• Pahale main samajhaa,
kuchh aur vajah in baaton ki
Lekin ab jaanaa, kahaan nind gai meri raaton ki •



Thakral tapped his watch and looked up. Pushing the sunglasses back on his nose bridge, he brought his hand forward and looked at his wrist watch again.

Never in his life someone made him wait for this long . He bumped his fist on the car bonnet and clenched his jaw. It has been more than an hour since he is waiting for someone in this scorching heat of Delhi. Taking out the handkerchief from his pocket, he wiped his forhead sweat and loosened his tie. Had the AC of his car working, he'd have been sitting in the car.

Putting the handkerchief back in his pocket, he looked at his watch once again. Argh... How much he wanted to kill that person for making him wait?.... Do anything, but don't ever do the mistake of underestimating Thakral. Seems like this person is doing the same mistake.

According to his private detectives, "that person" has already left his office 2 hours back. Then why is he taking so much time... Did he change his mind at last moment?

"Bottle...."

Thakral shouted looking at his driver, who then passed a metal bottle to him.

Uncapping the bottle, he gulped down the water to calm himself. His next plan was based on that person. His failure to show up today would mean, Thakral's failure to defeat "the RaiSinghanias"..... That person is like a "turup ka ikka" for him... His strongest card, who will take him closer to his victory.

He halted out of his thought when his nasal mucosa got irritated due to dust particles in the air. The place where they were suppose to meet had many sand-dunes.... The more powerful winds carried particles of sand before they drop down to ground.
Taking out his napkin, He covered his nose due to the sudden dust storm.

It was all dust in the air. The haziness of the scene began to become clear as the tyres of a car screeched and stopped near thakral's leg.

The gate opened, and a tall figure stepped out from the car pushing his sunglasses back on his nose bridge.

As the sand particles in the began settling on the ground, the air got clearer and now Thakral could see the face of "the person" who was now standing in front of him in all his glory.

He looked smug as he could see the first step of his plan succeeding.

"Why did you call me here?"

The person said standing in front of his car.
To Thakral, The man in front of him seemed to be a "No Nonsense" person. He directly came to the point rather than beating around the bush, which impressed Thakral.

"Because I wanted to meet you, Mr. Angre"

Thakral replied taking a step towards that man, who was none other than Vansh's right hand... Angre.

"And May I know why Mr.Thakral?"

Angre asked taking out his sunglasses and hooking it in the pocket of his blazer. Thakral lauded him mentally. Angre is mere a employee working under Vansh, but the way he was conducting himself in front of Thakral was praiseworthy. Thakral felt like He was talking to Vansh himself.... If Vansh RaiSinghania's employee has so much attitude, He wondered how it would be talking to Vansh himself...

"So that we make a deal...."

Thakral completed and smirked looking at the irritated expressions on Angre's face.

"Not again.... You want me to ditch Vansh and work for you right? Look Oldie, if you are going to utter this same shitt from that filthy mouth of yours then you better don't. Because I'm not interested in your deal"

Angre huffed making Thakral laugh at his stupidity. Just a minute ago, he was all praises for this young blood, but now this youngster has opened his mouth and removed all his doubts.

Angre was confused at Thakral's behavior. He couldn't understand what's wrong with that lunatic man.

"You are so funny Mahn... You really thought this?"

Thakral asked laughing holding his stomach... Angre frowned and pocketed his hands. He has dealt with many of Vansh's enemies before, But they were normal... This Thakral seems to be a psycho. And Angre couldn't help but curse his boss who sent him to deal with this psycho alone.

"Cut this crap Mr. Thakral. Come straight to the point"

Angre said in a firm tone. It was early in the morning when Angre received a call from an unknown number. It was of Thakral who asked him to meet in a secluded place. Angre had no idea why and for what Thakral wanted to meet him. When he informed about it to his boss, he was told to go with the flow so that they could know what is going on in their enemy's mind.

"Tell me about my son and the lawyer's whereabouts. In return, I'll spare your Boss's life..."

Thakral completed in a dangerous tone. Now it was Angre's turn to laugh. But due the stone-faced expressions he was trained to maintain in front of enemies, he couldn't even laugh freely. He pressed his lips together to control his laughter. Look at the audacity of this Oldie. His one leg is already in grave, and he is talking as if he is Serial killer of the century. Does he really think Angre and his team will let him do any harm to his Boss?

"Did you call me to laugh on your pathetic jokes, Mr Thakral?"

Angre said calmly trying not to lose his cool. He would have been sitting in his Air conditioned cabin handling the Dubai clients, but instead he is standing here in this scorching heat, listening to the gibberish of that lunatic man... Courtesy to his Boss..

If glares could kill, Aangre would have been dead by now. Never in Thakral's life anybody has underestimated him to this extent. Here he is giving open threat, but the young man in front of him is not even taking it seriously. This meant only two thing... Either He doesn't fear for the life of his Boss, or He is an educated idiot who don't know overconfidence is the beginning of self destruction.

"I'm giving you a month Mr. Aangre. Every Day I'll call you and ask the same question. And if you don't answer, I'll get angry....."

Thakral spoke in a dangerous tone. For a moment, it did scare Aangre, but he wouldn't show it on his face. Never...

"Trust me Aangre, Rudra RaiSinghania knows what happens when Thakral becomes angry...."

Thakral completed with a smug look on his face. He knew his task is accomplished. He just have to continue this talk for 2 minute more....

"What do you mean?"

Angre asked unaware of Thakral's intention.

"That you'll come to know Mr. Aangre. If you want to save your Boss from all these miseries, just tell me what I want to know. Or else Vansh RaiSinghania will be doomed"

Thakral boomed, making Angre chuckle. Only if Thakral knew his opponent is a Satan in human form...

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Vansh's POV :-

I looked up from my laptop screen and saw Riddhima still sleeping. I smiled realizing Ruby isn't the only girl in my life who sleeps so much. Riddhima sleeps even more than Ruby. She has been sleeping since afternoon And it's almost evening now.

Shutting my laptop, I kept it aside and walked upto the wardrobe....Turning the knob, I opened the door of wardrobe. I took out my black full sleeves tshirt from the hanger. Just then I realized something and my eyes roamed around in the room...

The Wardrobe had just my clothes, my belongings in it.... I couldn't see any of Ridhhima's luggage in my room. Where did she keep her so many clothes?

Closing the wardrobe, I moved towards the bed noticing the things around me. They were same as they use to be before. The dressor had only my combs, my hairbrushes, deodorants, hair gels and perfumes. Why isn't her makeup products here?

The bed had only two pillows and both were mine. The pillow that was under her head was also mine. Didn't she bring her pillow and Duvet along from her room? I don't mind her sleeping on my pillows but I find it quite weird, as I don't get sleep if I use someone's pillow.

Taking the black tshirt, I walked in the closet and removed my formal coat-suit. Sliding the knot of tie down, I removed it from my neck and threw it in the laundary basket which was next to my luggage bag.

My eyes roamed around. Only my luggage bag is in the closet. Where did Riddhima keep her bag? Is it still in the car's dikky?

Taking out the coat and pant, I quickly changed into a black full sleeved T-shirt and grey track pant.

"Riddhima...."

I called walking out of the closet. To my shock, Riddhima wasn't in the bed. When did she wake up and where did she go? She might have gone down to take a stroll.  Picking my mobile from the table, I latched the bedroom door and went down...
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Riddhima's POV :-

My eyes opened slowly and I saw the ceiling above me. When did the color of ceiling of my room changed into white? I rubbed my eyes and tossed on the bed spreading my hands on the pillow. Donno why I was feeling so drained.

Struggling hard to keep my heavy eyelids open, I got up and sat on the bed removing the duvet. Buring my face in my hands, I closed my eyes for two minutes to take a short nap before opening them again. Yawning, I pushed my hairs backward and put down my legs from the bed. Standing on my feet, I walking towards the dressor and looked at myself in the mirror.

My eyes widened looking at the frame of the mirror. The mirror in my room is rectangular but this one is semicircular with polished golden snake and lion designed frame around it. I turned my neck and looked around in the room...

White walls with so many certificates hanging on it. One of the wall was completely covered with a separate shelve that had so many block and each block had a  trophy in it. Not a single block was empty. Where would the next trophy go, I wondered...

In the center was a huge king size double bed with a brown colored matress and two pillows of same color. Though the bed in my room was comfortable and spacious enough, but this one was larger.

In the right side, there was a wooden table on which a huge fishtank was placed. The lights of the fish tank was ON and golden, silver, orange.... Small ornamental Fishes of many different colors were swimming in the tank, coming to the surface of water before diving in again...

In the left side, little away from the bed, there was a couch and a table with a laptop and the charger kept on top of it. The room had glass panes instead of wall to the left side, with one glass door that opened into the balcony where some of the gym instruments were placed and a big hammock chair swing hung from the ceiling.

This wasn't my room for sure. But then this didn't even look like Vansh's room.... I roamed my eyes around and bite my nail looking at the ceiling. But this fan look so similar. How? Even the painting on the wall looks like the one in Vansh's room....

Turning, I gaped looking at the sky changing its colour to a darker shade through the glass pane. I look around and saw a big Evil Eye wallclock hanging on the adjacent wall. Oh No....

I gasped looking at the the hour hand that was on the numerica Six. Oh my God. How did I sleep so much? No wonder why my face was looking so puffy in the mirror. I thought the problem is in mirror, but No. It's in me.... Oh shitt...
Picking up my mobile from the bed, and after adjusting my dress, I open the door slowly and walked out of the room....

"Are bitiya Aaramse...."

Mrs. DSouza said as I collided with her in the way.

"DSouza Aunty. I'm sorry. Aapko lagi to nahi?"

I enquired. She did stumble a bit because of the sudden collision, But I hope she isn't hurt anywhere.

"Mujhe nhi lagi hai. Lekin tum kaha bhaag chali? Waise, Vansh Baba ke kamre se aarhi ho na? Unhone tumhare hisaab se apna room renovate karwaya hai... Pasand to aaya na tumhe?

D'Souza Aunty asked excited holding my hands. Vansh renovated his room? Oh, Now I understand why his room looked so different. But he was in Patiala with us, then when and why did he do this?

DSouza Aunty was looking at me,waiting for my reply. I faked a smile and nodded my head.

"Pasand to aana hi tha. Itna khubsurat kamra jo hai.."

D'Souza Aunty answered. To be honest, His room is indeed beautiful and aesthetic.

I looked around, and grabbed D'Souza Aunty's hand.

"Mere kamre me chalke baat kare please?"

Dragging her along with me, I walked hastily in the corridor. 

"Lo, mai batana bhul gyi. Anupriya Ma'am just called to ask about you..."

D'Souza aunty said as I pushed the door of my room.

"Anu Maa ka call aya tha? Aapne mujhe bataya kyu nhi? Maa khamakha fikar karrhi hogi meri... Mai unse ekbaar baat karleti hun"

I replied walking in my room. I looked at my mobile which was now switched off. Throwing it on the bed, I walked to the table and picked up the landline phone.

D'Souza Aunty sat on my bed and started folding  my clothes that were scattered all over the bed. Oh God. I was arranging these clothes in my cupboard,but then that backyard incident happened and I Completely forgot about the mess that I have made of my room.

"Hello Maa... Aap thik ho? Maasi thik hai? Aapne mujhe subahse call kyu nhi kiya? Aapko pata hai mai wait karrhi thi.... "

I shooted questions one after another when Maa picked up the call. Not even a day have passed , and I'm already missing Maa, Dadi, Nani and everyone.

"Riddhu. Saans lo Beta. Sab log thik hai.. Tum batao. Tum barabar pohochi na? Vansh aaya office se?... "

Anu Maa asked. I sighed after hearing that they all are good. Especially Maasi. I was worried about her health. When Maa asked about that Devil , for some reasons I didn't like it... I wanted her to talk about me, ask about me. Why do I keep forgetting, she is his mom as well...

"Jii Maa. Hum subah hi pohochgye the. Wo Va...Vansh subah ghar drop karke office chala gya tha. Lekin phir wo Dopahar hi wapis aagya."

I replied masking my sadness. Just then my eyes fell on D'Souza Aunty who was keeping my books in wrong shelf. I put the call on loudspeaker mode, and walked towards her. Taking books from her hand, I arranged them properly.

"Aa-gaye bol puttar. Pati hai ab woh tera. Aur aise pati ka naam nhi lete. Kalesh hota hai. ..."

I heard Nani's voice. I smiled realizing even Anu Maa has put the call on speaker. But the next second, my smile fade away understanding what Nani meant to say.

"Kya Maa Aap Bhi... Kuch bhi bole kya fark padta hai"

I heard Anu Maa explaining Nani. Keeping the books in the shelf, I moved to bed and picked up my clothes from it.

"Tu chup re Anu. Tujhe Bhi baar baar mana karti thi damaadjii ka naam lenese, lekin tune ek naa suni. Gudiya ko to meri baat ka maan rakhne de"

Nani replied and the line went dead for a second. There was a deadly pause. Did Nani's word hurt Maa? Now How would I ask this in front of everyone?

"Sorry Nani. Aainda mai dhyaan rakhungi..."

I replied folding my dress and putting it in the basket.

"Shabash Puttar. Tujhse yahi Umeed thi"

I heard Nani say from the other side of phone. Everyone expects me to respect Vansh. Wish someone was there from my side to remind him to respect me as well. Why are only girls taught how to be a  Dutiful wife and a good Daughter-in-law? Why is a man not told to be a supporting and responsible husband?

"Riddhima, RaiSinghania Khandaan ki bahu ke roop me aaj tumhara pehla din hai Beta. Aaj matarani ke liye meetha prashaad banake Vansh ke sath shyaam ki aarti karlena."

I heard dadi's voice and clenched my eyes. One more ritual with him... Oh No. We are already married, now what is the use of doing more rituals...

"Ye sab jaruri hai Dadi? I mean mai abhi neend se uthi hun. Bhagwaanji ka Bhog banane ke liye samay lagega. Aur Vansh.. I mean Woh.. unka pta nahi kabtak ghar par hai."

I said while helping D'Souza Aunty to fold the Duvet. I can never get tired of worshipping the Almighty. But doing Aarti with Vansh is something I'd like to avoid... How could you worship the God when the demon himself is standing next to you?

"Ye ek rasm hai jo RaiSinghania parivaar ki har bahu shadi ke agle din karti hai.... Taaki vaivaahik jeevan me sukh, samridhhi bani reh. Tu Vansh ki fikr mat kar. Use mai samjhadungi. "

Dadi replied making me roll my eyes. Tell me if there is any ritual to Undo the marriage, I'll happily do it.

"Janti hun tumhe bhog banana nhi aata. Saas hun, lekin usse pehle tumhari Maa bhi to hun. Tum to janti ho, Maa aur Mummyji ko... Lekin, Tumhe ye Sab karne Ki koi jarurat nahi hai Riddhima.... Mai boldungi Mummyjii Ko ki tumne karliya"

I heard Maa whispering over the call. It means the call isn't on loudspeaker anymore. Maa must have moved to another room to talk with me alone.

"Aap jhoot bolegi?"

I asked knowing very well how much Maa dislikes people who lie... From the time I know her, I don't think she has ever lied to Dadi... Not even for once.

"Haan toh. Mummyjii kaunsa tumhe dekhne aane wali hai..."

She replied making me laugh. If others hear our conversation, they will be under the impression that my Anu Maa is Pro in lying.

"So to hai..."

I replied, with a smile on my face. What did I even do to deserve you Anu Maa? She is so sweet, I don't understand from where her son  inherited so much of bitterness.

Vansh and Ishani might have Anu Maa's  blood running in their veins, But they lack kindness and empathy. I wish I could say this on their faces.

"Chalo mai rakhti hun. Meri saas mujhe bularhi hai.. Jana padega... Ab harkoi tumhare jitna lucky nhi hota beta jiske paas mere jaisi saas ho."

I laughed hearing Maa's words. She is never going to miss a chance to taunt Dadi. Their relationship is so different and over the years it has become more beautiful.

"Maa aap Bhi naa... Chalo bye."

I said leaving the cloth in my hand on the bed and walked towards the landline phone. After hearing the goodbye from Maa... I cut the call.

"D'souza Aunty, Gharme sooji hai? Aap meri help karoge bhog banane me.... Wo aap to janti hai maine pehle kabhi banaya nahi hai...."

I said turning towards D'Souza Aunty who was cleaning my bed. Aunty looked up at me and raised her eyebrows.

"Lekin Beta tum to Rasm nahi karne Waali thi na... Suna maine abhi"

She replied spreading the bedsheet on my bed while looking at me. I walked near her.

Though I didn't want to do any such rasm but I'll have to do it.

"Apni Maa se jhoot bhi to nahi bulwaa sakti na. Wo kuch kahegi nahi, but I know woh guilty feel karegi. Dadi se aajtak kabhi jhoot Jo nhi bola hai unhone"

I answered with a sad smile. I don't want Maa to lie just because of me. I know she won't say anything, but she'll always feel guilty. In last couple of days, I had to do so many things which I didn't want to. Now one more.... But This time, just for my Maa.

"Mai mangwaati hun market se sooji. Tum jaldi taiyaari karke niche aa jaao."

D'Souza Aunty said before leaving the room....
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Vansh's POV :-

Where the hell is Riddhima? I have checked in Garden, backyard, swimming pool area and even in Kitchen. She is nowhere. Where did she vanish?

I was about to go upstairs when I saw Ruby coming down.

"Ruby... Baby, come here"

I called. Ruby stopped in the track, looked at me and took a U-turn running upstairs...

"What the hell..."

I cursed under my breath. What the hell was this? What is this little lady upset for? I don't understand what is wrong with everyone today. Riddhima has vanished somewhere. Ruby is royally ignoring me. Aangre is not receiving my calls. Where the hell he is? He isn't receiving my calls since the time He left to meet Thakral... I guess I'll need his help again to trace Riddhima... She keeps disappearing so frequently that Sometimes I feel like hanging a GPS tracker around her neck.

I turned back and saw the landline phone on the table near the vase. Striding towards it, I picked up the phone and was about to dial Aangre's number when I heard a voice.

Bringing the receiving end of phone near my ear, I stood there hearing some muffled voices... I guess someone is using Landline phone in the upper rooms... But who? As all the landlines in VR mansions are interconnected, this cross connection occurs many times by mistake. I didn't cut the call as I was curious to know who is using the landline. Can't be a househelp as they are forbidden to use any service of VR mansion for personal purposes without informing any of the family member.

After few minutes, the voice got clear....

"Jii Maa. Hum subah hi pohochgye the. Wo Va...Vansh subah ghar drop karke office chala gya tha. Lekin phir wo Dopahar hi wapis aagya."

I heard a feminine voice...

"Riddhima....."

Her name escaped out of my mouth involuntarily. Next I heard another voice which is Mom's for sure. I have heard her voice on telephone for over fifteen years. So I can't ever go wrong in recognizing her voice.

I chuckled hearing how Nani and Dadi were schooling Riddhima about calling me respectfully. Well, they are right to some extent. Sweetheart, you need to learn to respect me.

I was shocked at how easily Riddhima agreed to them and started talking about me respectfully. If I would have told her same thing, she wouldn't have listen to me at all...

Then I heard about some ritual which Dadi want us to do. Uff Dadi and her never ending rituals... I'm least interested in any kind of Pooja-path, but performing it with Riddhima doesn't seem to be a bad idea. We'll get some time to spend together. I'll get to know more about her and like every time, she won't be able to run away from me... At least not till we complete the pooja.

My happiness didn't last for long as I heard Mom saying she would lie to Dadi...I was angry at her. What is wrong with her? How could she even think about lying to Dadi? What if Dadi found out about the lie which my Mom was going to feed her?

I was mad at Riddhima as well... She just acts like she cares. But in reality, she doesn't.  Why would it matter to her if my Mom becomes a lier in Dadi's eyes?

Frustrated, I kept the phone back and ascended the stairs. Riddhima is speaking with Mom from the landline phone of her room for sure. Because all the other rooms upstairs are locked since everyone left for Patiala. Even Riddhima's room should have been locked, but I guess she managed to grab the keys from Mrs. D'Souza.

Passing the corridor, I marched towards Riddhima's room. The door of her room was slightly ajar. Pushing the door, I set my one foot inside....

The scene I saw in front of me froze me on the spot.

Riddhima was standing near the mirror holding together the pleates of the Saree in her  mouth whereas Mrs. D'Souza was kneeling down in front of her and draping the Saree around Riddhima's waist.

"Mrs. D'Souza Out....."

I roared standing outside the door. That's when Riddhima raised her head and saw me. Our eyes locked.... Ever seen how a scared Deer looks at its predator Lion? Riddhima was looking at me just like that...

Mrs. D'Souza stood in her place and turned to look at me.

"Mrs.D'Souza.... Please help the staff in kitchen. Tell them that I want the dinner ready in next 45 minutes...."

I said calmly. If it was other house help, I'd have just ordered him to go. But D'Souza is working here since we were kids. Even if I'm the master, I don't want to disrespect her.

"Vansh Baba... Bus ek minute. Mai riddhu... i mean Riddhima ma'am ko yeh Saree pehenaake aati hun"

She replied making me grit my teeth.

"You may leave Mrs.D'Souza. I'm there to help my wife...."

I replied looking sharply at Riddhima. She gulped in fear and hid herself behind Mrs. DSouza's figure.

"But Vansh Baba, pooja me der horhi hai. Aur aap ye saari kaise...."

Mrs. D'Souza said looking in between me and Riddhima... I cut her off by showing her my palm. Pooja? Oh, So Riddhima is doing the ritual about which Dadi was telling her. But didn't she deny earlier? So what made her change her mind...

I noticed Riddhima looking at me hiding behind D'Souza. Just when I looked at her, she averted her gaze....

"Mrs. D'Souza... I said You may leave. "

I said showing her the way. She nodded and walked out of the room.

Turning around, I closed the door and locked it from inside. I turned back and saw Riddhima looking at me with her wide eyes....

I took a step towards Riddhima. She opened her mouth to say something, in this process the pleates that she was holding in her mouth fell down and her Saree opened more than it already was.

She covered her face with her hands in embarrassment. Though she was covering her face, but yes, I did catch her looking at me from the gaps between her two fingers. God, this girl is going to be the death of me....

I gawked at her as she stood in front of me in a red skirt and green half sleeved blouse with golden colored polka dots on it. Half of the red silk Saree was wrapped around her waist, while the other half was lying near her feet....

The square neckline of her blouse exposed her beautiful collar bones to my eyes. The golden piping of the neckline enhanced the beauty of her neck. The green blouse perfectly fitted on her supple globes. How gorgeous is she looking....

Looks like she realized it's not her face but something else that needs to be covered, as she suddenly brought her hands down and crossed it in front of her chest...

"Tum.... Aap bahar jaaye. Mujhe change karna hai..."

She said trying to act brave in front of me. So Sweetheart have come from "Tum" to "Aap"... Interesting. Very Very Interesting. Looks like she took Nani's words too seriously. Not that I complain, but It's new for me...

"Han to karlo change. Who is stopping you Sweetheart?"

I said pocketing my hands. The smug look on my face seemed to piss her off. She turned. Now Her back was facing me. If the front view was hot, then the back view is super sexy.

The two ends of her green blouse were held together by a hook and a single knot was tied in the centre. I clenched my fist seeing the spinal prominence of her vertebrae that started from the base of her neck  before disappearing into the material of her cloth and then reappearing again from the bottom of the blouse. I couldn't help but shamelessly stare at her milky skin that was left uncovered by the blouse. She has got a sexy midriff. I must say that ...

"Aapke saamne kaise.... Aap bahar jaiye na..."

Riddhima replied clutching the skirt in her fist.. How innocent is my Sweetheart... She really thinks I'm going to listen to her and get out of the room. Only I know how I keep my desires in control every night. Why should I suffer alone? You'll change here itself.... In front of me.

" Pati Patni ke beech par-da kaisa Sweet-heart?"

I said in a husky voice making her gape at my shamelessness. What wrong did I say? As a husband and wife, there shouldn't be any barriers between us. But considering the circumstances under which we got married, I'm giving her space and time to accept things. If we were a normal couple, I swear I wouldn't have let her get out of my bed for days.

"Lekin Ijajat to hoti haina? Aise bina ijajat mere kamre me ghus aana aur phir aise samne khade Rehna... Shobha deta hai aapko?"

She asked looking over her shoulder. Wait. Am I suppose to get offended? I guess Yes. But I don't know why, I liked it when she questioned me. For some reason, I just wanted her to talk to me.... I realized, we never actually spoke to each other. Everytime it's just me shouting on her face and her giving scary expressions as if I'm a Vampire who is going to suck her blood.

"Apne Pati Ko Aise Sataana, tumhe bhi kaha shobha deta hai sweet-heart...."

I replied taking a step towards her. As the distance between us was reducing, I could see her fisting and unfisting the cloth of her skirt.... I hope she understands what I want to say....

"Bol to aise rahe hai jaise yaha maine bulaya ho..."

I heard her say.. Ok. So now I have a confirmation that Mrs. RaiSinghania is not that dumb to not understand my double meaning.  Thank God.

"Ab aa hi gya hun to help kardu? Saree pehnaadu tumhe?"

I asked standing behind her. Though I don't know why she wants to wear Saree but if she really wants to, then I'd love to help her. Only a fool could miss a chance to drape a Saree around his wife's waist. And Vansh RaiSinghania is anything but fool....

"Bilkul Nahi."

She replied turning back and glaring at me with her two small eyes that now looked really Big.

"Thik hai phir khadi raho yunhi. Mujhe kya?"

I replied and moved to sit on the bed. She bent down and picked the remaining Saree in both of her hand and held it close to her chest flaring her nose in anger..

I was sitting on the bed flipping the pages of the Women's magazine that was laying on the floor of her room sometime back.

I pretended to concentrate on reading but from periphery of my vision, I was observing her every move. She did look at the bathroom door thrice. Poor Wifey. Can't even run to the bathroom. Her Saree would get wet due to the wet floor of bathroom. 

"Aapko aati hai saari pehnaani?"

I looked up from the magazine when I heard her question. Now How to tell my wifey that her husband is pro in both... wrapping and unwrapping the Saree....

"Haan."

I replied and concentrated back in the magazine. She bite her lips and looked everywhere before forming her next sentence.

"Mujhe nahi aati. Aap batao kaise karni hai, mai karlungi...."

She said looking at me and then started arranging the pleates herself. I huffed keeping the magazine aside. What is she even doing...

"Ulta side hai wo Riddhima. Seedha to karo pehle."

I replied getting up from the bed. Can't she see that the designed part is towards the inner side.

"Kholo ise pura..."

I instructed. With shaking hands she pulled down the tugged pleates and opened the Saree.

Now how would I explain her what to do next. I looked around and saw her cupboard. If rest of her luggage is in this room, that means her clothes should also be here only.

Excusing her for a second, I opened the cupboard and pulled down the chunari of one her dress from the hanger.

Closing the cupboard, I walked towards her and stood in front of her. With the help of dupatta, I explained her how to drape the Saree..

"Ye aise hogyi....... "

She replied frustrated looking at her failed attempt.. The pleates looked untidy and the free end of the Saree was too short.

"Mai pehnaadu?"

I asked smirking inwardly. Only if she knew I purposely skipped a step or two so that she is left with no option other than taking help from me.  She looked down and then nodded her head....

"Phir mat kehna ijajat nahi li thi"

I taunted. She didn't reply and instead looked at me angrily. God, her cheeks becomes so puffy when she gets angry. How much I want to bite those puffy cheeks of her when she looks at me like that.

Taking the Saree from her hand, I stood in front of her. Tugging the upper edge of the saree in her skirt, I moved around her. Her hairs flew and hitted my face as I was exactly behind her. Everytime my fingers dipped in to tug the cloth of the saree in her skirt, I noticed her gulping.

Leaving a free end behind, One by one...I made the pleates and arranged them properly. Going on my knees, I Pressed the pleates from above downwards, and then looked at her.

"Pakdo ise...."

I said holding the pleates in front of her in between my two fingers. She obeyed and took the pleates from my hand and held them tightly as I arranged the bottom of the pleates and pressed them together.

Standing up, I looked into her eyes and took the pleated from her hand. A saw her mouth slightly gape as I tugged the pleates in her skirt.... This time roughly.

"Pins do...."

I asked. She turned and handed me bunch of pins from the dressor. Opening them one by one, I pinned her pleates and then caught the free end of the Saree in my hand

"Pallu khula chodogi ya ise pin up kardu?"

I asked placing the free end of the saree on her left shoulder and pinned it up with the blouse.

"Nahi aap ise aise hi rehne do...."

She replied looking down at her Saree with a smile on her face and arranged the pallu properly.

Placing my hands on her shoulder, I turned her so that she could see herself in the mirror. Though the Saree was very simple one, but Trust me when I say Riddhima can make even a simple Saree look gorgeous on her. She is looking so beautiful, I just want to place an open kiss on that small mole present on the back of her neck.

She was adjusting the Saree properly on herself, when I took the liberty of going little close to her. As if suddenly aware of my proximity, She looked up in the mirror and widened her eyes seeing me standing so close to her.

"Va....Vansh"

My name came out of her mouth as he turned back...now facing me.

"Say Again Riddhima."

I demanded holding her chin and making her look into my eyes. From morning she didn't take me name... even for once. I missed hearing it from her... And now that she is calling my name, I want to hear my name... Only my name from her mouth. Again and again....

"Van..sh...."

She replied in daze. I smiled realizing sometimes how easily she submits herself to me. This is the quality of her which I like and Dislike equally.

Like because It gives me a sense of superiority. It makes me feel that I'll always have a upper hand in our relationship.

Dislike because at times, I want her to give back to me...to fight with me, annoy me, irritate me just like every other wife. Com'on my, she is my wife and not employee who should be scared of me.

"I like to hear my name from your mouth. Nani ki baato ko seriously lene ki jarurat nahi hai. Humare beech ki cheeze decide karneka haq maine kisi aur ko nahi diya hai Riddhima."

I spoke looking into her eyes making sure she register my each and every word in her mind.
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Author's POV :-

The priest chanted some mantras as Vansh poured Ghee in the fire of the Hawan-kund. Riddhima touched Vansh' hand as he performed the ritual.

A mouli (sacred red thread) was tie around Vansh and Riddhima's wrist.

"SatyaNarayan ki Vidhi yaha sampanna huyi. Beta ab aapdono aarti kar lijiye"

The pandit jii said. Vansh and Riddhima stood up. Riddhima took the Aarti plate as Vansh did the "shankh-Naad". Closing her eyes, she prayed to God for her own peace.

After the aarti, the priest went blessing the couple.

"Tum pooja me kyu baithi?"

He asked when Riddhima came to give him Prashaad while he was working in his study.... He really wanted to know what made her change her mind.... Why did she perform the rituals with him?

"Kya matlab?"

She questioned keeping the laddu on his palm.

"Suni thi maine tumhari aur Mom ki baatein. Tum do nahi baithna chahti thi na... To phir kyu?"

He asked calmly getting up from his chair and standing in front of her. She looked down before looking up at him again and giving him her answer.

"Anu Maa Ke liye. Wo mere wajahse jhoot bolti to Naa unhe acche lagta aur Naa mujhe...."

She replied fidgeting with her fingers. Riddhima knew that like always, he would think she is trying to act sweet. But now she has decided not to give a damn to what he thinks about her.

Though he was glad that she thought about his Mom. But this wasn't the answer he wanted to hear. He was expecting her to say that she did it For him... For their relation.

She walked till the door and then stopped to look at him..

"Aur waise bhi... Shaadi ke naam par man maarke itni rasme nibhaali.... To ek aur sahi."

He heard her say before she walked out of his study room...

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At Night :-

Vansh's POV :-

After completing the meeting, I went in the hall to dine. Mrs.D'Souza heated the food and served in the plate as I sat on the dining table.

"Mrs. D'Souza. Riddhima ke liye Bhi serve kardijiye"

I said to Mrs.D'Souza as she was serving the dinner in only one plate. Also the quantity was too less for two persons.

"Vansh Baba. Riddhu ne to mere sath kab ka khaa liya. Aur Ruby ko bhi papaya and chapatis khila diye hai. Sabka khana hogya hai. Bus aap bache the.. "

D'Souza replied putting the punjabi kadhi in my Bowl.

Riddhima Ate. That too without me. Is this girl freaking mad or what? I'm not asking her to wait for me, but atleast she could have asked me if I'm having dinner or not. I don't know why, I wasn't feeling hungry anymore.

I said this before also, I don't want her to wait for me... But still the fact that she didn't wait for me was hurting me.

I married her so that I can always keep her close to me. I thought that I would have some place in her life after marrying her. But this girl is hell bent on pushing me away from her. She prefers to have her dinner with the househelps, but not with me.
Never I have felt so unwanted before.

"Vansh Baba... Riddhima ne Bhog ke liye Sooji ka Halwa banaya tha. Aapko dun?"

Mrs. D'Souza asked holding a bowl in front of me. Pushing the plate in front of me angrily, I climbed the stairs leaving a shocked Mrs. D'Souza Behind....

Striding towards Riddhima's room, I dropped a message to Aangre.

I knocked the door of her room. She opened the door after the third knock and was shocked to see me. I looked at her as she stood in front of me in her night suit. Here, I'm not able to eat peacefully because of her and madame Victoria is busy in taking her beauty sleep.

And how dare she sleep here? Did she forget that she has a husband who might me waiting for her in his room?

"Kya hua? Tum Soye Nahi abhi tak.... Kuch Chahiye?"

She asked in a sleeply tone rubbing her eyes.

"Hato samnese"

I pushed her slightly and barged into her room....

Opening the door of her cupboard, one by one I threw her dresses down on the floor. She looked at me shocked.

"Yeh kya karrhe ho Vansh.... Kapde kyu phek rahe ho mere.... Aajhi to sare arrange kiye the.."..

She asked and tried to stop me but I was in no mood to listen anything.

"Inhe apni bag me bharo, and shift to my room... Right Now."

I said throwing one of her dress near her leg. She opened her mouth to say something but closed again.

"Mai kahi shift nahi horhi. Yeh kamra bachpan se mera hai aur mujhe yahi rehna Hai..."

She replied picking her clothes from the floor and keeping them on the bed. What the hell....

"Yeh tumhara kamra hai? To phir woh itna bada kamra kya Maine khudke liye renovate karwaya? Huh?"

I asked grabbing her shoulder. She looked at me scared as I was literally shaking her.

"Maine... Maine kaha tha renovate karwane?"

She answered back. Wow. Just few hours back, I was thinking how it would  have been if we could fight like normal couple... But now that she is back answering me.... I'm  getting irritated.

I didn't hire 5 architect, 3 interior designers and and paid them hefty amount to hear this from my wife. I explained everything to Aangre and got the work done while I was in Patiala just because I wanted my wife to have everything that she needs in our room.... Right from mini library to a study room.

"Sunai nahi diya maine kya kaha.... Don't test my patience Riddhima. Fine....Just go into our room right Now. Ye Sab mai house helps se pack karwalunga"

I said calmly. But Riddhima didn't listen. She kept of refusing... Such a stubborn girl she has become. I'm already pissed off and she is annoying me more.

" Mujhe naa tum chahiye aur naa hi tumhara kamra. Mai yahi rehne wali hun."

She replied making me grit my teeth. Where is this stubbornness coming from? You don't want me now. Fine... From now on, Even I'm not going to come behind you like a lost puppy....

Putting hand in my pocket, I looked at Riddhima and took out my lighter and cigarette. Holding the cigarette in between my teeth, I used the lighter and light the cigarette.

Riddhima turned her face away and covered it with her hand as I smoked in front of her. Pressing the button of lighter once again, I threw it on her bed and smirked looking at her as the bedsheet caught fire....

She looked at me with wide eyes and then at her bed horrified as the fire spread burning most of her bedsheets and the mattress.

"Ab so- jao jaaha sona ho"

I uttered challenging her and dropped the cigarette down crushing its burning end under my shoe and walked out of her room looking at her for one last time as she tried to extinguish the fire by pouring the water from the jar.....
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Precap-

"Tum bilkul Bhi khush nahi ho is shaadi se?"

"Aapko mai bilkul bhi khush lagti hun?"

"Kyun Riddhima? Khush kyu nahi ho tum?"

"Aapko sachme abtak ye samajh nahi aaya?"

"Problem kya hai Riddhima? You said you don't have someone in your life, right? To fir humare rishte se problem kya hai...."

"Problem ye hai Vansh ki meri shadi naa insaan se nahi patthar se huyi hai...."

"Us patthar ko naa kisike emotions samajh aate hai na kisike intentions."

" Tumhe pata hai Vansh, wo patthar na mujhe ghaav bhi deta hai aur marham bhi lagata hai.... Mai to muskuraake sab bhul jaati hun, Lekin naa mera dil saare ghaav ka hisaab rakhta hai. Woh kuch nahi bhulta".

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Author's Note :- Der hogya tha to socha lambi update de dun...

If I'm making you wait, then it is my responsibility to give you long chapters. 

Kinda filler update... Jyada kuch hua nhi isme. Thodasa boring lagega... From next update, I'll try my best ki chapter me kuch to ho...

About the last precap, sorry I couldn't add it in this chapter. Will add it in upcoming chapters..

This saree scene was suggested by a reader who wanted a Saree Scene after marriage just like in original immj.

About the chapter, hope it's a good read. What do you think about Thakral... What is he planning? Why did he call Anger to deal when he could have directly contacted Vansh? 

And your thoughts about Aangre? Did he do right by meeting Thakral? Or he committed a grave mistake? You'll come to know in next chapter ..

Thank you❤