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Nivin.

I looked at my watch impatiently. The thing I hate most in this world is waiting.

She said she is almost here!

This is our party and she's not here yet.

Did she change her mind again?

Just when I was taking my phone out, Manoj stopped the car in front of me.

"I have been waiting for-" I stopped, Manoj has opened the door for her.

My world stilled, she was looking beautiful in the tangerine one shoulder gown I picked up yesterday.

I was right, it suits her.

She looks stunning!

The full skirt gown just flow down smoothly and her dark wavy hair was elegantly styled and side-swept, Her diamond earrings sparkled as she turned to me.

She walked to me, I am sure Auntie Alice convinced her to get make up.

"I am sorry, I am late." she said.

I didn't reply, I didn't trust myself to reply.

I just held out my hand, she hesitated a moment before taking it.

We walked inside in silence.

"I should warn you, press people will be there."

"I am used to it by now, at least I won't get scared," she replied.

"You can smile now,"

And man! did she smile.

I took her to the party hall.

Flashes were going around. Everyone seemed to be greeting us. Riya looked genuinely pleasant.

I took her to my seat and pulled the chair for her.

"Thank you," she smiled at me and my heart skipped a beat.

I took a seat beside her and started to introduce my people at office.

"You look beautiful, Ma'am..." almost everyone complimented her and she smiled shyly.

"Riya, you look gorgeous." Sachin came near us.

"Sachin!" she said, happy to find herself company.

"How have you been?" he asked as he took the chair on her other side, she smiled again.

And her smile has now started to bother me.

I pulled her up and she looked up at me in surprise.

"Dance with me." it was not exactly a request, she didn't deny me.

I took her in my arms, the lights around us dimmed and the spot light focused on us.

I know she wouldn't have had dance classes before.

"Follow my steps," I said, now pulling her close to me.

Music changed and it was a slow song, almost intimate. I started to move, to my surprise, she moved along with me, matching me and surprising me.

"You are good." I said

"I have been practising."

I smiled, proud that I am holding the most beautiful girl in my hands tonight.

"Credit goes to Auntie Alice," she said slowly.

"Remind me to thank her for helping you wi-" I stopped as she whirled around and came to me again.

I am holding her this close after long days. She seemed to be thinking the same way.

We moved to the music, our bodies almost touching, but still maintaining a distance, our eyes not leaving each others.

I knew I missed her, I missed her presence, her warmth, her sweet scent, but I had never realised the extent until now.

It's too much to bear. I just wanted to feel her again, I wanted to kiss her soft lips, I wanted to make love to her.

"Neev," I heard her soft sound and snapped out of my daze. "you... you are holding me... too close, we need a respectable distance." she said, her voice was slightly shaking. I am sure she is as affected as me.

"Of course," I said, but I couldn't let her go, it seems something inside me is grabbing her, out of my control.

Both of us stilled when the song came to an end and the lights came back on. People were cheering loudly everywhere but we didn't move.

We were still stuck at our personal zone, still in each others hands.

Riya Anil Ragunad, she's Riya Anil Ragunad.

That bitter and evil voice inside my head spoke, bringing back all the bitter memories.

It must have shown in my eyes because Riya visibly recoiled, her eyes were full of hurt, making my heart ache.

I let go of her immediately, I think I need to control myself. I took a deep breath and smiled at the people.

I looked up at Riya and noticed that fake smile was back in place. We bowed slightly and I took her hand, walking out of the dance floor.

"Man! it was one heck of a dance."

"You really look good together!"

"No wonder Nivin married you, you are made for each other,"

Friends were gathering around us again.

"Mister Aldrick, it's an honour to meet you" I saw a senior member.

"Riya, I will be back, do you mind?" I asked pleasantly. she nodded, her smile in face.

I think we both knew it, we need a break.

Riya.

I saw him walking away and tried to relax. My heart still seemed to be hammering inside me.

One second Nivin was giving me that amazing look and the next second, I saw that torn look inside.

It has shaken me, he couldn't even look at me properly now.

"Wow."

I turned around.

"The dance was just wonderful," I saw Sreejith.

I smiled, it's so unlike him to compliment easily.

"And I think I know now," he added, I looked at him questioningly. "why he was so concerned, he is so much in love," Sreejith said. "and I would never have believed it if I didn't see it myself."

"I will borrow her for a moment," Sachin said, he takes hold of my hands and moved back to our seats.

I sat down gratefully.

"Are you okay?" he asked me as I drank the water. "you look a bit pale," he said.

"I am fine, Sachin."

"You don't have to lie,"Sachin said.

"I am not,"

"I know Nivin, he must be giving you a hard time."

"Not at all, he's good to me."

"You can talk to me, as a friend."

"Neev is a wonderful person, I love him," I whispered the last sentence to myself.

"Okay..." Sachin drops the subject.

"Whoa! who's that chick, Nivin is dancing with?" Sreejith came to us, sitting with us now.

"That's Anjali, one of the shareholder's daughter."

"She's hot," Sreejith commented.

I tried not to look at the dance floor.

"Someone is jealous." someone said playfully.

That hit a nerve.

"There is nothing wrong with dancing with the guests!" I said sharply.

"Whoa! take it easy," Praveen said.

"Where are the girls anyway? I thought it's a party for friends," I said, looking around for Nirosha, Teena or Mia.

"Do you really think they will come?" They laughed.

"It must have been fun," Sreejith commented. "it's been boring in college these days."

"Yea, you should join back Riya," Sharath chuckled.

"Riya?" I turned around.

"Meera!" I am happy to see her, she was the only friend I had in that cursed college.

"You look stunning, Riya," she smiled. "Thank you for inviting me."

"You were my only friend in those dark days." I winked.

"Not exactly a good friend," she mumbled.

Even though she couldn't stand with me all the time, she has tried her best and I am glad for that.

"You have tried your best." I squeezed her hand.

"It's still a shock to me, Nivin Rosh Aldrick! I wouldn't have believed it if I didn't see that wonderful look he was giving you!" Meera said. "He looks completely different, that devil attitude is gone."

I smiled at that.

"I know, right!" I winked and both of us laughed.

"Riya, over here," someone called me.

"Enjoy the party then," I told Meera who nodded and I walked back.

I took my seat and my eyes found Nivin again.

He was dancing with another beautiful girl.

"Don't get upset, it is impolite to reject our guests," Sachin said.

"I know." I smiled.

But I don't think so, I know very well that Nivin can easily reject anyone he doesn't want, he could even be rude.

I took my wine and gulped it in one go.

Maybe I should accept everyone's invitation to dance too!

I walked to the barside.

"Fix me a strong one," I said while sitting on the barstool.

"Whoa! you are a little drunk already," I heard a voice and turned sideways.

I saw the suit first, I raised my head slightly, even though he was sitting beside me, he was tall.

"None of your business," I said and he raised his eyebrows.

"Ma'am, I don't think the boss will be happy," the barman looked troubled.

"What! you can't give me?" I asked angrily.

"I can share if you want," the guy next to me said again. I turned sideways.

He pushed a glass to me. "Let's take a shot," he said.

"Who are you?"

His sound was familiar in a strange way.

"I am Nikil...Nikil Atharva and you are?"

"Ha, you came to our party and you don't even know your hosts?" I folded my hands across my chest.

"Oh...so you are Nivin Aldrick's..."

"Yea, that heartless jerk is my husband," I said, now taking the offered drink and gulping it down in one go.

"Whoa, easy there," he said. "so you are his wife."

"Yes," I said.

"Then he must be a real jerk to leave you all alone," he said.

I took his glass next.

"Yes," I said slowly. "he is arrogant and stubborn, he is cold and heartless," I said, now looking at him across the room.

Then turned back to Nikil.

"And he is the most gentle person I have ever met," I said, now taking another glass. "he is like a dream to me, I want... to... help," I slurred. "I love... him," I said and started to get up. "I am going to... talk... I am.." I must have lost my balance because the guy got hold of my hand.

"Careful," he said.

"I will help my wife, thank you." I heard that sharp voice and then felt the warmth around me.

I sighed happily.

"It's... you..." I touched his face, "you... are warm...you... are... I..miss you..." I said before blacking out.

Nivin.

Riya is drunk!

I supported her against me and the guy who was talking to her looked amused.

I wrapped her in my jacket and gave him a cold look.

I have been noticing him chatting with her, even giving her drinks.

"You are interesting," the guy said annoying me, "I thought you were playing around," he said.

"She is my wife, don't think I didn't see you getting her drunk!"

"She got drunk herself, you were too busy with your girlfriends,"

"You are lucky I have Riya in my hands, or I would have thrown you out by no-"

"And you left her alone," he cut across me. "Especially after the last party," he added undertone, but I still caught it.

"What do you mean-" I started, but Riya stirred in my hand.

"Nee...v " Riya said. "I am... so...rry." she whispered.

"Are you awake now?" I looked at her. she opened her eyes slightly, the pain and sorrow in them shook me to the core.

"I am... sorry... for pain... I am sorry..." she closed her eyes and tears flow down her cheeks.

The sincerity in her eyes shook me, my eyes filled on their own.

"No... I am... sorry... I am sorry, Riya." I held her close to me.

I couldn't hold myself back anymore. I wiped her moist lashes and tightened the grip around her.

"You know, you have a very weird way of showing your caring," he said, bringing me back to the present.

"Shut up or I am calling the security." I said.

"Your car is ready," Sachin was near suddenly. "since both of you are drunk, I called my driver for you." he said.

Soon we were riding back home, Riya was still sleeping, her head resting on my shoulder, her hair was slightly brushing my face.

I watched her sleeping.

I have fallen for her.

I can't even look at other girls now.

My heart belongs to her already.

I know it's going to be very difficult to resist that attraction now.

I have danced with many girls today, but I couldn't even register their names or faces, my heart and mind kept turning to her.

Jeez! I am in trouble!

Soon we were home. I have to lift her up inside.

"What happened Neev?" Auntie Alice asked me, concerned, as I brought her inside.

"Don't worry she is sleeping." I said

I saw Kamala and the other maid looking surprised.

It must be weird for them to see me like this, even I would never have thought I would carry a girl home like this.

"Er... I will take her inside then," I said, suddenly feeling awkward.

This is why I want to go back to my penthouse.

I carried her upstairs. l reached our room and placed her on the soft bed carefully. her hands were still on my shoulder and our faces were close.

I stilled as I looked at her face. She looked adorable. I slowly unclipped her hair. It fell around the pillow fascinatingly and I resisted the temptation to touch that silky tendrils.

I removed her stilettos next, I wrapped her in the blanket and switched off the light.

I changed and walked to the sofa where she usually sleep. It was small and uncomfortable for me, but sleeping was the last thing on my mind.

She seemed restless too, she was tossing and turning around.

"Nee..v," she said in her sleep and I got up. she was sitting in the bed.

"Riya? Are you awake?" I walked to her. "do you want anything-" I stopped just in front of her.

She was trying to take off her dress. "Help me... Its hurting... I can't breath," she said sleepily, now almost pulling it off and it got stuck.

"Wait," I unclasped the dress for her with trembling hands.

As soon as she was in her singlet, she slumped back to bed.

I was still in the same spot. I am a hot blooded male too and I am very much attracted to my wife, you can't blame me for wanting to take her in my hands.

"Sleep with me," she whined as she turned.

The words alone was doing wonders to my body.

Screw the sofa!

I got in the bed and she turned to me, she settled her head on my shoulder and her half-naked body pressed to me.

It was a torture not to touch her, but I have missed it too. I hugged her close and closed my eyes.

I will think later.

Riya.

I feel well rested and at peace. I slowly opened my eyes and looked into his eyes.

He seemed to have been watching me. I smiled at him.

"Good morning," I murmured and he blinked twice.

Oh my God!

The smile instantly turned to worry. I started to remember everything from yesterday.

Neev!

I was drunk out of my mind yesterday!

I must have made a scene!

I instantly removed my hands off his chest and struggled to get up, we were entangled in the same blanket.

Something flashed across my memory and I felt my cheeks burning with embarrassment.

I asked him to undress me! I even asked him to sleep with me!

I successfully sat up.

Did something happen yesterday?Both of us were drunk!

I pulled the sheets up to my chest and looked inside. I was half dressed, But I couldn't remember anything other than that.

Did I force him to sleep here? I know he will never do it willingly.

My eyes snapped back to him. he was still watching me.

Oh God! don't tell me I confessed to him yesterday!

"I... I... did... I mean, did anything happen yesterday? I was so drunk and I can't remember anything." I started to blabber.

Yes, I am nervous and I am embarrassed.

Liar! you do remember asking him to sleep with you!

"Actually I am blanked out after that party and-"

"Nothing happened," he said.

"What?... oh... that's good, I mean-"

I stopped when he started to get up, he removed the tilt and get out of the bed, I sighed in relief.

He's dressed, Thank God!

Neev walked straight to the restroom and I sighed in relief.

Neev.

I splashed the cold water in my face.

Get a grip Neev! calm down!

I splashed it again.

It's been some time since I get to bed, it's not her, you are not affected by her, it's been some time since you have had sex.

I looked in the mirror.

That's right, you just want to get laid!

I slowly placed my hand over my heart, it was still going overdrive, almost out of my control.

What's going on? why is it so out of control?

I have been awake a few minutes before her, I don't know why I was staring at her the whole time.

I was taking in her every details, her eyes have dark shadows underneath and her face looked thin, that happy glow on her face was lost, but she is still the most beautiful girl for me.

Yes, beautiful and untouchable.

That bitter sound in my head reminded me.

She's Anil Ragunad's daughter.

It reminded me again.

The thing is, I couldn't resist my heart and body when I saw her like that, only half dressed and hugging me. her hair was a mess, but I loved to run my hands over that sexy curls.

I have to focus, okay I have got it under control.

I walked out.

"Mm... It's okay," I heard her voice. "ooh... sorry about that, but I am okay Sachin."

Anger, Red and dark consumed me.

She's talking to Sachin first thing in the morning?

"Thanks for checking up, I will see you later Sachin... okay, by-"

She stopped her sentence as she saw me marching to her. her eyes grew wide for a moment.

I took her hand and slammed her to me, our bodies pressed and faces were only inches apart. she gasped at the closeness and tried to move back, only, I trapped her to the wall.

I was really mad but I still registered the thin sleeveless satin gown she's wearing now, it was thin, accentuating her figure.

"Nee..v? what-" she tried to push me off.

I registered her lips, pink and slightly open and her wavy hair, the slight curls at the end that I love to play with, her soft body felt smooth and delicious against me.

"We need to discuss something," I said, trying my hardest to control my feelings.

Riya looked confused.

"Discuss what?" she asked me.

It took me a lot of willpower to back down from her.

So five minutes later we were sitting at the table with a paper between us.

I cant believe I am doing this to her, but I am!

Riya was reading my conditions of marriage.

"#1 No other relationships during the validity of the marriage."

She read the first one and looked up.

"What's that supposed to mean?" she asked. I shrugged.

"It means until we are going to part, you can't keep relationships with anyone, we will not see anyone and we will continue to be faithful,"

"Faithful? I know what exactly you wrote there! I am asking you why did you bother to add it there? do you think I am going behind your back, keeping relationships with men?" she said, her eyes flashing in anger.

Whoa! she's mad!

"I don't mea-"

"Don't lie!" she put down the contract without bothering to read the rest and got up.

"That's it, Nivin Rosh James Aldrick, just do whatever goddamn thing you have to do and let me get out of here for good," she walked out.

I was still shocked in my spot.

Riya.

The nerve of him! what does he think of me?

I wiped the angry tears off my face and walked down.

I know he doesn't give a damn About me, but it's still hurting too much!

"Riya? I was thinking- Are you crying?" Auntie Alice asked me.

I stopped in front of her. "No, something got in my eyes, Auntie, let's go, I know a really nice secluded place where you get the best toddy," I said.

Auntie Alice's eyes widened. "What are you talking abou-"

"Just come with me, it was your wish to taste it for a long time now-"

"Shhh! Riya! Someone might hear you!" Auntie Alice looked around, worried.

I took her hand and dragged her out. "Come on, let's go"

"But-"

"Trust me, no one's going to know" I said.

Nivin.

"Where's everyone?" Grandpa asked us as we sit for breakfast.

It seemed the table is empty today, Rohan, Auntie Alice and Riya is missing.

"Um... they have something urgent to do," Kamala said while giving a sticky note to him. "they left a message."

What?

Danny and I looked at each other.

Left a message? seriously?

We waited till grandpa read it, a frown in his face.

"Who took them?" Grandpa looked at me.

"Er..." I have no idea what's going on.

"They left with the driver, Manoj," Kamala said.

Danny took the message from table and I leaned to read it.

"Hello,

Sorry we couldn't tell you earlier, but we are leaving early to light the candles at the church to fulfil a promise we made, do enjoy your breakfast!

Alice & Riya.

Ps: we will be a little late, so don't wait for us."

"Mom wrote in alright!" Danny said in wonder. "but I thought she wouldn't do something like this in a 100 years!it's so unlike her!"

Of course, it's not her, Riya must've convinced her!

We started the breakfast.

"What about Rohan?" Grandpa asked.

I have no idea where he is.

"He's busy with the project." I lied, I don't want him to get beaten up for running away.

"Speaking of which, I asked them to draw up the papers this week, just hand over the project,"

I looked up at him, "we are still not finished." I said.

The moment I hand over the project, I know I will be thrown out again.

"That will do, and we will have a board meeting about your managing rights."

"Okay, we will do it in the same week," I agreed. I know I am taking a risk, but I have no other way now.

It was my last shot at entering the company!

Danny was looking between us, looking worried.

"And we will be shifting back to my penthouse, I think it's more convenient for us," I said.

My eyes found her empty seat and my heart started to beat in that weird way again.

I just hope she will come with me.

Riya.

"It's really beautiful Auntie! the colour matches you too," I told her when she was inspecting the saree.

"It's the only one available ma'am, we designed it for you." the manager said.

"I like it," she turned to me. "We still need to get other things." she said and I nodded.

"Let's start then," I smiled.

"But before that, we need to get you a saree too,"

"What! no no... I don't wear it, Auntie, I never tried it too."

"It will look good on you, Riya."

"I really don't need it now, it's you who is having a programme this week..." I dragged off as I saw her.

It was Auntie Alice's friend whom we met at the spa last time.

"Fancy seeing you here, Alice" she smiled.

I know Auntie Alice is not fond of her.

"Sheena," she nodded.

"Auntie, let's move, we need to get other things too," I said, getting the cold vibes from both of the ladies.

She turned to me.

"This must be Nivin's wife," she laughed. "I am glad you have someone to spend your time with now." Sheena said.

"I am very touched that you are really concerned about my welfare, Sheena." Auntie Alice said.

"Of course dear, maybe you could bring her to the family day," The lady gave me a look.

"I will take care of it, thank you," Auntie Alice said rudely and walked out. I watched as a self satisfied smile appeared on Sheena's face.

I don't like her too...

I followed Auntie Alice, she was in the refreshment room.

"Auntie..."

"She always do this to me, talking how my family is not there for me," Auntie Alice whispered.

I looked up at her. "Auntie, you know everyone loves you," I said.

"Yea, I know, but sometimes I am not sure about what is going on, John comes home only rarely, Rohan is so busy and Danny goes on with his own life, we don't have this bonding and I know it's all my fault," she said. "And I failed Julia too, I can't seem to help Nivi-"

"Shh..." I looked at her. "you are really good Auntie, don't be so depressed." I said. "And tell me about that programme you are organising," I said.

I think we both need a distraction now.

"It's going well, Sheena is really jealous of it, she always wanted to organise it," she said, smiling.

"That's why she's always talking about your family to hurt you, don't take it seriously Auntie!"

"I know, I just don't like Sheena, she just brings the worst in me!" she said and I laughed.

I can't blame her since I have seen her twice now, she's really too much.

"If it's a family day, why can't you just ask Uncle John-"

"No Riya! he rarely come home, I don't want to trouble him, I am happy with things now, I am too scared to push anything unnecessarily,"she said. "Sheena is just jealous like you said, because I am organising this event every year"

"Well... then this time, we will put her in her place." I said and she looked up, surprised.

"Yea, that's right! I am going to be there with you this time, I want to cheer you!" I said.

Her eyes lit up. "Really?" she asked.

"Really!" I said.

Nivin.

"Grandpa wanted me to hand over the project,"

Everyone looked at me. our team was sitting around the table in my office, we still don't have access to the conference room.

"Hand over the project? it's the only thing we have against them now." Sachin said.

"Yes, I know it's grandpa's trick to throw me out, but I have no choice in the matter, you know the rules," I said.

"I don't really think they will hand us the managing rights after you give your project away, sir." Shiaz said.

"I am aware of that, but even if I don't get it easily, I am planning on staying and fighting." I shrugged.

Riya.

"Oh my God! Riya, this is the adventurous day of my life! thank you girl," Auntie Alice laughed.

We were both in a local bus, yea, that's right, who knew the stiff and posh Auntie could actually be comfortable there!

She was panicked first, but when she got the hang of it, she was rather thrilled. the alcohol must've loosened her up too, anyways, we had a great day today!

we reached our stop and got down at the stop.

"Should we call an auto?" I asked.

"Are you crazy? we are going home!how do I look, can you smell alcohol?do I look terrible?" She asked me, looking worried now.

I smiled, "you look great like always, no smell of alcohol, it was hours before."

"Ok, I will call Manoj now," she said, relieved.

My phone started to ring when we were still waiting.

"Hello?"

"We need to talk," I heard Nirosha's voice and my mood turned dark instantly.

"I don't want to."

"Are you sure? I know about your father."

"So does everyone in the family, I will talk to you lat-"

"Neev has a board meeting coming, do you want me to expose it before it?" she said.

No one will accept Nivin if the news spread that he is married to Anil Ragunad's daughter, As everyone still thinks my dad betrayed Uncle James.

Grandpa ordered Uncle Sebastian to keep it down since he didn't want any trouble before the Asian project, but Nirosha is a whole different story, I guess.

"What do you want?" I asked, now alert.

"Let's meet"

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