Arjun's POV

I hurried down the stairs after my long tiring session in my gym. Lily! I am dreaming that too early in the morning. I felt my eyes watering. She is not real, she is not real, I repeated to myself but then she ran towards me like a flash of lightening and locked me in her arms.

She is real! I am shedding tears of joy. She is actually standing before me and I have her in my arms.

"Lily, you are alive! How?! Where were you all this years?! How can you be alive?!"

I ask her to clear the confusion playing havoc in my head. I had cried with her dead body in my arms. We gave her a funeral too.

She cries harder and loud, "Yes they didn't kill me. They kept me in a cell away from the sunlight. Oh, Arjun, they use to starve me and thrash me when I use to take your name. I hoped, hoped and hoped you'll rescue me but you didn't come." Saying so, she weeps pushing her head in my chest."

I cradle her the way I use to when we were teenagers. She is only two years younger to me. She was my best friend but something I did back in past ruined everything.

I ask her, puzzled, "How is this possible?! I saw your dead body and I, myself attended your funeral. Till that I didn't give up on finding you but..."

She has totally thrown me off my balance by returning back to my life.

Mark steps forward and enlightens me, "Arjun, Lily was held captive for years and the dead body they threw out of that car was someone else. It was a trap set by them and we fell or prey to it. You remember the body was burned and we concluded it's Lily because of her charm bracelet."

Yes, that charm bracelet which we found on the dead body. She never use to take it off.

Lily sniffles woefully, "Yes, Arjun they snatched it from me. Mark posed as an imposter to rescue me. He took such a big risk to set me free."

Mark never told me about this. I would have gone myself to rescue Lily but never mind, important is that she is here right in front of me.

"I am so happy to see you, Lily."

I have finally pulled myself up from my pitying state. I say brusquely to hide the emotion ascending my throat.

"Me too Arjun. Now we'll be together forever."

Her words numb my insides. Fuck! Lily, how do I tell you that your dream of our marriage is as far as the sky from earth. My eyes shift from Lily to Radhika and she couldn't look more heartbroken even if she tried. Poor girl has tears welling in her eyes.

I use to tell Lily one day she'll be my queen but of course that was years ago. She is still holding onto my childish words. Hell broke lose when we got drunk for the first time in our lives and did an unrectifiable mistake. We slept together! To be honest, we were each other's first. I still regret it terribly. When I woke up with a throbbing headache, I was full of guilt so I said we'll marry one day.
I said it in flow of words of course. I had no plans of marriage with anyone that time but by any means I had to comfort her.

When I saw Radhika, something in me came alive. I married her to avenge my mother's death but those innocent eyes had cast a spell on me. I was sure about courting her and I did but now what?! What about lily?!

Lily meets Sam and hugs her tight. They were inseparable and I always use to feel jealous of their bond. Lily treated Sam like her little sister. She would tie her plats, feed her with her own hands, play with her for hours, helped Sam in her studies. She had an unique bond with Sam but I see Sam's smile is not reaching her ears after seeing Lily.

My baby sister is worried about me. I know Sam what you are thinking but I'll make everything alright.

Out of blue Lily asks about Radhika's identity. I am perplexed! Before I seize my chance to tell her the truth Mark beats me to it.

"She is Sam's friend."

Sam's friend?! I stare at him angrily and he remained unfazed. This is not right. I owe her the truth.

Sam says, "Lily no she is...."

"Sam, Lily is tired. She needs to rest. We can talk later on about this."

Mark intervenes. He is concerned about lily's health.

"No Mark I am not tired. In fact if there is anything I want then I want to marry Arjun."

I bite back my words of truth seeing her so hopeful and so weak at the same time. She has lost a lot of weight. She looks so ill and so fucking thin.

I say calmly, "Lily, we need to talk but you need to regain your health first. I will come to check on you in the evening. Sam, please can you take her?!"

"But Bhai...."

Sam won't give up. I think this is her loyalty towards Radhika not letting her be quiet.

"Sammy no if's and no but's. I know what I am doing."

I try to assure her in a firm tone but as I do, she gets upset and turns her face away hinting that she is angry with me.

"Arjun, I am perfectly fine. I want to spend time with you and you are pushing me away. How about we get married tomorrow itself?! Which reminds me it's my mom's birthday tomorrow. What an aucpicious day!"

Lily, how do I tell you the truth?! I feel so defeated and helpless despite being the king of Mafia world.

I see Radhika leaving with tears in her eyes. Fuck my whole life! I go behind her and I panic when I see that she has locked herself inside.

I call a servant and ask him to get me a spare key of our room. No way in hell I am leaving her on her own. What if she does something stupid?!

When I get inside, I find it empty but her scent is still lingering in here. I knock on the door of the washroom and ask if she is in there. Of course I know she is inside but asking is little more than formality.

"Yes." I hear her reply. I don't wait a second more and race towards her.

Her tear stained face breaks my heart. My heart?! As far as I remember I don't have one.

She looks tired and witless. I go down on my knees and hold her gently. I cajole her," You are not well."

Before I understand anything she bloody throws up on my shirt! I am still! She threw up on me! Yuck! I feel so dirty right now.

"Eew! Radhika! What the fuck!...." I bite back my words full of rage. She is ill and last thing I should do is reprimand her for something unintentional.

"I am so sorry." She says in a frightful tone.

She probably thinks I am going to hit her or something. I am the bad guy but this bad guy also cares for you, Radhika.

"Its okay." I say.

"It's okay?! You're are not furious?! How can it be okay?! I puked on you and...." She half whispers and half cries.

What's wrong with you woman?! You should relax since I said it's okay and you want me to castigate you.

"I said it's okay. Do you have more or you're done?!"

She shakes her head left right and I find it so adorable that I resist the urge to kiss her. She has just thrown up, Arjun and you want to push your tongue in her mouth. You must be out of your mind!

I take her to the bed holding her by her shoulder. She got me really worried now. I need to call a doctor. Also I know, she and I will be both comfortable with a female one. I will call Dr Anita who is an elderly woman who knows our family very well. She was my mother's doctor so I wouldn't let any other woman near my Radhika except her.

I fish for my cell in my pocket and take it out and furiously type a message to Dr. Anita to rush to my house as soon as possible.

After I am done, I direct all my attention to Radhika who looks so disturbed and lost. I guess illness is taking a toll on her mood.

I say," I texted the doctor and she'll be here in no time. You rest okay."

I decide to take my leave because I feel she wants to be left alone for a while. I should give her some space but she holds my hand. I am still for a moment or two feeling her soft and slender fingers curled around my hand.

I feel a pinch of hurt when she takes her hand back and says sorry to me. I don't know why she is apologising?! For holding my hand?! She doesn't need to say sorry.

As I hold her in my arms, she tears up holding a fistful of my shirt that is painted with her vomit. I wipe her tears and kiss her all over her face. She needs to see I do care for her. I know earlier she was nothing to me but I have grown to care for her.

I look her in the eye and try to convey how much I care for her but she doesn't meet my gaze and turns her face away from me. What is bothering her?! Is it about lily?! Why would she feel hurt?! 

She may hate me but the way she is clutching her wedding locket in her small fist conveys how possessive she is about it. She doesn't want to share her status of my wife with Lily. Does it mean I have a place in your heart, Radhika?!

Sometime later#

I have reached the end of my tether waiting outside my room. Why? Because Dr Anita kicked me out of the room as per my wife's wish. She says she would like me to step out. I glare at her but she stays unfazed. I reluctantly leave them alone and close the door behind me. Why would she feel uncomfortable in front of me?! I have seen each and every inch of her beautiful body. In fact not just seen I have kissed, bitten, nibbed, sucked and fucked her. Ah, even thinking about her makes me so hard that I feel a sting in my groin. Shit! I should really behave now. My wife is sick and I am thinking about fucking her. What kind of a sick husband that makes me?!

I wait impatiently for her to tell me what the fuck is wrong with my wife. Finally after what it felt like forever, Dr Anita comes out with a giddy smile on her face.

What's wrong with her?! My wife is ill and she is smiling.

I asked impatiently, "Doctor how is she?! Is it something serious?!"

Fuck! What the fuck is she smiling for?! Had it been someone else I would have wiped that pathetic smile right away but it's Dr Anita so I restrain myself.

She enthuses, "Congratulations!"

What the fuck?! My wife is ill and she is congratulating me! Who even made her a doctor?!

"She is pregnant."

My eyes widened in shock at her proclamation. Pregnant?! Fuck! I remember having sex with her recklessly, sometimes I use to use condom and sometimes not.

I am floored right now!

She clarifies again, "Arjun, you are going to be a father. Your wife is pregnant."

Finally I gather my wits and smile simply elated by the news. What the fuck?! Me a father! There can be no words to describe how overjoyed, I am. This is my greatest achievement. I am seriously shocked but in a good way of course. In just a month I got her pregnant. Can there be a man more fertile than me?! This is just epic! Also I didn't use any condom with her the first time we had sex. I need to know for when she conceived.

I ask," How long, doctor?!"

Dr Anita informs, "She is four weeks pregnant."

Four weeks! That means I have hurt my unborn child in my fit of fury. Guilt hits me hard. Please forgive me, my son. I didn't know about you. I feel like the worst of worst father right now.

Somehow instinctively I know she is carrying my son. I couldn't be more happier if it's a boy. I always wanted a boy first then a daughter will do. Heir to my empire! Of course I'll love my child even if it's a girl. After all girl or boy it will be my blood and my flesh. I'll be the best father to my baby. No one ever will hurt a hair on your head.

"Who is pregnant?!"

My face pales hearing lily's voice behind me. Such a wrong timing! Lily, couldn't you wait for five minutes?!

"Oh my God! Radhika is pregnant! I am going to be an aunt. I can't believe this. I am so so so happy!" Sam is jumping up and down with joy.

She has forgotten that Lily is standing just few inches away from her. I can't blame her though. This happiness is above everything else.

"Sammy why is your friend staying with you?! Who is her husband?!" Lily bombarded us with her questions.

Dr Anita butts in, "Arjun you need to take special care of her now. I have prescribed some medicines which are mandatory and I want both of you in my clinic tomorrow. We need to do some test."

"Yes doctor."

Fuck! I can't wait to go to her clinic tomorrow.

Lily says irritatingly, "Why would Arjun take care of Sam's friend?! Why he has to take her to your clininc?! It's her husband's job not his."

Dr. Anita replies,"It is his job because he is her husband, lady. It's his child she's carrying."

Lily says in a annoyed tone"What are you saying, doctor?! Arjun, what the hell is she saying?!"

Arg! What the fuck do I do now?! I should man up and tell her the truth. Also why would I deny my relation with Radhika and my baby?! I think this confrontation requires privacy so let's get the intruders out. I need to handle Lily with patience.

"Doctor Sam will escort you." I gesture Sam.

"Arjun, why are you quiet?! Tell me whatever she said is not true, is it?! Is Radhika your wife?! Is she pregnant with your child."

Lily is holding my shirt collar and pulling me to herself. She looks devastated by the truth that sucked life out of her body. I can't hide it anymore. Radhika is pregnant and she can't take anymore stress. I must think about her and my son before anyone else. My son's health and growth is my top priority and it depends only on Radhika.

"Yes." I whisper. I am sorry, Lily. I didn't wanted the truth to come out like this but it's all destiny, I guess.

She crashes on the ground with a thud. She weeps bitterly as if someone died. I try to placate her but she pushes me away. I am sorry, Lily. I didn't mean to hurt you. I know you have gone through so much yet you are standing so strong before me but I cannot toss away my responsibilities for you.

Tears well in her forest colour eyes, "Why Arjun?! I was supposed to be your wife. I wanted to carry your child in my womb and you passed on my right to that bitch!"

Whatever it is I will never put up with anyone disrespecting my Radhika and the mother of my child now.

I yelled in fit of rage, "Enough! Don't abuse Radhika. She is not at fault here."

She shook me vehemently and yelped, "You promised me Arjun that you will marry me."

"I know but all this years l thought you are no more."

I said it in a way of explanation but to be honest it never really occurred to me about how my life would have been had I married Lily instead of Radhika.

She wails,"There wasn't a day I didn't think about you, Arjun. With each heartbeat, I took your name. I thought you'll find me." Emotion is choking her voice. I feel so bad for her.

I am so so so sorry Lily. All this years I was under the impression that you are dead if I had even slight bit of you being alive somewhere, I would have laid down my life to rescue you.

I cupped her face and looked her in the eye, "I am sorry Lily. I am sorry for your pain. I never wanted to hurt you."

I know Lily an apology cannot heal your raw wounds but what else can I do?!

She says with tears brimming in her eyes, "But you did hurt me."

"I don't know what to say to you anymore." I say, my voice so unsure that I am surprised it's mine. I can't undo my actions for her so I decide to keep quiet.

She sprangs up and holds my hands in here and says jubiliantly, "I think I know. We can still marry, Arjun. I can be your second wife."

Her suggestion unerves me! I can't marry her not for all the tea in china. I am not interested in a second marriage plus I have a baby on way. I wouldn't want my baby to hate me for being neglectful and unjust towards his mom.

I shake my head, "Lily, I can't marry you. I can't hurt Radhika when she is carrying my child."

Hurting Radhika means hurting my baby. I will never do that. Also I don't want to marry Lily. I am happy with Radhika and now she is in family way so no question of marrying again. I have promised Radhika that she will be my only wife and I can't break my promise at any cost.

She asks hopefully, "After she gives birth?!"

Once she gives birth then I will have to pledge myself to train my son to be the next one in line of throne. Also having children from different wives results in to a family feud about who will ascend the throne after me. Half siblings are not as compatible as children born to same parents. I don't want to be caught between one and shorten my lifespan. One wife is enough! Also I am pretty content with Radhika.

I say in a placating tone, "Lily you deserve better."

I say in a way to console her. She deserves a lot better and I need to take care of my Radhika and my son.

She insist, "But I want you."

I say, "Lily, you don't know what you're demanding. A life where every honour will be given to Radhika first and if little of it is left then will it be thrown at you. People won't even bow their heads in front of you like they do for Radhika. You'll have nothing except the derogatory title of mistress."

She says in sheer desperation, "But I'll have you and that's all I need."

I say in a stern voice, "Lily, I can't marry you. As a son I hated my father so much for cheating on my mother. He married twice and I always felt like an outsider in my own house when my father banished my mom from his house. I can't risk the hatred of my son when he is here. I hate to tell you this but Radhika and this child is my first priority. I know how loyal sons are to their own mothers and he'll hate me if I am the reason of his mother's tears."

I know how I hate my own father. He was a son of a bitch! Bloody philanderer! He hurt my mom so much and I will never forgive him. If I put Radhika through the same pain, my mother went through then what will be the difference between me and my shitass father?! I can't do it. Also I know sons are more closer to their mothers than their fathers. My son will loathe me if I create a second family.

I know Lily is crestfallen but she'll get over this. Also she won't get anything out of this marriage. I will always be more inclined towards Radhika because she is the mother of my first child. Also I care deeply for both of them. I am doing what is best for both of them. I am thinking about my child and at the same time, I am looking out for Radhika and Lily.

I come back to my room and smile feeling light at last. I felt a burden is off my chest. Finally the truth is out. I join Radhika inside the bed who looks as if she had cried herself to sleep. I place my hand over her stomach; my son's home and pull her towards me but stubbornly she jerks off my hand. So she is awake and alert too.

She turns to my side and she is fuming in rage. Now what the fuck did I do now?!

I try to touch her cheek but she turns her face away huffing in anger. I don't like how she is not letting me touch her. She is my wife and I won't put up with this no touching rule. I have to remind myself again and again that she is pregnant and I can't get angry with her.

I say softly, "Radhika, what's wrong?! You are going to be a mother soon. Aren't you happy?!"

She narrows her eyes at me, "No I am not because I am worried about my child's future now. I am worried about how he will have to share his father's love with his half siblings. I am worried about his reaction to his father's second family."

Half siblings?! Second family?! She has gone mad! Had she not been pregnant, I would have beat this stupid thoughts out of her but I have promised her so I control myself clenching my fist.

I say in simmering anger, "Radhika, zip it! You don't know what you are saying. You are talking no sense."

I am trying to bottle up my fury and I am barely succeeding. She better keep quiet or else.....Arjun, control yourself she is pregnant and you must handle her with tender care. You cannot get angry with her at least not right now. I don't understand why women are so difficult and complicated?! If I don't like sex so much I would have lived alone with no woman in my life. As I am lost in my thoughts, she pushes me away from her as if I am plague.

She says in an aggravated tone, "Of course I know what I am saying. Listen you and you listen good. If you marry your girlfriend then you have no rights over me and my child. If you try to force me to stay here with you then I will kill myself. You will lose your child too."

Before I know, I raise my hand to give her a tight slap but restrain myself thinking about my child that is growing in her stomach.

She stares into my eyes with tears of agony and pain, "Why did you stop?! Common hit me. What else can you do?! You are a bad husband and a bad father but I am a good mother. I won't stand and watch when you'll discriminate between my child and hers. If me and my child are not your first priority then let me go away from your life. I will take care of my child alone."

I am seething with rage hearing her words. I never thought she can talk so insensitivity. How dare she question my loyalty towards to my own child?! How dare she insinuate I'll toss away my son's happiness for anyone?! I care for Lily but Radhika means more to me and I can't even find words to tell what my child means to me.  I need to handle her with patience which I barely have. Still for her health and my child's health, I will control my anger.

I scoot closer to her and hold her face firmly, "Radhika, don't you dare try harming yourself or my child. About Lily then I am not marrying her or anyone for that matter. I can't risk the hatred of my son if I put his mother through a hell and I promised you, remember."

She asks in a shaky tone, "So you are not marrying Libby?!"

Libby?! That almost makes me laugh but I control myself.

I say, "Her name is Lily. No I am not marrying her."

She gasps out as tears stream down her cheeks, "But I thought...."

I silence her by placing my finger on her lips and confess in a honest tone,"Radhika, whatever it was between me and Lily that was in the past. I won't say I don't care about her. She will always be special to me but I don't want to marry her. You should stop thinking all this and take rest. You are carrying my baby so you should only take care of yourself and my baby."

She looks me in the eye and whispers,"What if I wasn't carrying your baby? You would have married her then....."

I say without breaking eye contact with her, "No because I see her as a friend. I accept we had a past years ago but that's all in the past."

She heaves a sign of relief and lays down comfortably on her back. Of course she can't sleep on her stomach. I am surprised by her outburst. I guess the protective mother inside her was just looking out for her child. She'll be a great mother, I can tell by the way she has placed her hand around her belly as if guarding her unborn baby.

I laid down beside her and run my hand through her soft stresses. So soft and silky just like rest of her. I am taken aback by the depth of her love for our child. I always thought she'll hate the children born out of our marriage because of me.

I probe, "You love our baby?!"

She snaps, "What kind of a stupid question is that?!"

I continue, "I thought you won't want the baby after what I did...."

I thought she'll hate the child too because he or she is made out of my sperm.

She carresses her belly and says in an emotional tone, "Arjun, this is not just your child, it's mine too and it's a mom's job to love her child unconditionally. I will never choose anyone over my baby. Not you, not myself, no one!"

That's all I need to know, Radhika. You have proved that I didn't make a mistake by marrying you by force. You had never married me willingly. You represent how a ideal woman should be.

"Shift I want to talk to my son."

She retorts, "No."

I give her my best death glare, "Radhika, don't you think you're playing with fire?! I am counting the number of times you have disrespected me today. Just because I won't punish you right now that doesn't mean I can't. Now be a good girl and do as you're told. Shift I want to talk to him."

She obliges next minute giving me access to my son. I lift up her dress to her stomach and I gasp when I see the tinest pouch instead of what is always a flat belly. Anyone else won't even notice but I know her body too well. I lightly run my hand over her stomach and I can't put in words what I feel at this moment. I feel that instant connection towards my child growing inside my wife.

Tears of joy fill my eyes as I stare at the miracle in front of me. Fuck! I am crying like some emotional sap but I can't believe I am going to be a father.

"You are crying..."

I turned my face away to hide my tears," Something went in my eyes."

She took my hand and placed it on her belly," Your baby."

I shake my head,"Our baby."

"I am so happy to know about you, son."  I say, kissing her belly.

She cocks her brow, "What makes me you think the child is a he?!"

I reply, "I just know by instinct."

She asks, "What if the child is a she?!"

I see lines of worry forming on her forehead. She has furrowed her brows together and pressed her lips in a straight line.

I query, "Then what?!"

She asks in a feeble tone, "Will you love her the way you will love your son?!"

Absolutely! I would love my daughter and ensure the best of both worlds for her. It's just that in our society we raise sons and daughters differently. If it's a boy then he must learn the hard way like I did and lead the empire, I created. If it's a girl then she must make me proud differently by growing up into an honourable woman like her mother. I think it all comes down to upbringing. Girls and boys are brought up differently as they should.

I answer quickly, "Of course I'll love my child irrespective of the gender but I won't lie to you. I want a boy but even if it's a girl, I'll love her. Happy now?!"

She smiles ear to ear, "Very happy."

I say in concession, "Second baby can be a girl."

She stares at me, wide eyed,"You want more?!"

I tease"Of course at least ten. You see I got you pregnant in just a month of our marriage."

She gives me a dirty look and scowls,"Ten?! You make those ten babies you want. You carry them in your stomach for nine months and you only give birth to them. I don't want to be tied down with ten children."

I reply, "You see rules of nature doesn't allow men to give birth to children. About what you want then when did I ever consider your opinion?! You must give me all the children I want because you are my wife and you promised to obey."

"Fuck off!"

The nerve of her to show me her middle finger! Had she not been pregnant I would have made her say sorry to me in my way.

I scoff, "Mind your language Radhika! Don't you dare curse! You are with a baby and the last thing you want him to learn is disrespect."

I lean down on her belly and place a tender kiss on it. I place my ear against her stomach to talk to my baby. God! I love him already!

I say in the most softest tone, "Hey baby boy I am Arjun. I am your dad and I want you to know that nothing is more important for me than you and your mother. I can't even tell you how much I love you. Your mother is stupid to doubt my love for you but I know you are not like her. You are my son, my pride and joy! You'll have the best of everything, I promise. I can't wait to see you."

She asks, "You badly want a boy?!"

I assure, "Yes but like I said I will love the child even if it's a girl."

She signed in relief and in no time goes to sleep. I sit watching her as usual. I love to see her sleeping unware of the world and her surroundings. I love the rise and fall of her chest as she breaths and not to forget the warm glow on her face. I think she'll start showing in about three months. I can't wait to see her baby bump. I loop my arm around her belly and kiss her forehead. She is giving me the best gift of my life. I can't be more happier than I already am.

To be continued.....