Third person's pov!

A few days passed by and Siddharth was ready to pull out his hair. Because it has been a week since he saw her and he could kill anybody at the moment just to have a glimpse of her. And then there was no clue as to who was behind the attack on Nidhi. The bodyguards were always on alert, but there has never been an attempt on her again.

And to add on to that, the cold war between his brother and aunt was going on.

"Maa, you don't have to agree to my wish. I won't marry Priya against your wishes, Maa." Parth said and Siddharth looked at him in disbelief.

He didn't expect Parth to give up on Priya like this.

"I know my son would never go against me.." Kalpana cried as she came forward to embrace Parth. But Parth took a step back and looked at his mother.

"I won't marry Priya without your permission, Maa. I promise. But there will be no other woman in my life other than Priya, Maa. I am ready to give upon my love for your happiness. But I expect you not to pester me to marry anyone else. It will never happen." Parth said in a serious tone and Kalpana gasped.

Without waiting for his mother's response, Parth disappeared into his bedroom.

This has been going on for a week now. Since the day Siddharth publicly declared his feelings for Nidhi, Parth knew there was no point in delaying anymore.

Some or the other day, he will have to muster the courage to talk to his mother. So, that very evening, he broached the subject during dinner time. And as expected, Kalpana had opposed, vowing that she wouldn't accept a lower middle class girl as her daughter in law.

"Chachi, are your wishes more important than Parth's happiness?" Siddharth couldn't help but ask.

"Parth had always lived according to your wishes, Kalpana. You lived his life. If he looks back, all he would be able to see in his life would be you. At least now step back and let him live his life according to his wishes." Darsh chacha said angrily.

"Darsh ji..."

"Don't scream, Kalpana. Just keep in mind what Parth just said. He either marries Priya or he never marries ever. Think and decide what you want.." Darsh chacha said and walked away.

"Priya is a nice girl, Chachi. Parth loves her. Don't be stubborn anymore. Let him be happy." Jeevika too said her piece and left.

"Chachi, whether you agree or not, I will make sure that Parth and Priya get married." Siddharth said in a warning tone and left.

******

Siddharth stepped out of the car in front of the Lord Shiva temple.

He had been in regular touch with the men guarding Nidhi and he had asked to be informed the moment Nidhi steps out of the house. And half an hour ago, he had received the information that Nidhi was going to the temple.

So, here he is.

He tucked his aviator to the collar of his shirt, and almost ran up the stairs.

As he reached the top flight of the stairs, he felt his heartbeat picking up its pace, seeing the distant figure of his woman.

He ran ahead. Nidhi stood a few feet away from him, staring at him.

"Well, well, well... Look who we have here. My favourite temple suddenly became much more divine with your presence, Nidhi." Siddharth said and Nidhi looked at him as if he had grown two heads all of a sudden. Can't blame her. Who would have thought the 'I don't believe in love and marriages' Raichand would one day stand in a temple and flirt with a girl whom he claimed to hate once.

"Spare me the cheesy lines, Mr Raichand. What are you doing here?" Nidhi asked, rolling her eyes in annoyance.

"Just following my heart. And my heart led me straight to you." Siddharth said with a chuckle. Even he was surprised by the words coming out of his mouth. But then Parinidhi Vyas has the ability to make him do anything.

"Your heart or your ego?" Nidhi asked with a scoff.

"Ouch, that hurts! But you know what they say, love and hate are two sides of the same coin."

"Yeah, and you seem to be flipping that coin quite often." Nidhi couldn't help but point out.

"Touche, Nidhi. But seriously, how come you got out of your self imposed house arrest to visit the temple?" Siddharth asked sarcastically, taunting her for locking herself inside the house.

"Oh, I don't know. Maybe seeking divine intervention to deal with annoying men who won't take no for an answer?" Nidhi said sarcastically.

"Your mouth says no, Nidhi. But your eyes don't. The day your eyes say no, I will take that no to heart." Siddharth said smugly and Nidhi shot an exasperated look at him.

Then she looked heavenwards, closing her eyes.

"Praying for patience, Nidhi?" Siddharth asked with a chuckle.

"More like praying for you to disappear." Nidhi said in annoyance.

"What a little liar you can be, Nidhi," He said as he lifted his hand and a forefinger flicked the full tense line of her lower lip in reproof.

Nidhi hissed in pain as she rubbed her lower lip and glared at him.

"What the hell do you think you are doing?" She snapped at him angrily as it really hurt badly.

"Oh Nidhi, you have no idea what all I think of doing to you. But since this is a temple, I will keep myself from telling you all that." Siddharth said huskily and Nidhi felt herself shudder. His words felt like a caress over her and his gaze was unnerving her.

She had to get away!

"Stop following me around, Mr Raichand. I already told you my answer. There is no change in it." Nidhi said, not responding to his provocative statement.

"Well, your problem right now is Priya, Nidhi. I will let you in on a secret. Chachi almost said Yes. Within two days, you can expect Parth's proposal to come to your house. Once that is out of the way, there will be nothing stopping us.."

A/N

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SF❤️