Abhiraj's Pov.

 18 June.2018

It was a happy day...until it wasn't. The rain that had seemed so soothing now felt like a gloomy backdrop to my mother's pain. I was relaxing after having my  dinner. Mumma cooked my fav rajma chawal. Everything was going good and suddenly I heard loud noises coming from my father's bedroom. keeping my books aside I ran towards the room and saw Dii standing outside the locked room. She was sobbing and requesting dadi to ask her son to open the door. My eyes filled, he is fighting with my mumma again. 

I was frightened. The throat tearing screams of my parents were scary; I was scared for my mumma. Even I started begging dadi to get the door opened but my father wasn't listening. My chest heaved with sobs I couldn't release, it felt as if I could cry myself an ocean.

Me and di sat in front of the door itself snuggled to each other. After an hour the door finally opened and he came out of the door. You know what were his words to us, "Your mother is a bitch. Make her behave or you three will be thrown out of my life."

I would have been the most happiest but a person can only hope for certain things. sadly this one was not possible. My mother is a loyal wife. We both ran to mumma. She was sitting on the bed, di and I silently sat beside her, silently. Her eyes were red, but her jaw was set. Even with tears on her cheeks, she looked ready to face the world for us.

I hate my father. I hate my mother's husband.

I hate him. I hate what he's done to us. To me. To Mumma. To our family.

Everyone says Whatever happens happens for good. Don't know what good happened to mumma after  getting married to the worst man in the world.

My so called absent father. (I HATE YOU SO MUCH IN THE WHOLE WORLD FOR MAKING MY LIFE A NIGHTMARE AND I'LL NEVER FORGIVE YOU FOR THE PERSON  I'VE TURNED OUT TO BE.)

My father isn't just absent; he's a black hole, sucking away every bit of joy and security from our lives.

I slam the diary shut, the sound echoing through the room. My hands tremble, and I force myself to take deep, steadying breaths. I feel sick. This is the woman I married, the woman I've kept at arms length.

How...how could this be Ishika's life? My wife's life?

She treats Ivaan with such love and care. How?

I always thought Ishika is soo fragile, seeing her crying even on most minor issues.

But now reading her words, I realise how wrong I was.

The image of a young Ishika, terrified and helpless outside her parents' bedroom door, flashes in my mind.

My eyes filled with tears, and I quickly wipe them away.

I look at the diary, I accidentally discovered. And to understand my wife I invaded her privacy. But never in my dreams did I imagine that a glimpse in her soul could shake me to my core.

I hesitate, my hand hovering over the closed diary. Unable to resist slowly, almost reluctantly, I open the diary again.

The page crackle as I turn them and open any random page.  My heart pounding in my chest.

11 Sep. 2019

Hi baby,

My eyes widen and I scan the words again.

Hi Baby,

(My dear future Husband)

It's funny to think that we're strangers and you're sitting in your room maybe even in different country working hard to build your future thinking of thoughts that might not ever cross my mind.

At this moment, sitting on my bed wrapped around my sheets and lyrics of Ek din app filling the room, I'm thinking of you. I'm not sure when we will cross path, but I think about you very often. Very, very often.

Honestly, I can't wait for the days to run out and I get to be in your arms. The nights where we go long drives with no destination, cuddling on the couch, smiling for no reason, cooking our favorite food and having the cutest little babies.

I can't believe that there will be a time when there will be mornings, I'll be looking at you sleeping peacefully. And I'm going to give you loads of kisses.

but.....

I don't know whether you'll love me, because I'm like a side character you'll never notice. A person coming from a broken family filled with regret and sadness.

But if you do, love me with all your heart. Please. I'll be needing your love the most.

I promise I'll never make you regret loving me.

It's funny to think that maybe someday you'll love me but today you have no idea who I am.

Thankyou for being my safe space.

Remember you're always in my prayers and I wish the best for you.

Your's future soulmate.

p.s. when the time comes I will love you too.

I stare at the page. I feel warmth creeping up my neck and into my cheeks. I'm... Blushing?

What the heck Abhiraj?

"Hi Baby," I murmur, a strange embarrassing yet tender smile washing over me.

I read the lines again, At this moment, sitting on my bed wrapped around my sheets and lyrics of Ek din app filling the room, I'm thinking of you.

I grab my phone and open Spotify to find the song. Once my phone is connected to the speaker, I play the song.

I look at the page, her each and every word painting a picture in my mind. Cuddles, babies, cooking. I shift uncomfortably.

And kisses. "Oh, Ishika." I grin, embarrassingly. My face growing hotter.

I again reread the first words of the letter, 'Baby' , the blush deepens, spreading to the top of my ears.

I look at the other side the page.
There's a picture of Ishika.

It looks like a selfie, she's sitting in a cafe. Soft light spilling over her features. She looks different.

I find myself leaning closer, studying every detail carefully. Her fingers entangled in her hair, her eyes crinkled at the corners, facing the camera. She's smiling.

Her golden bronze skin is glowing in the soft light.

There's happiness radiating from her that makes my own lips curve into a smile.

I gently caress the photograph, feeling like seeing a younger version of Tinkerbell. She is a  tiny thing. I grin .

I pick my phone and take a picture of her photograph.

"Beautiful," I whisper, her eyes, rich...dark, they are dreamy. The light falling upon her irises, turned them into warm pools of mahogany and amber.            Never knew brown is this beautiful.

I close the diary gently, placing it back at the bedside table. I lean back in the chair, still glancing her photo. The rain outside seems to have turned into a heavy downpour. I sigh. 

I get up and walk to the balcony. The sky is dark, occasional flash of lightning illuminating the clouds. A thought creeps in, wiping the the serenity off my face. Is this why she chose USA for her PhD?

Because I disappointed her as a husband, I am not a partner she dreamed of? I feel a tight knot forming in my chest.

I close my eyes, and take deep breaths. It's too much for today, I'm feeling too much and I shouldn't.

Stop it Abhiraj. You hold no responsibility for what others feel don't try guilt trap yourself. This relationship is new for you as well, and you weren't ready for a partner.

A flash of lightning illuminates the sky, followed by a low rumble of thunder. I lean on railing, letting the cool droplets of the rain dampen my skin.

But for how long can I remain blind to the needs of the woman I married? Eventually, she'll begin to feel trapped in this marriage.

And even she knows prenuptial contracts in India are invalid. that paper holds no value. Whenever she wishes she can leave.

Do I want her out of life? Ivaan? Can I stay away from him?

No.

I'm not a person who surrenders without a fight. I owe myself a chance. Maybe we can survive this marriage, maybe I'm a better partner than I think.

And even after that if we both are not happy with each other, we'll part our ways.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Two weeks later.

EXCLUSIVE: Abhiraj Singh Rajvansh, the Asian Business Sensation, Graces Royal Wedding at Umaid Bhawan Palace in Jodhpur!

Jodhpur, Rajasthan—Abhiraj Singh Rajvansh, the mysterious tycoon famed for his smart financial acumen, made a regal presence at the Umaid Bhawan Palace. The enormous palace, steeped in tradition and splendor, hosted the Rathores' royal wedding—a union that rang over Rajasthan's golden sands.

The celebrations gained an electric charge from Abhiraj's presence. He was charismatic, dressed to the nines in a custom sherwani. He was the epitome of contemporary royalty.

However, there was more than just commercial partnerships buzzing around. There were rumors of a veiled romance circulating, one about Abhiraj and the princess's forbidden love. Their sly looks around the elaborate ballroom suggested a relationship more profound than just diplomatic. Was it love or ambition that sparked between him and the princess? Only time would tell.

Stay tuned for more updates on this captivating saga—the collision of business empires and matters of the heart. Umaid Bhawan Palace, where history and destiny intertwine, guards its secrets well. 

I look at the article Rudra shared me. 

I slam my phone down on the desk, my blood boiling. "Neil!" I shout, my voice echoing through the office. "Get in here now!"

I run my hands through my hair, trying to contain my anger as I wait for my secretary to arrive. When Neil finally rushes in, looking flustered, I thrust my phone at him.

"Have you seen this garbage?" I demand, pointing at the article on the screen. "What the hell is this about a 'veiled romance' and 'forbidden love' with a princess? This is complete bullshit!"

Neil's eyes widen as he quickly scans the article, "Yes sir. The pr manager has instructed not to give heed to the news. It'll automatically die down after few days."

I take a deep breath, trying to calm myself. "This isn't just some tabloid nonsense, Neil. This could affect our business relationships, not to mention my personal life. I'm a married man, for God's sake! I do not pay you and Hanna for tarnishing my image."

"YOU MARRIED?!" I hear a loud shriek. I close my eyes in frustration. " WHEN, WHERE AND HOW? And does Dhriti know? "

"STOP IT!" I yell at him.

"Why should Dhriti know? Stop being a Gossip monger Neil or else I'll throw you and Rudra both out of the office. My Marriage in my concern."

"Sorry," He pleads.

"I want a retraction issued within the hour," I tell Neil firmly. "And find out who's responsible for this. We need to make it clear that this kind of article is unacceptable. My private life is off-limits."

I sink into my chair, massaging my temples. "Get on it now, Neil. I want updates every 30 minutes until this is resolved. We can't let rumors like this spiral out of control."

As Neil hurries out, I stare at the offending article again, my jaw clenched. I've worked too hard to let some gossip columnist's fantasy tarnish my reputation or my marriage. This ends now.

I dial Hanna's number.

"I need you in my office in five minutes."

Within minutes, there's a knock at my door. "Come in," I call out.

Hanna enters, her tablet in hand, looking ready for whatever task I might have for her. I gesture for her to take a seat.

"Hanna," I begin, leaning forward in my chair, my voice firm and decisive. "We need to address this situation head-on. I want you to release a statement, and it needs to go out within the hour."

I pause, making sure I have her full attention. "The statement should announce that I got married in a private ceremony eight months ago. Keep it concise and straightforward. No unnecessary details."

I can see the surprise in Hanna's eyes, but she maintains her professional composure, her fingers poised over her tablet to take notes.

"Emphasize that I value my privacy and that of my wife," I continue. "Make it clear that any rumors or speculation about my personal life are baseless and will be addressed legally if necessary."

I stand up, pacing a bit as I speak. "The tone should be firm but not aggressive. We're not attacking anyone, just setting the record straight. This needs to counteract that absurd princess story before it spreads any further."

Turning back to Hanna, I add, "Draft the statement and bring it to me for approval before releasing it. And be prepared for the flood of follow-up questions. We'll need a strategy to handle those."

I sit back down, my gaze intense. "Any questions, Hanna? This is crucial, and we need to get it right."

"Sir do you want me release to information about Mrs. Rajvansh?"

"Not yet."

"People might attempt tracing her on social media handles, if they get a hold of any loose thread."

"I'll make sure her privacy is not violated. Any more questions?"

"No sir."

"You may leave."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I have to tell Ishika about the press release.

With a deep breath, I hit the video call button next to her name. The phone rings, and I feel my heart pound with each tone.

Finally, the screen flickers, and
Ishika's face appears. She's wearing a thin spaghetti-strap top, which is more revealing than anything I've seen her wear before.

"Hi Baby," she says automatically, her voice warm and gentle.

Her eyes widen as she realizes it's not Ivaan, and she shrieks. "ABHIRAJ!"

Her reaction is so immediate and  that I can't help but feel a pang of amusement. She gets down the bed frantically, and I get a view of her complete self.

"Oh shit..." I cuss as I stare at her.

My eyes trail down her body, she's is in a spaghetti and uhm...uhm...panties. A flush of red covers my skin

Her pale skin… and how soft and delectable it looks…my heart accelerates. My eyes refused to look away.

Her face is flushed, and she's glancing around the room frantically

"I-I thought it was Ivaan," she stammers, clearly flustered. She's moving around the room, her movements quick and panicked as she searches for something to cover up with. "Give me a second."

I watch, bemused, as she grabs a T-shirt from a nearby chair and pulls it on hastily. Her spaghetti-strap top gets tangled in her hair, and she mutters under her breath, struggling to pull the T-shirt down over her head. In her rush, she seems to forget that I'm still on the call, watching her every move. 

"Bella I am still looking at you." I smirk.

She freezes, the T-shirt half on, half off, and turns to face the camera. Her cheeks are bright red, and she looks utterly mortified.

"Abhiraj cover your eyes!!" She yells.

I look at her amused, for the first time I'm seeing her so loud.

"Please."

"Damn Ishika..." I chuckle shaking my head.

"Don't peak." I laugh out loud.

"There's nothing I didn't see."

"Please, don't embarras me. You saw me like that." She rambles, making me chuckle.

I hear rustling and the sound of drawers opening and closing. I can only imagine the mess she’s making, clothes flying everywhere.

" Why am I like this? Give me one minute. Just don't look."

"I'm not."

There’s more shuffling and then a loud thud. My heart skips a beat. "Ouch..."

“Ishika?”

I immediately remove my fingers. She’s on the floor, tangled in her pajamas, her hands are trembling, face flushed and her eyes watering fearfully.

“You okay?” I ask softly.

"Yeah." I immediately look away.
"You take your time don't rush."

"Hmm."

" I'm done."

I turn to look at her with a smile but it instantly disappears.

"Hey...what happened?" I frown.

"I thought it was...Ivaan, even though I...thought I'll shift the camera focus to my face. I didn't know it was...you."

" That's okay Ishika, it's just me. There's no need for you to panic."

" But still..." She whispers, her voice trembles.

" It's okay bacha, everyone have there moments."

She nods, biting her lip, trying to keep the tears at bay. “I just… I feel so stupid.”

“You’re not stupid,” I say gently.

“You’re human. It’s okay to have these moments. I’m just glad you’re not hurt.”

"Yeah." She mumbles.

“Tinkerbell I’ve got a story for you,” I say, trying to lighten the mood. “Something that happened today when I got home from the office.”

She looks up at the screen curiously.“What happened?”

“So, I came back home, and the house was unusually quiet. Usually Ivaan is bouncing off the walls. I thought he was taking a nap or something. But then Nikhil came to me and asked me to check the backyard. And when I went there I saw Ivaan covered in soil, head to toe.”

Her eyes widen. “What was he doing?”

“I was shocked,” I laugh, shaking my head at the memory.

“I asked him, ‘Ivaan, what are you doing?’ And he looks up at me with the most serious expression and says, ‘I read that soil improves immunity for kids, so I was applying it.’”

She laugh. “He did not!”

“He did,” I say, chuckling softly. “He was so determined to be healthy, he turned himself into a little mud monster. The whole backyard looked like a war zone.”

Finally the tension melting away. “He’s returned back to his usual self! What did you do?”

“Well, I had to stop him from getting even more covered,” I reply.

“I told him that while it’s great he wants to be healthy, there are better ways to do it.

We spent the next hour trying to clean him up. It was a mess, but honestly, I couldn’t stop smiling. He’s got such a wild imagination.”

She’s smiling now, her earlier embarrassment forgotten. “I can’t believe he did that. He’s always getting into something.”

“Exactly,” I say, feeling relieved that she’s not upset anymore.

"I'm sorry." I frown.

"And why is that?"

"It was my responsibility. You know taking care of Ivaan. But I left him with you, knowing that you hold no liability to be burdened like that. You're already busy and now you have a small kid to look after just because I couldn't take him with me." She mumbles with teary eyes.

" Ishika, it was me who offered to take care of Ivaan. And I enjoy the company of the kid. Stop guiltraping yourself." I say, my tone stern.

She looks taken aback but nods, understanding the seriousness in my voice.

"Good. Now, let's move on from this, alright?"

"Alright," she says softly, a small smile forming on her lips.

"I need to talk to you about something else." I say, my tone turning more serious.

" What is it?"

"I've released a statement to the press today," I begin, "I've told them that I got married. However, I didn't release any details about you. It's just that I am married."

Her eyes widen, and I can see the shock on her face. "Why would you do that? It was mentioned in the contract, to not make the marriage public."

"It was necessary," I continue, my voice firm. "There have been some bullshit articles floating around, making up stories about my personal life. I had to put an end to it." I wanted to tell her, the contract holds least value at this time. But I am not yet ready to open that pandora box.

She looks down, processing the information. "So... people will know you're married, but they don't know who I am?"

"Exactly," I confirm. "But Ishika, you need to understand, right now it's not possible to keep your identity completely hidden. People might try to dig up information about you. I wanted to prepare you for that."

She looks back up at me, her eyes filled with worry. "What do I do if they find out? What if they start bothering me?"

"We'll handle it," I say, my voice firm. "But you need to be cautious. Avoid drawing attention to yourself and don't engage with anyone who tries to pry into your life."

She nods slowly, clearly still processing everything. "Okay."

"I know this is a lot to take in, but it's the best way to protect you and control the narrative.

But I don't think we'll be able to keep your Identity hidden for long. My family will start pestering to officially announce you as the daughter-in-law of the family." I explain, trying to reassure her.

"I'm not yet ready for that Abhiraj," she whispers fearfully.

I nod. " We'll not release your identity untill you're ready. I promise. And I'll make sure it remains the same until you want."

She nods again, her expression more resolved now. "Thank you."

I look at her, she looks so different from the picture I have of her in my gallery. Sad, fearful, unhappy. Partially because of me.

I sigh.

             To be continued...

Heyyy Reader's...

So how was the chapter?

Did you people enjoyed Abhiraj's perspective?

And and and Diary is gonna play a major role in their relationship foundation.

Are you people liking that idea?

Please comment reader's. It's kinda feels good seeing the appreciation.

Next update soon.

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