Salaam everyone... How are you all?? Well, I'm back to the business...
Thank you so much for loving the story so far... :)

Happy reading amigos...

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Radhika keeping her word of not sleeping on the bed made her way to the sofa that she so staunchly hated earlier. Arjun let out an exhausted sigh watching his wife. What can he do when he got a stubborn woman as his wife? Even if he ever succeeded in making her believe that those are not the words he was thinking to speak to her, he is so sure she is going to take sofa as her bed even then. That night changed the equation between them, after all. She didn't voice out her feelings but she is so transparent about her feelings. She is jealous of his stalker. He chuckled reminiscing the way his wife led the lady out of the party. (If only he knew to what extent his wife has gone to get rid of his stalker.) One thing he feared the most at the party was about the stalker. He didn't want her to make a scene in the party that hosted almost every minister of the state and the reporters who are waiting for a scandal to break out. Thankfully she didn't make a scene and he breathed a sigh of relief when she left the party. Even a blind man could see the advances she had thrown to him. He is so lucky to have a wife like Radhika who has firm feet not only in her career but also to deal with her family matters. Is it only she who can do such things so effortlessly or every female is blessed with that intuition? He doesn't want to think about any other woman as long as Radhika is on his side. He loves her so fiercely that no power on earth can separate him from her, other than Radhika, of course, who is hell bent to put a distance between them. What can he do to make her trust him like a woman trusts her man? He has to wait for the right time to move on to the next step. God only knows how he will endure this pain of keeping distance between them.

On the other side, Radhika made herself comfortable on the sofa, the sofa doesn't trouble her any more than her husband. How dare he talk to her so shamelessly? He wants to make love to her? When did they become so close that he is harbouring such thoughts? Truth to be told, she is equally besotted with him, that doesn't mean she talk such things aloud. She will go through gates of hell before discussing such thoughts with him. On the contrary, she didn't feel offended a bit by his proclamation; instead, she felt a thrill pass through her body when he said those words. He looked so cute when he closed his eyes so tight maybe expecting a blow from her side. She wanted to laugh so hard that time but held back her chortle because she didn't want him to be embarrassed any further. Even if he wanted, she would not have kicked him for sure. But she steeled herself of the emotions he is evoking in her; she cannot move this charade forward when she knew at the back of her mind he can never be hers. She didn't want to be rude to him either when he said she will be with him very soon but she didn't want his feelings to take another form before she can constrict those feelings. So she snapped ruthlessly, she didn't expect his anger at that point. She thought she saw some pain cross his beautiful eyes that bore into her very soul whenever he saw her. When he asked about not talking about such things for the first time, she was in a dilemma to witness such an angry expression on his face. That was the first time to see him so angry, after all. When he asked her the second time, she knew she should answer him in positive or else he would have busted into fits of anger. And so she did the same and answered him yes. He cooled his anger and was back to his naughty self. God!! Will she ever get tired of his naughty nature?? She hoped against hope that she doesn't get enough of him for eternity. She should keep her distance from him now, that dance already put her nerves on fire, and she didn't want her body to burst into flames when he touches her when they lie on the same bed. And so here she is on the blasted sofa which is not at all comfortable when she is trying to twist her body to the other side. She let out a yawn and let herself drift into sleep where she is romancing her husband without any barriers between them.

When Arjun thought Radhika has drifted to sleep, he scooped her in his arms and made his way to the bedroom. She snuggled more into him making him want to kiss her lips that are touching his neck now. He knew she will go mad when she sees herself on the bed; he can take that risk but not her health. She would wake with her nerves jammed in all places if she continues to sleep on the sofa. Ah!! That is another matter he would love to massage her body when she wakes up next day. Not a bad idea, he would implement that in future when they have an argument on some silly issue and also when they had professed their love to each other. He chuckled deep in his throat and thought Radhika woke up when she stirred against him again. Thank heavens!! She didn't wake up now.

That night brought the two souls together with renewed feelings. If only they knew how to put past their fears and confess their love.

Next day Radhika woke up only to see herself in her husband's arms; she thought she is dreaming about him again. But when his face is so close and his breath is fanning her face, she closed her eyes tight and opened them again so as to make sure she is just dreaming. Instead, she got to see the same, his face hovering over her shoulder. That bloody idiot brought her to bed in the middle of the night!! No wonder she slept so peacefully without her nerves jamming in all the places. But she is not the one who will encourage this, so she woke him up. He rubbed his sleepy eyes and flashed her smile that melted her cold heart immediately.

'Good morning doll.' Said Arjun drawing her close to his body.

'Very bad morning Mr. Prince. Answer me this question- how did I end up in bed when I undoubtedly remember sleeping on the sofa?' asked Radhika all the while wriggling in his arms.

Whatever the remaining traces of sleep Arjun had on his eyes flew away from the window and he bolted out to sit straight on the bed. He only hoped the headrest provide him with some support to sit straight. He couldn't give his wife the satisfaction of taunting him every day and so he thought to answer her in a different way that makes her shut her mouth without any further questions. God!! No guy should ever marry a journalist. All he gets is questions and questions and then more questions, obviously.

'Maybe you are sleep walking Radhika. Go and consult a doctor, why do you keep asking me such questions? I think you are unable to keep yourself away from me for a long time and so you came back to bed at some point in time at night.' There, he said it. His heart is pounding so loudly that he feared Radhika would have heard that too. How do people lie so easily when he almost had a heart attack when he spoke those words on her face? One day he will announce an award for the best liar in the world for people who lie so easily.

When he saw her face, he knew that he tongue-tied her; before she recovers from the shock he should leave the room or else he would get his share of kicking and also kicks from last night included. So he left the room as normally as possible. She is still in the daze of his words. He only hoped that she doesn't bring up the topic again. He is not so lucky, of course, poor he.

'Oh!! Hello!! Wait up.' Called Radhika from his behind.

He should have locked himself in the bathroom when he had a chance but now there is nothing he can do other than face her. Why is his fate so against him these days? He wants to cry like a baby just to make sure his wife will pity him for once. But no!! He is not a meek guy, so he will face her.

"Keep telling that to yourself Arjun." Chided his brain.

"This brain came in again, shit; he should have known he has two enemies in his body itself. One is his mind and the other his heart, obviously." Thought Arjun.

He turned to Radhika with a smile on his face.

'Yes?' said Arjun keeping a good arm's length distance from her.

'Stop smiling like a fool Mr. Prince.' Snapped Radhika.

His face fell when she uttered those words.

She regretted immediately when those words left her mouth. She should definitely keep her big mouth in check from later on.

'Okay.' Said Arjun with a low voice that is merely a whisper.

'Sorry, I shouldn't have snapped at you. But do you think I am really sleep walking?' asked Radhika even though she knew that is not the question she was about to ask him.

She could say her words took him by surprise. What did he expect then? She would pounce on him for uttering those words. She would have done that earlier, not now when she knows she is hopelessly in love with this man.

Arjun crossed the room in a couple of strides and stood before her. He put his hand on her forehead to check her temperature. When he made sure, she is not suffering from fever and he is not hallucinating all this, he laughed out loud making Radhika rooted to her place wondering about what is happening.

'Are you sure you are MY Radhika? Or you got exchanged to some other person when I'm in my dreams?'

This brought out the pent up anger in Radhika. How dare him! How dare he think she got exchanged to some other!!

In all this, she failed to see Arjun calling her his Radhika.

'Arjun!! You idiot!!'

She was about to punch his shoulder when he caught her hands in a swift motion. She took her hands from his and backed away from his oh-so-beautifully-craved body.

'Sorry, reflexes... You can beat me all you want, but answer me this- why did you say sorry when you know there is no fault of yours?'

He knows her too well to ask her that. What should she answer him now? She cannot go and say directly that she loves him and so the change in her behaviour. So she shut her mouth and tried to concentrate on other things instead of his eyes that are watching her with so much amusement in them. Damn him for laughing on her nervousness!!

'Nothing. You are about to use the washroom, will you go or shall I go in instead?'

Arjun swallowed his reply in his throat itself. God!! He should make her his very soon, or else he would go mad imagining her in his arms every single time. He didn't feel this attracted to any woman in his life. He will definitely make her his when he sets all the things right in their places.

'Don't you have any questions now?'He should definitely seal his mouth with wax.

'No, I better be off to my office as early as possible, I have very important work.' Said Radhika and ran to the washroom.

She closed the bathroom door and stood against it to calm her nerves. Stupid heart!! Why does it flutter and skip a beat whenever Arjun is so close to her.

"Just calm your bloody nerves Radhika." She berated herself.

Their breakfast is a silent one with Pawan watching them to and fro only to get silent killer looks directed towards him. Where did he get himself into? These two dumb heads will not confess their love to each other and make a delicious meal out of people like him. God has created such a wonderful pair only to kill him with their looks. He gulped hard when Radhika threatened him with a fork gesturing she will force the fork into his mouth if he does not close it. He is in living hell with both of these nut heads on his side.

Radhika ran out of the house as if she was haunted by some devil on her back. When she left, Pawan turned to Arjun only to find him looking at Radhika wistfully.

'To earth lover boy.'

'Oh just up Pawan.'

'Alright then, I'll not talk about anything. Let's get our work started. Shall we?'

"Most probably all his ancestors would be turning in their graves watching their successor smitten with a common woman." Thought Pawan.

They made way to their office only to be greeted by Food and Civil supplies minister in Arjun's cabin. Before Arjun could say something, Pawan took over.

'I guess I made myself very clear that Mr. Mehra will meet you only after one week Mr. Khanna.' Said Pawan with all-business tone.

'It's not about that Mr. Agarwal, I came to invite Mr. Mehra for a dinner. My wife is excited to meet Mr. Mehra and his lovely wife.'

Before Pawan could retort something, Arjun stopped him and turned the invitation from his side.

'It will be my absolute pleasure to meet your wife Mr. Khanna. But my wife will be happy if you join us for dinner in our house.' said Arjun.

When Pawan was about to protest, he held out his hand and continued his talking...

'Mr. Khanna, we will discuss your plan on the dinner night itself. Make sure you bring in all the documents.'

'Sure Mr. Mehra. I'll definitely be there on time, thank you so much for considering my request.' Said Mr. Khanna and gave a scathing look to Pawan.

Pawan answered him with a blistering look of his own. When he left the cabin, Pawan started his list of abuses on Arjun.

'Arjun, do you even understand what you are going to approve? I didn't take you as a fool but you proved it now.' said Pawan fuming.

'Chillax my brother!! When did I say I approved his plan? I only said I will discuss the plan with him. And then we have our minx to handle matters such as this with so much efficiency. Then what is there to think twice? I am sure my shrew will pull this off.'

'Ah!! You trust her so much. She is really lucky to have you as her husband. Why don't you both confess your love and get it over with? Even your stalker got to see the love between you both. Speaking of that, I forgot to give you blockbuster news.' Said Pawan clapping his hands.

'And what is that?' said Arjun ignoring the confession part spoken by Pawan. If Pawan is not bubbling with happiness to share this news, he would have pushed Arjun for an answer.

Arjun doesn't know this side of Pawan, he only knows the brooding Pawan. This man is someone whom he got to see only after Radhika entered into their lives. His wife changed their lives for good, of course.

'Yesterday when I reached the hotel in which your stalker is residing....' paused Pawan.

'Then?' asked Arjun impatiently. This man is testing his patience levels. Has something happened to her? If it is true, then Pawan would not have been so happy. Then what made him so happy that he is relaying the information as if he is some daily soap serial director.

'There I got to see a policeman who is escorting her to the airport.' Said Pawan showing his teeth set clearly.

'She is arrested?'

Pawan facepalmed himself for these foolish words of Arjun. How did he ever make him his friend? This guy listens only to the half of the conversation.

'Arjun, wake up, she is escorted to the airport, she is safely tucked in her flight as well. And guess who did all these honours?'

Arjun's face split up into a smile and he hoped he is correct this time. This couldn't be the truth. Either he is dreaming or Pawan is exaggerating. No way in hell his wife can do that.

'Don't tell me it is my wife.'

'I'll have to say this because it is Radhika who asked the policeman to follow the lady. I got to know this when I reached the place but to make sure I inquired the policeman and he accepted it.'

'OMG!! She did that?'

'Yes. Now go and sing a duet with her you idiot.' Said Pawan and smirked.

Arjun is watching him wide-eyed. Where was this Pawan all this while?? He is talking all romance with him. He should find his bride very soon or else this monster will eat him with all romantic ideas.

'I will not. She will do that first. Wait and watch.' Said Arjun with a devilish smile.

Pawan nodded his head and laughed out loud. He should be there when Radhika proposes Arjun. What will she gift him? He smiled at these lovers and left Arjun's cabin to continue on with his work.

After the day's work both Arjun and Pawan reached the home only to see Radhika and Vikas talking to each other. Even though Arjun knows Vikas is only a friend of Radhika, he was unable to hold himself together whenever they both are in the same vicinity. When Radhika and Vikas saw Arjun and Pawan coming in, Vikas stood up to greet Arjun. Radhika is shocked to see Vikas that time, he is arrogant of all people she knows till date and he is offering every bit of respect he has towards people on Arjun. She should have been fainted by now because she saw Arjun and Vikas hugging like long lost buddies. Is she missing something here?

'Good to see you again Mr. Mehra. Hope you enjoyed yesterday's evening. I was unable to reach you when you were leaving due to some other work.' Said Vikas with a big smile on his face. Of course, he knew both his friend and Radhika enjoyed a lot, the dance said it all.

'Good to see you too Mr. Malhotra. As of enjoyment (looking towards Radhika), I enjoyed a lot yesterday.' Why not? He got to see the intensity of his wife's feelings, after all.

'I was just leaving. Came to drop Radhika. Have a nice day, sir. Bye.'

'There is no problem at all. (Smiling wide) Whoever is my wife's friend is my friend too. Bye.'

Radhika is damn sure that she is dreaming the whole scenario or else how can the two arrogant people came together and were talking to each other so amiably?

After Vikas left the house, it is Arjun's turn to become tensed. He has to share about the dinner plans with the minister and his wife with Radhika. Pawan is about to leave the house when he sensed that Arjun is going to blast the news to Radhika. He cannot stand on the same ground as Arjun when he is announcing dinner plans to his wife without even consulting her. God bless Arjun for the scene that is about to unfold.

Arjun is a step ahead of Pawan this time. He caught hold of Pawan's hand in his when he sensed he is about to sneak out. Why should he be the only one to endure his wife's wrath?

'Um Radhika!!' said Arjun with a loud voice as if he has done something wrong and is trying to cover it up.

'Stop yelling you, idiot. She will kick you before you announce the plans.' Whispered Pawan in Arjun's ears.

'What are you both whispering?'

'Nothing.' Said Pawan with a nervous smile on his face.

Radhika sensed something is amiss observing the faces of her husband and Mr. Spoon. She doesn't know the reason for that.

'Yes, Mr. Prince. What is it?'

Arjun pouted when he heard his title.

'Don't make faces and spill the beans already.' Said Radhika who is losing her patience slowly now.

'The matter is... Radhika....'

'Yes? Go on.'

'The matter is Food minister is coming for dinner after a week to our home along with his wife.' Said Arjun in a breath.

What did he say? That moron is coming to HER house for dinner. How can her husband be so foolish to invite such a louse to her house? And his wife, that drama queen who wants to be famous with her instagram photos is also coming. She will kill both of them with her bare hands if given a chance and also if she is not found guilty in court. She thought for a while and when she knew she got a master plan etched up in her mind she accepted. That louse and his drama queen wife will know their place during the dinner. Her husband will have fits of apoplexy if he hears her thoughts now. She smirked mentally at this thought.

Both Arjun and Pawan were gaping at her with their mouths open. They thought she will create a mess but looks like she has some plan in her mind. But they should confirm their doubts that they heard her right.

'Okay?' asked both Arjun and Pawan at the same time.

'Yes. Is there a problem?' Why is everyone after her every time? If she asks questions, they say she asks so many questions. If she doesn't ask questions, they gape at her like fools. What is she supposed to do?

'No.' Said Arjun and Pawan at the same time.

'Why are you both talking like a parrot that is learning how to speak? Tell me the truth; are you both taking any speech therapy lessons recently?'

'No, no, we are just shocked to see that you asked no further questions.' This time too they both spoke at the same time smiling sheepishly.

(Remember Arjun and Pawan as fat twin brothers' Tweedledum and Tweedledee from 'Alice in Wonderland')

One of them should seal their mouth from next question on, but who will be that lucky fellow?

Radhika gave up on these two fools and made her way to her room. Pawan left the house after breathing a sigh of relief. He will be fried alive if he stays any further in the house.

When Pawan left the house, Arjun made his way to the bedroom only to see Radhika humming romantic song and dancing cutely.

'Why did you accept the dinner with the minister?'

Radhika who is in her own world was startled by this question and turned to see her husband standing at the door frame covering the whole door space with his body. Such a body!!

"Stop drooling Radhika." Reprimanded her brain.

She cleared her throat and answered him.

'You startled me, you idiot. And answer the question- I've my reasons to accept that dinner.' Said Radhika with a slight smile on her lips.

'Oh!! You have your reasons, and you are not going to reveal them, I guess?'

'Yes.'

'Okay, leave that aside. Answer to this question, at least.'

'And people call me question bank.' Murmured Radhika.

Arjun smiled at her comment but kept quiet, she is so cute.

'Yes, I'll try my level best to answer your question. What is it?'

'Why did you hire a policeman to usher my stalker to the airport?'

'Hire? I don't hire people. He is my close confidante and also my uncle. He took this work on his shoulders by himself when he got to see your so-called mother in the party. That lady looked like a psychotic killer to him. If she was not packed and parcelled to the hospital, God knows how many people she would have bitten!!' said Radhika.

Arjun laughed holding his stomach at her words. He got such a cute woman as his wife.

'Alright, all the very best for the plan you sketched for the minister. I should see it implements perfectly.' Said Arjun, kissed her forehead and ran to the washroom.

Did he get to know her plan? No, no, she didn't talk that aloud. Then how come he knew she is planning something against the minister. This man is an enigma of the first sort.

After a week, Minister of food and civil supplies entered Arjun's farm house in the city unaware of the plan that was sketched by both Arjun and his wife.

Radhika is all smiles when she got to see the minister and his wife. At first, the minister's wife Pallavi thought she is dreaming. But when she pinched her husband and when he howled with high pitch, she knew she is not dreaming. She is indeed in front of Chief Minister of the state and his wife and also in their farm house. Her instagram account will flood with followers from next day on if she is able to snap the photos with Chief Minister and his wife.

Radhika arranged the dinner which she cooked with her own hands on the dining table. When Mr. Khanna and his wife Pallavi were about to start the dinner and Arjun is on the dining table with an empty plate in front of him.

'Mr. Mehra, you are not going to eat with us?' asked Pallavi with a pout.

"What does the woman think of herself? Is she giving any pose to a photo? Why is she pouting?" thought Arjun.

Before Arjun could answer, Radhika took over.

'Mrs. Khanna, it is our code to eat together. He will not take his dinner without me. It is husband-wife code, you see.' Said Radhika.

'Oh!! You are so romantic, Mr. Mehra. I hope my husband is half as romantic as you.' chimed in Pallavi again.

'What about Mr. Agarwal? Is he not going to dine either?' asked Mr. Khanna with a smirk on his face.

Radhika who saw that smirk thought to wipe that off but she has to maintain her patience till her plan is implemented.

'No Mr. Khanna, Pawan doesn't dine before Arjun. They take their dinner together as well. You see it is some sort of bro code.' Answered Radhika with an arrogant smirk of her own. No one messes with her relations.

Arjun and Pawan are bubbling with joy when Radhika finished her reply with flair and when they got to see the expression on Minister and his wife's face. What did he expect? Radhika will not taunt him if he is some Minister. Not even in dreams. Everyone is equal before Radhika Mehra.

Minister and his wife came to a conclusion not to open their mouths expect when they are taking their dinner. When they took the first bite of the dinner, they were so happy because the dinner is delicious.

Meanwhile, Radhika went to the kitchen to bring in some other dishes. Arjun taking this as cue went behind her and hugged her from the back.

'Thank you so much for defending Pawan, Doll. He is the only connection I have with my family now.' said Arjun and left her to sort out her thoughts about this man. He appears to be strong outside but inside he is soft as cotton. She is so lucky to get him as her husband.

She smiled wide and entered the dining room to serve the desert. When the dinner is complete, Mr. Khanna and Arjun made their way to the hall to discuss the plan. Pallavi is pestering Radhika for a pout selfie and God knows how many types of selfies that woman knows. Radhika is exhausted by the time Pallavi made it to her thirtieth selfie.

All this while Radhika is just waiting for her plan to succeed. When Pallavi asked her way to the washroom, she knew she is at the peak point to do some jingalala dance. On the other side, Mr. Khanna's position is no less. He is already moving in and out of the washroom holding his stomach.

Before both the wife and husband could question Radhika about dinner, she answered the question herself.

'Yes, the dinner is delicious, isn't it? Why will it not be? It is made with same groceries you use for mid-day meals, after all.' Said Radhika with a wider smirk.

The last sentence of Radhika drained the blood out of Mr. Khanna and his wife. So she knows about their schemes. Why not? She is a journalist and they have their foxes everywhere. How did they think she is innocent as the way she looks?

Mr. Khanna who had it all is angry.

The man has the audacity to be angry when he is on the wrong side!! The children who ate the mid-day meals are suffering from many diseases only because of the corrupted man standing in front of her. That man exchanged the food they got from the central government with a vendor and shared the money among other ministers of another party and him. In return, he replaced the groceries with low-quality ones from the same vendor. Oh!! How she wanted to smack his face when she got to know about this news some two and half years ago. Their channel even conducted a sting operation on the same. But the minister and others dodged the punishment using their authority. When she got to know the minister is coming for dinner to her house, she chalked out this plan to prepare the dinner with the same ingredients as they are using in the schools. She immediately got the items from one of the school's authority and stocked them in the farm house. If she would have stored them in her house, Arjun would have known her plan. She wanted this to be a surprise to him, so she planned it all in the farm house and now her plan bore the fruits of her choice.

'Mrs. Mehra, you will pay for this.' Said an enraged Mr. Khanna.

'Think twice before you threaten my wife Mr. Khanna.' Said equally pissed off Arjun. That was the time he was waiting for; he knew his wife is planning something against the minister. When she is keeping it under covers, he knew for sure she is planning something very big. But didn't expect this, she is a package of surprises. And the minister, he is snarling at his wife when he is on the wrong side.

Before the minister's wife could advance any further to physically handle Radhika, both Arjun and Pawan are in front of her acting as a shield to Radhika. They know Radhika can defend herself but there are these reflexes in their body to defend their loved ones.

'Not a step more Mrs. Khanna. You both will leave the property NOW.' snarled Arjun.

Mr. Khanna and Mrs. Khanna left the farm house without a backward glance.

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End of the twelfth chapter... Thank you so much for the love in the previous chapter... I didn't expect that even in my dreams... You should imagine me wiping my happy tears... ;) :D

As you all wanted me not to cut any scenes of Ardhika, I'm not going to do that... I just wanted to know your views on that, so asked in the previous chapter...

How did you like the punishment for the minister and his wife? I wanted to add some other issues too but went against it because I didn't want to impose all the crimes on the same person...

Aren't Arjun and Radhika cute in this chapter?? I loved them both especially in this chapter... :)

Hope you liked this chapter and it is to your expectations... This one is long chapter because of my absence last week... Bacchi hoon, maaf kar dijiye for the absence... ;)

Please drop your reviews on this chapter from the comments section below, and also share your love for the story through your votes...

I'm running wild now, guys you are awesome... Misconceptions is on 14th position in General Fiction... :D Thank you all so much for supporting the story so far... :) Loads of love from my side... :)

Love you all, have a great day ahead... :)