♕ Jhanvi ♕

          It kills me to sit across from Hiten and smile at him and have lunch as if nothing has happened. Still, I force my tongue back just because I want to know what his game is. I led him to believe he was right and that it would be a good idea to get married in the next few months. He had tried to manipulate me into thinking he was doing this for me, so that I wouldn't lose my inheritance.

As if.

Does he really think I am that naïve? Or that he is that charming that I'd fall for his lies? I fell for them when I didn't know any better and I was hurting because of my Aunt. But now, I think all along he has always known who I was. I think this old business partner of dad that Arnav uncle and Aarav mentioned, he could have told Hiten. They said that's only how he could know of the marriage clause, right? He's only showing this interest in me now because he fears he'll lose out on the money.

Else, Hiten and leave his work to come see me in Mumbai? Help me get settled?

Yeah, right.

In our whole of two and a half years of relationship, he has never been this attentive or caring towards me – not even when he feels obligated to take me out on special occasions. He's the guy to care more about himself and his reputation than the person he is with.

I try a tactic as we're leaving the restaurant, "Hiten, thank you for coming such a long way. I really appreciate it."

He grins back, voice laced with affection that I know has to be fake because he could never do this for me if it didn't have something in it for him as well. "Ofcourse babe. It's no bother."

"You know though, I'm just thinking. I don't think this life is made for me. I'd much rather just go back to our little life in Australia."

He laughs, "Are you serious? You're going to be filthy rich and you just want to throw it all away?"

I shrug my shoulders, "I mean what will I do with all this money? And getting married in a rush just for that? I don't see the point."

He holds my upper arm to stop me from walking and I wince a little at how tight his grip is. "What, you don't want to marry me now that you're finding out you're some dead guy's rich daughter? Is that it?"

How dare he talk about my father like that? I try to peel his fingers off me, "Hiten, what's the matter with you? Let me go. You're hurting me."

He shakes me pulling me to him harshly, "No, answer me. Am I not good enough for you now?"

A man bumps into Hiten's shoulder as he walks by, momentarily pulling my attention. He does not apologize. Just keeps walking. Hiten seemed to barely care for it either else he would have definitely called the guy blind and spared him a few insolent words. I don't see his face, but I am grateful for him brief interruption that gives me a second to come up with an escape. 

I look into Hiten's arms and try to calm him, "I never said that, Hiten! Now, we're in public. Don't create a scene."

He looks around and as if realizing, he lets go. I stumble back a step and my eyes travel to my arm where his fingers left an imprint. He sees it too since he mutters, "Shit, I'm so sorry babe. You know I didn't mean to hurt you. I just got mad." He pulls to him in a hug and all I want to do is push him away even as he asks, "I love you. Forgive me?"

I no longer believe in those three words spoken by him. He doesn't love me. He never did. He loves my money.

"I have to get to work," I break away from the hug, "Uh, we'll talk later?"

"Oh, yeah sure. I'll see you tonight?"

"Yeah." I nod with a forced smile and start to walk away.

He stops me again and turns me. I am almost scared when all he does is kiss my cheek.

"I'll walk you to your office, come." He smiles at me thinking this act will forgive him, but no. I don't respond well to man-handling or show of strength. He can't get away with holding me roughly.

As I see the imprints turning into a shade of purple, I pull my sleeves down to hide it. One would think only few seconds wouldn't do that to my skin, but my skin is delicate and add the fact that he has cop hands.

"How about I cook you your favorite meal tonight, hmm?"

The back of my mind wants to scoff. I doubt he even knows what I like to eat. I try to walk out of it, "I might be late."

"It's okay. I can wait."

"You have an early flight back, Hiten." I remind him, wanting him to drop this topic. I don't necessarily want him in my apartment when I get back.

He reaches for my hand, but I pull back before he can get his hands on me again. "Oh, come on, baby. I just got here. I can stay a few more days."

"Okay, look. I don't think this is working out." I wish I could yell out at him on everything I've learned about him recently but considering the open surroundings, I have to keep my voice stoic and eyes cold for him to take me seriously.

I can't believe I was ever agreed to marry him.

His jaw clenches and that smile leaves his face. He takes a dangerous step towards me. Since it was unexpected, I stumble back slightly but catch myself in time. "Because I got mad at you once? Come on, don't be a bitch. I already said I was sorry."

I shake my head with a scoff. Now he is showing his true colors, "Hiten, just leave."

I turn but he grabs my hand roughly and twirls me back, "Don't you walk away from me. I'm talking to you!"

Before I can answer, I hear a familiar voice from behind me, "I suggest you leave the lady's hand before I make you."

I am relieved someone I know is around but pride still gets the best of me. "Stay out of it, Raizada. It's our personal matter." Not giving him a chance to respond, I use my free hand to peel Hiten's hand away from mines. "We are done, Hiten." I take my engagement ring off and push it to his chest, "I don't want to ever see you again."

"Didn't take you long to show your colors, did it? Ofcourse, why would you want to marry me now that you can marry a rich bastard instead."

"My true colors? What about yours? So far, I was only with you because of my Aunt but after everything she has done to me, I don't need to listen to her. Keep the money that both of you stole from me, but you will never have me."

He smirks and I am tempted to claw that look off his face. "Baby, you forget. I've already had you. Multiple times, if I recall."

My face crinkles up in disgust at the way he is spewing about our sex life. Oh. So, so many mistakes I have committed.

He takes a step closer, that smug look still on his face. my senses go on alert as his hand rests over my stomach. "If I were you, I would think about when I last had my periods."

Before I can blink, he cackles and walks away. My eyes widen as I register his words. The shock leaves me to take a sharp step back. "No..." I whisper out, touching my belly. I feel my knees start to give away and just then, I am caught by a pair of arms around my waist. Trying to gain my balance, my back stumbles into Aarav's chest. Even as the sharp brunt of tears sting my eyes and they blur my vision, I tell myself to get a grip. "I'm fine," I attempt to pull out of his hold keeping me steady.

He doesn't let me move away. The grasp only tightens, not in a way that is hurtful, but still there. Firm. Comforting, for a strange reason. "You're not fine."

I glance back at his face finding something strange with his soft voice speaking by my ear. I don't see the stoic and composed Aarav Raizada I have known these past few days. There is something I cannot pinpoint and yet somehow, his hand on my arm makes me feel safe. For the first time, his eyes are soft as they gaze into mine, filled with concern and it makes me wonder.

Just what is it about him? Something Familiar.

I pull out of his grasp and speak after clearing my throat, "I have things to do." I only succeed in taking a singular step before he grasps my hand.

I am about to yell at his audacity when he beats me to an announcement, finality in his voice. "You're coming with me."

"Look Mr. Raizada..." I do not get to say much as he begins to pull me inside the building and then locking us in the elevator. "Let me go." I demand to which he just stands there. His fingers are still encircled around my wrist. I tug at it but he doesn't free it. It isn't tight but still secure.

Huh, like I am going to be able to run out of a closed elevator!

I am forced to follow him all the way to his office. I receive a few glances from the employees as he is holding my wrist and pulling me inside. He dismisses the guards that were standing outside the door. 

Wait... guards? 

Before anything can come of that thought, we are inside his cabin and he locks the door behind him. He presses a button on the switchboard and all the transparency of the doors and ceiling to floor windows turn into a shade of tint.

He leaves his hold on me finally and turns to face me with a fire in his eyes that almost steals my breath away. With clenched jaw, he orders. "Sit."

"I'll stand, thank you very much." I counter even though my brain tells me to shut up and listen.

He closes his eyes as if to contain his anger. Reopening them, he speaks another instruction. "You are telling me everything about your relationship with that man."

I narrow my eyes at him. Wasn't it obvious that he is... was, my fiancé?

"Why do you think I will tell you anything about my life?"

His jaw clenches again. My unwillingness to give him a straight answer is getting to him. "I do not like to repeat myself."

"Then I hope you learn to accept disappointment and a no for an answer." I snap back and start to walk around him to leave.

"Why can't you just answer a damn question?"

I sigh and turn to face him again. "Like you answer my questions?" His face settles back and I continue, "Yeah, that's right. I see all through your indirect answers. I'm not a naïve fool, Mr. Raizada."

"Aarav."

"What?"

He repeated his name, "Aarav. That's my name."

I answer in confusion, "I know what your name is." Why was he telling me this? It was a different topic then the one we were on. Where does this suddenly come from?

His chest falls as he shakes his head, "Never mind. Will you just answer my question?"

I cross my arms over my chest demanding a question of my own, "Why do you want to know?"

He takes the smallest step towards me that still feels dangerous and after he speaks, I realize it was because of his words and the vacant look in his eyes. One I have never seen before - it's not saying much since I've only been working here a week, but still. "Because if you don't, Jhanvi, before your Mr. A can get to him, I will ruin that man and make him regret ever laying a finger on you."

His honest to God answers scares the life out of me. Goosebumps rise all over my skin. There is no part of me that wants to second guess here. The way he says it is a crystal-clear indication that he means every word and even when I despise Hiten, I'm not sure why I find myself scared for him.

He continues in a strange calmness, "Now, tell me before I am forced my hand."

As if in a compulsion, I ask. "What do you want to know?"

"Everything. Where did you meet him? How did you meet him? How has your relationship been like?"

I walk over to the couch. I might as well sit. "His name is Hiten Malhotra. I met him when I used to work part time for his father during high school. His father was a good man, and so I assumed he was too. I guess... after learning of my Aunt's betrayal, I was vulnerable and he was there. But now, I am sure they were working together and stealing the money sent monthly for me. When he found out about a marriage clause and got worried that he won't get rich, he came here wanting to rush the marriage. But after Arnav uncle told me everything, I understood he's really after my money. He was just using me."

It hurt to admit the later. Why was everyone in my life that I consider my own continue to use me? Take advantage of me? What have I done to deserve this? I always knew things between Hiten and I were never the best but after what I had learnt about my Aunt, a huge part of me still fell for it... believed I didn't deserve any better.

Even if little, I was getting some love from him. Even if mistreated time to time, losing his anger, saying a few hurtful words, I brushed it off as normal fights between couples because I was... am a girl deprived of love since childhood. I just wanted it so badly...

I was a fool.

An utter, complete, fool.

How could I have not seen this charade of his before? The signs were all there. I simply did not want to see them. I pushed it to the back of my mind as if they did not exist.

This whole time, Aarav paces back and forth as if the movement is what is holding him back from doing something he'll come to regret later. He continues to probe, "And your relationship. What he said... is it possible that you're pregnant?"

It feels awkward giving him the answer, but is there any denying? "Yes." I try to hold back my emotions from turning into tears. I have always held a control over them and despite what may be, I refuse to break down.

He stops pacing for a second at my response and then continues. At a quicker speed, this time as he talks aloud. "These past few days, it really wasn't a stomach bug then?"

I don't answer because it doesn't require an answer. I was stupid to not have thought it before. I had dismissed my late period as a result of stress. Besides, my periods have never been regular.

He directs the next question at me, "What do you plan on doing now?"

"I don't know." I answer dropping my head to my palms as I try to push back a headache.

"You can abort it."

My head snaps up at him, despising how casually he offers a solution. "I'm not going to murder an innocent child that isn't even born yet!"

There is a change in his demeanor and I cannot tell if it is because I just yelled at him or something else. I do not know him well enough. "Okay, geez." He mutters and defends himself, "Calm down. It was just a suggestion." After a moment of silence, he asks again. "What will you do?"

This time, I do have a plan of action. "Go to a doctor, what else?"

"I'll come with."

I stand up, "Excuse me? The hell you will!"

He says in a firm tone, "It's not up for discussion, Jhanvi." He pulls out his phone and scrolls through it, not meeting my eye as he continues, "I know a gynecologist. She was my mom's doctor when she was pregnant."

I get the idea that he is about to call her the way he called his mom when I was being difficult about not going home and taking the day off a couple days ago. I start to warn him, "Look Raizada, this is my life. Thank you for your concern but you can keep it. I can look after myself just fine. I've done it my whole life. You've remained professional this whole time before all this so don't change that on my account. I'd appreciate it if we could go back to that."

"Sit."

"No, thank you. I will leave now."

"I said, sit." He grabs my hand and pushes me slightly as I fall back on the couch. 

I gasp and open my mouth to yell at him but he doesn't give me the opportunity as he towers over me and starts talking.

"First, there is no need for you to get offensive. I am sure you can look after yourself but I do what I want to do and I am coming with you. Or rather, you are coming with me. Second, I am professional with everyone here. You're no special case. but that does not mean I do not care about what goes on in the lives of those in my building. And third, one thing you need to know about me is that I am many things but at the end of the day, I am there for my family when they need me. Now, I made a promise and I intend to keep it. So, what goes on in your life is very much my business. Fight me all you want but there is nothing you can do to get me to break my promise."

His long lecture where he does not stop for even a second to take a breath leaves me in a trance. I seem to have forgotten the reason I got mad at him in the first place. It's the first time in my short time here that I am hearing so much out of him in one go. In meetings, he is charismatic and knows how to turn every conversation around in his favor. Here too, I suppose, he did the same but instead of using charisma, he used some sort of unspoken intensity that I cannot begin to touch.

I open my mouth when he is quietly waiting for me to respond, but no words come out. I don't want him to think he's won this argument, but why is my brain not cooperating!?

A knock on the door interrupts us.

He clears his throat and in a snap, he is back to his composed self. He stands up and fixes his coat. I exhale a breath that I didn't realize I was holding back as he moves back and I get my personal space back.

He walks up to the door and unlocks it. I do not see her, but I hear Pia's voice. "Your 2 o'clock are here."

He nods and informs, "I'll be right there."

She leaves and he closes the door again. Without looking at me, he walks to his desk and looks through a few files on his desk before selecting the one he needs. I stand up and take the opportunity to leave.

Just as I reach the door, he speaks up. "This conversation isn't over."

I slightly turn my head back to see him still by the desk. His attention isn't on me but I understand he still thought I would be able to walk away from this because he was called into a meeting.

My luck.

I open the door and walk out, a deep part of me knowing I was stuck and he was right... there is nothing I can do.

. . . ∞ . ∞ . ∞ . ∞. . .

  ∞ author note  ∞  

Thoughts thoughts thoughts? Really looking forward to them in this chapter! I'll pick one of the reviews on this chapter to dedicate the next chapter to! So make sure to mark your presence!!

Go ahead and openly hate on Hiten now that you know a lot more about him :D

QOTC: Aarav's reaction. Satisfactory? Intense enough? Like the description said, good or bad, he chooses. So determined to keep his promise. Wonder what it'll lead to... 

Per usual, vote and comment <3

Happy weekend ahead!! :*