CHANDANI'S POV
I groan as a phone rings disturbing my sleep, lazily opening up my eyes I saw it was a video call from Mishti, wearing my nightwear in hurry I answered the call and plugged my AirPods as Shiv is still sleeping.
''Kishmish you know, last night Yash took me on a date and asked me to move in with him, and guess what at the end of this month I will be staying there'' she screamed through the call, I grin and asked her to spill the tea. She told me about her date and I was smiling at every detail.
''This is so good, you have no idea babe I am missing you all and Ahan someone got a romantic boyfriend'' I whisper mischievously, she blushed and gave me a glare.
''Well, you are the one who is hell lucky in that department, after seeing your insta stories I think he deserves an award for husband of the year'' as she complete, I bite my lip as it was time for me to blush.
''By the way, why are you wearing this nightrobe wrong'' she said and I notice I was wearing my nightwear inside out, Shit now she will go on her CID mode.
''Fuck, you dont need to explain babydoll I got it you had a wild night'' she said with a huge grin on her face.
''Are you guys done with the session or have I disturbed you'' before I can say something to her she beat me and teased me more, I bet I am like a red cheery tomato now.
''Bye'' I said showing her the middle finger and cutting the call. I looked at the other side of the bed where he is sleeping, I know now Mishti will announce this to the whole girl group and I will be more embarrassed. Just then a message pinged me it was from Mishti.
Hola, babydoll I have taken the screenshot and now it is going to circulate, and if you dont want that give me your black dress
This was the message with the screenshot of our video call attached, I was too embarrassed to notice when she took this. Fine I will give her the black dress, it won't hurt that much.
Leaning on him I whisper good morning which I know he didn't hear because in the morning after I had my maggie, this cruel bear who is sleeping peacefully made love to me again and again, well the reason according to him is I am damn tempting and he finds it hard to control, well he isn't the one to blame for he asked for my consent and I gave in as its Sunday and I have no class, so I can rest as much as I want and after making love for two hours we finally slept and I have kept a mental note that I am never going to question his stamina. Giving him a final look I marched my legs and went to have a shower.
After half an hour, I came out of the bathroom tucking the towel on my hair, I choose to wear a simple pink sleeveless suit, and my eyes looked for him he was sleeping on my side clutching my pillow, Aww my baby is missing me in his sleep. But let's destroy his peaceful sleep.
He didn't let me sleep for the whole night so why will I let him have his beauty sleep, A naughty idea came into my mind and I smirk and move to him, pushing my hair in front I lightly brush my locks on him which sprinkled water droplets on his face. I giggled when he groan and kept a pillow on his face. Biting my inner cheek I climbed to another side of the bed leaning on him I again brush my hair on his face.
''Moon please dont do that I am tired'' I heard him calling me out, says the man who drained my whole energy from last night. But I am evil so I again hit my light tresses on his face earning a groan from him.
''It's okay if you are tired and dont wake up I was thinking if you would help me in the shower'' I said teasing him, I know I hit the right nerve. He will be up let the countdown begins at 3...2...
''I am up let's go'' He said excitedly while sitting straight on the bed and I burst out laughing, In a blink of seconds he pulled me by my wrist and pushed me onto the bed. Before I could grasp he hovered over me and my chuckles died and nervousness covered up my face.
''So you are still in your tease mode'' he muttered biting my jaw, I bit my lip in response nodding no. He pulled my lip with his teeth and give it a bite, earning a sweet moan from me.
''How dare you sleep peacefully after making me sleepless'' I complained in a whining tone, he let out a laugh mumbling you are such a cutie pie.
''Get up, just because it's Sunday we are not going to be lazy in bed'' I said, while well I am planning the opposite in my mind, Sunday is for rest and I will sleep again, but first I have to take him out otherwise who knows when his mind change.
Instead of getting up, he dipped his face in the crook of my neck, nuzzling softly with his nose, I tried to push him but no use.
''You smell delicious'' he groaned tracing his lips on my neck, I am not delicious it's my strawberry shampoo you bear, but no need to argue because first I have to stop him everything leads to others and if he started once we will spend our whole day in bed and I dont want that.
''If you didn't get up in one minute, then I will not let you touch me for a week and you are going to sleep on the couch and I am dead serious'' I threaten him with the ultimate dialogue used by many wives, well it works. Leaving me he instantly sat up on the bed and glared at me.
''Fine I am going to have a shower'' he said and stomping his foot, he took out his clothes and essentials keeping them on the bed.
''Shiv make it fast I want to have breakfast made by you'' I bossed him, I am not habitual of ordering someone I always request anything I want and he dont takes anyone's order, but now looks like we switch personalities. Well to be honest I order him sometimes cause I know he won't deny it.
''As you say highness, Chef is at your service any special demand'' he said bending forward and putting the towel on his bent arm in a little British accent I giggled and nodded my head in a positive manner.
''I want Chef's special menu which is exclusively for me'' I said cheekily he came closer to me and placed a sweet kiss on my kiss saying let me have a shower then I will make something for my wife.
After he left I put on my dupatta, which was netted and had a floral print, I am in love with this suit now.
Standing in front of the mirror I dried my hair and curl them lightly, and start doing my make-up. I don't wear Indian dresses frequently but whenever I wear something traditional I feel like dressing up more, it makes me feel I am beautiful. I wore my earrings and bangles and was about to wear my nuptial chain but his voice stopped me.
Looking back I found him standing with just a towel wrapped around his waist, water dripping from his hair and his chest glistening with pearl-like water droplets, Did he just had a whole shower in 15 minutes, I gave him a confused look, too which he didn't respond but came to me and asked me to close my eyes.
He said again to close my eyes and I did this time, in no time I felt him pushing my hair to one side and sliding something on my neck, once he was done he pushed my hair back and keep his chin on my shoulder asking me to open my eyes. His minty breath was fanning over my neck and the fragrances of his strong coffee body wash are melting me in his arms.
I slowly opened my eyes and saw my neck, he tied a nuptial chain this one is different from my marriage one. This is so beautiful, simple and lightweight just like my preference. I placed my hand over his which was resting on my stomach and raised my eyebrow looking at him through the mirror, waiting for him to explain.
''I know you are not fond of wearing heavy jewellery and the previous nuptial chain was making you uncomfortable, dont deny it I saw you rubbing your neck multiple times a day, I bought this yesterday but forget to give you, but why didn't you complain about the previous one'' he said nuzzling on my neck, which made me smile. I never told him that, he himself saw my uneasiness and bought me this. Can he be sweeter than this?
''Because you liked it on my neck, I observed your smiles every time you saw the nuptial chain on my neck and I was not comfortable as I am not habitual of wearing it but for you, I can overcome this little uneasiness'' I spoke my thoughts while remembering his smiles that flutter my heart.
''Yes, I loved it on your neck it gives me a sense of belongingness on you but your comfort matters the most'' he said which wider my smile. Okay, I am officially over from every fiction character now, why would I simp over them when I have him?
''You are being too sweet day by day'' I admitted pulling his cheek lightly, he rubbed his cheek lightly glaring at me and said ''Dont do that I am not a kid''
''No that's my right I can do it and you can't stop me'' I said again pulling his cheeks and this time he didn't say anything.
''I will wear this daily and the marriage one on special occasions'' I confided, and his smile got wider with my statement.
''Now you made me wear this so apply this too'' I said forwarding the vermillion box to him. He took it and pinched the vermilion on his finger and filled my hairline, I closed my eyes feeling the moment. Maybe it sounds cliche but this is one of the best feelings, at least for me.
As he was applying the vermilion on my hairline it fell on my nose again, nostalgic same happened on my wedding day I looked at him and he was already looking at me, just by the look on his face I could tell he was too remembering that moment. I cupped his face and brushed my nose with his applying vermilion.
''Last time I want to do that but wasn't able to do it now finally I fulfilled my wish, its fun'' as I said we both chuckle together
''According to your belief if vermilion fell on the nose it means the husband loves his wife and if it fell twice that means my love is increasing for you'' he said gazing deep into my eyes. The reflection of me is caged in his eyes which says assures me I look beautiful from his eyes.
''No doubt my cute bear'' I said and pecked his nose. Our moment was broken by a knock on the door, I push him slightly and said him to dress up and I will see the person at the door.
Unlocking the door I found Shrishti Dii standing there nervously, I greeted her with a polite smile and questioned if she is okay, seeing her nervousness.
''I need to have a word with Aashivik if he is free'' she said fidging her dupatta on her fingers. I looked back and didn't find Shiv, he is getting ready in the closet.
''Yeah sure, he is getting ready please come in'' I said and welcomed her into our room. But I guess I shouldn't have done this, I closed my eyes in annoyance the room is hell-messed up.
SRISHTI'S POV
My eyes roamed around the room furnished with rose gold and white, it is classy, elegant yet royal. The eye-catching part was the large portrait of them hanging just above the bed, it must be one of the pictures of their wedding, and one more picture was aligned next to it, in that picture he was kissing her forehead. Clearly, the interior isn't Aashivik's preference, if given an option he would have painted this room in black or grey, and as far as I know, he is an organised freak, he likes to keep his room clean and tidy but I guess people changed from time to time. He changed for good.
''Sorry the room is messy I will clear this please sit here'' she apologised while picking up the clothes from the couch, I nodded and sat there while she threw all the clothes in the laundry. She has calm and warm energy around her which I can't deny, she is gorgeous, smart, loving and has no negative traits, maybe that's what made him fall in love with her.
Just then Aashivik came from the closet wearing his semi-formal outfit, I chuckled thinking if I was the 23 year Shrushti I would have been smitten again by his looks, but now the time has changed. Now my mind is mostly occupied with my husband's thoughts. He surely becomes more handsome than before and is happily taken. His nose caught my attention which had something red like vermilion, I had noticed the same was on Chandani's nose before I enter.
Chandani saw him and facepalmed herself she walked to him and using her dupatta, she rubbed the vermilion from his nose, his hands automatically made their hands to her waist keeping her closer. For the first time looking at them I didn't feel jealous, rather I adore them as a couple, even their height difference is cute she just reach his chest, just next to his heartbeat. I smiled looking at them he looks like a complete man with his woman in his arms and she looks calm and secure in his embrace. She held his hand and come to me.
''You guys talk I will go and arrange the beverages'' she said with a soft smile and left.
''Hii Aashivik, I dont know where should I start, it's been a long time'' I said playing with my dupatta, as the sudden nervousness hit me, it's been years since I had talked to him.
''You dont need to be awkward or nervous around me Shrushti, just say what you want to say and end this matter so that we will be happy in our lives'' he said in a monotonous tone, nothing is the same between us now he has grown more distant to me. But it's the best for both of us.
''I dont know from where I should start, but I owe you many things. Thank you for saving me from that monster, thank you for bringing Raghav into my life thank you for being an amazing friend to me'' I thanked him for everything he did for me.
''You dont need to thank me for saving you it was my responsibility, I am still guilty as for 3 years you handled his torture and I had no idea about it, 3 years back when your parents told me that you married someone I thought you moved on from me but I have no idea that you married to him, after knowing your feelings of me I want to maintain a distance from you that's why I never try to contact you'' he admitted to which I nodded my head negatively, he dont needs to be guilty as he had no idea about my marriage and he whole fiasco.
''Aashivik you dont need to feel guilty, maybe that was written in my fate, but did you reject my proposal for her'' I asked hesitantly, I want to clear my all thoughts for once but at the same time I dont know asking this is right or not.
''No Shrushti I didn't accept your proposal because I was not in love with you, you were my best friend and I never thought anything else about you and when you proposed to me Chandani was not in my life, but now I love Chandani, she is the only woman in my life'' he claimed proudly, he isn't the same Aashivik who used to respond in one word or a sentence, and I am glad that he clearing out things.
''Aashivik can I know one thing'' I questioned he gave me a nod to continue.
''Why her, not me? No don't think that I want to be a part of your life, I have realised that my love for you was a fairytale dream that I had weaved from my childhood, it was always one-sided. But the feelings I have for Raghav are different, but I want to know how didn't you fall for me, we are together since childhood but fell for her in a few days'' I said while tears were continuously dripping from my eyes. There was a time when I was in love with him, for my whole life I lived with this idea of getting married to him, and being his wife but everything slipped off my hands.
Then he starts speaking his thoughts which are his feelings for her.
You are a nice woman, from childhood I always saw you as my friend nothing beyond that. I dont believe in this love bullshit but then Chandani came into my life and everything changed. Love dont have to be reasonable Shrushti it has to be pure, unconditional and selfless. But not in my case my love is hell selfish for her, I just want to be with her, every moment I want her beside me
It's true it just took me a moment to fall for her, she makes me crave her more, I won't say that she changed me because she never tried to change me but I changed myself because she deserves the best and I want to give her the best version of me. She evoked emotions in me that I never felt before, I realised how is to be when you feel loved, and when someone cares for you. Every day I find myself getting addicted to her, her eyes are enough to make me drown in passion, and her smile is enough to brighten my day. Now you tell me how can I not fall for a person like her
''I am not saying that you did a mistake by falling in love with me, sometimes people fell in love with the wrong people I just want to tell you that you deserved to be loved Shrushti, you should choose someone who will give you the amount of love you have been missing out for your whole life, and the person is definitely not me. I can't pester my decisions on you but I think Raghav is the one for you, I have seen love in his eyes which was for you, he used to be clumsy, reckless and I dont give a fuck kind of person but after you came in his life he becomes mature, and take over his responsibilities, from being reckless he becomes sensible only for you. But in the end, it is your decision, I will say this time choose your happiness'' with this he completed his whole speech which made me stunned for a moment, for her he can write a whole essay and now I am happy that he found the one for him and I got the closure and now I can move on in my life too.
''Thank you for being honest she is a wonderful woman and I wish you both a happy future'' I said genuinely being happy for both of them.
Suddenly I felt someone's presence behind us and saw Chandani standing at the door with the cups and some snacks. She was about to knock but then our eyes found her.
''Sorry to interrupt you both'' She said sheepishly which made me smile, she is like a younger mischievous sister I never had. I grew up as a single child and always wanted a sister with whom I can share all my gossip and clothes, it would be better if she became the one.
''Moon, I forget to mention that Shrushti is not only Raghav's wife but my childhood friend too '' Aashivik said to Chandani, I think she has the right to know about everything.
AASHIVIK'S POV
''Oh that's nice, Shrushti Dii you could have told me this earlier we would have teamed up against him'' she said giggling, Shrushti lightly pats her cheek.
''Shit I forgot Raghav bhai told me you like ginger tea, so this is for you'' she said handing over the tea to Shrushti and passing the expresso to me. I smile and pulled her so that she could sit beside me. While having tea Shristi and my moon was talking to each other, smiling their heart out which made a smile on my face too, whenever I saw her smiling it make me the happiest person in this world.
''Chandani Thanks for the tea, it was awesome'' Shrushti said while getting up, she gave Chandani a side hug and left the room, and my moon hugged her too and welcomed her. They got too comfortable with each other in a short span of time.
As soon she left my wife turned to me with questioning eyes.
''Shiv, Is everything okay with Dii, I observed many times she looked scared and blank void of any emotion and if you are her childhood friend then why she is so stiff around you'' she said concern dripping from her tone, how she always thinks about everyone. I need to tell her, she is my wife and she has the right to know everything but for now, I will only disclose Shrishti's part.
I stretched my legs on the couch and made her sit between my legs, I said'' I have to say something'' she nodded and gave me a sign to continue.
Flashback
5 years ago, London
After getting a call from Shrishti, I went to the cafe where she invited me, it was a small cafe with no people there except the staff. I looked up to find Shrishti, she was sitting and playing with her bracelet. As soon as she looked at me, she waved and gestured for me to come and I nodded.
''Hey, Shrishti all okay you called me this urgently'' I said with confusion laid on my voice, she is my good friend but we don't hang out and chill, last time we were together at a friend's party was 5 months before after that only few texts worked between us, so this is weird for me.
''Aashivik, I want to say many things to know but dont know where should I begin. You remember this friendship bracelet I gave you when we met in the kinder garden to propose to you for our friendship and you made me wear this accepting my proposal, now I dont want this anymore and I want something more than being friends. After many years I am proposing to you again not for friendship but for a relationship. I have fallen in love with you when I dont even know the meaning of love, I have been in love with you from the day we met and now I want to take the next level of friendship'' she confessed smiling ear to ear, Shit this isn't supposed to happen, why she is doing this we were friends, right just good friends.
Unexpectedly she kneeled in front and took my hand forwarding a ring to me.
''Will you be my boyfriend'' she said which made me a shock, I never had any idea about her feelings, she never gave any hint that she is in love with me if she did I would have stopped her right there.
''Shrishti, get up first I respect your feelings but I can't reciprocate them, I dont believe in love and relationship, I think you should forget me and move on'' I said toning down my tone so that she won't be hurt much because of rejection. If there was any other girl in her place I would have straight away told her to fuck off, but Shrishti is different she has been my first friend and I would never want to hurt her.
''Aashivik, you can try at least we have been friends for a year if you try a little harder, let us court each other for a few days maybe you will realise you feel for me'' she pleaded holding my hands, I pull out my hand from her carefully and tried to make her understand. She needs to know I am not the lover type of guy she is expecting.
Only if I know I will be a lover boy in future for my moon.
''Shrishti, I am very clear about my feelings and even if I accept your proposal let me tell you we will not be happy, you have always been a good friend of mine and lets our friendship remain the same'' I said and she broke down in tears. I think I need to leave here so that she can get herself together.
''I need to leave'' I stated and move out of the cafe and called Emily, Shristi's roommate and told her to pick Shrishti up from there. It's not right to leave her like this and I am the least person from whom she will seek comfort. After 15 minutes Emily came and took Shristi with her and I too left after both of them.
After that day I never looked back on her, later I found out that she is married and I thought she took this decision to move on from me, and I respected her boundaries.
''Moon, Shrishti was my best friend from kindergarten to University, I consider her a good friend of mine but I have no idea of her feelings for me'' I blurted out everything I have on my mind, I don't want her to doubt me later, it is better if things are clear between us.
''Oh my god Shiv why didn't you tell me this earlier, Shiv Shrushti Dii will feel awkward around us and in the morning she saw us in the kitchen, seeing us like this must have hurt her, this could be avoided if you told me this before'' she spoke in panic and was about to get up to apologize to Shrishti but I tighten my grip around her.
''Relax she understands the circumstances now, and now she is moving on in her life with Raghav so no need to worry about this'' I said comforting her, she nodded and kept her head on my chest, for a few moments it was dead silent as she wasn't saying anything.
''What are you thinking baby'' I questioned, seeing her silent for more than 5 minutes, she has an overthinking mind and I know what may be going on inside her mind now.
''I am sorry I know I am being childish right now but I couldn't stop thinking that what if you had feelings for her, then you both would be marri-'' I hushed her by crashing my lips on her, nibbling it aggressively I bite her lip hard enough to draw the blood, she let out a whimper against my mouth which made me stop, swirling my tongue on her lip I freed her lips. I pushed her under me and caged her wrist above her head with my one hand. How dare she even think I would be married to someone who is not her?
''Better you get this straight in your mind Mrs Rathore you are fucking mine in every lifetime and If there is no Chandani Aashivik Singh Rathore, then there is no existence of Aashivik Singh Rathore too'' I asserted and rubbed my thumb over her lip which had a small cut because of my bite. I sucked the blood oozing out from her lips gently.
''Again if you have such stupid thoughts just come to me and kiss the hell out of me to show your rights but never say something like that'' I husked against her ear, grazing her earlobe gently, and she nodded in response.
''I need a verbal answer, whenever I say something'' I ordered her while rolling her eyes at me. Just a moment before she was a scared kitten before me and she is acting brave but nevertheless she said okay.
Shrugging my thoughts I stood up and got a lip balm from her vanity, and applied it on her lip gently blowing the air on her cut. I whisper sorry to her, and she replied it is fine.
''Entertain yourself for half an hour I will prepare breakfast for you'' I said and left not before kissing the crown of her head.
When I was cooking for her, Yash gave me the news that some men were trying to step into my territory and they are caught too and even after torturing them, they didn't reveal their boss's name. I order him to kill them as they are no use to me and about their boss I know everything.
''Boss Kabir said it will take him more than two days to come back'' he filled me with details, Kabir went to Assam for some personal work and now he is in charge of security. I nodded and he left.
Probably Chaudhary was trying to spy on me but who cares
AUTHOR'S POV
In a dark room a conference was going on, or you can say the three Chaudhary brothers Vihaan, Veer, and Vishwa were weaving their trap for ASR and his moon.
''Argh what should we do, we can't reach him, my men tried to cross his territory but then the sensors blew up and they are caught now'' Vihaan, the youngest of all of them said pulling his hair in frustration.
''He has much bigger force than us, it's hard to defeat him physically we have to play mind games'' Vishwa, the middle brother forced his concern on his brothers.
''As much as I hate to say this but the only person that can make him vulnerable is Sugar, he loves her to the death, and if she will leave him he will be weak and for that first, we need to break the trust she has for him'' Veer the eldest triplet said smirking.
''We can't reach her shadow how we are going to make sure that she will leave him'' Vihaan, said gritting his teeth.
''Doubt, it is a slow poison which is hell toxic for any relationship, sow a seed of doubt in her mind which will lead to the clash between them and then she will leave him and he will not stop her because he loves her so much'' Veer said tossing the dart in his hand and getting the hint Vishwa contacted someone.
''And even if our plan didn't work I have a backup plan in which someone is going to help us, who is very much close to ASR, tch tch I feel bad for him, he is going to be betrayed by his very much loyal and trusted person'' Veer smirked and aimed the dart at Aashivik's picture in front of him.
THIRD PERSON'S POV
On one side Raghav and Shrushti were lost in their own world, dancing to the rhythm of the tunes on their first date, embracing each other they smiled thinking how perfectly they fit in each other arms.
''Raghav'' his lady said, he hummed in response keeping her closer to his chest, he had hugged her many times but it was a comforting hug when she wasn't in her senses and used to be scared but this is a different, first time she wrapped her delicate arms around him, first time without any fear she welcomed his embrace and he isn't going to let her go this time.
''Will I be able to move on in my life'' she questioned he looked at her, her cheeks glistening with tears overwhelmed with all the emotions bubbling inside her.
''He was your first love, I intend to be your last no matter how long it takes'' with this he looked into her eyes asking for permission which she gladly did and capture his lips binding her destiny with him.
(Any Klaus Mikaelsons fan)
''I have never been loved Raghav can you show me how it felt, can you remove his dirty touch and paint me in your love'' she said keeping her hand on his chest, his eyes widen after uncovering the hidden meaning of her words, he looked at her again with questioning eyes to which she gave an assuring nod. Taking her in the bridal style he made his way to show her she can be loved too, she deserves her share of happiness and he vows to give her that. His soft gentle touch on her body erased all her past memories, his light feather kisses made her feel she is being loved.
Covering her with a blanket he kissed her forehead while she pressed a kiss on his chest, smiling at each other they both slept. She is a warrior that finally found her peace, he was chaos that found a way to his home.
3 days later
BREAKING NEWS
A video is going viral on the internet, it was posted 3 hours ago when a user TanyaGill, went live and exposed these so-called rich people, the video shocked everyone and give a zest of the true colours of these billionaires' businessmen. Let's have a look at it...
Hii, I am Tanya, and I work in Rathore industries for the last 6 months, this is the first and last video that I am recording because I have no courage to go against Mr Aashivik Singh Rathore and I dont know if I will be alive after this confession or not. When first time I went for the interview in Rathore Industries, I applied for the company secretary after clearing the interview I was about to go but Mr Rathore stopped me and said he need me as his personal secretary and I will be paid 2 lakhs per months, excitedly I accepted the offer but when I start working with him, he was trying to be close to me first I neglected but one day he asked me to join for a client dinner, I agreed and later that night he molested me and now I am pregnant and he refused to acknowledge that this is his baby, please help me to get justice.
And then she broke down in front of millions of live users.
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Hey everyone... I don't know from last week I am facing many issues with uploading chapters, first, they weren't visible to readers and then the sequence was messed up. Also, in this chapter, a scene was deleted from my draft which is why I was not uploading it.
I just want to say that can you please leave a comment so that I know you guys can see the chapter or you can DM me too?
Oh, I forget to say... please do vote and comment I have seen the chapter got 900 views but not even 100 votes on them, only one chapter crossed a hundred and for that, I thank full to you but still, that's not fair one vote would not hurt anyone, so I have decided if this chapter didn't cross 120+ votes I will not be uploading. I know this might be unfair to my loyal readers and I am sorry for that but I hope you all can understand my situation too. I have to write the story at midnight along with my studies, and even after this not getting 100 votes it feels like this book is turning into a disappointment.
Let's come to the chapter on what you think is going to happen next.
Any idea who is going to betray ASR?