'Duniya deewani, ishq na jani
Dil toh bas dil ko pehchane!'
~Jabariya Jodi

~~~

"Soha, is everything ready? Should we get going?"
Dad shouted for mom who was doing god knows what along with bhabhi. They both were instructing the helpers about something related to the gifts we were taking, at the other end of the living room and that's all I got. I glanced at my wrist watch only to widen my eyes looking at the time.

6:15pm? We had to freaking reach Aradhya's place by 6 and we still haven't left our house.

"Mom, can we please hurry up? We're anyways running late!"
Even a kid could detect the eagerness in my voice and I was eager. More than eager to go to her.

"Bhai, try once again a little louder. I think mom couldn't catch your apparent desperation to meet Aru bhabhi, the first time!"
Myru stated, flipping her stupid hair back in sass and dad being her number one fan, laughed as if she cracked the biggest joke of the year.

"Don't try and act smart with me, Myru!"
I flared my nose, trying to glare at her. Keyword trying because dad was standing there as well and you don't mess with his princesses. Not in front of him nor behind his back.

"Or what?"
Dad, my petty sister's unofficial spokesperson asked, folding his hands whereas Myra gave me her infamous smirk. I sighed because it's my freaking engagement and this man still wants to do this right now.

"Rehne do. Mujhe ye karna hi nahi hai!"
(I don't want to do this right now)
Saying so, I made my way to the two women who could actually help me right now by getting done with whatever they were doing and sitting in the car which has been standing outside our house from past half an hour.

"Mom, can you please have some mercy on me and get going? We're way behind time and it doesn't look good to reach late!"
I exclaimed, holding my mother's hand and literally pleading right now.

"Yes, Ranveer it's almost done! There are just few more gifts remaining to be kept in the car and then we can leave!"
Mom waved her hand in the direction of the remaining packages left as she replied to me.

"Don't you think that it's a bit to much for engagement? You guys don't seem to leave anything to gift on the wedding day!"
A groan escaped my lips as I voiced my thoughts out only for my mother and bhabhi to glare at me but before they could say something, I heard my father screaming from the other end of the hall,

"Who gave you the right to question what I can and cannot give to Aru, young man? I could give all my earnings to daughters and no one will question me on that!"
Inhone aaj ke din hi meri har jagah se class leni hai. But did that also made me smile? Of fucking course.

"Forgive me, dad. I Actually forgot for a moment that I and Reyansh bhai don't hold a candle against your daughters. But for heaven's sake, can we please get going? We are really very late!"
If these people didn't move their asses out of this house right now then I'd literally throw my hands and legs and cry right now. Okay! EXAGGERATING. But you get my point. Yet all my family did was laugh at my expense.

Letting the helpers put the rest of the gift boxes in the car, we were finally all set to go.

"Ranveer, wait!"
Mom held my hand just as we took a step, halting us all. She collected a bit of kohl on the tip of her ring finger from the corner of her eyes and put it behind my ear on the left side. Moms and their obsession with nazar.

"Thank god Reyansh bhai and I have you or else we are as good as non existent for dad!
Mom smacked my chest at my statement as I chuckled, giving a glance to where dad, Myra and Meera bhabhi stood taking selfies while making weird faces.

"Ranveer,"
Maa cupped my face making me look back at her as she smiled up at me. Having my complete attention, she continued

"I know I don't have to say this to you because I know my upbringing and I trust my son but I'm still going to say it. You're going to take a huge step today and it will bound you with Aru for lifetime. It might just be an engagement but it's still as significant as marriage, beta! You guys are going to be in this together. So respect her, trust her and prioritise her because if there's anyone who deserves that the most from you then it's her. The journey wouldn't be a cakewalk, it never is for anyone but you will fight every odds with her, right?"
Aradhya's smiling face flashed in front of my eyes before I gulped down the lump in my throat and nodded. Maa smiled and kissed my forehead.

"Wait a minute. Where the hell is Bhai?"
Glancing around the hall, I asked when I couldn't find him. Literally everyone is hell bent on pissing me off at this moment.

"I'm here, Veer! Stop cribbing like a child."
We heard his response as we saw him descending down the stairs, walking straight up to Bhabhi and handing her a few tablets. He signalled one of the house helps to bring a glass of water.

"The day you start taking care of yourself would be the day half my tensions will be gone!"
Bhabhi pouted like a child at Reyansh bhai's words as she took the glass of water which was brought up to her.

"This is the first time I forgot to take the vitamins!"
Bhabhi told a white lie gulping down the tablets and we shook our heads together like some comical characters whereas bhai silently sighed knowing she's never going to change. The fact that bhabhi was not keeping well and throwing up a lot, something they call the morning sickness has kept bhai on his toes so he makes sure she's comfortable and taken care off.

Finally since everyone was done with all that they wanted to do, we made our way out of the house and settled in the car, heading for Aradhya's house. Today was our engagement if you couldn't tell that already and there was this really unexplainable feeling inside of me. All my life I've always seen my dad searching for my mom in room full of people no matter where he would be. I've seen my grandparents being so much in love with each other. If they would've been with us, they would've been so happy meeting Aradhya. But I'm sure they are blessing us from up there.

I've also seen my best friends fall in love. Well, Tarun fell in love with Sahiba whereas Sahil falls in love with a new woman every week. The day he settles down, would be the day hell will break loose. And lastly I have seen my older brother fall in love. That man wasn't ready to acknowledge the fact that he was married till last year and now he worships the ground bhabhi walks on and it would be a lie if I say that I didn't wanted something like that for myself too. To have someone who could just be yours. Who'd know your darkest secrets and will still hold you through it. Who'd want to hold your hand and work on your shortcomings together rather than leaving you stranded nowhere. Who'd be your biggest supporter and your truest critic when required.

I did tried dating. ONCE. In my college days. There was this girl I kind of had a crush on and she liked me as well so we thought to give it a try but we could hardly pull it off for a month before we decided to break up because it just wasn't happening. We weren't even compatible as friends let alone as partners so we mutually decided to not go any further. But with Aradhya, though everything seemed unreal, it was exactly what I always subconsciously prayed for so it would be safe to say that she was all the answers to my prayers. I didn't had to put in a lot of efforts because everything came out of me so naturally when she was related. I guess you could say it's cliche but I think it really works out where it's destined to be. You always end up where you're meant to be and with Aradhya is where I'm meant to be.

This is just the start and the first step towards a lifetime together. Our engagement. And I'll do everything I can to deem myself worthy of her. She'll be respected, handled and loved the way she deserves by me always. And that is a promise I am making to myself.

"Bhai, do you want to come out or we'll have to call Aru bhabhi here to make you wear the ring?"
I looked at Myru who was smiling down at me in a stupidly cute cheeky way as she opened the passenger door of the car I was sitting in lost in my thoughts. Taking in the surroundings, I realised that we reached our destination and I let out a deep breath. Rolling my eyes, I pushed my sister aside and came out of the car, straightening up my suit.

Myra almost ran to match up to my pace in her atrociously heavy dress and said,

"I just received a picture from Aru bhabhi and god she's looking so gorgeous. You are so dead bhai. Literally and figuratively!"
My heartbeats started racing at her words as I tried imagining what Aradhya could be looking like. Clearing my throat, I gathered myself and together with my family, made our way inside the house.

"They are here!"
Aarav was the first one to see us as he informed his family consisting of Shalini aunty, Raghav uncle and Anil uncle. Tarun and Sahil had come here directly that means Sahiba was with the girls. There were a few new faces as well. A woman close to Shalini aunty's age and she looked a lot like her, I think she's her sister. There was a girl maybe of Aradhya's age and a middle aged man as well.

"We were waiting for y'all from so long!"
Shalini aunty exclaimed hugging Maa and bhabhi and gave Myra a forehead kiss making my sister smile the widest.

"We're sorry we got late!"
Reyansh bhai apologised. The men hugged each other and I moved to take everyone's blessing. The Sharma's introduced us to the new members and as I guessed they were Shalini aunty's elder sister and her family.

After exchanging the necessary greetings, all took their seats whereas I was still standing and kept glancing at the stairways to catch a glimpse of the only person I was dying to see but there was no sign of her.

"Are you looking for something, Ranveer?"
Shalini aunty asked with hint of teasing, seeing me gawking like a fool upwards and my family since they love me so much, freaking laughed at me. Embarrassed, I shook my head in no and just as I turned to take a seat myself, Meera bhabhi pointed out

"Aradhya is coming!"
I whipped my head back so fast, I almost had a sprain but it was all forgotten once my gaze landed on the figure climbing down the stairs so gracefully along with Preet , Kaira and Sahiba that even if I tried, I couldn't look away.

She came down, crossed the distance, stood in front of me, blessing me with one of her soul searing smile and I still kept gaping at her like the utter idiot that I am because I just couldn't seem to be capable of doing anything else.

"Muh band kar le, Ranveer warna woh dar ke bhag jayegi!"
(Close your mouth or she'll run away from you the way she came from)
Everyone laughed at Sahil's comment and that made me come out of my stupor and embarrassment couldn't even come close to what I felt.

Aise dost se toh dushman acha hai!
(An enemy would've been better than this so called friend of mine)
He's so gone once I get a hold of him.

"Let's get done with the Pooja before exchanging the rings?"
My eyes were still trained on Aradhya's face which was adorned with minimal make up, enhancing her features as Shalini aunty voiced her thoughts out.

"Aunty, can we get a small photo shoot done of Aru and Ranveer? The photographer is waiting in the back garden. It'll hardly take a few minutes!"
Preet requested directing the question to Shalini aunty but looking at all the elders and they were only happy to agree.

"But please don't take too long warna pooja ka muhurat nikal jayega, thik hai?"
(We'll miss the auspicious time to get the ritual done)
Preet nodded at aunty's words and she gestured me to take Aradhya in the back garden so I simply held her hand, intertwining it with mine and together, we made our way there. The back portion of the garden was decorated beautifully for the occasion. Even though it was a close knit affair, we still had to create memories for ourselves so we decided to go with minimal decorations.

"How are you?"
Was the first thing that I asked once we were alone with the photographer setting his things up, away from our earshot. Aradhya gave me that damn look again as she stood in front of me before giving me one of her rare dimple smile.

"Happy!"
My heart skipped a beat at her reply. Cupping one side of her face, I dropped a kiss on her forehead and breathed in her vanilla scent. Yesterday night after I took her to my office where we spent our time together, though she had stopped crying considerably but I knew she still was very much shaken with everything that happened and that was the reason why after bringing her back to her home, I brought up the idea to postponed the engagement but she denied saying she wants to get engaged on the day it's been fixed and even Anil uncle was against the thought. He promised to take care of his health and not take unnecessary stress.

"You are looking so pretty, cupcake. You literally left me speechless in there!"
Aradhya giggled at my words as she ducked her head down with blush coating her cheeks. She wrapped her hands around my shoulders making me hold her waist out of instinct but I felt her take in a sharp intake of breath because a good part of her waist was naked due to her wearing a lehenga and I had to clench my jaw feeling her soft skin under my hands.

"You cleaned up nicely too, Mr Malik!"
She said in a soft voice and I smirked. If I had to go by the fucking dreamy look she had in her eyes while looking at me then I think I did more than nice but I chose to not comment on it. My eyes looked down at her hand which were placed on my chest now and I noticed the delicate henna patterns on them.

"You got henna applied?"
I asked with her hands in my palms and she beamed up at me, nodding her head.

"It was a last moment decision since Chachi said it would be auspicious if I applied even a little bit so I got this done today morning. Achi lag rahi hai na?"
(It's looking good right)

She opened up her palms for me to have a good look but all I looked was at her gleaming face before I nodded my head in daze and agreed,

"Bohot!"
(More than good)
Aradhya looked up at me and frowned.

"I'm talking about the henna!"
She deadpanned, knowing full well I was yet to have a complete look at it but I nodded again without moving my eyes away from her.

"Mein bhi!"
(Me too)
The lie escaped my lips easily. Aradhya had to bite her lower lip to stop the smile which was threatening to spread on her face and turned my face the other side, with her hand on my jaw while I chuckled but looked at her again the next second.

"I've heard brides get their would be husbands name written in their hand? I don't see my name though?"
I asked genuinely curious as I took hold of her wrist while she had her palm open. My frown deepening when I couldn't even see my initials on her hand. Aradhya took her hands away from me as she blushed at my remark before composing herself and straightening up, said

"Exactly! Brides get that done and I'm still not a bride yet, Ranveer. It's just our engagement, remember?"
Pulling her closer in my arms again with my hands around her naked waist, I shrugged before whispering,

"Aap bolein toh hum abhi ke abhi phere kar sakte hai. Woh kya kehte hai? Chat mangni pat byaah! What do you say, Ms Sharma?"
(Translate this for your author please:)

Aradhya widened her eyes as if she heard something scandalous, she tried wriggling out of my hold along with saying

"Ranveer, cheesy hone ki bhi hadh hoti hai. Leave me right away!"
(Heights of being cheesy)
I laughed throwing my head back before tightening my hold on her and she gasped in horror.

"Okay okay! Relax. I was just joking but seriously when do you want to get married, cupcake? We still haven't talked about it!"
Aradhya stopped moving at that as she sighed glancing at me once before trying to look away again but I held her chin in my thumb and forefinger making her look right back up at me.

"Eyes on me, Adhya!"

Gulping, she kept her eyes hooked with mine and replied in a small voice,

"Can we talk about this later? When it's the two of us?"
She glanced around at the few helpers scattered at a distance and the photographer who looked in dilemma before he caught my eyes and he started making his way to us. I looked back at my fiancé and I kissed her temple a few times and left her waist, creating a respectable distance between us.

"Fine, we'll talk about it afterwards!"
I replied and she nodded gratefully. The photographer came up to us and exchanging a few words we got started with the photo shoot for which we came here in the first place. The next twenty minutes or so we were involved in that and got our photos clicked together. Being done with that, we made our way inside the house and seeing us the family stood up, everyone then together made way to the Pooja Ghar and we got started with the small pooja which we were supposed to conduct before the engagement.

We all then together went to the back garden where we were supposed to exchange our rings. Holding Aradhya's hand and lifting her dress with my other one, I helped her in walking and after making her sit comfortably on the couch, I took a seat myself beside her.

"Ranveer?"
No. Not the anxious voice. It really scares the hell out of me when she uses that tone before saying something because it usually means she's going to say something really stupid or harsh. There's no in between. And the fact that I know such tiny detail about her in such a short time makes me weirdly proud of myself.

"Why are you frowning like a grump? I just want to use the washroom!"
I released a breath that I was unknowingly holding at her words as she gave me her stinky eyes before shaking her head and looking around for her friends I believe. I saw Kaira coming to us from the other side with Preet right behind her.

"You need something, babe?"
Preet was the one to ask and Aradhya nodded.

"I need to pee!"
She mumbled before standing up and holding the hand that Preet forwarded to her. The three of them vanished to come back after a good few minutes but it was only Aradhya alone, walking slowly while taking her steps in my direction tentatively. In the middle of it all, I saw her fumbling with her steps and I was right on my feet the next moment, walking up to her with big steps just as her ankle twisted and she was about to fall but before she does, I secured her in my arms making her hold onto my shoulders tightly with closed eyes in the fear of falling down.

"I've got you, Adu!"
Listening to my voice, she slowly opened her eyes and as her gaze landed on me, she heaved a heavy sigh. Our family had now gathered close to us, worry clearly visible on their faces.

"I—I lost my balance and I—"

"Are you fine? Did you get hurt somewhere?"
Stopping her shuttering rant, I asked glancing all over her frame for any possible injury but muttered a little 'thank god' when I found none. She shook her head in no but said in a small voice,

"I think my lehenga is stuck somewhere?"

Aradhya kept looking down trying to figure out what was wrong when I simply bent down on my knees before her and a few gasps were heard that very moment but I had all my attention on my fiancé.

"Ranveer? Get up!"
Ignoring Aradhya, I tried lifted the end of her lehenga but I wasn't successful because it was somehow stuck with the heels she was wearing. Untangling the heavy fabric from the footwear, and adjusting her dress back properly, I got up standing straight.

"All done!"
I stated and Aradhya just continued looking at me with her big eyes before muttering a soft thanks and I just smiled at her, kissing her crown and holding her cold hand in mine, tightly. My thumb moving in circle over her skin.

"They still have a long way to go but here she is, already making him bow down to her in front of everyone!"
My head whipped at the direction of the irritating voice. Aradhya's hold tightening up more on my fingers. I looked back at her, she had her jaw clenched but she kept mum.

"Watch out your tone, Niharika! This is no way to talk about her!"
Raghav uncle reprimanded her. Who was this girl again? Yes, Shalini aunty's niece. Well, she was only decent till she didn't opened her mouth but of course she had to ruin the moment.

"It's not like I told something wrong? She already has him wrapped around her little finger!"
Her dad held her hand, trying to shut her up but miss little brat couldn't get the hint.

"And you have a problem with that because you don't have someone bowing down to you or wrapped around your fingers? Seriously? What are you, a five year old kid?"
Myra came forward out of nowhere but I held her hand, gesturing her to let me handle this.

"I don't see why I shouldn't be literally worshiping the ground my woman walks on because that's what a person as amazing as her deserves. Nobody has the right to pass their unsolicited advice on what we do as long as I'm ready to bow down before her and as long as she doesn't have a problem with my actions."
I made made sure my words were clear and my eyes were fixed on the pathetic girl who now almost trembled at her place. Her mother stood shell shocked beside her whereas her father had his head down in shame.

"Trust me if you weren't Aradhya's family, you would've been thrown out of my sight this very instant but since you took the hassle to came all the way here for our big day then don't forget to have dinner before leaving. My fiancé has finalised the menu herself, I'm sure you'll like it!"

We heard a cough from around somewhere and my bet was on Sahil. That shit face was enjoying the drama for sure.

"Bas, Ranveer!"
(That's enough)
I felt Aradhya holding my arm as she tried pulling me to her . I looked at her angelic face, my boiling blood started cooling down just like that and having said enough, both of us made our way back to the couch, settling down. In a minute, Shalini aunty along with all the family members came with the rings and we stood up facing each other.

"Ranveer, make her wear the ring!"
Maa patted my back with a smile, passing me the ring which I took from her hands.

"Pehna du?"
(May I)
I asked referring to the ring I had in between my fingers, smiling a bit teasingly at Aradhya who gave a dangerous smirk right back at me before mumbling,

"Are you having second thoughts, Mr Malik?"

My smile got wiped off that instant before I gathered all my honesty and spoke,

"I can have second thoughts about everything in my life but not when it comes to you, Adhya. Never for you!"

~

This man right here knew how to leave the person in front tongue tied. He left me speechless for the nth time at this point but I would be lying if I said it didn't flutter my heart every time he said things like that.

"What's taking you so long then I'm waiting here!"
I waved my left hand deprived of the ring currently and he let out a deep chuckle, arising goosebumps on my body.

"Whatever alien language you guys are speaking amongst yourself, can it be postponed for a minute so that you guys exchange the ring and I can eat all the food? Buffet ka chaar baar chakkar laga ke aaya hu mein!"
(I've taken four rounds of the buffet)
All laughed at Sahil's remark and I looked down embarrassed but shivered the next second as Ranveer took hold of my hand in his and easily slid the ring in my ring finger, kissing my knuckles right after, making our friends hoot while I blushed like a tomato. I hate all this attention. Calming myself down, I took hold of his left hand and made him wear the ring as well. The only difference was that my fingers were shivering like crazy.

We then took photos together with our family except for Niharika and her parents who had left inside the house after the whole to drama to leave for good. And I couldn't be more glad about it. Even though Ranveer didn't had to stand up for me but I'm grateful that he did, I wouldn't have backed away from giving my piece of mind to that entitled brat to let her know that she wasn't dealing with a nine years old Aradhya anymore who couldn't speak up for herself while the world walked all over her. This Aradhya knew her worth a lot better and wouldn't think twice before showing people their place if limits were crossed.

"Congratulations, bhabhi!"
I came out of my thoughts as I heard a voice and looked up to find Rachit smiling at me being his charming self. Returning his smile, I shook his forwarded hand but felt a hand snaking around my waist and pulling me closer and did you actually had to guess who it was?

My official fiancé!

Ranveer shamelessly ignored the looks I was giving him as he continued talking with his assistant before Rachit left us alone to have the dinner. And just as he left, Kaira came up to me. She held my hand, pulled me a little away from Ranveer while he gave us weird looks. I groaned inwardly, throwing daggers at her as we stood in a corner.

"What?"
I all but shouted.

"Who was that guy?"
She asked without beating around the bush. My eyebrows pulled up together in confusion.

"What guy?"

"That one. You just shook hands with him yaar, Aru!"
She looked pissed that I couldn't remember who she was talking about and I wandered my eyes in the direction she was pointing at before I realised who she talking about.

"Oh, him! He's Rachit!"
I smiled up at Kaira who folded her hands giving me a mean look which clearly screamed she wants to know more and I made a bad face.

"He's Ranveer's secretary, both of them work together, obviously. But they're more than good friends!"
I begrudgingly filled her in.

"Is it?"
Kaira kept glancing at the poor guy's direction with a look too dangerous in her eyes before the bulb in my head lit up and I turned her face to me.

"Kaira, what the hell is going on in your brain?"

The stupid best friend of mine just wriggled her eyebrows suggestive and I made a horrific face.

"Kaira, you wouldn't dare!"
I warned but I knew it fell on deaf ears.

"Why not? He looks cute and HOT. It's a deadly combination, babe! I can already tell what all that body is capable of doing!"
She checked Rachit out once again and I made a disgusted face. Eww. I hate my brain to get into graphics immediately. I'd never look at Rachit in the eyes after this.

"Kutti, he's my fiancé's friend. They are like brothers. He's like a brother in law to me. Please don't make this weird for me, Kaira!"
Joining my hands, I pleaded to her because if Kaira sets her mind on something than she gets it by hook or by crook. But this time she has to change her ways. Rachit isn't an object to be conquered.

"Aru, relax! No one would get to know. I'll be discreet about it and I'll make sure he is too!"
She pointed at the guy in question who was talking with Sahil and Tarun now and giving me a last wink, my good for nothing best friend went away. I sighed at her retreating figure because that's always been Kaira's way to escape her emotions. To jump from one person to another and to never commit to anyone. The stupid girl keeps on saying that she doesn't have feelings when in reality she's the one who feels everything the most among the three of us. We never had any problem with that part of her life but I can already feel that involving Rachit in this would not end well.

"Adu?"
Ranveer kept a hand on my shoulder bringing me out of my thoughts and I nodded smiling for him to go ahead.

"Shall we go eat as well?"
He asked but I shook my head in negative, pouting stupidly.

"I want to change into something light. I don't think I can carry this on anymore!"
Slumping on my place, I exclaimed pointing to my heavy outfit and blowing out a tired breath. He nodded in understanding.

"Sure, you go change and come. I'll wait for you here or do you want me to help you walk inside?"
He asked already on his feet but I made him sit back on the couch by my hand on his chest and shook my head.

"I can go on my own, Ranveer! It's fine!"
Saying so, I took a few steps before he exclaimed,

"Be careful!"
Showing him all of my teeth in return, I nodded and made my way inside the house, moving upstairs to my room. Closing the door, I removed the heavy earrings and necklace I had worn, leaving the chain Ranveer gifted me and heaved a relieved sigh. As much as I liked dressing up, it was a pure torture to carry these heavy jewellery and dresses around. But would I do it all over again. OF COURSE. These were the joy of being a women.

Removing the make up I had on with micellar water, I let my hairstyle be as it is and changed into a comparatively lighter red coloured suit.

Setting my dupatta up, my gaze stuck to the ring on my finger and I caressed it lightly with a smile on my face.

I never new I needed Ranveer in my life until I got him. He came like a breath of fresh air into my otherwise good life to make it even more great with his presence. I know I have to a lot to work on myself now that he's been bestowed upon me and I'm ready to do all of that for him. That man is already moving mountains for me so the least I can do is return the efforts that he is making in our relationship.

Giving my daydreaming a break, I sprinkled a bit of my vanilla body mist all over myself and left my room.

"You really are being your pathetic self, aren't you?"
My steps halted upon hearing that voice when I thought I wouldn't hear ever now but guess I had one last battle to fight.

Turning around, I faced the actual pathetic person here and folded my hands around my front. Niharika was standing there outside of the guest room with her bag in her hands and her parents nowhere in sight.

"What is your problem, Niharika?"
I asked, genuinely curious and entertaining her for the last time ever because after this, I was never going to see her face again. She simply shrugged with a stupid smirk on her face. Well she tried her best to smirk but it looked like her face split into half.

"I don't have any problem but Ranveer might start having one!"
She stated and seeing my confused face, she further explained even though my blood boiled just on the fact that she took my man's name with her dirty mouth.

"I saw how you were sticking onto him like a leech back there. Trust me he'll leave you the second he gets done with your desperate behaviour and you'll be left with no one, again!"

You know what I did after her stupid rant? I laughed. Yes, I freaking laughed like hell, so much that I felt my eyes water. Niharika looked at me as if I've lost my mind and honestly I don't blame her but finally composing myself, I cleared my throat.

"You really think this would work on me again? The whole calling me characterless and making me feel as if I have no one who loves me? Seriously? I thought you got some different ways to put me down this time up your sleeves but anyways. We only use the amount of brain we're blessed with and I always knew you didn't had much!"
She breathed fire at my words and if looks could kill, I would've been six feet under the ground already.

"You bitch—"

"Shut the fuck up and listen to me clearly because I'll not repeat myself!"
I swatted her stupid finger away that she had pointed at me as I held her captive under my pointed gaze making her freeze on her spot. She did not expected this from me but what can I say, I loved surprising people. Or more like giving them shocks in this case.

"Keep in mind that you aren't dealing with the young Aradhya anymore that'll take any shit you put her through. This Aradhya will give you back and give you good if you messed up with her. Coming to my fiancé, you don't have to worry about him. Man like him are a gem. They know how to treat their woman and Ranveer treats me like a queen. Does that makes you feel more horrible? Jealous, maybe? Also let's not even bring family into this because I have all the people who love me waiting for me back there in the garden whereas here you are all alone by yourself. Your own parents aren't in sight. So, who's more pathetic, Niharika?"

The girl was shivering in anger and her eyes oozed out so much hatred that it made my tough exterior falter a bit but I held my ground.

"Pack if there's anything left and leave."
That being said, I turned but stopped and looked back at her again. Her eyes now had tears of anguish lining over her lids.

"Oh also, see you never, bitch!"
Throwing a last smirk her way, I started making my way to my family with my heart beating insanely fast in my chest and my blood boiling so much. My eyes clashed with those familiar brown orbs as Ranveer stood leaning at the threshold of the back doors and damn if he wasn't looking godly with his hands folded in front of his chest, his jacket and bow missing with sleeves rolled up and legs crossed.

What in the booktok world was this posture?

Half running up to him, I crashed in his arms and chuckling in his deep voice, Ranveer wrapped his hands around me. I took deep breaths, his earthy scent filling my nostrils and a shiver ran through my body going straight to my core as he held me tight, snuggling his face in my neck he whispered hoarsely in my ear,

"That was really hot, cupcake!"

My face flamed with the deepest shade of red, matching my dress as I tried hiding more into him, holding on tight and we stood like that for a good time before breaking apart just so we could look at each other. His hot breath fanned my face, fluttering my eyes close but I composed myself.

"Ranveer?"
I whispered, standing on my tip toes and his throat bobbed before he hummed, joining his forehead with mine.

"Yes?"
Taking in a long breath, I gathered all the courage that I could because I was making this shit happen and I was making it happen right here, right now.

"I'm going to kiss you!"

Ranveer's eyes literally darkened at my words as he held me captive under his intense gaze. His arms pulling me impossibly closer to him more than I already was.

"You could do whatever you want, adhya. I'm all yours!"

That was it because the next moment I slammed my lips on his full ones, cupping his big face in my comparatively small palms.

Hell could break loose but we are ending what I started right now.

~~~

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