Hello friends...

I am finally back with the update.

I know it's been a very very long time and I apologize for that.

Do read the previous chapters to get a hang of this update.

And now that my mother is well, I would try to be regular with my stories' updates.

Let me know your reviews about this chapter, as I have struggled a lot to write this...

Enjoy the update...

VOWS OF HATRED...

CHAPTER 8

Ashi slowly opened her eyes to find Randeep already watching her lovingly. A charming smile appeared on her face and she snuggled closer in the safe cocoon of his arms. He gently rubbed her back, "Ashi... chalo utho... dekho already dus bajh gaye hai. Hume sightseeing ke liye bhi toh jaana hai."

Ashi just hummed in response and cuddled closer. Randeep understood that his better half was not ready to get up yet, so he tightened his hold on her too and closed his eyes. This was his home. He wanted to stay close to her and feel the warmth of her love for as many days he could. He wouldn't lose any chance to be with her for this period till their wedding.

After another hour, finally they got up and freshened up. They decided to have brunch as it was already afternoon and they both were very much starving.

They spent the next few days sightseeing and enjoying the beautiful views of Maldives. This trip was an eye opener for Randeep. He never imagined that he would get someone like Ashi who would love him so selflessly and unconditionally.

Ashi would be happy even with his small gestures like making coffee for her, feeding her with his own hands, selecting dresses for her, seeing to it that she was comfortable around him. Randeep had even started holding her hands publicly and his public display of affection had increased making Ashi feel secure and safe with him.

Even while spending this alone and quality time with Randeep, Ashi never forgot to call her father and ask about his health and whereabouts. She just couldn't neglect him while being away from him. He was her father who had sacrificed a lot for her. He was her responsibility.

Anand was happy hearing and watching his daughter's joyful camaraderie with Randeep whenever they were on video calls. He was content that they had finally found their soulmates in each other and now, he could easily move away from India and stay with his sister's family in London. He had already made all the arrangements for his shifting while Ashi wasn't even aware about it.

Anand was feeling guilty for whatever had happened with Purvi. Though his assistant was no longer working for him and his company, he couldn't forget what had transpired between them. Every time he closed his eyes, all the flashbacks of that night would be back, tormenting him to no end. He blamed himself for everything. He didn't know how he would tell this to his own daughter. He was scared of what Ashi would think about him? This guilt was killing him from inside and so, he had decided to move away from India. For now, he had no other option. Even if he wanted to stay close to his princess, he couldn't, not after that night.

The holiday trip at Maldives had come to an end for the lovebirds. Ashi and Randeep came back to Mumbai halfheartedly. They knew that it was going to be a little difficult to spend such alone and quality time here as they would be surrounded by people.

As Randeep and Ashi settled in the private jet for their return, their moods had turned gloomy. The last ten days were pure bliss for them. Cocooned in the private villa alone had given them enough time to get to know each other better.

Once the jet was in air, Randeep pulled Ashi in the small bedroom and hugged her tightly. "Ashi... I am going to miss this when we will be back in Mumbai." Ashi stroked his back, "Randeep... tum aise bol rahe ho jaise hum Mumbai jaakar waapis milne hi nahi waale hai."

Randeep tightened his hold on her, "Ashi... tum samajh nahi rahi ho. Inn dus dinon mein mujhe tumhari aadat si ho gayi hai. Subah... shaam... raat, hum saath rahe hai. Yeh dus din mere liye meri zindagi ke sabse behtarin din rahe hai Ashi. Jaise humne yahaan saath time spend kiya hai, wohh hume waapis jaakar spend karne nahi milega. Aur main tumhe wahaan sabke saamne thode aise kasskar hug kar sakta hun, jaise ab kar raha hun. Wahaan koi naa koi hamare aaspaas hoga, jo kabaab mein haddi banega. Ek baar waapis gaye toh hum dono busy ho jaayenge shaadi ke preparations mein. Mujhe toh kitni saari meetings wrap karni hai hamari shaadi se pehle. Kitna kaam hai aur..."

Ashi didn't let him finish his sentence and shut his rant with a passionate kiss. She moved her hands from his back to his shoulders and then wrapped them around his neck. She played with the ends of his hair which had become her favorite part while Randeep couldn't resist her any longer and deepened the kiss showing her exactly how much he loved her.

Soon, the kiss turned into a full session of make out in that small bedroom of the jet. Thousands of meters up high in the sky, they tried to fulfil their desires for each other.

After an hour or so, when they were back to their seats, Randeep spoke, "Ashi... main tumse roz milne aaunga. Ab main tumse ek din bhi durr nahi reh sakta. I need you by my side more than anything in this world. You... Ashi... you are my world."

Ashi's eyes teared up hearing his words. She had never imagined that a day would come when Randeep would say something like this to her. At first, even she had been doubtful about how he felt for her. And now, he expressed his feelings so openly which made her fall for him even more.

Randeep had always been a recluse, and now that scenario was changing. He was opening up at least in front of her which was a big surprise for him too. He had never thought that he would change for anyone so soon.

During the last ten days, he had forgotten all about his revenge. His whole and sole attention was on Ashi only. Many times, the memories of his mother flashed in his mind, especially when he talked to Anand, but he pushed it away. He was there to make memories with Ashi, so his revenge would've to wait till their marriage.

"Tum jab chaaho tab mujhe milne aa sakte ho Randeep. Main tumhe nahi rokungi, kyunki main bhi tumse mile bina reh nahi paaungi.", Ashi replied with a smile. All the while, they continued talking about their trip and their wedding preparations till the jet landed in Mumbai.

During the whole car ride towards the Singhania Mansion, Randeep didn't leave her hand. As soon as the car entered the mansion, Ashi noticed her father already waiting for them.

Ashi ran to hug her father, "Paa... aap kaise ho? Ab tabiyat thik toh hai naa?" Anand chuckled, "Princess... kal raat hi toh hamari baat hui thi, tab toh main thik hi tha. Ab ek din mein mujhe kya ho jaayega, huh?"

Ashi reprimanded, "Kya Paa... aap kuch bhi bolte ho. Aapko kabhi kuch nahi hoga, main aapko kabhi kuch hone hi nahi dungi. Aur ab toh Randeep bhi hai naa, wohh bhi aapka hamesha khayaal rakhega, jaise main rakhti hun. Kyun Randeep, tum bhi mere Paa ka khayaal rakhoge naa?"

Randeep who was quietly observing the father-daughter duo after taking out Ashi's luggage from the car, smiled, "Haan... main bohot acche se papa ka khayaal rakhunga." Something had shifted the moment he had entered the Singhania Mansion and seen his nemesis face to face after these ten days.

The revenge that he had forgotten till now was showing its head once again. But after seeing the smile on Ashi's face, Randeep gulped. Now was not the time, he thought and moved towards the duo with a pretentious smile.

Ashi couldn't place a finger on anything, but she had observed the change in Randeep's demeanor the moment he had seen her father. What was wrong? What exactly had happened in these few minutes, she recollected. But nothing occurred to her that could be the reason for this change.

"Aao Randeep... main tum dono ka kab se intezaar kar raha tha. Bas dus hi din tum dono mujhse durr gaye the aur main tum dono ko itna miss kar raha tha. Pataa nahi shaadi ke baad jab tum dono hamesha ke liye mujhse durr jaaoge tab mera kya hoga?" Anand wiped the unshed tears from the corner of his eyes and engulfed Ashi and Randeep in a hug together.

Randeep had wanted to push him away, but he couldn't. For the sake of Ashi, he stood motionless till the hold of Anand loosened on them. "Chalo... andar chalo. Aaj sab khaana hamari princess ki pasand ka banaa hai. Tum dono ko bhook bhi lagi hogi naa?"

As all the three entered the house, Anand continued, "Ashi... Randeep ko bhi apne saath room mein le jaao, usse bhi toh fresh hona hoga." Turning around, he continued, "Arey Raju... baahar jo bags hai, usse Ashi ke room mein rakh dena zara."

Ashi held Randeep's hand and walked towards her room upstairs. "Pehle tum fresh ho jaao Randeep, tab tak main wardrobe mein se mere liye pehenne ke liye kapde le aati hun."

Randeep didn't reply but instead followed behind her towards her wardrobe. "Tum naa yeh pink waala dress pehenna aaj." Saying that, he pulled that dress out for her.

Ashi stood stunned for a few seconds. He clicked his fingers in front of her eyes breaking her trance, "Kya hua Jaan? Ekdum se itna chup kaise ho gayi tum? Main wohi Randeep hun, jo tumhare saath Maldives mein tha."

Ashi hugged him instantly, "Randeep... agar kuch poochun toh sahi sahi jawaab doge?" He agreed, "Poocho Ashi... kya poochna chaahti ho tum?"

"Wohh... neeche Paa ko dekhte hi tumhara chehra achanak se badal gaya tha. Kuch hua hai kya? I mean Paa ya maine kuch aisa keh diya tha kya, jo tumhe accha nahi lagaa tha?", Ashi questioned. "Ab itne din saath rehkar main tumhe itna toh samajhne lagi hun Randeep, tumhara chehra hi mujhe tumhare dil ka haal bataa deta hai, bas isliye pooch rahi hun."

Randeep broke the hug. He tried to control his anger and diverted her mind, "Ashi... aisa toh kuch nahi hai. Haan... par jab tumhare Papa ne yeh kahaa ki shaadi ke baad unka kya hoga, tab zara buraa lagaa. Unhone soch bhi kaise liya ki hum unhe akela chod denge? Ab tumhare saath saath wohh bhi toh meri hi responsibility hai naa?"

Ashi sighed in relief, "Fir thik hai. Mujhe lagaa ki shaayad tum Paa ki yaa meri koi baat par naaraaz ho gaye ho. Bas itni si baat hai, tum fikar mat karo, hum unhe akele nahi rehne denge. Main unhe hamari shaadi ke baad hamare saath rehne ke liye convince kar lungi. Don't worry, main sab sambhaal lungi. Tum tension mat lo."

Looking at the chosen dress, Ashi asked, "Waise aaj achanak se yeh pink pehenne ke liye kyun bol rahe ho?" Randeep inched closed to her again, "Mujhe pataa hai blue tumhara favorite color hai, par aaj for a change main tumhe pink main bhi dekhna chaahta hun."

"Tumhe kaise pataa ki mera favorite color blue hai?", Ashi asked curisouly. Leaning towards her ear, he replied, "Mujhe tumhare baare mein sab pataa hai Ashi. Tumhara favorite color, tumhara favorite khana, tumhari favorite jagah, tumhari favorite car. Tumhari favorite icecream, tumhara favorite dress, tumhara favorite..."

Ashi covered his mouth with her aplam, "Bas... bas... bas... maan liya maine ki tumhe mere baare mein sab pataa hai. Waise I am sure Paa ne tumhari help ki hogi yeh sab jaan-ne mein, kyun sahi keh rahi hun naa?"

Randeep resisted his anger once again and just hugged her in response and started caressing her back possessively, lost in some other thoughts. He remembered what Ashi had said a few moments ago and thought that he would never allow Anand Singhania to stay in his house. He was his foe for life and he was set to destroy him completely. His revenge would end when Anand Singhania would lose everything that he had earned his entire life, including his precious daughter and his business.

Business was not a concern for Randeep as he had already started his plan to take over the whole set of Singhania Industries. Anand had made a huge mistake by transferring the power of attorney in his and Ashi's name.

The father-daughter duo had no idea that Randeep had already taken Ashi's signature on another set of papers which said that Ashi too had transferred the power of attorney in Randeep's favor fully. This meant that Randeep was the only person who had every right to do whatever he wanted with the Singhania Industries.

Ashi trusted him blindly and it had been very easy for Randeep to take her signatures on those papers in the pretext of some contract papers. Ashi hadn't even read the document and had signed it, making the biggest blunder of her life which she was going to regret very soon.

Randeep had first wanted to ruin and destroy their business totally, but then he too was involved in this business which the whole world was aware of. He didn't want to ruin his image, so he planned to take over the Singhania Industries and rule it. He wanted to snatch everything away from Anand including his business and his mansion. And he would do just that. Randeep was set to turn Anand's life upside down after his marriage.

Ashi and Randeep freshened up quickly and joined Anand for lunch. Soon, Randeep left towards his home after bidding his sweet goodbyes to Ashi. He had too much work to do. He hardly had a month's time for his marriage.

That night after having dinner, Randeep stood in front of his mother's portrait, "Maa... bas ek aur mahina, uske baad main uss Anand Singhania ko raste pe le aaunga. Jab jab wohh mujhe pyaar se gale lagaata hai yaa beta bulaata hai, tab mera mann karta hai ki main uske haath jhatak dun, yaa fir itna maarun ki uski saari haddi-pasli ek ho jaaye. Par nahi kar sakta, jaanti ho kyun Maa, kyunki main Ashi se pyaar karta hun aur wohh neech insaan uska Papa hai. Pehle maine socha tha ki Ashi ko bhi iss badle mein shaamil karunga, par ab jab main usse pyaar karta hun, toh pataa nahi main aisa kar bhi paaunga yaa nahi. Ashi meri kamzori banti jaa rahi hai Maa. Darr lagta hai ki kahin main uski wajah se Anand ko aasaani se chod naa dun."

Wiping his tears, Randeep continued, "Ashi mujhse saccha pyaar karti hai Maa. Aur main usse dhokha nahi dena chaahta. Aapke jaane ke baad zindagi mein pehli baar mujhe koi aisa mila hai jo mujhe sabse jyaada pyaar karta hai. Main usse khona nahi chaahta Maa, main Ashi ko khona nahi chaahta. Par main yeh bhi jaanta hun ki Anand Singhania ko poori tarah se barbaad karne ke liye mujhe Ashi ko bhi hurt karna hoga, usse bhi wohh dard dena hoga, jiski wohh haqdaar nahi hai. Ashi ki sirf ek hi galti hai ki wohh uss Anand Singhania ki beti hai. Mere paas bas ab ek mahina hai aur main iss ek mahine mein apni poori zindagi jee lunga, kyunki shaadi ke baad main Ashi ka nahi ho sakta. Jo vaada maine aapse kiya hai, wohh main kisi ke bhi liye nahi tod sakta, Ashi ke liye bhi nahi. Bas yeh ek mahina hai jab main khush rahunga meri Ashi ke saath, uske baad wohh hoga jo sapne mein bhi uss Anand ne nahi socha hoga. Uski galti ki sazaa uski beti ko bhugadni padegi. Ashi ke saath yeh sab karna mujhe accha nahi lagega Maa, main fir bhi wohh sab karunga jisse aapka badla poora kar sakun. Main aapka beta pehle hun, isliye aapke liye main apne sacche pyaar tak ko sacrifice kar dunga. Aapke liye sab kuch karunga Maa, sab kuch karunga, mujhe fir khudka dil hi kyun naa todna pade."

Randeep knelt on the floor in front of his mother's portrait and continued crying. He was well aware that he had only a month's time to live happily with Ashi. After their marriage, there would be no happiness for either of them.

His mobile rang in his pocket and he knew, it was his Ashi's call. Calming himself, he connected the call, "Hello... Ashi..." His voice sounded different, Ashi deduced instantly. "Randeep... kya hua hai? Tumhari aawaaz itni sehmi hui si kyun aa rahi hai? Tum... tum ro rahe ho kya? Tum... tum Maa ko miss kar rahe ho naa?"

Randeep smiled amidst his tears and looked at his mother's portrait. How lucky he was to have someone who could gauge his feelings so well, that too after hearing his voice only. Even if they weren't in front of each other physically, they were connected through their hearts. She was right, he was missing his mother.

Wiping his tears again, Randeep continued, "Ashi... bas aise hi Maa ki tasveer ke saamne khada tha, unki yaad rahi thi. Isliye thoda emotional ho gaya. Tum... tum tension mat lo. Tumhari aawaaz sunn li naa, toh ab main thik ho jaaunga."

Ashi's eyes teared up hearing him, "Randeep... main... main abhi tumse milne aa rahi hun." He instantly replied, "Nahi Ashi... bohot raat ho gayi hai abhi. Tumhe yahaan aane ki zarurat nahi hai. Main... main hi aata hun tumse milne. Mera wait karna."

Ashi paced her room anxiously and kept looking at the wall clock all the time. Only ten minutes had passed, but it felt like ten hours to her. After five more minutes, she heard some noise coming from her balcony and she rushed towards it.

Ashi had just taken three steps towards the balcony, when she saw the love of her life coming in her direction. Before he could say anything, she engulfed him in her arms and started rubbing his back.

"Randeep... tum... tum thik ho naa?" He had closed his eyes the moment Ashi had hugged him, feeling the warmth of her love.

"Main tumse milne ke baad ab thik hun Ashi... main ab thik hun..." Without any words, Randeep leaned and kissed her, finally finding his solace, soothing his heart.

When they came up for air, Randeep hugged her again, finally feeling at home. After few minutes, he mumbled, "Mujhe ab jaana chahiye Ashi, bohot late ho gaya hai. Par... par main aaj akele bhi nahi rehna chahta."

"Toh mat raho akele Randeep... tum... tum yahaan mere saath reh sakte ho.", Ashi replied softly. He loosened his hold on her and met her gaze, "Yeh kya keh rahi ho Ashi? Main... main yahaan kaise reh sakta hun? It's not right Ashi. I can't stay here. Agar tumhare papa ko pataa chala toh kya sochenge hamare baare mein?", Randeep reasoned.

"Tum kab se Paa kya sochenge iss baare mein sochne lage? Aur jab main khud tumse keh rahi hun yahaan rehne ko, toh kya problem hai tumhe? Waise bhi hum ek mahine baad shaadi karnewaale hai, hum ek dusre se itna pyaar karte hai, toh hum abhi saath kyun nahi reh sakte? Aur mujhe tum par poora bharosa hai. Waise bhi ab toh mujhe bhi tumhari aadat si ho gayi hai. Tumhare bina neend nahi aayegi mujhe Randeep... please ruk jaao.", Ashi requested. She knew he needed her tonight.

Without replying, Randeep picked her up in his arms and walked towards her bed. After laying her down on the bed, he too joined next to her. Ashi as usual snuggled into his arms.

"Randeep... I know ki tum tumhare ghar mein akela feel karte hoge. Main jaanti hun ki jab jab tum Maa ke photo ke saamne jkhade hote hoge toh tumhe unki yaad aati hogi. I know you miss her a lot. Par tum kabhi khudko akela mat samajhna Randeep... Main... main hamesha tumhare saath rahungi, tumhe kabhi akela feel nahi hone dungi. Mere liye tum bohot important ho Randeep, isliye main kabhi tumhe dukhi nahi dekh paaungi. Main promise karti hun ki main tumhe har wohh khushi dungi, jo tumne bachpan se miss ki hai. Tumhare ghar ko aur parivaar ko main poora karungi. I love you, Randeep... I love you so much..."

Randeep couldn't hold himself any longer and flipped her on her back. Without saying anything, he dipped his head and kissed her softly. God... he would never get enough of her taste. Ashi wrapped her hands around his neck an pulled him over her body.

The control that Randeep had finally snapped and he kissed her possessively. Without breaking the kiss, Ashi started unbuttoning the buttons of his shirt. Soon, his shirt was out of the way. He too couldn't resist anymore and pulled the tank top that she was wearing off her body revealing her bare chest.

Even in the dim light, Randeep could see her clearly. He leaned in and explored her upper body with his hands and then his mouth. He sucked her bosoms in turns making her moan loudly. He would never get tired of hearing her moans.

Soon, all the clothes were off one after the other. Ashi had surrendered to him completely while Randeep too had forgotten all his boundaries that he hadn't even crossed in Maldives when they were alone.

His fingers touched her intimately at her core and found her wet for him. Slowly, Randeep started fingering her while she continued whimpering. He continued his ministrations till she reached her high and took his name, shocking him.

"Deep..." Ashi called him Deep and he had stopped to stare at her. How did she know that this was his nick name? His mother used to call him 'Deep' lovingly all the time.

Ashi hadn't realized that Randeep had stopped and was looking at her keenly. When she was down to earth, she opened her eyes and found Randeep watching her silently. She realized what she had uttered a while ago in the thrones of her passion.

"Randeep... wohh... wohh... main... maine...", Ashi stuttered. "Fir se wohh naam lo jo tumne abhi thodi der pehle liya tha Ashi.", Randeep asked her hoarsely.

Looking in his chocolaty eyes, Ashi whispered once again, "Deep..." He asked again, "Fir se bolo..." She continued saying this new name several times but he wasn't satisfied.

Ashi knew that he had liked the nickname that she had given him, so she confessed, "Bohot dinon se soch rahi thi ki main tumhe bhi koi nickname dun, jaise tum mujhe pyaar se Jaan bulaate ho. Naam toh soch liya tha par samajh nahi aa raha tha tumhe kaise kahun. Aaur aaj finally wohh naam aise baahar aa hi gaya. I... I love you... I love you Deep..."

"Tum mujhe ab se Deep hi bulaana, tumhare mooh se sunnkar accha lag raha hai Jaan..." Saying that, he again leaned and kissed her softly and started his ministrations again. But this time he didn't used his mouth instead of his finger and made her come yet again.

When Ashi tried to touch his little man, he had groaned and stopped her, "Aaj nahi Jaan... Aaj nahi..." The moment she had drifted to sleep, Randeep had rushed to her washroom and taken a cold shower. He only knew how much he had resisted himself from claiming her.

Ashi had begged him later to take her the way he wanted to, but Randeep had got his senses back right on time and stopped from doing so. He wanted to take revenge from her father, but in this way. He loved her more that he had thought he could, but ruining her for his desires was not in his revenge.

When Randeep came back to bed, Ashi intuitionally cuddled closer to him and within minutes, he too drifted to deep slumber. He had finally found his peace next to her. All the thoughts of revenge were forgotten once again.

Two weeks passed by quickly. Ashi and Randeep continued sleeping together at nights. They assumed that Anand had no idea about this. But they were so wrong. One night, Anand had woken up to a bad dream. He had seen that Ashi had come to know about that night with Purvi and she had broken her relationship with him. He had woken up suddenly in the middle of the night, all drenched in sweat.

After that scary dream, he had wanted to see his princess and rushed to her room upstairs. Ashi too had forgotten to lock the door that night. When he had opened it and entered her room slowly, he was surprised to see another figure sleeping with her. Seeing Randeep in his daughter's room in the middle of the night had shocked him to the core. But he also realized that Ashi was going to be his bride soon. He hadn't liked watching them together for some reason but he knew he could trust both of them, especially his daughter. If his princess had allowed Randeep to sleep in her room, it only meant that she trusted him and loved him wholeheartedly. Anand tiptoed out of her room and decided that he wouldn't interfere in his daughter's life decisions.

The days passed quickly while Ashi and Randeep had grown closer to each other mentally and physically too. They just couldn't stay away.

It was just two days that the wedding rituals were to begin, when Randeep's car broke down near the garden. He tried to repair his car himself, but nothing worked. He had no other option than to call for a mechanic. After making the call, he thought of waiting for the mechanic.

Randeep found the garden nearby very peaceful and decided to sit there for a while till the mechanic arrived. After walking around the garden for few minutes, he found a vacant bench to sit. As he settled on it, his eyes stuck towards the kids who were playing. One of them fell down while chasing the other and got hurt. His mother was there in a flash and helped her son up. She soon started cleaning his wound with her dupatta and pampered him.

Randeep didn't realize when his own eyes turned moist. He had remembered something similar that had happened in his childhood. He too had fallen down while playing and had got hurt. His mother had cleaned his wound like he saw right now. Slowly he started remembering each of his childhood memory that he had spent with his mother, making tears flow down his cheeks.

After a few minutes, Randeep's mobile rang breaking the flashbacks of his past. The mechanic had arrived. Giving him the keys of his car, he left towards his home in a cab. He hadn't even registered what the mechanic was telling him.

Once at home, Randeep stood in front of his mother's portrait. He was missing her terribly. Without having his meal, he went back to his bedroom and opened all the photo albums of his childhood and was lost in her memories.

Ashi was calling him constantly but Randeep had switched off his mobile once he had come home. She was worried sick about him. She wanted to meet him but couldn't as her cousins had come to stay with her since last two days. Randeep couldn't come to meet her as she was always surrounded by one or other of her cousins.

But right now, she was concerned. This was for the very first time that Randeep had switched off his mobile and was unreachable. She could somehow feel that something was bothering him. She probably had an idea that maybe his restlessness was related to his deceased mother. She couldn't even go to meet him at this time. She prayed for him, "Bhagwaan... mere Deep ko thik rakhna please."

"Maa... Maa... Maa ko kya hua hai Nanu? Maa... utho naa... Dekho main Deep... aapka beta... aankhen kholo naa Maa. Please... dekho main aapki sab baatein maanunga. Aap jitna chaahe mujhe daanto, maro, mujhse naaraaz raho, par... par aise mujhe chod ke mat jaao Maa... Maa... mujhe chodkar mat jaao Maa, mat jaao..."

Randeep got up with a jerk in the middle of the night. He was again dreaming about his mother. He remembered clearly how his mother had hanged herself in her room. He couldn't do anything at that time, but now, he was finally going to get his revenge after marrying Ashi. Though he loved Ashi a lot, he couldn't forget how his mother had died because of that Anand Singhania.

The next two days too passed quickly but Randeep was restless as the thoughts of his mother didn't leave his mind. The dream was too fresh to be forgotten that easily. Ashi had called him several times in the last two days and he had talked to her casually. He didn't show any signs whatsoever about his revenge. He behaved like a love sick baby with Ashi and she was happy that their wedding rituals were going to start from the next day.

As Randeep had no family of his own, they had decided to celebrate all the rituals together in a seven-star hotel. The father-daughter duo didn't want Randeep to feel all alone during this time. The invitations to their marriage were restricted to their closest relatives only while the whole town was invited to their reception including the media.

The couple hadn't met each other since last two days. It was actually Randeep who had deliberately stayed away from her and controlled his urge to meet her. He knew if he came face to face with her, his resolve for vengeance would go in drain and he was not ready to do that. This revenge was everything for him. His mother would rest in peace once he avenged her father. He strengthened himself mentally and intentionally decided to not meet Ashi till their wedding rituals.

During their haldi and mehendi ceremony, Ashi could feel his resistance. Something was definitely off, she realized. Randeep had looked at Ashi longingly whenever he was with her but his mind was overtaken by the thoughts of his mother, so the façade of being happy was up. But Ashi had read his behavior and heart as usual. She thought that maybe he was missing his mother, so he was distracted. But the reality was very different from what she thought. It was only the half-truth.

Anand was busy with the guests, so he had not noticed Randeep's mood. He was on cloud nine. Finally, his princess was marrying the love of her life and was starting a new phase of her life. He thanked the Almighty to bring Randeep in their lives. He had got a son in place of a son-in-law who would take the responsibility of his princess and his business too. He was happy, very much happy.

The couple was teased by Ashi's cousins continuously during the rituals. While Randeep acted shy and happy in front of them, Ashi knew that something was bothering him. She had tried to talk to him, but they got no alone time. Some or the other guest would come up to them and start their conversations, trying to get to know Randeep.

Randeep too was restless. He had posed for several poses with the love of his life. He had asked his personal assistant to arrange for a personal photographer. All these pictures were going to be his only happiness moving forward. Ashi won't be a part of his life after marriage but these pictures and videos will help him survive for the rest of his life.

When Randeep saw Ashi walking towards the mandap (wedding altar), his eyes turned moist. Such a big day for them, but he didn't know whether to be happy or sad. To feel happy that he was marrying his soulmate or to be sad for leaving her after marriage.

How cruel the destiny was for them? They loved each other immensely, but couldn't stay together. He didn't know whom to blame, his fate or the almighty whom he never had faith or his nemesis, Anand Singhania. But whatever it was, he had set the path for their lives and he had to walk on it whether he liked it or not.

Ashi looked at Randeep and was content that she was finally going to be his bride. She had made a promise to herself that she would take away all his pain and fulfil all his wishes giving him all the happiness of the world. The last two days had been hectic and she hadn't got him alone at all to sooth his pain. But after their marriage, there was no stopping. She would be with him forever and she would see to it that he would always be happy.

When Randeep forwarded his hand to Ashi to get on the mandap, they both felt jittery. When they sat in front of the holy fire and the pandit started chanting the mantras, they both had different feelings going on in their hearts. One was happy that she was finally going to be a part of his life permanently while the other was feeling sad for the consequences she was going to face after the marriage.

After taking seven rounds (pheras) around the holy fire, Randeep tied the nuptial chain (mangalsutra) around Ashi's neck and filled the partition of her hair with vermilion (sindoor), some of which fell on her nose. Her cousin teased, "Dekho didi, mehendi ke rang ke saath saath jiju ka pyaar itna saara hai ki aapke naak par bhi gir gaya." The others teased and giggled while Randeep kept looking at his bride.

The Pandit announced that the couple was married now and they could take the blessings of the elders. The newly wedded couple went towards Anand first and took his blessings. The others too blessed and congratulated them.

Ashi wanted some alone time with him, but she would've to wait till the end of their reception in the evening. Soon, she was led to the hotel room again to get ready for the reception. Once in the room, she asked one of her cousins to tell Randeep that she wanted to meet him for a few minutes.

After ten minutes, her cousin came in and informed Ashi that Randeep had left the hotel premises and gone to attend some meeting and would return in the evening, breaking Ashi's heart. She controlled her tears in front of her cousins and smiled, "Mujhe thoda aaraam kar lena chahiye abhi. Thodi thak gayi hun. Waise bhi do ghante baad make-up artist aayegi mujhe ready karne, tab tak main thoda so leti hun. Tum sab bhi rest kar lo." Saying that, Ashi pushed everyone out of her room and slid down near the bed and cried her heart out.

They were married just an hour back and he had no time to meet her. How could he go for a meeting on their wedding day? She had seen him aloof and distracted while having their lunch before too. But she had ignored it thinking that he was missing his mother. Now, she was tensed.

Something was going on in his mind, she could feel it. Something was bothering him too much. Was handling two businesses together burdening him with more work? She was too busy with all the wedding preparations that she had totally ignored her responsibilities towards her business and handed over the entire burden of their ancestral business in the hands of Randeep. This was the only reason that came to her mind and she blamed herself for her negligence. He too was a human. How could he alone handle so much of workload of two different businesses?

Ashi didn't sleep at all and was worried about her husband while Randeep was at his home struggling and fighting with himself. Ashi had looked ethereal at all their marriage functions, but today she looked like an angel who was brought to earth only for him. He had controlled his urge to hurl her in his arms and kiss her senseless when they were officially announced as a married couple.

Randeep had maintained his distance from Ashi and hadn't given her a chance to talk to him privately. He had made sure that they were always surrounded by some of her cousins and guests every now and then. He couldn't stay alone with her at all or he might just give up on his revenge and live his life happily with his wife.

It was time for the reception. Ashi was ready and was waiting for her husband. She had no idea about his whereabouts. She had called several times to check on him, but all the calls were received by his assistant and she was informed that Randeep was busy and would reach the reception venue in time.

When Ashi was escorted to the reception venue, her eyes kept searching for her love and finally, she saw him standing with a group who seemed liked some important business clients.

As if Randeep could sense her presence, he turned in her direction. His breath hitched as he saw her. She looked breathtakingly beautiful in the blue shimmering gown that he had selected for their reception. What caught his eyes was the red vermilion that was still present in her hair partition.

'My Wife...", he whispered to himself. He was enchanted by her beauty and he walked in her direction while Ashi stood rooted to her spot, waiting for him. She had watched his reaction to her presence and she had sighed in relief. All was good between them, she reassured herself again.

Randeep stood in front of his wife and watching her face closely as if trying to etch her face forever in his mind and heart. Without breaking their eye contact, he offered his arm towards her to hold him.

Understanding his gesture, Ashi held his arm and they walked together towards the well decorated stage. Soon, their reception started and all the guests came to meet and congratulate them. After most of the guests had met them, everyone cheered for them to dance.

Randeep took her hand in his and moved rhythmically to the tunes of a romantic song. This was going to be the last time that they were going to be this close, Randeep thought sadly.

"Tum thik ho Deep?", came a soft voice making him yearn for her even more. He met her gaze, "Ab thik hun?" Ashi didn't know why but she felt that he needed her assurance once again, so she hugged him and whispered, "I Love You Deep... ab se main hamesha tumhare saath rahungi aur hamesha tumhe khush rakhungi."

Randeep too hugged her back and continued moving to the music. This was going to be their last hug as well, so he didn't leave her for another ten minutes and continued dancing intimately under the scrutiny of the whole world.

It was over three hours that they finally could breathe and sit. Anand came to them, "Main jaanta hun tum dono bohot thak gaye honge aaj. Bas abhi dinner baaki hai. Tum dono khaa lo, fir main Ashi ko hamesha ke liye bida kar sakun."

"Paa... aap aisa kyun keh rahe hai? Bhale hi main Randeep se shaadi karke uske ghar jaa rahi hun, par iska yeh matlab nahi hai ki main aapko chod dungi. Maine Maa se promise kiya tha ki shaadi ke baad bhi aapka khayaal rakhungi, toh sochna bhi mat ki main aapko akela chod dunga. Bida sirf main aapke ghar se ho rahi hun, aapki zindagi se nahi Paa."

Randeep remained silent and heard their conversation. Anand took them towards the dining area. After their dinner together, Randeep was led towards a group of people who were introduced by Anand, "Randeep... inn sabse milo. Yeh sab mere friends hai. Yeh sab tumhari Maa, Vishakha ko bhi acche se jaante hai. Hum sab college mein saath padhte the. Waqt kitna bhi guzar jaaye, par dosti aur rishtey kabhi nahi toot-te."

"Anand...", someone from his relatives called him and he left Randeep with those friends. He talked to them for a few minutes and then excused himself. He had just turned and taken few steps towards another group, when he heard someone mentioning her mother's name.

Randeep halted and stood behind a curtain to hear the whole conversation about his mother. One lady spoke, "Aaj Randeep ko dekhkar bilkul bhi aisa nahi lag raha ki wohh Vishakha ka beta hai. Kitna shaant, suljha hua ladka hai. Aur uski Maa, ekdum uske opposite thi. Vishakha ke kisse kitne famous the naa college mein. Jab dekho Anand ke aage peeche ghumti rehti thi. Bechara Anand kitna pareshaan ho gaya tha usse. Kitni baar manaa kiya, fir bhi Vishakha ne haar nahi maani thi. Haath dhokar Anand ke peeche hi padd gayi thi."

"Pyaar ke naam par paagalpan tha wohh sab.", another voice joined, "Koi pyaar vyaar nahi karti thi wohh Anand se, sirf obsessed thi Vishakha. Humse bhi nahi baat karne deti thi, agar Anand ne galti se humse baat bhi kar li, toh kaise react karti thi. Jhagadti thi, ek baar toh mujhe maarne ki koshish bhi ki thi. Mujhe toh usse darr lagne lagaa tha yaar."

One of the males added, "Yaar... kuch bhi bol lo Vishakha ko, paagal, deewaani, yaa kuch aur, par dikhti ekdum item thi. Anand hi paagal tha, jo hamesha usse khudse durr kar deta tha. Maine toh kitni baar bola tha Anand ko ki Vishakha ko proposal accept kar le, usse apni girlfriend banaa le. Par saala maana hi nahi. Fir jab Vivek ki entry hui college mein, toh lagaa ki shaayad Vishakha Anand ko bhoolkar uske peeche padd jaayegi, par aisa kuch nahi hua. Ulta Vivek ko Vishakha se pyaar ho gaya. Kya love ka angle tha naa wohh? Vivek Vishakha se pyaar karta tha, Vishakha Anand se aur fir Smriti ke aane ke baad, Anand ko Smriti se pyaar ho gaya. Kitna gidgidai thi Vishakha Anand ke saamne ki wohh Smriti ko chodkar usse apna le, par Anand tas se mas nahi hua. College khatam hote hi Anand ne Smriti se shaadi kar li aur sheher chod diya, taaki Vishakha unn dono ke beech jyada interfere naa kar sake. College mein waise hi jeena haraam kar diya tha."

The first lady added, "Vishakha ke paas aur koi option hi nahi tha. Uski shaadi fir Vivek se ho gayi. Maine suna Vivek bhi shaadi ke kuch saalon baad usse chodkar chala gaya. Bechaari Vishakha... naa pyaar mila, naa pati. Itne sadme mile ki bechaari paagal ho gayi aur fir suicide kar liya. Mujhe toh Randeep par bhi daya aa rahi hai. Maa toh mar gayi, baap ke hote hue bhi anaath hi kehlaayega. Aur kismat ka khel toh dekho, Vishakha aur Vivek ke bete ne Anand aur Smriti ki beti se aaj shaadi kar li. Pataa nahi Randeep ko uske parents ki past life ke baare mein kuch pataa bhi hai yaa nahi?"

The conversation continued where all of them continued mocking and making fun of his mother while Randeep stood there shellshocked hearing all this. His anger knew no bounds. He was on the verge of coming out from behind the curtain and giving his peace of mind to them.

But before he could do that, he heard Anand's voice, "Tum sab log kya baatein kar rahe ho? Itna hasi mazaak chal raha hai, zara mujhe bhi bataao, main bhi thoda hass lun."

One of his friends replied, "Hum college ke din yaad kar rahe the. Teri, Vishakha, Vivek aur Smriti ki baatein chal rahi thi." Anand laughed, "Kya din the naa wohh? Aaj bhi sab acche se yaad hai." His friend teased, "Tere toh maze the. Dono haathon mein laddo the, ek mein Vishakha aur dusre mein Smriti. Agar Smriti manaa kar deti toh tere liye Vishakha toh thi hi."

Anand chuckled, "Aisa kuch nahi hai. Tum sab acche se jaante ho ki main Vishakha se pyaar nahi karta tha, wohh meri acchi dost thi. Agar Smriti manaa bhi kar deti toh main Vishakha se shaadi nahi karta. Wohh sirf meri acchi dost thi, meri zindagi ki humsafar nahi bann sakti thi. Uska mere liye paagalpan dekhkar mujhe darr bhi lagne lagaa tha. Main kaise kisi paagal se shaadi kar leta. Wohh toh Smriti meri zindagi mein aayi aur mujhe usse pyaar ho gaya. Agar Smriti nahi aati toh mujhe shaayad college chodna padta Vishakha ke paagalpan ke kaaran. Par khair jo hota hai, acche ke liye hota hai. Maine Smriti se shaadi kar li aur Vivek ne Vishakha se. Vivek Vishakha se bohot pyaar karta tha, isliye usne usse shaadi ki. Bas Vivek ke liye bura lagta tha kyunki Vishakha ne kabhi usse uske haqq ka pyaar nahi diya. Uske saath rehte hue bhi wohh mera naam japti rehti thi. Isliye shaayad Vivek bhi Vishakha ko chodkar chala gaya. Inn sab mein bechaara Randeep akela reh gaya."

Randeep fisted his hands in rage. How dare they call his mother mental? They had no right to do so. His mother had died because Anand had refused her love and married another woman. Anand was the reason that his mother was not there in this world. And now, he would leave no stone unturned to take his revenge.

Randeep turned around furiously and strode in Ashi's direction. His time was up with her, he knew that and he couldn't do anything about it. This was his fate that he had written for himself. He had to choose between his mother and his love. And he had chosen his mother. He couldn't forget how she had given up her life for that Anand Singhania.

Anand Singhania would pay for his sins, including his precious daughter, Ashi. Randeep had decided that he would just leave Ashi after their marriage, but now after whatever he heard about his mother, he decided that he would hurt and torment Ashi to the core and finish his revenge. He had no other choice. Ashi was his nemesis's apple of the eye and his weak point, and Randeep was set to destroy everything, even the love of his life.

No one could stop Randeep now from avenging his father-in-law, Anand Singhania and his very own wife, Ashi Singhania...

The revenge was just about to begin...

How was the update?

Don't be mad on me for not showing Ashdeep's marriage in detail.

I couldn't do that as this is a revenge story.

Do let me know your reviews.

Well... be prepared for Randeep's revenge as he isn't going to spare his love too.

After damaging Anand's peace of mind, it's time for Ashi to face his wrath.

A special warning: The upcoming chapters will be something that I had never thought that I could write, but still I'm going to do it. So, please... no hate comments on the updates and the characters too. This is just an imaginative story.

Hatred also turns to love that you have already seen in the last two chapters, but I assure you that after the revenge part, something very special will await you.

Just bear with me with another two to three updates of revenge and then you will get surprises too.

Trust your writer please...

Thank you all for being so patient with my late updates...

I have started a new story, 'Ae Dil Hai Mushkil', which is a Samaina short story. Do read that too and I will update this story in between too.

I will update soon...

Till then, take care and stay safe...

With Lots of Love,

Daksha...❤️