●❍ इश्क का खेल नसीबो का है,
ना कोई पढ़ पाया इसको,
ना कोई समझा है,
तू ही पढ़ ले,
और समझ ले,
सतरंगिया। ●❍
~~~~~~~~●❍
Aadhya stood at the main door step of Agnivanshi's haveli. Her eyes are dull, there is no color in them. She is still angry on Dev whom she felt coming and standing beside her. He was about to take her inside but-
" Wait, bhai-sa."
There come, Kajal running toward her brother and sister-in-law. She has smile on her lips.
" Let me perform grah pravesh ritual."
Aadhya furrowed her eyebrows and thought- is there not anyone elder than them? Maybe no, and she is not even interested to know. She just stood quietly while Kajal performed grah pravesh ritual of Aadhya.
Kajal put the copper plate filled with thin red liquid made of Alta before Aadhya's feet who then keeps her right foot on that plate and then put her left foot on the plate to get her feet colored with the liquid. She then puts her right foot on the ground to leave marks of the liquid, Marking her entry as daughter in law.
Dev looked around and sighed mentally as he didn't get Shivansh's glimpse. He then told Kajal to take Aadhya in the room.
After reaching in the room, Kajal left Aadhya who stare at her new room, decorated with roses and candles.
Oh yeah, my wedding night!
She felt like her inner self mocking her and she walked toward the mirror. She stare blankly at her mangalsutra and sindoor. She was very excited for her new life. The groom with whom she was about marry- she liked him too. He was nice man and knew the gentle way to treat her. Unfortunately, someone had to ruin all her dreams in most worst way possible and tied in a scared bond called marriage.
She is feeling so angry and just want to cry right now. She don't want to see anyone, especially her forced husband- Dev Agnivanshi.
She look at bed and anger rush down to her spine. Going toward it, she didn't wait for a second before making a mess on bed while cleaning the roses from it. The burning candles are just like the flame of anger inside her. She does not want any light, just darkness.
And that's what she did, she started to blow every candles in the room. She grabbed the jar of water and threw it on the ground- breaking it out of anger but that too didn't calm her down. Nothing is able to calm the rage of Aadhya.
Her life just turned upside down in no second and all of a sudden, she became Aadhya Dev Agnivanshi.
Hearing all noise, Dev hurriedly came into the room and widen his eyes seeing the mess. He turn on the lights.
" Aadhya-"
Uttering her name, he tried to walk closer to her but,
" No..Stay there. Don't come."
Aadhya stopped him by showing him her palm. Honestly, he expected this. He knew he will have to face her anger. Tear left from Aadhya's eyes which she was stopping till now. She recalled the horrifying moment of her marriage, yes horrifying! Her father was helpless, her brothers had same conditions, her kaka was shot on leg, what more she need not to cry? That incident was horrifying for her.
He saw broken pieces of glass on ground just near her foot. She was about to step on it unknowingly but-
" Stop!"
Dev said and Aadhya stare at him for some good seconds before clenching her fist and stepped on the broken glass pieces- hurting herself.
" Are you crazy!"
Dev ran toward her and pulled her aside. She stare at him blankly with silent tears streaming down from her eyes.
" Let me see-"
She jerked her hand away from his hold and stepped back when he tried to crouch down and see her bleeding foot.
" Why did you do that."
Aadhya question left Dev all silent and he stare at her silently. If he has done this to her then he is ready to face all her hate and anger.
" Kyu baandh diya is jabardasti ke rishte mein hume."
( Why did you tie me into this forced relationship?)
Aadhya asked again while pointing at her mangal sutra. He had all her answers but the time is not right. He will let her know everything but not yet.
But his silence is killing Aadhya. She want answers. She want to know the reason behind his stunt.
" Kahiye..."
( Speak!)
Aadhya insisted and stepped little closer to him with her bleeding foot.
" Kahiye, kyu kara aapne aisa."
( Why did you do that?)
She took another step closer to him, leaving the blood footprint of her behind..
" Ek pal mein hi aapne hamari zindagi kharab kar di, kyuu.."
( You ruined my life in a fraction of second, whyyy..)
She grabbed fistful of his shirt and looked up to meet his eyes.
" Kahiye kuch, aise shaant na rahiye.."
( Say something, don't be silent.)
Her eyes turned glossy.
" Speak please. I beg you...speak...-"
And she burst into cries then moved her head down.
" Why did you do that. Speak. Please. Say something..."
She started hitting his chest while saying and fall down on her knees.
" Please...why did you do that. I..hate you. I hate you so much."
Dev sighed a little and sat down on his knees too. He tried to touch her shoulder but she jerked his hand away again.
" Do not touch me. I hate you."
Oh, he never wanted to hear this from the mouth of someone whom he loves. But guess, he will have to hear because Aadhya don't know anything. Let her share her pain and her side of story- he will share his side of story later.
But again, he did wrong by marrying her like that! And he has no shame to accept it. At the same time, the situation, the timing, the moment- everything was out of his control. Probably if he had not marry Aadhya, he would have lost her and that's what he didn't want.
" I hate you so much."
She muttered while crying, whereas he sat there silently- staring at her pain coming out in the form of her tears. Soon, Aadhya got tired of crying. Her throat is feeling thirsty due to crying for so long. She turned emotionless all of a sudden.
Dev stood up and went to lock the door of their room. He walked toward Aadhya and waited for few seconds before lifting her up in bridal style. Her silence is clenching his heart at the same time- making him nervous.
He put her gently on the bed then went and came back with first aid kit. Aadhya didn't say anything and just kept staring up to the ceiling when Dev started cleaning her wound on her left foot. Fortunately, the wound was not that deep.
After cleaning her wound, he put the first aid kit aside and stood up. He gulped while staring at her. Never ever, someone made him this nervous like she is doing right now. He need to put every step carefully because she can do anything right now.
His heart beat stopped for a second when she looked at him as he touched her shoulder to make her sit. When she didn't say anything, Dev made her sit up then took a seat behind her.
Aadhya stayed silent as she is feeling so out of energy that whatever he is doing- she don't care. He has already ruined her life much.
Somehow, she felt little good when he undo her bun and left her hair falling freely on her back. Next, he removed her earrings, necklace etc. He then removed the pins on the dupatta stuck with her blouse on shoulder and freed Aadhya with dupatta too which was tuck from the front side of her band of lehange. Leaving her in blouse and lehange only, he made her lie on her back.
His eyes stopped at her waistband and he sighed before removing it too while keeping in mind not to touch her bare skin which was little difficult.
He covered her body with blanket then get down from bed, cleaned the mess she has created then turn off the lights and left the room- leaving Aadhya alone cause he knows, his presence will only hurt her.
~~~~~~~~●❍
" Did she eat?"
Dev asked and got negative respone from his sister. He sighed.
Its been a day almost. Since last night she didn't come out of the room and kept her isolated there. Kajal asked breakfast, lunch and dinner too but got negative response from Aadhya who was little polite to Kajal but expect yes/no she ain't saying anything else.
Whereas Shivansh's case is different. He don't care what is happening in the haveli. He just does his work in his room and he is still angry with his brother. He just cannot accept Aadhya as his sister-in-law.
However, Dev is feeling so bad from both the sides- his wife and brother. He is blaming himself for this behavior of Shivansh and Aadhya.
Kajal grabbed her brother's hand and squeeze it a little.
" Everything will be alright. I trust you."
She assured him with a soft smile on lips.
" How. I've just messed all the things up."
Dev said.
" You know bhai-sa, from the time I've started to form words, I only know you and Shivansh bhai-sa as my parents. I don't even remember how it feels while being in mother's embrace. I don't remember how our father used to play with me because all my life, my brothers has been holding me and raised ms like parents. I know how hard you've worked to built this empire. I know the pain and tears of yours and Shivansh Bhai-sa. But Bhabhi-maa...she don't know anything."
Dev look at Kajal.
" I don't want you to let her know everything now only. Give her some time, Know her, treat her gently. I believe bhabhi-maa will trust you but not yet."
Both chuckled at last sentence.
" But how should I make her eat food first."
Dev muttered and Kajal sighed.
" By the way bhai-sa, what did you do to the groom and baarat."
Kajal asked making Dev to glance at his sister.
" Kidnapped the groom and his family, what else. Shaurya kaka helped me and he might have let them go now."
Kajal nodded. Well, she expected this from her brother.
" Hukum."
Dev and Kajal look at the main guard who entered then informed something to them. Kajal furrowed her eyebrows while Dev smirked. He told Guards something who left after that.
2 minutes later, two person entered and Kajal look at them. They are.....Aadhya's parents. While Dev is enjoying their helplessness because that's what they have done too. Seeing them all vulnerable right now, Dev couldn't help but to say.
" Past is repeating itself, isn't it."
Vijay clenched his fist.
" Where is my daughter, I am here to take her."
Shivansh too came hearing voice. He fisted his hand seeing them while Dev chuckled humorously.
" Daughter? I am sorry Mr. Rathore. She is my wife and I ain't letting you take her."
" As if you can stop me."
Vijay said and walked to the direction of Dev and Aadhya's room which is upstairs.
" Well, I don't think your daughter or my wife would like to know the reason behind her marriage to that man."
Dev said and Vijay stopped on his track. Naina too widen her eyes while Dev stood up and walked closer to Vijay. While walking in a circle around Vijay, Dev spoke.
" Ch ch ch. What will she say after knowing, Mr. Rathore. Oh my God! She will surely hate you because how come her father did that to her lovely daughter. Well well well.. My innocent wife is unaware of some little secrets about her father, am I right Mr. Rathore?"
Vijay glared at Dev who stopped in front of him and said dramatically.
" what if I tell her-"
" You won't."
" Oh, offcourse I can."
Dev said after Vijay who got more helpless than he already was. Dev smiled slightly and stare at him. He took a deep breath then spoke.
" I hope you remember your deeds Mr. Rathore. The way you came, just leave like that. And yes,"
He glance at Naina Rathore then again at Vijay. His eyes hold hatred, anger and whatnot for them.
" The countdown of destruction for the Rathore family has begun."
" Baba.."
And just then they all heard sweet voice of Aadhya which was filled with joy and hope. She inally came out of the room hearing low voice of her father. Dev stepped aside when Aadhya came running and hugged her father then her mother. Naina asked Aadhya if she is alright but Aadhya kept crying in her mother's embrace.
She look at her parents then spoke.
" Pl..please take me with you. I don't want to live here. Please.."
She pleaded while crying making tears to gather at the corner of Vijay's eyes too. Never in so many years, anyone made him weak like Dev did.
However Naina is trying to console her daughter but Aadhya is not ready to listen anything. She just want to go home where she has her own family. She does not want to live here.
" Aadhya...list..listen to me."
Vijay spoke.
" No. I won't. Just take me home-"
" Yes, Beta. First listen to me-"
Vijay interuppted Aadhya who denied to listen again.
" This is your home."
Aadhya stopped as her father just said loudly and her hold on his hand lossen.
" Ha?"
She uttered. Vijay gulped nervously. Well, he will have to stop her from going home because he cannot afford to lose her. He is not powerful enough to face her hatred after knowing the truth.
" Y..you are married to him now. Th..this is your home only. So, we..just came to tell you that, stay with your husband. Accept the reality."
Vijay stuttered while saying.
" Never!"
Aadhya denied.
" Try to understand, beta."
Naina said.
" Tell me why?"
Aadhya asked.
" Because you are married now and wife stays with their husband."
Naina replied which just made Aadhya cry more.
" Please maa, baba please. I don't want to stay here."
She insisted but her parents had to leave, putting rock on their heart. But before leaving, Vijay went to Dev and spoke.
" Let the war begin. Unfortunately, my daughter will have to become widow."
Dev smiled carelessly and gestured him to go already.
" MAA...BABA."
Aadhya screamed and ran toward main door which got closed by guard outside. She hit the door several times then fall down on her knees while crying.
" Maa...baba..take me with you please.."
Kajal went to her and sat down beside Aadhya. She rubbed her back to calm her down.
" Please let me go please."
Aadhya said with Kajal with adjoined hands.
" Calm down, bhabhi-"
Kajal consoled her. While crying Aadhya hugged her and there, Dev stare at his wife with clenched heart. Her cries are making him sad while he is not someone who is good at consoling someone. Glad, he has his sister. He thinned his eyebrows when-
" Bhabhi..bha-"
Kajal moved Aadhya away from when she felt no movement from her side. She widen her eyes along with Shivansh and Dev, realizing that she has fained.
Dev ran toward her and lift his wife and walked toward the nearby couch. Even Shivansh got worried but chose not to show. Kajal sprinkled some water on her face several times before she again regain her consciousness.
" Weakness."
Kajal said to Dev who sighed while staring at Aadhya who is looking too tired to move.
5 minutes later, she sit up with the help of Kajal and tried to walk away but this time, Dev held her hand and pulled her back on the couch.
" Get some food for her."
Kajal nodded at Dev's words and ordered a maid to bring some food for Aadhya.
" I don't want to."
Aadhya said stubbornly and tried to stand up but he didn't her. Shivansh left when his phone rang. Maid came with food and put on the table. Kajal smiled and left, leaving the couple alone.
" Humne kaha na!"
( I said, I don't want to.)
Aadhya said angrily.
" Eat the food. You need energy to fight."
Dev mumbled last sentence which was audible for Aadhya.
" Kya kaha aapne."
( What did you say.)
" Eat your food."
Dev said after her and hand her the plate.
" Hote kon hain aap hamari fikar karne vale."
( Who are you to worry about me?)
Aadhya asked with rude tone which probably she rarely use. While making a morsel for her, Dev spoke.
" Aapke pati."
( Your husband.)
And she open her mouth to snap back but just then Dev put the morsel inside her mouth. She glared at him as she cannot even spit the food out because it will be disrespecting. She gulp down the food then stood up.
" I said I don't want to eat. Can't you listen to me once."
Saying she started to walk away but,
" Your parents are on the way to their house and I am sure you don't want anything bad to happen with them."
It was the last choice Dev had. Even though he knew, Aadhya will hate him more if he'll blackmail her.
His trick was successful, Aadhya got flashback of their wedding day and she got scared for her parents and she does not want to underestimate him now. To stop her tears, she closed her eyes for some second then open it and went back to her place.
She quietly took the food plate and started to have her food. Dev felt bad seeing her but he had no choice. Aadhya quickly ate two chappatis with sabji then left from there as soon as possible.
Dev sighed and was about to leave too but-
" Bhabhi-maa ate but did you, bhai-sa?"
He heard Kajal's voice who just came back in the living room.
" Yes."
Dev lied.
" Don't lie bhai-sa. Stay here, I am coming."
Saying, Kajal went to kitchen and came back after 5 minutes. She smiled and sat down beside her brother on couch.
" Did Vansh eat?"
Dev asked and Kajal gave a positive reply. She smiled when Dev started eating his food. Only she knows, how hard it was to convince Vansh. At last, he too agreed to eat when he get to know Dev has eaten already. Well, Kajal lied that time to make him eat.
If Dev and Vansh are like Kajal's parents then Kajal is no less. Being the younger one, she is the most loved one. Finding Aadhya, she couldn't help but see her as her mother figure that is why she chose to call her bhabhi-maa. But, guess she will have to wait some more time for Aadhya to accept all this along with her.
Dev and Kajal talked for a while then went to their own respective rooms.
As Dev entered into their room, he saw Aadhya sleeping on the couch. He walked toward her direction and saw dry tears marks on her cheeks.
Lifting her in his arms, he walked to the bed and put her there softly. Covering her with blanket he smiled while staring at her.
He palmed her cheek gently.
" I am sorry."
He whispered then kissed her forehead so lovingly. Even though he didn't want to leave her, he had to. He went to sleep in some other room.
~~~~~~~~●❍
To be continue.
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