Vidya's Pov
I sat on the couch, engrossed in reviewing a PowerPoint presentation. Despite taking a leave for the day, I had an important online meeting scheduled with a foreign businessman interested in partnering with us to open a hotel in his homeland.
"Our hotels faced a major downfall after what happened, but this partnership could recover that loss. I need to seal this deal at any cost," I thought to myself as I delved into editing the Excel sheet.
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"Wear this!!", she exclaimed, placing a pretty white suit in front of me.
"Why?", I questioned my focus still on the spreadsheet.
"Do you have fixation amnesia, Vidi?", She asked to which I frowned. "Jiju's family is coming this evening to fix the marriage dates and arrangements... Don't you remember?"
Oh, right! That guy is coming. I don't want to face him again. The past fifteen days without seeing him have been bliss, but now I have to confront him once more, with his judgmental eyes always reminding me that I'm a liar. I've been avoiding him, even declining his weekly meeting requests. It's absurd that I'm going to marry him, yet I can't stand to be near him. I slammed the laptop shut in frustration, causing Akshita to frown.
"Okay... Wait!! Why are you calling him Jiju?", I asked raising an eyebrow.
"Should I call him... Jija ji then?", She teased, leaning towards me.
"Tum usko jija boli toh ji nhi paogi!! Niklo ab", I warned pushing her back playfully.
(If you call him 'Jija ji,' you'll be in trouble! Get out now)
"Uhhh! Hume mat maro yaar... Jija ji ko marna apni adao se", she replied while chuckling.
"Shut up you bitch...", I said tossing a pillow her way.
She left the room, leaving me alone with my thoughts and the looming prospect of facing him once again.
"I like having you around, Swan." His words echoed in my head. SWAN! I never liked being called by that name, yet when he said it, I felt no irritation. I just wanted to hear it again, but those flashbacks... I couldn't handle them in public. He had seen my vulnerable side, yet he never treated me with pity. He always met me with the same stoic expression, leaving me confused. Sometimes, it felt like he cared, but then he would act as if my existence didn't matter at all.
A part of me wants to call off this wedding, but I can't back out now. I feel like I have no other options, or maybe I don't even want to consider any other options. I know my mother didn't mean those words she said, or what my grandmother interpreted as a curse. I began to hate my mother after her death for what she said, but the day I found her letter, everything became clear. Everyone tried to portray her as a villain in my life, but she was my guiding light. Even my grandmother defended what my father did to her, dismissing it as a mistake because he was a man. "CHEATING IS NOT A MISTAKE, IT'S A CHOICE," I told her that day, and within a week, my grandmother passed away. I don't know if it was a curse or not, but now I fear that this marriage might turn into one. I'm afraid of both this marriage and mumma's word.
*********
Mrityunjay's Pov
"What nonsense is this?", I yelled at the staff, slamming the presentation file on the desk.
"Sir....S...", he stammered, fear evident in his voice.
"What 'sir'? GET OUT OF MY CABIN AND PREPARE THE WHOLE PRESENTATION AGAIN," I commanded, massaging my temples in frustration. He hurriedly left, and I followed suit, ignoring the odd glances thrown my way.
They were all still puzzled after the announcement of my marriage. It had been fifteen days since the announcement, yet everyone still gave me strange looks. They knew how much I had loved Manvi, and after she left, I couldn't stand the presence of any woman near me. Maybe they thought I'd remain single forever, and honestly, I had thought the same. But fate had other plans for me.
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I slammed the door of my flat and locked it.
"Put this suitcase in the car," I instructed my driver, who nodded in response.
"Sir, are you moving?" he asked as he closed the trunk.
"Yeah... I'm going back to the haveli," I replied, settling into the car.
It was a long drive to the haveli. I didn't want to go back there, but I had to because of the impending marriage and my upcoming king ceremony.
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Upon arriving at the haveli, I exchanged glances with my mother. I paused for a moment at the entrance, expecting her to perform the nazar ritual as she always did when I returned from anywhere. But to my surprise, she didn't.
"Why are you standing there? Come in and change your clothes, we're running late, Jay," my mother exclaimed impatiently.
"Aarhe h yaar... Hume lga aap humari Nazar utarengi...," I replied disappointingly
(Coming... I thought you'd perform that nazar ritual)
"Nazar toh ab ap ki dulhan k sath hi utregi Sahab. Chaliye andar aaiye," she teased.
(I'll perform that ritual with your wife. Now come inside.)
Gross! Why did everything have to be related to her now? They always dragged her into every conversation, and I found it annoying.
"Go change your clothes! Wear something ethenic... Where's Anirudh?" She asked.
"Hm... He's busy in O.T.", I replied making my way upstairs.
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After changing into a red kurta, I adorned myself with my Patek Philippe watch and adjusted my gold chain. After one last glance in the mirror, I deemed myself ready and descended the stairs.
My father was on his knees, adjusting the plates of my mother's saree near the entrance, while my mother chuckled. They were the idol couple of my life, second only to Parvati Maa and Bhole Baba.
"Let's go!," I said.
My dad hummed in response and left towards the garage.
"Wait! Wait! Ab Nazar utarni padegi Hume...", she said while adoring me.
(Now I've to perform that ritual...)
"Kyu pehle ache nahi lag rahe the kya? Chodiye ab humari dulhan k sath hi utariyega...", I joked making her laugh.
(Why? Wasn't I looking good before?)
"Ache toh lagoge hi khun kiske ho... Chalo thik hai abhi bas kala tikka lga lgane do," she said and put a kala tikka behind my ear.
(You look good after all you're my blood, but now you're looking even more better. Come, let me apply the kala tikka)
Am I looking that good? I know even if I'll look breathtaking, she'll never give a damn about my looks. What's the benefit of being handsome?
"Chalo Jay!!," My father said and I walked towards the car.
"Why are you taking this file with you?" He asked.
"I need to discuss something with Vidya.," I replied.
"You can do that during office hours. There's no need to take this with you," he retorted angrily.
"I've to because she avoids me during office hours and it's urgent," I explained as I entered the car.
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.
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After parking the car, I followed my parents into the haveli. As we settled in the living room, a maid approached to wash our feet with rose water. I stopped her, but she hesitated, exchanging glances with Vidya's father. What the hell is it? He's an educated man and still believes in such gestures. It's rubbish!! I controlled myself.
"It's her duty and a ritual, Mrityunjay. Let her do this!!", he insisted.
"If it's her duty, kindly change that duty. Women aren't meant to perform such tasks," I asserted.
"Yes, he's right. We worship women as Devi so how could we let them touch and wash our feet...," My dad chimed in.
Mr. Rudravanshi gestured for the maid to leave, and she did so.
I didn't notice Vidya entering, but when I looked around, I saw her standing behind me, observing the scene. She walked over to her father after receiving blessings from everyone and sat beside him. Her white anarkali suit exuded grace and royalty, despite her not being of royal descent. White suited her the most, but she looked stunning in red as well. Swan! my swan! I didn't know why I called her by that name that day, but it just seemed to fit her perfectly.
We exchanged glances, although neither of us smiled. This time, however, she seemed to be admiring me. Her gaze didn't leave me until my mother inquired about Akshita, who wasn't at home due to hospital duties.
Pandit ji arrived and everyone started to discuss the marriage dates.
"Are you happy with this marriage, Vidya?" my mother asked, her tone filled with concern.
Vidya took a few moments to respond, her gaze shifting between my father and hers.
"Yes, Aunty! I'm... I'm happy...," she said without any traces of happiness. "REVENGE" her words replayed.
She whispered something in her dad's ear and left towards her room. My eyes followed her until she disappeared onto the first floor.
After a few minutes, I stood up with the file and asked her dad, "Uncle! I need to talk to Vidya about something important. Can I go?"
"Yes, of course, Mrityunjay beta. She must be in her room. Go ahead," he replied with a smile.
As I climbed the stairs, I heard a melodious tune playing. Following the sound, I found Vidya dancing. A little girl was cheering her up but she's so involved in her dance. I stood near the entrance of the hall. I was spellbound with her grace and beauty. I think words can't describe my feelings. I was admiring her in awe.
The deeper I dived into Shiv Aradhana the more I respected Maa Parvati. But today seeing her doing this beautiful nritya, I could only imagine her as my Parvati. I walked toward her, and she stopped dancing, surprised to see me. Instinctively, I bent down to touch her feet.
"What are you doing?", She asked, stepping back.
"Touching your feet...", I replied while touching her feet.
"Why?", She questioned.
"Idk the perfect reason but the moment I saw you dancing, you were looking like maa Parvati and if bhole baba can touch her feet so why can't I do the same to my Parvati.", I explained with a smile.
The little girl applauded her and then left the hall, leaving us alone.
********
Vidya's Pov
I'm feeling nervous and anxious after realizing that I'm stepping towards marriage very rapidly. Each passing day seemed to slip through my fingers like grains of sand. I want to stop this because of the faith and trust Aunty has in me but I couldn't retract my words. I'm in huge trouble because of this Mrityunjay Rathore. I wish I never met him. If only I had never met him if only I hadn't gone on that fateful day. If only I could erase him from my life. I harbored a wish to eliminate him. I didn't understand why he was so protective of me. If he hadn't dealt with that scoundrel that day, I wouldn't have needed money from his father. Now, it seemed, I was grappling with severe father issues.
After Aunty's question, I feel more terrible. I want to run from this mess but... Ah!! I need some alone time. I don't want to face any of them.
"Papa I'm going to my room. I'm feeling suffocated here. Will be back in a few minutes...", I whispered to him and he nodded.
I can feel the heat of his gaze following me. I want to avoid him more because of these fluttering butterflies inside my stomach. I need water to quell them. He's so smart though! Indeed he's but I don't want to switch on my Juliette side for him. There's only pain on that side and it's better to maintain distance from him even after marriage. Closeness will result in destruction and I was well aware of that.
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Later, I found myself in the company of a little girl, one of the maids' daughters.
"What are you doing here?" I asked gently.
"I was just roaming around... Sorry, Didi! I didn't enter your room," she replied softly, her face adorned with a puppy-like expression.
"I don't mind if you enter my room... Would you like to listen to some music?" I offered kindly, noticing her boredom.
"I love music... Can you play the Saiyaan song?" She exclaimed in joy.
"Of course... It's one of my favorites... Let me grab my phone and speaker," I said, retrieving the items from my room.
I played the song but she stopped it.
"I heard you're a classical dancer...," She began hesitantly.
"I used to be.", I admitted
"Can you show me your dance didi? I love classical dance and I want to be a classical dancer.," she said earnestly, her eyes filled with hope
I used to dance with Mommy as she was well trained classical dancer. She used to teach me her graceful moves and I loved dancing a lot but as I grew older I quit dancing because of studies and her health issues.
"Sure! Play the music...," I said feeling a twinge of nostalgia.
She jumped with joy and started the music. I began with the namaskaram and then danced to the rhythm of the music, recalling Mommy's guidance. I danced with all my heart and soul, feeling like a free spirit once again.
I could hear her laughing and cheering but suddenly I heard some footsteps approaching towards us. I opened my eyes in panic and saw him standing in front of me...
He bent down without any reason while I stepped back.
"What are you doing," I snapped nervously
"Touching your feet...," He replied with gentle expressions and touched my feet.
"Why?", I asked to which he smiled
The first time, I witnessed him smiling and he looked majestic. His aura feels so positive every time I find him near me but this time it's different, I mean it feels the same when I do Shiv Jaap. His aura and gestures resemble Shiv Ji. Is he too an Upasak (worshiper) of him?
"Idk the perfect reason but the moment I saw you dancing, you were looking like maa Parvati and if bhole baba can touch her feet so why can't I do the same to my Parvati.", he replied while looking straight into my eyes.
His words were gentle yet powerful, and I felt a mixture of respect and love emanating from him. My heart pounded rapidly, and I struggled to maintain my composure. I can't let this happen, I can't lose my heart for him and I can't let him lose his heart for me.
She left the hall with a bright smile and left us alone in the dead silence. I can hear his heart lub dub sound matching the frequency of mine in the silence.
"Thanks for this gesture and appreciation. I'm not even close to Maa Parvati. She's the purest among all of us, I'm not pure. I want to make one thing clear Mrityunjay...," I said breaking the silence and eye contact. I was about to complete the rest but he spoke.
"You're the purest soul, I've ever met. I admire you after maa. I know you hate me but I can't hate you anymore. I'm not saying I love you... I only respect you... I'm not saying all this to melt your heart and back off from your revenge. Do whatever you want but don't underestimate yourself." He said while pushing back the strand of my hair behind my ear.
His touch is enough to melt my heart but his words are unlocking the cage in which I locked the soft Vidya. I took a few steps back.
"Fine! I want to say that I am not a believer in love, so don't expect that I'm going to love you in the future. This marriage means nothing to me; it's just a part of my revenge," I said, trying to assert my stance
"You want to hurt me, Swan?" He asked with his husky voice and a smirk.
I took a few minutes to gather my thoughts and then replied," I don't know the perfect answer..."
"Alright btw... For your kind information, nothing in this world can hurt me now except betrayal and breaking my trust. Your revenge can't even make me flinch, but your harsh words about yourself shook something inside me. It affects me, so please don't say anything harsh about yourself. DID YOU GET IT?" he said, his voice was soft yet commanding.
Trust? I'm not trustworthy Mrityunjay. Wtf are you doing this to me? I thought you hated me too but your soft side for me, hyping the guilt of signing that agreement. My eyes welled up with tears but I handled my emotions. You can't be an emotional fool, Vidya. You did this for your staff and you can't do anything now. Be strong My inner self boosted my confidence and I simply nodded to his words.
He showed me a file and we discussed some business later.
*********
𝐇𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐨 𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐬♡ 𝐇𝐨𝐩𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐝𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐠𝐨𝐨𝐝. 𝐈'𝐦 𝐭𝐫𝐲𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐦𝐲 𝐛𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐮𝐩𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐫𝐞𝐠𝐮𝐥𝐚𝐫𝐥𝐲!! 𝐒𝐨𝐫𝐫𝐲 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐚𝐧𝐲 𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐝 𝐨𝐟 𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐯𝐞𝐧𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞. 𝐋𝐨𝐚𝐝𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐝𝐨 𝐬𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐦𝐞 𝐨𝐧 𝐈𝐧𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐦 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐖𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐩𝐚𝐝 𝐭𝐨𝐨. 𝐁𝐲𝐞 𝐛𝐲𝐞 𝐭𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐧𝐞𝐱𝐭 𝐮𝐩𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞!! 𝐃𝐨𝐧'𝐭 𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐠𝐞𝐭 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐲 𝐚𝐮𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐫 𝐡𝐞𝐡𝐞.
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