38. Cares and Banters.
THIS CHAPTER HASN'T REALLY COME OUT THAT WELL, MAYBE BECAUSE I HAVE BEEN TRYING TO BATTLE WRITER'S BLOCK WHILE WRITING THIS. PLEASE BEAR WITH ME THIS ONCE AGAIN.
Siya ~
It had been 2 weeks since I was shot by that mad lady and her husband and today was the day I was finally getting a discharge and I was dying to go home!
By home, I meant, staying with mumma and papa.
Papa had asked Dad to let me stay with them for a few days and dad had somehow convinced Arjun too and I was so happy. I had been a while since I had stayed with my family. There were so many things we would do!
I mean, yes, I had some restrictions due to my health constraints but apart from that, I was going to be alright!
" Okay bye Arjun. I'll see you in a month." I chirped happily when he entered my ward and I had changed from those boring hospital clothes to my happy ones!
Siya's Look ~
" In a month, what makes you think that I can live without you for a month, Little Flower?" He asked, raising a brow as he made his way, coming to sit next to me and I just shrugged.
" You don't have an option. I am going home to stay with mumma, papa, my bhaiyas and bhabhis, Kritik and Mahir!" I told him, trying to sound as stern as I could. I wasn't going to let him manipulate me into going to the Palace, no chance!
" When is it, Siya, that I never have an option?" He asked, with a brow raised, looking as cocky as one could and my mouth hung open at his smugness.
" This time, I am not giving you one. I am going home." I replied, folding my arms in front of my chest, shooting daggers towards him.
" When did I say anything otherwise? We are going home." He said, with a smirk playing well on his lips and I rolled my eyes.
" I am going to my home Arjun." I emphasised on the word my, trying to stand up but as I attempted to do so, a sudden wave of dizziness washed over me. My vision blurred, and I felt my legs give way beneath me.
Panic surged through me as I realized I was about to fall, but before I could hit the ground, strong arms wrapped around me, catching me just in time.
I found myself cradled in Arjun's arms while his eyes held a mixture of concern and relief as he looked down at me.
"Easy there." he murmured softly, his voice a soothing balm to my frazzled nerves. "You need to take it slow. Your body has been through so much."
I nodded weakly, a blush of embarrassment coloring my cheeks as my attempt to assert my independence had faltered. My heart raced, not just from the physical strain but also from the overwhelming emotions of being cradled in Arjun's arms.
"If you still think that I'll allow you to be away from my sight even for a single minute, you're in for a rude awakening, Little Flower." He declared firmly. His tone carried an undeniable resolve, and his gaze bore into mine with unwavering intensity. "There isn't even the slightest possibility in all seven realms that you'll be staying away from me."
He then helped me sit back on the bed and I sighed.
"Ranaji, my entire family will be there to take care of me. I'll be just fine. You can't do this to me. I want to stay with them!" I pleaded, my tone almost conveying a sense of desperation.
"I agree, Little One. Your entire family will be there to take care of you, especially since Papa has agreed to move into the Palace with Maa, Rohit, Karan, Hansika, Tanaya, Kritik, and Mahir for a few months" he explained, his words leaving me utterly stunned and equally furious.
"Arjun, I simply cannot subject them to this. Living in the Palace would make them feel extremely uncomfortable. Who do you think you are..." I didn't even notice that I had started yelling at him. Just the thought of my family's discomfort because of me was infuriating.
"He is our Ranaji Siya, and you are my daughter. He is my son-in-law, and you are our Raanisa. There isn't anything we wouldn't do for the two of you, there arises no question of discomfort. I have dedicated my entire life to serving the Palace, and now, if my daughter and son-in-law need us, why wouldn't we be there?" Papa said, entering the ward. This time, I stood up on my feet with Arjun's help and walked over to him.
"But Papa, I cannot expect you all to put your lives on hold for me. I cannot be that selfish." I objected, my voice tinged with concern and guilt. I couldn't bear the thought of my family making such sacrifices for my sake. "No, this is not happening."
" Selfish? Beta when have you ever been selfish? You've given your family your all for our sake and our Raanisa or not, you cannot take away our rights over our daughter so it is settled, we are moving into the Palace for a few days until you are all recovered." He declared and I knew it for a fact that there was no changing his mind now.
In response, I did what one might expect in such a situation, I cast a piercing glare at my husband, seething with anger. This same husband was the very reason behind all of this happening. How could he simply let me return home? No, he had to orchestrate this situation!
Rana Arjun Singh Ranvanshi.
"Let's get you home and resting, Siya. You still haven't completely recovered," Arjun said, but I chose to completely ignore him. Instead, I took Papa's hand and started walking without uttering a word to Arjun.
"Don't worry about her anger, Arjun. She'll be back to eating your head in no time. It goes away as fast as it appears." He reassured Ranaji. I shook my head in frustration; it felt like my family belonged to him more than they did to me now.
"I know, Papa." His voice carried a teasing tone as I turned my head to look at him, sticking my tongue out playfully before returning my gaze forward.
"Real mature, Siya," Arjun chimed in, laughing at my childish antics. I decided to maintain my silence, opting not to dignify his comment with a response.
Yet, I found a smile playing on my lips at the thought of my entire family living with me, even if it was just for a few days. Now I could relax with three of my brothers, chat with three of my sisters-in-law, and basically have the time of my life!
"Do you know how much your beloved son-in-law troubles me, Papa, that you always take his side?" I asked him, making sure my voice was loud enough for Arjun to hear.
"Of course, Siya. He's the troublemaker while you are the most innocent person alive," he taunted me, and I sighed.
"Okay, don't believe me, but the truth will emerge, no matter what," I stomped my feet and attempted to get ahead of him and Arjun. However, as soon as I tried, I was pulled back, this time straight into Ranaji's arms, while Papa left us to get an update from the security staff for our exit from the hospital.
" Siya, I know that you did not like what I did but...." He started but I kept my hand on his lips, stopping him from continuing any further while he looked on at me.
" It's okay Arjun. But the next time you think of doing something like this, I will fight back. Right now, honestly, I don't have it in me to argue with anyone, let alone stay mad at you." I confessed to him with all my honesty and then I took my hand away from his lips.
He gave me an understanding nod before he did something I hardly expected him to do right now, he scooped me into his arms, encircling me, drawing me close to his chest, and I couldn't help but gasp softly in response to the sudden intimacy.
" Arjun! Why?" I asked, wrapping my arms around his neck while I found his gaze on me
" You just said that you couldn't argue with me, Little Flower ,and in any world where you cannot argue with me, something must be amiss. So, how can I possibly allow my unwell wife to walk when I can so conveniently carry her in my arms ?" He inquired, his tone so playful that I couldn't help but let out a chuckle.
" You're unbelievable, Ranaji. But you just confessed to knowing that I absolutely love bickering with you, you know? " I said, controlling myself and I saw him smiling too.
" I have known that from the second I followed you in the car while you stubbornly walked yourself home, Siya. Each time I've endeavored to weave you into my words are all those times you have surrendered yourself to me, sometimes willingly, binding me with you irrevocably." He said with such softness in his voice that I couldn't look at him in the eye anymore, a gentle warmth flooding my cheeks as I blushed at his words, my heart refusing to allow me to look at him again, for fear that my eyes would give away the depth of my feelings.
Before I could say anything, one of the security personnel made his way to us, informing Arjun that we were ready to leave before going ahead.
" I can walk, Arjun." I gently protested as he persisted in carrying me in his strong arms, leading us toward the hospital's exit but he refused to place me back on my feet.
He didn't offer a response, and I eventually surrendered, allowing him to cradle me in his arms. I closed my eyes tightly, my body tempting me with the embrace of sleep, while I fought against its pull.
Eventually, I think I gave up because the next time I opened my eyes, I found myself on my bed, lying comfortably and a few voices in the background which felt like home.
" She's awake." I heard mom's voice and found her in the room with Mumma and Hansika bhabhi.
" Siya, how are you feeling beta?" Mumma came and sat down next to me, keeping her hand on my head lovingly.
" Fine." I replied,laying my head on her lap and embracing her with my arms, snuggling close. Laughter filled the room as I did so.
" Come on Hansika, let's leave the mother-daughter here. We'll go and check on the others." Mom suggested, and then I heard their footsteps fading as they exited the bedroom.
" Mumma do you know what I am craving?" I asked her, looking up.
" Siya you cannot give into any of those cravings for a while. All you are going to get is light food which doesn't harm your healing body." She replied, with a concern laced in her voice and I huffed.
" Pizza mumma, please?" My best attempt at puppy-dog eyes accompanied my plea, hoping it would be enough to sway her but who was I kidding? She wasn't going to cave in.
" Fine." She sighed and I immediately sat up, straight, partially in shock.
" What!? Did you just say yes?" I exclaimed, looking at her.
" I did and Siya, stop jumping around! Pizza and you are just another love story." She playfully hit my head before getting serious again.
" You're only getting one that I'll make, no ordering out." she insisted, and I couldn't help but whine.
" But you always sneak cauliflower into it! I want a pizza from Dominos," I complained, tugging at her hand while she shot me a stern look.
"It's either the one I prepare or no pizza at all. Your decision," she declared, leaving me with a sigh of resignation.
"Alright, you can make it for me, but just onions, mushrooms, and paneer—no gobi, please." I requested, and she nodded before getting up from the bed.
"I'm sending someone to look after you, Siya, and I mean it; you better not be moving around the room." She warned, wagging a finger at me.
"Where's Arjun?" I inquired, noticing her eyes go soft then.
"Ranaji is attending to some business, Siya. Now, lie down," she instructed, and I complied. Moments later, Hansika bhabhi entered my room.
"Siya, how are you feeling?" She asked, coming over to give me a gentle hug.
" I am fine bhabhi! I promise. just utterly bored. Where are the kids?" I asked her because I was dying to spend some time with them.
" Preeti and Tanaya and currently getting their homework done. Once they are finished with that, they'll come here and you can play some board games with them." She replied and I nodded, smiling.
People were taking turns, looking after me, except for Arjun and Papa who were busy with god knows what work on a Sunday.
Both my brothers, Jahanavi, Kritik, Mahir and I vibed on Chota Bheem before Dad came to my room with lot's of ice-cream. Currently, I was sitting alone here, waiting for someone to take this shift like I was a child in need of babysitting.
" Oh god! How long does it take to make a pizza and where is Arjun? I haven't seen him since morning!" I was currently talking to myself and decided to sneak out of the room to first find Arjun and then make him go and get me pizza.
I was just about to leave when I saw myself in front of the mirror and saw my hair all messy and tangled. If I stepped out like this, the Palace guards would chase me out and neither could I take help from any of the maids around. I didn't let anyone touch my hair unless it was mumma, my bhabhis and once, Arjun.
Feeling a bit frustrated, I took a seat in front of the dresser, gathering all my unruly hair in front of me. I reached for the brush, but just as my fingers were about to grasp it, they came into contact with another's, sending a sudden jolt through me. My eyes shot up to find Arjun standing there, looking at me, his eyes reflecting an intensity that sent a million sparks of longing through my very soul.
I tried to stand up but just like the last time, he stopped me, keeping one hand on my shoulder and I looked away from him immediately, my fingers playing with themselves in my lap, suddenly nervous. What was happening to me, god? It wasn't as if he was looking at me for the first time!
As Arjun held the hairbrush and began running it through my wild locks, a wave of emotions washed over me. His touch felt like a sweet melody that I caved into.
Our eyes met in the mirror, and it felt like time stood still. His gaze, intense and captivating, locked onto mine, and I felt myself drawn to him in every way that I possibly could.
With each pass of the brush through my hair, my cheeks flushed a deeper shade of pink with his slight accidental touches and his gaze locked on me.
I knew he could see the affect he had on me, he was soaking it with his eyes, his gaze, like a hungry flame, seemed to devour the emotions that danced across my face, and the sensation was both exhilarating and unnerving. My eyes drifting downward once more, steadfastly refusing to even steal a glance at his reflection in the mirror.
As I peeked at him through the mirror once again, I found him smirking, a sly, smug expression that made my heart race even faster. Unable to resist his playful demeanor, I finally met his gaze and asked, "What's that smirk for, Ranaji?"
A soft chuckle escaped his lips, his eyes alight with mischievous allure. "Well, Little Flower," he purred, his tone laced with cockiness, "The way I affect you is nothing short of fascinating. You find it impossible to hold my gaze for more than a fleeting moment when our eyes meet."
His words sent a thrilling shiver coursing through my veins. It was as if he was trying to catch me in a game of seduction, his each word and glance stoking desire between us and my cheeks, pink earlier, turned into a shade of crimson.
" Pizza." The first word popped into my head to change the topic and I jumped right at it while he finished to brush my hair.
" Your doctor has asked...." He started.
" Arjun, I swear if one more time you mention my doctor or the hospital, I will run away." I glared at him, getting up from the dresser and turning around to look at him.
" If pizza is what you want..." I knew he was offering to make me one so I stopped him again.
" Mumma is making it for me." I told him.
" What is with you not letting me speak today?" His bemusement was evident as he looked at me, raising an eyebrow with a small, affectionate smile.
" You have been saying painfully predictable things today Ranaji." I replied.
He reached out and took my hand, leading me towards the bed. "Well, predictability isn't always a bad thing, especially when it comes to taking care of you."
" No, no, no. I cannot sleep anymore. I need to go out." I added and he shook his head in a no.
" You aren't going anywhere. Rest is the only thing that should be on your mind for the next fifteen days." He ordered and I rolled my eyes at his over-protectiveness.
A defiant spark lit up my eyes as I met Arjun's unwavering gaze. "You're taking me out to the lawn right now," I demanded, my voice carrying the same level of determination that he had exhibited moments ago.
Arjun's expression shifted from gentle concern to a thoughtful contemplation, as if weighing the pros and cons of my request.
"Alright, Little Flower," he began, his tone still protective, "but you're not walking there."
As soon as those words left his mouth, a knowing smile curled on my lips. I could almost predict what was coming next, and this time, I was prepared for it.
Arjun scooped me up into his strong arms, holding me in a bridal embrace and I planted a small peck on his lips while he carried me out.
His voice, when he spoke, held a simmering desire that sent shivers down my spine. "Careful, Siya," he cautioned, his words laced with the promise of something more. "Don't tempt me."
I listened for my own sake.
"Where have you been all day?" I diverted the conversation, eager to shift our focus away from the intensity of our emotions. As the question left my lips, a sudden tension coursed through him. His gaze turned evasive, and his eyes avoided mine, as if concealing a secret he wasn't ready to share.
I wasn't letting it go, not when I knew it had something to do with me. His reaction told me that.
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