"She told me that if we consummate our marriage within the next 4 months...... your life would be in danger...."

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Sona's POV

I waited with wide eyes, heart in my mouth and hoping for kindness. I needed a hug, even if it is just a few minutes. I needed a soothing voice, like a child. Instead all I received was a moment of hesitation.

"I know both of us don't believe in such things Sonakshi.... But when it comes to your life, I don't want to take any chances... This is so damn difficult. It was not my intention to ditch you like that in the room. But I just needed some time to clear my mind. That's why I came down... I am so sorry. I don't even deserve your forgiveness but what can I do, Sonakshi. It's too hard to resist you... I was mad at my own self. Just so lost..." he sighed as I looked at him numbly.

"Dev.... What the hell is wrong with you? Do you believe whatever your mum told? If that horoscope was true, then why didn't she inform you way earlier? Why just a few hours ago? Didn't you think about all this before? I don't mind if you have wanted to wait before taking our relationship ahead but this reason? Seriously! Horoscope???" I yelled.

"Sonakshi, please let's go to the room and talk. If anyone wakes up, then we will be answerable to them." Dev said as he looked around.

"I don't care. Let anyone come. They wanted you to wait for four months, right? Let them come and hear your explanation to why you were clearing your mind in the kitchen at 2.30am." I said with my arms crossed. I was losing my patience. I never knew Ishwari Dixit had the guts to come up with such a cheap plan. She was playing with the life of her own son.

Before I could say anything Dev pulled me across the kitchen, turned off the lights and dragged me up to the room.

"Sona...please listen to me. I am really sorry but I am very worried that something might happen to you. I don't want to risk your life at any cost... I don't care whether the astrology is true or not, but I don't want to take a chance!" he said making me huff. I already knew that he had taken a decision and he was firm in it.

"So, what's your decision? You want to sleep in the kitchen every day?" I asked him in a sarcastic tone.

"No....we can share the bed. Umm but... nothing will happen for the next four months." he said as the last few words came as a whisper.

"You know what? Nothing will happen for the next one year! We will stay as strangers in this room! That's your freaking punishment for doing this to me, Mr Dev Dixit! You took all the decisions without consulting me! Did I ask you guys to check my horoscope in the first place? I didn't, right? Then why? Why do you always have to do this to me?" I asked being devastated.

"Sona...."

"No... Please just stop it. Do you know, I have never felt so lonely in my life like how I am feeling right now. I have never slept alone even in my house. I felt so abandoned when you left me in the middle of the night. OUR FIRST NIGHT! Your mami despises me and I am sure you know how much your mum hates me. Don't you dare deny it!!!" I said as hot tears gushed out from my eyes. I feel the wetness in my skin as each drop emerges from the eyes.

Dev just stood there dumbfounded. Of course, he wasn't expecting me to burst out like that. The way I reacted even shocked me. I have always been a compromising person but today, something just snapped inside me. Probably because I knew that whatever horoscope they were talking about was just bullshit! It wasn't entirely Dev's fault. If I was in his position, I would have probably not taken the chance as well... But I was too tired of all this now.

Dev not realizing the truth was making me feel devastated.

Sleep was gone far away. I laid on the bed when I felt a pair of strong arms on my waist. I pretended to be asleep. There was no movement from his side as well so I thought he went to sleep as well. Just when I was about to move, I heard him whisper.

"I am sorry Sonakshi... I love you too much. If I need to protect you at the cost of your hatred.....then I don't mind waiting for you.....even if it takes a year." He said as he gently kissed my hair, careful enough to not wake me up.

"If anything happens to you.......... I won't be able to survive." he said softly and that's when I felt it. I felt hot tears on my shoulder blades. My whole body stiffened. Luckily, he didn't realize that I was awake yet. His sobs were stifled at first as he attempted to hide his grief, then overcome by the wave of emotions as he broke down entirely. All his defences were washed away in those salty tears.

For the first time in the night, I felt bad for him. Really bad. I felt so stupid for taking out my anger on him. I never once thought about how he felt. All he did was to care about me but what did I do? I constantly showed my hatred. I was the meanest wife in the entire universe. I badly wanted to turn back and hug him. But I knew that it would only break him more.

He didn't want me to witness his weakest side yet. That was the reason he confessed when I was asleep. I didn't want to embarrass him by letting him know that I was awake. His hands slowly moved to my arms and intertwined with mine before dozing off.

This was a long night.

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Dev's POV

As I rouse from a heavy slumber, I reminded myself that I was married and the view of a beautiful angel sleeping infront of me wasn't a dream anymore.

She looked like a baby when she was sleeping. So peaceful and cute. Last night was obviously a nightmare for her. Never had I expected my Suhaagraat (nuptial night) to be such a disaster. Her outburst was expected. I knew she would be angry but I couldn't compromise with her life right now. It was a matter of life or death. I wasn't taking any chances in this.

Of course, it was a difficult decision to take. When Sonakshi told me that my mother hated her, I couldn't deny that statement. I very well knew how much my mother was against Sonakshi and this marriage. But eventually she gave in to my wishes and I had to respect that! Why would she lie to me about the horoscope? She always wished for my happiness so I couldn't doubt on her.

While admiring Sonakshi, I felt her squirming beside me. When she woke up, the first thing she did was to smile at me. Was I dreaming? That was totally a big surprise to me.

"You forgot something yesterday.... Something that you promised." she said in a sexily-sleepy voice. Okay, what was it now?

She saw the shock registered on my face before I could hide it. A small smile played on her lips, as I tried to recall which promise she was talking about. Without delay, she shoved both her palms in front of my face.

"You promised that you would find your name in my henna! Such an idiot!" she whined making me chuckle. I was glad that she was moving on from the sensitive topic that we had talked yesterday.

"I found my name....it's here. Actually I found it yesterday itself. While you were asleep..." I said pinching her nose and she gawked at me adorably.

"That's cheating!!!!" she frowned as she lazily sat with her legs crossed in the bed and tied her pony-tail.

"So, am I forgiven?" I asked her hopefully. But once I said that, her face changed from energetic to gloominess.

"I guess that won't make any difference. Whether I forgive you or not, it's not a big deal to anyone." She said sadly as she walked to the washroom.

"What do you mean by that? Of course your forgiveness means a lot to me!" I told her as she stopped in her way.

"Then work for it!!!" she stated before locking the door. Work for it? How?

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Morning breakfast was served early as there were lots of guests crowded in my house. Unfortunately, I had to be involved in all those rituals as well. Sonakshi made breakfast today and everyone ate without complain. Especially mami! I thanked all the gods that mami was quiet during breakfast as I didn't want Sonakshi to feel even more upset due to her useless taunting.

Nisha looked so lost all the while. Ever since my wedding, I didn't have time to talk to her and she did not initiate any conversation either. She just looked unhappy all the time. However, my concentration was now all on Sonakshi and frankly, I did not really care about what everyone were thinking.

*End of POV*

Since Sonakshi was new, Ishwari tried to act like a good mother in law and didn't make her do much work at home. However, Sonakshi was hell-angry on Ishwari for trying to ruin her life at every moment. All she wanted was to stay away from her. But due to the whole lot of rituals, Ishwari was the only one there to guide Sona.

It was only the first day and Sonakshi had started missing her family badly. She was so depressed and mentally stressed regarding a lot of things. She was tired the whole day and the guests who entered their house never seemed to end. Sona ignored Dev the whole day as she was pissed with him too.

She treated Dev like a stranger the whole day. During lunch, Jay engaged in conversation with Sonakshi and she took this as an opportunity to distract herself from Dev. Ishwari sensed the tension between the couple and internally enjoyed the tension going on between them. Among all of them, Nisha was the happiest person! Finally, her plan was working in the right direction!

It was night time and Sonakshi was really tired. After most of the guests left, she decided to retire to her room. But yet again, life wasn't easy on her.

She was blocked by Nisha!

"Oh Hi.... Happy married life, Sonakshi... So sorry I was late to wish you!" she said waving her hands, purposely showing Sonakshi her palms which had the letter 'D' stained from her mehendi. Sona just tried to breathe in and walk away but Nisha was hell bent on taunting Sonakshi.

"It's rude to ignore, you know?" she smiled evilly while Sonakshi just looked at her with disgust.

"What the hell is your problem? What do you want?" Sonakshi asked as her tone was stern and steady with fierceness.

"Oooh what do I want? Hahaha....you are so funny Sonakshi! How can you not know what do I want? I thought I already told you clearly what I wanted?" she said as she moved closer but Sonakshi just stood there without fear and her eyes clearly held irritation for Nisha.

"You know you are such a bitch!" Sonakshi said as Nisha's eyes widened.

"Oh my, Sonakshi. Why are you taking out your frustrations on me? Is your husband not bedding you enough?" she laughed while Sonakshi clenched her fist and resisted her urge to hit her hard on her head so that she goes on a permanent coma! She just wished she could have recorded the conversation. But too bad, her phone wasn't with her during this kind of situations.

Nisha was too clever. She would only disturb Sonakshi when no one was around. She very well knew when to act innocent and when to turn into a bitch. Anything Sonakshi said at the moment could turn against her, so Sona decided to act smart.

"Come on Sonakshi.....Who needs a husband who doesn't come to bed at night! You and your unlucky horoscope! Anyway.........those four months are enough for me to make Dev mine, completely..." she taunted making Sonakshi even more furious.

Sonakshi immediately composed herself and smirked at Nisha. She knew Nisha's plan was to break her emotionally and this time, she wasn't going to let that happen.

"Ouhhh poor Nisha! I know you are dumb... But seriously, do you think Dev believes in this freaking horoscope? You should have came up with better ideas darling. Because yesterday, Dev officially marked me as his! I don't think you have any chances now because you should have known by now that Dev..... can't resist me. Especially being alone in the same rooommmm....." she trailed and saw Nisha's face paling.

Sonakshi mentally patted her back seeing Nisha's face turning white.

"W-whattt?? You are...lying!" she stuttered as Sona stared at her with a smirk.

"Come on....let me go! I need lots of rest as Dev didn't let me sleep even for a minute yesterday!" Sonakshi scoffed as she pushed Nisha away and walked to the room, leaving a confused and furious Nisha behind.

When she entered her room, she saw Dev already busy with his laptop. She was exhausted but she didn't want to hit the bed yet. She noticed that Dev was wearing spectacles and was looking like a.....sexy geek.

She cleared her throat to get his attention, and yes. It worked. She tried to ignore him as she slowly walked to the dressing table and removed her earrings and bangles. She could feel his intense gaze at her back and tried to ignore him. She wanted to be pampered but at the same time, she didn't want to show him that she would easily forgive him all the time.

She wanted him to earn it.

"You will take the couch today since I am extremely angry with you!" she broke the silence first whil facing the mirror.

Dev's heart fluttered as he gulped at the view of her seductive blouse. The view of her bare back was making his heart flutter rapidly. He missed her for the whole day and was waiting in his room impatiently for the past two hours.

But Sona was not even giving him a chance to prove himself. She was just being difficult on him. Standing up, Dev rubbed his palms together and took baby steps forward.

Moving closer to her, he wrapped his arms around her and placed his chin on her shoulders. Sonakshi stiffened at his touch. Her eyes were still on the mirror, but now they were facing his image.

"Please Sona...it wasn't my fault yesterday! My arms will feel odd without you! Lets sleep together. This will be so unfair...." He whined.

Of course, he would say no. Sona had always expected that.

"You have no excuse!" Sona said and walked to her wardrobe to find a better night dress to wear.

To him, she looked extremely cute. She was trying hard to ignore him and was failing badly at expressing her anger. He allowed her do whatever she wanted. He didn't want her to feel uncomfortable in his house. After all, this was her house and he wanted her to have all the freedom to demand things.

But the tantrums she was throwing for the past 12 hours was beyond tolerable.

Dev quickly pulled her to face him and gently pinned her to the dressing table. He slowly leaned forward and brushed away the hair from her shoulders. Not caring about the consequences, he started placing peppery kisses all over her neck. Sona's stomach churned as she breathed harder, desperately trying to catch some air as their proximity seemed to madden her. She tried to calm herself but the touch of his lips had always been magical.

His lips slightly moved upwards trailing its way towards her lips. It was the most sensitive moment for Sonakshi after a long day. Being overwhelmed by all the scenarios, she reciprocated the kiss with all her passion, making Dev even more surprised. Her hands grabbed his collars as she pulled him to her.

Dev's hands grabbed her bare waist, making her squirm innocently. Her eyes filled with wetness as she remembered how cruel Nisha's words were. She didn't even realize that her tears had awakened Dev from the reverie that he quickly pulled back and stared her with worry.

He looked into her eyes and got shocked.

"What happened Sona?" he asked but Sonakshi refused to tell him anything. This action got Dev more panicked. When she was about to walk away, she heard Dev mumbling,

"Fine I will take the couch, okay?" Dev said guiltily.

Dev wasn't sure why Sonakshi was so upset with him. She wasn't a person who carried grudges or anger inside her for too long but that day, she really looked like she was going to kill someone that day. Her tears just did something to him.

Sonakshi just stood stunned. She didn't mean to make him feel uneasy. But she decided not to say anything at that moment. She went the bathroom and got changed to her black silky night dress. She noticed that Dev had already changed into his sweatpants and was making himself comfortable, shirtless! Seriously Dev?

Dev's eyes widened once he saw her in the night dress. She was purposely waking up the beast inside him. Here, he was trying hard to control his desires and his wife was just ruining it for him. But too bad, he had no choice. He took the decisions, so he had to face the punishment as well. Without protesting, he walked towards the couch and laid there.

"Why are you shirtless?" Sona asked as he turned and looked at her.

"I always sleep like this...and today its extra hot in here..." he replied and turned towards the other side.

Dev laid on the couch and placed his arms behind his head. He stared at the soft mattress that he was facing and wondered whether he should talk to Sona about what she was thinking or not. She looked sad and depressed the whole day. There was not even an ounce of happiness in her eyes when she was meeting the guests, doing the rituals or talking during the lunch and dinner. Did he take his decision in haste?

Sona was staring at the ceiling thinking if she was over reacting for things. She wasn't a sadist to make her husband suffer for nothing.

It was her anger that was making her blind. Her anger that she had on Nisha and Ishwari was taking a toll on her and unfortunately, Dev was on the receiving end. Her poor husband. Her heart squeezed in remorse as she looked at his uneasy body, fitted inside the couch. It had been half and hours and he had already shifted so many times.

She sighed and felt her heart melting for him. He really looked adorable to her at that moment. She admired how Dev insisted on shifting when he saw even the slightest discomfort from her. His love was so pure.

"Dev..." she said softly.

"Hmm" he hummed increasing her guilt.

"I am sorry. Come back and sleep here......."she said as she noticed that Dev did not even stumble.

"No, its okay. I am fine here" Sonakshi's eyes widened when she heard his groggy voice. Was he angry now! God no...

"Come on Dev, don't make me feel guilty!" Sonakshi said as her heart dropped painfully.

If Dev was angry with Sonakshi, then her life in the Dixit mansion would be horrible. She couldn't even imagine that. When he didn't move she slowly laid back and closed her eyes. She waited for him to come but didn't.

Her heart shattered when she saw no response. She finally gave up and turned around when she felt the bed sinking on the other side. Her heart fluttered uncontrollably and lips instantly lifted up.

She smiled when she felt his arms wrapping around her waist slowly. Immediately turning around, she met his eyes in a haste. The happiness that consumed her was beyond limits.

She quickly kissed his lips, nose, chin and slowly descended down his neck. Her kisses conveyed how sorry she actually felt for him. Dev smiled and hugged his wife tightly. Dev didn't even need her words. Her hug was enough to convey him her unsaid sentences.

Dev had a naughty smirk on his face.

"You missed me...right?" he asked. Sonakshi swallowed nervously as she realized how much she actually loved the warmth of his body against hers.

"Well, not really...." she said staring intensely.

Dev bit his lips and pulled her closer. He noticed her eyes turning bright as she tried to control her smile.

"You missed my naughty hugs, didn't you?" he asked, nuzzling into her neck as Sonakshi smiled and shook her head.

"I didn't..."

"You love me..."

Sonakshi's breath hitched. No matter how many times she heard the sentence from him, it made her heart flutter with happiness and her state made Dev smile in victory. Blush crept on her cheeks as Sona bit her lip.

"That....I do..." she said.

Dev laughed and saw her face turning crimson. She was truly a sight to hold on to. Sona's hands moved to reach his bare back while Dev pulled her closer to him. Sona snuggled further until she felt herself fitting inside him like a piece of puzzle. Dev kissed her forehead and both of them entangled their legs, caressing each other's skin.

Every move of her, aroused him to an extreme level and only he knew how much control it needed for him to stay within his limits. If his mum hadn't thrown such a bomb his life, he would have definitely taken their relationship to the next level. But now, everything would just have to wait. Moreover now, Sonakshi cuddling on to him wasn't helping him at all. Not even a bit.

"Dev....if I ask you something...would you do it for me?" Sonakshi whispered against his skin making him groan.

"Anything for you, sweetheart...."

"Do you think we should consult another astrologer? I mean getting a second opinion is not wrong right? Since you believe it too much..... And we don't have to let our families know. Just us???" she asked with a pleading tone as Dev's eyes immediately popped open.

She wasn't desperate about their intimacy but the fact that Dev was controlling himself for the sake of keeping her life safe, was killing her. She wanted him to know the truth. At least with this way, she would be able to expose his mother's cruel intentions, she thought.

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

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