"I don't know what to do Jai....I'm almost loosing it" pallavi said staring at the pool.

"Pallavi. Please be calm. You're just stressing yourself so much about this"jai said.

"He's the one who's stressing me out Jai. I don't know why. He just doesn't know what I'm going through. Every single time he brings up this topic. I'm fed up Jai. I'm totally done"she said. He sighed and held her hand.

"I can understand Pallavi..you should give him some time" Jai said

"I tried Jai. I seriously tried. He's making no efforts to understand me. I mean. I just started my career. I'm getting so many opportunities now. And for god's sake I'm not even thinking about marriage for the next five years. All of a sudden he's forcing me just because his parents are in their late sixties"pallavi said. Fustrated.

"Do you want me to talk to him?"Jai asked

"No Jai. It's okay. I don't want you to get involved in this"

"Pallavi....you love him right?"jai asked and she smiled sadly

"What's is love Jai? It's just an adjustment. It's a crazy thing. Love is about understanding. Compromising. Adjusting. Making efforts. I did everything I could for love. I thought if I give a chance to Reyhaan he will try to understand me. But..."she sighed

"Relax. Just talk to him once more. Tell him how you really feel. I'm sure he will understand. You don't have to panick every single time he brings up this marriage topic. If he genuinely loves you back. I'm sure he can convince his parents and make them understand. Marriage is a thing that has to be done. When two people come together in love. It shouldn't be forced. If it's forced. It's complicated"he said. Thinking about Srishti. And everything they went through.

She looked at him. Realising that he was talking about himself. And squeezed his hand to which he smiled and nodded. To assure her that he's fine.

"Anyway....I feel a lot better after talking to you. Im really glad to be here. With you"pallavi smiled.

"Always at your service madam"jai smiled back.

"How's srishti doing? Still over friend zone?"she asked. He nodded his head.

"Jai....tell me the truth. Do you see her as only a friend?"she asked.

"If I'm right. We're talking about your love life pallavi"he chuckled.

"Arey. Tell me no. I also want to know what's going on in my best friend's love life"she said.

"There's nothing to say. She's great. I'm married to the girl who can make anyone. Smile. She's innocent. Smart. Loving. Caring. My family cannot imagine a day here without her. In every aspect. I'm lucky to have her"he said.

"Aww. Look at you being romantic"she said. He rolled his eyes at her.

"So what is it? Are you in love with her?"she asked. His heart beat raised as soon as she asked that. He stared ahead at the pool water with a smile.

"See you're smiling. Tell me"pallavi shaked his shoulder. He hummed.

"May be... Its.....Love..or..more than that"Jai smiled

"Oh my god. Say that again"palavi exclaimed.

"Stop being so excited"he hit her forehead. Playfully.

"Ofcourse I'm excited. I'm witnessing Mr. Jai Prakash Raj falling in love for the very first time in his life. Remember what you said. When I proposed you in 9th standard. Sorry pallavi. I don't think I can see you that way"she said. Imitating him. Which made him chuckle.

"I didn't knew it was love either PP. But she's worth falling for"he said with a smile. Which didn't leave him.

"Uh huh. So did you confess yet?"she asked. And he shook his head.

"Why not?"

"I was planning to. Tonight. Until you barged in and took me away from her"he glared.

"Shit. Don't tell me that you were taking her out for a date"pallavi gasped. Covering her mouth with her palms in shock. He nodded his head.

"I was"

"Jai. Why didn't you tell me?"she asked. Feeling bad.

"It's okay pallavi. You needed me. If I wouldn't have come. You would have had a panick attack. I wanted to be there for you"he said. She smiled and squeezed his hand.

"Thank you. You dont know what that means to me. But hey I'm fine now. Go and talk to her"she said.

"But...."

"Trust me Jai. She needs you now"

He smiled and nodded his head. Pallavi hugged him again. Feeling blessed to have someone like Jai in her life.
.
.
Jai walked back to his room. Srishti was nowhere to be seen. Time was nearing nine and he knew he can't take her out now. Everything he planned had gone vain. He had pictured the perfect evening inside his head. But he knew pallavi needed him. A sigh left his mouth. Feeling bad that he had to leave srishti in between and disappoint her. He wanted to apologise to her.

He walked outside the room to check for her. Once he reached near the kids room. He gently pushed the door open for few inches. To find srishti in the bed. He found Rishika sleeping on Srishtis lap. Rishi lay on srishtis shoulder and she was talking to him. They kept laughing and giggling together. Jai smiled looking at them. He didn't wanted to disturb whatever conversation they were having. So he quietly closed the door and walked back to his room.

The clouds darkened. Wind rustled through the trees. Jai stepped into the balcony and the cold air. Brushed against him. He held the railing and kept staring into the night. With a small smile playing in his lips. The first drop of rain hit his face. He kept standing. Soon letting himself to drench in the rain.

Jais POV

I can hardly believe I've opened up to Pallavi about my feelings for Srishti. She was right. Love is indeed a crazy thing. And to think it happened to me, of all people!

Superstar Jai Prakash Raj in love with his own wife

I feel like laughing at the absurdity of it all. When did I fall for her so deeply? I had never really thought much about love. Until she entered my life. I wanted to fall in love but I wanted to do it with the right person. And that was the reason I kept rejecting all the marriage proposals. Disappointing my family. I wanted to meet someone who would understand me. Even if I don't say anything. Who would bear my silliness. Who would understand my passion. Who would admire my profession and respect my family. And I found it all in one person. That's her.

Srishti.

I remember the day we first met. In the midst of that bustling crowd, it was her eyes that caught my attention first. Those sparkling, childlike eyes. When she shouted my name, I was taken aback. As she took small steps towards me, little did I realize she was stepping into my life. That very first day. When she held my hand and flashed that radiant smile, I was captivated. I was curious about the girl who didn't even blink when she looked at me. That memory got etched in my head. That whenever I replayed it. It brought a smile on my lips.

What truly astonished me was discovering that she had saved me from the accident. Even though I had my doubts. I owe my life to her, and it feels like she has gifted me a second chance. I couldn't bear the thought of throwing away her dupatta after that day. I still keep it with me. I even dug out magazines featuring her college. Marking her in every picture. I was going a little crazy. Consumed by the urge to see her again.

When I finally met her again in her college. My suspicions were confirmed. I was thrilled to bring her to my home for the first time. I recalled how nervous she was that day. It felt surreal to be with my fan. Though I hadn't realized she was one at the time.

And when she came home for the pooja. For the first time I saw her in saree. I don't believe that I still remember all these things. But I knew she looked beautiful. She was always so beautiful. It was a moment etched in my mind, especially when I discovered my picture as the wallpaper on her phone.

Things took a turn when rumors began to circulate. As an actor, I was used to such gossip. But for Srishti, it was devastating. I felt responsible for her pain. And that's why I did everything to protect her. After my birthday once the rumors intensified. Everything became a mess. Suddenly the discussions of the engagement and marriage became unavoidable.

I was heartbroken. I never wanted to force her into a marriage she didn't want. Yet circumstances pushed us together. She was in so much pain, and I felt like I was ruining her life. That's why I made the difficult decision to walk away, hoping to clear the misunderstandings between us. To give her some time even though i was dying inside to talk to her. Just when I thought I had a handle on things, Sanjay entered the picture.

Srishti became a balm for my wounds during that one month we spent together. Being with her rejuvenated me in ways I never expected. And I was overjoyed to learn that she was my biggest fan!

The day we almost kissed was electrifying. I didn't want to leave her side. When I left to London for my shoot, I felt an overwhelming urge to run back to her. I'll never forget the sight of her standing on the balcony. Tears in her eyes. In that moment. That exact moment. I realized I had fallen in love with her.

I fell in love with her!

Srishti is a beautiful miracle that happened in my life. Just thinking about her brings a smile to my face. She's the girl who made me her fan. The girl who taught me to believe in love. And the girl who has made me a better person. In every way.

Ever since I have returned from Norwich. I've been dying to confess my feelings to her. But I don't know if i should. Im in split minds. Part of me fears she only sees me as her favorite actor and nothing more. I worry that revealing my heart might push her away. But on the other side I was sure that she will consider. If I ask for a chance. To make our relationship work.

Yesterday when I took her back to her home. I could see how happy she was. I wanted to confess my feelings to her that day but I decided not to to do. I wanted to make it special for her. That she would never forget this night.

Now I understand what shruthi says. Everything is different. Everything is beautiful in Love. I understand..and I really know how much she means to me. How much I want her to be in my life. It's like a magic and it's making me crazy. I can't Stop smiling. I just can't.

Falling in love was something. I've played the role of a romantic hero in a couple of films. But nothing could have prepared me for the depth of emotion I'm experiencing now. It's a feeling that surpasses anything I've ever portrayed on screen.

I ran my fingers through my wet hairs and closed my eyes with a smile.

"What are you doing here?"Srishtis voice. Took me back to my sense. Pulling me from my thoughts.

I looked to my side to see her palms raised above my head. Shielding me from the rain. She was completely drenched and I couldn't help but admire how beautiful she looked.

Damn it! Jai.

"What?"I asked, lost in her gaze.

"You'll catch cold. Come inside please"she said, her brow furrowing in concern. I smiled as she kept blinking when the water droplets. Fell on her.

"And is this gonna protect me from catching cold?"I asked looking up at her palms which she held above my head.

She slowly took her hand back and I smiled looking at her.

"Relax. It's just a little rain. I'll be fine Srishti"I said.

"Little rain? It's pouring down"she said, concerned.

"So what? I'm a professional at this. I've played in the rain in movies. I know what I'm doing"I said and she tried to hold back her chuckle.

"Movies aren't real life. You can't just act your way through a cold"she said. I loved the way she said it.

Here we go again. When did I become a lover boy like this? She had corrupted me so much.

"Okay, how about this. If I get sick, I'll let you take care of me. But if I don't, you owe me a dance. The next time it rains. Just like in movies"I said. I quickly regretted for saying it. And I feel like cringing at my own line.

Srishti widened her eyes as if she was surprised.

"I...."she hesitated.

"No? Fine. Then I'll keep standing in the rain like this. And you can't stop me"I said, holding my grin. She sighed with her eyes closed.

"Okay....But only if you promise to come back inside now"she said.

My heart did a little dance inside already. So I nodded my head with a smile. Staring at her. Srishti shook her head unbelievably and grabbed my wrist. Taking me inside and closed the balcony door shut. I ran my fingers through my hairs again. Srishti hugged herself as she shivered in cold and I felt bad for being stubborn.

"Sorry but you shouldn't have come outside. See now you're completely drenched"I said.

"That's....fine. I was gonna take a shower anyway"she said with a smile. I smiled back and suddenly guilt washed over me.

"I'm sorry our date didn't go as planned"I murmured, my heart sinking a little. She looked at me and her eyes softened.

"I'm really sorry Srishti. But pallavi needed me and I was.....I'm so sorry"I said again.

"It's okay. But if you don't mind me asking. Is Pallavi alright?"she asked, genuinely concerned.

"Yeah, just some personal things are bothering her"I said.

"Oh"she said and then suddenly sneezed.

"Are you okay. Come let's go back inside"I grabbed her wrist but she held me back.

"Can we just stand here for some more time?"she asked.

I sighed and leaned back to the glass door. She kept looking at the pouring rain. I couldn't pull my eyes away from her. And I knew what just happened.

I just fell in love with her again.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Precap - Jai meets Arjun

♡ Nila ♡