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AUTHOR'S POV

Hospital (7:30 pm)

*KNOCK*

Veeransh was settled on his bed with half-empty cup of coffee on the bedside table. He wore a casually styled white shirt that flowed loosely over his frame, hung open without a single button fastened because of the bandage on his chest,with his relaxed blue pants. Following his casual look, his messy hair effortlessly making him world's most charming man without even properly getting ready (contraying the fact that he was a patient in the hospital now).

The soft lighting from the laptop's bright screen, illuminating the features of his handsome face and accentuating the spark of concentration evident in his dark grey pair of eyes. He was immersed in the world displayed on the screen before him, his fingers moved rhythmically gliding over the keyboard with agility, as he immersed himself in his work.

Suddenly, a knock resonated through the quiet space, breaking his concentration. Prompting him to pause and turn his head toward the door. A gentle smile spread across his lips.

"I hope I didn't disturb you...I can come back later," she said, already turning to leave when Veeransh interrupted her.

"Oh no, please come in!" he urged, hastily closing his laptop and setting it aside.

Sunidhi smiled as she gently closed the door behind her and settled on the bed near his feet.

"Kaisa hai humara beta?" she asked, brushing a tender hand across his face.
("How's our son?")

"I'm fine, Mom! Itni jaldi nahin marne wala!" he chuckled, cradling her hand between his palms.

("Not going to die this soon!")

At his words, Sunidhi's expression suddenly shifted to one of seriousness as she narrowed her eyes at him, speaking in a stern voice.

"Dare to say that again... no one will be worse than me. Abhi batati hun tumh..." She reached out to playfully twist his ear, causing Veeransh to panic as he quickly covered his ears with both hands.
("Let me show yo..")

"No Mom, please not again... I'm sorry, aage se nahin kahunga!" His frightened expression made him even cuter, prompting Sunidhi to giggle.
("I won't say that again!")

"Veeransh," she said, her tone turning serious this time.

"Ji maa?"
("Yes, Mom?")

"Apni maa ki ek baat manoge? Main janti hun Nia jo bhi kar rahi hai, uske baad mujhe yeh sab kehne ka koi hakk nah..." Her voice trailed off as her eyes filled with guilt, when Veeransh placed a hand over hers, interrupting her words.
("Would you promise your mom? I know after whatever Nia is doing, I don't have any right to..")

"Main apko 'Maa' sirf kehta hi nahin, balki maanta bhi hun. Toh apko poora hakk banta hai mujhe kuch bhi kehne ka aur main aapki har baat manunga bass...bass Mujhe Nia se door jane ko mat kehna!" There was a sincerity and determination in his eyes that Sunidhi immediately recognised.

("I don't just call you 'Maa' but I truly believe it. So you have every right to say anything to me. I will listen to whatever you say, just... just don't ever ask me to stay away from Nia!")

She felt grateful for the precious bond they shared, wondering what she had done in her past life to deserve such a rare gem as her son. Afterall he embodied everything a mother would want in a son-in-law for her daughter, and no matter how many times she expressed gratitude to the god for him, it would never be enough. A swell of pride flooded her as she thought
"Today, I'm certain I've found a perfect match for my Nia!"

"Mom!" His voice brought her back to the present.

"Huh! Yes, I was saying... Promise me that no matter what happens, you will never leave Nia. And if she ever does anything to hurt you again, you'll tell me first!" Her hopeful eyes searched his blank face for a reaction, and after a moment of tension, he finally responded.

"No!" his single word was like a dagger to her heart as she slowly withdrew her hand from his hand and ready to leave when Veeransh once again kept her hand between his palms.

"I won't ever leave her... and you'll be the first to know," he said, a charming smile breaking across his face and bringing tears to her eyes as he embraced her tightly.

She tenderly stroked his back but suddenly felt a painful gasp escape his lips. He had winced from the pressure on a wound that hadn't fully healed, prompting her to pull away.

"I'm so sorry, dear... I can't believe how careless I am!" she said, panic seeping into her voice as she checked his shoulder.

"Mom... Mom! I'm fine, don't worry! I was the one who hugged you, just send Viaan to me, I'm all okay." He reassured her with gentle eyes as she nodded, preparing to leave. But her hand hesitated on the doorknob when she heard him call out to her.

"Mom!"

With a smile, she turned around already anticipating what he would say, and replied in a soft voice filled with apprehension, "Nia is at the palace, and she's fine... I've already called her; she'll be here soon."

Veeransh maintained a stoic face, but his heart ached with the knowledge that it had been nearly a week since he had been in the hospital without her visiting to check on him once, after all she was the cause of his such condition. However, the thought that she would meet him today sparked a wave of joy in his stomach.

Moments later, Sunidhi left, and Viaan entered.

"Aur Bhai, Kaisa hai? Saale tune toh jaan hi nikaal di thi!" He exclaimed energetically, pulling a chair closer to the bed and sitting down.

("So, how's it going, brother? You nearly gave me a heart attack over here!")

Veeransh looked at his friend's enthusiasm, which inspired a playful idea in his mind and he smiled, almost impossible to be noticed by Viaan.

"Raana! Aajkal tumhari zubaan kuch jyada hi chalne lagi hai! Ek kaam diya tha tumhein karne ke liye aur tumse woh bhi theek se nahin hua!" He shouted sternly, a fear to race down Viaan's spine, who panicked abruptly jumping to his feet.

("Raana! Your mouth has been running a bit too much lately! I asked you to do one thing, and you couldn't even manage that properly!")

"B..boss I...I was just about to inform you about that, but..." He stammered, struggling to maintain his composure while forcing the words out.

The look on Veeransh's face was too overwhelming for Veeransh to handle, and he burst into laughter.

Initially, Viaan couldn't comprehend this sudden change in mood, but it soon dawned on him. Without thinking, he grabbed a glass of water from the side table and splashed it all over Veeransh's face just as he shook himself back to reality.

"Kya hai? Saare kapde bhigo diye mere!" Veeransh yelled irritated as he immediately stood up from the bed.
("What the heck? You drenched all my clothes!")

"You scoundrel! I was scared out of my wits, and you think this is funny? As for your clothes, you were already half-naked anyway, so it shouldn't matter you much," Viaan shot back, his voice a mix of annoyance and teasing as he pointed out Veeransh's open, translucent shirt that showcased his toned muscular physique.

Veeransh couldn't contain his laughter recalling Viaan's frightened reaction, provoking an already annoyed Viaan to shove him, causing Veeransh to stumble onto the bed. Veeransh tossed him back and landed a playful punch on his stomach, eliciting a loud yelp of pain from him.

"Akad toh dekho sale ki, hospital mein hai aur phir bhi humse lad raha hai...Iss baar sachi Coma mein hi bhej dunga tujhe!" Viaan replied with a painful gasp.

("Look at this fool, he's in the hospital and still fighting! This time, I'll really send him into a coma!")

Rolling him back, Viaan was sitting on Veeransh while grabbing his collar, but in the another interval he quickly ended up on Viaan.

"Yaad Rakh Beta, Ghayal Sher Sau Guna Zyada Khartarnak Hota Hai!" He smirked adjusting the collar of his shirt, but that was when Viaan seized the opportunity and pushed Veeransh to the other side.

("Remember this son; a wounded lion is hundred times more dangerous!")

Viaan chuckled, choking his neck slightly with his biceps and mocked "And may be you have forgotten that..."
but his words got caught in his throat as his gaze fixated on the door.

"Sh...sherni," Viaan stammered in disbelief.
("L...lioness!")

"Kya?? Ab Ismein sherni kahan se aa gayi?" Pushing him away, Veeransh jumped to his feet, but his back was still facing the door.
("What?? Now how did lioness came into all this?")

Following Viaan's gaze, he turned around just in time to see Nia gawking at them. She abruptly closed her eyes with her hands and ran, slammed the door shut.

Veeransh and Viaan were stunned by her reaction. Finally Viaan noticed something and this time he was the one guffawed rolling on couch.
Unaware of his crazy behaviour Veeransh shot him a murderous glare.
Irritated He, looked at himself, his eyes widening in shock, as realized his state.

"Ohh Shitt!! Sale tere jaisa dost toh na chaar din mein talaak karwa de mera! Aur ab jab meri shaadi ho chuki hai na, toh thoda door raha kar mujhse!" He yelled running a fierce hand through his hairs, where Viaan was getting double over with laughter, clutching his stomach in pain.

("Ohh Shit!! At this rate, you'll get me divorced in four days, you jerk! Now that I'm married, you better keep your distance from me!!")

"Huh! Huh..dekho toh, Sherni ke aate hi Ghaayal Sher kaise bheega billa ban gaya!" Viaan mocked him still trying to get over his emotions.

("Look at that, as soon as the lioness arrives, the wounded lion turns into a timid cat!")

"Veeransh Raghuvanshi is not afraid of anyone, got it? And now If you continued your rubbish na, I will...!" He warned directing his index finger on him, when Viaan completed his words.

"Haan haan pata hai...Main tujhe Zinda gaad dunga!"Viaan chuckled mocking his words in his voice.
("Yes yes I know....I shall bury you alive!")

Earning his piercing glare, Viaan instantly placed a finger on his lips. His laughter vanished, replaced by an unexpected silence. However, this time Veeransh didn't look terrifying; instead, his panicked expression was surprisingly endearing, prompting another round of laughter from Viaan.

"If you're done with your nonsense, go get my discharge papers ready!" Frustration and nervousness were clearly noticeable in his tone.

"Yes, boss!" He saluted in response to the orders, behaving like a devoted soldier. He laughed and exited the room.

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In car......

Viaan was driving the car while Vijay ji sat in the passenger seat. Nia was positioned between Veeransh and Sunidhi, which was precisely the arrangement that Vijay ji and Sunidhi had devised to bring them closer. However, Nia felt noticeably uneasy, sensitive to Veeransh's unwavering gaze on her. Suddenly, as the car came to a sudden stop, her hand instinctively gripped Veeransh's shirt sleeve.

Realizing her hand on him, she quickly let go of his sleeve. Although Veeransh did not outwardly react, but deep down, he couldn't suppress the thoughts that had been swirling in his mind since the beginning of their journey. At last when It became impossible for him, he expressed what had been holding on.

"Tumhein mere liye hospital aane ki kya zarurat thi main..." He whispered, but his train of thought was interrupted when Nia responded in an equally low tone.
("You shouldn't have come to the hospital for me, I would have..")

"Koi galat fehmi paalne ki zarurat nahi hai Mr. Raghuvanshi! Mujhe maa ne aane ko bola isliye main aai, warna tum jiyo ya maro mujhe koi farak nahin padta!"

("No need to make any misconception in your mind Mr.Raghuvanshi! I came because Mom had asked me to come, Or you live or die I don't care!")

Veeransh's eyes, which were slightly damp, darted outside the window. He was deeply hurt-very hurt. To conceal his emotions, he donned his black sunglasses in the dark of night.

It was always her words that struck him profoundly; this hurt was nothing in comparison. To him, death felt easier than hearing such words from her lips, but his heart refused to accept her statement.

"Tumhein farak padta hai, Nia. Padta hai..." he thought to himself, a pained smile barely visible on his lips.
("You care, Nia. You care...")

The remainder of the journey passed in silence; they didn't exchange a single word or even glance at one another. Yet fate often has unexpected plans.

• • •

"Arey jaldi Aao! Veeransh aa gaye hain! Kahan reh gaye sab?" Sumitra ji shouted, announcing their arrival upon hearing the sound of the horn at the Mahal's entrance.
("Everyone come fast! Veeransh has arrived! Where are you all?")

Everyone rushed to the hall upon learning of their arrival. Amar was absent, while Sumitra ji proceeded to the main gate with a 'thaal of aarti' ("A material for hindu ritual").

In keeping with tradition, the (Royal) Rajwadi bodyguards opened the car doors for them and immediately formed a straight line, bowing in respect.
While the huge crowd of people outside the Mahal's main gate, were cheering for them, showing their gratitude and respect for the family (Specially Veeransh).

Veeransh bowed and joined his hands in gratitude, expressing his thanks to the crowd gathered to celebrate his return from the hospital. The air was enthusiastic, reverberating with his name, among the people as they welcomed their devotee, their role model, their everything.
Veeransh Raghuvanshi, their future King.

Sunidhi and Vijay ji deliberately lagged behind, as she signaled Viaan with her eyes, joining him in their group just when he was about to dash through the gate to hug Sumitra ji. Meanwhile, Nia and Veeransh stood at the gate together, lackluster and unenthusiastic.

In an instant, Ananya ran to Veeransh and enveloped him in a tight embrace. Veeransh gently wrapped his arms around her, stroking her hair.

"Bhai, aap thik toh hain na? Pata hai hum kitna darr gaye the?" she sobbed like a child clinging to her mother.
("Bro, you are fine right? You even know, you scared us?')

"Gudiya... Main thik hun, warna khud apne pairon par chalke yahan tak kaise aata, hmm?"

("My baby doll.... I'm fine, or how could I have come till here on my own feet, hmm?")

She released him gently and looked up at him with tear-streaked cheeks.

"Pakka na?" she asked, hastily wiping her tears.
("You sure right?")

"Yes Anu"He responded and gently pulled her cheeks, just as another voice chimed in.

"Haan haan, sirf iss chudail ko hi aapki fikar thi na! Mujhse toh koi milna jaruri bhi nahin samjhta!" Agastya stood there, arms folded across his chest, resembling an irate child.
("Ohh I got it, You think only this witch was the one who was concerned right! Someone doesn't even feel the need of meeting me!")

Veeransh chuckled at his sarcasm and opened his arms wide. That simple gesture was enough for Agastya to leap into his embrace, squeezing him tightly like a bullet train, aggravating the concealed injury, which Veeransh expertly masked.

"I missed you, bhai, and finally when we met you..." a solitary tear slipped down his cheek.

"I missed you too, chhote (buddy)" He said while patting Agastya's shoulder as they pulled apart.

To lighten the emotional atmosphere, Sumitra ji interjected
"Alright, now atleast let them come inside, or you want to stay here."

She performed the aarti, applying a tilak on their foreheads, as they bent and touched her feet.

"Always be happy!" Sumitra Ji caressed their heads.

Just as they were about to step inside, Sumitra ji halted them, causing surprise among the gathering.

"Stay there! Nia cannot come inside!"

At Sumitra ji's signal, two female attendants dressed in traditional Rajasthani attire approached, each carrying items in their hands. They set the kalash and thaal of kumkum at the gate, and their purpose was clear.

"Shaadi ke baad Pehli baar Rajasthan ki hone wali Hukum Rani Sa ka Grehpravesh aise hi thodi hoga!"Sumitra ji explained with a smile. Nia glanced at her, puzzled, yet nodded in agreement.

("It's the first time Rajasthan's future queen is going to perform her Grehpravesh, which is not supposed to be like this only!")

As soon as her feet made contact with the kalash, a loud crash erupted from behind. Their large family portrait shattered on the floor, sending a wave of foreboding through everyone's hearts about the journey that lay ahead.

"Yeh toh bas shuruaat hai Sumitra ji, Iss Mahal ko shamshaan na bana Diya, toh main bhi apne baap ki beti nahin!" A spark of delight flickered in her eyes, which wasn't actually noticed by anyone except one. Just when Veeransh interwined his fingers with hers.

("This is just the beginning, Sumitra ji. If I don't change this palace into a morgue, then I'm not my father's daughter!")

Her gaze remained fixed on him as they took their first step inside, accompanied by the sound of a conch shell in the background. Her feet traced the red markings on the white cloth spread across their path. Everyone was brimming with various hopes and aspirations.

"Nia, take Veeransh to his room. We'll get ready with the dinner till then!" Sunidhi's commanding tone was enough to motivate Nia, who rolled her eyes and nodded in compliance.

Yet there was someone closely observing her every move; Veeransh, without a word, walked directly upstairs, leaving her hand. His emotions, as always, were inscrutable to anyone around. Sunidhi shot Nia a menacing glare, which she shrugged off, pretending not to notice.

"Yeh ladki ek mauka nahin chhodti us bechare ko dard dene ka! Bilkul apne baap par gayi hai, huh!"
Sunidhi muttered under her breath, reprimanding Nia for her impolite behavior.

("This girl never leave any chance, to hurt my poor son! She's just like her father,huh!")

Grabbing her by the arm, Sunidhi pulled Nia aside and whispered fiercely,
"Listen carefully, now that these people are your own, you must conduct your relationship sincerely, Understand?" Nia, already irked by the rituals and unwanted connections, jerked her arm from Sunidhi's grip.

"Well, Mrs. Sunidhi Singh, let me remind you..Nia Singh never succumbs to anyone's pressure, now or ever! And which relationship are you referring to? The one that you broke that day or the one where I was bound against my will? Tell me?" Sunidhi found herself speechless, Nia smiled smugly.

"What happened? Go on!" she exclaimed. "And by the way, I've experienced enough to live alone...So I don't feel any need to build a relationship with anyone here!"

She turned to leave.

"Your belongings have been arranged in Veeransh's room, I don't want any argument! Whether by compulsion or not, you have to make this marriage work, Nia!" This time, Nia remained silent as her phone rang.
Hearing the news from another end of the call, a triumphant smile appeared on her face.

"See you tomorrow!" she answered cheerfully.

Dinner had concluded, and everyone was heading to their rooms, but a hint of mischief lingered in the air. Sugandha had opted out of their scheme, choosing to get some beauty sleep instead of engaging in their futile plan.

"Is everything in place?" Sumitra ji asked Ananya and Agastya, who were attempting to spy on Veeransh's room from behind a pillar.

"Yes, sweetheart! I've taken care of everything... now we just need to wait for the right moment! Fir toh..." Agastya replied, stifling a yawn before singing,

"So gayaa....yeh jahan, so gaya.... aasman, so gayi yeh..."
Leaving his unfinished lyrics hung in the air, Sumitra ji and Ananya playfully slapped his cheeks from both sides. Poor Agastya pouted, a finger resting on his lips.

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NIA'S POV

In that instant I opened the door, an eerie silence enveloped me, the darkness palpable. As I struggled to find a light source, I attempted to activate my phone's flashlight.

"Kya khaak Mahal hai yeh? There's not even a single light! But wait, there was plenty outside," I grumbled to myself, desperately holding onto the drapes of my saree, which threatened to slip off at any moment.
("What kind of palace is this?"

"Ek toh yeh pata nahin konse kapde pehnne pad rahe hain, Hey Mahadev!" I exclaimed in frustration, running my fingers through my untamed hair.

("Why do I have t wear all this? God!")

At last, the flashlight illuminated the switchboard next to the bedside table. With a content smile, I took a step forward, but suddenly something crashed into me from behind, sending me crashing onto the bed under a heavy weight.

"Aaaaaaaaaa!" Our scream howled in the room. Recognizing a familiar voice, I swung the flashlight up to illuminate the face hovering over me.

For a brief moment, I sighed deeply, seeing Veeransh beside me. But as reality hit me, my eyes widened in anger at his close proximity, filled with the urge to shove him off me as quickly as I could, my fists clenching in irritation.

"Tu toh gaya beta!!" Veeransh muttered just as I tried to push him off my shoulders.
("You're dead, kid!")

"Abe Oh Undertaker ki aulaad! Hato mere upar se, Jaan loge kaya?"

I shouted, pushing him aside while observing that he struggled to get off me, stumbling back as his left shoulder throbbed in pain.
("Hey You undertaker's offspring! Get off me, You'll kill me!")

"A..b..Tumhein hamesha mere airport par hi kyun land hona hota hai?" He retorted, his brows furrowed in confusion as my eyes narrowed at him.

("Uuh... why do you always have to land at my airport?")

He was the one who had fallen on me, and now he was blaming me like a shameless brat. Nevertheless! What else could I have expected from him. We both quickly straightened up from the bed, adjusting our clothes.

In a panic, he switched on the light, as my fiery glare landed on him. I could notice the beads of sweat on his face as his wide eyes scanned the lavish room, completely decorated in a romantic theme, with the bed adorned in rose petals shaped like a heart.

The soft glow of dim yellow lights filled the room, accompanied by the scent of candles that evoked a romantic ambiance, yet all it did was drive me to the edge.

I was consumed by a fierce rage, as if my entire being were immersed in boiling lava. The man before me ignited a fury within that felt all too overwhelming. In a moment of uncontrolled emotion, I hurled a vase from the table into the wall, shattering it against the mirror. My reflection fractured in the shards, revealing his back, which only intensified my ire.

"What the hell is this??? If you've forgotten, let me remind you that this marriage is nothing but a facade!" I yelled, my voice echoing off the walls in a frenzy. Yet, he seemed unfazed, and eventually responded.

"Ho gaya tumahara? Ab main bolun? So listen... I don't know who did this, I was busy in my online meeting." His attempt to explain fell on deaf ears as I erupted even louder, cutting him off.
("Are you done speaking? Now may I open my mouth?")

"Oh great! Do you really think I'll believe you, Mr. Raghuvashi?" He took a step closer, but I raised my hand in warning, stopping him in his tracks.

"Arey agar itni hi Aag lagi thi mere saath Suhaagraat manane ki toh ek baar mujhse keh dia hota, yah tumhein yeh lagta hai ki main itni giri hui aurat hun jise tum firse blackmail karoge aur main tumhare bed par bichh jau..!" My anger had completely blinded me. I shouted uncontrollably, my words spilled out unchecked, by cutting them this time Veeransh erupted.

("If you were so eager to spend our wedding night together, you could have at least asked me. Did you think so little of me that you'd try to blackmail me like this and I will come to your bed?")

"NIAAA!!" His roar reverberated through the room, his eyes glistening red with unshed tears and anger.

HE HAD ROSE HIS HAND ON ME?

Although he ultimately refrained from hitting me, but the intensity of his reaction left me profoundly shaken. I couldn't bear to meet his furious gaze; my eyes instinctively darted away.

I turned to leave, but it was too late. The devil within him stirred as he suddenly spun me away from my grasp, causing my nose to collide painfully with his chin.

"Aur Jiska darr tha wahi hua!"

My royal blue saree was completely disheveled due to his abrupt movement, sliding off my shoulder, hung precariously between us, threatening to fall to the ground at any moment. I was trembling, feeling vulnerable only in my blouse and skirt, standing far too close to him. His intense rage was palpable in the dim yellow light, evident in his expressions and the tight grip he had on my arm.
But Thankfully, not even once shifting down, his gaze remained locked on my face only.

The silence shattered when his growl voice reverberated in my ears.

"Nafrat karti ho mujhse, pata tha. Lekin itna ghatia sochti ho, yeh nahin janta tha." His voice was laced with hatred as he clenched his jaw.
("I understand that you hate me, but you think of me this poor, this I never imagined!")

"Aurat ki izzat par hath daalne wale ko yeh Veeransh Raghuvanshi zinda gaad deta hai. Aur tumhein lagta hai ki tum jaisi ladki ke liye main itna gir jaunga?"
He stepped forward, closing the distance between us.

("Anyone who dare to ruin any women's dignity, this Veeransh Raghuvanshi buries that person alive! And you think I will stoop this low for a girl like you!?")

However what he said next, leaning in close to my ear, rendered me speechless!

"Suhaagraat, hmm? Ab jab tum mujhe itna neech samajh hi chuki ho, toh tumhari yeh isha bhi poori kar hi deta hun!
C'MON LET'S CELEBRATE OUR FIRST NIGHT...BIWI!"

("First night, hmm? Now that you have declared me this cheap, let me fulfil your this desire too! C'mon wifey, let's celebrate our first night!")

Before I could process his words, his cold finger traced down my arm, igniting a wave of nervousness and loathing as I squirmed under his grip. His other hand slid around my bare waist, tightening its hold, his eyes locked onto mine.

Unintentionally his touch reacted as if my every nerve ending was suddenly awakened , my skin tingling in response to his every move. His fingers, soft yet cold, grazed my skin like a feather -light whisper. The shiver spread from where he touched me, I could feel my heartbeat quickening, My body was betraying my mind, I was left grappling with a storm of conflicting emotions-a mixture of desire and resistance, yearning and fear. But I fought back ,jerking away my thoughts.

"Mr. Raghuvanshi, leave me I said! Just take your filthy hands off me!" My nails dug into his shoulders as I desperately tried to break free from his embrace.

But he was consumed by anger; because this time, I had challenged his character. Hearing those words again flushed his face red. His fingers brushed from my arm to my exposed back, edging dangerously close to my waistband, pushing my patience to its limit. I clawed at his shoulder, wishing I had something in my hand to drive into him. This man seemed oblivious, a disgusting smirk plastered on his face that drove me wild.

His hand on my waist was draining the strength from my body, while the other trailed along my waistband, brushing against my navel as for the last time his hand tugged under my skirt pulling me even closer. Which left me gasping for breath and tears flooding my eyes.

"Mr...." I shouted, but in an instant, his eyes diverted from my face, and he jerked away from me, pushing me onto the bed. My back hit the mattress with a thud, and I squinted in disbelief.

With each step he took towards me, my heart raced. I couldn't reconcile this harsh reality with the Veeransh I had known for years. What I had said was merely a fleeting reaction; I didn't mean it. He was a man who had always treated women with respect, yet this was not the Veeransh I recognized.

Frustration bubbled over as I yelled,
"Yeh hai tumhara asli ghinauna chehra, Mr. Veeransh Raghuvanshi! Tum jaise mard aurat ko khilauna samjhte ho! Khel liya aur phenk diya!"

("This is your real filthy side Mr.Veeransh Raghuvanshi! Woman is mere a toy for men like you! Who play and throw them!")

Yet my words seemed to bounce off him, and his silence only fueled my fury. He drew even closer, and as I closed my eyes, I felt his body hovering over mine. His breath tickled my chest, his intoxicating scent overwhelming me. Just as suddenly, he backed off, standing upright away from the bed.

My teary eyes widened in shock as I realized

HE WAS HOLDING A PILLOW!

Yes, he was taking the pillow beside me. In the blink of an eye, he yanked the blanket from beneath me and slammed the door behind as he left.

I lay on the bed, still reeling from what had transpired. As I swiftly jumped off the bed to catch sight of my reflection in the broken mirror, a wave of guilt and realization crashing over me.

I was fully draped in the saree that had been so carelessly displaced moments before.

"So he was helping me wear the sare? when I thought he was touching me inappropri...? Shit, Niaa!" I chastised myself, grappling with the misunderstanding.

As the seconds went by, the anger, guilt, faded like distant echoes, but a part of me couldn't help but admire his unexpected skill in draping a saree.
How effortlessly he had draped the fabric, beautifully accentuating my curves. So do without looking below my face, despite the fact , he had a good chance. He was my husband whose own wife stood almost naked front of him, but he maintained his still composure like a true gentleman.

"Wait! Am I admiring him?? No no...You are moving out of track Nia!" I cursed myself on my own thoughts.

"Ek baar phir maine use galat samjha... Kaise soch liya ki...!" I shook my head, forcing the thoughts away, reminding myself of my purpose in marrying him.

("I got him wrong again this time...How could I think such....!")

"No, Nia, you cannot let him control you! Never! Just forget everything that happened and focus on your reason behind marrying him! YOU HATE HIM!!!"

I screamed, tossing the crumpled bedsheet to the floor. Rose petals raining over me, like shedding every last shred of sympathy for him from my heart.

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To be continued....

Please let me know how was the chapter...it encourages 💖

So what surprises their marriage holds, and where this forced knots will take them?

💙Lots Of Love💙