INAYAT'S POV

My life has been a mess lately.

I was in Los Angeles for an important deal, when I received a call from our family lawyer. My parents had left their will before leaving the world. It seemed so strange, as if they knew they were going to die.

I was just 5, when both my parents died in an accident or that's what we were told. I and my sister lived in an orphanage for around 6 months, before our paternal uncle took us with them taking care of us like their own children.

According to the will, my parents wanted me and Aashika to marry the oberoi brothers and only then we would get our shares of property.

Aashika had rights over 75 percent of the RAI estate while I had the rest 25 percent. Why such division? Well I don't know.

Maybe they loved her more.

Aashika was only 18 months when our parents died. Those 6 months in the orphanage were dreadful for me. We hardly got enough to eat. Most of the children there were malnourished. Many a times, the orphanage staffs would ask us to work and if we denied, we were humiliated.

Aashika doesn't remember anything related to the orphanage, but I do.

I remember each night I cried to sleep and then woke up at midnight due to nightmares.

I remember each time the staffs humiliated me and tried to harass me.

I remember each second when I pleaded them not to hurt me but my cries were unheard.

I remember each day I would wake up praying to god that it was all a dream.

The tears I shed during those months were the only times I cried. After that I never felt the need to cry.

Why to show emotions when no one is there to pay heed to it?

Why to show weakness when you know people are going to use it against you?

My mind was jumbled with thoughts trying to contemplate the events of the day and future this matrimonial held, when suddenly the car's door opened.

My attention shifted towards Mr. Oberoi, who was standing near the cars door, his hand stretched out indicating me to step out of the car. He really was a gentleman, at least that was what he showed.

I accepted his hand, coming out of the car, gracefully handling my heavy attire. My bangles and anklets jingled creating a playful and soothing sound between the deadly silent environment.

We walked hand in hand towards the main gate, only to notice my brother in law and sister had already arrived and were having dinner. Aashika looked as if she was being forced to eat by someone.

"Where are mom and dad?", Zain asked his brother, who looked unfazed by his question.

"Well, we very well know that Mrs. Oberoi was never interested in the household affairs and Dad, he went to sleep as he was tired.", he replied.

Nobody could have ever known that the Oberoi's were getting married. The house looked as if it was a funeral rather.

What I noticed was that the brother's didn't share a good bond with their mother. There surely was something more to this piece of information.

Zain went upstairs, while I stood their for a while, my gaze roaming around the house. My eyes fell on Aashika, the bruises on her face still visible.

She lifted her face as our gaze locked, I had never seen her eyes so empty and emotionless. Today I saw my reflection in her's.

"Bhabhi.", Dhairya called me, braking my trance.

"I loved the way you killed that bastard whom she was trying to run away with. You really are something", he said in amusement

"Finally I will have someone in the house who matches my vibe", he said grinning.

I heard him out, a satisfying smirk making it's way on my lips seeing Aashika still sitting motionless, face void of an expression.

"of course, I can't let a kid harm our family's reputation", I replied with a slight sass, making my way upstairs. The door of his room was slightly ajar, indicating he was inside.

I opened the door a little more, peeking in only to find Zain sitting on the couch cross legged, working on his laptop.

Spectacles clung loosely to the bridge of his nose, as his eyes were focused on the laptop screen, the bright light illuminating his features.

He had now changed into more comfortable clothes, a white polo T-shirt along with black sweat pants.

I opened the door wide, entering inside. The jingling of my jewels caught his attention as he looked at me, his eyes shifting from the screen.

I entered inside, standing at the entrance for some time, contemplating what to do.

I had never felt nervous in my life but today I felt unusually jittery.

'Get a grip on yourself woman', my subconscious reminded.

I finally walked towards the vanity, sitting on a stool chair, ready to remove the makeup.

Firstly, I unpinned my heavy duppatta, keeping it aside. The blouse was not that revealing, but still was a little deep neck.

I removed the gold necklace followed by earrings, kamar bandh and other small ornaments, keeping them delicately at a side.

All this while Zane's eyes were on the mirror. I lifted my gaze meeting his reflection's.

"Trying to seduce me now are you?", he said in his deep, husky voice.

"I don't need to Mr. Oberoi, i'm a person who get's what I want without asking for it", I smirked catching him off guards , nobody held the power to get me flustered.

I got up, ready to take out some fresh clothes to change into.

"Can you forgive yourself for separating two people in love?", he asked with a hint of dismay and disagreement.

"You might not know me well, your brother does", I began taking out my clothes.

"I know you are into mafia, but that doesn't allow you to kill someone so innocent.", he raised his voice slightly, his voice was icy cold holding a glint of hatred.

I let out a humorless chuckle

"In making things the way we want, a few innocents needs to get killed ", my tone held bitterness, malice and hatred.

I was an innocent kid when God took away my parents from me. My parents were also innocent, weren't they?

I was at no fault, still I had to live a miserable life, so why should I care who gets killed or not.

I don't kill because I want thrill out of it. I only use weapons when things get out of hand, isn't this justifiable.

I finally took out a grey satin night suit and went inside the closet to change, leaving him in his thoughts.

I came out, changed into comfortable clothes. Zain was still on the couch, though he no more had his laptop with him.

"You can take the bed Inayat, I'll sleep on the couch.", He suggested.

"We are husband and wife Zain, and until you are tempted to divorce me after a few months or something, we can share the bed.", I declared unfazed by his glare.

"The divorce system doesn't work in this family", he snapped.

"So don't even think about it 'Ardhangini'., his tone dropped a little when he said that. My stomach got butterflies when he called me 'Ardhangini', why? I don't know.

"I don't intend to do so Mr. Oberoi", I spoke slightly in daze.

We made our way towards the bed..

without any words shared, I took the left side of the bed, covering myself with a duvet.

The right side of the bed dipped indicating his presence.

"good night", I said turning towards my side.

"Soo paaayengi aap ek khoon krne ke baad", his tone held a sense of mock.

"Aadat si hai hame", I declared.

I wasn't habitual of frequent killing but to sleepless nights.

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TIME WHEN AASHIKA AND DHAIRYA ARRIVED

The car came to a halt, as it approached the Oberoi estate.

Aashika was silent, her eyes heavy with unshed tears. She heard the sound of opening and closing of the door at the opposite side.

Dhairya stepped out of the car, coming to the other side opening the door for Aashika to come out. Aashika tried to adjust her heavy lehnga, but was pulled harshly by her husband such that she came out of the car at once.

She let out a yelp, trying to balance herself by putting her hands on Dhairya's shoulder. Their eyes met sending a shiver down her spine. Dhairya's eyes were burning with rage. He looked at her with malice as he spoke.

"You have a habit of wasting time woman, don't you?", his tone held furry as the words slipped out his mouth.

Aashika felt intimidated by him.

They entered the house, more like he was dragging her with him.

"What's this behavior Dhairya?", his father yelled at him.

"Learn how to respect people, don't try to show your dominance in my house.", Shrikant scolded his son for the first time in his life.

He never raised his voice at his sons. Not because he never intended too discipline them, rather he was too busy with other affairs that he could never take out time for his family. So for whatever time he got with his sons, he spoke to them affectionately, giving them gifts and showing them some much needed care.

Aastha was not in the hall. She was inside her room, and had no intention to interact with anyone. She was always the distant parent.

Dhairya never cared about her, but today he felt her absence truly, not because it was his marriage and all but, because he wanted some support or shield from his father's rebuke. His friends always went to their mother's embrace complaining after their father scolded them.

He always felt jealous seeing other children with their parents. Even though he had everything a person can think of but was deprived of families love.

He was frustrated, so much that he ran upstairs to his room closing the door shut with a loud thud.

"He is just a baby", his father said shaking his head.

"Beta, don't mind him please. And if he tries to do something stupid do tell me. I know you might have your reasons for trying to escape which was definitely wrong. But now start a new beginning ok.",

he addressed her gently. Aashika's eyes finally showed some emotions. She was grateful to her FIL for understanding her.

"Thank you uncle.", she thanked him, her voice heavy with emotions.

"No need to thank me beta. And call me dad. We are a family now.", he said patting her shoulder.

"Don't forget to have your dinner. I am a little tired, so I will meet Zain tomorrow.", he informed her.

"Oky un.. dad.", Aashika smiled faintly , first time after the marriage.

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She was now standing at the door of his room or now should she call it their room.

She opened the door with a lot of courage ready to face whatever comes her way.

She entered the room only to find no one around.

She frowned unable to comprehend where had her husband went.

Suddenly with a sharp pull she got pinned to the wall. It was DHAIRYA, who seemed to be a little drunk.

"How dare you try to snatch my father", he growled making Aashika shut her eyes in fear.

"What are you .. you try... trying to imply, I don't understand", she said gathering some confidence.

DHAIRYA let out a humorless chuckle.

"I wont let you snatch my family. You are a coward trying to run away from your own marriage, staking your and my family's reputation. You are CHARECTER LESS!!", he blabbered in his drunk state.

"I hate you Aashika .. I bloody hate you", he said before leaving the room

Aashika let out a horrified sob, her dam of patience finally breaking.

She removed her jewels sobbing.

She got into the bathroom letting cold water cascade down her body.
She hoped that the pain of losing people she loved would go away.

Finally she came out of the shower, wiping her hair from towel.

She came out wearing fresh clothes.

As she made her way outside, she found him standing leaning against the wall. His eyes clearly showed his hatered towards her.

As their eyes met, he remained awestruck for a moment. Water droplets rested on her forehead, her hair wet , her wheatish skin glistening in the dim light of room. She looked like an enchantress. Her eyes were bloodshot, a testament of her breakdown.

He felt a little uneasy looking at her eyes.

But what he noticed was, her bruises were no more present.

He kept mum and chose not to intrude in her personal life.

"Listen woman! whatever happens between us should remain in the confines of these 4 walls only. If you try to gain sympathy, then sadly you won't get it. Cause no one in here cares", he stated, his tone was light yet firm.

"And don't you dare cry in front of my dad.", he warned.

"Come now the dinner is ready", he told getting a nod of affirmation from her.

They both walked towards the dining room. He was walking ahead her while she was looking down. Suddenly she tripped a little .

"Careful", DHAIRYA held her arms , steadying her.

"No need of a drama in front of me wifey... I very well know your tactics.", he said with disgust leaving her arm.

She had never felt this humiliated.

"Mumma why did you leave me ?" , she thought while walking with him now.
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Sooooo peeps 2294 words
Longest ch I've ever written in any book.

So your views and votes are mandate now....

Twists and turns would be there on every step.. be ware .... 😈😈

Bbyeee babygurlsss...

Yours
Praya
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