Sonakshi walked into her house, still feeling breathless from the incident in the car. She went inside, washed her face and sat down, feeling extremely empty. She felt angry, helpless and betrayed. Sonakshi couldn't find out Dev's real intention behind the marriage.

Day by day, she was scared thinking about how her married life with Dev was going to be. Sometimes he behaved like a love-driven guy and sometimes his acts were just out of possessiveness and anger. His talks and touches were turning rougher and scarier.

Every time she cried, she felt stronger. After every break down, she believed that she could handle everything on her own. She didn't need anyone to trust her, love her or complete her. She believed she could stay happy accepting who she was alone.

She knew that the truth would come out one day and it would kill Dev, completely to another level. But this time, at least she was right in her place. She did not hide anything from Dev. It was him who did not believe her anymore.

At Pooja's house

Sonakshi went over to meet Pooja at her place and Jatin was also present there. He was surprised over Sonakshi's sudden arrival.

Sonakshi sat there recalling all the incidents which just happened the past few days. She was emotionally drained. She had no more energy left to fight with anyone. She just wanted to be frank and upfront about the truths to all her friends. Mustering up the courage she needed, she faced Pooja and Jatin.

She revealed the entire truth to the both of them, starting from 3 years back till now. Listening to her story, Jatin became really confused while Pooja just sat there feeling numb. She did not know what to say or how to convince Sona. Sensing the awkwardness, Jatin decided to break the silence.

"Sona....so much has happened! Why didn't you tell me any of this? I would have immediately told you that the person who spoke to you in college was a fraud. I knew Dev's sister was a mute since young and he was not comfortable about sharing it with anyone outside. So, he kept it private. But if you had asked him once.............. he would have told you the truth. Why....??" Jatin asked with a depresses state.

"I didn't know things will turn out like this Jatin...never in my life I thought that I would have to face this much of complications in my life. I haven't even told the full story, but Dev had already started hating me.... I could see it on his face, Jatin. He has lost it...totally" Sonakshi said defeatedly.

Pooja could only pity her at this moment as she spoke softly.

"You are a strong person Sona... You fought with all your problems independently for all these years. But do you know what's your one and only mistake?" Pooja asked.

"What?" Sona asked curiously.

"You decided to take decisions on your own without consulting Dev. You took the decision on breaking up on your own. You believed that the unknown person you saw at college was Dev's sister even without clarifying it with Dev. You should have at least told us so that we could have given you a proper advice at the right time. Now, when you revealed the entire truth, Dev does not believe it because your truth really is not convincing to him at this point of time. You cannot blame him Sonakshi. You have already hurt him in the past... and his wounds have not been fully healed. Now you, coming up with another 'lie', according to him....will again push him to behave cruelly with you." Pooja said, making Sona feel so horrible.

"But...isn't love all about trust?" Sona asked desperately.

"Yes it is Sona... but even if I was in Dev's place, I wouldn't have believed you either.....Its hard for him to trust, Sona..." Jatin said giving a sad smile to Sonakshi.

"J-Jatin..." Sonakshi's voice croaked unable to form any sentences.

"Being your friend, I can trust you Sonakshi....but even for me, it's hard to believe whatever you just said. Even if the unknown person named as Neha is a fraud, his mother is a good person. I have met her many times and whatever you are saying doesn't make any sense to me. Luckily, you didn't tell that to Dev because he might have gotten even madder at you. He loves his mom, Sonakshi... So, please beware of saying anything regarding his mum to him...at least for now..." Jatin requested while Sonakshi gave him a sarcastic smile.

Now she was even feeling insecure thinking that even her friends were starting to doubt on her. Their faces only showed confusions and helplessness. Even they didn't know whose side to take. There was no one to help her out now. She felt hurt and vulnerable.

Seeing Sonakshi's face dropping, Pooja felt bad.

"Sona, we are not saying that we don't believe you. It's just...... we were thinking about Dev too. Just think about him. What would you have done if you were in his situation? Wouldn't you have gotten angry if he talked anything bad about Elena or your mum to you?".

"Yes...I would...but...." Sonakshi trailed of, not knowing what to say. Still it didn't justify the slap.

"Sona.... I trust you. Do you want me to talk to Dev and request him to give you some time for the marriage?" Jatin asked.

"No Jatin, he is adamant and wouldn't listen to anyone. He wants the marriage done as soon as possible. God knows why he's doing that..... Anyways, its ok guys. I think I would handle this myself. Don't worry much about me. I will deal with it" Sonakshi said as she took her things and headed towards the door.

Pooja and Jatin spoke to Sona and advised her to take things slowly and not to grow issues.

But they didn't realise that issues grow on their own.

-------------------------

On the other side, Dev was waiting at the airport for Nisha to reach. The airport was already crowded and the noisy crowd was irritating him more. His patience was wearing off till he saw Nisha walking over with the luggages. He was relieved after seeing her. He went forward and received her with a friendly hug.

"Long wait?" Nisha asked while he glared at her playfully.

"Don't even ask about it... You are lucky enough to be standing here alive!... What happened??" Dev asked as they walked towards his car.

"Flight delayed. Sorry I couldn't call and inform you beforehand. By the way...I need you to tell me all your wedding details right now!!! How could you just leave me hanging like that? Even when I called you, either you are lost somewhere during the call or you are cutting the line, giving me silly excuses!" Nisha said angrily.

After settling in the car, Dev then explained to her how he saw Sonakshi back at his workplace, how he saw her completely changing and all the feelings that he genuinely felt for her even after the three long years.

"So, you are saying that Sonakshi has changed?" Nisha asked doubtfully.

"I don't know...but I still love her...." Dev said as the past few days incidents were still disturbing him badly.

"So, you are marrying her just because you love her? Don't you want her to love you back? Dev.....What's wrong with you? I thought you were sure about your decision few years back... What happened now?" Nisha asked being confused by his reply.

"I just need to give her some time Nisha... I know whatever happened can't be changed. But my mind refuses to believe that Sona doesn't love me. I still so see the love in her eyes. Every minute, every second...whenever she talks to me, fights with me, she......", he breathed before continuing.

"I can't even doubt on anything she says... She is so damn innocent and pure. She makes me want her more. Every move of her attracts me... Damn, I still feel like a hormonal teenager when I am with her.... It's only her, Nisha. It's only Sona who makes me feel such a way. I don't think I can marry someone else and lead a happy life ever."

"Dev!!! That's called infatuation. Not love! This is not just harmful to you, but also to her... You will end up hurting her, Dev...Love and hatred at the same time is not good!"

"That doesn't mean I don't want her! Yes, I agree I was angry with her and I want her to be punished.... But for that, she has to be mine completely, Nisha." Dev said with anger dripping in his tone.

"But...Dev...you told me that she is after your money. Now that you are rich, what makes you think that she is not back because of your money?" Nisha asked.

"If money is what she wants, she can have my everything I earnt so far..... After all, she is going to be Mrs Dixit soon." Dev said firmly. He was sure of his decision and knew no one can change that.

"I have a feeling you are taking a decision in haste...." Nisha said.

"I know what I am doing. My decision is final. I will marry her either willingly or by force... " he said as he had an intense facial expression.

"Now...you are talking like an obsessed stalker, Dev. Stop this marriage before she ruins you.." Nisha said while Dev laughed.

"A girl who decided to end her life because of me... Will never ruin me Nisha."

-------------------------------

Sona's POV

I spend more time reading the labels than buying things. Isn't this how modern shopping works? I loved shopping. But ever since my family went on a financial crisis, I have cut down on buying things like branded goods and cosmetics. Even the clothes I have been using for work was all old. The last formal shirt I bought was around two years back.

However today, my parents were eagerly getting ready for my so called 'Wedding shopping'. Dev told them that he would be accompanying us with his parents too. The minute he broke that news, all my mood went down the drain. Now I had three things to worry.

First, the cost of the items. Second, I didn't want Dev's family to look down on mine, which I already knew Ishwari aunty would. Third, Dev himself. How am I going to handle his mood swings and ignore him infront of my parents?

I knew that tree years ago, Dev had hated everything about shopping. He hated the crowds, the queues and the aching feet that it brought. He also took exception to overly attentive shopping staffs, the perky seasonal music playing in every store and all the special deals tempting him to spend even more. He even hated the free food samples, seeing them like an ideal flu spreading agents. He hated shopping for himself even worse than for others. But today, things were different.

I was literally dragged to the mall by my parents. I had worn a decent tops and leggings with simple accessories. I tried to look presentable in front of everyone. After all they were my future in-laws.

As I stepped out of the cab, we noticed Dev's family waiting outside the mall. Ishwari aunty, as usual had her cunning smile. I just couldn't understand what was so funny that she had that kind of smile on her face. By right, I should be the one smiling and she should be frowning!

Suddenly an idea popped up in my mind. Why do I have to become a victim to all their tortures? I am not going to act like those typical saas-bahu serial type daughter in-laws. Since I am here, it's my time to take my revenge. I returned back a sarcastic smile to Ishwari aunty as I saw her smile fading into a frown.

Good job Ms Bose!

I walked up to the mall and greeted his parents politely. I tried my best to ignore Dev when he was busy flattering my parents. When we walked in, my parents requested us to get our rings first while they chose our outfits on the other side. I was nervous to send my parents along Dev's parents but here, I had no choice and I did not want to create another drama.

Dev brought me to the rings section and started asking the salesperson to show us the choices. While he was busy showing me his preferences, my eyes were on something else.

My attention went to a royal-blue, sapphire earrings. Like coruscating diamonds, the exquisite earrings clung on the display, glistening in the dim, fluorescent lighting. They were the most beautiful earrings and they captured my attention immediately. They cost more than the amount I make in a month. When I realized that I have held my gaze too long, I immediately shifted my look away from it to Dev who was still looking over the rings.

When I looked in front, I saw Ishwari aunty idling around the mall through the mirror. I could clearly see that she wasn't interested in buying anything for her son's marriage. She was busy noticing what Dev and I were doing. God...what a sick mom.

I immediately looped my arms around Dev's arms and rested my head on his shoulder. I felt his muscles tensed on the slightest touch. I drew patterns on his biceps which drew his attention.

"What's wrong darling?" Dev asked as he placed the rings on the table and turned towards me.

"I can't choose, Dev...."

"I like these few designs.... See whether you like them. The final one will be the one you decide." He said.

All the rings were nice, but the price was what made me gasp. I sighed and selected one of the ring, and Dev looked pleased with my selection. He wore it on my finger and brought it near his lips. I gasped when I felt his lips on my fingers.

"Dev.... If you don't mind..... Can we reserve this ring first?" I asked with hesitation while he narrowed his eyes on me.

"Why?"

"Because my pay would come only 2 days later." I trailed as he rolled his eyes. This wasn't shocking as I had already expected his reaction.

"Come on Sona... Now don't tell me that you don't want me to be paying anything for my future wife!" he huffed in dismay.

"Dev...please. We have discussed about this. I have saved enough for my marriage and I want to spend equally for this marriage..." I said in a low tone.

"But you can't refuse your boss..." he sulked.

"Devv" I glared at him.

He looked at me for a moment before nodding his head in agreement. He came closer to me and whispered softly.

"But that doesn't mean...you will stop yourself from buying anything which is out of your budget. Okay?" he asked and I couldn't help but smile and nod at him.

This was all being witnessed by Dev's mum who was standing far away in another section. She was fuming in anger!

After finishing the jewellery section, we moved to the clothes section while our parents had already selected our wedding.

*End of POV*

Sonakshi couldn't help but adore the material of the saree. Her mum suggested her to go to the trial room and try out few other sarees while they select for the rest of their relatives. Ishwari who was watching this, intervened and gave Sonakshi a few expensive ones and asked her to try them too since she knew that they would be paying for it.

Sonakshi did not react much as she knew that she had to be ready for such things. She walked towards the changing room and closed the door. She wore her favourite saree first and looked in the mirror. It looked elegant and nice to her. She then changed into another one with a matching instant blouse. While trying she heard a knock on the door and went to open it thinking that it might be her mum. The moment the door opened, Dev barged in and locked the door leaving Sonakshi petrified.

"D-dev!!! Get out now...What are you doing here? Your parents are going to start searching for you..goooo" Sona whisper-yelled, pointing towards the door.

"Oh, come one Sona... You don't have to worry about them. I have told them that I've gone to attend a call. No one is here to disturb us now.....After all, I need to approve the wedding sarees na?" He said huskily and walked towards Sonakshi. He had a hungry look and Sona immediately understood what he wanted.

"Devvv.....you are not supposed to see the wedding sarees before the wedding day! And.....I.....am not...going to show them...to you now..." she whispered as his gaze never left her.

Sona felt like a prey under his gaze. More like his prey. He grasped her hand gently which made her drop all the sarees she brought inside the room.

"God...you look so edible in this saree" he whispered making Sonakshi tremble.

She turned her head to the side to avert her gaze, but the sudden rosiness of her cheeks gave her away. His hands slowly asided her saree to get a clear view of her bare waist and pinched her there. She quickly turned away from him, facing the mirror. She could see him eyeing her through the mirror.

"Dev....." she moaned as he hugged her from behind.

His lips slowly descended and brushed against her neck while his hands gathered her hair to one side.

"I love you" he mumbled, his fingers lightly combing the ends of her locks on her shoulder.

"Your scent....it's intoxicating and driving me crazy, jaan" he mumbled as his eyes met with hers.

Sona felt her heart about to explode in her chest as her stomach knotted up. His eyes were glistening with so much of carnal desires. She held his hands which were resting on her stomach and admired their reflection. They looked so happy at the moment. She wanted time to stop and just stay inside the room forever.

Dev's teeth lightly grazed on Sona's neck he bit and sucked there, slowly proceeded upwards. Sona felt hesitant. Smirking against her, his lips travelled to her jaw, cheeks and ears. Licking the soft skin of the shell of her ear, he bit her ear lobe causing her to yelp. His fingers were travelling down, exploring every inch of her skin.

Sonakshi's knees became weaker with every kiss and before she stumbled, Dev's hands fully secured her in his tight grip. His manly scent was driving her crazy. Sonakshi moaned softly setting Dev's loins on fire.

A throaty moan erupted from Dev as he quickened his pace. His hands slowly went towards her shoulder, moving her saree down. Sonakshi quickly grabbed the saree close to her chest to prevent it from falling down further.

"Dev...no please" Sonakshi pleaded but Dev was on a mission and he was desperate to complete it. He quickly released her and turned her around to face him.

Caging her against the wall, his hands captured her wrists and pinned them above her head, causing the saree to fall off to the ground. His lips travelled up and down her slender neck leaving a wave of electricity pass through on her sensitive skin.

Sonakshi's heart thumped with fright of not knowing what to do. She felt like she couldn't even breathe. His kisses on her skin were making it even more difficult to think rationally. She felt angry that she couldn't deny him while her betrayer body always reacted differently around him. She wanted to protest, push him and run away but her mind froze. She felt a strong surge at her lower region. His hands roamed around her bare waist and pulled her closer.

"Dev... oh my...godd!!" she moaned when she felt his hands undoing the pleats on her waist. She knew that if he managed to open it, that would be her undoing as she did not wear a proper petticoat inside. His hands which were lingering on her lower region, ignited sparks of pleasure that rose in her stomach.

"Dev! Stop...just stop!" she panicked.

Finally, she felt his hand movements stopping abruptly. But his body was still in the same position. He nuzzled his face more into her neck while she held on to his biceps for support. Without any warning he pressed himself more into her as she gasped. That's when she felt his aroused state.

"God...Sonakshi, I can't do this anymore.......I need you..." he whispered as their ragged breathing was the only noise spreading across the room.

With a deep blush, she lowered her eyes when she saw him stare right at her. Sonakshi noticed that his eyes always held an intensity, honesty and gentleness. Perhaps this is what a gentleman means. Not one of weakness or worn politeness, but one of great spirit and noble ways. What he was, is what's beautiful about him. It comes from deep within.

He finally released her from his grip and gave her some space. Sona immediately moved away and adjusted her saree and her messed up hair before she could look back at him.

"You already have me....." Sonakshi replied after she was satisfied with her look.

"You look like an angel..." Dev said as he admired her saree with awe.

"Hmm... Okay, I will purchase this one then...you can leave now!!!" Sona said while averting her gaze. She tried hard not to blush but her cheeks just gave away everytime Dev gave her compliments.

"Do you know........I have started to get dreams about you often now?" he admitted and as he spoke against her neck.

Sonakshi gulped as she was taken aback by his confessions. She slowly wounded one of her arm around him while the other caressed his hair.

"What....d-dreams" she asked softly, although she knew what it was.

"Countless......dirty dreams.."

"You are really shameless, aren't you?" she asked as she buried her face in his neck while he giggled.

"Only for you! Anyways...those are the side-effects of not marrying at the proper age!" he whined as she quickly pushed him off and gathered all the clothes scattered on the floor.

-----------------------------------------------------------

Sonakshi couldn't believe they weren't caught. She was angry with Dev for pulling such a stunt and that too, in such an inappropriate place. She couldn't believe how conveniently Dev managed to confess to her such private things with ease. He was becoming bolder and naughtier with every passing day and that made Sonakshi nervous and excited at the same time. No matter how much she tried, she couldn't become comfortable around him like she used to be years ago. What changed?

It took everyone another five hours to finish purchasing all the necessary items and leave the mall. Sonakshi felt too embarrassed after the incident in the changing room. She recalled how embarrassing it was when her family members questioned her the reason of why she was taking too long to change. Whenever she faced Dev, he had a knowing smirk on his face which made her more nervous around him. She carefully hid the wedding saree from Dev's prying eyes. And whenever she saw the other saree, she could only remember their intense make-out session.

However, Ishwari's face had an angry look when Sonakshi came out from the dressing room. Sonakshi knew that she was fuming for some reason. Did she know about what happened earlier? Sonakshi still lived in dilemma and fear.

Lastly when the families parted to say goodbye, Ishwari pulled Sona for a hug and whispered,

"I will never accept you as my daughter in law...never!"

Sona felt numb. She knew no one was going to believe her even if she told them. Even Dev was not ready to trust her.

She felt pathetic. She desperately wanted Dev to support and believe her. But now if she told him, he would hate her more and that would just worsen the situation. She knew her marriage was not going to be an easy one. Her relationship with Dev was a not a smooth one. Although they were physically comfortable, emotionally, she still felt separated from Dev. There was a lot more to be done and there was less than a month for her to take a decision.

She closed her eyes and took a deep breath. You can do it Sonakshi...

*****************

Write down in the comments on how you feel! I will be back after a break until then :)