaazi mein mere dimaag se nikal gaya ke tum wait kar rahe ho... It was totally unintentional Veeranshu...

V: *sighing, annoyed* Whatever...

B: Ab chalo, jaake ready hojao...

V: *annoyed* Tum jao, main aata hoon...

B: Nahi, tum abhi chalo... Meera di ke room mein ek packet hai, usme tumhara kurta hai.. Jao change karlo...

He sighed frustrated and went upstairs. She smiled sadly and went to the main hall and saw everyone there. She smiled slightly at them. Meera and Daksh bombarded her with several questions, but she dodged them and told everything was fine.

Veer went to his room and sat down on the couch, thinking about what had happened few seconds ago, and covered his face realising how harsh he was on her. He had accused her of faking her emotions in anger. He recalled Tapish bhai's advice, "You should always control your feelings, and not let your feelings control you... Varna, problem ho jayega...". Today he had let his anger control him and the problem happened, she got hurt. He decided to apologise to her asap and went to get ready.

               *********************
After few minutes, Veer came down and noticed Bani standing alone. In his anger, he had failed to notice how beautiful his wife was looking today in her multicolored saree paired with an offshoulder long top of the same design. His black assymetric kurta having a red patch on the sleeves was complimenting her saree very well. He smiled at that and went towards her.

She saw him coming and quickly wiped her unshed tears. The fact that he had really accused her of acting in the morning hurt her a lot. She knew he had not done it intentionally, but still she couldn't make her heart to believe that. Her action didn't go unnoticed by Veer. He stood beside her and whispered in her ears,

V: Bani, I apologise for using such harsh words for you, I really didn't mean it... I know you had felt those emotions from heart,and I do respect that Sweetheart...

She looked at him, emotionally touched.

V: Itni emotional mat ho, gussa main abhi bhi hoon... Tumne jo kiya uski bharpayi tumhe karni hi hogi..

Ponky came and called them to meet Meera's parents who had just came.

V: *smiling* Hm..chalo...

She smiled inwardly and went with him towards the entrance. Everyone welcomed Meera's parents. Tapish and Meera touched their feet and they blessed the duo. Bani noticed Tapish smiling fakely at Ritu.

B: *whispering to Veer* Ye Tapish bhai itna annoyed kyun hai Meera di ki maa se?!...

V: *chuckling* Kuch der mein tumhe pata chal jayega...

She shrugged her shoulders. They settled in the hall and Veer and Bani touched their feet as the new couple. They blessed them too, and Ritu started praising Bani.

R: Arre wahh, kitni pyari hai ye... Kya naam bataya tumne apni?!..

B: *smiling* Bani...

R: Hayee, bohot sundar naam hai... *seeing her bangle* Arre, kinti bhaari bangle hai, khandani gehna hai??... Meera ko bhi mili thi, par itni keemti nahi thi...

Bani saw Tapish walking away from there, annoyed. She looked at Veer and saw him giving a 'told-you' look. Meera chidded at her mother, and she changed the topic.

R: Waise ek baat to hai.. Tum bohot hi khoobsurat ho, ekdam gori... Meri Meera ki rang bhi agar aisi hoti to kitna achha hota... Kya use karti ho tum apni skin pe?!.. Meera ki rang kitni savli hai, aisa koi tareeka hai jisse wo tumhari tarah gori ban jaye?!...

Bani couldn't tolerate anymore.

B: *sweetly* Aunty, aap galat ja rahi hai..Insaan ki khubsurti uski shakal ya rang se nahi, dil se hoti hai.. Aur agar shakal se bhi dekha jaaye, to maine aj tak Meera di jaisi sundar ladki nahi dekhi... Rang savli hai to kya hua, iska matlab ye to nahi ke wo sundar nahi hai?!.. Dil se ekdam saaf aur achhi hai humari Meera di... Unhe iss ghar mein sab bohot zyada pyaar karte hai, isliye behtar yahi hoga ki aap bhi ye maanna shuru kar de ki wo jaisi bhi hai BEST hai...

Ritu was tongue-tied. She smiled fakely and went to sit. Everyone present there was impressed with her wit. They all felt the same, but could never say it directly. Meera got emotional, noone had ever supported her like Bani. Once Tapish had tried, but Ritu's taunting answers had quietened him. But what Bani did today was beyond her imagination. She literally knew her for two months but was supporting her like her own sister. Bani turned towards Meera and smiled assuringly. Veer looked on proudly at his wife, true gem she was..

Shailee and Balwant came towards the couple and started the ceremony by giving them their first gift. After that, everyone started giving them gifts one by one. They smiled thanking everyone and took blessings. Then Daksh came in the middle of the hall with a mic, and started announcing.

Daksh: Hiiii everyone... Aj hum yaha gather huye hai humare pyaar Tapish bhi aur Meera bhabhi ke first wedding anniversary celebrate karne ke liye... Give a huge round of applause for the couple...

They all clapped.

Daksh: Ok so, we have decided to play a game today before our main meal... It's basically a song battle... Isme do teams honge, aur dono team ke leaders honge Tapish bhai and Veer bhai... Before I announce the rules, please captains, select your team members...

Tapish and Veer fist bumped and stood facing each other. Tapish chose Meera and Veer chose Bani in the first go. Tapish sadly looked at Bani going to Veer's team. They selected their team members, and the final teams looked somewhat like this:-

Team Tapish: Tapish, Meera, Daksh, Shailee, Barun, Ritu.
Team Veer: Veer, Bani, Puchki, Ponky, Bhavani, Balwant, Girish.

Daksh: Ok, here are the rules... One team will play a song upto a certain part, the other team will have to sing the next part i.e atleast next four lines correctly within 60 seconds... If they fail, they will be given a punishment by the first team... And, no punishment can be repeated... Everything clear?!...

Everyone: Yesss...

Daksh: So without further ado, let's begin the song battle....

The game began. Veer started the game by giving a song to Tapish's team. It was a tough one but Daksh cracked it. Next, Tapish played a part of Dil Ibaadat. Veer and Bani smiled and sang the next part together. Like this, 3 rounds went on. Everyone noticed how Veer Bani were playing so well. The two made the best team together.

Daksh thought hard and played a difficult song Gulabi for Veer's team this time.
Raah bhi gulabi, yeh naav bhi gulabi,
Dariya mein jo main bahoon gulabi,
Kahoon bhi gulabi, main sunoon bhi gulabi,
Lagta hain main rahoon gulabi..

Veer's team members looked at each other shocked. It was a really tough song.
B: Veer, as I remember, iske baad ek alag sur mein kuch lines hai, fir wo same purane lines...

V: Ok, I will manage the purane lines but beech mein kya?!I can't remember..

Puchki: Mujhe bhi yaad nahi aa rahi...

B: Shit yaaaar...

They tried to think of the song, but 50 seconds went in that. Daksh started the countdown: 10, 9...

Bani thought to give it a chance and sang,
Jaane re jaane mann, jaane hai rang
Rang gulabi hai preet ro...
Veer heard it and remembered the next line.
Jaane re jaane sab jaane hai rang
Rang gulabi hai preet ro...
Bani looked at him amazed. They sang the next line together.
Jaane re jaane sab jaane hai rang
Rang gulabi hai preet ro...
They looked at Daksh and smirked. Veer sang the next part.
Gulabi dori hai, bandhi ye choli hai..
Na jora jori, na seena zori hai..

Everyone clapped at their outstanding performance. In the next round, Tapish's team failed to sing a song. Veer gave them the punishment.

V: The punishment is, aapke team ke saath hum apna koi bhi ek member exchange karenge...

B: *whispering* No Veer...

V: *not listening to her* And I choose Daksh...

Veer smiled confidently as he was sure that Tapish would choose Puchki from his team. But Tapish's choice shocked him.

T: Ok, we choose Bani..

V: Wa-wait what..No...

T: *smirk* Rule is rule Veer...

Bani gave him a 'I-warned-you' look and happily went to Tapish's side. Everyone in Veer's team scolded him for his foolishness. He glared at Tapish and the game continued.

After 2 rounds, Veer suddenly started feeling uneasy. He felt as if something was going to happen. He ignored it and played the female version of Tu Hi Tu.
Itna to bata, mausamon ki tarah,
Tu badalta gaya kyun hai..
Tu hi tu har jagah, aj kal kyun hai?
Tu hi tu har jagah, aj kal kyun hai?
Raste har dafaa, sirf tera pata,
Mujhse puchhe bhala kyun hai...

He stopped the song and looked at Bani. Shailee told something in her ears, and she smiled and sang the next lines.
Teri meri baki hai kahani,
Teri meri adhi hai kahani
Aagayi wo mod par,
Tu gaya jo chhod kar,
Mere dil ko tod kar,
Kya mil gaya..
Paas ho to bura, dur ho to bura,
Aisa mere khuda kyun hai...
While singing, she glanced at Veer 2-3 times as if telling him the lyrics. He smiled and looked away.

In the next round, Tapish's team failed as Balwant had played an old song and Ritu tried to sing the next part overexcitedly but sang the wrong lyrics. Daksh gave a punishment that Tapish and Meera would have to do a couple dance on any song he plays. They were deciding which song to play when the cook came and told to Shailee,

C: Memsahab, pudina patta nahi hai chutney banane ke liye...

SS: Oho, achha ruko main garden se laa deti hoon...

B: *stopping her* Mumma aap baitho, main laa deti hoon...

Shailee nodded smiling, and Bani went to the garden. Soon, Veer faked a call and went towards the garden. He needed to meet her and make sure that she was alright. No one noticed that as they were busy in selecting a song.

Bani was in the garden looking for the mint plants.

B: *to herself* Urgh main aj pagal hi ho jaungi... Pehle to mujhe ye pudina patta nahi mil rahi hai, aur fir ye soch sochke pareshan ho rahi hoon ke tumhe main kaise manau Veeranshu...

V: *coming there* Bolo...

Bani looked at him surprised.
V: Tumne Veeranshu kaha na, bolo?!...

B: *changing the topic* Sab andar kya kar rahe hai??..

V: Gaana soch rahe hai...

She smiled and looked for the plant.

V: Waise manna parega, kya jawaab diya hai tumne Ritu aunty ko... She deserved it... You just rubbed the truth on her face, wow...

B: *smile* Itna to main kar hi sakti hoon apne parivar ke liye ..

V: *stepping close* Aur mere liye?!.. *acting of hearing* Kuch kaha tumne?! How will you make it up to me?!... Parivar to thik hai, mere liye kya??...

A music started playing in the hall.
B: *pointing there* Gaana mil gaya unhe...

V: Baat mat badlo, sawaal ka jawaab do... Mere liye kya?!...

B: Veeranshu...

V: Dekho main tumhe bas, iss gaane ke liye ekbar, baahon mein lena chahta hoon.... Sirf ek baar...

Tere mere darmiyan hai
Baatein ankahi..
(Bani looked away. She noticed that he was sounding different, maybe a little bothered. She tried to think what might have happened, but then saw him turning away and going.)
Tu waha hai main yaha hoon
Saath hum nahi..
(She realised she had not replied to his request, and called "Veeranshu..". Veer turned and saw her holding her hand out for him. He kept his hand on hers, and they both smiled.)

..short music..
(Veer pulled her closer and said,
V: Main tumhe baahon mein, sirf baahon mein nahi lena chahta.. Tumse kuch kehna bhi chahta hoon..)

Tere mere darmiyan hai
Baatein ankahi..
(He moved away and pulled her in a way that her back hit his chest, and they swayed)
Tu waha hai main yaha hoon
Saath hum nahi..
(He twirled her away and they looked at each other)
Faisle jo huye, faasle hi mile,
Raahe juda kyun hogayi
Na tu galat, na main sahi..
(He pulled her closer and held her in a side hug. She tried to move the hair coming on her face, he pushed it behind her ear)
Leja mujhe saath tere,
Mujhko na rehna saath mere..
(He again took her in a back hug and swayed to the song)
Leja mujhe saath tere,
Mujhko na rehna saath mere..
Leja mujhe.. Leja mujhe...
(Veer said near her ears,
V: Main sirf tumse ye kehna chahta hoon Bani...)

....music....
(Bani turned to face Veer.
V: *moving her hair strands from her face and cupping her face with one hand* Ki main humesha tumhare saath rahunga, humesha... Tum kisi pareshani mein rahogi to main uss pal, to main uss pareshani se larunga... Tum kisi dukh mein dubogi to tumhare saath dubunga... Tum kisi aag mein kudogi to...
B: Jaloge?!...
V: Raakh hone tak...

Veer cupped her face with both hands and she looked at him emotionally. It was the first time someone promised her something like this, she felt glad.

She was about to say thankyou but he stopped her.
V: Thankyou mat kehna, kyunki wo sorry se buri galti hogi... Aur wo, iss dance se bari saza hogi...
She smiled at his words.
V: *smiling* Samjhi?!..
She nodded smiling.)

Thodi si dooriyan hai,
Thodi majbooriyan hai,
Lekin hai jaanta mera dil..
(Bani hugged Veer keeping head on his chest and they swayed like that)
Ekdin to aayega jab,
Tu laut aayega tab,
Fir muskurayega mera dil..
(She asked him,
B: Veer, tumhe kuch hua hai kya?! Tum itna sad kyun sound kar rahe ho?!..)
Sochta hoon yahi,
Baithe baithe yunhi,
Raahe juda kyun hogayi
Na tu galat, na main sahi..
(He sighed and hugged her tightly.
V: Nahi, main bilkul theek hoon Bani..)
Leja mujhe saath tere,
Mujhko na rehna saath mere..
Leja mujhe saath tere,
Mujhko na rehna saath mere..
Leja mujhe.. Leja mujhe...
(She knew he did not answer her now and decided to ask him after going home. They again danced slowly.)

....music....
(All of a sudden, he asked her an absurd question.
V: Iss ghar mein tumhari priority list mein first kaun hai?!..
B: Hein?!..
V: Batao...
B: Umm, pehle to Mumma, Meera di, Tapish bhai.. fir Daksh, Puchki, Ponky... then, Daddyji... then, Badepapa and Badimaa... and then, Som kaka, humare cook...
V: Aur main?!...
B: *biting her tongue* Oops sorry main bhool hi gayi... Ha, sabke baad tum...
V: Sabse last mein?!...
B: *smiling inwardly* Aur nahi to kya..
V: Matlab agar aisa situation aaye ke tumhe humare team se kisiko chunna ho to tum priority list ke hisaab se chunogi?!...)

Yaadon se lad raha hoon,
Khud se jhagad raha hoon,
Aankhon mein neend hi nahi hai..
(B: Obviously Veer...
He frowned. She sat near the mint plant and started plucking the leaves)
Tujhse judaa huye to,
Lagta aise hai mujhko,
Duniya meri bikhar gayi hai..
(He sat beside her and thought about his uneasy feeling again.)
Dono ka tha safar,
Manzilo pe aakar,
Raahe juda kyun hogayi
Na tu galat, na main sahi..
(She stood up and pulled him up too)
Leja mujhe saath tere,
Mujhko na rehna saath mere..
Leja mujhe saath tere,
Mujhko na rehna saath mere..
Leja mujhe.. Leja mujhe...
(Bani told Veer to go in first, and she will come after him. He agreed and turned to go.)

Sun mere khuda,
Bas itni si meri dua,
Lauta de humsafar mera
Jaayega kuch nahi tera..
Tere hi dar pe hoon khada,
Jaun to jaun main kaha,
Taqdeer ko badal meri
Mujhpe hoga karam tera...
(He went inside listening to the song and she smiled. After few seconds, she also went in)

             **********************
The game was continuing. Veer's team and Tapish's team were at the same score now. Bani had managed to make Veer's team lose two points. The first punishment was given by Tapish that Veer had to do 30 pushups with Ponky and Puchki sitting on his back, and the second punishment was given by Shailee that Balwant and Girish had to do bhangra. Bani was thinking how to make another point when an idea came in her mind. She whispered it in Tapish's ears and they both smirked. Tapish got up and played the song.

Yaaron main kaise kahu kya hua?
Hosh hai ab kahi, hai kahi ye hawa..
Phirta hoon khudko bhulaaye huye
Yaad meri mujhe to dila do zara..

Tapish stopped the song, and Daksh and Veer instantly started singing.
Bematlaab se, jeeta raha tha,
Ab mil gayi hai wajah.. Haayee..
Rabba rabba mere rabba rabba...

Bani didn't let them complete. She screamed excitedly and high-fived with Tapish. Daksh and Veer were confused.

B: *excited* I knew it... Iss stanza mein rabba rabba nahi tha, sirf music tha uska...

Tapish played the song to let them hear, and they realised Bani's trick. She smirked happily at them. Barun came up with the punishment.

BP: Punishment ye hai... Tumlogo ke team mein ek member zyada hai, to koi bhi ek member hum apne team mein le lenge aur baki members ko ek pair par khada rehna parega 1 minute ke liye.. Wo ek member ko Bani choose karegi by touching their hand... It includes the captain himself also...

Shailee and Bhavani from each team were not there as they had gone to check the final arrangement of the lunch. The team members of Veer looked at Bani with pleading eyes and forwarded their hands to her. Veer knew she wouldn't choose him and so he was sitting casually forwarding his hand. Bani went and held his hand and announced,

B: Veeranshu it is...

He beamed with joy, and everyone else was also happy seeing their bond. He was all set to tease her with that when Shailee came and called everyone for lunch. Tapish's team were declared the final winner.

They had their lunch together with pomp and grandeur, enjoying and talking with each other. After the lunch, Meera's parents left. Tapish and Meera also left as they had some special plans in the evening. Soon, Veer and Bani also left for the Farmhouse.

             **********************
Throughout the journey, Veer tried to tease her about her first priority, but she acted like sleeping to avoid the discussion. They were about to enter the gate of the Farmhouse when he saw numerous pins lying near the gate. He applied the brake, and Bani got shocked. He showed her the pins, and they both came out of the car to see. She told him to arrange for a broom. He remembered that there was a broomstick in the storeroom, and went to get it.

Bani was waiting for him when suddenly someone covered her face with a cloth. A sweet smell hit her nostrils. She tried to shout and scream but no sound came out from her mouth. Her vision started getting blurred and she fainted.

Veer came back but couldn't see Bani. He called out her name and searched for her, but couldn't find her anywhere. His eyes widened when he finally understood what had happened. The pins were a trap. The broomstick fell from his hand as panic rose in his heart. He ran to the security room and checked the cctv footage hurriedly. His fists clenched in anger seeing the face of the person, the bloody scoundrel Jai Mathur. He had dared to touch his wife again and abduct him.

Veer tried to locate her through his mobile, but failed. He quickly called one of his known ACP and gave him her number telling him to track it as soon as possible. He told him the whole scenario, and the ACP assured to help him in every way possible and also told that they would be reaching the place whenever they could point her location. Veer sat in his car and started driving towards the outskirts of the city, not knowing where to go.

The rain started heavily, as if pouring down his heart's pain through itself. Veer was feeling restless. His tension was increasing with each passing second. He now understood why he was feeling uneasy in the afternoon, it was because his heart had already guessed that something wrong was going to happen. He scolded himself for being so careless and leaving her alone while going to get the broomstick. Just then, he got stuck in the Mumbai traffic. He hit the steering in frustration and waited impatiently for the traffic to clear up.

He remembered their sweet and sour moments from the morning and smiled with tears. He then recalled the lyrics of the song on which they danced.
Yaadon se lad raha hoon,
Khud se jhagad raha hoon,
Aankhon mein neend hi nahi hai..
Tujhse judaa huye to,
Lagta aise hai mujhko,
Duniya meri bikhar gayi hai..
The lyrics exactly matched with his situation right now. Her memories were clouding in his mind, he was fighting with himself for being unable to protect her, he was getting restless. Without her, he was feeling as if the world was collapsing around him.

He closed the eyes remembering the last few lines of the song. He believed in God, but he was not someone who would join his hands to pray or ask him for something. But, for the first time, today he joined his hands and asked the God to give him back his Sweetheart. He repeated the lines,
Sun mere khuda,
Bas itni si meri dua,
Lauta de humsafar mera
Jaayega kuch nahi tera..
Tere hi dar pe hoon khada,
Jaun to jaun main kaha,
Taqdeer ko badal meri
Mujhpe hoga karam tera...
As if the God listened to his prayers, the traffic started clearing and the rain stopped slowly. He opened his eyes when his mobile rang. It was ACP calling. He picked up the call, and a small smile appeared on his face. Her location had been tracked successfully and he was going in the right direction. He cut the call and thanked the almighty, and started his car to go to the location.

He muttered under his breath,
"Sweetheart, don't worry... Your Veer is coming... I will not let anything happen to you..."

-----------------------------------------------------------

Hey my lovely readers, here's a damn long chapter for you all just in time, as promised... Hope I didn't bore you all and you all enjoyed it...

I think that more detailings could be added to the chapter... Honestly, I am not fully satisfied with this update... But, if I added detailings then it would cross 10000 words... It has already crossed 7500 words.. And, it was not possible to divide this chapter into two parts because then the continuity would break... So, please bear with it...🥺

Chapter Trivia...
Q. What do you think, did Bani notice Veer's mention of 'pyaar' in his talks?!
Q. Can you relate something about the songs mentioned during the Song Battle?!
Q. Guess what's going to happen in the next chapter?!(Hint: Also read the precap)

Precap:-
Main koi aisa geet gau,
Ke aarzoo jagau,
Agar tum kaho...