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..❤️
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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Agar tum kaho...

Veer ended the song and looked at Bani to see her smiling with tears in her eyes. Before he could ask her the reason of her tears, she got up from the couch and sat on his lap. She hugged him tightly burying her face in his shoulder. He got startled by her act. He felt extremely happy having her sitted so comfortably on his lap, but the next second became tensed when he heard her sob. He hugged her and started rubbing her back.

V: *tensed* Sweetheart, kya hogaya?! Tum ro kyun rahi ho?!... Main itna bura gaata hoon kya jo tum seh nahi paayi aur rone lagi?!...

She laughed while sobbing and hit on his back lightly.

B: Tum itne achhe kyun ho Cutu?!... Kyun?!...

V: *smiling* Ab kya kare, tumhari level ko match karne ke liye thora achha to hona hi parega...

B: You are a true gem... I am such a broken piece, you really deserve someone better... Itna kuch mat karo mere liye tum...

V: *hugging her tightly* Dekho Bani Sharma, aj tumne ye kehdiya to kehdiya, par aur kabhi mat kehna ye... You are the absolute best Sweetheart, you are the one for me.... Bas that's it... Iss baat ko firse kabhi mat dohrana... And regarding doing all of these, main apni biwi ke liye kar raha hoon ye sab.. So tum iss baare mein socho hi mat...

Bani smiled hearing him, and controlled her sobs.
B: I am so sorry Veer, I behaved very rudely with you at the terrace.. I should not have done that, I am sorry...

Veer broke the hug and made her look at him.
V: Sweetheart, Gharwali, you really don't need to say sorry... Arre, pati hoon tumhara, mujhpar gussa nahi dikhaogi to kya padosi par dikhaogi?!.. Aur, maine tumse usdin kya kaha tha? Bade bade deshon mein aisi choti choti baatein hoti rehti hai, Señorita..*wink*

She smiled at him and he smiled back.

V: *wiping the tear stains* Waise, tum na sach mein pagal ho, iss wajah se koi rota hai kya?!... Sahi naam rakha tha maine, Pagal Sharma... *pinching her nose* Ro ro ke naak laal hogayi hai... You look like Rudolph, the cute red nosed reindeer...*smiling*

She pouted and wiped her face cutely. He smiled seeing her cuteness, and blinked his eyes trying to control the urge of pecking her pout. She suddenly frowned remembering something.

B: *frown* Achha, ek baat batao... Kal tumne jo baat kaha, wo sach tha kya??..

V: *confused* Kaunsa baat?!...

B: Yahi ke main itni bhi khubsurat nahi ki tumhari niyaat bigad jaaye?!...

V: (Kitna kuch kaha maine, par isne sirf ye ek baat hi yaad rakhi, nice...) *smirking* Kyun?! Tum chahti ho ki meri niyaat bigde?!...

B: *awkward* N-nahi, me-mera matlab wo nahi

V: *pulling her closer with a teasing smile* Nahi nahi, tum agar chahti hi ho to... *bringing his face closer to hers* bigaad jaane do...

Bani pushed him away, got up from his lap and ran away to her room blushing profusely. He tried to get hold of her and laughed seeing her flushed face when she ran away.

He sat back and sighed. He had thought, now that she was slowly getting comfortable around him she would say everything to him, but it didn't happen. He decided to give her some more time and try making her more comfortable and happier.

Bani went to her room and sat on the bed. She blushed remembering their moment few seconds ago. She had noticed his change in behaviour and his use of sudden words since the last few days, but couldn't ask him as she knew he would tease her endlessly. He was the sweetest and cutest... She shrugged her thoughts and sat on the bed with her favourite book.

            ***********************
Veer was in his room working on his laptop. He finally finished his pending work and shut down his laptop and kept it in his cupboard. He looked at the clock and saw that it was time for their dinner.

He went towards her room to check on her. He slowly opened the door and saw an enchanting scene in front of his eyes. Bani was sleeping cutely in sitting position on the bed, with her book in one hand and her mobile in other hand, and she was wearing her blue light glasses. A packet of chips, a box of cookies, a sprite can, and a small tub of icecream, all empty, were scattered beside her. Water bottles were lying here and there on the bed. DD had told him earlier itself that she ate lots of junk food when she was stressed or disturbed, but he didn't know that it would turn out to be like this. The organised Bani Sharma's bed now looked like a tornado has passed over the place.... He smiled.

He started arranging the things. He picked all the wrappers and packets and threw it in the dustbin, kept the bottles in the proper place, tucked the bedsheet properly. Then he slowly took out the book from her hand. He kept it on the table with a bookmark between the pages she was reading. He took her mobile and put it on charge, opened her glasses and kept it in its box, and finally went to her. She didn't have a proper dinner, but as she had munched on all these junk foods, Veer didn't want to wake her up. He gently picked her up and carried her to his room. He made her lay on her side of the bed and dimmed the lights of the room.

He sat beside her and admired her sleeping form for few minutes, and then thought of having his dinner. He was going to get up when he felt a tug at his hand. He looked to find Bani holding his hand tightly and murmuring something. He bent down closer to her face and tried to hear her properly.

B: *murmuring in sleep* Mujhe chhorke mat jao Veer, mat jao... Tum humesha mere saath rahoge, vaada tha... To mat jao Veer... Veer....

He smiled feeling contented. The love of his life was sleeping holding his hand, requesting him to not leave her while being asleep; what more could he ask for. What made him happier was the fact that she remembered his words and one liners so perfectly that she was able to blabber them even in her slumber. He gave a lasting kiss on her forehead and hopped on the bed beside her. He pulled her in his embrace and looked at her lovingly.

She was one hell of a stong woman... She went through so much in her life but managed to come out of it stronger and braver.. She was alone there in a dark room but she didn't get scared of the darkness inspite of being a nyctophobic, like she told... She kept Jai away from her for as long as could... She was keeping all her agony and pain in her heart but still smiling and staying happy on the outside... It required a lot of courage to be like this, and she was indeed courageous... Veer was proud of his ladylove. But, he knew she needed to speak her heart out, otherwise the emotions would make her suffocated from the inside and it would affect her health.

He was thinking all this, when his stomach growled in hunger. He took a deep breath and looked at her. Bani had never asked him to do anything for her ever. Today, for the first time, she asked him to stay with her and not go leaving her alone; how could he deny her request!! He would give his life if she wanted, but she was only wanting him to be there beside her. He could obviously stay hungry for one night to keep her words. And also, getting to look at her while she slept peacefully was itself a treat, it would suffice his hunger for sure. He smiled, kissed her hair and slept hugging her.

              **********************
The next morning, Veer was downstairs preparing his muesli. He was hungry and thus thought of having a mini breakfast before the actual breakfast with his wife. He kept checking the stairs frequently to see if Bani was coming down, cause if she came to know that he had skipped his dinner yesterday, she would eat him alive. He sat on the kitchen slab and just started having his muesli, when the bell rang. He became happy and went to open the door. He took the courier and went inside. He quickly finished the muesli, and went upstairs to Bani's room.

Bani came out of her washroom wearing a loose crop top and trousers. She stood in front of the mirror and started checking the wounds in her waist. Amidst the chaos, she had totally forgotten to check herself properly that day. It was when the place gave a burning sensation that she realised she had been wounded at various places on her back and waist while she fell down unconscious that day. She was trying to apply medicine on the wounds when suddenly Veer barged in the room.

V: Bani wo main...

She quickly turned away and covered herself with the shawl getting scared. Veer realised what he had done in hurry, and looked away.

V: *facing away* I am, I am sorry wo, mujhe knock karke aana chahiye tha...

B: (Bani, this is Veer.. This is your Cutu, your Veer, the person you trust the most... Calm down...) Nahi main theek hoon...Uh, I, I am fine... Tumhe kuch chahiye tha kya?!..

V: Wo tumhare liye ek parcel aaya tha, ye kehne aaya tha main...

B: Oh achha..theek hain tum use apne kamre mein rakho, main dekh lungi...

She went towards the closet and kept the shawl inside. Veer was about to go out, but he turned to look at her once. He saw the cuts on her waist and got tensed.

V: *going towards her* Bani.. *turning her towards himself holding her right elbow* Bani ye..

B: *wincing* Ahh Ouh...

V: A a a I am s-sorry, y-ye... *looking at her right elbow and side waist* Y-ye sab k-kaise hua??.. Tu-tum theek ho?...

B: Ye, Sunday jab main waha behosh hoke gir gayi, tab shayad lag gayi thi... Mujhe nahi pata surely, but I think tab hi hua hoga... Waha jungle mein patthar tha, usi se lagi hogi...

V: *tensed* Ba-Bani tum aao baitho.. yaha aao...*holding her gently*

B: Nahi main, Veer main

V: *sternly* Bani please, aao baitho...

She went and sat on the bed. He quickly brought a small towel and the medicine from the dressing table and sat beside her.

V: Dikhao...

B: Nahi, Veer main theek hoon...

V: Mujhe pata hai ke tum THE BANI SHARMA ho, tum bohot strong ho, self-dependent ho.. Lekin iss waqt, tum meri biwi ho, jiska mujhe khayal rakhna hai... Mujhe koi nahi rok sakta, khud meri biwi bhi nahi, please...

B: Please Veer...

V: Tumhe uncomfortable lage to tum mujhe thappar mar dena, dhakka de dena, main risk le lunga.. Please, please Bani please...

She looked at him and showed him her elbow. There was no chance that she could feel uncomfortable with him, afterall he was her comfort.. She had already lost one day trying to forget the incident, and in that process she had pushed Veer away from her a lot... She couldn't afford to repeat the same thing again, she needed to make him understand that she felt the most comfortable around him...

He cleaned the wound and applied medicine on it. He blew air to soothe the pain. She kept looking at him, and found peace. The moment she winced, he got tensed.

V: Ab-abhi theek ho jayega...

He made her turn around and was thinking how to apply medicine there as he knew she might feel uneasy. She sensed his discomfort and herself moved her hair in front. He realised she was comfortable, and applied medicine on the cuts. Whenever he blew air on the wounds, shivers ran down her spine. She felt something; no, not uneasiness; she felt sparks. She clutched her trousers to control the feeling. Unable to take the feeling anymore, she turned back to face him. He was done applying the medicine. He held her left hand and applied medicine on the old cut near the elbow.

V: *putting the cap on the tube* Ab better feel kar rahi ho?!...

When she didn't reply, he looked up to find her looking at him without blinking her eyes. She looked away getting caught.

V: *teasing* Tum mujhe aise dekhogi na, to main beemar par jaunga... Fir tumhe mera khayal rakhna parega... *smug grin*

She concealed her blush and got up taking the towel from his hand.

B: *looking down* Mujhe change karna hai, main ab theek hoon..

She went towards the washroom, and he smiled getting up. Before entering, she said,

B: Veeranshu, thankyou...

V: *without turning towards her* Uh?.. Plz thankyou mat kaho... Kyunki, kuch bhi hojaye, main humesha humesha tumhara khayal rakhunga... Tumhe jitna daantna hai tum daantlo, *chuckling* main kabhi nahi sudhrunga.. *pinching neck* Promise...

She blushed and went inside the washroom, and he went out smiling.

             *********************
Bani went to office in a happy mood. Veer's cute words and actions kept playing in her mind. She asked her assistant about the day's plan, and he informed that she had no important schedule except a meeting with Mr. Mathur. The name brought back the bitter memories and she again became gloomy. The entire day went like that.

Bani returned back home and saw Veer waiting for her in the hall. She smiled slightly and went to him.

V: Oh hii Sweetheart.. Tum aagayi?!... *pulling the chair of the dining table" Baitho baitho...

B: *sitting* Kya hua?!...

V: Abhi pata chalega, wait...

He went to the kitchen and came back with two plates of momos. He kept one plate in front of her and bowed down.

V: Momos, specially for you Sweetheart...

B: *looking at the plate with widened eyes* No you didn't...

V: *smile* Yes I did...

B: *looking at him* Cutu tumne khud banaya hai?! Mere liye?!...

V: Obviously Gharwali, sirf tumhare liye...

B: *emotionally* Kyun?!..

V: *sitting beside her* Kyunkiii, main jab bhi kuch karta hoon tumhare liye, mujhe bohot achha lagta hai, ek sukoon sa mehsoos hota hai... Aur, fir tab tum mujhe Cutu bhi bulati ho... *smug grin*

B: But itna sa

She couldn't complete her sentence as Veer put a momo in her mouth.

V: Bohot baate karti ho tum kabhi kabhi... Khana samne hai, aur tumhe baat karni hai !!... Jaldi khao, aur batao ki kaisa bana hai...

B: *relishing the taste* Mmmm, this is so good, Cutu...

V: *happy* Sachhi?! You like it?!...

B: *eating another momo* I freaking love it....

Veer kept looking at her and waiting when she would feed him, but she got busy in eating the momos herself. He sighed.

V: Not fair Sweetheart.. Maine apne haatho se tumhe khilaya, and you don't even give it back by feeding me?!..

B: Oops... Achha ye lo...

Bani took a piece of momo and held it near his mouth. He turned away his face dramatically.

V: Nahi, rehno do... Nahi chahiye...

B: *rolling her eyes* Nautanki....

She made him face her by holding his jaw and put the momo in his mouth. He ate it and smiled cheekily.

B: *smiling irritated* You and your never ending dramas, I tell you...

V: You absolutely enjoy them, don't you?!...*smug grin*

She ignored the question and continued eating. He smiled and ate too.

After finishing the momos, she smiled appreciably at Veer and got up to go upstairs. Suddenly, she turned back and said, "I surely do...", and went upstairs smiling. He smiled happily and went to keep the plates in the kitchen.

               **********************
After changing into comfortable clothes, Bani took her book and went to Veer's room as he had strictly told her to sit in his room. She entered the room and found it dark. The moment she switched on the light and fan in the room, rose petals started showering in the room. She became extremely excited and twirled around. Veer came from outside and stood leaning on the door to look at her. The petal shower stopped and she turned to look at him. He was smiling seeing her so excited. She ran towards him and hugged him tightly. He hugged back happily.

B: *kissing on his cheek* Veer Veer Veer... You are soooooo sweet... I-I don't know what to say...

V: You don't need to say anything... Ab jao, aur tumhare liye jo parcel aaya hai use check karo...

She broke the hug and nodded at him and sat on the bed with the parcel.

She opened it and got surprised seeing a basket full of her favourite chocolates. She took out the basket and stared at it. From Bournville to Hershey's hugs and kisses, from Cadbury silk to Amul chocolate bars, from Ferrero Rocher to Belgian chocolates, it had everything. She found a note in the basket and read it:
"Life is like a chocolate box. Each chocolate is like a portion of life; some are crunchy, some are nutty, some are soft, but all are delicious. But if any of them is bitter, you must spit it out as soon as possible otherwise it can leave a lasting bitterness in your mouth...
Sweetheart, I promise to oust all bitterness from your life and fill it with sweetness... Eat these sweet chocolates and keep smiling sweetly❤️..."

The note was so heart-touching that it melted Bani's heart. She looked at Veer admiringly who was sitting in front of her and smiling.

B: This is so aww-dorable Cutu... I mean, this is beyond my imagination...

V: I am glad you loved it...

B: *smiling sadly* You really don't have to do so much for me...

V: But I want to do this for you....

B: *remorsefully* Mujhe pata hai tum ye sab kyu kar rahe ho Veer, mujhe khush karne ke liye..But trust me, main bilkul theek hoon, khush hoon...

V: *sighing* Yeah, right... Tum bohot khush ho, bilkul... *After a pause* Actually, you know what, I am not doing all this to make you happy... I am doing this taki tumhe ek pal ke liye lage ke main tumpar sympathy dikha raha hoon aur tum gusse mein apne andar jo dard bhar ke rakhi hain wo nikaal do... Kyunki, tumhe force ya trigger karke hi kuch bulwana padta hai, tum apne aap se kabhi aake kuch share nahi karti ho... You like to keep all your agonies with yourself, you never share them unless and until you are forced... Apne andar sab dabake rakhti ho, sab akele hi tolerate karna hota hai tumhe... Even when there's someone waiting to hear everything and be there with you, you just won't share... *chuckling dejectedly* Nahi, pata hai kya, galti tumhari nahi hai.. Maybe I couldn't prove myself trustworthy enough in front of you, that's why you are not being able to tell me anything... It's okay Bani, if you don't like me doing all this, I won't disturb you anymore....

Veer wiped the unshed tears and got up to leave. Bani instantly got up and backhugged him tightly to stop him.

B: *sadly* I didn't want to hurt you like this Veer, I didn't know my behavior was hurting you so much... I trust you the most, believe me... *Veer held her hands* But, I just can't bring myself to share everything openly... I am trying hard to let my guards down, but I am not being able to... Kabhi kisise kuch share nahi kiya, to wo aadat reh gayi hai... Mujhe pata hai you are there for me, even if I push you away from myself you will be waiting for me, but mujhse nahi horaha...I don't know why...

He turned holding her hand and kept her hand on his chest. He made her look at him.

V: *cupping her face* Sweetheart, I know you are damn strong, but it's okay to be weak at times... I am not a knight in shining armour that I will stand in front of you and protect you from everything, I know you are brave enough to fight your own battle and win.... I just want to stand beside you and support you in your battles.... Kuch bhi ho jaaye, I will support you through it, you can rest assured about that.. But you need to speak your heart out to someone, otherwise it will affect your health and you may as well get a panic attack.. I can't risk it Sweetheart, please understand... Agar tumhe mujhe nahi batana to mat batao, but kisise atleast khulke baat karo....

The words that she was longing to hear were finally said to her. She couldn't keep her guard up anymore. Her walls came crashing down as she hugged Veer tightly and cried. He hugged her back equally and kept rubbing her back, trying to provide her comfort and assurance.

B: It's either you or no one Veer....

V: Sweetheart, you can speak about it, I am all ears... Jitna bhi gussa, bhadas, dard hai tumhare andar, sab keh do, nikaal ke fek do bahar.. Aur, zyada gussa aaye to mujhe hi Jai samajhke maar dena, I won't mind...

B: I would never do that to you...

V: Kya hua tha usdin?!...

B: *controlling her tears* Usdin, jab tum jhadu laane gaye, achanak se koi aake mujhe pakad liya... Chloroform use kiya tha, isliye tumhe bulane se pehle hi main behosh hogayi... Jab main uthi, tab maine dekha ki main ek andhere kamre mein hoon... Mujhe bohot darr lag raha tha shuru mein, fir maine tumhari kahi huyi bat yaad ki, wo shayeri... Aur mera darr kahi chala gaya... I got stable in the darkness...

V: *kissing her hair* I am so proud of you... Fir?!...

B: Then, maine apni mobile nikali aur switch on ki use... I changed all the formats and everything to black and muted the notifications... Main torch on karke bahar nikalne ka raasta khoj rahi thi ki tabhi mujhe laga koi aaraha hai... Maine jaldi se mobile cupboard ke pichhe chhupa di.. Suddenly, room mein fog bharne laga aur bulbule urne lage mere aas paas... Aur, usne mujhe bilkul tumhare awaaz se Sweetheart bulaya aur tumhare awaaz mein baat karne laga... I was getting negative vibes par tumhara awaaz sunke confuse hogayi thi... Wo mere paas aaya aur maine dekhli ki uske haath mein meri anguthi nahi hai jo tum humesha pehnte ho and I became sure that it was not you... I shouted and then he revealed his face, that bloody Dhabewala... Bohot anab shanab bakne laga wo, aur main bhi muh tod jawaab dene lagi... Use wo baat pasand nahi aaya, namard ka imaginary male ego hurt hogaya..Dhabewala kahinka...

V: *chuckling* true...

B: He took another way... He tried to scare me by saying that he will kill you and then take advantage of me... He held my jaw and was going to threaten me, but suddenly kisine call kiya use aur wo harbari mein baar chala gaya... Koi larki thi jise wo mam bula raha tha, M se naam tha, God knows... Sach kahu to main ek minute ke liye darr bhi gayi thi, I can't afford to lose you... But, fir maine socha ki tumhe koi itne asani se kuch nahi kar sakta, specially wo do takey ka insaan... I remained strong for you... I knew that you would surely come to save me, jaisa ki tumne vaada kiya tha...

V: *hugging her tightly* I will always be there...

B: I know... Wo chep kuch der baad firse aa gaya... He kept trying to make me weak, but main ek ke baad ek use insult karti gayi, aur chilla bhi di... He couldn't take a woman dominating him like this... Usne mera haath pakda ek haath se, aur dusre haath se mera gaal pakda.. Deewar pe corner kiya mujhe aur chair rakh diya mere pair ke samne taki main uspe vaar na kar saku, he made me helpless.. *crying* Aur, aur fir, u-usne... u-usne...

V: *kissing her hair and caressing her head* Shhh, shant Bani shant... Koi nahi hai, ye main hoon, Veer... Kuch nahi hoga, shant... Wo ghatiya insaan jail mein hai, kuch nahi kar payega wo... Main hoon na tumhare sath!!...

B: *gripping his t-shirt tightly showing her disgust* Usne mujhe gande tareeke se sunga... Chhi... *coming out of the hug and covering herself with her hands* He touched my shoulders, my neck in a disgusting way... H-he even tried to...

She couldn't speak anymore and cried profusely. Veer hugged her and kept kissing her hair and rubbing her back to calm her down. She was reluctant at first, but then got used. She cried hiding her face in his shoulder. He felt disgusted and extremely angry at that creature. He would have surely killed him if he got him near. But right now, Veer's first priority was to make sure that his Sweetheart was alright. He kept whispering sweet nothings in her ear. She finally spoke up after good two minutes of silent crying.

B: *crying badly* He *hiccup* tr-tried to open *hiccup* my blouse... Tu-tum theek *hiccup* time pe aagaye v-varna, varna *hiccup* k-kuch bura hojata me-mere saath *hiccup*...

He shut his eyes tightly to stop himself from crying. The mere thought of the scene which she meant, sent shivers down his spine. His heart stopped beating for a second. Anger flowed in his veins thinking about the audacity of that scoundrel. He swore to show him hell. He calmed himself down and concentrated on his love who was now crying bitterly as the thoughts of the worst possibilities kept playing in loop in her mind.

B: *hiccup* Thank G-god Veer, tum *hiccup* aagaye... Thank god... N-nahi to *hiccup* kya ho-hojata...

V: *instantly* Sshhh shhh.. Kuch nahi hota... Main aagaya tha, right!!... But agar main nahi bhi aata time pe, fir bhi kuch bura nahi hota.. Kyunki tum kuch na kuch karke fight back karte, I am sure... My Sweetheart knows how to protect herself in all situations... Aur jabki opposite mein kaun tha, wo ek haddi ka chipkali, Dhabewala.. Tumhare do thappar se uski aisi ki taisi hojani thi, huh...

He broke the hug and quickly made her drink some water as she was continuously hiccuping. After she calmed down a little, Veer went closer to her and cupped her face.

V: Suno, tumhe pata bhi nahi hai tum kitni strong ho... You are stronger and braver than anyone I know... I am so so so proud of you Sweetheart... My respect for you increases every moment.. Ab dekho, tum agar aise tut padi to kaise chalega, haa?!... Wo Chepu tumhare nakhun ke barabar bhi nahi hai, he can't break your willpower like this, no... Arre tumne Veeranshu Singhania ko handle karliya tha shaadi ke pehle din hi, to wo mamuli chep kya cheez hai?!..

B: But Veer, main darr gayi thi...

V: Uss loser ke cheap harkato se? No, I don't believe it... Tum sherni ho sherni, meri sherni... Tumhari ek dahar se uska kaleja haath mein aa jayega, aur tum usse darogi, kabhi bhi nahi... *stern* Ek baat humesha yaad rakhna, tum akele sabko mitti me mila sakti ho, tumhe kisiki bhi zarurat nahi hai... Haa, I will always be there with you, humesha... Par agar koi aisa situation aaye jaha main tumhare saath nahi hoon uss jagah ya uss waqt, tab bhi tum ladogi aur tum hi jeetogi... Because, a queen is always a queen, with or without a king.... Samjhi?!...

Bani nodded smiling.

V: *smile* Good... And my queen is the best, no doubt... Ab aur ek baat, tum apni way of dressing kyun badal rahi ho?! I have noticed that you are suddenly wearing full sleeved clothes and all...

B: *awkward* Wo, umm....

V: Sweetheart, you really don't need to do all this... Khudko kisi aur ke wajah se please change mat karo... Wo kya hai na, problem tumhari dressing sense mein nahi hai, problem unn logo ki niyaat mein hai... Jinki niyaat gandi aur soch ghatiya hoti hai, wo log humesha ek ladki ko usi nazar se hi dekhenge, chahe uss ladki ne kuch bhi pehna ho.. So, it's not really your fault.. Aise sochna bandh karo and get back to yourself... I am missing the Bani who used to irritate me and make me laugh and be a bosslady... Tum itni sehmi sehmi rehti ho to achha nahi lagta Yaaar...*sad pout* Plz get back to being yourself....

Bani smiled hearing his words and hugged him again. She had stopped crying by then. Veer hugged her back and planted a kiss on her forehead.

B: Thanks a lot Veer... Tum na hote to mera kya hota?!... Aise hi humesha saath rehna, please...

V: *smiling* Obviously Gharwali... But, first promise me that you won't think about the incident anymore and be yourself, and also promise ki aage se kuch bhi ho ya tumhe kuch bhi bura lage, to tum sabse pehle aake mujhse share karogi, you won't keep everything to yourself...

B: Pakka promise....

V: Good.. *joking* Waise ek baat batao, tum abhi bhi stress mein ho ya sab theek hai ab?!...

B: Nahi main theek hoon ab, *breaking the hug* Kyun?!...

V: Wo actually, kal tumne stress mein aake chips icecream colddrinks, sab kha li aur fir apne room mein hi book padhte padhte so gayi... Fir mujhe sab organise karna para... Isliye puchh raha hoon...*smiling inwardly*

B: Shit... *embarrassed* Tabhi main sochu ke main to apne room mein thi, subah tumhare room mein kaise aayi... Oh god...

V: *nodding* Ji haa...

B: *smiling sheepishly* Bohot torture karta hoon na main tumhe?!...

V: *acting like thinking* Mmm nahi, thoda kam...

She chuckled and hit on his arm playfully, and he laughed.

B: Achha, bohot late hogayi hi, main dinner leke aati hoon...

V: *widened eyes* Nahi, na-nahi nahi nahi... Main j-jaata hoon na, main leke aata hoon....

B: Arre, koi zarurat nahi hai, tumne already bohot kuch kiya hai.. Ab tum araam se baitho, main abhi aayi... *she left*

V: B-Bani Swee-Sweetheart... Shit... Aj to main gaya....

He sighed and started cleaning the rose petals in the room.

            ***********************
Bani went downstairs and stood leaning against the kitchen slab. She smiled thinking of Veer's each and every word. He was literally the man of her dreams... He understood every issue perfectly, and gave accurate solutions for them... He never violated her personal space, he let her take her own decisions... He always motivated her to stay positive and happy... He kept saying that she was the strongest, and gave her strength and courage in every step... He never tried to be her protector and guardian, he always stayed beside her and supported like a friend and a companion... What more could she want?!... Overall, he was a true gentleman, a real gem... She was glad and blessed to have him in her life as her husband... She thought this and smiled. She shrugged her thoughts and started preparing for their dinner.

She opened the fridge and took out the bowls to see that it was the same food from yesterday night, totally untouched. At first she got confused, but after sometime realised what had happened actually. This was the reason why Veer did not want her to serve the dinner. She quickly heated their food, served it in two plates, and ran upstairs with the plates.

Bani entered the room and found it totally clean, and Veer sitting in the balcony. She kept the plates in the table and called him. He came, looked at the plates, and smiled at her nervously. She was sitting on the couch and looking at him sternly. He sat beside her and took his plate silently and started eating.

B: *stern* Kal tumne dinner nahi kiya?!..

V: (And here we go... Veer, be ready for your funeral...) *fake-confidently* H-ha khaya, khaya maine...

B: Kya khaya?! Ghaas?!... Kyunki dinner to fridge mein waise ka waise hi tha, to garden se ghaas hi khaya hoga, nahi?!...

V: *nervous* H-haa, nahi matlab nahi.. Maineee wo umm.... pizza khaya, order karke...

B: Box ko bhi kha gaye?!... Ye jhoot apne paas rakho Veeranshu Singhania, kitchen mein koi pizza box nahi hai... Sach sach batao, dinner kyun nahi kiya tumne?!...

He thought for sometime and then smirked.

V: *scooting closer to her* Wo kya hai, kal tumhe yaha laake sulane ke baad main dinner karne hi jaa raha tha ki tumne mera haath pakad liya, aur kehne lagi... *mimicking her dramatically* "Veer, mujhe chhodke mat jao... Tumhare bina mera kya hoga, main akele nahi reh sakti... O Veer, tum kitne achhe ho... Please mere saath yaha raho.." aur bhi bohot kuch.. Ab tum itni sweetly keh rahi thi to main tumhare baat ko tal nahi saka aur so gaya khali pet...

B: *hiding her blush* Kuch bhi, haa!!... Maine aisa kuch nahi kaha, baate mat banao tum...

V: *shocked* Arre, kya... Sach keh raha hoon, tumne aisa hi kaha... Theek hai, tumhe yakeen nahi horaha hai na, main next time se record karke rakhunga.. Tab tum khud hi dekhlena...

B: *fake stern* Chupchap khana khao, varna uthake bahar fek dunga tumhe...

V: Pehle uthake to dikhao... *wink*

She turned away blushing and he laughed. She ate her food while glaring at him occasionally and he kept smirking.

After finishing their dinner, Bani turned towards Veer and looked at him seriously.

B: Veer...

V: Hmm bolo...

B: Ek baat puchhna tha... Wo, tumhe kuch hua hai kya?! I mean, main last kuch din se notice kar rahi hoon, tum thore badle badle se lag rahe ho... Kya hua hai?!...

V: (Tumse pyaar..) Nahi, kya hua, kuch nahi... Kyun, kya notice kiya tumne?!...

B: Nahi, matlab.. Jabse main apne ghar gayi hoon, something changed in you... I mean....

V: *teasing* Kya baat hai Bani Sharma, bohot notice kar rahe ho ajkal mujhe...

B: *controlling her smile* Aisa kuch nahi hai, ok...

V: Achha.. To aur batao, kya kya change hua hai mujhme... *smirk* Batao batao, sun raha hoon...

B: (Ab main ise kaise batau ke I have noticed how he chanted the word 'pyar' in every alternate sentence that day...Ye kahungi to Veer pakka mujhe chherega... Let it go, kuch kehna hoga to ye khud mujhe aake kehdega..) Um, I don't know... Anyways, chhoro...

V: *smiling* Sach kahu to mujhe bhi nahi pata kya hua hai... Jab pata chal jayega, tab main tumhe batadunga... Ok?!... Par tum mujhe notice karna mat chhorna, I am enjoying this...

Bani got up blushing and and went downstairs taking the plate. He gave his signature laugh and sat back sighing.

           *************************
At night, Veer was laying on the bed beside Bani, but sleep was far away from his eyes. He kept checking if she was asleep or not. After sometime, when he became sure that she was sleeping, he quickly got up, took his guitar and went out closing the door. He went to one of the corner rooms of the Farmhouse and locked the door. He sat there with his guitar. Tears started forming in his eyes thinking about Bani. Only he knows how he had controlled himself in front of her after hearing what she had faced that day. He needed to lighten his pain, and the easiest way to do that was by singing. Singing always gave him peace and relief from all the agonies. He took out the guitar from the cover and started singing. The room was a soundproof one and so no-one else could hear his voice.

Chal, chal ve tu bandeya uss galiye
Jaha koi kisiko na jaane..
(He wanted to take her somewhere far, away from all the pain)
Kya rehna waha par sun bandeya
Jaha apne bhi na pehchane..
(He didn't want to stay there where his love was suffering because of some people)
Reh gaye hai jo tujhme
Mere lamhe lauta de,
(He so wanted to go back to the time and make everything alright, but sadly it was not possible)
Meri aankhon mein aake
Mujhe thora rulade..
(He wanted to cry out, but couldn't)
Chal, chal ve tu bandeya uss galiye
Jaha koi kisiko na jaane...
(He smiled sadly thinking how much she had trusted him even in that situation)

Khwaab jo huye hai khandar
Khwaab hi nahi tha,
Ek neend thi neem si..
(He had planned to take her out that dau, but all went in vain and instead of that a bad incident occured)
Kho diya hai tune jisko
Tera hi nahi tha,
Ik haar thi jeet si..
(He was thankful that he had reached on time there, but he was also sad that the incident left a scar in her heart)
Kitna rulayega ye to bata, rabba ve Tujhe hai tere rab da vaasta..
(He asked the God how much more they both would have to suffer)
Chal, chal ve tu bandeya uss galiye
Jaha koi kisiko na jaane..
Kya rehna waha par sun bandeya
Jaha apne bhi na pehchane..
(His voice broke at the end as he started crying)

He kept his guitar aside and cried thinking of his Sweetheart's condition. He promised to fill her life with all the happiness and to erase that scar from her heart. He wiped his tears, cleaned his face, and went back to his room.

He settled beside Bani and slept holding her in his protective arms, only after kissing her forehead. She smiled feeling him near her, and slept peacefully.

Finally, she was at peace after 3 days...

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

Heyyy my lovely readers, sorry for being late... Here's a emotionally touching chapter for you all... Hope you all loved it...

Chapter Trivia...
Q. Why did Bani not make Veer listen to the recording?!
Q. How and when will Veer deal with Jai?!
Q. Guess what will happen in the next chapter (Hint: something dhamakedar, also precap is meaning something different)

Precap:-
Hasti rahe tu hasti rahe,
Haya ki laali khilti rahe..