Chapter 48: The Bride is Wooed

When Riya woke up, she found that she had drooled on Madhan. Jumping off of him quicker than she could say drool, she fell flat on her butt.

Her grunt woke up Madhan with a start.

Crack.

"Ugh, my neck," he groaned. He had accidentally snapped his neck.

She was horrified to notice a giant wet stain on his shirt.

When she came back after her morning duties, Madhan was still sitting on the sofa, craning his neck.

She squirted a little lotion and started massaging Madhan's neck.

Madhan moaned a bit too loudly, causing Riya to redden. If her neighbors heard him, they would have assumed something else.

Riya patted him on the shoulder in an effort to stop him but he paid no heed to her.

"I can get used to this," he said.

"No. I would advice you not to. The addicting is worse than a drug's. You can even ask my mom."

Madhan chuckled. "Thanks Riya." He got up and did a little stretch. When he looked at himself in the mirror, his nose scrunched up with disgust.

She drooled on him! Gross!

How was he going to sleep with her now?

However, the moment he stepped into the shower, he forgot all about it. Last night was something, he thought. Maybe he has hope. Scratch that. He has hope!

Jane didn't turn up at office that day either.

Riya finally caught up with all the basics of the case. If she couldn't meet Jane the next day, it was time for her to take things into control.

Madhan waited for Riya at her cubicle. He was silently observing how she worked. There were papers everywhere, and she had a pen and notepad in her hands.

She finished the entire documentation. "Hey, I'm done. Do you think Jane will come to work tomorrow?"

Madhan scratched the back of his neck. "Honestly, I don't. She must be facing some major issues if she hasn't turned up for four days."

Jane didn't turn up the next day. Nor the next day after that. Nor the next next day after that.

With the help of Madhan, they analyzed the current techniques, their advantages, and disadvantages. During one night, they had stayed in the office till midnight discussing the current strategies.

They went to a 24/7 fast food restaurant after that for a quick bite.

Riya was happy. No longer was she home alone. No longer was she bored. No longer was she wasting her life doing nothing. And no longer was she thinking about Aakash.

It was a Saturday morning, which meant she didn't have to work. But Riya's mind was swirling with ideas for their project.

The whole day she plotted down her ideas, and tried to make a presentation out of it.

On Monday, Madhan asked her to present it at work. It was just in front of three people, but they were key persons involved in the project.

"No! I can't!" Riya said, shocked. This was her first ever meeting, and presenting in front of a lot of experienced people frightened her.

"Riya, what's the worst that can happen? They will just reject your ideas."

Apparently, the worst of the worst could happen.

The moment she started to speak, she blanked out. Her palms were sweating, and she was fidgeting.

Madhan gave her a reassuring look. He aided her by asking a few relevant questions, and she was able to take it from there.

The meeting could have gone well except for one part.

Credibility.

The businessmen were not sure of her ideas. They didn't know if it was feasible. Since she was a new hire, it raised even more doubts. They decided to stick with the original strategy.

Riya was dejected. Of course she was. She had spent the entire weekend working out the idea, the feasibility, and the predictions. It was all theoretical, but it was the most she could do.

Madhan tried to console her telling her that she did the best she could. There wasn't much she could do without Jane's help. All in all, the fault was on Jane, not her.

But Riya didn't want to let it go. She needed to try. She went to the receptionist's desk to inquire about Jane's address. She was going to meet her that day.

"I'm sorry ma'am, but we need a signature allowing us permission."

She took the form from him and gave it to Madhan to sign. She lied saying that she needed some stationary. Madhan, who was distracted with other work, signed it without a moment's delay, not acknowledging Riya's thanks.

In a few minutes, Riya had the address of Jane Matthews.

All she had to do was meet her, get her inputs on the ideas, do the required changes, and present it again.

Turning in a half day leave letter, Riya set off to meet Jane. She struggled a bit with the address, but after asking around, she found her target.

A 40-ish looking woman opened the door. Riya took in her appearance. If it weren't for those deep bags under eyes and swollen cheeks, Jane Matthews would have come across as a woman in her late twenties. She was slender and was dressed fashionably well.

"What do you want?" she asked, raspily.

Riya was a bit taken aback. Was what she was doing very wrong? "I'm Riya Roy, the newly employed cloud architect. I was supposed to meet you a few days ago, but I couldn't."

"So they sent you here?"

"No no! I came by my own accord." Riya was quick to correct.

"Then I'll make sure you are fired tomorrow. How dare you come to my house and disturb me?" she roared.

All the color drained from Riya's face. This wasn't how the meeting was supposed to go! She really wanted to impress Jane.

"I have a proposal," Riya blurted out.

Jane, who was about to slam the door on her face, paused. "A proposal?"

Riya mutely nodded. She took out the chart from her suitcase and handed it over.

"The Vanderbuilt case." She made no further comment. After glancing through it for a few minutes, she looked at Riya intensely.

The gaze was getting a bit uncomfortable for her. But she continued to look back at her.

Jane heaved a sigh. "Okay come in. But you won't get anything to drink."

Riya cheered inside her head. She hoped she could win her heart. Once seated comfortably, she patiently explained the current strategy, and what she thought could be optimized.

Jane interrupted with a lot of questions, but Riya had a few good substantial answers for them. There were some major questions she couldn't answer however.

"Alright. Find a fix for those questions. You work for me now. I will expect you here at sharp nine o clock. Got it?" she said, crisply.

Riya nodded. She couldn't contain her excitement. "Thank you Ms. Jane! I'm so grateful that you even checked out the idea."

"Jane will do. You think I'll back out on my job? Of course not."

"How does it work? Do I get permission? For me to come here instead?"

Jane pondered a bit. "I have no idea, but let me see if I can pull some strings."

For the next one week, Riya reported her findings to Jane. Jane gave a couple of her own insights and views, and Riya fixed them up accordingly. The project was highly theoretical. There was a lot of reading work for her to do. But in two days, she got the hang of it.

Madhan was immensely proud of Riya for not giving up. He insisted that he drop and pick her up everyday. They talked about casual stuff during the mornings, but at night, he would discuss her progress at length. Madhan was being kept up to date on every finding.

There was another meeting on Friday. Riya was so sure Jane would turn up, but she didn't. Her nerves were messed up again, but one look at Madhan, and she became calm.

The demonstration went extraordinarily well. They were pleased that the idea was backed up with enough credentials.

There was another major problem this time though.

Jane had to present it to the client. But she had turned in her resignation. There was no way they could convince her to finish this project.

Riya turned up at her doorstep again. When Jane opened it, she was engulfed in a hug.

"Ooof, get off of me," Jane sputtered. She had grown to like the young girl. Her enthusiasm reminded her of her young old days. She would make it well in the industry. "Presentation went well, I presume?"

"Yes. It was even better than well. There's one problem though."

Jane frowned. "What?"

"They need a senior architect to present it to the clients. It would lack credulity otherwise."

"Nothing you say can convince me. I've already resigned."

Riya held her hand. "This is the last project. Do you want our efforts to go unrequited?"

Jane stumbled as she sat in the sofa. She suddenly looked older. Much older.

Riya's brows creased with worry as she saw an orphaned tear trail her cheek. She sat down next to her, put an arm around her, and rubbed her shoulders gently.

"I'm going through a divorce," she choked out.

Riya inhaled sharply. "I'm so sorry. Is there anyway I can help? Who initiated it?"

"No, and me."

"Why?" Riya dared to ask.

"My husband is a money seeking brute," she spat out.

"Do you have evidence to back your case?"

Jane curled her fists into a ball. "Yes. His ex."

"What about his ex?"

"He didn't tell me about her. Turns out, he even has a daughter with her. He claimed he didn't know, but that doesn't hide the fact that he didn't tell me about her."

Riya became quiet. Where had she heard this story before? Oh right. It was sort of like her own.

"I'm sorry. That must be a terrible ordeal. I don't want to trespass beyond your hospitality, but I'm afraid I must, since I was myself in that situation. Give your husband the benefit of doubt. Find out if he really loves you. If he does, forgive him. Punish him another way, but give him a chance. Your forgiveness will really change the dimension of your marriage. In my case, I was in your husband's position. I don't have a secret child, but I had a secret boyfriend. My husband was angry, but he forgave me. I think I've fallen in love with him. I must go now," Riya said, tears brimming her eyes.

"Oh, and one more thing, I understand your position. I'll explain to the partners that you wont be able to present. If I can, I will. Otherwise, I'll face the brunt. I'm sorry. I hope you get better soon."

Riya left Jane's house with tears pouring down her cheeks. As realization dawned on her, she started to cry harder. She was in love with Madhan. But she wasn't ready to tell him that yet. Not until she knew how her Aakash was doing.

She and Aakash spent a good amount of time dating each other. Six years isn't something that could go up in flames in a matter of just six months. Aakash was like family to her, now that she was married to Madhan. He wasn't like a brother. He wasn't like a friend. He was just family. If that even made sense. There was no way she was going to let Aakash out of her life. She intended to keep Madhan in her life forever.

Her phone blinked. She received a spam message, but the date caught her eye. This day was the day of her six month anniversary.

Riya made up her mind. It was time to show her feelings. Her next stop was to Raymonds. But before that, she needed a perfectly altered suit for measurements. Making her way to the shop, she chose a dark midnight blue suit with a rich fabric.

"Have it altered to this size, please." In one hour, the suit was ready.

Meanwhile, just as Riya drove out of her apartment, Madhan drove into theirs for the exact same reason. To buy Riya a gift. He shoved through the clothes to find a suitable dress for measuring. He drove off to Macy's to buy her a dress.

It was quite difficult to choose a dress for Riya since the assistant kept pestering him to buy the top choice of the season, The Midnight Summer Dream. It was woven with a shade of deep blue, with silver ribbons embroidered in it.

Finally, after an hour, he made his way out. He decided to go back home early, so he could surprise her. But he got the surprise of his life when Riya opened the door.

Riya's eyes widened as she watched Madhan replicate her reaction. In front of her was a gorgeous midnight blue gown. She grinned cheekily as she saw Madhan rub his eyes twice to see if he was really seeing what he was seeing.

"That wasn't exactly the surprise I had in mind," she said, wryly.

"Tell me about it," he said. He took a step closer, causing Riya to step backward involuntarily. They exchanged their gifts. They didn't wish each other, however. It was basically understood.

"Well, get dressed then. We have a reservation at six."

When Riya came out, Madhan inhaled sharply. Riya, in his eyes, was the most gorgeous thing he had ever set his eyes on. He wanted to caress her when she walked towards him, shyly.

"You look really handsome," she whispered, looking up.

"And you, beautiful," he replied back.

Madhan didn't tell her where they were going for dinner. Riya's curiosity kept increasing as they drove higher and higher up a mountain. She could see the fog.

Madhan wrapped his coat around her as they got out. The restaurant wasn't the most exotic or splendid one, but the view surrounding it, beat anything hands down.

The Salt Lake City skyline could be viewed from there. Six o clock in Utah during winter meant that the sun was already half set. The dinner was surprisingly normal. They continued to converse like friends. There was no awkward silence between them.

It was finally time to leave.

Riya was sat in front of the dressing table. She was admiring how her dress looked on her. The date was extremely special. It was really romantic. She smiled to herself when she remembered how they both bought each other gifts.

She looked in the mirror and found Madhan staring intently at her.

She had no idea how long they were looking at each other. Their dresses completely matched.

"So, where's the gift?" She wanted to break the silence.

Madhan looked at her in mocked confusion. "You are wearing it?"

"You never end an occasion with an odd number of gifts." She was bluffing about the superstition. But it didn't mean she didn't want another gift.

Madhan took a step forward. "Really?" he asked.

"Yep." Would he take the hint, she asked herself.

Madhan walked a few steps ahead, his eyes never leaving hers once. It was only when he stood right behind her that Riya realized he was holding something behind his back.

Still standing behind her, Madhan removed his hands from the back to reveal a professionally wrapped gift. He handed it to her.

"Happy Half Anniversary, Riya," he whispered. He kissed the top of her head and continued to look at her through the mirror.

Riya's hands shivered as she tenderly removed the gift paper. This man never failed to surprise her. She felt guilty for not having another surprise.

A velvet zipped jewelery box was revealed under the paper. A gasp escaped her lips as she slowly unzipped it.

In it, was a necklace, bracelet, and earring set. Filled with Sapphire stones, and encrusted with diamonds.

In other words, it was so heavenly divine.

"Madhan! You shouldn't have," Riya said, her eyes glued to the necklace.

Madhan chuckled. "You've only seen half of its beauty. May I?" he asked, reaching his hand out to take the box.

Riya handed the box to him, nervously licking her lips. She knew what he was going to do; clasp the necklace on for her. She removed her current platinum necklace and placed it on the dressing table.

Madhan carefully took out the necklace. He placed the box on her table and held the necklace carefully. He watched as Riya brought all of her loose hair to her right side of her neck, leaving the entire left side exposed.

Madhan slowly brought it around her neck. Once Riya had placed a hand to hold it in place, Madhan clasped it, his temples grazing her neck.

She looked at herself in the mirror.

Sitting in front of her was someone worthy enough to be a queen. That's how gorgeous the necklace made her appear. It was a perfect fit.

"So?" Madhan felt a bit encouraged, and he brought his left hand to graze her arm. He felt Riya shiver in his touch. As he was about to let go, Riya placed her right hand on top of his to keep it in place.

"Happy Half Anniversary, Madhan."

Riya brought his hand to where her heart was. She stood up and faced him. She took his right hand in hers and placed both the hands on her cheek.

"You never end an occasion with an even number of gifts," she whispered, her gaze smoldering his.

Madhan closed the distance between them, chuckling. He leaned forward, his lips grazing hers. "Then I'll make it infinity. Neither even, nor odd."

With that, he claimed her lips.

Riya loosened her grip on his hands. Madhan used that opportunity to bring it to her waist and pressed her closer. Their lips moved synchronously. Riya wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him harder. She could think of nothing but how delicious his lips felt. When she felt Madhan getting a bit too intimate, she broke up for air.

"Can we take this slow?" Riya asked breathlessly, her forehead touching his.

"Yes, we can," he said, kissing her cheek. "Do you know for how long I've been wanting to kiss you?"

Riya bit her lip. "How long?"

Riya got her answer when Madhan kissed her again. The kiss was very slow and passionate this time.

When they finally came up for air, Madhan bent down and picked her up through her legs, twirling around.

"Go change. I'll be waiting for you." He laid her on her bed again and buried his face in the crook of her neck. After another heavy make-out session, he left the room.

Riya carefully put away her necklace set, and changed into her pajamas. She felt so giddy with happiness. This was one night she would never forget. She touched her lips, not believing that she actually kissed Madhan.

When she walked to Madhan's room, she felt very shy. It was easy sleeping with him before, since she was wrapped in teddy bears. Even the previous day, she was surrounded by her teddy bears. But now, how could she consciously hug Madhan?

She stopped by door, a bit rattled by Madhan being shirtless. "Put on a shirt," she said, sharply. If he didn't, she didn't know if she could control herself.

"Of course not. I always sleep shirtless."

"Not from today onwards."

"We'll see about that, darling," Madhan said, as he walked towards her and scooped her bridal style. Riya squealed, flush against his chest. She was tenderly laid on the bed.

Riya looked at him. The emotion she felt while looking at him was familiar yet alien.

Madhan leaned in to kiss her again. True to his word though, he broke up for air and plopped beside Riya. He wrapped an arm around her waist, pulled her to his chest, and expertly covered them with the blanket with one hand.

Unconsciously, Riya wrapped her own arms around his torso, and snuggled to him.

"Can we talk? I don't want to sleep right now."

Madhan kissed her forehead. "Of course, sweetheart."

They spent the rest of their night talking, cuddling, and kissing. It was a night to cherish forever. It was the start of their wedded life together. Sort of.

LOL couldn't resist hahaha! Hope you guys enjoyed the chapter!! :D :D :D Please vote and comment! :D

This chapter is dedicated to: 

Manasi1105

regally_

swtychinnu

Klipyy2_Pari

How do you guys like the media feature btw? I think it's SO cool!! :D :D :D

Chapter name courtesy goes to adyanthaya! ;) Thank you! :D