Publishing early because you guys have all my heart <3
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जोगी नच ले
जोगी नच ले
लेहराके बलखाके तू दुनिया भुलाके नाच
धुन कोई गुण गुणाले गले तू जाके नाच
रंगीनियों में खो जा
मदभरे नैनो से तू नैणा मिलाके नाच
उफ़ तेरी अदा
उफ़ तेरा बदन
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THIRD PERSON'S POV
"Hello." Vivaan entered the Singhania villa, hoping to meet Meera.
"Arey Vivaan! Come in, beta," Myrah said with a smile.
"Aunty, is Meera here?" He asked. Vivaan knew about everything that had happened and how Meera, along with her parents, had flown back to Mumbai for some space.
"No, actually, beta, she has gone to Goa for some party. Her sister-in-law, Vaahi, has accompanied her," Myrah replied casually.
Vivaan's jaw clenched. The thought of his sister amidst a group of drunk strangers angered him, and for some reason, he felt even more upset, or rather disappointed knowing about Vaahi's presence there.
"They are alone?" Vivaan asked, hoping the answer would be no.
"No, Meera's bodyguard Ashrut is also with them," Myrah replied with a frown.
"Okay, aunty, I'll see you later!" Vivaan said in a hurry, leaving the Singhania villa while dialing his phone.
"Ruhaan! Your damn sister.."
***
"Bhabhi-sa, are you ready?" Vaahi's voice chimed from the suite we were staying in. I stood in front of the full-length mirror, clad in a stunning boho-style dress, a delightful fusion of vibrant colors and floral patterns.
The dress flowed gracefully to my ankle but it had a cute slit from my left thigh and flattered my figure. The soft fabric felt like a gentle caress against my skin.
I turned away from the mirror and looked at Vaahi, who was sitting on the edge of the bed, her eyes wide with excitement. "Almost," I replied, a warm smile gracing my lips.
I untied my hair from the messy bun, letting the dark locks fall gracefully down my back. The room was filled with the delicate scent of my favorite jasmine-scented hairspray as I spritzed a few touches onto my hair.
With the hairbrush in hand, I began to brush through my locks, the bristles gliding smoothly through the strands.
Done.
Satisfied with my look, I walked near the bed, my boho dress swaying with each step. Vaahi, who was waiting, gasped as she caught sight of me. Her enthusiasm was palpable as she jumped on the bed, her eyes gleaming as she looked at me.
"Omg, you look so gorgeous!" Vaahi exclaimed, her excitement infectious, making me laugh. It was shaping up to be a fantastic day.
(Meera's outfit)
"Okay, you need to calm down!" I told Vaahi, trying to stop her from jumping on the bed.
"That's what Taylor said!" Vaahi exclaimed with a giggle.
"Vaahi, we're done complimenting me, c'mon!" I said, feeling myself blush as I caught her adorable gaze.
"No, bhabhi-sa, you are way too hot. Leave Bhai-sa, marry me!" she said with a playful glint in her eyes, making me laugh.
"Now, act like a good girl and twirl for me!" she said with a cheeky smile. I decided to indulge her and did a quick spin, which was met with her enthusiastic applause.
"Don't you want to change?" I asked her, noticing she was still wearing her pajamas. "Uh-oh, yeah," she replied, slapping her forehead playfully before rushing into the washroom.
I took a seat at the vanity, glancing at my phone. The picture of Rana-sa still graced my screensaver. God, I missed him.
Goa had been both fun and stressful. I had emotionally manipulated Ashrut into keeping quiet about our whereabouts in Goa.
After a few pleas and promises, he had finally agreed to keep it a secret. I even made him swear on his future girlfriend that he wouldn't say anything to Rana-sa about our activities in Goa.
Vaahi owed me one, and I couldn't help but chuckle at the thought.
Vaahi emerged from the bathroom in her boho outfit, and I couldn't help but compliment her. "You look amazing, Vaahi," I said, making her grin at me with that cute, infectious smile of hers.
(Vaahi's outfit)
With our outfits on point, we headed to the beach where the party was taking place. The sound of the waves crashing and the music in the background created a unique atmosphere that promised an unforgettable night.
The beach was illuminated with string lights and bonfires, giving it a magical touch. As we strolled along the shoreline, I noticed people dancing, laughing, and enjoying themselves. The atmosphere was electric, and I couldn't help but feel the excitement in the air.
"Best friend, let's do this?" Vaahi asked me with hopeful eyes.
"At this point, why not?" I replied, as we gazed at the lively scene ahead.
Meanwhile, Ashrut seemed like he might consider disapproving of the entire party. His eyes were so alert as he stood behind us, his attire contrasting with the relaxed beach vibe.
Imagine a scene where everyone is in swimsuits or casual clothing, and then there's Ashrut, resplendent in his white formal shirt and black slacks, looking as though he's ready to fire his gun at any moment.
"Ma'am," he called out, halting both of us. "This entire place is a security hazard. I'm sorry, but I cannot allow you to get inside the crowd," he stated, his concern evident.
Ashrut's vigilance made me smile. "Ashrut, get a drink, feel the buzz, enjoy the vacation," I suggested, patting his shoulder. He was so dedicated to his job that it was almost endearing.
"Mrs. Rajvansh, Mr. Rajvansh will turn me into Aloo ka bharta if anything happens to you," he said with a worried tone.
Aloo ka bharta exists?
"Don't worry, Ashrut. Like I said, I'll handle it," I reassured him.
"But I still need you to stay away from the whole crowd so you can be in direct sight of me. Along with that, my number should be on your speed dial. Both of you!" he emphasized, making us nod in agreement.
What Ashrut didn't know was that my phone had died a while back, but I didn't have the heart to tell him that right then.
Vaahi and I were full-on dancing to the beats, enjoying the lively atmosphere. As the music pulsed through our bodies, we lost ourselves in the rhythm.
Slowly, we began to blend into the crowd, which was dancing as one.
A group of college students, mostly guys, spotted us and decided to join in on our dance. We welcomed their enthusiasm, as they added to the vibrant energy on the dance floor.
Together, we swayed to the rhythm of "Tum Hi Ho Bandhu."
The party was in full swing, and the students from the nearby college seemed to be having a great time. I exchanged smiles with some of them, and they started dancing around us.
However, as the dancing continued, one guy got a bit too bold. He placed his hand on my waist without asking, and I immediately pushed his hand away, giving him a stern look. Before I could say anything, Vaahi noticed the situation and stepped forward, ready to intervene.
"Hey, buddy, hands off," Vaahi said firmly, her protective instincts in full gear. She put herself between me and the over-enthusiastic college student.
The guy, obviously a little tipsy, tried to play it cool. "I was just dancing, no harm meant," he slurred.
I was not in the mood for excuses. "Respect personal space," I told him sternly. "We're here to have fun, but that doesn't mean you can cross boundaries."
Vaahi chimed in, her tone even firmer. "Exactly! If you want to dance, there are plenty of other people around. Keep it respectful."
He now decided to make his way over to Vaahi. He grinned with a mischievous glint in his eyes and said, "C'mon, it's just a fun night..." Without a second thought, I pushed his hand away and, without missing a beat, gave him a swift punch in the face.
The sudden turn of events caught the attention of the surrounding dancers, and the guy stumbled back, clutching his nose, surprised by my unexpected response.
"Ow. Ow. Ow." I exclaimed, shaking my fist in pain as the guy clutched his nose.
Ashrut stormed his way towards us, fully charged. He confronted the guy who was still holding his nose in pain, and Ashrut pushed him away, looking rather unamused.
"Ma'am, are you okay?" Ashrut asked me, concern in his eyes.
"Yes, yes, never been better!" I replied with a smile, despite the pain in my hand.
Kisne bola tha Rowdy Rathore banke dikhane?
"Bhabhi, that was badass!" Vaahi said, giving me a hug, and I couldn't help but laugh at her excitement.
We both, after grabbing another drink, made our way to the dance floor and joined a group of girls who were celebrating their bachelorette party.
The fruit punch tasted delicious, and I couldn't stop myself. I had one glass after another. Why is this so yummy?!
I stumbled over to the snack table, my laughter bubbling up for no apparent reason. I grabbed a handful of chips, missed my mouth, and dropped them on the floor.
"Why don't you want me to eat you?" I cried mentally in my mind. "I'm sorry; I'm a horrible human! How can I think of eating these poor chips? Inki bhi family hogi jo inhe doondh rahi hogi! Haye!"
Don't worry! I'll help you find your mumma baby chips!
As I bent down to pick them up, I realized I was having a deep and philosophical conversation with a potted plant. The plant was so mature!
I looked at the plant, nodding like it had just shared the meaning of life with me. "You're so right, Mr. Plant," I slurred, "You've got all the answers. It is Rana-sa's fault!"
Suddenly, Ashrut came over. "Heyyyy Ashuu!"
"Ma'am are you drunk?" He asked me with wide eyes.
I turned to him with a dramatic expression, placing a hand on my chest. "Ashuuu, I'm not drunk," I declared, "I'm just... gravity-challenged. Everything keeps going up and down, you know?"
I was completely drunk, who am I kidding, and Vivaan would be disappointed. I don't even know how it happened, but that fruit punch was unlike any I'd ever had before.
As the music played in the background, Vaahi and I grooved with Mr. Plant like it was the most happening dance partner in the room. We were now in a secluded corner.
My head was bobbing up and down to the catchy tune, and I felt like I was in the midst of a lively Spanish or maybe Italian fiesta.
होश गवा दीवाने होश गावाके नाच
पास तू ा दीवाने पास तू आके नाच
दिल में है अरमान जाने सारे जगाके नाच
तन में बदन में जैसे आग लगाके नाच
I swayed and twirled with all the grace of a tipsy flamingo, completely entranced by the music.
"Someone has their hand on my shoulder," I mumbled to Vaahi with a giggle as I turned around and saw the one person who mattered the most, Rana-sa. RuRu!
As the alcohol-induced haze clouded my vision and I continued to admire my handsome and dashing Rana-sa, I couldn't help but notice a look of frustration on his face.
देखके भी नहीं हो यकीं
इतनी क्यूँ है बता तू हसीं
तेरे हुस्न से जिंदगी हसीन
तेरे हुस्न के आगे कोई हसीन न कुछ भी नहीं
His handsome features seemed to be marred by an unmistakable glare directed straight at me.
I couldn't understand why my Rana-sa, who had just entered the scene like a Bollywood hero, was now giving me a stern look as if I had committed a crime.
"Rana-sa!" I exclaimed, my words slightly slurred, "Why the angry mango face? No wait! Angry bird face!"
"What is the meaning of this? What's this behaviour Meera?!" Rana-sa was yelling at me, and I couldn't understand why he was suddenly so furious. I mean, all day it's been 'hee-hee' and 'ha-ha,' and now he's shouting. It's like they never talk nicely to me.
In my drunken state, I turned around slightly to find Vaahi passed out in Viv's arms. Wait, Viv is here too? Oh no, this isn't good. I looked at Rana-sa to find him shooting a harsh glare at Vaahi, but she was already passed out.
Vivaan gazed at Vaahi tenderly for a moment before he unintentionally slipped into glaring mode. Looks like he forgot to activate his stoic face setting.
"RuRu, it's 'What is this behavior, PoOoja!'" I corrected him with a giggle, and he just stared at me, clearly confused.
"Then you say, 'Ohhhh, I'm sorry, I kicked it by mistake,'" I continued, taking a seat on the sandy beach with my legs crossed. As I looked up at his face, I couldn't quite decipher the emotion he was expressing.
"What? My legs are tired!" I pouted. This man is so judgmental. Yes, he was incredibly judgmental back then too!
"Aap itne judgmental kyun ho, pyaar kisi aur se karte the toh shaadi kyun ki mujhse!" I said suddenly, tears welling up. (Why are you so judgmental? If you loved someone else, why did you marry me?)
His eyes suddenly widened as he glanced around and then back at me.
"Meera, aap kya bol rahi ho?" he said, kneeling down, moving closer to me. (Meera, what are you talking about?)
"Hume pata hai aap chup chup ke kisi se milte ho na? Ussi se pyaar karte ho, hum toh sirf ek lachar naari hai aapke liye!" I continued, crying even more. (I know you secretly meet someone, right? You love that person, I'm just a helpless woman to you!)
Jab dekho, balcony mein chale jaate hain apne uss Macbook ke saath, humari soutan! (Whenever I look, you're off to the balcony with that MacBook of yours, my rival!)
"Meera, humne kitni baar bola hai, sirf aap hi ho humare zindagi mein," he said, his tone serious.
"Nahi nahi, jhoot! Meri zindagi ko apne pati, patni, aur voh ka plot bana diya hai!" I cried.
"You have fun; I'll take her to the hotel safely," Viv said, who was quiet the entire time, while Vaahi was in his arms, bridal-style.
"Hey, you! Make sure my sister is safe, okay?" I said with narrowed eyes, and he shook his head before leaving with her.
"Bandar kahi ka," I muttered, watching them go. (Bloody Monkey)
As Rana-sa sat beside me criss-cross style, he was clearly baffled by my incoherent rambling. His expressive face went from confusion to exasperation and then back to concern.
"Meera, you've had a bit too much to drink," he said gently, trying to make sense of my intoxicated rants. Oh really? Hume toh pata hi nahi tha!
"How are you here?" I asked, thoroughly puzzled.
"Vivaan called me a few hours ago, and Ashrut just gave me a ring an hour back, informing me about your inebriated state," he explained. Oops. My bad.
"Meera, why do you think I'm having an affair?" he inquired while gently holding my hands.
"I know, you and that laptop!" I replied, sounding completely serious. I was convinced there was a conspiracy at play.
"You're cheating on me with her? Aise kya hai usme, jo mujh mein nahi hai?" I continued, my eyes welling up with tears. (Is there something in her that I don't have?)
"Dimaag," he mumbled, trying to clarify. (Brain)
"SEE, I TOLD YOU! YOU ADMITTED IT! THERE'S A BRAIN IN HER, WHICH MEANS YOU LOVE HER! YOU CHEATER!" I shouted while still crying.
A kind young woman of around my age who happened to be passing by stopped and turned to me, "Is he cheating on you?" She asked softly upon seeing my distraught state.
"Yes, and we're married!" I responded, still sobbing.
"Shame on you, man! How could you cheat on this beautiful woman? Thoda sharam karo! God is watching!" She berated him, cursing him with a shake of her head, and then walked away.
I gazed at my Ruhaan, and he was sitting there, his head in his hands.
"Are you done now, Meera?" he asked me as he looked at me.
"Yes," I replied with a grin, and he nodded, shaking his head. "First, you need to sober up, and then we'll talk."
"Mr. Chidchida, look, the sun is setting!" I said with a smile, gazing at the sea now bathed in shades of orange, the sunset making it a breathtaking sight.
He looked at me with an amused smile. "Mr. Chidchida?" He questioned, his eyes twinkling with curiosity. "Another one of your nicknames," I explained, still fixated on the sunset.
"What else is on the list?" He inquired.
"You have your entire life left to find out," I replied with a smile, and he nodded.
"I like sunsets, RuRu," I said, my gaze lingering on the horizon, and he responded with a soft hum.
"Why?" He asked, his voice equally soft.
I turned to face him, my smile now reflective of the sun's warm hues. "Because they mark the end of one beautiful day and promise the beginning of another. They remind me that there's always something to look forward to, even after the darkest moments."
He remained silent for a moment, and I turned to look at him. His eyes, usually so guarded, held a glimmer of warmth as he observed me. He reached out and took my hand in his, squeezing it gently.
We sat in silence for a while, the calming sounds of the waves accompanying our thoughts. The sunset painted the sky with hues of pink, purple, and gold, casting a warm glow on everything around us.
"You're right, Meera." He nodded, his gaze still fixed on the horizon.
I smiled and leaned my head on his shoulder. "RuRu, do you believe in second chances?"
He glanced at me, his expression pensive. "Honestly, Meera, I used to think no one deserved a second chance. I believed in one-shot opportunities, that mistakes defined us."
I looked up at him, my gaze searching his eyes. "But?"
"But," he continued, "when I found myself in a position where I was desperate for a second chance, I selfishly changed my answer to yes. Maybe people do deserve a chance to make amends, to learn from their mistakes."
I nodded, comforted by his answer. As the last rays of the sun disappeared beneath the sea, we sat there in silence, savoring the moment and the promise of a new beginning.
"RuRu, pick me up! But wait, I'm angry at you, right?" I asked him, tilting my head to the right in confusion.
"Yes, you are, but I'll drop you safely at the hotel," he said, making me smile.
"Okay!" I replied with a smile, and he lifted me up into his arms and carried me away from the twinkling lights. I saw Ashuu open the car door, and we both sat inside, or well, he made me sit inside.
"Back to the hotel, Ashrut, we need to have a talk, I believe," Ruhaan spoke, glaring at Ashrut, who nodded his head.
"Hey, don't be mad at Ashu. I told him not to tell you anything," I said with a huff. Ruhaan simply patted my head and looked out the window.
He did not just do that!
I pouted and crossed my arms, pretending to be upset. "RuRu, you're not allowed to pat me. I'm the one who's supposed to be upset with you." I pointed my finger at him with an exaggerated frown.
He chuckled, "Okay, okay, no patting. But are you really mad at me?"
I dramatically sighed and leaned against the car door, my hand on my forehead as if in deep contemplation. "Hmm... You didn't tell me you were in a serious relationship with your laptop. I have to rethink this whole marriage now."
Ruhaan couldn't help but laugh at my antics. "Meera, you are the only love of my life, and my laptop is just a tool for work. You have nothing to worry about, my beautiful, drunken wife."
"RuRu, you were mean that night. I wanted you to hug me, not scold me," I said, reminiscing about that night. I looked up to see him with a look of guilt and remorse on his face.
"I know, Meera, and that's why I'm here – to make sure you forgive me," he said.
I looked at him with a huge grin, my earlier faux anger completely forgotten. "That's what I like to hear, RuRu. Also I'm glad you're not cheating on me with technology. Now, can we stop at the McDonald's drive-thru? I want a Happy Meal!"
He laughed and leaned over to peck my cheek. "Sure, we can get a Happy Meal, but first, let's get you back to the hotel safely, okay?"
In the car, I couldn't help but babble on, a result of my tipsy state. "RuRu, do you know that the moon looks like a glowing gulab jamun tonight? I love gulab jamun. You should get me some gulab jamun, RuRu. Do you love gulab jamun too?"
Ruhaan chuckled and caressed my hair softly. "Of course, Meera. I'll get you all the gulab jamun you want."
As we arrived at the hotel, I insisted on walking on my own, but my legs didn't quite cooperate. I stumbled and almost fell, but Ruhaan caught me just in time. "You're like a tipsy penguin, Meera."
I giggled. "No, I'm a tipsy Meera!"
We reached our room, and I plopped down on the bed with a sigh. "RuRu, don't go anywhere. Stay with me." I patted the space beside me.
Ruhaan softly smiled, sitting beside me. "I'm not going anywhere, Meera."
I snuggled up to him, resting my head on his chest. "You're the best RuRu. I miss you and I love you... and gulab jamun." My words trailed off as I started to drift off to sleep, still giggling softly. Ruhaan chuckled, gently stroking my hair.
"Sweet dreams, Meera. I missed you too and I'm sorry once again."
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A/N
Did you find this chapter funny, or is my sense of humor really too lame?
Anyhow, I love you all! ❤️
Max comments in this chapter or forget about Ch. 35 (Smut*)
What's your favorite aspect of this book? (It could be anything – a character, a scene, something in general, their outfits, etc?)