Riya.
I looked at the mirror in wonder, the person looking back at me is glowing happily, looking beautiful in the wedding gown.
"You look beautiful, Riya," Kiran, my stylist said proudly.
"Mr.Aldrick wouldn't know what hit him" My wedding planner agreed.
I smiled slightly.
I am nervous, yes, but I am very happy too.
Nivin loves me! we are in love!
There's nothing more I can ask for. I was dumbfounded when Nivin confessed to me, I couldn't even reply, but he has been understanding.
"It might be a shock, Riya, I know you are not ready for it, but trust me, you will feel it soon enough, I am going to make it happen, I want you to look at me only, no one else"
His words were still giving me warmth. I wanted to confess to him, I wanted to tell him badly that I love him too.
But I have to tell him about his Mamma first, so I have just arranged it, my birthday gift from dad will be reaching me this week.
Whatever happens, I am going to protect Mamma and Nivin.
"Oh my! Riya! you are so pretty!" Auntie Alice came to me teary-eyed. "I am so glad to do this for Neev and you, I could at least do this for Julia" she hugged me.
"I should be the one thanking you, auntie, I am really happy to get you all, I am so glad we are going to be family!" I said sincerely.
She let go of me and wiped her eyes. "yes, family" she smiled.
Neev.
I think I had never been this nervous in my life. I am currently standing in front of hundreds of guests, lots of media and company employees too.
Okay...relax, you are doing good, Neev.
I took a deep breath.
"It's time for the bride to enter" they announced and just like that I started to panic.
Oh God! what am I doing? I am really getting married?
The doors opened and my heart stopped.
There she is!
My beautiful bride!
She was wearing a beautiful white gown that was off shoulder and showed off her slender figure.
I think I never saw it earlier because both of us were too busy with other things, she is the most beautiful person I have seen, both inside and out.
And she likes you too...
I was actually proud, even though Grandpa wanted to force this marriage on us, Riya is the best thing that's happened to my life now.
Riya.
The flashes are making me blind, I was nearly there, Nivin was still looking at me like I am the only person in this room. I couldn't tear my eyes away, he's giving me the strength and confidence now.
I stretched my hand to place it in Nivin's outstretched one.
Strong, supportive and warm, I felt all the tensions leaving me. Neev's firm, but gentle grip made my worries melt away.
I don't know how to explain it, but it made me forget all the other bothering things, It can all wait.
This is Neev and he loves me too, I was the only person he opened up after 20 years, yes, he cares about me like no one else in this world.
Neev was very supportive these days. Even though he's very busy with his works now, he hadn't let me down.
He said family is more important to him than his work. It was a shock to hear it from him and I know that he meant it too.
The marriage vows were done in a daze. I was in my dream world. Both of us exchanged rings.
The crowd cheered, I could hardly notice anyone now, for one reason, Nivin just squeezed my hand in reassurance and he smiled at me genuinely.
My heart skipped a beat, It's happening again, he's the only person that has this effect on me.
Before I knew it, we were surrounded by our loved ones, Auntie Alice was being so much emotional, hugging me and an awkward Nivin, which made me smile.
Rohan and Danny hugged us too.
"Welcome to the family, Riya" Rohan smiled.
I don't know what Neev did to convince Grandpa, his biking gang was there too in the strict VVIP party, they came and wished us and I smiled, I had never dreamt of seeing them in suits and Amy actually looked very beautiful in her dress!
"Congrats, bro" Sachin hugged Nivin, who, to my surprise, hugged him back. "take care of her, or I am still here," he said jokingly, he turned to hug me then.
"Be happy" he whispered, I know he genuinely meant it. He is a real friend of Neev too, who will stand with us anytime.
"Thank you, Sachin," I said. "you are an amazing person, I wish you will find someone too," I said.
Somebody cleared his throat and I stepped back, Sachin raised his hand. "whoa man! she's all yours" he said.
Nivin stretched out his hands to me. "Care for a dance, Mrs.Nivin Rosh Aldrick?"
And he did it again to my poor heart.
Okay, I am in love with my husband, so what!? Jeez! husband!
Before I could think of anything, Nivin pulled me to him, holding me closely like I am a precious gem.
I moved with him in a trance, I couldn't even see the others, we were both in our own world.
I snapped out of it as the remaining lights came and the crowd cheered loudly.
I blushed and took a step back, but Nivin just pulled me to him as the second song started.
"Aren't you worried, Neev?" I couldn't help but ask him when we swayed to the music again.
All of the others joined us in the dance now.
"I thought I would be, but I actually like it" he chuckled, his breath brushed my cheek, making me shiver. "I think I like this too much, more than I realised it" he smiled down at me.
The words were doing wonders to my heart.
"Me too," I said sincerely. "I am glad it's yo-"
"Riyechi!" Danny came to me with a pretty girl with him.
"Danny, you are cutting in our dance," Nivin said playfully.
"You can dance all you want the rest of your life, I want to introduce someone to her" he was excited.
"This must be Swapna?" I asked him, looking at the pretty girl next to him.
Danny had at last succeeded in getting Swapna on his side.
"Yes" he smiled happily, she looked surprised that I know her.
"It's really nice to meet you, I heard a lot about you," I told her, offering my hand.
She shook it smiling, a slight blush on her face. "I heard about you too, you are like his favourite person in this world"
"Whoa!" it surprised me and Danny winked at me. "Maybe the 'second' favourite person" I smiled at them.
Both Danny and Swapna blushed, making me smile.
"Then...I will take my wife away" Nivin said cheerfully, circling his hands around me and pulling me to him.
Danny rolled his eyes. "Don't show off too much, It's making me gag, Brother Neev" he said.
I laughed as I was pulled away. everything was so perfect that it was like a dream, like my own fairy tale.
I never thought I could be this happy either. I danced with Danny, Rohan Sachin, the gang who kept joking around about living with Neev.
"Riya, we are happy for you but let me give you a warning," Jason told me. "you better start martial art lessons from now on"
"I can manage him well" I replied. "Right, Neev?" I looked at him sideways.
"It's no joke guys, I witnessed it first hand, she kicked him the first time we met her," Rick said and all of them laughed.
"And she locked him in that elevator, don't forget how pissed off he was that time," Sid said.
"And she's my wife now" Neev intertwined our hands and smiled. "And I am glad I met her," he said and they all "oohed" and "aahed".
"You are making us worried now, Neev" Amy laughed.
"It's time for cake cutting" Sachin appeared beside us, and looked around. "hey guys," he said greeting everyone, his eyes landed on Amy.
"Oooh! Someone is actually looking like a girl today!" he said in a teasing voice.
I think it's his first time seeing her in a dress too.
She smiled sweetly at him. "I was actually looking for you all these time," she said taking a step towards him and holding his hand.
He looked confused for a second before she twisted his hand back in a sudden movement.
"Awwwww" Sachin actually shouted in pain and bend down. All of them laughed, except me, I was shocked now, Sachin was really in pain.
"Amy-" he started.
"You dared to bring that bastard to our clubhouse Dexit!" she said. "you brought Philip to our clubhouse!"
"Ah...It...It was a long time ago...Grandpa already knew about your place and I...I just wanted to take Nee..v back to college-..ah... It's really hurting me-"
"You had this coming from then, Sachin, I saved it for you"
"Aaah..." Sachin was still in pain when Nivin grabbed me to walk with him. He seemed to be enjoying it.
"Er...will Sachin be alright? Amy seemed a bit...rough"
Neev chuckled.
"You can't stop her, Sachin had it coming" he smiled before we reached in front of the cake.
"Riya, you look gorgeous" Annie and others walked near, the staff from "soulmate".
"Thank you, Riya, I never thought you will select us" Jijo smiled. "And it's the best cake I have ever made, do enjoy it," he said.
I smiled. "And you are the best pastry chef, of course, it has to be you," I said.
As soon as the cake cutting was over, Nivin pulled me to a corner.
"It's time for us to leave," he said. "wait here, I have something to take care of," Neev said and I nodded.
I was glad everything was going fine. I was worried about Grandpa, but he was a perfect host, taking care of the guests and all, he wanted to impress the business world, I think.
I was talking to Priya when he appeared beside me.
"I will call you later, Priya" I disconnected the call and nodded at him. "Uncle," I said.
"Congratulations," Sebastian said, still smiling, but it sent a chill down me, for some reason, I could see right through him.
"Thank you," I said stiffly, trying to relax.
"It's a pity both of your parents are not here," he said again, An evil glint in his eyes.
They are not here because of you!
I fisted my hands. "I know," I said. "you must be missing your best friends," I said slowly.
I know it, that Sebastian is aware of everything that's going on, In fact, he caused all of these.
He raised his eyebrows at me, may be surprised at my answer.
"Enjoy while you still can, Ragunath" he drawled out, sending another shiver down my spine. "I wonder what happens when everyone knows about your true identity," he said.
"I wonder what happens if Grandpa comes to know about your true intentions" I replied and his eyes pierced mine. "That it was actually you, who betrayed his son, and not my Dad," I said.
Something flickered in his eyes, It was just a millisecond, but it was there.
"Do you think Joseph Aldrick is going to take your word for it?" he laughed.
Oh my God! he's not even denying it, Instead, he's challenging me!
"I know my dad and I know Auntie Julia, both of them are stronger than you think, you underestimated them," I said deadly. "And I am going to expose you!"
"You think you can do that?" he looked at me smugly.
"I can't stoop down to your level, I don't want to be that shameless guy who betrayed his best friends and I don't want to be a heartless beast, but I assure you, Uncle, that there will be one day for your sins to get exposed, I will wait for that" I said.
He stared at me and I refused to back down.
"Nirosha told me about you, I guess she wasn't mistaken, " he said slowly, evilly. "And wait for that while you can" he added.
I shivered again. he's threatening me.
He is telling me that I don't have much time!
"Riya, here you are" someone took my cold hand.
I was surprised to see Uncle Dev beside me, who was giving Sebastian a cold look, his eyes slightly narrow.
"Ah...I was congratulating her" Sebastian said.
"I will take her back then," Uncle Dev said, then turned to me. "Nandini was looking around for you" he pulled me to walk with him, almost dragging me away from a cold Sebastian.
"Are you alright?" he asked me as soon as we reached the hall.
I nodded. he looked worried and old suddenly.
"Riya, I know it doesn't make any sense but I would like you to tell me if you are going through a difficult time, okay?" he looked at me.
Do you know the truth? how much do you know?
"Yes," I nodded.
"Don't try to solve anything by yourself, just ask for help okay?" he looked in my eyes. "if it's difficult for you to tell Neev, you can talk to Sachin, or you can come to me" he said again, looking concerned.
I was filled with warmth at his sincerity.
I don't know how much he knew, but I nodded anyway.
"Riya! here you are!" Nivin appeared beside me. "Manoj is waiting, we are going now," he said. "Hello Uncle" he nodded to Uncle Dev.
"Happy journey then, take care of her, Neev" Uncle Dev smiled and Neev smiled back.
"You know, I will" he promised.
We walked to the car.
Since Nivin couldn't take many days before his project is completed, we planned a short honeymoon for a week now. It was actually Sachin's gift to us, he booked us a private beach all to ourselves for the week.
Nivin was sorry about the short leave, but I assured him it's alright since I know how important it is to get back his position in the company and I have to start my new semester too. Nivin promised me that we will take a longer and peaceful vacation when everything gets settled.
My luggage was already packed and ready. I really have to thank Auntie Alice who took all the pain enthusiastically along with my wedding planner.
We left the wedding hall and went home.
My dress was already selected and Kiran was waiting for me to get me ready.
I felt it's too much, but I had no say in the matter, so I kept quiet, especially thinking about the media, I know they are going to x-ray me from head to foot.
We are leaving in Aldrick's private plane. I am so nervous about the whole thing.
When I was ready, with light makeup and comfortable clothes, everyone was already waiting to send us off.
"You look beautiful dear, have a safe trip" Auntie Alice engulfed me in a warm hug and I hugged her back.
"Thank you for everything, Auntie," I said.
Then Rohan, Danny, Uncle John and Kamala wished us a good trip.
"We will leave then," Nivin told everyone as he took my hand.
Our luggage was already loaded and we walked to the car, another car appeared and Grandpa stepped out.
I could feel Neev unknowingly tightening his grip on my hand.
"I will take them then, " Uncle Manoj said politely.
Grandpa nodded, Nivin pulled me towards the car and Grandpa smiled, that evil smile at me, his eyes lingering at our intertwined hands for a moment.
I couldn't help but look shocked, my heart went overdrive and I panicked.
He is planning something!
Nivin pulled me to him and closed the door, breaking the contact with the outside.
"Relax, you have me now, don't worry," he said, rubbing my hands and trying to warm it up, It had turned cold.
The car was already moving forward and Nivin turned to me.
"So my dear wife, I didn't get my wedding kiss yet"
"What!?"
"The kiss dear, I couldn't kiss you because I didn't trust myself in front of all"
I blushed furiously. "You are so impatient-" I stopped and gasped when I felt his lips pressing against mine.
It was not a simple kiss, It was deep and demanding, he groaned as I opened to him and he pulled me against him.
I was surprised at these feelings, I didn't know a simple nerve wrecking kiss can be this much, I was going along with him, not wanting to stop.
"I was right" Neev breathed as he let go of me, we were still only centimetres apart. "You are like a drug, addicting me," he said.
I was still dazed, he kissed me tenderly on the forehead before pulling me to him and placing my head on his shoulder.
"Now rest while you can, because I am really impatient and you can't get rid of me these days," he said wickedly and I shivered.
* * *
We reached our hotel that evening. the whole staff came to greet us and welcomed us warmly.
The place was beautiful too. I drew open all the curtains as soon as we reached our suite.
"Wow! look at this! the view is amazing!" I exclaimed.
Our glass walls were facing the evening sea, It looked so beautiful.
"I am glad you like this place," Neev said beside me and I jumped in surprise when he wrapped his hands around me.
"I love it Neev, the place is amazing," I said slowly.
"Riya...freshen up and come, our dinner will be ready soon," he said
"Um...okay" I smiled when he guided me to our bedroom.
The room was spacious, furnished in modern style. I looked around in amazement.
"I have never been to places like this before," I said, then turned to him.
"Get ready for dinner, we will enjoy the place all we need later," he said, now opening our bags.
"I have to get ready for dinner?"
"Are you tired?"
"Of course no! I am excited!" I turned to him and saw him smiling.
"Um...I never thought Nivin Rosh Aldrick knows how to smile like this"
"Like this?"
"Yes, carefree, genuine and happy," I said, grabbing my dress from the bag.
"I have more sides than you have seen" Nivin chuckled. "I am more than ready to show you everything," he said.
"Uh...hm, I will freshen up and come then!" I ran to the bathroom, I could still hear him laughing loudly.
Neev.
"Riya! I have been waiting! what took you so lon-" I stopped when I finally saw her.
she was wearing a red shoulderless figure-hugging dress that came to her knees.
Her hair was loose, she had only a little makeup. I walked closer and saw the thin material clinging to her body in all the right places, she looked ravishing.
"I...I am...not sure, there are no dresses that suit me, It's all...different" she said flustered.
"You look amazing, let's go now," I said, trying to focus. she is making it really hard for me.
"But-" she started again.
"Shh..." I touched her lips with my index finger. "Don't tempt me or I am going to cancel the dinner" I said and she gulped.
"I...I don't feel comfortable, It's too revealing" she said again.
"I like it" I smirked. "And no one is going to see you in that dress except me, so relax"
"What do you mean-"
"The only guests in this hotel is us, Riya," I said easily.
She gulped, I grabbed one of my jackets and wrapped around her before she could start questioning again.
"let's go," I said.
We were in the roof of the building where the view was breathtaking, the sky was dark with full of stars.
"Oh God! It's so beautiful!" Riya said looking around. "Its like we are camping in the middle of the sea! I can only see the sea and the stars!" she said excitedly.
"Come on" I walked her to our dinner table and pulled the chair out for her.
"Thank you" she smiled at me before sitting down.
"My pleasure" I smiled and took the opposite chair.
Riya was looking in my eyes with such intensity that I was starting to shake when I poured the champagne.
"You arranged a dinner here! you keep surprising me all the time Neev, I never thought you to be this romantic"
"I told you there are many things you wouldn't know about me," I told her.
I loved it when she blushes, like now, It's good to know I have this effect on her.
The dinner was perfect, the way I wanted it to be, It calmed her and the wine seemed to loosen her up.
"Let's go back, I don't want you to get too cold," I told her when the dinner was over and she nodded.
We walked back, hand in hand, Riya looked at me. "Neev, nobody ever did anything similar to me, thank you"
"You are special to me, Riya, I am glad you are my wife," I said acknowledging the truth and she smiled at me beautifully.
We entered our suite and I helped her to remove her jacket, groaning slightly when I saw the backless region.
Riya walked to our room and I waited until she opened the door.
I saw her freeze in the doorway, the room was light up by candles, the dim light illuminating the neatly made bed that has rose petals spread across it.
She turned to me.
"Neev..."
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