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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"I love you, Sweetheart..."

Veer finally confessed his love for her through those classic three magical words. He smiled in contentment and held her closer to him, tightly from her waist, their eyes still closed and their foreheads still touched. Bani opened her eyes slowly, and smiled at the sweet confession and at his satisfied face. She raised her hand to cup his face and confess her feelings for him, but then she remembered how he had confessed his love for her briefly in the phone call in the afternoon. She frowned and narrowed her eyes at him, and thought, "Nahi Veeranshu Singhania... Tumne aj jo kiya dopeher ko, wo bilkul bhi funny aur achha nahi tha... Iska badla to main leke hi rahungi Mr. ... Tumne galti kar diya na, ab bhugto... Main itni asani se confess nahi karne wali hoon ab, tumhe achhe se tadpaungi aur fir kahungi mere dil ki baat...". She took back her hand and kept it on his chest, and closed her eyes smirking inwardly.

Veer opened his eyes and moved back, amd she opened her eyes too. He looked intently at her, waiting for her to reply to his confession, but she looked down smiling nervously. He thought that she might need some more time to process everything in her mind and prepare herself to say out her feelings, and he decided to give her that time and make her feel comfortable and confident by that time. He smiled holding her hand and led her to the table. She became confused at his strange behaviour, but maintained a sweet smile on her face. They sat on their chairs, and the waiter came with their main course. The waiter served it in their plates, and went. She saw that all the dishes were according to her choice, and smiled looking at her thoughtful husband. He smiled back and told her to start eating. They ate the dinner quietly, while stealing glances with each other and blushing.

After having their main course and dessert, Veer and Bani remained seated there quietly, not knowing what to do next. Veer slowly advanced his hand towards her hand kept on the table, and held it. She smiled looking at their hands, and then at him. She saw him looking at her with a sweet sincere smile, and decided to ask him the question that was roaming in her mind since long.

B: *putting her lose hair strands behind her ears shyly* Woh, umm, kya main tumse kuch puchh sakti hoon?!...

V: *squeezing her hand softly* Arre haa, bindaas puchho... Haq se, ekdam....

B: *smiling at his answer* Main bas ye puchhna chahti thi ke, I mean, how did you realise your feelings for me??.. Matlab, kab, kaise?!...

V: *chuckling* Oh achha, ye!!... *sitting properly, bending forward eagerly* Tumhe yaad hai, jab sasuma ki tabiyat kharab thi aur tum apne ghar gayi thi rehne ke liye?! *she nods*... Haa toh, tab I was feeling restless and disturbed without you... Actually uske pehle bhi, I was feeling an unknown attraction towards you since the last few days; tumko dekhta tha to kho jaata tha, din bhar tumhare khayal mein khoya rehta tha, tumhare paas aane se dhadkan tez ho jaata tha,and many such alien things; I had never felt anything like this with anyone before... *she blushes looking down briefly* Aur fir tum jab ghar chali gayi aur main Singhania Mansion aa gaya, to tab kuch khaali khaali lag raha tha, jaise maano dhadkane ruk gaye the, aur sirf tumhe dhund raha tha har jagah... Tumhari awaaz sunne ko mere kaan taras gaye the unn kuch ghanto mein, tumse milne ke liye besabar horaha tha main... *she looks at him in awe*... Mujhe samajh nahi aaya kya horaha hai, aur main next din jaake Tapish bhai se baat kiya, and he told me that these feelings are nothing but love, he made me realise that I have madly fallen in love with my Sweetheart... Aur jaise hi mujhe pata chala, main tumse milne chala gaya tumhare ghar, bouquet aur chocolates lekar... *both giggles* This is how I realised...

B: *smile* Hmm, samjhi... (How sweet he is... But, ek minute, kya kaha Veer ne, Tapish bhai helped him to realise, matlab ye banda khud se samajh bhi nahi paya... Oh god... Chalo theek hai, koi nahi, ho sakta hai aisa.. Par, itne din pehle isne realise kiya, aur mujhse aake confess kar raha hai ab, ajeeb hai... Upar se, realisation ke baad bhi ye kiss karte waqt bhaag gaya tha, mera pehla kiss adhura chhodke *whining inwardly*, aur haaa most importantly, do din pehle wo car accident, ye bhi to love realisation ke baad hi hua, pagal hai kya ye?!... Ek ke baad ek kaand karta rehta hai... Ise to theek se saza bhi nahi mila, uss din ke liye... Ab lagta hai, 1 din ke jagah 2 din tadpana parega, aur fir jaake confess karungi...Ha, ye sahi hai...*evil smirk*)

Bani was lost in her thoughts, planning how to annoy him and make him wait impatiently for two days. Veer called her a few times, but she didn't budge. He intertwined his fingers with hers, and finally her trance broke. She looked at their intertwined hands in surprise, and then her gaze shifted to his face. She found him smirking at her, and then wiggling his eyebrows wanting to know where she was lost. She nodded in negative smilingly and he sighed convinced.

B: *looking at their hands* Veer, can we continue our dance from where we had left it?!...

V: (Finallyyy, I think she is ready to confess her feelings for me... Yessss...) *controlling his excitement* Yeah sure, why not... *getting up and pulling her* Come...

She smiled getting up, looking at their hands still intertwined. Veer gestured someone, and the song Itni Si Baat Hai started playing from the second stanza. They moved in sync and danced slowly yet gracefully with each other. When the music came up, he pulled her closer and held her affectionately near himself. She kept her head on his shoulder and swayed rhythmically with him, her one hand holding his hand, and the other hand around his torso. They stayed like that till the song ended, and then he moved back a little and looked straight in her eyes.

V: Bani, kya tum mujhse kuch kehna chahti ho?!...

B: (Tabhi main sochu ke ye abhitak kuch puchha kyun nahi... Sahi time ka intezaar kar raha tha, okkay!!)*acting innocent* Kis baare mein Veer?!...

V: *stepping closer* Aj maine tumse jo kaha, uske badle mein, kuch?!...

B: *smiling inwardly but maintaining a confused face* Uh, main samjhi nahi...

V: (*chuckling inwardly* Really Bani?! Tumhe ek aur bar I Love You sunna hai mere muh se, uske liye itna drama?...) I Love You Bani, do you want to say anything in return?!... *looking at her with expectations*

B: *casually* Oh, that... Yeahh, I know, even I love myself too...

V: *rolling his eyes defeatedly* Bani,  are you serious?!... You want to say this??...

B:*giggles* Ok ok, I am sorry... *taking a deep breath and making a solemn face* Veer, I don't want to keep you in illusion... See, I really appreciate and respect the fact that you love me and you have decided to confess it to me (yeah, after about two weeks, wow...) in such a grand and special way, but the thing is, I don't think I feel the same for you... Yes, I really do like you, a lot, no doubt on that... But love, I don't know... (I know very well that I love you, but I am not gonna let you know that so easily Mr., hehehehehe...) I don't think I am on the same page as you... I need time, to be honest... For now, I don't have any such feelings for you... When I will be sure that even I have the same feelings as you, when I realise that the feelings are mutual, I will let you know right away...

Veer's face fell hearing this. He looked down with dejected expression.
B: *feeling guilty* Please try to understand my point, Veer... I know that maybe you are disappointed but believe me, I really didn't want to upset you... (I am so so so sorry Cutu, I am so sorry... Bhagwan, aap maaf kardena mujhe... I am lying so openly to you, I feel so bad... But kya kare, tumne bhi bohot tadpaye hai mujhe... Time for some revenge, baby...*smirking inwardly*... Let me annoy you for just 2 days, I promise I will make it up to you in the best way...) Veer, kuch to bolo!!!...

V: (*analysing carefully* Ek minute, ye jo keh rahi hai wo sach hai?!... Nahi, aisa to ho nahi sakta, kyunki maine khud iski aankhon mein mere liye dher saara pyaaar aur bharosa dekha hai... Phir Bani aisa kyun kar rahi hai mere saath?!...*realising* Ohhh, to aj call pe maine jo kaha, uska badla le rahi hai, achhaaa, nice... Theek hai Sweetheart, jitna badla lena hai lelo, jitna tadpana hai tadpalo; par ye mat bhul jaana ki main bhi The Veeranshu Singhania hoon, mujhe cheezein haasil karna achhe se aata hai... Main tumhare dil ki baat tumhari zubaan tak laake rahunga, tumse bulwakar rahunga ke tum bhi mujhse bepanah mohabbat karti ho... The game is on, wifey...) *lifting his face and smiling gently at her* It's okay Sweetheart, I understand... You take your time, no problem... *assuring blink* I am ready to wait, no matter how long it takes... It's absolutely okay, I didn't mind at all...

B: (*slightly shocked* Arre, ye itne asani se maan gaya?!...Nahi nahi, kuch to garbar hai, iske dimaag mein zarur kuch plan chal raha hai... Ye kuch na kuch khurafati zarur karega mujhse apni dil ki baat bulane ke liye... Mujhe bachke rehna parega isse...) *nods smiling* Yeah... Thanks...

Veer and Bani both smirked inwardly, each one ready with their own plan. He shrugged his thoughts and hugged her, happy that he had finally confessed his feelings and his love to her and now he had nothing to hide from her, he could now go around wearing his heart on his sleeves. She readily accepted the hug and hugged him back, waiting to confess her love for him soon. They broke the hug and he suggested that they should head back home now. She agreed, and picked up her purse and bouquet from the table, and held his hand to leave. They looked around happily one last time, and started walking towards the exit.

On the way, Bani's feet hurt due to the high heels, and she stopped abruptly. He stopped too, and looked confused at her while she bent down leaving his hand and took off her heels. She held the bouquet and the purse in jer left hand and the heels in the right hand, and started walking barefoot, tripping and tumbling on her long gown. He chuckled silently at her adorable wife and went behind her. He suddenly picked her up in bridal style, not giving her any time to react. She encircled her left hand around his neck in reflex, and looked on baffled at his sudden act.

V: *smirking* Aise kya dekh rahi ho?!.. Tumhe kya laga, mere hote huye tum iss tarah nange pao chalogi, aur main ye hone dunga?!... Ah-uh, not at all happening...

Bani rolled her eyes smilingly and he gave his signature laugh at that.
B: *muttering under her breath* Pagal...

V: *goofy smile* Haa, tumhare pyaar mein...

B: *looking away blushily* Oh God...

He laughed again, and carried her all the way to the exit. Near the exit, there was a spare room booked by Veer for keeping the necessary items and decorations. He dropped her on her feet in front of that room, and told her to change into her previous office dress. She was impressed by his to-the-point planning. She quickly changed into the kurta set and packed the gown in a bag. She came out and then they exited of the place, and got in his car to go back to the Singhania Mansion.

                **********************
They returned to the Singhania Mansion at about 9:30pm. Veer and Bani entered the house, and found no one in the hall. They looked at each other confusedly and went upstairs. On their way, they met Puchki who told them that the elders were out for a business party, Tapish was working in the study room, and Meera, Daksh, Ponky and she herself were chilling and chatting in Daksh's room. They nodded in affirmation, and Bani told she would be joining them after freshening up. Puchki smiled excitedly and went downstairs to bring the pizza boxes from the delivery boy. The went to their room, and Bani entered the washroom to freshen up. Veer kept his coat in the cupboard, and went to the walk-in closet to change.

Bani came out of the washroom after changing into her white spaghetti strap kurta and pastel lilac palazzo pants. Her subtle makeup was still on her face. While keeping the towel in the cupboard shelf, she noticed that Veer was sitting on the bed and checking something on his mobile attentively. She shrugged her shoulders and was about to go out of the room when he called her back.

V: Bani...

B: *turning instantly* Haa?!...

V: *smirking inwardly* Ek minute idhar aao...

B: *coming towards him* Haa bolo...

V: *pulling her and making her sit in front of him* Arre baitho na...

B: Achha theek hai, ab batao, kya hai...

V: 'A' bolo...

B: *confused chuckle* Huh?!...

V: Arre bolo to... A..

B: *sigh* Okk fine... A...

Veer smirked seeing his plan working.
V: B...

B: *smiling at his childishness* C...

V: D...

B: E...

V: F...

B: G...

V: H...

B: I...

V: *smirk* Love...

B: *in reflex* You...

Bani's eyes widened as she realised what happened just now, he had tricked her into saying I Love You to him in a smart way... She looked at him and found him grinning widely at  her.

B: *angrily pushing him* Ye kya tha, haa?!... How dare you manipulate me and trick me into saying something like this?!!!...

V: *smirk and wide grin* Sweetheart, maine kuch nahi kiya... It's just that, tumhari dil ki baat aa hi gayi zubaan pe...

B: *standing up irritatedly* Koi dil ki baat nahi tha woh... Kisise bhi jakaar ye stupid game kheloge to wo insaan bhi wahi kahega jo maine kaha, idiot... Aur tumne kuch nahi kiya matlab, you made me say this, unfairly...

V: *standing up* Everything is fair in love and war.... *grinning and coming closer to her* And this is pure love, Sweetheart...

B: (Love, my foot... Ye koi tareeka hota hai kisiko apni dil ki baat bulwane ka?! Main abhi kuch der pehle soch rahi thi ke ye aadmi itna sweet hai, iska sazaa thora sa kam kar doon... Par nahi, isse to sabar hi nahi ho raha, isliye ajeeb harkato se mujhe bulwa raha hai that I love you..To isliye isne waha itne asani se maan liya tha meri baat, ab main samjhi...Huh, ye tumne sahi nahi kiya... Ab dekho tum, tum bas dekhte jao Mr. Akdu Singhania, kaise main tumhe sabar karna sikhati hoon... Ab do din nahi, tin din tak tadpaungi tumhe... You deserve it...)

Veer saw Bani thinking something intently and smirked victoriously.
V: *clicking his fingers in front of her eyes* Kya hua Sweetheart?! Bolti bandh ho gayi kya?!... Tch tch tch, nahi, tum chup the kyunki  manti ho ke tumne abhi jo kaha wo sach hai... You love me, hai na?!... Wooo I knew it...

B: *evident fake sweet smile* Bilkul bhi nahi... Actually kya hai, tumne ye sab karke meri ek galat fehmi dur kardi... Mujhe laga tha ki shayad mujhe tumse pyaar ho jayega bohot jald, lekin ab mujhe pata chal gaya ki mujhe tumse pyaar ho hi nahi sakta, kyunki tumhare kartoot hi saare aise hai... Like karna alag baat hai, but pyaar, not possible... Thanks for opening my eyes...

V: *chuckling at her acting* Awww, really?! Tum bologi aur main maan lunga?!... Huh, kuch bhi...

B: *crossed* To mat mano... You know what, tumse baat karna hi bekaar hai... Tum sochte raho ye sab khayali baatein, main chali...

Bani passed him and was about to go out, but Veer held her from her elbow and pulled her back. Though he knew she was just trying to provoke him or tease him or annoy him through her words, but still those 'somewhat rude' words hurt him a little, and thus his behaviour towards her became slightly rough. He looked at her with piercing gaze, a look that was passing through her skin and reaching directly to her soul. She shivered under his gaze, but maintained her confidence in front of him, and looked back straight in his eyes.

V: Main jaane dunga, tab na... Ab jaake dikhao...

B: *getting annoyed* Tum mere saath zabardasti karoge, huh?!...

V: Main bas tumse aj tumhari dil ki feelings sunna chahta hoon, ab tum apne aap keh do ya fir aise mujhe kehlana pare, I don't care...

Meera was coming to their room to call Bani, but she stopped outside hearing their banter. She had heard from Tapish that Veer had planned a romantic date for Bani today and had confessed his love for her there, and so she could figure out easily what they were talking about. She decided to go back and give them space, but when she heard Veer telling this line, she couldn't stop herself. She had gotten to know Bani very well in these 2 months; Bani never did something which was forced to her, she liked to work on her own will. She knew Veer since when he was 6 years old and hence she knew him very well, once Veer's ego was hurt, he became like a wounded lion and reacted badly, not caring who was standing in front of him. She decided to help the two, and warn Veer about his actions which he might regret later. She opened the door and entered inside the room in the pretense of calling Bani.

MS: Bani... Hum sab kabse tere liye wait kar rahe hai, chal mere saath, baithke baatein karenge sabke saath...

B: *looking thankfully at her* Haa Meera Di, aayi... *trying to detach her hand from his grip* Haath chhodo mera...

V: Itni asani se nahi chhodne wala.... Tum ab nahi jaa sakti kahin bhi, idhar hi rehna parega tumhe...

B: *agitated seeing his dominating behaviour* Tum mere saath zabardasti nahi kar sakte, you get it or what!!!...

V: *stubborn* Main aur bohot kuch kar sakta hoon, samjhe!!... Now just keep quiet, *showing him with his finger* sshhh... *to Meera* Meera bhabhi, Bani ab nahi aa rahi aapse saath, aa jaiye... Bubye...

Meera turned to leave, and Veer fixed his eyes on Bani. Her eyes roamed on his face as she tried to find his Veer somewhere in his eyes, because the person standing in front of him was not at all his Cutu, it was The Ruthless Iron-Hearted Veeranshu Singhania. She was feeling angry as well as scared now. She had never seen him being so rude and rough with her, and thus his sudden dominating and harsh behaviour scared her. But his ordering voice, and the way he tried to control and intimidate her made her enraged and furious at the same time. She rebuked and tried to free her hand, and his grip tightened on her elbow.

Meera made her mind and turned towards them again.
MS: Mujhe bas ek baat kehni thi...

V: *turning to her* Ji Maate, aapko bhi gyaan dena hai!!.. Boliye boliye boliye boliye...

Meera knew Veer didn't like when someone stopped him at his decision, so she didn't mind his words.
MS: Har cheez zor zabardasti se nahi paayi jaati, *Veer chuckles mockingly* infact koi bhi cheez zor zabardasti se nahi paayi ja sakti... *Bani looked at her, trying to get her words*... Haa, chheeni zaroor ja sakti hai... Lekin uss chheena jhapti mein, aap jitna tezi se uss cheez ko pakdenge, use utna hi dard denge... Aur utni hi jaldi aap use kho bhi denge... *Veer's gaze lowered in thoughts, while Bani kept looking at her* Chalti hoon, Bani...

Meera turned and went from their room. Veer looked at her retreating figure and left Bani's hand, as he correctly deciphered the meaning behind her words.

Bani looked shocked at him, not able to believe that he listened to Meera so easily. She understood that maybe Veer was reacting like that because he was hurt by her words, but she couldn't digest the fact that he had treated her so roughly in the last few minutes. She looked at his hand, and spoke.

B: Meera di ki baat to badi jaldi sunli...

V: *turning and looking at her with a bit of guilt* Kyunki main tumhe chot nahi pohchana chahta...

B: Achha?!.. Tabhi ye aise zabardasti muj

V: *not letting her complete* Zabardasti bhi nahi..*walking towards her, and she walking back* Bas main tumhe *her back hit the cupboard door, and he leaned towards her keeping his hand on the door beside her head for support* mehsoos karana chahta hoon jo main mehsoos kar raha hoon, jo main feel kar raha hoon tumhare dil mein wo feelings main laa kar rahunga chahe kuch bhi hojaaye Bani...*her gaze lowered*

B: *looking up again* To maine kab inkaar kiya?!.. Main to feel karti hoon, mere dil mein feeling hai, like wali feeling... Bas ek hi ehsaas hai mere dil mein, aur uske siva aur kuch bhi nahi.. Aur usse badhkar aur kuch bhi nahi hogi, never never never, kabhi nahi...

Veer smirked sensing how she was trying to convince herself more than him.

V: *smile* Pata hai kya, love aur like ke beech ki jo laqeer hoti hai na, bohot maleen hoti hai.. Tumhe nazar nahi aayegi...

As soon as he finished saying the line, their eyes locked. Bani could clearly see the hurt and guilt in his eyes, reflecting with the immense love he had for her.

On the other hand, Veer could see the love and admiration mixed with a tint of hesitation in her deep ocean-like eyes.

Bani hesitated a little seeing him hurt, but then she remembered his idiotic acts in the past, and her nose flared. She built up her lost confidence and replied sharply.
B: Ji nahi, meri nazrein usi pe tiki huyi hain...

V: *holding her bare shoulders* Iss waqt tumhari nazar mujhpe tiki huyi hai... *his voice turning soft* Aur dekhlena, aisehi dekhte dekhte tum laqeer ko bhul jaogi, laqeer paar kar dogi... *slight smile* Tumhe pyaar hojayega mujhse... Deewani ban jaogi meri... Bas, ekdin Bani, apni zindagi ka ekdin mujhe dedo, please...

Bani sensed the distress in his voice, and couldn't help but feel extremely bad for doing this to him. But then she also felt hurt for how he treated her.
B: (Ek din kya Veer, jab maine apni puri zindagi tumhare naam kardi hai... Tum kyun kar rahe ho aisa, kyun aur mushkil bana rahe ho ye sab, mere liye?... Plzzz aisa mat karo Cutu... ) *lying to herself as well as him* Nahi, aisa kabhi nahi hoga, never...

V: *shifting his hand to the door beside her* Dekhenge...

B: Dekhlena... *impatient* Ab please mujhe chhodoge?!...

V: *raising his eyebrows* Hmm?!...
Veer showed her his bare hands and smirked at her. She looked at his hand and got embarrassed at her stupidity.

V: *whispering* Maine tumhe roka hi nahi..*smirk* Tum khud ruki huyi thi...

Bani awkwardly looked here and there, clearly tongue-tied.
V: To bolo... *moving closer to her and shifting his hand to the wall above her head* Ab batao... Maanti ho mera kehna?!... *forwarding his hand* Challenge accept karti ho?!.. *showing one with his finger* Ek din...*extending his hand again*...

Bani's eyes moved frequently between his face and his hand, as she tried to think what should she do. Se knew that if she gave him one day, he would do anything to make her say those three magical words, and she was almost sure that she won't be able to stop herself and say it out to him. But she also knew that if she didn't give him one day, he would take it as her fear of confessing and tease her endlessly about that. She was totally confused. She looked away, trying to figure out her answer, and Veer smirked looking at her tensed face.

Bani decided to not answer him and just go away as of now. She passed him and went towards the door, but his voice stopped her.
V: Tch tch tch tch tch tch... *turning towards her* Ek second, main apne kaha ko badalta hoon...

B: *heaving a sigh of relief* Good... To tumhe pata hai ke main tumhare pyaar mein nahi parne wali...

V: *coming right behind her* Parne wale nahi ho, *coming in front of her* already par chuki ho, Sweetheart... *smirk*

B: (*rolling her eyes inwardly* This man and his confidence, I swear...) *mock smile* Tumhe pata hai ise kya kehte hai?! Vehem... Jiska koi ilaaj nahi hai...

She rolled her eyes and went past him to the door. Veer shrieked "Ouchhh" holding his knee, and she instantly turned to check if he was fine or not.
B: *concerned and tensed* Ab kya kardiya tumne?!...

V: *giving his signature laugh* Tumhare gusse ke pichhe chhupi pyaar ko dekhliya maine... Ye pyaar bhi bohot behrupiya hai, dikhta parwa jaisa hai, magar hota *bending towards her with each word* pyaar hai, pyaar hai, pyaar hai... Agle 24 ghante mein, *standing up properly and showing his watch* tum dekhlena, agle 24 ghanto mein,*coming close* tum mujhse apne pyaar ka ikraar karogi, Sweetheart...

Bani tried hard not to smile at his cute over-confident tone.

B: *controlling her smile* Haayeee, sapne mein rehne ki kitni aadat hai na tumhe?!...

V: *after a short-laugh* Kya karu?! *dreamily* Sapno mein tum jo aati ho.. To, welcome to karna hi hoga na... *giving her a kiss in air*

Veer kept his hand on his heart like a love-stuck man, tilting his head and closing his eyes. She blushed inwardly at his cheesy lines and acts, and hurriedly left the room.

Veer laughed once she left. He went outside the room shortly after, but couldn't find her anywhere. He shrugged his shoulders and went back to their room, planning how to make her confess in these 24 hours.

             ************************
Bani went to Daksh's room and saw Meera, Daksh, Ponky, and Puchki playing Uno cards. She entered and Meera instantly walked up to her, tension visible on her face. She asked Bani whether Veer vented his anger on her or not. Bani answered calmly that he had listened to Meera, and she also handled him well. Meera then asked why he was so hurt and rude today. Bani took her to the balcony and told her the matter in short. Meera looked at Bani for few seconds, and a smile broke on her face at the duo's childishness. Bani also giggled seeing her smile, and requested her to keep quiet about the plan in front of Veer. Meera hit Bani's head lightly and warned her not to trouble her favourite devar much, otherwise she might just change her team and help Veer in wooing her. Bani made a baby face and hugged Meera, promising her about not troubling Veer much and telling her to be in her team. Meera laughed and agreed, and they both went back to the room.

Bani and Meera sat with the others and started playing Uno. Everyone of them won in turns, but Ponky whined not able to win even once. Bani and Meera chuckled and helped him in winning twice. He smiled and hugged Bani, and teased others saying that he was both of his bhabhi's favourite. This commenced a verbal fight among Daksh, Ponky, and Puchki. Meera and Bani, after a lot of efforts, finally stopped them from fighting and announced that the trio were equally favourite to them. They finally calmed down and their Uno match began again.

Veer came to call Bani in Daksh's room, but no one allowed her to go. He sighed and sat with them to play. After about 2-3 matches, he got bored as Bani was not coming with him. He got up and left from there. She looked at his retreating figure, and decided to go to him after another match. After finishing the match, she wished good night to everyone and went from there, saying that she was sleepy. Meera smirked understanding why she was goin, and gave a teasing look to her. She glared at Meera di shyly and quickly went from there.

Bani entered the room only to find it empty. She checked the washroom, the balcony, and even the walk-in closet, but there was no sign of him anywhere. She sighed and took the empty jug from the nightstand and went downstairs to fill it up. When she was coming back to their room through the dark corridor, she collided with someone, and instantly realised that it was Veer.

B: Kaha the tum?!...

V: *taking the jug and keeping it on a side table in the corridor* Sshh, chalo mere saath...

B: *he holds her hand* Arre, but kaha?!..

Veer didn't answer her question, but dragged her with himself to the terrace. This was the first time Bani came to the terrace of the Singhania Mansion. The terrace was quite big, with small flower pots lined along the border, and a big swing inside the shade, with grass carpet on the floor. There were two bean bags kept there too. At one corner of the terrace, there was a iron staircase which led to the rooftop.

Veer took her there and led her upstairs. The rooftop was converted into a spacious lounge, and there was a small pool there. They went towards the pool, and Bani spotted the floating candles in the pool, arranged in a pattern which read "LOVE". She realised that it was Veer's plan to impress her, and rolled her eyes smilingly. He sat on the edge of the pool and pulled her beside him. She lifted her palazzo and sat there dipping her legs in the water, and he also did the same. She kept staring at the candles happily while moving her legs slowly inside the water, while he kept staring at their legs. She looked at him briefly, and looked back at the water. She smiled remembering the pool scene in Jaipur of the movie Ye Jawaani Hai Deewani, the moment was very similar to this moment. She sighed and touched the water with her fingers.

B: *smiling at her fate* (Kuch ghanto pehle hum dono ek romantic date mein the, ekdusre ke saath, ekdusre ke paas.. Fir, ghar aane ke baad humdono ek dusre se bewajah, nahi bewajah nahi, kuch stupid reasons ke wajah se ladne lage, ek dusre se ruth gaye... Aur ab, humdono firse ekdusre ke saath yaha baithke aise time spend kar rahe hai... Kitne ajeeb hai na hum!!! *chuckling inwardly*) We are such a weird couple...

V: *shifting towards her* Weirdly perfect couple, sounds better...

B: *giggle* Yeah...

Veer smiled seeing her happy face. He kept his hand on her shoulder and pulled her closer. She felt his touch and looked at him questioningly after having a brief glance at his hand.
B: Ye kya ho raha hai?? Haath hatao...

V: *raising one eyebrow* Kyunn?!... Ohhhhh, tumhe mere chhune se farak padta hai, kuch kuch hota hai, haina?!... *smirk*

B: *making an irritated face to hide her blush* Mmh *holding his hand on her shoulder and bringing it to his side* nahiii, aisa kuch bhi nahi hai... *keeping his hand beside his leg and patting on it* Aise baithna hai to baitho, varna main jaa rahi hoon...

V: Achha theek hai, baitho baitho... Main kuch nahi kar raha... *muttering almost inaudibly* Urgh bhagwan, kitni sadu aur boring biwi diya hai aapne mujhe... Ye pyaari hai, achhi hai, caring hai, understanding hai; thori romantic bhi bana dete to aapka kya bigaad jata?!...

Though Veer was talking to himself almost in a whisper, but still Bani clearly heard each and every word of her husband. She pressed her lips tightly to stop herself from laughing out loud hearing his cute complaints to God. But the next moment, she made a stern look and turned to face him.
B: Huh, achha?! Aur kya complaint hai tumhara?! Nahiii, bolo bolo, bhagwan sune na sune, main zaroor sun rahi hoon...

V: (*smacking his forehead mentally* Shit shit shit, kaha ise impress karna tha, aur kaha isne ye sab sunli!!... Aj to main gaya, shitttt...) *awkwardly* Wo umm, w-wo aisa kuch nahi hai, main t-to aise hi bas...

B: *fake smile* Boring right?!...

Bani pushed him into the pool. He lost his balance at this sudden act of hers, and stumbled backwards inside the pool. The candles toppled over one another and extinguished when water poured over them. She chuckled inwardly seeing his condition, and waited for him to get his head out of the water. Finally, after about 10-12 seconds, he became stable and emerged out from the water. He wiped off his face with his hands and looked at her bewildered.

B: *victorious grin* Hogayi life interesting?!...

V: *smirk* Nahi, par agar tum iss paani mein aajao to zarur ho jayegi...

He started advancing towards Bani with slow steps, with an evil grin plastered on his face, just like how a predator advances towards its prey. The water was now reaching till his mid-waist, and his tshirt was stuck to his body like a second skin, clearly showing the outlines of his abs and chest, making him look extremely hot and sexy. Bani's eyes fell on his body and her mind stopped thinking logically. She did not care what he told and what he was doing, all his attention was now on her devilishly handsome husband's good looks. She gulped looking away, scolding herself mentally and trying not to focus on his physique and looks.

He came near her and held her hand, ready to pull her in the water along with himself. It was then that she understood his real intentions. She scooted away with a cautious and worried face, extremely tensed about his next action.
B: Veeranshu, no, nahi... Please, dekho mat karo... Paani mein mat utaaro mujhe, please...

V: *caging her from both sides* Relax Sweetheart, main kuch nahi karne wala... I know, tumhe bohot jaldi thand lag jaati hai paani mein rehne se, specially raat ko, pata hai mujhe... Main bas tumhe dara raha tha pagal... *chuckle*

Bani looked at his face, and found the same warmth and care in his voice, which was missing some minutes ago, in their room. She looked down sighing, still not able to digest the ruthless and tough look on his face. It reminded her of the day when he had accused her of being a gold digger and a cheater, that day he had the same look on his face. Everytime she thought of that look, her mind flooded with those worst unwanted memories. And today when he had behaved rudely like that with her, it had hurt her extremely, she had felt very bad. She moved her hands in the water, lost in thoughts. Veer noticed her aloof behaviour and moved closer to her being confused and slightly worried.

V: Bani...

B: *deep sigh, still looking down* Veeranshu, tumne jab room mein mujhse waise rudely, dominantly baat kiya na, mujhe bohot bura laga... Ha shayad tum hurt the uss waqt isliye tumne waisa react kiya, but still, it made me feel very down and ragged... *looking at him* I never ever expected this from you, I was hurt Veeranshu, I was really really hurt...

V: *feeling remorseful* Bani, I didn't mean to

B: *keeping hand on his shoulder* I very well know you never meant it Veeranshu, but it happened right?!... *sigh* I did not tell this to make you feel bad, not at all... It's not entirely your fault; the situation was like that, I mean... I know... I told this because I just wanted to share it with you, I jist wanted to let you know this, nothing else... *shaking her head and giving a slight smile* Anyways, leave it...

Bani got up from the pool, not letting Veer reply to her. He sighed and leaned on the edge of the pool, his head hung low recalling her words. She went to the lounge area and brought two towels and a bathrobe from him. She kept it on the sun-lounger beside the pool, and he looked up at her.

B: Towels aur bathrobe rakh di hai maine yaha.. Pool se niklo aur change karlo.. Baal ponchh lena theek se, nahi to thand lag jayegi... Sorry for pushing you into the pool like this...

She looked at him for one last time and left from there. Veer sighed and came out of the pool, and went inside the lounge with the bathrobe and towel while wiping his head with one of the towels. He changed into the bathrobe as per Bani's instruction, and kept his wet clothes in the laundry basket.

Veer came down after drying his hair properly, and locking the terrace door. He entered their room and saw her already asleep on her side of the bed. He noticed that she had kept his loose t-shirt and casual trackpants for him to wear, on his side of the bed, and smiled. He quickly went to the washroom and changed into those clothes. He came back from the washroom and hopped on the bed beside her. He switched off the bedside lamps and slept hugging her peacefully.

                **********************
The next morning, Veer woke up to an empty bed. He sat up and looked around, but couldn't see Bani in the room. He got up from the bed and went to the side table to check his mobile. As expected, she had left a sticky note on the table. He picked up the sticky note and read it: "Leaving for office early as meeting has been preponed... Didn't feel like waking you up so early... Don't call me before 11:30 am... Bye...". He sighed reading the note, and went to freshen up and get ready for office.

Bani came out of the meeting room at about 11:25 am. She came inside her cabin and slouched down on her chair. DD came inside, shortly after. He saw her sitting on the chair like a tired sloth, and chuckled teasingly.

DD: Pati se subah baat nahi huyi to tera ye haal hai, kya din aagaya...

B: *frowning* Pati se baat nahi hona is not the problem here, MD ka do ghante se faltu bakbak sunna about today's interview, jis baare mein use kuch idea bhi nahi hai, that is the main problem.. Sometimes I feel I am just tolerating him for no reasons... Such a waste...

DD: *sitting opposite her and mock chuckling* Woh to sabko pata hai... I don't know why you give him the attention which he doesn't deserve... For God's sake Bani, you are the Head of the Coding and IT Department now, the Wonder Woman; you really don't need to listen to his nonsense gyaans all the time...

B: I know DD, but kya karu, adaat se majboor hoon... He was my senior in my initial days in this company, I can't give up that practise like this... I feel like I tolerate him more that his wife tolerates him... *chuckle*

DD: *laugh* You actually do... Khair chhod, tu ye bata, kal kya hua, haa?!... *teasing smile*

B: *irritated* Saaale, tu to aise bol raha hai, jaise tujhe pata hi nahi tha kuch... Veer ke saath tu hi to tha pura plan mein, ab natak mat kar... *narrowing her eyes at him* Actually, now that I think of it, mujhe lagta hai wo prank jo tune kal kiya, wo bhi pre-planned tha... Kutte...

DD: *bending towards the table* Abbe nahi, prank pre-planned nahi tha, wo mera idea tha... Bhale hi fail hogaya, par jo bhi ho, idea was mine... Veer ko iske baare mein pehle se pata nahi tha... Veer ne mujhe kaha tha ke wo call karke tujhe gussa dilayega aur fir Love you bolke call cut kar dega jaan bujh ke, taaki tu use gadi bhejne se mana kar de aur wo khud tujhe pickup karne aake surprise kare... But main socha main bhi use thoda irritate karu, isliye I planned the prank then and there.. Haa, mujhe pura plan bohot dino se pata tha, infact Babydoll ko bhi... Maine use bas decorations pe help kiya aur tera routine re-schedule kiya kal, aur use apni gadi dedi, aur ha use call karke waqt waqt par yaha ka tapmaan bataya... *laugh*

B: *dramatically* Tu ajkal mere se zyada Veer ko importance de raha hai, this is not done...

DD: *smiling at her cuteness* Aww, aisa kisne kaha tujhse?! Maine kal jo bhi kiya, ultimately to tere liye hi kiya Jaan... By the way, what did he do after your reached there?! How did he confess?! Mujhe ye sab nahi pata, bata bata...

Bani giggled and told her everything that happened yesterday. He was shocked, surprised, and laughing at the same time. After finishing the whole story, she showed him the cute notes that he had given. DD read the notes and went awe over his endless love for her. But, the last note confused him.

DD: Ye kya likha hai isne?! Riddle hai kuch... Tu samjhi?!..

B: *glad smile* Haaa... main tujhe samjhati hoon... The note says: "15 hearts you have crossed, one heart has lost its charm, 5 hearts more to go, and there I come..."... Waha ek lane tha jiske alternate sides pe heart shaped balloons the, after I crossed 15 balloons, waha ek transparent balloon tha jise burst karne ke baad mujhe uske andar se ye note mila, aur uss balloon ke baad aur 5 balloon the... Ab dekh, 15 maine cross karli, ek maine burst kardi, aur uske baad hai 5... Matlab hua, 15.5, where the dot stands for the burst balloon... Ab total balloons count kar, kitne huye?! 21... So, it stands as 15.5.21, our marriage date...

DD: *amazed* Wowwww man... Veer bro to bada intelligent nikla...

B: *chuckle* Yeah, but I don't think he had thought of the riddle... Tapish bhai helped him in forming this, I am sure... Woh itna sochke likh nahi payega, he is very weak in these riddles and all...

DD: *laugh* Kya pata... *looking at his watch* Achha chal, baad mein milte hai, mera abhi ek meeting hai, aur tu bhi to 12:30 pm se interview mein busy ho jayegi... Sham ko baat karenge, bye for now...

Bani bid bye to him and he left her cabin. Just then, a clerk from the reception knocked on the door. She allowed him and he came in with a big bouquet of roses and orchids, just how she loved it. He told that Mr. Singhania had sent it for her specially, to congratulate her for their deal. She took the bouquet and the clerk went. She smiled amd smelled the roses, she knew that he had sent it to impress her, not at all to congratulate her. She chuckled at his clever excuse and kept the bouquet nicely on her table.

Bani took her mobile and thought to text Veer, but opening the Whatsapp, she saw Veer had texted her 1 minute ago. She smiled at the coincidence and texted him back, and he replied instantly. They started chatting with each other over text.

Bani kept the mobile on the desk and smiled realising the efforts he was putting to woo her and make her confess her true feelings. She blushed recalling his flirty texts, and shook her head to shrug off his thoughts from her mind as of now. She looked at the clock, picked up her questionnaire for the interviewees, and went out to the conference hall where the interview was to be held.

                *********************
Bani came outside the conference hall during the lunch break. She was going to the lounge to have her lunch when her mobile rang. She saw an unknown number calling her, but received the call.

B: Hello... Bani Sharma here... May I know who am I talking to?!...

Adv: Good afternoon Ma'am, this is Mr. Veeranshu Singhania's legal advocate speaking this side...

B: Oh achha, yeah, how can I help you?!...

Adv: Ma'am, actually, Mr. Singhania wanted you to transfer the properties on your name, so I am calling you to inform you about the same...

B: *baffled* What?!! *understanding his intention*  Is he present there?! If yes, please give him the mobile, I want to talk to him...

V: Haa Bani, bolo...

B: *slightly annoyed* What is all this Veer?! Don't you dare do something like this... Tumhe kya lagta hai, tum apna property mere naam kar doge aur main impress ho jaungi?! What  do you think me to be?! Ye sab karne ke baare mein sochna bhi mat.. Chupchap apne kaam pe dhyan do, ye sab faltu cheezein na karke...

V: But Bani

B: Mujhe aur kuch nahi sunna, maine kehdiya to kehdiya, bas... Pagal insaan, kuch bhi karte ho tum.. Urghh... Bye...

Bani cut the call and shook her head at his stupidity, and went downstairs to the lounge.

                *********************
Veer reached the Singhania Mansion at about 7:30 pm at night. He entered the hall and saw Balwant, Barun, Shailee, and Bhavani sitting there and talking. Balwant saw him entering, and stood up and came near him.

BS: Ye kya baat hua Veer?! Tu apna vaada bhul gaya?!...

V: *confused* Kaunsa vaada Dad?!..

BS: *folding his hand near his chest* Sunday tune mujhse kaha ke tu mujhe gaana gaake sunayega purane dino ke tarah, do din hogaya abhi tak maine koi gaana nahi suna tere muh se...

V: *chuckle * Itna sa baat Ballu?!.. Kya Ballu,chhote chhote baaton pe aise react karte ho... Ruko, main abhi fresh hone ke baad guitar leke aata hoon, fir gaana sunaunga aapko jee bhar ke...

Balwant was going to frown at him for calling him Ballu again, but Veer didn't wait and ran upstairs to freshen up. The others laughed at Balwant's annoyed face, and waited for Veer to come down with his guitar.

Bani was in her car, returning from office. A thought was running in her mind ever since the interview completed. She decided to talk about it to Veer at night, as she needed to clear her doubts and confusions regarding the matter.

The car halted in front on the main door of Singhania Mansion, and her chain of thoughts broke. She picked up her bag and went inside the Mansion. In the hall, she saw Veer sitting with his guitar and everyone sitting around him eagerly. He was about to start singing. Puchki saw Bani, and exclaimed loudly,
Puchki: Lo, Bhabhi bhi aagayi, chalo bhaiyya, now atleast start singing...

V: *looking at Bani momentarily and then looking back at his Guitar* Arre ek second, Guitar ko tune karne de... Mm, ha hogaya, suru karta hoon...

Bani gestured at Shailee that she would come after freshening up, and went upstairs. She wad halfway through the stairs when Veer started singing.

Itni mohabbat karo na
Main doob na jaun kahi,
Wapas kinare pe aana
Main bhul na jaun kahi,
Dekha jabse hai chehra tera,
Main to hafton se soya nahi..
Bani paused, and turned to look at him. She found him already stealing her glances while singing, and blushed.
Bol do na zara,
Dil mein jo hai chhupa,
Main kisi se kahunga nahi...
Bol do na zara,
Dil mein jo hai chhupa,
Main kisi se kahunga nahi...
He made a pleading face and looked at her, and then smiled while singing. Bani smiled at his ideas to impress or plead her.

Mujhe neend aati nahi hai akele,
Khwabon mein aaya karo..
Nahi chal sakunga tumhare bina mein,
Mera tum sahara bano..
Ik tumhe chahne ke alawa,
Aur kuch humse hoga nahi..
Bol do na zara,
Dil mein jo hai chhupa,
Main kisi se kahunga nahi...
Bol do na zara,
Dil mein jo hai chhupa,
Main kisi se kahunga nahi...
Bani smiled hearing the lines and knew why he had chosen this particular song to sing. He quickly looked at her in the middle, and winked. She blushed looking down, and then hurriedly ran upstairs smiling like a maniac. Veer smiled inwardly knowing her reactions, and continued singing. Meera and Tapish shared a known look, and smiled at the silent lovebirds and their "aankhon ki gustakhiyan" all this while, and let them continue what they were doing respectively.

             *************************
Bani freshened up and came out of the washroom wearing a sky blue pastel kurta with white parallel pants. She opened the door of the room to go out, but then went back to the bed to take her blue dupatta over her shoulder. Right at that moment, Veer entered the room whistling. Bani turned to look at him. He came near her and stood in front of her with a happy smile. She asked him what happened with her eyes, and he brought in front a gift bag from his back. He took out a beautiful adorable showpiece from the bag, and gave it to her. It was a snow globe with a dancing couple inside it. She checked it happily and switched on and switched off the lights of the globe. She was absolutely adoring this cute gift of his.

V: *happy smile* Ye Switzerland ka hai, woh jagah jaha main tumhe ekdin zarur lekar jaunga...

B: *smiling playfully* Mujhe samajh mein nahi aa raha, Switzerland kyun?! Jab barf Manali mein bhi girti hai... *controlling her smile*

V: *looking away exasperatedly and then looking at her* Bani Sharma, tum kahi baaz nahi aaogi... *Bani biting her lower lip to control her smile* Main  romantic hone ki koshish kar raha hoon *she nods innocently*, aur tum ho ki... Matlab, *gesturing with his hands* meri heart shape gubbara jo udd raha hai, tum use fuss kar deti ho.. *Bani smiles jokingly and he points finger at her face* Aur hasti bhi ho uske baad.... *shrugging his shoulders in annoyance* Duh..

B: *casually* Main tumhe na pehle hi keh chuki hoon, tum mujhe na impress nahi kar paoge... Kuch bhi karlo... *making a cute "this-is-fact" face* Tch..

V: *keeping hands on his waist* Achha?!..

B: *nodding* Hmm...

V: *eagerly* To batao main kaise kar sakta hoon, batao batao... *banding towards her with his ear near her mouth* *whispering* Kaan mein batado...

B: *smiles cutely at his antics*....

V: *seriously* Arre I'm serious, batao na yaar... Main- main kitni koshish kar chuka hoon, matlab, tumhe *counting on his fingers, and she nods obediently with each count* pool, phool, surprise dinner party, uh property ke papers tak maine kadmo mein rakhdi, par tum nahi pighli... *taking a deep breath* Aur ab Switzerland se bhi tum, matlab tum nahi jana chahti... *sigh* Tum chahti kya ho?!.. *tired smile*

B: *fake disappointed* Jo mujhe chahiye, tum nahi de paoge...*looking down to mask her smile* Mmhmm...

Veer held her hands and pulled her closer. She looked at him being startled.
V: *confidently* Main sab de sakta hoon... Kuch bhi kar sakta hoon, kahi se bhi kuch bhi laa sakta hoon, taara, chand, kuch bhi...

B: *bewildered* Ek minute, chand?!..

V: *over-confident* Ha...

B: *not believing* Really?!...

V: *over-confident smile* Ha..

B: *trying to break his over-confidence into pieces* *fake excited* To bas phir, mujhe chand ka ek tukra laake do...

He was joking to impress Bani, but hearing her demand, he became scared and baffled.
V: *baffled* Huhh?!.. *awkwardly looking here and there*

B: *mockingly* Kya hua?! Heart shape, phuss, hmm?!  *tilting her head in a mockitway* Landing nahi ho pa rahi?!.. *Veer licks his lip in tension* *wise voice* Maine kya kaha tha, jo mujhe chahiye na, tum nahi de paoge... *looking away in a knowing way*

Veer pulled her closer from her elbow, and looked at her sincerely.
V: Main kar sakta hoon...

B: *rolling her eyes unbelievably* Chand tak jaana hai?!...

V: *nod* Chal dunga..*wink* Pohonch hai meri...

B: Kyahh!!..*challenging* Ok then, abhi jao aur chand ka tukra leke aao..

V: *smirk* Tukra kyun, pura chand laake deta hoon...

Veer went out of the room to bring something. Bani facepalmed herself at his utterly nonsense stupid talks and antics, and kept seeing the showpiece. He came back after few seconds, and smiled winningly at her. She stood up and extended her hand, and he kept a mirror on her palm. She looked at the mirror, and then at him, confused about his deeds.

B: Mirror?! *chuckle* Chand ka tukda laane gaye the aur mirror leke aaye... Veeranshu Singhania, kuch to izzat bacha lo apni... Matlab, hadd hai... Bol dete ki main bade bade baatein kar raha tha, to kya ukhad jaata!!...

She shook her head and kept the small mirror on the table. Veer went behind her, held her from her shoulders, and took her in front of the dressing table mirror.
V: Maine koi galti nahi kiya... Maine jo kaha, sach kaha... *Pointing at the reflection of her face* Wo dekho, chand... Chand ka tukda nahi, mera pura chand....

Bani realised the meaning of his words, and her cheeks became red in shyness. Veer chuckled and pulled her cheeks.
V: Dekho, mera chand sharmata bhi hai... Uh, I mean, sharmati bhi bai...

B: *embarrassed glare* Tum na hadd se zyada cheesy hogaye ho... Uff... Dhat...

Bani ran out of the room, blushing profusely. Veer laughed and fell back on the bed with his hand near his heart, and dreamily whispered,
Uff, mera chand... Meri Sweetheart...

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

Heyyyy my lovely readers, here's a romantic and cheesy impressive chapter for you all, hope you all love it...

Chapter Trivia...
Q. Was Bani feeling hurt at Veer's behaviour normal?! If not, then why?!
Q. What did Bani want to talk about to Veer?! (Hint: it's Tuesday, now connect to a specific incident in previous chapters)
Q. What will happen in the next chapter?! (Write your guesses, will love to read it)(Hint: no confession)

Precap:-
Ummeed ye seene mein leke, main hoon jee raha,
Kabhi tu mile mujhse kahe ke, main hoon bas tera,
Tu hi mera, mera, mera..
Tu hi mera, mera, mera...