《I Marked Her Mine》


 Chapter 1 - Prologue

    "I want to hear a ''yes'' "demanding in a balanced tone, with neutral eyebrow and plain face, he outfaces her. His tongue made a hissing sound on ''yes'' and, he gazes at her intensely, dominating her, making her body experiencing something new like all the time.


    Her opened mouth gaping at him, flushed cheeks and blinking eyes were the witnesses of the effect he had on her.


    She felt her mind stuffed and, blank with the proximity of their body and, unawarely saw the transformation in his behaviour. He was no longer in command ''zone'' he was tapping his fingers behind her on the wall and his feet on the floor.


    Living with him for some time, she had learned the experience of him being a man with little patience, but she too knows this issue was not easy. Unable to function her mind, she chooses to ignore that condition and closed her eyes and the palms in a fist..


    Vihaan moved the tip of his right index finger in her right arm when he sensed being ignored and saw her eyes opened immediately. He felt the electric shock that flowed from his body to her and, noticed her quickened heartbeats, breath rate and shaking of her body. His eyes moved toward her mouth and, saw her lips forming "what the hell!" but no voice came out and, without his intention, a chuckle escapes his mouth.


    She closed her eyes immediately to save herself from embarrassment and cursing herself run her tongue over her painted lips to give some moisture to them. She cleared her throat and whispered by hiding her eyes from Vihaan" What are you doing?"


    Unaware about his actions, his eyes remain glued to her moistured lips which were looking so inviting and his breaths got heavy. He gulped down the saliva to distract his mind from the thought of ruining her lip colour and having the taste of her natural lips. He hastily removed his eyes and spoke swiftly "I guess I asked you something" and arched his left eyebrow to imply he was still waiting for it.


    He could not speak more with his ragged breathing and tension in his body.


    She tilts her head in the left direction to ignore him and shift it back when she noticed their proximity. She tried to step back but, felt herself being pulled immediately by him by his right hand placed at her back and, she bounced with his ?h?st.


    He ignored her angry looks and spoke with confidence that he always carries "I am not letting you go unless you tell me what I want to hear."


    "Someone will come and see us you better leave me" she spoke with weight in her voice while her eyes scanned the surroundings to see if someone was around them and glared at him.


    "I don''t care who comes and who see us" he spoke carelessly, looking in her eyes when suddenly his mouth lift in a smirk and leaning closer to her, spoke playfully "In fact, it will be good if someone sees us together. I do not have to worry more after that."


    As if she suddenly understood what he said, she voiced out in haste"Just leave me.." and tried to free herself but before she could complete her sentence, she saw his right index finger making contact with her lips and her eyes spread wide in shock and surprise and, she felt the same emotion.


    The emotions she was not willing to name.


    She looked at him in disbelief and, the tautness in her already fighting with her emotion''s body grew.


    "Shhhh...do whatever you want, say anything you want, I am not going to leave you until and unless you say what I said you to say. Even if it takes whole day or night, no matter who calls you, no matter who came for you, I am not going to let you go" he whispered in her left ear, his breath fanning her exposed neck and moved back a little to stare in her fazed eyes.


    Shocked by his statement, it took a while for her to regain herself and not knowing what to do, her earlier frustration mixing with anger, the rage she had for him and, together they returned to shield her.


    Levelling her eyes with him, she outburst "I am going to do what I wish, you have no fu?k?n? right to tell me what to do or whom to choose. It''s entirely my choice".


    Not able to handle it, his breathing quickened and, he clenched his teeth. He moved back a little creating some distance between them and put left hand on his waist and closing his eye rubbed the forehead with his right hand. He keeps on doing it and opening the eyes after 5 seconds pinched the bridge of his nose and moved forward, leaving no space between them.


    He did not budge even a little when he heard her " Don''t...".


    He was not going to give her more chances, was not going to tolerate her stubbornness anymore.


    She was his, only his and no way was he going to let someone have her, other than him.


    Standing with his body pressed on hers, not leaving even a little space he placed her palms above her head on the wall and spoke with his reddened eyes" Do I need to Mark you to get the answer I want? "


    Before she could understand and respond to it, they were interrupted by a surprised tone.


    "What''s going on here??"

 Chapter 2 - HIM

    Grr...Grrr...Grrrr


    Wake up, wake up


    It''s a beautiful daayyyy


    wake up, wake up.......


    In the large room with dove grey colour dominating the chandelier, the landscape, the curtains, the lamps, the bedside lamps, the pendulum wall clock, the sofa chair, the pillows, the small table and almost everything, was lying a girl in the king bed size, hidden under the silk comforter, her tangled and messy waist length natural coffee coloured hair peeking from under it.


    Lying in the same position with closed eyes, she stretched her left hand, to look out for the source of the bell and, she smiled when she found it and shut it off.


    But, her smile lasted only for a minute.


    Grr...Grr...grr


    Wake up, wake up,


    it''s a beautiful day..........


    "Fuck you, Vansh", she cursed loudly and switching it off with force, jolted up to sat on her ??p while supporting her back against the bedside.


    She let her eyes closed on their force and roam her hands carelessly on her hair, making them look messier. Her fair round face with middle-sized eyes and black coloured arched eyebrow with naturally red lips were making her look innocent and beautiful at the same time.


    She was about to doze off when the alarm rang for the third time, making it evident if it would have rung one more time, the girl would have become bald. She stopped making faces, cursing and crying, and stopped plucking her hair when her head started aching.


    Sighing, she opens her eyes and looks, here and there, waiting for any grasping moment that would let her sleep. She looks at the Alarm clock that had somehow survived and noticed it showing 6:00 in the evening.


    She snorts and lifting the comforter, she stood up high at 5''6" in black athletic Men track pant and, a loose white tee. Covering the yawn with her right palm, she stretched her arms, bend her legs, rotate her waist, bend backwards and downward, and went to the washroom after wearing the slippers.


    She sat down at the edge of the bed and, pick up the phone from the bedside table to look for some important emails and calls but, kept it back as messages and notifications from WhatsApp, Instagram, Twitter and Quora bombarded her phone.


    Like other youths, she was quite active on social media and was quite famous too. She was a known Fashion designer but to pass the time, she would often make arrangements for events such as Wedding, Birthdays, Proposals surprises, or meetups, with her team which consisted of eight members.


    She glanced at the time, again, and standing up from the bed, moved toward the wardrobe. As anyone could have guessed, it was grey and hanging inside it in the right corner were three pair of jeans-shirt.


    She made faces when she saw the remaining portion of the wardrobe hogged by Men Formal and Informal suits, jeans and shirts. She picks the pair with blue destroyed skinny jeans and crisp white shirt and placing it on the bed, move back to the wardrobe and bends down to open the shoe rack of the cabinet and to no surprise of her, it too was full of Men shoes.


    Cursing "I will not leave you, Vansh", she searches for her''s and, exclaimed in joy when she saw a pair of black boots hiding at the last row of the cabinet.


    Placing all the required things on their respective place, she went for a quick shower and returned after 5 minutes. She applied lotion on her body and face and dressed quickly. She chose to tuck the shirt in her jeans and let her wispy layered hair-free. She opened her drawer to pick her Hermes''s Blue band with Brown-Blue dial wristwatch and had tied it when she heard someone knocking the door.


    "Come in" responding to the knock, she turned her attention to the drawer but, turns her face when she heard a male voice" ohk! You are ready on time."


    Standing at the door of her room was a 6''1" heightened man in a clean shaved triangular face with dark brown eyes and perfect jawline, light Brown natural hair in a spiky hairstyle.


    Turning her body to fully face him who was wearing denim jeans with a white T-shirt and white sneaker, she eyed him and cursed him" I thought of killing you the moment I would see you. You alarm could not stop fu?k?n? ringing!"


    She saw him giving her a cheesy smile and the dimples which would give a heart attack to many girls, and speaking up" For a lazy head, I had to do so. By the way, you are looking girly!"


    "I am a girl, Vanshu," she states as a matter of fact.


    The man addressed as Vanshu moved toward the bed and lying on it on his left with his left hand supporting his head, he looked to her and said calmly and teasingly " Yes, the same girl, who provided with the choice would have worn the same Pant she had woken in".


    Giving him a wink and snapping her fingers, she pointed her finger at him and exclaimed "Exactly baby!" and turn her head back.


    "So, shall we move?" Vansh asked, standing up from the bed and fixing his hair with his hand, looking in the mirror, beside her''s drawer.


    "Yes, but just a second, I am looking for my one of my ring," She said while fumbling her drawer.


    "Ahh, how can I forgot your obsession with rings and watches!" exclaimed Vansh.


    "I am not obsessed with them! I just like these two things and I brought them with my first salary and, everything first has a special place in our heart." voicing out her opinion, she placed the found Diamond ring in her right index finger.


    "Oh, really!?" he teased her as if, he understood the meaning hidden in it.


    "Do not link this statement with other" she voiced out promptly and eyed him, challenging him to say more, when she saw him trying to speak more.


    "Shall we move now? Or you know our dearest brother will not like it if we did not reach on time" he joked while trying to be seen as sincere.


    In a flash, her mood turned sour and, she speaks out with hatred " What''s wrong with your brother, huhh? Why he always dominate others and, think of controlling everyone? And why do you all fear him?"


    .................................


    Enjoy reading it :)


    Love to all <3

 Chapter 3 - HIM-The feared one

    Vansh laughed out loud and said in between " Beautiful! nothing is wrong with him, he only wants everything, to be perfect and we all know how special today event is, and no one fears him, we all respect him."


    "Huhh, as if I do not see him barking orders on everyone, compelling them to do work in his way, firing anyone he wishes and, you never take my side when it comes to your dearest brother" she taunts him giving utmost importance to ''dearest''.


    She spoke up again before he could voice out anything" And Why don''t you shift permanently with your dearest brother! You no longer will have to trouble yourself to come for your things anymore".


    "No way! I am only living with him for the days you are here. I am not a mad person to live with a control freak."


    "Ofcourse who would live with someone who drinks a lot!" Shanaya completed his sentence with an expression he did not understand.


    "He does not drink a lot! he only drinks when he is in a bad mood or stress."


    "He is in stress every day!" she again completed his sentence and arched her brows in the expressions ''I am telling you!''. .


    "He just drinks 4-5 times a month, Shana!"


    "4-5 times a month is a lot of Vanshu! someone will ?ssume him as a drunken man if he continues to do so!"


    "This much care for him, hmmm, should I keep an eye on both of you to witness something interesting?" he chuckled and pulled her cheeks.


    "Shut up! I am least interested in him and, I do not care about him so stop ?ssuming things!!" hitting hard at his hand that was pulling her cheeks, she glared at him while rubbing her cheeks to ease the pain.


    Smiling innocently, he spoke arrogantly to divert her mind" By the way you should consider yourself lucky that I allowed you to stay in my room. You should know this that no one enters my room, be it, anyone."


    "Aww! my baby! Best friends should have such privileges, right?" pulling his cheeks, she walked toward him and placed her hand in his extending hand.


    Taking her hand, he stood up and together they walked out.


    ...........................................


    Standing in the stairs of the back door of the Rathore mansion, Shanaya strokes her left arm with the right hand, when she felt a cool breeze touching it, reminding her of the upcoming winters.


    She saw the sky full of stars which seemed to be illuminated by the waxing gibbous moon and, noticed the lamps and lights used to decorate the spacious, verdant, tree-shaded and well-maintained backyard of Rathore''s Mansion was eliminating the slight darkness of the night.


    At the centre of the backyard was a big fountain, its wave ascending high to reach the height of the sky and falling back to meet its origin, acting as the confluence of the Earth, Water and Sky.


    Looking around, she descends the stairs when she saw a group of women dressed elegantly, to reach them.


    "How''s everything?" smiling, she enquired.


    "Oh, dear, everything is perfect! From decor to the foodservice, everything is excellent, just like, expected from a Rathore family" beaming, one of the women, in her 50''s with a chubby face, answered.


    "Thank you, please enjoy it" saying it, she moved to others.


    The backyard was full of people of all the generation, people who were Rathore family''s relatives, their business partners, and from the media.


    ''The Rathore'' was not a common name or the surname. It was a Brand, known to everyone. They were in almost all kind of business and had dominated them all. They were in the top 3 companies and were among the wealthiest people.


    After fifteen minutes, she had made sure everything was fine with the group of men who were drinking wine, champagne and were seriously discussing Cricket, Politics and sharemarket, to the children who were playing hide and seek, and all the members present.


    "Have you served to all?" she asked him with authority.


    "Yes, mam" he speaks with respect in his tone.


    "Good, make sure everyone''s need is fulfilled, and pay more attention to the business delegates. Inform others to make sure no one''s glass get empty and their needs unheeded," commanding, Shanaya stood up while taking the juice glass with her and walk toward the group of youth she had been observing for a while.


    Away from all seniors and elders, sitting on the chairs on the wooden path on one side of the yard, they were talking excitedly. But, one of them, a boy in ''20s wearing denim jeans and, the shirt was arguing something with the waiter who might have been serving to them.


    He was still arguing when he heard a feminine voice, full of authority but sweet with a foreign accent asking him" Any problem here?".


    "And you are?" The boy questioned her, his tone suggesting his newly formed interest in her.


    The girl responded professionally" I am the one who is supervising this event".


    "Oh," the boy exclaimed but could not say more.


    The girl arched her brows at his reply and looked at her watch, seeming to be in a hurry.


    "I told him to bring me the vodka, but he refused" the boy complained.


    Smiling professionally, she speaks "I am sorry, but, Mr Vihaan instructs not to give alcohol to the youths".


    "Oh, I am sorry, I did not know it before, please do not mind " the boy immediately speak out.


    Moving away from them, meeting other helpers on her way, she mentally exclaimed" Wow! ''HIM'' the feared one is quite helpful" and began instructing something to them when her phone beeped, informing her of the call.


    She stopped in midway and asked the workers to leave for their respective work and picked up the phone, only to say loudly" What" in disbelief. She was still trying to understand and, tackle the situation when she felt someone''s presence.


    Deep down she prayed for that someone not to be HIM but, her hopes shattered when the person spoke up in an angered and, rude tone" What the hell you did not, understand??".

 Chapter 4 - Anniversaries

    Calming her heart, Shanaya turned herself to the source of the voice and saw Vansh grinning at her and next to him stood the most arrogant man she has ever met.


    Wearing an Armani Black two-piece with a Black shirt and completing the look by Black formal shoes, a man of 6 foot, rectangle-shaped face with some stubbles on the jaw, side cheeks and nape length black hair gelled up in the backward was looking at her with reddened deep brown eyes. His symmetrical and a boy next door features with his masculine physical traits were making him attractive and handsome at the same time.


    She tried to withdraw her ?ustrous gaze from his body swiftly, not to get embarrassed and exchanged glances with Vansh, asking him with her eyes to save her from this situation.


    Vansh turns his neck in both directions, signalling her'' I can''t'' and stood in the previous normal posture.


    Shanaya rubs her hands on her arms to save herself from the uncomfortable feeling she was receiving from Vihaan''s end. She shifted her gaze to all the minute things but, not at him.


    Shanaya turned her attention to his face and then to his left pierced ear when she could not pretence it and, that''s when she noticed the black pearl instead of the diamond stud.


    He had changed his stud..


    With the empty mind and, feeling the awkwardness, she bursts out "Why are you gazing at me like you are a hunter and, I am your prey?"


    A small chuckle erupts from Vansh which instantly vanished as a set of angry eyes met his.


    "Damn it! How can he be so intimidating??" she asked herself.


    "You exactly know the reason behind it! Didn''t I tell you to enjoy your time here? It was you only who volunteered to do this work." arching his brows, Vihaan spat.


    He continued in his angry tone" I have every fu?k?n? right to know the reason!"


    The tone he used had affected Shanaya who knew no one could react like that with any person no matter what their relationship was with that particular.


    But, she was not someone who would blame others and considering it was her fault, she could not do anything.


    "I am sorry, Mr Rathore! Next time, it won''t happen" apologizing, Shanaya avoided meeting her eyes with him even though she was feeling his eyes fixed on her.


    "I am not here to ask for you sorry, Miss Malhotra, I want to know the reason behind it" setting his hair with his left hand, he spoke in slow volume but with the familiar rude tone.


    She paid attention to him addressing her on last name basis, the same way she had done with him but chooses to ignore it.


    Closing her fist, she opened her mouth to explain " As for today''s blue-white theme, I had designed your navy blue suit and, a white shirt and, had instructed one of my men to deliver it on time. But he could not make it."


    She saw, both of them listening and, before Vihaan could interrupt, she spoke " I just received a call from him and, he explained the whole situation to me. His mother got admitted and, he had to go to her. None of my customers has experienced such things and, I am sorry from my company side for you to have such a bad experience."


    She further added in the professional tone" You can ask for compensation as well."


    Before she knows, the distance between them diminished and, she found it hard to keep her breaths to herself.


    In those three days, she had been staying with them she had never looked at him for more than five minutes in the day, let alone facing him so close.


    She saw his lips moving and, her ears heard the loud sound "What the fu?k! I am not a beggar to ask for compensation. I am Vihaan Singh Rathore and, I own the damn world!" but, her attention was entirely on his murderous glance, flared nostrils and, the tightly clenched fist.


    Before anyone else could say more, Vansh interrupted hurriedly "Bro, please calm down! And, please leave this issue." resting his hand on Vihaan''s arm, urging him to listen.


    Shana was not surprised by the relation or bonding they shared. They might be the first cousin, but they had made sure not to insult each other no matter what. They both were protective of each other and were always ready to help each other and had made sure no other person harm them.


    Vihaan looks at Vansh and frustratingly move his hand on his hair carelessly, ruining his hairstyle.


    Absentmindedly, she travelled her gaze from his Patek Phillipe''s watch to his face and that newly turned messy hair.


    Before she could be caught by Vihaan looking at him, they heard a man''s voice and, they all together turned their attention to the stairs of the back gate of the Mansion to see pair of two beautiful and handsome couples in their 50''s, holding the glass of champagne. Men were wearing Blue suit and, the women were wearing white saree.

 Chapter 5 - Anniversaries & the special announcement

    They all smiled when they saw them and one of the men who seem to be a few years elder than the other one, moved forward and, speak with enthusiasm" Thank all of you who have taken out the time from their busy schedule to share our happiness. We, The Rathores, Thank you for attending my brother''s 3oth and my 33rd Wedding Anniversary".


    Everyone clapped and, youngsters shouted with happiness" Happy anniversaries Uncles and, Aunts".


    Vihaan, Vansh smiled and waited for their parents to say more.


    Shanya saw the resemblance between Senior Rathores, and the younger Rathores standing beside her.


    She could see Vansh''s eyes, matching with his father Mr Shiv, the elder one and, smile matching his mother, Mrs Shakti. Even though Mr shiv was the eldest Rathore, Shanaya heard from Vansh that his father was not ready for the children until he saw his brother Mr Surya becoming the father of Vihaan and his elder sister Avni.


    She clapped hard when Mr shiv finished his Thank you speech and hugged Mr Surya, who moved forward along with his wife, Mrs Chaya.


    Mr Surya was just the elder version of vihaan, but without anger and dominance, and would smile a lot, while Mrs Chaya was a beautiful woman whose Brown eyes matched with Vihaan..


    "Just like my elder brother said, We are thankful for attending our wedding anniversaries. And On this day, I would like to thank my late parents who choose the perfect bride, my brother and sister in law, who make her feel at home and lastly to my wife " Speaking with warmth and a smile on his face, Mr Surya extends his hand to his wife.


    Clasping them, spoke again " Dear wife, We have spent 30 years of our life together, which was a full roller coaster, with pain, struggles, moments, happiness, but, whatever I am, I am because of you, your strength and, your motivating words. I love you and, I hope I will continue leaving like this for centuries, with you beside me, fighting with me, helping me, loving me and supporting me" kissing on the palm of her hand, he looked in her eyes with warmth and love.


    Shanaya saw everyone clapping, whistling, and her eyes stopped at Vihaan, who patted Vansh''s shoulder with care. She knew Vihaan''s care and love for his family, but that was the first time, she was witnessing it.


    Her attention returns to Mr Surya who ends the speech"At the end, we have a special announcement to make" and move toward the left side, letting Mr Shiv took the centre.


    "Well, we do not know whether we should be happy or, sad to announce this, but, our eldest child, Avni Rathore is going to get married to her love of life, Anubhav."


    The announcement was received with enthusiasm by all the members present. The youngsters shouted with happiness, Vihaan and Vansh clapped hard and Shanaya, could not be more overwhelmed.


    They all kept clapping and shouting when, a strikingly beautiful girl resembling Mr Surya, Mrs Chaya and Mrs Shakti in the ''30s wearing Dark Blue lehenga came and, stand beside Mr Shiv.


    Shanaya observed she was a girl of 5"4" height, with an oval face and big eyes magnified with kohl, black hair tied in a bun, red lips and the neck adorned by a diamond necklace. She had completed the simple yet beautiful look by diamond and blue pearl earrings, matching her dress.


    Mr Shiv engulfed her in his open arms and kissed on he head. Placing his hands on her shoulder lovingly, he spoke:" A week earlier when she told us about Anubhav, we became sad thinking that she will be leaving us soon, but then we realized she had found her mate and we became happy for her."


    "She looks beautiful in the dress you have designed, beautifool" Shanaya attention shifted to vansh when she heard him complimenting her.


    Vansh had given Shanaya the nickname ''beautifool'' as he had found it funny.


    "My dress has nothing to do with it, baby. She is already beautiful and charming" responding, she kept on looking at Avni, who was smiling to something Mr Surya had said and a smile found its way to Shanaya''s face.


    "I never find her beautiful" Vansh replied.


    "Yes, the same way I never find you attractive" she spat back and winked at him when she saw his horrified expressions.


    "Can''t believe that you took my sister''s side rather than mine?" Vansh said in an unbelievable tone.


    "I guess, you have forgotten, Dee and I met before, we both met!" emphasizing ''before we both met'' she turns her attention to Avni.


    Vansh was about to respond when Vihaan looks at him and before he could defend himself, he heard him ordering" I am not here to listen to your rubbishness. Get a room, if you can''t stop behaving like immature child" and saw him casting a look at Shanaya, who kept on looking at Avni with much more seriousness. He chuckled inside himself at her behaviour, knowing too well how much she was trying to avoid Vihaan''s glares.


    .........................................................


    Enjoy reading it :)


    Love to all <3

 Chapter 6 - Curious

    Vihaan was busy on a call, away from the clamour of the party. While listening to the other one on the side of the phone, his right hand was busy enjoying the texture of his silky hair.


    His face looks tensed and, he uttered something sharp in response to the other person.


    "Tell them ''The Rathores'' do not need this project on their rules. We are number one on our condition." switching the phone to the left side, holding it with the then free right hand, Vihaan spat.


    He listened to what another one said and roam his eyes in frustration at the surrounding when he saw Avni going toward a particular direction and following her way, his eyes catch Shanaya who was laughing to something Vansh had said.


    He continued staring at her, noticing her behaviour, observing how she often uses her hand while conversating, her smile that reaches her eyes every time she is with Vansh and, how comfortable she is with him.


    He immediately averts his gaze when he saw Avni stopping suddenly in front of him, a few distances away. .


    But, he looked at her again.


    As if Avni knew Vihaan was looking toward her, she looked up at him and gave him a smile that reaches her eyes and saw Vihaan giving her his most precious smile.


    For Vihaan, she was not just an elder sister she was like a mother to him. She was the one who had all his attention, his heart, and the right to order him. He had never made her cry or sad, and he could not even think of giving her pain in any way.


    He had no ''name'' for the feeling he had felt when he had come to know about it.


    He knew Anubhav was a good man. Otherwise, he would have never approved of it. But, it was hard for him to accept him. He was not ready to let her sister go to some other house. He wanted to be selfish for the first time, but, he could not, seeing how happy Anubhav makes her and, he accept him.


    Avni had been dating Anubhav, for the six years before saying ''yes'' to him. Everyone in the family knew about it and, there was never the chance of any problem from them.


    Avni knew Vihaan''s decision was an important one, even though he was not the eldest child in the Rathore''s family.


    When Avni had told her parents and her Uncle Aunt about Anubhav, she had silently prayed to God to let Vihaan be on her side.


    Avni knew Vihaan would never deny her anything, but she also knew it was tough.


    Smiling, Avni signalled Vihaan to come to her and saw him muttering something on the phone and showing his left-hand fingers to her and mouthing " I will be there in 5 minutes".


    ...................................................................


    Shana and Vansh were deep in the conversation, when Avni saw them and, on reaching them, she asked hurriedly and, disquietly " How am I looking?"


    "You are looking beautiful!"


    "You are looking okay."


    Shanaya and Vansh spoke at the same time, but Vansh got a slap on his forearms from Shanaya for his reply.


    "What? She has asked this countless times!" Vansh spoke, annoyed.


    "Yes, I have, because today''s night is mine and, not to forget your BIL is going to come soon with his family. I am anxious!" nervously, Avni voice out.


    "Dee, you are beautiful, without makeup, with makeup, in traditional dresses, in western dresses, in normal days and on special days like today, so do not worry at all!" putting his hand on her shoulder in a comforting way, Vansh calmed her.


    Shanaya nodded her head in response and exclaimed "Exactly!" and, moving closer to her and levelling her volume down, whispered, "And he is just BIL, we do not know in what situations he has already seen you."


    Shanaya, along with, Vansh broke in laughter and, hi-fived each other.


    Avni''s face turned in a ripe tomato when Shanya teased her and, she palmed her face to avoid being embarrassed.


    "You know what baby! I am waiting for my turn to tease you,!" smirking, Avni said to Shanaya.


    Shanaya snorted and said proudly " You will never get it, darling!"


    "We will wait and watch, baby!" Avni said with determination.


    "Oh, yes! Dee, Shana was so curious about Vihaan bro," Vansh interfered and smirked at shanaya when she looks at him with open mouth and widened eyes.


    "What?? When did I? I mean, anything??" alarmed, shanaya swaggered.


    "ahmm ahmmm... is someone changing the topic now??" Avni too joined Vansh in teasing her.


    "Exactly dee, Shana is changing the topic because she doesn''t want us to talk about our handsome brother in front of her. Just look how red her cheeks have become after listening Vihaan''s name, "smirking, Vansh kept on blabbering.


    Shanaya had wanted to defend herself but, knowing it was impossible when, the opponents were those two and, she chooses to remain silent.


    "Oh, seriously!! Love is in the air, hmm!" exclaimed, Avni.


    "Dee, you are siding up with him and teasing me? I don''t care a damn about your so-called handsome brother and, I don''t like him at all." Expressing her heart with her hand gesture, Shanaya continued, but more calmly and playfully "Besides this, there are so many hotties present here, but you got only him to tease me with. I won''t mind if you will tease me with those hotties name."


    "Awww my baby.. you do know how much we are waiting for you to be with someone, and believe me, we can do anything to make sure you find who is worth you," Avni spoke with eyes full with love for Shanaya.


    Shanaya smiled silently when Vansh out busted "No!, I don''t want you to waste your time on someone like them, they may be hot but, they are not trustworthy and, they are not at all made for serious relationships. Mind it,beautifool, I can''t tolerate anyone touching you physically as well as emotionally with all those dirty thoughts in their mind".


    "Ohh someone is showing his possessiveness for me!," awestruck with Vansh''s words, Shanya whispered sadly " And you are speaking as if you do not know me well. You know damn well I do not think of anyone in that way."


    "Am I possessive for you? Yes, I am, but do I not know you well? I know more than anyone beautifool, I am just expressing my thoughts! Dee and I can not let you get ruin because of someone" explaining, Vansh sighed off.


    Avni who was listening to them through the process obtruded "She is not a mad girl, Vanshu, to let anyone ruin her life. I know you care for her, but do not hurt her reminding her past in any way."


    "Dee, it''s okay" smiling Shanya tried to convince Avni. But, when she saw Avni face masked with worries, she lit her face in eyes touching smile and said elvishly" And if you both kept on rejecting boys on behalf of me, I won''t be able to find anyone in this life."


    Avni laughed a little and pressing her right palm on Shanaya''s hands, said:" One day you will have someone who will love you for what you are, who will never hurt you, and who will keep you as his queen".


    Trying to get rid of the blush which had appeared on her cheeks, Shana unlocks her phone and taps on the icon of a camera on her phone and managing the angle of it so that they all can fit in a frame, said "Let''s have a selfie, first. I have to update it on Instagram for my loved ones".


    Shanaya was about to capture themselves when she saw Vihaan talking with a man whose face was toward Vihaan and she could see his nicely built back in her front camera.


    The way the other man was standing, his personality, his height, everything was screaming hotness.


    Lost in him, she heard Avni and Vansh distantly "What?? Why are you not clicking?"


    "Ummm" with brows arched in confusion, Shanaya asked them but, within seconds she understood what they were asking and, replying with" Oh, nothing!" she clicked the picture without wasting any more seconds.


    "You never give us time to pose for the pictures" complained Avi and Vansh in a union.


    "Come on! I want to have some random picture with you guys and believe me, you both come good in whatever pose you make" justified Shanaya.


    When Shanaya saw them not accepting her statement, she opened the selfie in the gallery and showing it to both of them, said in a hurtful tone" Look! you guys do not believe me, isn''t it!"


    Showing her tongue to Shanaya, Avni took the phone from Shanaya''s hand and zooming the picture, saw, Vansh and she making cute faces while Shanaya was smiling beautifully.


    Giving the phone back to her, she said childishly" No one trusts anyone when it comes to the pictures till they see it. Well, what will you caption it?"


    "See yourself" answering back, Shanaya type something on the screen of the phone and said after a few seconds" Done!".


    Placing the phone back on her back pocket of the jeans, she said: " Well dee, I am curious to know something about him."


    Avni opened her mouth but the answer Shanya got, was not her''s.


    "And what is that?? If you are curious to know about me, ask me directly."

 Chapter 7 - Heat waves

    "And what is that?? If you are curious to know about me, ask me directly."


    Shanaya needed no help to recognize the owner of the manly and dominating voice.


    Her body quivered when her back felt the waves of heat radiating from his body and, she presumed, he must have been just, behind her. She gulped the saliva down her throat and moved her right hand in her hair to set the fling back in a beautiful style.


    "He is just trying to intimidate me!" self-convincing herself, she glanced toward Vansh and, Avni to see them thinking hard to overcome the situation.


    That was one of the reasons they were her favourite people they knew when to come forward to help her when to step back and when to comfort her.


    The situation was not something big, but, she could not ever let Vihaan know she was talking about him. She could not admit to herself of giving him so much, importance.


    She opened her mouth to give some excuses when she heard "Who is curious about you, vihu?" questioned innocently by Avni, with her face representing the symbol of chaste..


    Shanaya, along with Vansh, could almost laugh at her expressions, but somehow controlled themselves and waited for Vihaan''s answer.


    "I heard someone saying it, dee," stepping a little toward left, his right shoulder touching Shanaya''s left shoulder, his hands in the pockets of the pants, Vihaan replied and, glimpsed at Shanaya.


    Shanaya looked away the moment Vihaan glanced at her and murmured to herself "In no way in the world I am going to lose in front of him. How arrogant he is to ask when he knows it already!"


    When Seconds passed and, Shanya did not hear any sound, she uplifts her eyes to see Avni and Vansh standing with no expressions, and Vihaan looking at her with face expression''s she could not read.


    "Are you saying that ''someone'' is me??" breaking the silence, Shanaya exclaimed, turning her face North-East at 45 degrees to face Vihaan when she could not resist herself anymore.


    "You won''t lose anything, Miss Shanaya if you accept this," Vihaan wh?n?d, looking straight in her eyes.


    He had never thought to spill out words from her will make him so happy, but, he too did not know why it feels good to tease her.


    He immediately ignored the mocking words his mind snapped at him "Seriously Vihaan!! Tease her!!! what was that?"


    "Oh come on man, I have no interest in you and when I don''t have any interest in you why would I be curious about you?" Shanaya blabbered, withdrawing her face devoid of any treacherous expressions to the original position and her hands expressing her more accurately.


    "Oh, I see. May I know who were you talking about?" Vihaan spoke with a glint of mischief in his eyes.


    But, before she could answer, he spoke again, while making eye contact with her and, staring deep in her eyes, he whispered: "Don''t try to fool me, by saying, you were curious about Vanshu, because, as far as I know, you guys are besties and, besties know everything about each other, isn''t it??"


    Breaking the eye contact, he roams his eyes at the other two.


    Shanaya had just calmed her heart when she looked at Avni to saw her in the process of revealing under Vihaan''s intimidating and careful looks.


    Before Avni could utter more than" Umm she was.." she saw Shanaya''s horrified expressions that were enough to stop her.


    Relaxing a bit, Shanaya speaks before anyone could ruin it further" I was curious about that guy you were standing with."


    "Who?" Vihaan took no more than a second to enquire.


    "The one dressed in the Black suit with nice built and an impressive height" before Shana could control, her tongue slipped and she closed her eyes for being so careless.


    "How can you so blurt with the one you have no interaction, Shanaya? You need to learn how to control your tongue" blaming herself, Shanaya opened her eyes, but could not believe her ears along with other two when she heard Vihaan asking "Why?"


    "What, why? What you mean by, why? I found him attractive, worth being interested and, he is s?xy and, of course hot, so I was asking about him in case they may know him" not looking at Vihaan, Shanaya shut her mouth off and started playing with her fingers.


    "Definitely in need of self-control lessons!" Shanaya once again slapped herself in her mind.


    When Shanaya did not hear Vihaan asking anything more, she sighed ''Thank God'' but, that relief vanishes the second she looked at Vihaan and, admitted to herself she should not have said anything like that.


    Looking at her with outrage in his eyes, Vihaan was controlling himself not to harm Shanaya in any possible way.


    Not able to understand his behaviour, Shanaya opened her mouth to ask "what?" when he moved away with that glare in his eyes.


    "Ohh my god!!!! what was that, "Shanaya shrieked, keeping her right palm on her wildly beating heart and looked around to saw Vansh and Avni breathing raggedly. She knew the powerful aura he had was enough to scare anyone, not just her.


    Going deep in her thoughts, Shana recalled how his eyes had turned into a mixture of red and, black and, how she feels every time he comes near her.


    She knows something was wrong with her deep down, but had no idea what it was and, she did not know whom to ask.


    Her thoughts were disrupted with Avni''s surprised filled voice"Seriously Shana! you are lucky to be with us right now or, god knows what would have happened with you, for your careless statements.!!!"


    "haha... dee thanks to god that she didn''t say anything else" controlling his laugh, Vansh spoke.


    "Come on, guys, you are making me uncomfortable, now. What''s the big issue in saying it? You are speaking as if he has never heard all this before! I am telling you he wants to control everything and wants no one to question him up."


    "Dee, ask about his girlfriends and, you will find a list of them and, he roams around behaving, like a saint...huhh" making faces, Shana looked around to distract herself from the thoughts of Vihaan that kept invading her mind.


    Witnessing Vihaan''s reactions around peoples had taught Shana enough to be aware of him and to be away from him.


    She concluded to herself "He is Dangerous once in anger."


    "Congratulations beta! I am so happy for you" Shanaya''s chain of thoughts was broken when she heard one of the ladies present at the party.


    "Thank you, Aunt!" beaming, Avni replied. She further added," Meet my friend, Shanaya" and, gesturing toward Shanaya, she spoke " Shana, my aunt".


    Shanaya''s time was passing quickly, by introducing herself to all the people who came to congratulate Avni when Shanaya receives a notification on her phone.


    She unlocked her phone to see a notification, but what she saw froze her.


    Not able to believe her eyes, she kept on looking at the notification with her body chilled, her fingers trembling, her legs shaking, her mind void and her heart fluctuating.


    ....................................................................


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 Chapter 8 - Hotty

    Sitting at the furthermost corner of the lawn, opposite of Shanaya''s, Vihaan was drinking vodka with the same man Shana had addressed as ''Hotty''.


    But, instead of focusing his attention on the man, Vihaan found his eyes on Shanaya, again and again.


    "Has she caught your attention?" taking a shot of vodka, that man enquired, witnessing Vihaan''s actions.


    "What? Who are you talking about?" enquired Vihaan, though fully knowing what it was all about.


    "I am talking about the same girl you are glaring at, not to forgot ''within seconds'' "emphasizing on seconds, that person chuckled.


    "Come on, bro, I am not looking or, as you say glaring at any girl" stating it casually, Vihaan took another shot of vodka.


    But, that person was not someone who could digest it, his experience knew, it was something else.


    "Okay, so why don''t you introduce me to your sister? .


    "Stop acting bro, You know dee very well!"


    Laughing, that man spoke, "You see, if I go to dee I may get the chance to know that lovely girl who is standing with her and, to whom you are not looking at all!"


    "Excuse me?" face masked with confusion, Vihaan exclaimed.


    "I wish to know her, and since you have no interest in her, I can put my efforts, right?" smiling to himself as if he knew what he was going to do next, the man spoke.


    ...................................................


    Shocked with the notification, Shanaya excused herself and moved to a dark and isolated place, branches of an enormous tree hiding her from people and light.


    She kept on locking and then unlocking her phone but did not react.


    After fifteen minutes, she took a long breath and, tap on the notification and, ''Instagram'' app popped up on her screen.


    She read carefully, again and again, when she saw ''he'' has liked the picture she had updated a few seconds earlier. She glanced at her surrounding and, rub her cheeks when she saw no one watching her. Next, she put her hand on her thumping heart and pound with her fist on it to gain control over it.


    "He does not affect me, he does not affect me" chanting it as a Mantra, she put her phone back on her pocket, but within seconds, it was, once again in her hand.


    She hurriedly opened the ''Instagram'' to read again and, without her consciousness, her fingers tap on his name and, his profile appeared.


    She immediately closed her eyes and taking long breathes, she peeked on her phone to saw, him smiling gorgeously in his DP. His smile, his intense eyes took her breath away, and she kept on staring at him when she felt something warm and, wet on her cheeks.


    She laughed sarcastically and murmured" Great job Shana!, just a glimpse of him and you are already crying".


    Removing her trust-breaker tears, she commanded herself" No more tears now!" and looked back at his profile.


    She saw he had updated only one post and she clicked on it to saw him with a group of persons and had captioned it "My people". She noticed it was updated a week earlier.


    "He must have activated his account last week" thinking to herself, she zooms the picture to gaze at him from close space. She felt the familiar pang she would always feel looking at him and looked away from it.


    Locking her phone, she kept it back on her back pocket of the jeans and taking long breathes three or four times, she went back, to Avni and Vansh.


    "Why are you grinning like a crazy man?" annoyed with HIM, Vihaan enquired.


    Vihaan was getting irritated by his expressions but, he did not have any idea why he was getting annoyed by his smirks, his excited looks, but it was disturbing him to such an extent all he wanted was to kick HIM.


    Tracing every move of Vihaan, that man exclaimed"I am not grinning, I am excited to meet that girl!" and, chuckled when he saw Vihaan''s expression had changed from annoyed to restrictive as if he was controlling himself to say anything.


    "She is not those type of girl who is shy enough to say their feelings. So, she is not interested in you. "challenging him, Vihaan argued.


    "And how would she know me? You have not even introduced me to her, for god sake!


    "You will never change!! why you always follow girls? Can''t you select one and settle for her instead of following girls like crazy" irritated with him, Vihaan asked.


    "Look who is talking! Besides, when did I follow girls? They follow me, and if you are referring to the recent one, she was following me, not vice versa." defending himself, that man stated and continued" And, I am thinking of settling for one, that''s why I am asking you to introduce me to her!".


    Vihaan, who was walking back to Shanaya, Avni and Vansh along with that man, stopped abruptly.


    "Why have you stopped man??" shocked, that man questioned.


    "You want to meet her, do it yourself. I do not have the time to do such useless things and, besides, I do not want you to meet her because she is not like other girls, okay?" looking straight in his eyes, Vihaan spoke out while roaming his hand in hair and pinched the bridge of his nose.


    "Why are you behaving so differently? And, how do you know this girl is not like other girls I have met? How do you know that she won''t like me? I am an average looking guy whom girls generally like"setting up his hair with his hand, that man said boyishly.


    "I know this girl because she is Vansh''s best friend and, not to forget she is like a sister to Avni dee. I won''t allow anyone to flirt with her, not even you. Besides, she is a guest here and, she is professionally working here thus, making it inappropriate for you to flirt with her, okay?" stating in one breath, Vihaan explained and continued"and now no more questions regarding her and" continued when he saw HIM on the verge of asking something" yes, we are not going to them,"


    "Man!! I am not going to flirt with her, and you have hurt me by mentioning that I will go and flirt with her. We can not ignore the possibility of her flirting with me right. And, as for your professional issue, if she flirts with me herself then, it won''t create any problem for you right?" arching his eyes, that man gave a chick smile to Vihaan.


    Vihaan closed his eyes as he did not wish to say anything harsh to his friend, and opening them after a minute, roam his hand once again in his hair to make them wilder and started moving toward Shanaya after saying" I am getting sick of you man!".


    "But I love you, man" chuckling, the man walked toward Shanaya along with the irritated Vihaan.


    ................................................


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    Love???

 Chapter 9 - In-laws!

    "Oh, you are back! Where had you been? People were asking for you" Avni exclaimed as soon as Shanaya reached them.


    "Umm, I got a call from Riya" lying, Shana tried her best not to get trapped in her web. She added," But, why were people asking for me?"


    "They wanted to have a chat with you regarding some events" Avni explained and was about to say more when she was interrupted by Vansh.


    "And, one of them asked us if you are single, as he wanted to suggest his son for you" laughing, Vansh teased her.


    "Shut up! stop mocking me!" Shanaya faked anger.


    "He is telling the truth" siding with Vansh, Avni added and flashed a teasing smile at her.


    Suddenly, as if she remembered something, Avni asked hurriedly" I forgot to ask! Have you told Riya about the wedding?".


    "Ummm...." not sure what to say, Shanaya looked, here and there, and when she saw Avni expecting an answer, she itched her right ear and said, "umm, I forgot to inform her, but soon I will".


    "Leave it, I will inform her personally!" Avni stated.


    "come on! I will" Shanaya said immediately.


    "I just thought it would be good if I inform her." Smiling, Avni justified her statement.


    Vansh, who was listening to them, asked curiously " Is she the same Riya whom I know briefly?".


    "Yes, she is the same Riya. I must have told you I met her once when we came to India from London during our Vacation. She is damn funny and lovely!" excited with the mere thought of her, Avni giggled.


    Shanaya had just uttered" She is" when she noticed Vihaan presence behind her once again and, she stopped suddenly.


    Vihaan noticed Shanaya was not looking at him, instead was not looking at any one of them, as if she was hiding something. He chose not to mind it but, his eyes flickered back to Shanaya, and he noticed her appearance, was somehow different. He could not pick up the difference, but he was sure about it.


    Shanaya felt Vihaan''s eyes on her, but she did not look at him.


    When she felt that gaze to be gone, she looks at him under her eyes and notice his hair wilder as of his hand was there many times. Her eyes travelled more to her left to saw someone else standing along with Vihaan and, she gasped when she noticed the other man appearance.


    He was the same man she had called ''Hot and s?xy''.


    "Do not tell me, GOD, he is here to validate my statement" prayed Shanaya.


    She felt her prayer answered when she heard Avni speaking with full of Sarcasm"Finally! Someone got the time to meet me".


    "Ohh sweetheart, I didn''t come here to meet you, I am here to meet this lovely lady," pointing to Shanaya, that man said and smiled at her.


    "His smile is enchanting!" admitting to herself, Shanaya smiled back at him and laughed when she heard Avni" Go to Hell" saying to that man and saw that man smiling with mischief.


    "Really!!!, I must consider myself special and may I know what deeds I have done for this p???sur?," Shanaya flirted back and felt two unbelievable gazes directed at her.


    It was a shock for sure for Avni and Vansh, for they had not seen Shanaya flirting with anyone since ages.


    Vihaan expressed no emotions, but his gaze shifted from that man to Shanaya with something different in his eyes.


    The other man had just opened his mouth to answer Shanaya when they all saw Avni interrupting him and saying "You should consider yourself lucky that you even got a chance to say something to her."


    Laughing his heart out, that man went to Avni and back hugging her lightly, said" I should have some perk for being your lovely Brother-in-law, isn''t it?" and kissed Avni on cheeks as a symbol of adoration and respect.


    "Stop bu??ering me, you are a shameless person, who flirts with my friend in front of me" slapping that man lightly on his arms, Avni complained.


    This time, it was Shanaya''s chance to get shocked as she had no idea of him being Avni''s brother-in-law.


    "Thank god!, dee didn''t know whom I called'' hotty and s?xy''" sighing, Shanaya''s gaze travel to Vihaan and, she immediately cursed herself"But he knows that and now I came to know the reasons behind his unusual stares. God!!!! you have trapped me in which situation? I mean you have to embarrass me in front of this jerk only!now what will he think of me, that I flirt with anyone. I do not mind him much, but he is someone I will have to face for the next fifteen days and from what I know his looks do tell you what he is thinking of you. How will I live here with this looks in his eyes?"


    Shanaya was too engrossed in her thoughts such that she could not hear anyone and, was jolted awake when she heard someone clearing his throat.


    Awake from her imaginary world, Shanaya looked toward the source of the voice to see ''hotty'' looking at her as if he was expecting something.


    "I am so, sorry! My mind just got drifted away. If you do not mind, can you please repeat yourself?" feeling sorry, she asked that man politely.


    "Hey, It''s okay, you need not feel guilty, I just told you my name," Smiling, that man replied.


    "Oh, I am really sorry, give me the chance of introducing myself to you" bringing her right hand forward, she handshake with that man and added "Hello, I am Shanaya Malhotra but, you can call me Shana," and smiled naturally.


    "Pleasure to meet you Sana, and my name is Saransh Bharadhwaj, but you too can call me Saar," shaking firmly with Shana, that man replied and smiled.


    Standing there, she could see him smiling and other''s expressions, but she no longer felt anything as her heart got busy in beating at a speed she had not felt from a long time.


    She felt two sets of eyes looking at her with concern, but without her consent, her mind allowed her heart to miss ''him''.


    She passed a smile to Saaransh but deep down in her heart, a storm was blowing.


    "I miss you Saar" she mentally whispered and, her heart gave a beat on his name and ached with a pain she thought she had cured and healed.


    ...............................


    Enjoy reading it :)


    Love to all <3

 Chapter 10 - Healing with Time

    Smiling with pain, Shanaya nodded to something Vansh said, unaware of the context of it. She was there, physically, mentally but not emotionally.


    Within a minute, her eyes had lost the shine they had, her heart had lost the happiness she had felt, for some days, her face had lost the smile and, her body had lost the strength of standing.


    Listening partially to what all were talking about, noticing Vansh and Avni''s concerned looks, ignoring Vihaan''s gaze, nodding to Saaransh, she just wished to be somewhere alone, somewhere she could overcome and can heal herself.


    She did not hear Avni asking Saaransh "For how many days you will be here?" or Saaransh answer "For a month" but, her attention shifts to the conversation when she heard Saaransh asking "Are you okay, Shana?".


    In haste, she spoke," Ummm? Oh, yes! perfectly fine."


    Saaransh nodded his head in understanding and replied:" You seemed to be somewhere away".


    Faking a smile, Shanaya lied" Oh yes, my mind is full of things I need to do." .


    But, she knew Vihaan was not buying it, for, she could feel his eyes all over her in the same way police looks at a thief.


    She stole glances of Vansh and Avni, who gave her a tight smile and suddenly Vansh spoke up, " Shana, is your head aching, again? Had you taken medicine when I told you?" and signalled her to understand his excuse.


    Shanaya, who was waiting for any reason to arrive to excuse herself, start pressing her forehead on either side with her right-hand index finger and thumb and spoke slowly" You know I do not take any medicine, Vansh. It will be over soon" and kept on massaging her forehead.


    "Sweetheart, take rest. We do not know when the party will be over. Till when are you going to wait? hmmm...just go and sleep" urging her to go, Avni too joined Vansh and signalled her to go with her eyes.


    Standing opposite of Vansh, Avni, Saaransh and beside Shanaya, Vihaan was observing everything that was going on, how Vansh come up with an excuse suddenly and how Avni signalled her to go.


    He need not other evident to know something was fishy when he heard Saaransh " One should take care of oneself, Shana. Meet you later once, you will be fine" and saw him bidding her bye and vice versa and, Shana going away from them in the direction of her room, not before taking gulps of water impatiently.


    Shana was too empty to feel anything, to understand anything or to sense where her legs were taking her.


    Her mind was either too full or too empty to understand anything. Passing through the long-wide white marble corridor, her right palm grating against the wall, she felt one of the pillars and supporting her with it, she sat down, pressing her knees to her ?h?st.


    She did not cry or weep. She just stared blankly at the flower pot in front of her, but, her daze was blurred and, her mind could not even register what it was seeing.


    She did not know how to name the feeling she had at that moment.


    But she was sure she was not feeling upset or hurt, she was just shocked, emotionless and, not in the state of understanding what was going on.


    She was damn sure she would have reacted like that if everything would have been all normal.


    But, she could not deny the uncomfortable she had felt the moment she had heard the name ''Saar''.


    The moment she had heard his name, she had felt her world moving, her body shaking, her brain going blank, and her heart pounding against her rib, uncontrollably.


    Cursing herself, blaming herself, she could not accept the fact his name had such an effect on her till then. She had always thought she had left the pain behind and all the memories that might haunt her, but she was wrong, just like every time.


    She had witnessed and felt how difficult it was for her to leave all her past behind.


    To move on in her life.


    She knew how much struggle she had to do, for it and, she was not ready to waste, her effort.


    She was ready to protect herself from all of it again.


    She understood she needs to give time to herself to shield herself from the attack this pain was going to give her.


    She stood up with a resolution and moved ahead without looking at the path in front of her.


    Walking drunkenly, she felt her heart and mind accepting they had no problem with Saaransh on the issue, for, he only shared the nickname. Why would she hate him or feel discomfort around him?


    She had liked him for sure and, she admits to herself her problem was just ''Time'', which was not letting her forsake the pain, the memories, the feelings.


    Engrossed in her thoughts and her mind recalling all the past, she had only passed through another pillar, when she felt a strong hand covering her mouth and pulling.


    Standing against the wall, hidden behind the pillar, she saw her capturer looking in her eyes which were glaring at him and, then at his right hand that was covering her mouth with his left hand supporting her head from the back.


    In a slow-motion but with great pace, he binds her wrists with his left hand that was supporting her head a few seconds earlier, without freeing her mouth, and placed them at the back of her.


    That simple step made the distance between them diminished, and proximity accumulated.


    Shanaya, whose mind did not register what happened, tried to back away to ease the awkwardness in their position but was immediately pulled by him and she bumped with his ?h?st.


    She was not in the position to hate or dislike the situation they were in, for she was already pressed to him, her every curve fitting perfectly with his hard and masculine body.


    Frustrated with it, she glared at him, again, ordering him silently to leave her but to no avail, neither he leaves her nor remove hands from her mouth.


    ........................................................................


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    Love to all <3

 Chapter 11 - Your business is my business

    A minute passed, with she trying to get free and he trying to restrict her struggle.


    When she saw him in no mood of uncovering her mouth and, not having any other solution, she bites his palm and, arched her brows when she saw, his eyes looking at her with shock. But to her astonishment, he neither yelp nor he flinches but, for sure he removed his hand.


    "What the hell are you doing?" she spat as soon as her mouth got uncovered but quickly shut her mouth when she notices how loud she had spoken. Looking at her surrounding to make sure no one heard her, she looked again at him and waited for his reply.


    "I should ask the same. For god sake, you bite me! "looking at her while hiding his amusement, he whispered.


    He mentally whispered "She is beautiful" when he saw her face destitute of any makeup but radiating as always, her average-sized eyes free of any Kohl or Mascara but shining, as usual.


    He kept on observing her, her white shirt complimenting her round pink face with smooth jawline, naturally painted red lips but inviting and her coffee coloured hair, falling just above her waist parted in the left side. .


    He was brought to reality when he heard Shanaya saying fumingly"Oh, really!!!, you pulled me, you covered my mouth, what else should I have done when you were not removing your hand?"


    Scanning her body as if x-raying, he chuckled and leaned closer to her left ear to whisper " One hand is still on your body Miss Sanaya, how will you remove that".


    Not expecting this reply, her face got covered with shock and, she looked at him in his eyes to know what kind of answer was that, but to only saw him looking at her with something different.


    "Are you drunk, Mr Vihaan?" she asked and leaned further, her nose few inches away from his mouth, to smell any pungent smell when she remembered he drinks a lot and, thought his behaviour as an aftereffect of drinking.


    "Am I appearing drunk, Miss Shanaya?" noticing her face so close, his nose able to smell her body odour mixed with the fragrance of Rose, he lied, and tried to control his body getting affected under her presence.


    Frustrated, she enquired "What You want, Mr Vihaan?"


    "Just one thing and it''s quite simple," looking deep in his eyes, he spoke in a volume that was audible to just both of them.


    "You could ask that more appropriately, Mr Vihaan, not like this, and if you don''t mind can you please remove your other hand too," she said, lifting her left eye upward.


    "Remove hand from where? , Miss Shanaya," face deficient of flirting, he asked with a purpose.


    Her heart did something unusual to know he was flirting with her. For the last two days, she had only seen him angry, quiet, or ordering someone.


    That was something new to her.


    But, as seconds passed, she started getting angry with herself knowing her heart was behaving perverted for him, whom she did not even want to talk to at that moment, and, then on him for acting as if he had known her for ages and, was someone he was comfortable with.


    Taking few minutes to herself, she pressed her nails in her skin to control her anger and her mind which was already in a mess and spoke sarcastically in a volume, so low, even she wondered whether she had to repeat it" Can you please free my wrists Mr Vihaan. If they remain the prisoner of your hand, I am sure they will get marks, and, I don''t like this idea a bit".


    Instead of letting her wrists free, he pressed her more close to him and said in a dangerous voice" Not till I get my answer Miss Shanaya, and don''t worry about the marks, I am sure you will cure them".


    "The height of his arrogance and selfishness," thinking to herself, she spoke with a pissed voice" Then ask Mr Vihaan, what do you want to ask me??".


    "Who is, ''Saar''?" the words got out of his mouth in a second.


    As if, he was waiting for the perfect opportunity.


    His eyes remained on her, observing her every move.


    He had noticed the changes in her when Saransh had mentioned the name "Saar". He had thought of ignoring this but, then curiosity wins over when he saw her moving aimlessly in the corridor.


    After Shanaya had walk away, he had received an important business call. Looking at the lawn, he had seen it full with people and, thus, he had thought of going inside the mansion.


    Looking at him in disbelief, Shana didn''t know what to say and how to react. Her hands started shaking but, she closed her fist, even though her hands were still on Vihaan''s grip and her eyes on the verge of weeping.


    Without thinking, she spilt out "None of your business", but before uttering she closed her eyes to prevent her tears that were going to betray her again.


    But, she should not have done it.


    Within a fraction of second, she felt Vihaan flipping her, and she opened her shocked eyes to notice the changes in her position.


    Standing against the wall that was a spot for Vihaan a few seconds earlier, she felt her hands in the previous position in his right hand''s grip, but behind her back, his left hand on the right side of her head on the wall, and his eyes reddened with anger and confusion. His veins had bulged out on his forehead and his muscular arms.


    Gone was the shock for a moment.


    In awe, she continued watching him when he closed his eyes to calm himself and, gulped making his Adam apple more, prominent.


    Unaware of any feeling, she loved the way his Adam apple moved, the way his nerves bulged out and the way his eyes change the colour shades.


    No more she was worried about their proximity or how small space they were sharing.


    Her interest in Vihaan was on peek at the time.


    She noticed he had removed his Black Armani and was only in his black shirt, displaying his chiselled torso.


    His white face was glittering more in black colour. His little beard was hiding his jawline, but this did not restrict the handsomeness of his rectangle face, pointed Nose and lotus-shaped eyes.


    Vihaan opened his eyes to saw Shanaya looking at him adoringly and in awe. He saw her averting her gaze immediately and saw her cheeks had turned red.


    It was not something new to him, he had witnessed these reactions many times, but he felt different at that moment.


    He liked the feeling he was getting by her gaze. His heart wished she to see him with that same gaze again, and he wanted to smile openly at her action, but suddenly, he remembered the issue for which they were in the position and, his mind changed.


    Vihaan had noticed every minute detail of her reaction, had heard the beatings of her mad heart, had seen how she closed her eyes and how she fisted her hands. At that moment, he was more than curious to know who HE was, but more than anything, he was furious, furious on her comment None of your business.


    Gone was his sweet and lovely gesture.


    Leaning closer to her, feeling her heartbeats, her body, her breathing, he whispered with his clenched teeth" I have every right to know what is going on with the persons who are in my house, no matter who they are, and thus, your business is my business. So, next time I ask you something, do not give me this bullshit, I won''t let you get away with this excuse in future".


    ............................


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    Love to all <3

 Chapter 12 - Thud thud thud

    Thud thud thud


    thud thud thud


    Shanaya...Shanaya...Shana???


    Lying on her bed, Shanaya could neither hear the bangings of the door nor the voice of Vansh and Avni who were calling her name for the last fifteen minutes.


    She was not in the waking world at the moment.


    Distanced away from Shana just by a wooden door, Avni, wearing Blue jeans and red shirt, hair tied up in a pony and Vansh, wearing Black pant with a white t-shirt with messed up hair, glanced at each other, outside of Shanaya''s room. .


    The looks on their face were enough to state the condition of their heart. Looking doubtful and concerned, Vansh was the one to break the silence"Are you sure, she is okay?"


    Avni, who did not approve his doubtful voice, spoke immediately and sarcastically" What do you mean by ''is she okay?'' Of course, she is! She must be in heaven now".


    "She is sleeping, till now!" shocked with the news, Vansh exclaimed and, banged on the door with more force again and commanded," Shana, open the door right now or you will see the consequences".


    Shanaya''s room, basically Vansh''s bedroom, was on the second floor, adjacent to Avni''s and the gym.


    Since the arrival of Shanaya, Vansh had shifted with Vihaan, who resides alone on the third floor, and the Mr and Mrs Rathore couples had the room on the first floor.


    The Rathore mansion built on 50,000 sq ft having 15bedrooms and 13 bathrooms, 3,000 sq wine cellar under the ground floor, was built up in the posh area of Delhi and had all the luxuries someone could dream.


    It was a five -floored, white stone Mansion with first two floors occupied by the members of the Rathore family and the ground floor for the caretakers.


    The fourth floor consisted of 3 bedrooms, mainly for guests and the fifth floor was for the cinema and spa.


    Away from the Rathore Mansion, at a distance of two minutes, the guest house made for stay of the delegates or business partners shared the swimming pool with the Mansion.


    The banging continued when Avni tried calling for the last time and sighed when she heard a sleepy voice on the other end "Hello".


    "Open the damn door, Shana!"Snatching the phone from Avni, Vansh commanded.


    "Vanshu, It is already open! Stop banging on it," Vansh''s brow furrowed in confusion when he heard Shana, and turned the doorknob to see the door already opened.


    Avni looked at Vansh and shaking her head in disbelief, enters in Shana''s room.


    The scenario inside the room was something Avni had expected.


    Lying on the bed, in the centre of the room, Shana had dozed off already. Curtains were obstructing any natural source of light, her day before worn dress placed carelessly on the sofa chair, shoes away from the shoe cabinet near the bed and her valued rings and watch placed carefully in their respective place.


    "How can she sleep within a second?" astonished, vansh murmured.


    "Shana, wake up you have slept a lot." removing the comforter from her body, Avni ordered.


    Vansh laughed when he heard Shanaya blabbering"Let me sleep, dida, my head is aching."


    "God, this girl and her excuses to sleep!" standing with both of her hand on her waist, Avni looked at Vansh and saw him chuckling.


    Shanaya complained when Avni along with Vansh make her sit up forcefully" Dee! let me sleep, hmm."


    "Wake up, will you??" jerking her with force, Avni scolded her.


    "Dee, Easy!" Vansh exclaimed but silenced by the glare Avni gave him.


    "I know how she wakes up when she sleeps like this!" explaining, Avni continued slapping on the palm of her feet.


    Almost crying like a child, one deprived of its favourite dessert, Shanaya opened her eyes and murmured "Go..o...d m...orn....ing!" with her head jerking in sleep.


    "Really! Good morning!!!! It''s 6 in the evening!" Avni scolded her like a mother.


    In haste, Shanaya''s eyes opened and took notice of Avni and vansh, sitting on the edge of her bed.


    "God! my eyes are aching and, my head is spinning" pressing her forehead and rubbing her eyes, Shanaya tried to get off of the bed.


    She stopped when Vansh stood up and pouring water in the glass from the Water jug, handed it to Shanaya, saying"You know it happens with you when you sleep a lot."


    "I did not have the idea I have slept for long" sending an indirect apology to Avni, Shanaya tried to defend herself.


    "Ofcourse, how would you? Sleeping for 17 hours is not long for you, isn''t it! Why would you worry or take notice when you have us, who tries to defend you in every situation!" standing up from the edge of the bed, Avni kept glaring at her while pacing in the room.


    Shanaya opts not to speak a word she was wise enough to spare herself from Avni''s scoldings.


    "You do not care how we will handle people asking about you, how we will handle Dad, Mom, Daddy and Mummy. You know what! Vihaan was correct to say that we both have ruined you!" pointing her finger at Vansh and herself at the last part of the statement, Avni continued scolding Shana.


    Making puppy face, Shanaya pleaded" I am sorry dida" and looked at Vansh with puppy eyes, asking him to support her.


    Not thinking of bringing Avni''s wrath on himself, Vansh tried to control his laugh and shut his lips tight, his fingers zipping up his lips.


    "We care for you bcche, why do you act selfishly!" walking toward her, Avni took her hand and squeezing it a little ask politely" Are you okay, baby?".


    "Why? Something happened?" acting innocent, Shana asked.


    "I am talking about yesterday''s event. You know Shana darling, you will have to face many people with the same name, so I only want you to be okay and strong enough to handle this."


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 Chapter 13 - Broken but beautiful

    Shanaya needed no help to know what she was referring to, but she had no idea how to respond to it. She just nodded her head when she heard Vansh" You know beautifool, you can talk to us, right?".


    Smiling at him, Shanaya whispered" I know, Vanshu" and turning her face to Avni, continued" Dee, do not worry, I am okay".


    "Are you sure?"


    "Ofcourse"


    "Okay, so everything is good then. I was wondering if I should act as a mediator between you and one of the hot boys from the party. You know, many of them asked for you, like what''s your name? Are you single? and so on."


    Vansh lied and looked at her to see no responses.


    He had guessed it correct. .


    She was pretending to be okay.


    "Shana, you can cry! Do not keep it, in your heart, it will only create a problem, for you." Avni lashed out.


    Avni had known her for the last four years and, she was, quite aware of the grave situation.


    "Dee, Believe me, I am good" turning her face toward Vansh, Shana continued"Vanshu, why are you quiet, tell dee I am good, and besides I have you both with me. Why would I pretend to be happy, when in reality, I am, and, dee, please accept his name doesn''t matter for me as he doesn''t matter for me now."


    "Okay, we will accept that you don''t care about him, but then, why are you on the verge of weeping," looking at Shanaya deep in thought and her face trying to control sobs, Vansh questioned.


    Shanaya: "Vanshu, I am not weeping."


    Vansh: "I agree, you are not weeping, but you are on the verge of it!"


    "No, I am not!" emphasising on ''not'', her hand forming a fist, Shana argued.


    Vansh: "Yes, you are, but why are you hiding it, beautifool?? You know you can cry or weep in front of us. We are not here, to judge you, we are here, to make you feel better. You have heard the saying, shedding tears makes you stronger, and I want my beautifool to be strong, no matter what!"


    Tired of acting strong, it was as if she was waiting for those calming words and, she started crying, her tears telling the tale of her broken heart''s condition.


    Vansh and Avni immediately hugged her, with Avni stroking her hand on her shoulder and Vansh stroking her head, consoling her.


    They had made her weep on intention, for that was the only way to reach inside her sorrowful heart.


    "I...I....loved him with my soul dee, then why did he break my heart? I...I gave him my h.... heart aaannddd.. he broke it harshly, i... I remain loya...l for him f..or how much years dee, a..nd what I got in return, noth...ing, just a broken heart. I ...I am just a broken person, unable to love anyone." Shana sobbed, weeping her heart out.


    Shana hugged them closer, with both of her arm placed on both of them.


    Engulfed in their hug, she felt protected and alive.


    "Shhh, it''s okay, Shana. Forgot him, he was only some wrong person at the wrong time. You should think that its good that he is not in your life, otherwise, you would not have been happy with him or someone else whom you will meet in future, who will love you more than anyone else and who will mend your broken heart" stroking her head with love and care, Vansh said sweetly.


    "Bcche, Vansh is speaking truth, he wasn''t worth you, that''s why God didn''t let him stay in your life. God wants someone special in your life, have faith in him. You might think yourself as broken, but you are beautiful in every way." consoling Shanya while trying her best not to weep, Avni muttered.


    Avni was on the verge of weeping herself, witnessing Sana''s condition. All she wanted at the moment was to meet the person who was responsible for all of it and to kick him where the sun does not rise.


    As if Vansh know what Avni was thinking, he placed a hand on Avni, controlling her from weeping and telling her silently that he wished the same and hugged them both more closely.


    Sitting there, Vansh and Avni felt the silence in the room except for the Shanaya''s sob.


    Avni broke the silence by speaking angrily "Shanaya, why do not you show that person to us. I want to have a look at that heartless man who dared to do it with you. I swear, the day I met him he will have a slap from me."


    "I agree with, dee. I would curse him and will beat him for sure." Vansh was going to continue when he heard Shanaya''s laugh and look at her to saw her smiling sarcastically.


    Avni and Vansh gave her their confused looks to heard " You guys cannot proceed with your imaginations. He is someone no one can touch."


    "Why? Is he sort of Don or mafia?" trying to act normal around her, Vansh questioned.


    "Exactly! What is he? And why you have not shown us his picture?" Agreeing with Vansh, Avni asked Shanaya.


    Not knowing how to respond, Shanaya lied" I do not have his picture," while kept his profession to herself and sat down on the bed when they broke their hug.


    "You do not have his picture, neither he cares for you nor, you care for him. You have not seen him for the fu?k?n? five years, Shana! Then why, do you still feel sad whenever you listen to his name or anything related to him. "


    Sitting beside her, Vansh enquired while trying to calm himself.


    Outside her room, Saaransh was going to enter her room when he heard Shanaya''s voice "I love him".


    Vocabulary:


    1. Bcche: It''s a Hindi word which means child. We normally and, often call ''bcche'' to those who are junior to us and whom we love.


    Enjoy reading it :)


    Love to all <3

 Chapter 14 - You are cute

    "Want to go out for to eat something spicy?" standing in the middle of the room, checking his glimpse on the mirror, setting his hair by his hands, Vansh asked Avni and Shana.


    "No"


    "Yes"


    "What you mean ''No''?" glancing at Shana, Avni asked.


    Stretching herself and relaxing her body, Shana stood up from the bed. Going toward the table, she picks up the glass, pour some water on it and said after drinking it" Guys, it''s such good weather! Why waste the feeling of it by driving."


    "Exactly! It''s such good weather and, you are wasting it by sitting in the home" taking out his phone from the back pocket of the pant, Vansh continued" I am going to reserve the seats, Get dressed".


    "Vanshu!" stopping him in between his actions, moving toward him, Shana hugged him like a child and, murmured" Let''s order something spicy, tasty and, we can enjoy the weather as well as food in the terrace room".


    Vansh looked at Avni to hear her opinion when he saw Avni signalling him to go by Shana''s wish. .


    "Thank you, dida" giving Avni a flying Kiss, Shana squealed.


    "Do you have an extra pair of eyes behind your head" amused, Avni questioned.


    "Hehe, I have some awesome power you are unaware of" giggling, Shana answered.


    "Ofcourse, Captain Marvel."


    "Nopes, call me Ironwoman."


    "You too will die like ironman."


    "Hey, do not say anything about him. I literally cried when I saw him dead."


    "Yes yes, we know how much you like Ironman, to be precise Junior Robert Downey."


    "I like Robert because of his acting as Ironman. I too have read somewhere, Robert was the perfect fit for the role because, in reality, he behaves like Ironman, rich and rude but handsome."


    Scoffing, Vansh mocked her "Yes ofcourse. You were the one who selected him, right."


    Narrowing her eyes, Shana look at Vansh but turned her attention to Avni when she heard Avni" Stop being childish. I am damn sure you two will continue talking about it and, gone would be the good weather. I am going you guys do what you want" and saw Avni moving out of her room.


    "Wait, dee, I am also coming" winking at Shana who was gasping for his betrayal, Vansh joined Avni.


    Hurrying toward her wardrobe, Shana picked grey seamless spaghetti top with white cotton pant and informing them"I will be there in just 10 minutes" moved toward the bathroom to brush her teeth and to take a shower before joining them.


    ........................................................


    Musing, Saaransh entered Vihaan''s room to saw him sitting on the sofa chair on the rightmost corner of the room, busy on his Ipad.


    Ignoring him, Saaransh moved toward the centre of the room, to the left of Vihaan and lay down on the king-size bed with his arms and leg open.


    Diverting his attention, Vihaan turns his eyes to Saarnash''s to saw him lying on his bed with closed eyes.


    Placing his Ipad on the table, he shifts on his chair to sit comfortably and, crossing his right leg on the left one, asked: "What happened?"


    Saaransh opened his eyes when he heard Vihaan asking and turn his head to the left to saw Vihaan looking at him carefully with his right index finger supporting his chin.


    "Did you know..." but Saaransh stopped in midway and saw Vihaan giving him a curious look.


    "Nothing and stop giving me this look" completing, Saaransh moved his head to the original position and closed his eyes once again.


    "A minute for you to tell it" ordering, Vihaan remain seated in the same position.


    "Else what?" asked Saaransh,


    "I won''t listen to it when you, will be aching to tell me." arching his brow, Vihaan explained.


    Saaransh opened his mouth to speak but shut it off frustratingly.


    Vihaan noticed him struggling and wondered what it could be. Saaransh had never hide anything from him, no matter what the issue was.


    "Ughhh! I wish to tell you, but I also know I should not" standing up from the bed, Saaransh moved toward the exit door.


    "Where are you going?" confused by Saarnash''s behaviour, Vihaan enquired.


    "To meet dee" answering back, Saaransh moved out, leaving Vihaan baffled.


    "Dee, no one told me Saarnash is Anubhav jiju''s brother" sipping from the chocolate shake, enjoying the cool breeze of the evening, lightning in the cloud, sitting on the couch in the centre of the three glass wall room, Shana asked.


    "I must have told you somewhere but, we both know you were hardly interested in any boy and, would hardly pay attention to any picture or news regarding boys" taking a spoonful of Maggie, Avni answered.


    Sitting on the couch, three of them were enjoying the snacks. They had ordered two plates of garlic noodles, big size pizza, Maggie and french fries along with two glass of chocolate shakes and a coke.


    "But still! If he is jiju''s brother I must have somehow met him before" busy in eating, Shana speak.


    Placing the shake back on the centre table, Vansh was the one to reply"Oh, he is not his real brother. You know Anubhav jiju is a single child, and in the same way, Saaransh is a single child of Anubhav jiju''s paternal aunt. "


    "Ohh" exclaiming, Shana was about to speak more when they were interrupted by someone.


    That, someone, was none other than Saaransh, who took a seat adjacent to them and picking a piece of french fries, ate it.


    "Enjoying the snack without me, hmmm" eyeing Avni and Vansh, Saarnash''s gaze felt over Shana, and, he waved "Hi Shana, nice to meet you again."


    " Hey" placing her shake on the table, she responds and looking at Vansh and Avni, she speaks, confusion masking her voice" I was not aware that you are here."


    "It''s okay. Vihaan asked me to stay here till dee''s wedding and, as I am on vacations, I agreed." explaining, Saaransh looked at Shana and, asked with a voice full of concern" Well, Are you okay, now?"


    Chewing her lower lip in guilt, Shana spoke within her mouth "Yes, and I am sorry for making all of you worried about me" when suddenly her mind registered something, and she blabbered" But, why will you be staying here? You are from the groom''s side, right?"


    "Don''t you know, he is Vihaan bro''s best friend?" Vansh spoke to clear her doubt.


    "You are seriously his best friend?? I mean, seriously, like really?" Frowning, Shana looks at each of them and directing her gaze to Saaransh, questioned:" Is there anything else I should know about you?"


    Saaransh laughed loud and, spoke, "You are so cute Shana."


    Not expecting this, Shana looked at him in disbelief and was distracted when she heard Avni and Vansh clearing their throat.


    "She is just cute??" teasing Saaransh, Avni probed.


    But she was taken aback along with Shanaya when Saarnash speaks without any shame, his eyes levelling with Shana''s" Nopes, she is beautiful and intelligent besides being cute".


    "Ahmm Ahmmm, Shana, what about you?" smiling like a crazy and mad girl, Avni arched her brows and looked at Shana and saw her cheeks turning red.


    "Dee, stop it" flustered with embarrassment, Shana looked toward Saaransh and continued" Do not mind them, they are crazy people."


    "Haha, I know dear, do not worry."


    ...................................................................


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 Chapter 15 - Apple or her?

    Enjoying the night full of stars and the moonlight that was illuminating Shana''s face, she turned and tossed, her mind full of many things that were not letting her sleep. She could not digest the information of Saarnash being Vihaan''s best friend.


    "How can they be the best friend when they are totally opposite?? How can someone so cute, sweet and polite befriend with that angry, rude devil" asking herself in disbelief, Shana turns to find a comfortable spot.


    Her gaze fell on the table clock and, her eyes widened to saw it showing one in the morning. She cursed herself" On god''s name, why the hell I am even thinking about him".


    She continued changing her direction to let sleep overcome her but to no avail.


    "Okay, just chant God''s name and, you will sleep Shana" consoling herself, she lied on her back, closed her eyes, and, started chanting.


    She would often do that when she would not be able to sleep because of her active mind. She had a problem with sleeping in the night as she always found it difficult to sleep. .


    Away from her, Vihaan switched off his ??ptop after ending the video conference with his business delegates from the USA and stood from his sofa chair, in the balcony attached to his room, to drink water when he found the jug empty.


    Moving inside his room, he saw Saaransh and Vansh deep in sleep.


    Murmuring to himself" They are so lazy to empty it and not to fil it again" he descend to reach the kitchen.


    He was about to take a turn when he found the light of Shana''s room was on.


    Checking the time from his wristwatch, he spoke to himself" What is she doing so late?" and thought of checking on her, but chooses not to and went to his original route.


    When Shana found her eyes heavy with sleep, she turns to her left and switching off the lights, dozed off.


    .............................................


    "Fuck, man! I am late" shouting, jumping, running, Shana went inside the bathroom and returned fifteen minutes later with bathroom robes draping her body.


    "Shit man, everyone must be already at the breakfast table" cursing, she chooses a red v neck t-shirt to go with grey pants and, within the next five minutes, she was in the hall, with her hair bound up in a pony.


    "Good morning aunts" greeting Mrs Shakti and Mrs Chaya, she smiled at them and saw them passing the smile back to her. She had met them once in the back when she had come with Avni and found them so welcoming. They had loved her like their won daughter and had never made her felt like she was living in someone''s else home.


    Back when she had come to visit India, she was not aware of Vihaan being Avni''s younger and had not seen him as he was in the USA for his MBA.


    Shanaya had no idea about the existence of Vihaan even when she had been living with Avni who had been doing a PhD in architecture, for Vihaan had not visited them once.


    "I am sorry aunts for being late I just slept late" Shana apologized.


    "It''s Okay beta, and you are not late by much, we too have just gathered now, take your seat" gesturing her to sit, Mrs Shakti spoke.


    Shana smiled at her and, move toward her chair but, her smile vanished, the moment she spotted her chair.


    Placed in the middle of Vihaan, busy in reading newspaper and Saaransh who smiled when he saw her, her chair was eagerly waiting for her.


    Shana narrowed her eyes on Avni and Vansh, for she knew they had done this intentionally and saw them passing a teasing smile to her.


    "God, I hate them! How can they be so childish?" questioning herself, she forcefully sat on her ?ssigned chair.


    To her left, Saarnash was seated with Vansh and Avni. To her right, Vihaan was sitting with Mrs Shakti and Mrs Chaya.


    "Good morning beautifool" taking full advantage of the situation where Shana could not do anything, Vansh continued teasing her" I hope you have a good day".


    Gritting her teeth close, Shana wished him a good morning but spoke with eyes "Wait and see what I do with you, beautifool''s child."


    Not able to control his emotions, Vansh laughed aloud, grabbing all the attention.


    "What''s so funny? Care to tell us?" gritting his teeth, placing the newspaper aside, Vihaan was the one to break the silence.


    "Nothing bro, Sorry." apologizing, Vansh hides his head down to control his laugh.


    Not ignoring how everyone kept silence afterwards, Shana understood Vihaan was not a conversational man on the dining table.


    Despite being on level ten in terms of uncomfortableness, Shanaya extends her arms to grab a piece of bread when she felt his touch.


    Shana turned her neck to her right to saw Vihaan''s right arm touching her arm, his face close. She saw him turning his gaze in her direction and, the time freezes for Shanaya. She felt the same emotions she had felt two days before, on the eve of the party when Vihaan had pulled her toward him, had touched her body.


    Shanaya immediately withdraws her hand to let Vihaan take the slice of bread and roam her eyes to saw other reaction but saw no one looking at their direction except one.


    Shana felt the heat travelling from her neck to her cheeks when she saw Vansh smirking in her direction. Chewing her bottom lips to save herself from embarrassment, she averts her gaze from Vansh but could sense Vansh looking and smirking in her direction.


    "What?" Shana mouthed, but saw Vansh nodding his head in "nothing".


    "God, Why do you always give him a chance to tease me?" pitying herself, Shana looks again in Vansh direction to saw his face revealing the wickedness of the idea his mind might have been thinking.


    She narrowed her eyes in an attempt to intimidate Vansh when she was distracted by a whisper" Are you okay?"


    Shana turned her head to the left to saw Saarnash leaning closer to her, and notice him arching his brows to catch her attention.


    "Oh, yes" smiling politely, Shana answered and, her gaze travels in Vansh direction to saw him eating and, smiling deviously.


    "You haven''t touch anything, have something to eat." urging her to take something from the table, Saarnash leaned back.


    "I will when someone will let me." sarcastically speaking to herself, Shana roams her eyes in all the direction, watching how peacefully everyone was eating.


    Busy in eating, Vihaan turned his eyes to his left to saw Shana stealing glances at him, and, the corner of his mouth lift upward in a smile when he saw her withdrawing her eyes with the speed of light.


    He was about to return his gaze when his eyes drifted toward her hands that were clutching her abdomen.


    It took a moment for him to understand what was happening when he heard Shana excusing herself, giving the reason for the call she was about to expect from her mom, who lives in Australia.


    He almost chuckled when he heard his mom asking Shana to eat something and when Shana answered:" Aunt, I am not hungry right now, will eat something, afterwards".


    It took him no longer than a second to know Shana was lying.


    Shanaya was pacing in her room while clutching her abdomen. She might have excused herself, but, she was dying of hunger and, her grumbling abdomen was the proof of it.


    She waited for another some minutes, to let others retire to their room. She was well aware she would not be scolded or something but, she did not want to prove herself liar, that too because of someone like Vihaan.


    Just the thought, of Vihaan, made her flustered and, her body tingled.


    Ignoring the emotions, she stood from the bed and glanced again to saw the hall empty.


    "Thank god!" feeling the joy of being granted her wish, she descends. She glanced around the hall, to find someone but, no one came in her sight and, using this opportunity, she hurriedly went toward the dining table.


    She had just gripped the apple with her right palm when someone''s strong hand came on top of her hand, stopping her action. She needed not to turn to find who it was, for her body, her heart and her mind could sense him easily.


    Her heart was too weak and, inexperienced to survive that closeness and, she moved forward to support herself with the dining table.


    But, she felt him moving closer, his ?h?st slightly pressed with her back, his apple smelled breath fanning her right ear and exposed neck.


    She could not process anything when she saw he put his left hand on the table to the left of her, caging her in. He was so close she could easily hear and feel his heart beating thumping against her back, and she felt a shock passing in her body when his right arm above the elbow brushed her right arm unintentionally.


    He noticed her nervousness, her frantically beating heart, her flushed cheeks and neck, her shaking body and her flickered eyes.


    Just one word came to his mind and, he whispered" Mine".


    .....................................................................


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 Chapter 16 - The Snatchers wickedness

    The sound his tongue made when he whispered "Mine" made Shana feel hot. She felt the word spoken with ?ust, possessiveness and command and the sudden urge to be surrounded by ice, a lot of ice, made way in her mind.


    Several thoughts interrupted her mind and, in the midst of all, she tried to understand the meaning behind his word.


    The silence surrounding them was awkward, far more than it, but, they remain in the same posture. A second seemed like minute and minute turned into hours, but the perplexing situation did not cease.


    Clearing her throat after minutes, Shana muddle, breaking silence" What?"


    "The Apple, of course", coming out of his thoughts, Vihaan answered, but it seemed his mind was somewhere else.


    Shana frowned and spoke with liberty, the same way Vihaan had claimed it "I touched that first".


    V: "I saw that first". .


    S: "so"?


    V: "Miss Shanaya, did no one tell you that no one should touch other''s thing".


    S: "Ohh, really!!! How is it yours when I touched it first?"


    Slightly brushing his lips to her right ear, making her shocked, and, pretending like it was unintentional, he spoke with Authority "Miss Shanaya, you might not know me, that''s why I am telling you for the first and last time. Whatever I see became mine and, I don''t like sharing what''s mine."


    Dismayed by his gestures, Shana tried to calm herself by enlightening herself he was doing all that to distract her, to make her defenceless.


    She had heard his charms and tricks would always work, with other girls but, she was not, like others. She knew she was getting affected by him and his touch, but she was not let him grin in victory.


    On top of that, she knows he was showing arrogance and, ego to her, but, she could not let him go as per his plans. There were many apples and, he could have taken, one from them, but no, he was trying to dominate her.


    Shana cupped the apple with more strength and, it seemed her gesture did not go unnoticed by him as he cupped her hand more firmly, but with little force.


    That little act made, Shanaya winced in pain but, she stopped it instantly, she was not, weak.


    She might be feminine and, soft, but, her inner determination was not weak.


    Vihaan had no intention to hurt her, he had cupped her palm only with little force, but his muscular and toned hand might have hurt her.


    As if he could heel her pain, in a second, he withdraws his hand, but didn''t free her from his cage and placed that same hand on the right side of Shanaya on the table.


    Though Shana was fully dressed, she could sense her waist feeling the heat of Vihaan''s Hands, placed near her waist on the table.


    And, to add fuel in the heat surrounding them both, her hunger was on its peak.


    Neglecting all the tickle her body was feeling, she grabbed the apple to eat it, but, his presence behind her was making her think why he has not left already.


    Curiosity kills the cat, and, she tried to turn to know but gasped when their position registered, finally.


    She had guessed he would be close to her but had not realized it would be so close she would not even turn without touching him.


    No matter how awkward or intimated the position was, she could not stand without facing him.


    Slowly, she turns to face him and, her right arm brushed against his right arm sending sparks all over her body.


    She smiled inwardly at the sarcasm in her tone when she thought how the touch was not going to affect Vihaan at all, for he was too experienced in the ''touching'' field.


    Acting ignorant of all the feeling she was feeling, she keeps on turning even when her br??st pressed against his ?h?st.


    Vihaan clenched his fist the moment he felt her and shouted at her in his mind to ''stop'' but no word came out. Taking slow, but long breathes, he watches her action, who had somehow mostly turned.


    Shana immediately uplifts her right hand that was occupying the apple and send an eye-to-eye apology.


    She puts her hand a little away from his hand on the table to stable herself and to stop touching him. She did not wish to embarrass her, thus choose to ignore his gaze and kept her eyes low.


    Not knowing why he had continued standing there, she lifts her eyes and saw his eyes planning something.


    Before Vihaan could do anything, Shana placed the apple in front of her mouth and took a bite, claiming it as hers, and grinned in victory, with her left brow arched upward and her face lit up with a smile.


    Vihaan had expected her to do something, knowing her rebellious and insistent nature, but he had not expected that.


    He understood without wasting any time she had challenged him by claiming something his, that too, in his presence.


    Shana, too engrossed in the sweetness of her little victory, didn''t focus her thoughts on him and was going to take another bite when her eyes widened in shock.


    She could not believe he had just taken a bite from her apple, that was in her hand and was her apple.


    Chewing the apple, Vihaan smirked and bent down to her face level. A desirous idea stuck his mind when he saw her lips covered with the juice of the apple, but, forcing himself, he travels his gaze upward.


    Without knowing, she took a step back but, found her path to the escape restricted by the table behind her.


    Not in the state of facing him, for her body was betraying her, her face had turned into a red tomato, she kept her gaze, downward. She kept it low when she felt him coming closer, and when she found he had once again caged her by his arms.


    Distracting his gaze from her lips, Vihaan leaned closer to her, but maintaining a certain distance, spoke, with a tone dipped in arrogance"I told you Miss Sanaya, I don''t share what''s mine" and snatched the apple from her.


    Before Shana could grasp the situation, she saw him taking steps back and creating respectable distance between them.


    Standing away from her, Vihaan locked his eyes with her''s and, took a bite from the apple.


    The act was simple but so s?xy for Shanaya.


    She finds it amusing when she saw his adam apple moving while gulping and avert her gaze when she saw him looking at her and smirking.


    She kept on standing even when she saw him retreating. She had no feeling or idea how it feels to be so close to a man, or how to keep her beats to herself. She had not even shared that proximity with the person she had loved.


    Deep in understanding her emotions, Shana was too lost to saw Vihaan coming back and, shock masked her face when she saw he has again caged her, much closer than the previous state.


    Before Shana could point out anything, he spoke sincerely "You must have known tomorrow is Dee''s birthday."


    "Yup, I know" she stated.


    Taking her left hand with his right hand, he wondered how delicate they are, how soft her skin felt in his big and rough hands, but broke the chain of his thoughts when he notices her discomfort, and turning his eyes on the watch, spoke "Good! be in my room tomorrow at sharp 9 in the night."


    "Excuse me??" not able to understand has she heard correct, Shana enquired.


    "You need to execute the plan I have for Dee''s birthday and, to do so, you need to listen to me."


    "Why would I execute the plan?"


    "Who will execute, then?"


    Frustrated with herself for so many reasons, Shana levels her eyes with his and, gritting her teeth, spoke furiously "You must have forgotten something important, Mr Vihaan. But, let me remind you, I do what I wish to do."


    Vihaan closed his eyes to control his anger and clenched his teeth. He remained there for a minute and opened his reddened eyes to look dangerously at Shana.


    In one stride, he reaches to her and forgetting all the respect for her, pull her closer harshly to him, lifted her chin upward with his right index, and looking in her eyes, spoke rudely" Do not let me force you, Miss Shanaya".


    Removing his index finger under her chin with hate and anger, Shana challenged" Do not even dare, Mr Vihaan".


    They kept on glaring at each other, challenging each other to back off when Vihaan spoke for the last time" 9 P.M Sharp, Miss Shana or you won''t like the consequences".


    ...........................................................................


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 Chapter 17 - Singhanias deal

    "Sir, this is the only way we can get Singhania''s deal" nodding to what his head of finance department, Mr Anil, a short man in fifties with a round face, his black-white hair missing from several parts of his head, was presenting, Vihaan was deeply immersed in the conversation, not aware of the calls he was getting on the phone.


    Sitting in the conference room on the leather chair with his elbows resting on the table and right hand supporting his chin, in a white shirt with folded sleeves, revealing his muscular forearm, the top bu??on of the shirt opened up showing a few inches of his white upper ?h?st, his black and silky hair gelled up backwards and his lotus shaped black eyes covered with black classic way frame glasses, he was looking no less than a Greek god. His chin along with well-defined jawline was covered with a stubble beard, giving him a rough but s?xy look.


    Giving a tired sigh, he turned his neck in all the direction, took off his glasses and softly rub his eyes with his hands. Moving the right hand in his already messy hair, he tried to settle them and closed his eyes to think.


    Vihaan was in the conference room with Anil for the last six hours, discussing strategy for the new project. His entire body was stiff and aching due to the constant sitting, but he had to finalise the deal at all cost.


    "Inform them we are ready for this, but it will take some time. Ask them to give us two weeks" opening his eyes, Vihaan ordered Anil, when his eyes caught the light in his phone.


    Picking up his phone, Vihaan noticed he had fifteen miss calls from his Dad, Avni, Uncle, Mom, Aunt, Vansh and Saaransh..


    "What''s this all about?" with furrowed brows, he wondered and calls back his dad.


    "Hi, Dad! Is everything okay? I have fifteen miss calls just from the home!" he asked with concern.


    He listened to what his dad replied and spoke "Sure! I would be early today." and end the call.


    Directing his gaze toward Anil, Vihaan spoke "Mr Anil, you can leave now and send Erina in".


    Some fifteen minutes pass when a woman in 30''s wearing a light shade of pink business suit, with a round face, shiny brown hair that reaches her waist and beige stiletto heels enters in the room with her hand clutching Ipad.


    "You called for me, Sir" she spoke in a professional manner but with high tone when she saw Vihaan with closed eyes.


    "Do I have any plans in the evening?" with his closed eyes, Vihaan enquired.


    Erina looks for the schedule in the Ipad and answered him back" Sir, you have a meeting with the head of the HR department."


    "Postpone it for tomorrow and do not make any plans for the evening."


    "Sure, Sir" responding back, She retreats and closed the door slowly and carefully, leaving Vihaan alone.


    .................................................................................................................................


    Not knowing what to do, Shana opened her Macbook to look for some new Korean series. She was a huge fan of movies and dramas with interesting stories and Korean dramas were best in it.


    Clicking on the ''download'' link of the latest Korean series she was watching, ''Touch your heart'', she opened wattpad, a writing app where millions of people would write their imagination out, would interact with others, would improve themselves and would take feedbacks, checked for her notifications and messages. Being a bibliophile, she had read more than 3k novels, most of there genre being romance when she thought of writing her own novel and would write whenever she could get time.


    Avni had asked Shana to join her but, unlike other girls, Shana hates the thought of shopping and she was only capable of giving advices what would suit someone.


    Taking her phone out from her jean pocket when her phone beeped, she lied on the sofa and opened ''WhatsApp'' and smiled when she saw the message of Riya.


    Riya: Good going! u didn''t even send me the pics of those hot boys you met in the party.


    Shana: You know love, I do not share what''s mine (:p)


    Riya: Ya Ya, as if I will steal them from you (;p)


    Shana: Exactly! I can''t take such risks (:p)and besides, I do not want our future jiju(Brother-in-law) to be jealous of them.


    Riya: Future jiju!! haha!, well coming to think of it, I have something to tell you.


    As soon as she read it, Shana''s heart leapt out to tell her about Saar, but telling it over the phone was not in favour of her at all. She knew what Riya will say and for that, a face to face conversation was really needed. Ignoring her feelings, she replied back, eager to know what Riya had in her treasure.


    Shana: What?? spill it up, gal.


    Shana: Ya, I made the reservation for tomorrow.


    Riya: Okay, bae! Waiting for you, come soon <3 <3


    Shana: haha, bye love <3 <3


    .................................................................................


    Enjoy reading it :)


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 Chapter 18 - The Priest

    The bold yellowish and red colour of the sky was marking the beginning of the nightfall when Vihaan reached his home. Parking his Black Porsche Panamera in the garage, he glanced at his Watch to notice it showing quarter past seven.


    Placing his phone in the front side pocket, he moved inside to reach the hall bathing in luxuries. The wooden floor of the hall was smoothy, the ceiling was reaching the sky and the chandelier hanging in the middle of the hall was cheery on the cake. The central wall was covered by six glass windows covered with grey curtains. The top of the right and the left wall was personified by the paintings describing the various phases of nature, with the right wall covered by two glasses window with grey curtains at the end, big square-shaped mirror with a classic wooden shelf supported with the stand below it in the centre of the wall and the right end of the wall displaying numbers of trophies placed in the showcase.


    The end of the left wall was occupied by two glasses windows to the right of which a white wooden door with the grey curtain was closed. To the immediate right of the door, the replicate of the door but with the height reaching the bottom of the painting was giving way to another path in the mansion and the middle of the hall was occupied by the U-shaped grey fifteen seater sofa with the fabric of velvet, occupied by the members of the house and Shanaya.


    Senior Rathores were seated on one side of the sofa, to the adjacent right of which Avni and shanaya was seated leaving one seat between them. Leaving four seats between him and Avni, Saarnash was seated with Vansh on the other side of the sofa.


    "Oh, you have arrived" Vihaan was greeted by Shiv in response to which he nodded and sat down with his left leg crossed over to the right leg, to the right of Vansh leaving one seat.. Drinking the water the helper of the Mansion gave to him, he spoke: " What was the issue?".


    "Anubhav is coming with his parents."


    Frowning, Vihaan glanced at Avni for a second before directing his gaze to his uncle Shiv and spoke:" Something important?"


    "Yes, I called our family priest to check for an auspicious date for Avni''s wedding, so I thought of asking Anubhav''s parents to come so that they can decide which date to choose," informing Vihaan, Shiv checked his watch and continued "They must be here anytime soon."


    Shiv had b?r?ly said these words when they saw Anubhav and his parents coming inside the hall with the helpers.


    They all stood to welcome them and Shiv moved forward with a genuine smile and shaking hands with Anubhav''s father a man in ''50s, motioned them to have a seat. Anyone could tell Anubhav had taken his looks from his father, Mr Oberoi, with the same amber eyes, same oval face shape and the same height of 5"11". Mrs Oberoi was a cute and charming lady with a small height of 5"3", but her smile was enchanting. She hugged Avni, who had come near her to take blessing from her and kissing on her forehead spoke " Just a few days and you will be my daughter".


    Avni smiled shyly and stealing glances with Anubhav sat down once all were seated. Mr & Mrs Oberoi had occupied the seats to the left of Vihaan, which were once occupied by Vansh and Saaransh. Vansh and Saaransh sat to the left of them, leaving a seat between them.


    Anubhav was about to sit besides Saaransh when Shana stood up and coming closer to him, whispered, teasingly" Your place is besides Avni dee" and motioned him closer to Avni.


    Glancing at everyone who had no idea what was going, Anubhav replied, with his then turned red cheeks " I am fine, here".


    "Come on, jeez! Do not act shy when your inner shelf is dying to be with dee" forcing him toward Avni with his upper arm clenched with her arms lightly, Shana exchanged her place with him and moved to his right leaving a seat to settle besides Saaransh.


    Vihaan did not hear what seniors were discussing with each other while waiting for their family priest, for, his eyes were solely focused on the little distance between Saarnash and Shana. Without his knowledge, his fingers had formed a fist when Shana''s face inched toward Saaransh and their knees came in contact.


    "Why do I care?" speaking to himself, Vihaan turned his attention, only to saw his mother Mrs Chaya Rathore looking at him in a very odd way. Immediately, he glanced at his watch, pretending to be busy watching the time and roam his eyes, here and there. Moving his right hand in his hair, on his neck, he steals glances toward her mother to saw her smiling mildly at him.


    Knowing what she was thinking, he heaved a sigh of relief when he saw their family priest entering in the hall and everyone stood up in respect. Draped in a single piece of two-metre saffron cotton clothe, his face was shining with the glow and his frontal was marked with vermilion in a horizontal line.


    "He must be around ninety, isn''t it?" whispering to Saaransh, Shana wondered.


    "I wonder" with his eyes fixed on the priest sitting on the wooden bench in the middle of the room, Saaransh tried to guess his exact age.


    Listening to their conversation, Vansh breaks his silence to quench their curiosity" He will be celebrating his hundredth birthday this year".


    "What????"


    "Are you fu?k?n? serious?"


    ..............................


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 Chapter 19 - The Priest and the Auspicious Date

    As if he was ready for these reactions, Vansh nodded his head in agreement.


    "He seems close to fifty, damn it" cursing, Shana looks so shocked to digest the information.


    "Yes, because he maintains himself very well. He wakes up exactly at four in the morning, does yoga for two hours and eats only fruits. He drinks scared water of Holy Ganga, which surrounds his isolated cottage" informing them the secret of the priest''s fitness, Vansh directs his attention toward the priest who was handed the horoscope of Anubhav and Avni.


    For the next five minutes, the hall seemed empty of any living being, not even the intake and outtake of breaths could be heard. The only sound was of the curtains swaying in the wind, the whistle of the wind, chirping of the birds and the soft rustling of the leaves in the lawn..


    Shana and Saaransh exchange the glances, not knowing what to do. They were the only one who had not met the priest, had no knowledge about his temper or discipline and thus had no idea what to do?.


    The ending of those torturous five minutes was the biggest boon to Shana and Saaransh and they sigh when the priest spoke, breaking the punishing peace" The auspicious date is fifteen days later this year or after two years. There is nothing disturbing in their horoscope and their wedding will be full of love, care and harmony."


    Fifteen minutes later, when the priest went back, they were engaged in a heavy discussion.


    Shiv: Mr Oberoi, I was wondering if the date is okay with you.


    Mr Oberoi: Definitely Mr Rathore, we have no problem, but the final decision lies with Avni and Anubhav.


    Everyone turned their attention to Avni and Anubhav, and Avni looked at Anubhav and their eyes spoke in silence. Turning her eyes away, she spoke:" We do not have any problem if you all are okay with it".


    Mrs Oberoi was the first one to respond"Fifteen days is more than enough for us to arrange all the things for the wedding. Isn''t it Chaya and Shakti?"


    Chaya and Shakti spoke in union" ofcourse!"


    As soon as Shiv told everyone to have dinner first and to continue the discussion at the night, everyone stood to head toward the dining table when Shana''s phone beeped, informing her of the message.


    Taking out her phone from the back pocket, She opened it to receive the message from Riya.


    Riya: "At what time should I pick you up at the airport?"


    Guessing from the earlier discussion, Shana was sure she would not be able to meet her. There were only fifteen days left and there was a lot to do.


    Without looking ahead of her, she kept on moving while typing" Bae I do not think I would be meeting you tomorrow. Avni dee''s wedding is decided to be fifteen days later. WIll meet you once I will be done here. Please do not be angry, I was as much as eager to meet you as you were <3 <3.


    She had just hit the send bu??on when her left foot got stuck under the sofa, and she screamed"Ouch" and closed her eyes for she was sure she would be kissing the floor soon.


    Within the seconds, before she could fall, her arms reached to something hard and masculine and she grabbed it hard. Before she could process her situation, her nose smelled something familiar, the same masculine fragrance she had come to know and her heart instantly knew what, to be precise, who she was holding.


    With her eyes closed, she could feel Vihaan''s right hand on her upper waist, supporting her body, and his left hand supporting her from the back.


    Shana opened her eyes to saw the actual scenario they were in. She would not be wrong if she could guess they were almost hugging each other. Standing so close to her, with his breathing fanning on her neck, Vihaan had roped her upper waist with his right arm and she almost gasped when she saw her right-hand fingers grabbing his right shoulder hard.


    Before she could do anything, she was brought back to reality when she heard someone asking "Are you okay?" when she realized all the members of the house were present there. Not daring to look at anyone, she tried to stand straight while loosening her grip on his shoulder.


    Throughout the time she stands back, Vihaan right hand remain on her upper waist, fearing she might slip again. It was when Chaya spoke " She is okay now, beta" when he notices his hand and withdrew it immediately. Standing beside her, his eyes interact with chaya and he cursed himself for acting like that in front of her mother, whom he was sure was enjoying certainly.


    Murmuring a soft "Thank you" without looking at Vihaan, Shana looked shyly and embarrassed at all the members and rubbing her hands on her back pocket in nervousness, excused herself, not before looking at the mischief glances Vansh was giving to her.


    ........................................


    Vocabulary:


    Holy Ganga: The Ganga is the holy river of India and it is worshipped in Hinduism(a religion)and personified as Goddess Ganga. It is believed that the water of Ganga is sacred and it keeps a person healthy and it does not get ruined even if it is kept for years.

 Chapter 20 - Some mens time

    "Shit, Shit, Shit, how can I let him embarrass me like this?" stamping her feet on the bed, lying on her back with her face hidden under her hands, Shanaya cursed herself. She could not believe she had given Vihaan the chance to say something to her.


    She removed her hands when he heard Vansh''s footsteps and saw him getting seated on the bed, on the left of her.


    Standing up to sit beside him, she looked at him to saw him giving that teasing look he had been giving him for the last three hours, fueling her frustration, and before she could control it, she burst out" Do not give me those looks! I know what you are thinking but it is not like that, okay! He just rescued me!"


    "Did I say something, beautifool?" with face masked with innocence, Vansh questioned.


    "Yes, you did!"


    "When did I?" .


    "You did not speak, but you are giving me those looks for the last three hours since he rescued me"


    An hour earlier, after done with the dinner, everyone had gathered back in the hall to discuss the arrangements and Anurag had left with his family after spending some time with them.


    "Okay, so after all the discussions, seventeen of this month is finalised for the wedding. Ring ceremony, Haldi and all other functions will start from the tenth of the month. Vihaan, make sure everything is perfect" directing his gaze toward Vihaan, Shiva spoke.


    Before Vihaan could complete his response"Sure! I will contact ''Tehrani''s'' for the arrangement and...", he was cut off by Shanaya, who did not look in his eyes, instead, looked at Shiva spoke, "I will do it".


    Before anyone could speak, Vihaan spoke in hush"Do what?"


    Ignoring him, she continued looking at Shiva and spoke "I want to organize this wedding, Uncle"


    Vihaan took no longer than a second to spoke "No".


    He might have noticed how she was ignoring him, again and again, but he could not let her ruin Avni''s wedding, for, he was not sure if she would be able to organise everything perfectly.


    Gritting her teeth, she turns her head in Vihaan''s direction and narrowing her eyes toward him, spoke: "I did not ask you, Mr Vihaan!".


    Duelling with their eyes, ready to kill each other, their cold war was broken when Shiva cleared his throat and spoke" Vihaan, I think we can trust her! Besides, she would be able to organise it according to Avni''s preference as she knows Avni''s choices."


    Grimacing, shanaya spoke excitedly" Of course Uncle!" and turning her attention toward Avni, ask" What do you think, dee?"


    Chaya, who was noticing everything, smiled inwardly looking at the scenario in front of her. She knew to persuade Vihaan was not easy, and it seemed to her Shanaya too knew that as she was trying to influence everyone else apart from him so that she would not need to ask him.


    Lost in herself, Chaya murmured to herself" She is a clever girl" and turn her attention to others who were done with finalising things and had stood up to leave the room to go to their room.


    Getting up from the sofa, Shanaya had just started walking when she received a message and she picks it up to reply to the person. Engrossed in her phone, she did not pay attention to the manly figure obstructing her path and ascend her eyes to saw Vihaan obstructing her path and looking angrily at her when she bumped into him hard.


    Creating some space between them, she wraps her arms around herself and asked with furrowed brows" Any problem?"


    Avni, Vansh and Saaranash, who all were on their way to their room, stopped when they saw two of them arguing and meddling between them, Avni asked with authority" What''s going on with two of you?"


    "I do not know! He blocked my path"Shanaya complained.


    "What''s wrong with two of you? Why do you always fight!" scolding both of them, Avni scanned them from head to toe.


    "I blocked her to tell no to use the phone"defending himself, Vihaan spoke for the first time.


    "Why? Do I need your permission, Mr Vihaan? I can''t even use my phone, now?" fumed with anger on such a petty reason, Shanaya moved toward Vihaan, diminishing the space between them.


    Roaming his right hand on his hair, again and again, in frustration, Vihaan rubbed his left-hand index finger on the bridge of his nose, his eyes challenging Shanya''s, he spoke after a few seconds" Do not expect anyone to save you from falling, again, when you are damn busy on your ''precious phone'' to even look for the path or any obstruction in your way".


    .....................................................................


    Standing in front of a full-length mirror in his bedroom, Vihaan was changing his white shirt to a black t-shirt when he noticed a pink-red bruise on his right shoulder. Before he could wonder where it came from, the images of evening''s incident flashed in his mind, the images of Shanaya''s terrified eyes looking in his, her body near to his, her lips trembling with fear and her fingers clenching his right shoulder.


    The memory of standing close to her, smelling her fascinating feminine odour, watching her cheeks changing colours, noticing her brownish mole on her chin, feeling her heart beats, her body, was broken when he heard "Where are you lost?"


    Wearing the t-shirt he had in his hands, he turned toward Saaransh to saw him arching his eyes in question at him. Ignoring his looks, Vihaan moved toward the balcony, where Vansh and Saaransh were seated.


    The moon was shining brightly with stars competing against each other who will shine more, the cool breeze was adding the ingredient of romance on the already romantic weather.


    Occupying his seat in the middle of them, he took the glass of wine and gulped it in one go.


    "You did not answer my question" looking at Vihaan, Saaransh prodded.


    "He must be lost in the memories of Avantika" taking the sip, Vansh teased Vihaan.


    "Avantika!?? I thought you guys are over!" confused with the information he was receiving, Saaransh looked at Vihaan.


    "We are! we are just friends!" clearing Saaransh''s doubt, Vihaan gulped another shot.


    "Ya Ya, I know what type of friends you are" ignoring Vihaan''s glare, Vansh continued smirking.


    "Have I missed something?" lying back on the seat, Saaransh questioned.


    "I can guarantee you, Saaransh bro, Vihaan bro is not over her, yet!"


    "Shut up! We are just friends!" lying back on the seat, with his eyes closed, Vihaan spoke casually.


    "Oh really! Then, what about Kritika?" controlling his laugh, teasing Vihaan to his best level, Saaransh enquired.


    "What about her?" furrowing his brows, he opened his eyes to look at Saaransh.


    "You know what I mean."


    "He is dating her" Vansh responded in place of Vihaan, only to get another glare from Vihaan.


    The glare did nothing as Vansh and Saaransh laughed out loud, irritating Vihaan.


    "My my, You are such a playboy, Vihaan!" patting on his shoulder, Saaransh sat back to fill his glass.


    "I am not dating her! we are professionally linked to each other!"


    "I never knew the models of your company attends your family function, with their arms in your arms" sarcasm dripping from his mouth, Saaransh looked at Vihaan with the looks'' Do not dare to fool me''.


    "Okay fine! We were dating back then, but now we just have a professional relationship with each other!"


    "And, when were you going to tell me all these things? picking his phone from the table, Saaransh asked.


    "You know I was busy this year taking over the family business and we also had not met during this period"


    Nodding his head in understanding, Saaransh got confused when he heard Vihaan asking" So, what about you and Sushmita?"


    "Stop dreaming about us man!"


    "Who is Sushmita?" it was Vansh''s turn to be shocked.


    "She is no one." answering Vansh''s question, Saaransh turned his attention to Vihaan" I do not know why you are so desperate to saw us together?"


    "Why not? She suits you well! Her personality, her behaviour, her humour, almost everything matches yours. She is one of the famous lawyers in Mumbai, of course not as much as you, but still, I found both of you to perfect together".


    "She is a precious member of my law firm, but that''s it" ending the discussion, Saaransh gulped the wine in one go and turned toward Vansh, who was not talking much " What has happened to you?"


    "Nothing, why?"


    "Just you are quiet today." roaming his right hand on his neck, he continued " Well, what about you and Shana?" with his heart beating furiously, Saaransh asked what he was dying to know for a long time. He did not meet his eyes with any of them and continued acting normal.


    The mention of Shana caught Vihaan''s attention, but he did not look at Vansh, instead, he looked at Saaransh. He had noticed Saaransh acting strangely in the presence of Shana but he had no idea of the reason behind it.


    Vansh took longer than a minute to respond, meanwhile, he checked Saaransh and Vihaan''s reaction. He had an idea of Saaransh''s erupting feeling toward Shanaya but he wanted to be sure before doing anything significant.


    Measuring his words, Vansh spoke "It depends"


    "Depends on what?"


    "If she found someone she loves, I will allow her to go to him, otherwise she will be mine."


    .....................................


    Enjoy reading it :)


    Love to all <3

 Chapter 21 - Drunk

    The silence Vansh''s answer had created was so deadly no one dared to break it. The two sets of eyes that were scanning Vansh from head to toe was forcing him to break the mask he had worn for Shanaya''s sake, but, he could not give himself away so quickly.


    He tried to show himself unfazed but gulped down the wine and hides his glass when he heard Shanaya "Did I miss something?


    Walking toward them in her loose Silver pants with Blue T-shirt, hair tied up in a messy bun, along with Avni, Shanaya reached Vansh and sat on the left arm of his chair, with her left leg supported by the earth, and right leg bent at ninety degrees, half of it supported with the arm of the chair.


    All three of them, Vihaan, Saaransh and Vansh hurriedly hide the wine bottle and glasses under the table when Avni sat down in front of them, on the empty chair but Avni surprised all of them when she spoke:" Can I also have one?".


    The three of them exchanges glances and then look at Avni, who explained herself" I only need to calm my nerves."


    "Dee, you know Shanaya do not like us drinking" taking a second look at Shanaya, Vansh reminded Avni.


    "I know baby boy, but do not worry, I have permission today" winking at Shanaya, Avni took the wine bottle Vihaan offered and start drinking it from the bottle itself.


    Shanaya had never liked those persons who drink, not just for the fact that it was a bad thing in India, but because she does not wish her closed ones to be harmed by it.. She had seen how alcohol affects the body of human being, how they get addicted to it, and how they leave their closed one alone in the world.


    Fifteen minutes earlier, Shanaya was trying to calm Avni, who was nervous even at the thought of getting married and was roaming in the room to calm herself, but to no avail.


    Shanaya saw Avni coming to her when she guessed Avni could not find any solution and heard Avni speaking while holding her hands" I know baby you hate all those who drink, but please let me drink today."


    For a moment, Shanaya could not believe what she heard, she had the idea of Vansh drinking one or two times in a year as he had promised to Shanaya, but hearing this from Avni after such a long time was a shock for sure.


    "You know baby I would not have said this if I would not have been so nervous. Just the thought of wedding with Anubhav is making me crazy." pleading, Avni made puppy face, holding Shanaya''s hand throughout the time.


    Shanaya just nodded her head, when Avni kissed her on the cheeks and spoke:" Come, let''s go! I messaged Saaranash and, he replied saying they all are on the terrace, so it''s obvious they are having a drink".


    "Dee, you go on. I will be in my room" just the thought of witnessing all of them drunk gave a headache to her.


    "Fine, let''s sleep then. I am not going to die anyway" shifting position, Avni lay down on the bed and covered herself with the cover.


    Rolling her eyes on her drama, Shanaya uncovered her and spoke" Fine, let''s go."


    Witnessing the imagination turning into reality, listening to the rambles of Avni, Shanaya kept her head down, focusing her attention on her nails, as if they have grown too much in these fifteen minutes or they have grown up more beautifully.


    Not giving much attention to their drunk talks, Vihaan attention shifted toward Shanaya and, his heart stopped for a moment. The moon which had appeared dull few moments earlier to him seemed beautiful, and he found his heart beating frantically when he looked at the girl sitting under it.


    Vihaan kept watching Shanaya bathing in the milky bright yellow rays of the moon, and his heart urged to move forward to move his fingers in her honey fringes that had escaped from her messy bun and had made their way to her cheeks, to brush against her cheeks, to feel her soft skin.


    He did not change the direction of his thoughts and, his eyes moved further down to her natural red and full lips. The d?s?r? to taste them, to bite them, to taint them run inside him and he immediately looked away, closed his left hand in a fist and gulped down the entire bottle.


    Unaware of all the devilish thoughts of Vihaan, Shanaya was busy in her own world when she heard Saarnash asking "You do not drink?" and lifts her head to shake in a No.


    Before she could justify her acts, Vansh mocked, obstructing her "She hates those who drink. Only I know how I survive."


    Paying close attention to Shanaya''s behaviour, Vihaan noticed, how her nose flared in anger, how she fists her hand to calm herself, but, his observation came to a stop when he saw her leaning closer to Vansh, with her teeth gritted speaking to him.


    "If I have suffocated you so much, why don''t you make new friend, who will accept all your terms and will surely " pointing angrily at the wine glass he was holding, continued"accompany you while drinking".


    "Ofcourse!" pulling her toward himself, Vansh hugged her close, stroke her head and made his grip strong on her when he saw her fighting to free herself and spoke sweetly" But, I can''t lose you, girl."


    For Avni, it was nothing out of the world scene to watch but, for Saaransh, it was heartbreaking and, he turned his head in another direction.


    Vihaan was not sure what had happened to him the moment he witnessed Vansh hugging Shanaya but the thought of not letting anyone touch her enter in his mind, and, the moment it did, he was sure "He was drunk!"


    ................................................................


    Enjoy reading it :)


    Love to all <3

 Chapter 22 - The touch that makes you blush

    None of them saw the rising of the sun or smelled the aroma of the food on the breakfast table, for they were in heaven.


    Vihaan''s bedroom was having, a scenario no one had witnessed ever.


    Lying over each other on his bed, Vihaan, Saaransh and, Vansh was having a sound sleep.


    After some time, the helper came in the room on Chaya''s instruction and remove the curtains, letting the rays of the sun illuminating the room, but to no avail.


    Wedged between Saaranash and Vansh, Vihaan eyes fluttered when he heard the sound of an item placed back on its position. Removing Saaransh and Vansh''s legs above him, he made way to the bathroom.


    Splashing some cold water, he brushed his teeth and came back to saw them still sleeping.


    "What''s the time?" asking from the helper, Vihaan grabbed his towel to pat dry his face. .


    "Vihaan, sir, it''s almost noon".


    Closing his eyes for a second, he opened them to move them toward his bed and glancing back, spoke" Send some medicines for both of them.


    Make sure to give some to Avni mam too, and prepare something light brunch for me. I will be heading toward the office in fifteen minutes."


    "Yes, sir".


    Hours passed, and, the weather took a drastic turn.


    The sunny weather had turned into a cloudy one. The cool breeze was making the trees dance in happiness, birds chirping in joy and Shanaya was collecting her Ipad, charger and her phone to ascend toward the terrace so that she can enjoy the weather as well as some Korean dramas.


    Even though she was crazy for the South Korean actor "Lee min ho", she chooses to watch "Suspicious Partner" starring "Ji change wook" who was her other favourite Korean actor.


    She had watched all the dramas and movies of "Lee min ho" and, since he was serving in the military after completing his last drama, she had no new dramas of his.


    She did not realize when the sweet and desirous sleep engulfed her in her arms, and, woke up at the sound of someone''s clearing throat.


    She peeked through her half-opened eyes and saw Vihaan standing in his black shirt with a grey jacket, his hands taking solace in his pants pockets and his lotus-shaped eyes fixed at her.


    She looked around and saw the darkness had engulfed the surrounding, which made her realize she had fallen asleep for more than four or five hours and, it must be around nine or ten in the night.


    An hour earlier, when Vihaan returned home, it was already half-past eight in the night. He noticed no one present and dinner table empty.


    Guessing everyone must be in their room, he himself retired to his room.


    He was going to change when he received a message. Instantly, he remembered the time he had asked Shanaya to be in his room at sharp nine.


    Stopping what he was doing, he checked the time and sighed in relief when he noticed he had thirty minutes in his hands.


    Thirty minutes passed, and, he had no sign of Shanaya. He had no idea if she had taken him seriously or not, but he had no time for this.


    He waited for five more minutes, but when she did not come, he went angrily in search of her.


    "Do I look like a joke?!" muttering to himself, he looked in her room, in the kitchen, in the guest room, in Vansh and Avni''s room but found nowhere.


    Guessing where she could be, he realized only one place to be left and, he was sure she would be there.


    On reaching the terrace room, his anger vanished when he saw her sleeping like a child, her hands clapped together under her left cheek and her ears covered with the headphone.


    "She must have slept while watching" judging to himself, he removes the headphone gently and carefully.


    Next, he opened her iPad and saw episode running.


    Closing the video and the Ipad, he placed them on the table next to her and standing back, cleared his throat to wake her up.


    Shanaya was still trying to process the situation, was trying to open her eyes, when she saw him sitting down, his face just an inch away from her.


    The proximity was enough for the dead heart to beat, and her eyes opened immediately.


    Watching the movements of her eyes, he raised his right hand to her eye level and next, pointed toward his watch.


    Not understanding a single thing, thanks to her sleepy state, she furrowed her brows in confusion.


    "It''s quarter past nine, Miss sanaya, and as far as I can remember I told you that I would be expecting you at exact nine. " explaining to her, he pointed his finger at his watch, looked deep in her eyes and travelled them down on her cheeks, one side if it had imprints of her hands which were under them when she was sleeping.


    The intensity of the thought of rubbing his knuckles on her soft and chubby cheeks was so deep, Vihaan felt a hard time to control himself. He was not sure what was happening with him, but he was liking whatever was happening to him.


    The images of the morning, a day before yesterday, flashed in Shanaya''s mind, which was hot enough to make her feel hot. Not able to withstand that situation, she tried to change her direction to avoid his gaze and to ignore him, when she felt him placing his left hand at the back of her on the bed, trapping her again.


    She admitted to herself to be mistaken to consider the morning incident as hot, for, the space, the intensity they were sharing was much more than that, he might not have been touching her, his hand might have been on the bed, but she could feel the heat, and the mere thought of how she will react on his touch made her heart beat faster.


    "You can''t ignore it like this, I have a serious discussion to do," prisoning her with his hands, Vihaan spoke angrily.


    "I told you that I am not coming, it''s your problem that you did not even understand " Shanaya spoke with the same tone of anger, but it was a mere whisper.


    "I am asking you for the last time, are you coming or not?"


    "I told you before too, I won''t " answering immediately, Shanaya narrowed her eyes in challenge.


    "Are you sure? I am giving you another chance to reconsider, after that, do not blame me for the consequence for they will be according to your answer" exiting the distance between them, leaning closer to her, Vihaan gave her the last warning.


    Ignoring her swindling body, she spoke, trying her best to answer properly and, confidently "No".


    Placing his hand firmly on her upper waist, Vihaan look at her face to saw horrified expression, but, ignoring them, he placed his left arm under her knees and picked her up in the bridal style.


    "What the hell are you doing!!!! Put me down this instant" commanding him, fighting him, Shanaya screamed.


    As if made of steel, her poundings on his ?h?st and back did not affect him and not paying attention to her screams and orders he moved toward the stairs to descend the terrace.


    She could not imagine the reactions everyone will give to them. She had once embarrassed herself in front of them and, she was not thinking of getting it again.


    She continued telling him to stop when, finally, she saw him stopping and telling her to stop whimpering and yelling, and saw him looking in her eyes and speaking "Tell me you will come, and I will let you go".


    Shutting her gaping mouth at his reply, she could not believe he was going to embarrass her just because she did not obey him. Thinking of persuading him, she spoke: "If someone saw us like this, they will think in a wrong way Mr Vihaan, and I am sure you don''t want that, isn''t it?".


    Not letting her go, he looked at her, again, and averting his gaze from her, state as a matter of fact "Doesn''t matter to me, Miss Shanaya, and your persuasion won''t work for me."


    A minute passed and, Vihaan did not hear any confirmation from her, instead, continued receiving glares from her which, was not working on him at all.


    As if he knew what was going to work on her, he started walking.


    Realizing he won''t release her from this flustered position, she spoke hurriedly "Fine, fine, fine!!!! I will come to you, but after dinner, okay?" and prayed in mind to let him agree with her.


    Smiling slightly at his victory which was missed by Shanaya, he just nodded and put her down, but kept his hand on her back for a little longer, sending heat to her body, which he could have seen on her face too if he would have stayed for a second longer.


    ..........................................................................


    Enjoy reading it :)


    Love to all <3

 Chapter 23 - Few Civlized Conversations

    Busy in his ??ptop, replying to the emails, Vihaan ask the person to enter when he heard the knock on the door.


    Entering his bedroom for the very first time, Shana with a tray in her hands, look around the Blue dominated room, with a massive landscape painting at the back of the king-sized bed.


    To the left of it lay a classic and antique brown wood drawer on the top of which several things, which Shaya ?ssumed to be his, were placed.


    Shanyaa observed even though the room was occupied by the bed, sofa set, two comfy chairs, oval glass table and, the wall opposite the bed was taken by the Panasonic TV, the medals and awards he had received, the room seemed spacious and neat and clear to her surprise.


    She had always thought no boys room could be clean after watching Vansh and her brother Siddharth''s room, but Vihaan had proved her wrong.


    She diverts her attention to the man noticing her, sitting in front of her on the sofa chair beside his bed when she heard someone clearing throat. She noticed he had changed the formal dress with the white T-shirt and slim fit petrol blue night pants.


    She was witnessing him with eyeglasses for the first time and, he was looking his usual hot and, she thought to herself she would have complimented him for sure if they would have been friends. .


    Moving further, avoiding eye contact with him, she reached closer to him and signalled him by lifting her brows"Where should I put this?"


    Looking at her, standing in front of him in a teel green satin top and denim jeans, with her hair in a messy bun, she looked fresh and beautiful.


    "You look beautiful" words were eager to come on his tongue, but considering the bond they had, he thought opposite of it.


    Moving his hand forward, he gestured her to give in his hands and put it down on the table when she handed it to him.


    "Thank you" murmuring, he looks at her and, spoke with a fast pace when he saw she had not sat down "Oh, I am so sorry, please have a seat."


    Sitting down to the left of him, leaving some space between them, roaming her eyes, she asked:" Where are others?"


    "Why? Afraid of being alone in a tiger''s den?" with his legs crossed, eyes on the armrest, he looks directly in her eyes.


    The intensity of his eyes caused something in her heart, but, without breaking the eye contact, she spoke calmly and softly" I am not afraid of Tigers."


    She was not ready for the outcome and was shocked deeply when the sound of his laugh echoed in the room. She had not seen him smiling for the last one week she had been there.


    Laughing, Vihaan spoke in between" I was kidding. I won''t do anything, so remain seated without any fear."


    "No, it was not like that. I asked casually" pressing palms together, looking, here and there, Shana answered him back immediately.


    Noticing the awkwardness surrounding her, Vihaan needed no extra element to know the reason behind it and, he knew what to do.


    Breaking the silence, he spoke," We have not introduced ourself."


    Turning her head in his direction, she looked at him to understand the depth of his sentence, but, when she found no wicked intentions, she spoke: "Yes, our circumstances led to it."


    Passing a friendly smile, Vihaan forwards his right hand toward her and introduced himself" Hi, I am Vihaan Singh Rathore, CEO of Rathore''s Corporation."


    Ignoring the sensation in her heart when shaking hands with him, Shana spoke:" Hello, Myself Shanaya Malhotra, CEO of Grace designing."


    Passing a welcoming smile, Vihaan continued" Welcome to our home".


    "Wow, it took a week for you to welcome me" bringing her gaze down to her hands, playing with her rings, thinking to herself, she thought not to give voice to her thoughts.


    She lifts her eyes, but, they got arrested by the chocolate cubes placed in front of her on the table.


    Five minutes earlier, when she was coming to his room after dinner, she passed through the kitchen and saw Mrs Chaya making something.


    On enquiring, she came to know the habit of Vihaaan of eating hand made chocolates every day after dinner, and she was surprised, to know they shared something similar.


    She was so mad for the chocolates everyone around her would joke how she will die if she did not get to eat chocolates for a single day.


    Her eyes trace the movement of Vihaan''s right hand, which reached to the table to pick up the cube and within a second it was in his mouth.


    "How rude he is! He can''t even offer me. It''s not that I will finish all of it" badmouthing him, Shana tried to divert her attention and asked rudely" What was it that you wish to speak to me".


    Confused with the changes in her mood, Vihaan looked at her to see her face turned in another direction, hidden from his eyes. He was about to turn his eyes when he saw her turning her face and looking at him. She seemed normal to him, but he knew something had gone wrong.


    After a minute or two, he chuckled to himself when he saw her stealing looks at the cubes, leaning forward, he picked up the plate full of chocolates, move it toward Shana and spoke:" Want some?


    Too happy to have them, Shana did not notice the glint of mischief in his eyes and had lifted her right hand from the sofa chair to pick one when her mind strike something and, she diverts her attention to him, to see him hiding his smile.


    "Are you sure? They are quite delicious" tempting her to take the offer, Vihaan spoke with a tone of a tease but friendliness, when Shana declined him.


    "I know they are yummy, you evil" speaking within her mouth, eyes focused on him, Shana passed a tight smile and answered him with a tone full of politeness, "Thank you, but I do not like chocolates".


    ?


    Vihaan sensed the hidden meaning behind her diabetic and full of poisonous- sweet tone and murmured to himself " You play well, Shanaya".


    .........................................................................


    A minute or two to twenty passed in discussing the plans and Shana was surprised to know the other side of Vihaan. The side she was witnessing was playful, kind and happy.


    She could not believe to herself, the Vihaan who was casually flirting with her, playing jokes with her, explaining to her the details like a teacher was the same Vihaan she had encountered on her arrival.


    She felt happy, and felt unknown happiness in interacting with him bu,t too uncomfortable with the position she was, with the table too far from her, she stood up and sat down on her ??p, near the table, adjacent to Vihaan on left of him.


    "Any problem?" watching her sitting, Vihaan stop in between and enquired.


    "Oh no, the table was too far and, I like sitting on the floor" passing a smile, She busies herself in the rough flow diagram of the party drawn by them on a paper, kept on the table.


    She was explaining all the details when Vihaan''s hand reached to the pen in her hand at some point and, their fingers collide. The sting they felt was hard to ignore, but they could not risk the newly formed bonding and, they did not react.


    In fact, they did not react at all!


    Shana''s gaze kept on burning the paper in front of her and, Vihaan''s hair became messier with passing seconds.


    Erasing the awkwardness, grabbing the pen from the middle of her fingers, Vihaan cleared his throat, made something on the paper kept in front of Shana from behind her and spoke:" I think we should exchange these two events with each other".


    Keeping his gaze on her to know about her opinion, who was deep in thinking about the changes made, he raised his brow when he saw her lifting her head in his direction, passing a smile and saying " I think this would be good".


    Vihaan felt something good in his heart, as if her opinion, her praises matters to him. His mind might not have accepted it, but his heart knew the feelings he was experiencing.


    .........................................................


    Enjoy reading it :)


    Love to all <3

 Chapter 24 - Silly confession and discussion

    "Wow! you guys are perfect together" entering in Vihaan''s room, scanning Vihaan and Shana''s position, Vansh wickedly complimented them.


    "Excuse me?" baffled, both Vihaan and Shana asked in unison.


    "I meant to say you guys look good acting like the civilized persons" twisting his words to save himself, Vansh winked at Shana, as if, they had shared a secret.


    Ignoring the hidden meaning in Vansh''s statement, Shana stood up and went toward Vansh who had taken a seat on the sofa placed opposite Vihaan.


    "Where is Saar?" ignoring their bonding, turning his face toward Vansh, Vihaan enquired.


    It took less than a second for Shana to turn her head toward Vansh on hearing Saar''s name, her body experiencing the sudden shock, her face masked with confusion and hurt.


    Looking at her before answering, Vansh spoke" Saaransh bro is on a call, he said he would be here in five minutes" implying, secretly, she needs not to worry.


    Shana closed her eyes for a second in a relief gesture and smiled weakly at Vansh, ?ssuring him she was well.


    Sitting opposite to them with hawk''s eyes, Vihaan was aware of the hot topic. He had addressed Saransh as "Saar" on purpose and, saw his mission getting accomplished without any resistances.


    Looking at them whispering to each other, he looks at his watch.


    Clearing his throat, gaining the attention of the "in their own world" audience, Vihaan directed his words toward Vansh" More than five minutes have passed. Why is not he coming?"


    Taking out the phone from his pocket, Vansh dialled a number and spoke after two-three seconds" His phone is busy".


    Within a second Vansh''s phone screen showed Saaransh name and he picked the phone immediately" Hey bro, Where are you? Everyone is waiting."


    Listening to the other side, Vansh cut the call and answered impatient Vihaan" He is unsure when he will be free. Something important has caught him up, so, he has asked us to start planning, he will join us in-between".


    Knowing the importance of work, Vihaan did not comment and picking up his phone, look towards them and said: "Let''s start".


    ......................................................


    Trying to be fine in the gloomy atmosphere, which would have been happy for others with romantic a song in the background, Shana looked, here and there, her mind away from all the discussions.


    "Where the hell are you?" irritated by her lack of response, Vihaan asked finally.


    As if the electric fell on her, Shana returned to the real world and gave the excuse" I am here only".


    "Really! I have asked you three times the same thing, but I got no response. I know you are here only, but physically not mentally".


    Biting her lips, adjusting her hair, Shana looked at Vansh, who seemed a little bit confused, and spoke:" I am sorry, but can you please stop the song? It''s stressing me out".


    "Excuse me!" shock evident on his face, Vihaan tried to understand the meaning behind her statement, but it was over his head. Looking at Vansh for the help, he spoke sarcastically" Music helps people in relieving their stress, and you are saying it''s giving you a headache!?"


    Not giving any justification, she did not pressure the topic further and tried not to get affected by the song. Once, it was her favourite song. Paying little attention to the lyrics of the song, Shana engages herself.


    Not understanding her acts, Vihaan looked at Vansh who gave him a tight smile, keeping the secret to himself.


    Vihaan thought of not giving any much heeds to it and started enjoying the song. After all, it was his favourite.


    " It is said that


    God, for everyone on Earth,


    Everyone


    Meeting you might be the sign of God


    That I am made for someone like you


    There must have been some connection with you


    There must have been some connection with you


    How would I know? I don''t know


    There must have been some connection with you


    You are my Life partner, what to worry then!?


    This is the reason for both my life and death


    It''s said that.......


    While going I did an obligation to me


    The passing time filled my foothill


    I got your view, I got Illuminating Star


    Boats of destiny got their shore


    Have pitied for centuries for this kind of life


    In your rarity, I have prayers for you


    This is a sign of God that I met you


    As if I was made for someone like you


    There must have been some connection with you


    How would I know? I don''t know


    There must have been some connection with you


    What to worry about when you are my life partner.


    This is the reason for both my life and death


    It''s said that..........."


    For the five minutes, only Shana knew how she survived.


    Entire-time, she felt her heart tearing from inside, screaming for the song to be stopped and, her mind pleading her, to listen to her heart, if she wishes, to live.


    Wiping the tears secretly with her index finger, fighting with the depression that was overcoming her, Shana swallowed the tears back and spoke, breaking the wall outside her" Can you please change it?".


    Vihaan felt his heart being stabbed with a knife when he heard the pleading tone of her voice and, before he could do anything, he saw Vansh stopping the music and looking at Shanaya concerned.


    "Thank you" murmuring a soft thank you, she smiled at Vansh, ?ssuring him she was fine and chirped as if nothing happened" Can you play something else?"


    "Else as in?" controlling her frustration with her, Vihaan asked politely. He was getting irritated by her for stopping the songs and then not giving any justification.


    Reminding himself, they had started acting like a civilized person some time ago, Vihaan, thought not to screw all that efforts.


    "Oh, wait! It''s 11:30 in the night, "Love messenger" must be coming on the FM" tapping on her phone, Shana beamed when she heard a male voice.


    " Welcome back, guys. It''s 11:35 and I Rahul, your favourite RJ is once again back with you all. So, today on "Love messenger" we are playing a love game in which anyone can ask us anything, confess anything, can clear out his/her doubts and we will provide you with the best answer we could. For asking your questions, pick up your phone and dial 1110001100, I repeat 1110001100. So what are you waiting for guys??"


    "You like listening to all this?" with his arched brows and face displaying the frustration, Vihaan enquired.


    Looking at him, Shana replied" I do not listen to it regularly, but it''s good, for passing the time. Sometimes, they get good confessions from the youths and, even they give, good advices when someone shares his/her love problems."


    "Really! it seems you have some experience when it comes to love" emphasising on "Love", waiting for her response while noticing the change in the colour of her natural to red cheeks, her fingers forming a fist, Vihaan kept on looking at her, intimidating her with his gaze, trying to seek out the secret she was trying to hide.


    Changing the direction of the discussion, Vansh teased Shana" You are such a liar, beautifool. Admit it you listen to this show because of the voice of the RJ. What was his name, again?"


    Blushing a little, Shana avoided looking at Vihaan, and spoke: "His name is Rahul."


    "Should I start calling him Rahul jiju(brother in law)" teasing her, Vansh winked at her.


    "Shut up! I just like his voice. He sounds so s?xy and have you ever heard his voice in the morning!" keeping her right palm on her heart, closing her eyes as if experiencing the heaven, she continued" he sounds like a melody. The huskiness in his voice makes my heart, and body tingled with excitement and, I wish I could someday meet him."


    Before Vansh could react more than a chuckle, his phone beep, informing of the incoming call.


    Looking at the caller name, Vansh excused himself, but, not before, adding to the discussion" Don''t repeat the history, girl. Boys with the hot body are not to be trusted, they will use your body and, will play with your heart" and, completed his statement with a smirk "ofcourse, except me."


    Till the distance Vansh could hear, Shana kept on cursing him, not having the slightest idea of Vihaan''s attention toward her. Her attention shifted to the s?xy but devil creature when she heard him clearing his throat.


    "Sorry" apologizing shyly, Shana adjust herself on the sofa.


    Making him appear busy, Vihaan scrolled his phone and with his eyes on it, asked" You get attracted to a man because of his voice" and lifted his eyes to look directly in Shana''s eyes with a gaze that held a secret.


    The thumping of Shana''s heart overpowered the tickling of the clock with their gaze fixed on each other.


    Resistingly, Shana withdrew her gaze and looked away from him in her left direction. Taking a long breath, she turned her head again in Vihaan''s side.


    Her eyes observe the man sitting in front of her with long toned legs, chiselled body, muscular arms, perfect jawline, inviting red lips and, silky black hair.


    She did not hesitate when her eyes met his lotus shaped black eyes who could drown anyone in them. Not avoiding his gaze, she opened her mouth to speak " I get attracted to the man who is tall, has beautiful eyes, has the voice that can melt my heart" shifting her eyes to his hair, she continued" and has honey-coloured hair."


    ........................................................


    Enjoy reading it :)


    Love to all<3

 Chapter 25 - Embarrassing Situation and counter-responses

    Vihaan knew something was wrong with him the moment Shana had told him about her likes in a man. The way she had looked at his body had made him hot and, he tried his best not to kiss her and claim her.


    Not breaking the gaze with her, he kept reminding his mind, body not to react out of his control, even though it seemed unbearable to him. He could not believe it took a simple look at him to make him aware of his man needs, for whom the girl sitting opposite to him was fully responsible.


    He took a breath of relief when he heard Saaransh and Vansh''s voice nearby and saw Shana averting the gaze.


    "Sorry guys for missing the meeting" sitting down on the sofa chair next to Vihaan, Saaransh waved at Shana and placed his phone adjacent to him on the sofa chair.


    "Everything okay?" concerned, Vihaan enquired.


    "Oh yes, Sushmita was facing some difficulties, so she called to clear her doubts."


    Shaking his head with teasing smile, Vihaan commented: "Of course, you should clear her doubts.."


    "It was just a professional call" understanding the meaning behind his comment, Saaransh justified himself.


    "Did I said something?" hiding his smile with the help of his hands, Vihaan turned his attention to Vansh who had returned to his position, next to Shana.


    Not able to understand what was going on in front of her, Shana asked with confusion masking her face" Am I missing something important?"


    "Absolutely not!" passing a smile, Saaransh took no longer than a second to answer and continued" So, what were you guys talking? It seemed important to me."


    "Nothing much."


    "She was talking about her crush." contradicting Shanaya, Vihaan informed Saaransh.


    "Crush!! And, who is he?" curiosity rising in his voice, Saaransh somehow kept himself at bay.


    Passing an angry look toward Vihaan, Shana spoke shyly"Technically he is not my crush," but got excited with the time" I mean I have not seen him yet, but I love his voice!"


    Laughing a little, Vansh spoke with sarcasm" She and her crushes! She has her crush in almost every country! Be it "Lee min ho" from South Korea, Junior Robert from "America" and yes! not to forget her newly formed crushed "xu kai cheng" from china".


    "You know everything about me, isn''t it?"


    "Of course, I am good in remembring".


    "Oh, really! Why do not you become my boyfriend, as far as I know, a boyfriend never remember things about their girlfriend, that way you won''t remember a thing."


    "I have no objections, sweetheart" winking at her, Vansh fly kissed her.


    "Ewww" making weird faces, Shana turned her attention toward Saarnash who was laughing his heart out.


    Seeing him laughing, she started laughing on her and had just formed "What?" when she heard Rahul''s voice and, she blushes hard.


    Hii guys, it''s Rahul again and, we are here on this Love show, where anyone can ask or confess anything. Right now, Ankit is on the line, so let''s see what he has to ask or confess.


    No one spoke a word, eagerly waiting for the confession, and curious to know what kind of show it was that had hooked Shana.


    Rahul: Hello, Welcome to the show Ankit.


    Ankit: Hello Rahul


    Rahul: So Ankit, our listeners are waiting for your question or confession, what you have today for them?


    Ankit: Actually, I am in a relationship for three years. I introduced my girlfriend to ?du?t movies and, now she is obsessed with them such that she wants me to act in the same way. I mean we, all know that a normal person cannot b...............


    Switching the FM radio off in less than a second, Vihaan looked at her in a very confused state, his brows forming a wave and spoke with accusation in his voice" This is what you like?"


    Shana could not dare to meet his gaze and, her eyes drifted down toward her entangled fingers. Her cheeks had turned crimson red along with her ears. She could not believe God had played such an evil game with her. She could not believe she had been embarrassed in front of those three handsome men.


    Playing with her fingers, without looking at anyone of them, Shana spoke to justify herself "I did not know about it and in fact," ascending her eyes up to look at them, she continued"I had not heard it for such a long time! When I used to listen to it, it was all about romance and love, where they would confess their love for someone and would ask for advice, so I thought of the same for it."


    It was so awkward for Shana to be seated with three handsome and grown-up men and listening to such a conversation.


    When no one spoke a word in response to her explanation and, kept on looking at her with serious and, ''are you crazy'' look, Shana, once again, lowered her eyes and, start biting her lips in nervousness and uneasiness.


    She had no idea what to do when she heard Vihaan "Should I switch on FM Radio so that you can listen to what he was going to say next".


    Horrified at his suggestion, she exclaimed" What! no!" when Saaransh and Vansh burst in a laugh and Vihaan passed a teasing smile at her.


    Shana''s mouth opened up in surprise. She could not believe they all were pulling her legs!


    It took less than a second for her embarrassment to turn into anger and, she busted off" What? Do you think it is fun?"


    Her anger seemed to double Vansh''s joy and, he laughed more.


    With fuming eyes and flaring nose, she looks at Vansh who spoke in between his laughs" Come on beautifool, it was really, fun! You should have looked at your face. It was as red as a ripe tomato."


    Chewing her inner cheeks, she closed her eyes for a minute, later to open it and throw the cushion on Vansh" What exactly was fun, hmm".


    "I did not know your precious Rahul ask such questions. I thought it is a love show so it would be romantic."


    "Sex comes under romance and, it was not a weird question at all" not giving a damn of Vihaan and Saaransh, Shana spoke her mind out.


    She had never imagined herself talking about s?x and romance in front of those three men, but, she was not going to embarrass her further by accepting their accusation. She was a broad-minded girl, who had never hesitated in speaking her mind, and she made sure she would do the same, even if, Vihaan was sitting there and looking at her.


    "Of course, it is not! but I was actually expecting a cute, lovely and funny confession, not this blurt question."


    "Why? Sex is not cute, lovely or funny?" not hearing to herself what she was saying, Shana was on her ''war'' mode.


    The discussion took a drastic turn when Vihaan spoke after a long time" Sex is s?x" with his eyes locked with hers, challenging her to deny him, urging her to open her mind and to tell him her opinion.


    It took some seconds for Shana to get ready to answer. Hearing about it from his mouth made Shana nervous and shy, but she did not show it up.


    Not averting her gaze, she answered him back" Who says? Sex can be romantic, cute and funny altogether." and kept on holding his gaze, telling him not to challenge her ever.


    "Is this the experience speaking?" with a rude tone and a hint of allegation in his voice, Vihaan counter-responded.


    It took a while for Shana to understand how to react at all. He might have asked something personal, but what made Shana hesitate was the rudeness and ?ssertion in his voice.


    "Vihaan, you took it far this time. Let''s stop it" interfering for the first time, Saaransh looked at Vihaan, silently telling him something more with his eyes.


    "No, it''s okay Saaransh" looking at Saaransh, Shana replied and turning her head in Vihaan''s direction spoke, "Yes, it was the experience that was talking".


    The three of them turned toward Vansh when they heard him coughing and choking. Looking directly at Shana, Vansh spoke with disbelief in his eyes and voice "Shanaya!"


    It took less than a second for Shana to understand the reason and, she pleaded silently with him "Please do not betray me now." She could not take the risk of being labelled ''liar'' on the top of being embarrassed enough.


    ...........................................................................


    Enjoy reading it :)


    Love to all <3

 Chapter 26 - Revengeful woman and jealous man

    Walking lazily through the corridor to Shana''s room, Shana in her night pant, her hands shoved in her pockets and Vansh, walk in the silence.


    Reaching her room which was basically Vansh''s, Shana supports herself with the wall of the door to stand against it with her arms crossed against her ?h?st and murmured "Goodnight, Vanshu".


    Looking at her with deep eyes, Vansh confronted her "Why did you lie?"


    "Lie what?" trying to play with words, Shana move her hands to place them in her front pockets.


    Narrowing his eyes, Vansh spoke calmly" You know what we are talking about."


    Deep down, Shana knew she had to answer it. Biting her lower lip as a habit, She spoke:" I do not know".


    "Come on, Shana there is always a reason behind said things. " When suddenly Vansh looked at her with seriousness and continued" Are you hiding something from me?"


    Twisting her face in an unbelievable gesture, Shana kept her hands at his shoulder and explained" I am not hiding anything sweetheart.. And, I just did not like the way he spoke. It was as if he was accusing me or was linking me with someone. I mean come on, it''s my wish if I want to sleep or have s?x with someone or not."


    "You are not like this Shana. You hardly care for what people say about you or have an opinion about you. Then what is special about this?" investigating the matter to the root, Vansh spoke while putting his hands on hers.


    She was about to speak when her mind understand what Vansh has finally said, and she stopped. Looking at him with hurtful eyes, she closes the distance between them and, spoke:" Are you thinking what I am thinking?".


    "No!"


    "Yes, Vansh! You are thinking I like him, but, no, I don''t. He spoke to me just like Saar, so I could not tolerate it and, thus I said whatever comes in my mind" backing away from Vansh''s reach, Shana spoke with pain evident in her voice.


    Vansh tried to stop her and engulfed her in a hug. Caressing her hair, he spoke" I was kidding. But, I won''t actually mind if you will start liking any of my brothers.


    "He places her head back to his ?h?st when she tried to look at him, and, continued" I also won''t mind if you like any other good guy, but, I want you to move on from Saar."


    Listening Saar''s name from someone else''s mouth seemed weird to her, and it made her miss him more, and, she could not utter anything.


    But, she wanted to correct him that she no longer cries for him when she heard him speaking" I know you will say you no longer cry, for him, but he still resides in your heart. I can feel it, Shana, no matter how much you tries to hide from me. I am your best friend and, no one knows you better than me."


    Controlling her tears that were on the verge of slipping through her eyes, Shana nodded her head in acceptance. She had no other option, for, she too knows Vansh was correct.


    "Smile now." breaking their hug, Vansh spoke, while his hands remain on her shoulder in a comforting manner, his eyes in her level and, his face smiling at her.


    Shana had just passed a smile when they heard "Are you okay, Shanaya" when they turned to see looking at them adoringly, stood Mrs Shakti, Vansh''s mother and Mrs Chaya, Vihaan''s mother beside her, but, with careful looks.


    Standing back at some distance from Vansh, Shana smiled at them and heard Vansh"Moms, what are you doing at this time of the night?"


    Turning Vansh''s ear in fun, Mrs Shakti spoke" Oh really! Now you will tell us what time it is in the night?" and turning to Shana who had a smile on her face, she continued" What were you both doing at this time".


    "Come on, mom! We were not kissing or something. We were simply hugging each other" rubbing his twisted ear to erase the pain, Vansh spoke.


    "Did we ask you to justify?" smiling at them, Mrs Chaya spoke and turning her attention to Shana, she ??r?ssed her cheeks and said adoringly" She is a sweet girl, do not you dare hurt her".


    "Oh come on bdi maa! (elder mother), we are not couples or something".


    Both of the Mrs Rathore left them smiling, leaving them with nothing than to laugh.


    "Seriously! You and I?" speaking in between, Vansh patted her head and spoke lovingly" Go and rest and do not worry about anything, okay!"


    ..............................................................


    Tossing his T-one of the T-shirt to Saaransh, Vihaan grabbed another one to wear himself. He slightly noticed the bruise on his shoulder, which, had faded much, but, was visible to him.


    He suddenly closed his fingers in a fist when his mind talks to itself" How many men would have her marks on their body?"


    Taking some long breaths, he said to himself" It''s none of my business and, I do not care".


    "Do not care about what?" Saaransh asked Vihaan out when he heard him talking to himself.


    "Nothing" speaking casually, he went to his bed and laid down on his back with his hands supporting his head but in an instant stood to sit on his ??p and turning his head toward Saaransh, asked, " You like Miss Shanaya as a woman, don''t you?"


    Taken aback by his confrontation, Saarnash coughed, but when he saw Vihaan expecting an answer, he went toward him and sat down on the edge of the bed on his left leg while keeping his right leg on the floor.


    "Yes, I do."


    That simple confession made Vihaan tensed, but, he patted Saaransh on the shoulder and spoke:" Congratulations on finally finding your love" and laid back.


    "She is not my love yet"responding immediately, Saaransh continued"So, did she pass your test?"


    "Which test?" confused, Vihaan enquired.


    "Did not you ask her to plan for Dee''s birthday party because you wished to see if she is capable of handling Dee''s wedding plans?"


    Hit by the realization, Vihaan nodded his head and said" We will see it tomorrow when she will actually work on it" and turned his eyes to Saaransh to see him smiling. Irritated, he asked "What? Why are you smiling?"


    "No, nothing!"


    "Tell me just like I tell you everything."


    "I do not know, man! I mean, I just laugh whenever I hear her name. It makes me feel good when someone speaks about her" lost in his feeling for Shanaya, Saaransh forgot he had an audience and, open his mouth to continue when he senses Vihaan looking at him with an expression he had never seen.


    ......................................................................


    Sitting on the swing bench on the terrace, Shana rubbed her arms when she felt cold breeze passing electric shocks through her. The night had begun to be chilly and, Shana was blaming herself for not being aware of it.


    Withdrawing her gaze from the blackish sky full of stars and the shining moon, she wipes the lone tear escaping from her left eyes with her left index finger. She tried to distract herself to not to cry but, the sob erupts from her throat and, she hides her face in her hands. She continued sobbing, alone, with no one to stop her, no one to console her, but that was what she had wanted.


    Two hours before, when Vansh had wished him bye and had returned to his room, Shana kept wondering about the conversation they had.


    She could not sleep with her mind working extra, and, she had no mood to watch or read anything. With no other option, she went to the terrace and found solace in the silent but welcoming night.


    She had started loving the night for some time back, for it had provided her with the comfort of the secrecy she had wanted. That was the time she would weep her heart out, would question to herself, would make herself strong and, would console herself.


    But that was not the case anymore.


    She wanted to see her ''Saar'', who was not her anymore.


    With the mixed feeling of nervousness, anticipation, she opened his picture on one of the hidden apps on her phone.


    She froze when she saw him smiling on the picture, and found his black orbs looking directly in her soul.


    That was the picture he had sent her once in the past. And, the memories of their time spent together flooded in her mind.


    She could not tolerate much and tears fill her eyes. She remained in the same state for God knows how much time, until she sobbed hard and, empty her heart.


    Looking back at the picture, she spoke sobbed:" Why did you hurt me, Saar? You always hurt me, again and again, knowing too well how much I loved you".


    Zooming the picture, looking adoringly at him, she spoke absent-mindedly" You know I can forget you easily, right? You know men are dying to be with me, but damn it, man! You know my heart belongs to you! You know it, right! That''s why you are so confident that I will beg you to be with me".


    Wiping her last tear, she spoke with rather a different tone" I won''t do anything Saar. I may love you more than anyone, but I won''t tell you how much you have made me suffer, I won''t give you the satisfaction of knowing how much I love you! Not when you were happily enjoying your time with other girls and when I was ruining myself for you."


    Passing a sarcastic smile, she continued"I am a revengeful woman, Saar. " Still talking to Saar''s picture, she told him her secret confidently" You know what, I am going to find the man who will love me more than I have loved you and I am going to do it in front of you. You will beg for my attention Saar, but I won''t forgive you".


    Enjoy reading it :)


    Love to all <3

 Chapter 27 - Where were you?

    Getting out from the cab, Shanaya, in her narrow red pant and crisp white shirt with sleeves folded above her wrist, her blond hair in a high pony, stood outside the Rathore''s mansion, looking for the very first time the beauty of it as it looked heavenly bathing in the light of the moon.


    Standing there for two-three minutes, Shana peeks at her watch to see it showing past Ten o''clock and, she knew she was late.


    She walked hurriedly inside the mansion, greeting the guards, and reached the hall. It was empty and, that was the first time she has witnessed it.


    She moved toward the dining hall and on reaching, placed her handbag on the dining chair, pick up the water glass and pours some water in it. Adjusting the chair, she sat down on it and gulped the water immediately, wetting her dry throat.


    She again scanned the mansion. It was deadly silent, which was not usual.


    Since the time she had been living there, she had not witnessed a single day when the mansion would be silent or empty, but, she knew the reason. .


    Everyone had returned to their room.


    Sitting there alone, she marvelled at the beauty of the mansion and wondered about the time it must have taken it to be built.


    "Years" she heard her mind murmuring.


    She remembered, in the morning, Vihaan and Vansh had gone to the company, Saaransh to his law firm and Senior Rathores had to go to China for their official trip.


    Shanaya had accompanied Avni on her pre-wedding photoshoots to a beautiful isolated palace as Avni had wished for a destination photoshoots and they both had enjoyed it.


    Shanaya had always loved the idea of being clicked and, after clicking hundreds and thousands of pictures of Avni, they also had clicked pictures, and selfies together and had posted on social media and had gone to the nearby restaurant for the food.


    The day had passed with a blink of the eye, and it was both exhausting and fun experience to them.


    In the end, they were supposed to return together at eight in the evening. But, Shanaya had received a message from her team to meet some agent to look at some buildings for her office and, she had asked Avni to return to home without her.


    Deep in her thoughts, she was ascending the stairs to her room and had reached the middle of it, when she heard "Where were you?"


    She stopped immediately.


    She knew whom the voice belongs to and turning herself back to the hall, she saw Vihaan standing in his formal black attire, his arms crossed on his ?h?st, his hair messy but arranged at the same time, and his eyes, those intense eyes looking at her, expecting the answer.


    Looking at him expecting an answer from her, Shanaya did not wish to interact with him after what had happened, but she had no choice.


    She did not want him to know she had felt hurt by his statements and answered him back unwillingly" Sorry, I am late. I had to meet someone".


    Speaking nothing in response, but also not breaking the eye contact, withdrawing his arms from his ?h?st, Vihaan placed them on his pant pocket and moved toward her, ascending the stairs.


    Shana watched him ascending the stairs and moved backwards, to keep some distance between them. She no longer had trust in herself when she was around him and, she was not going to take any risk, not when it comes to Vihaan Singh Rathore.


    Halting in front of her, Vihaan saw her stepping back and, an evil thought come in his mind.


    He was simply enjoying it.


    She was not a delicate woman, but, that does not mean she was not a human, made of flesh and bones.


    Hiding the smile, which was a tricky task considering her reactions, Vihaan asked with a serious tone" Why are you backing away?"


    "When am I?" overcoming her embarrassment, she spoke without looking at him.


    "You did not answer my question."


    "Which question?"


    "I asked you where were you?"


    Arching her brows at him, she spoke in an unbelievable tone" I just told you I was meeting someone".


    "You told me you were meeting someone. You did not tell me the place where you were!"


    With her open mouth in amazement, eyes wide, she bites her lips to control her temper and spoke calmly" Mr Vihaan, when someone asks where were you, we normally tell them our activity, not our destination."


    Closing the distance between them, Vihaan leaned closer to her ear and spoke with pride in his voice" Miss Shanaya, I am not a normal person."


    Ignoring his statement, Shana asked back, to distract her mind from the effect his presence had on her body" What does it have to do with you?"


    Backing away to look clearly at her, Vihaan look at her closely for the first time. Her red cheeks, harsh breathings, her eyes, was enough to tell his effects on her.


    He knew deep inside he had an effect on her but watching it made him feel something different, as if, his heart was happy and proud, happy to make the beautiful, intelligent girl standing in front of her blushed and nervous.


    Oh god! He loved it! The mere sight of Shanaya blushing was extraordinary for him at the moment.


    Smiling within himself, he spoke, looking at the shy figure in front of him" It has to do nothing with me. But, next time I ask you this question, give the answer I want, not what others want."


    Shanaya was trying to figure out everything he had said when she heard him asking" Has all the plans ready for dee''s birthday?"


    "I have done my portion of work" crossing her arms, Shana looked at Vihaan with narrow eyes as if challenging him" But, I do not know about yours." while emphasising on ''But''.


    .....................................................................


    Enjoy reading it :)


    Love to all <3

 Chapter 28 - Birthday Surprise

    Sleeping peacefully in her room, Avni woke up when her phone rang for the fourth time. She smiled when she looked at the caller name and picked up the call to hear the voice of her love, Anubhav.


    Anubhav: Hi love.


    Smiling like a child, Avni spoke: Hi, darling.


    Anubhav: Did you miss me?


    Supporting her back, taking the pillow on her ??p, Avni thought of teasing him, and spoke, smiling like a fool: Why would I miss you when we talked just two hours before.


    Anubhav: Ahh, it hurts! I guess I am the only one to miss.


    Avni: Ha Ha, anything else, Mr Child?


    Anubhav: I am Serious. I wonder whether you love me or not..


    Avni: Yes, I do not love you and, that''s why I am marrying someone else nhh, Mr Actor


    Anubhav: I won''t allow you to see someone other male and you are talking about marrying someone else, hmmm.


    Avni: Ohh my possessive fiancee, chill, I am not going to leave you.


    Anubhav: I know my girl, well, what''s happening there, it''s eleven forty-five.


    A drop of tear escape her eyes, and she wipes it off instantly.


    Avni: I do not know. I do not even know if they even remember my birthday amid preparations for my wedding.


    Anubhav: How can you say that?


    Avni did not know why she was feeling bad, she was a m?tur? girl, but since her birth, had seen people surprising her on her birthday and, had felt like a princess, and she was no doubt the princess of Rathore mansion.


    Avni: I saw no sign of my preparations. You know very well how they would talk about my birthday at dinner, how they would pamper me saying it''s my birthday soon, but nothing happened like that today. We had dinner in silence and, everyone retired early to their bed.


    Before Anubhav could interrupt her, she spoke" I know they were tired. Even, I was tired and dozed off but, I am just sad."


    Anubhav: Ohhh, so Ms Rathore is sad because she thinks her siblings and parents have forgotten her birthday. Well, it might be the case, you know.


    Avni: Shut up, they can never do this. I am just sad that this will be my last birthday here.


    Anubhav: Ohhh!!!! But baby you need not to, you know I will never say "No" to meet your family, you know that you can meet your family anytime, so why are you even thinking like that.


    Avni: Just like this only.


    She heard nothing in response and wondered whether he is on the other side.


    Anubhav was busy calling Vihaan from his other phone, but when Vihaan did not receive, he left a text on his phone, when he heard Avni asking" Ab, you there?"


    Cursing himself for being careless, Abubhav spoke: "Yes, baby, I am here only."


    Avni asked with a questioning tone" Really? But, why does it look like you are physically here, but mentally you are somewhere else?"


    Thinking to himself about girls'' sixth sense, he spoke excitedly"Baby, leave it and, here clock strikes 12, so baby, a very very happy birthday. I Won''t say that I love you or how important you are to me because I will make you feel that for your whole life. So, Ms Avni Rathore, A very Happy birthday once again. And, yes not to forget, next year you will be celebrating your birthday as Mrs Anubhav Oberoi, and I can not wait for that moment. Muahhhh"


    Avni did not know how to respond. She knew how much he loves her and how much he cares for her.


    But, his words, his love would always bring tears to her eyes and, like every year since nine years, she cried and spoke:" Soon to be Mrs Anubhav Oberoi wants to say Thank you to Mr Anubhav Oberoi and, want to convey that she knows that Mr Oberoi will keep loving her the entire life and, Mrs Oberoi love Mr Oberoi more than he can understand."


    Before she could say something more, a knock came on her door and, she spoke while drying her tears" Well Mr Oberoi, I have to go, someone is there on the door.


    Anubhav: Give me a kiss, then.


    Avni spoke shyly: Shut up.


    Anubhav: Hawww, My fiancee is going to reject me for a kiss???


    Avni smiled at it, and before opening the door, gave him a kiss and hung up the phone.


    ..........................................................................


    "Bde papa, chotey papa!" she squealed and, run to hug them when she saw Mr Rathores in front of her. "I missed you dads, but how come you are here, you were in China for the meeting".


    " How can we miss our princess''s birthday," said Surya, her father.


    Stopping herself from crying, Avni let out the words "And, I thought I might not see you this birthday".


    Mr Surya Rathore came forward and kissed her lightly on her forehead and said: " Happy birthday, my princess".


    "Why are you crying bccha," said Mr Shiv, Vansh''s father, coming forward.


    Even Avni does not know why she was crying. Maybe, she was not expecting them at all but, she had wanted them to be here or the thought that next year she will not be here with them made her feel sad.


    " I do not know, I am just happy dads, thank you for coming, you both mean a lot to me," Avni said in between her talks.


    " We know that bccha and, we all love you," said Shiv Rathore and with this, kissed her forehead and wished her.


    "Can we have a time with our daughter, or you guys are going to have all her time" a voice came from behind them both and Avni smiled.


    "Mam, we are at your command," said Shiv, flirting with her.


    Everyone chuckled watching them flirting.


    After hugging her Badi Maa, chotii Maa, and accepting their wishes, she glanced at the back of them and there stood her heartbeats, her companions in everything she had done. Vihaan, Vansh was standing behind Saransh and shanaya, who immediately hugged her and wished her with a kiss on Avni''s forehead.


    Shanaya changed her position so that she was standing beside her, and she along with Avni, could see Vihaan, Saransh, and Vansh standing there beside each other, blocking their view.


    Before Avni could ask what they were blocking, Shanaya spoke up excitedly " We have a surprise for you" and saw Vihaan and Vansh looking at her angrily.


    "What??" Shanaya asked questioningly.


    "We were supposed to surprise her after Badi Maa would do her Rituals, and you ruined that" Vansh spoke out.


    "Ohhh!!!!!" that was all Sanaya could say before adding " Well, harm has already been done, so let''s give her the gift".


    Avni was getting impatient with their conversation, she wanted to know what was her surprise and to look what''s behind them, she tried to stand up on her toe and look, but to no avail. They all three were in 6 feet series.


    Vihaan chuckled at her attempt and said: "Have patience dii, you will get your surprise within seconds".


    "Okay, on the count of three," said Vihaan to Saaransh and Vansh who nodded with their head.


    Avn heard them in unison"One, two, two and a half," and saw Senior Rathore''s smiling at their reaction, but Avni glared at them for making her wait longer, and when they said in unison "three" and got away from her sight, she could only gape with genuine surprise.


    ..............................................................


    Enjoy reading it :)


    Love to all <3

 Chapter 29 - Surprises

    Standing in front of Avni was none other than Anubhav Oberoi, looking more handsome than usual, dressed casually in jeans and Denim Shirt, smiling heartily at her.


    "How" was all Avni could ask, gaping at him with her opened mouth and wide eyes, when he walks toward her and said heartily "Happy birthday love".


    He moves forward to hug her but stopped himself when he saw Senior Rathore''s standing there.


    "Just escaped by a hair," he muttered to himself and gave a cheesy smile to Senior Rathore''s.


    Not like they would have commented on it. Senior Rathore''s were one of the few people who were too friendly with their children. All that mattered to them were their happiness.


    But, they were also glad to their children for never breaking their trusts and getting involved in bad company or business.


    Yes, they did not know Vihaan''s addiction to Alcohol, and the reason could be any.. But, apart from it, Vihaan too had never given them any trouble.


    "Well, Well, we will tell you what all you want to ask after rituals, first come here and do it," said Mrs Chaya Rathore gesturing Avni to go to her. She was standing with Senior Rathore''s at the edge of Avni''s bed.


    Since their childhood, on every birthday of them, Avni, Vihaan and Vansh had seen Mrs Chaya making something sweet for them and, every time it would be something different. When they were young, they had always eaten an Indian dish, but when they grew up and, their preferences add other bakery products, she started making them.


    Mrs Chaya opened the box, which was with her all the time, and placed in front of Avni.


    "Chocogulla( An Indian sweet consisting of a ball of curd cheese cooked in chocolate syrup)" squealed Saaransh, Anubhav and Shanaya at the same time.


    "It''s Anubhav''s favourite, Badi Maa," blushing hard, Avni spoke, stealing glances with Anubhav.


    "Yes, I know. In fact, he was the one who suggested me as I was confused about what to make" smiling at Anubhav, Chaya made Avni eat it and wished her once again.


    "Look, Look, someone is blushing hard" Speaking in a low volume so that only they can hear it, Shanaya teased Avni when she could not control herself.


    Shanaya had always loved teasing her loved ones.


    Glaring at Shanaya, Avni signed her " Stop teasing me else see me what I do with you", but Avni too knew it was not going to affect Shanaya and she stopped minding when Shana continued teasing her.


    Minutes later, when Sanaya ate chocogulla which Avni had served to all, she could not keep herself for m??ning in delight, and at the same moment, Vihaan coughed hard.


    "Wow Aunt, it tastes delicious!" eating the full chocogulla, she looked at chaya to ask" Can I have one more", ignoring the surprised looks Vihaan and Saaransh gave to her.


    Saaransh leaned closer to Shanaya to whisper in her ear" I did not know you love eating".


    Coughing, Shanaya looked at Saarnash and spoke to justify herself" I do not love eating, I love desserts."


    Scanning her, Saarnash spoke" I wonder how you manage your body well when you eat desserts too much''.


    Giggling, Shana leaned closer to him and, whisper in his ear"Should I tell you a secret".


    Nodding his head, Saaransh smiled when he heard Shana telling him" You know, back in my college times, I was not this perfect. I was neither healthy nor slim because I would eat a lot and then I would walk a lot, so it would keep me balanced."


    It was the first time for Saaransh to hear any girl telling him about her not so perfect body, and he realized Shanaya was different from others.


    He looks at her with love, adoring her purity, her beautiful heart and spoke back "So how come you are in a perfect figure?"


    Shana spoke with pride" I started walking and exercising more and, I control my diet a little" and gesturing toward her body, she continued" And here I am, the s?xy Shanaya" and giggled, but stopped when saw others passing a look at both of them.


    "Haha, you are funny", ignoring the looks, Saaransh continued the conversation.


    "I know" beaming, Shanaya answered back, while kept on looking straight toward Avni, who was engrossed in some serious conversation with Rathore''s and Anubhav.


    Looking back at her, Saaransh replied:" You are cute and beautiful, too."


    It took a moment for Shnaaya to accept it. Yes, she had heard many people complimenting her, but it was always hard for her to accept or take the compliments.


    For her, she was just a normal girl.


    "Thank you" blushing at the compliment, Shanaya turned her attention to him and passed a genuine smile at him.


    ...........................................


    Thirty minutes later, all of them except, Anubhav, was sitting on the couch on the hall waiting eagerly for Avni.


    Anubhav was roaming in the large hall as he could not keep his excitement at bay. He was so eager to see Avni.


    Excitedly waiting for Avni to come, Anubhav turns his attention to the descending figure on the stairs when he heard the click of the heels and saw Avni wearing black dress carving her beauty and her figure.


    It took a moment to Anubhav to slide his gaze past her and to appear calm and normal.


    Anubahv walks toward Avni, his gaze making her blush harder and taking her hand like a gentleman, spoke in a love-filled tone " You are looking, so beautiful, love".


    He meant every single word if it. He had no words to describe the beauty of Avni.


    For him, she was cute, beautiful, charming, hot, s?xy and every single word a person can use to praise someone''s beauty at the same time.


    Earlier, in the Avni''s room, Avni was surprised when they have told her about her date with Anubhav.


    Usually, after everyone would wish her, they all would go to sleep and would host the party at night.


    Taking Anubhav''s hand, she moves toward Vihaan and Saransh who were sitting together, like always, and sitting beside them on the other couch was Sanaya with Vansh, as always.


    Avni smiled knowingly, for, since the last few days, she had been watching them sitting in the same pattern as if they had created their own seating pattern, Vihaan and Saaransh, Shnaya and Vansh.


    "So, when you are going to tell me how come Anubhav is here," Avni asked on approaching them.


    "We will tell you after you come dii," said Vihaan, who had stood up when Avni came to them.


    ...........................................................


    Love to all <3

 Chapter 30 - Surprises and shocks

    "Thank you so much, guys. I am so happy today, thanks to you all" opening her arms wide, Avni stood in her room, expressing her feelings for the other fours (Vihaan, Saaransh, Shanaya, and Vihaan).


    When Anubahv had asked her to go on a birthday date, she had thought it would be a normal date with him but, when she reached the venue, she was shocked.


    She saw a suite decorated beautifully and, all her friends were present there. Since every friend of Avni knew Anubhav, they were all comfortable with each other and, they had the best time.


    "Di, we are happy that you are happy, so do not thank us, we did all for you," saying, Vihaan made Avni sat on the bed and lied down on her ??p.


    "So, how was it? How did the day go?" sitting on the edge of Avni''s bed, along with Vansh and Saaransh, Shanaya asked.


    "It was awesome, just awesome. I can not tell you how happy I am, how much I enjoyed it. There were no rules that I have to elegantly behave like I have to do in parties"smirking at Vihaan, Avni continued" We partied till six in the morning, then we went to our respective room.. At two or more in the noon, Anubhav wakes me up and then we went on a lunch date. "


    "Ahmm ahmm, just lunch?" eyeing Avni suspiciously, Saaransh asked, at which, he got a high five from Shanaya and Vansh.


    "Shut up, he is your brother," throwing a cushion at him, hiding her embarrassment, Avni spoke further "It was just lunch but, it was more than special because it was with my love" and winked toward Saaranash, at which, everyone hooted and, Vihaan smiled mildly.


    Out of nowhere, Shanaya sneaks a peek at Vihaan and, her eyes got fixed on his dimpled smile. Lying on Avni''s ??p, he looked like an innocent and sweet child to her, and the thought of kissing his dimples made a house on Shanaya''s mind.


    In haste, to show she was not looking at him, Shanaya asked with interest, as if, her attention was all on Avni" And, what after lunch?"


    "After lunch, we roam here and there and, we return to home at eight in the night, I guess, and at which I got surprised again."


    When Avni returned home with Anubhav, she was surprised to see Anubhav''s parents present there. They blessed her and, they had dinner together.


    After dinner, Anubhav left with his parents, and Avni went to her room with other fours, where she got another surprise!!!!.


    She saw her room filled with balloons and gifts, walls of the room covered with photos of her with her parents, Uncle and aunt, Vihaan, Saransh, Abhinav, and Shanaya.


    She realized at the same moment, the planning of her birthday was incredible and, it was the best birthday of her life.


    She had spent her time with every person she was dear to, be it her friends, her love, her siblings, her family. There was no other person whom she did not know or with whom she would have felt uncomfortable.


    Hours passed in doing nothing more than talking at random topics and, it was near two in the morning, but none of them was feeling sleepy. The excitement, the fun they were having did not let them sleep at all.


    F eeling each other emotions, laying against each other in silence, with their eyes open, the silence broke when Avni sighed with sadness" I can''t believe I am going to get married soon."


    Everyone knew all of them had the same thought and, Vihaan could not dare to utter a word and show his helplessness.


    Avni was not just his elder sister. She was someone he could never disobey or hurt and could never see in pain. He cared for her more than anyone, more than his mother, more than his first love, in fact, more than his own life.


    "Our sister is waiting so eagerly for her wedding, isn''t it," said Vansh, trying to ignore the conversation, but got slapped by Shanaya.


    "Shanaya baby I am not younger to you that you can hit me, okay," rubbing the spot, Vansh looked at her.


    Sanaya did not reply, instead hit him again.


    "I wonder what kind of Man is going to love you if you keep on hitting man," taking her hands in his to prevent her from hitting him again, he asked wondering.


    "Who says I will hit him? That''s just for you. As for my man, I will love him so much" dreaming on, with her eyes full of love, she bites her lips as she was habitual of it.


    "Excuse me??? What kind of logic is this that I am going to get all the beatings and your love will be for ''your man''" trying to act jealous, Vansh looked at Vihaan and saw him staring at Shanaya.


    Unaware of Vansh''s eyes on him, Vihaan was busy staring at shanaya''s eyes, her pouty lips and damn! How much he wanted to kiss her. He did not know since when he was having these thoughts, but, he just knew they were coming to him.


    "Did I just thought that I want to kiss her!!" bewildered with his own thought, Vihaan snapped his gaze away from her.


    Trying not to look at Shanaya or think about her, Vihaan roamed his eyes to look for no one particular when he saw Saaransh looking at Shanaya like she was the most beautiful girl he has seen.


    He was smiling when she was smiling, he was just so carefreely looking at her, oblivious to the fact he has an audience.


    Vihaan did not like the way Saaransh was watching at her. He told his heart it was not jealousy as he did not even like her, but, knew it was something he has not come to know.


    He knew Saaransh was not a bad boy, knew Saaransh would love Shanaya madly and would keep her happy but, the idea did not go well with him.


    His mind told him they were close and, his eyes have witnessed it himself. Earlier, when Avni had gone out with Anubhav, Vihaan had seen Saaransh teasing Shanaya about something and, he had also seen how she had slapped him playfully at which saaransh had just laughed.


    Vihaan knew, one thing for sure, Saaransh enjoys Shanaya''s company and, everyone knew it.


    He made sure to talk to Saransh about this for, he should know what he feels for her. He knew it had been many days since both of them have met and, has seen them together most of the time, making him wonder more, about Saaransh''s feeling and not to forget Sanaya''s feeling.


    He found his thoughts disturbed when he heard Avni asking Shanaya " Shana, what are you going to do after the wedding?? Will be going back to London or will be staying in Hyderabad??".


    Sitting at the right side of the bed, Shanaya sat down on her ??p and answered Avni "I am thinking of staying in Hyderabad, I have got some offers and, I am thinking of considering one of them".


    "You read any of them?" enquired Avni.


    "Right now I have not, will do so after your wedding Di," passing a smile, Shanaya told Avni.


    Avni was going to ask something more when she was interrupted when Vihaan took his head away from her ??p and standing up from the bed, moved toward Shanaya.


    Shanaya lifts her head to see him standing with his hands on the jean pocket, his eyes looking at her.


    She noticed Avni and other two looking at him carefully, to know what he was going to do when he blurted out the words which shocked everyone present there, their ears not believing what he just said, their eyes not believing what they were watching.


    "Be my partner."


    .............................................


    Enjoy reading it :)


    Love to all <3

 Chapter 31 - Trespassing?

    "Excuse me?" baffled, seated on the blue couch, Shanaya looked at the handsome Vihaan, standing in front of her with his arms locked, his eyes on her, and his face depicting no expressions.


    "Excused", with the same posture, he spoke in a business manner.


    Annoyed, Shanaya took a long breath and tried to mock him by being as polite as she can" What do you mean by the statement that we have to keep it a secret?", meanwhile passing a mild smile.


    Getting away from her, Vihaan reached to the end of the room, opened some drawer and pick out the wine bottle. Ignoring her protesting looks, he picks out two wine glasses and moved toward her.


    Trying her best not to show her disgust, Shanaya withdraws her eyes from Vihaan''s appearing image and tried to distract her by appreciating the beauty of his room.


    Vihaan had a hint of her distaste toward wine when she had come on the terrace with Avni when he had been partying with Vansh and Saaransh and, Vansh had tried to hide the bottle, but he was not sure of it.


    He ignored the words his heart whispered to him"Oh, so you are even noticing these small things of her, great!" and mocked his heart by replying with his mind" I am a businessman, it''s my duty to observe everything." .


    "I do not drink" declining the offer, Shanaya shift uncomfortably at her place. She had known Vihaan was a great drinker, but she had no clue he could drink at day time too. The thought of it makes her feel repulsive, and, she just wanted to escape from it.


    Without giving a chance to Vihaan to say anything, she spoke, again" If that was all, I should go now" and get ready to stand up.


    Shanaya could not understand what was happening when Vihaan looked at her with the vexed look and, her legs refused to stand. For the first time, being alone with him made her feel nervous. It took a lot of time to calm her heart and to understand he actually looked at her with anger.


    He hates them to see together being so comfortable around each other, to laugh with each other, to joke with each other and he could not ignore the liking Saaransh had developed for Shanaya.


    The silence engulfing the room was the same as being stabbed by the knife. With eyes locked, Shanaya did not know how to react and, Vihaan did not know how to explain his behaviour a minute earlier to her.


    He knew he had done something, he, should not, but he too knew nothing could be done at the moment to revert it. Breaking the eye contact, Vihaan cleared his throat and spoke:" Make sure to keep the talk between us a secret."


    Head already full of the mess, Shanaya just gave him a nod while standing up. She was just about to open the bedroom door, when, she turned and spoke slowly, with her eyes not looking at him" What about the arrangements for it?".


    Keeping the wine bottle aside, Vihaan stood up and with calculated steps, move toward her. Reaching close to her, far closer than the appropriate distance, facing toward her, his left hand brushed against her right side waist and, he smiled inwardly when he looks at her ''all-white face''.


    Shanaya could not believe he just touched her and was about to say when she felt his arm brushing and, her eyes moved down to see his hand placed on the doorknob. She stiffened when she saw him coming close to him and heard him saying close to her ear, his soft breathings feeling like a feather to her skin" Be in my office tomorrow sharp at 9 in the morning".


    Seconds later, she heard him turning the knob and, the door opened to reveal three curious- figures standing.


    "What are you doing here?" standing behind Shanaya, Vihaan''s expression tuned into confusion to saw them and enquired.


    Shanaya tried her best not to laugh at their positions. She noticed Avni and Vansh looking at each other to form a mutual, answer, meanwhile, her eyes scanned further behind to saw Saaransh standing with his arm crossed, along the railing of the corridor. She noticed he seemed lost in his world and, she took her time to scan him.


    Looking at his tall and masculine figure, Blue colour Shirt looking ravishing on him, his long hair tied up in a small pony, denim shorts revealing his perfect calves, she accepts the fact he was looking handsome and s?xy, the same s?xy person he has been looking at Rathore''s anniversary, the day Shanaya has met him for the first time.


    As if, guessing her eyes on him, Saaransh lifted his eyes and looked in Shanaya''s direction.


    The moment his eyes met hers, he slightly smiled and in return, receive a heart-melting smile from her. Deep down, he knew he has been falling for her, but he was not aware he has, fallen hard for her.


    The smile did not go unnoticed by Vihaan, but, he knew he has no right to do anything. He wanted to do so many things at that moment, but the circumstances bind his hands.


    Distracting himself from them, Vihaan asked again, his tone slightly harsh than before" I have not received an answer yet."


    "Well, we were just passing by your room and thought to knock, as we wanted Shanaya to join us too" coming toward them, Saaransh stopped on reaching them, with his keen eyes on Vihaan.


    "Yes, yes, that was the reason!" nodding their heads excitingly, Avni and Vansh tried to act normal, but silently, they were thanking Saaransh for interrupting the conversation and answering on behalf of them.


    Before anyone could say more, Shanaya distance herself from Vihaan and felt a wave of relief when Vihaan''s body heat could not reach her.


    It was hard for her to stand there with his hands resting on the doorframe, behind her back, his thumb touching her back with a very little force, sending shiver and sensation down her body and it was really hard to pretend it was not affecting her at all!


    "I am done here, let''s go" without looking at Vihaan, Shanaya moved forward and walk away with rest of them, leaving agitated Vihaan behind.


    Moving secretly, so that senior Rathores won''t wake up and catch them wondering in the house at the break of the dawn, the four of them, descend the stairs to reach the Kitchen. They were dying of hunger and were regretting to refuse the dinner offer.


    "ssshhh" keeping his index finger on his lips, Vansh signalled them to stop whispering to each other. Leading them silently to the kitchen was proving to be hard for him, for, they were constantly whispering, their excitement reaching their peak.


    "I can''t believe I am going to steal food when it''s my own home" giggling, Avni silently descend with others.


    "It''s not your home, Miss Avni, and you can be arrested under IPC 441 for Trespassing." speaking in a formal tone, Saaransh join them in their secret conversation.


    "What!" yelling, Avni instantly covered her mouth with her hand, her eyes wide and spoke slowly when Vansh, Shanaya and Saaransh gave her the "What the hell?" looks: " I mean how come this is not my home, Mr Saaransh" her voice full of Sarcasm and, continued" And what you mean by Trespassing? Do I look like someone sneaking?" and immediately felt their eyes on herself.


    "We all are sneaking just because we all declined the dinner offer" answering Avni''s questions, Vansh look, here and there, to make sure no one has wakened up.


    Laughing at their situation, Shanaya whispered in a volume that would be just audible to them" Seems like our Mr Lawyer could not stay back from warning us".


    "Thank you, Shana, only you understand me!" placing his hand on his heart, Saaransh acted.


    Shanaya felt as if some secrets had passed down between Avni and Saaransh when she heard Avni commenting" You seems not to understand ''that'' someone who understands you better."


    "My God! It is delicious! I wonder why uncle made this rule of not giving food after dinner time" savouring the taste, Shanaya blabbered.


    "He made it for us to understand we are lucky to get food on time. There are billions of people dying of hunger."


    "Indeed, we are."


    After ten or fifteen minutes, once they had finished eating, they were washing the used utensils, when Shanaya heard Avni telling her:" Have you talk to Riya? She seems angry with you."


    Nodding her head, Shanaya answered her back " Yes, she is angry that I did not fulfil my promise of meeting her. She seemed to have a surprise for me. As of now, she is not replying to my messages."


    "She must have something important to tell you."


    "I too think so. In fact, I too had to tell, her, something, but you know how things got changed with your wedding and all that."


    "Hmm, I received her message on my birthday and, that''s when I came to know."


    Finished with the work, taking off the gloves, Shanaya took the plate from Shanaya to dry it when she remembered something and, she spoke" By the way, what was it about when dee said to Saaransh that he does not understand someone who understands him" and looked at him.


    "It was nothing" smiling slightly, Saaransh answered.


    "Oh, come on! Don''t try to make me fool. Tell me, hmm."


    Before Saaransh could answer her, Shanaya heard Avni asking" You tell us what "Be my Partner" was about?" and look at her with probing eyes.


    "Oh," that was all Shanaya could speak while facing the three investigating eyes on her.


    .....................................................................


    Enjoy reading it :)


    Love to all <3

 Chapter 32 - Meeting

    Getting out from the cab, Shanaya dressed in Black jeans and light blue shirt, paid the Cab driver and faced the large building. The building in itself was capable of showing the power of The Rathore''s and, it must have been a 20 story building.


    Shanaya noticed, the building, was surrounded by trees and plants and, with the sun rising behind it, it was a beautiful scene.


    Waiting for a or two minute, Shanaya moved toward the entry gate, where, she was provided with a record log to fill her details. She was quite amazed when the Watchman asked her to look at a particular CCTV, and thought to herself"Security is quite good".


    The watchman provides her with guidance to reach the reception area. The Reception area had a black tiles floor with grey and white, dominating it with white roof lights.


    It was spacious and, several white sofa chairs, were placed in it.


    " The Rathore''s" was written in bold black fonts, on the wall behind the reception desk. .


    It was neither empty nor full, and, she could only guess the people present to be the employees.


    Looking at her watch, she found it to be five to be nine. Grinning at her punctuality, she marched toward the reception girl in her twenties, dressed formally, in a grey pencil skirt and a white shirt that was not too tight. She was looking decent, good, and formal.


    The Reception girl welcomed Shanaya with a welcoming smile and asked:" How may I help you, mam?".


    Shanaya accepted her smile by smiling back at her and said:" I have an appointment with Mr Rathore," and cleared the doubt immediately" Mr Vihaan Rathore."


    The girl checked something on the monitor and within a second, returned her gaze to the eagerly waiting Shanaya" Are you, Shanaya Malhotra?".


    "Yes, I am".


    "Sir is waiting for you, mam. Please take the right turn to reach the elevator. His Secretary, Miss Elena, will receive you on the 20th floor."


    "Thank you" passing another smile at the girl, Shanaya reached the elevator and found it to be empty. Entering inside it, she pressed the bu??on and closed her eyes to finally grasp the situation.


    She could not believe herself. She had obeyed the devil!


    Before she could think of retreating, the door opened, and, she exits the elevator with a deep sigh.


    Waiting for two or three seconds, arranging her hair and dress, Shanaya walked on the shiny black marble corridor which led her to a beautiful girl, dressed in violet formal attire, sitting in front of the computer and fully engrossed in typing.


    The girl looked in the direction of Shanaya and enquired in a soft voice: "Do you have an appointment?"


    "Yes".


    "May I know your name, please?"


    "Shanaya Malhotra".


    The girl stood up and walked toward her left. On reaching a particular glass door, she knocked on the door and entered when she heard "Come in".


    Closing the door silently behind her, Erina, Vihaan''s secretary, look at the busy Vihaan and spoke:" Sir, Ms Shanya Malhotra is here to see you."


    Immediately, to Erina wonder, Vihaan glanced at his watch and passed a smile full of appreciation and said after three seconds" Let her in".


    Waiting outside the office, Shanaya kept playing with her fingers and rings. Looking here and there, admiring the area, she stood up when Erina came in her sight and said:" Sir, is waiting for you, Ms Shanaya".


    Glancing at her watch, Shanaya frowned to see one past nine.


    After a minute, standing outside the door of Vihaan''s office, Shanaya whispered" I am doing it for Avni dee. Everything will be okay."


    The thing Shanaya did not know about the door was, it was one way mirrored door. Unaware of it, She looked, again, at her watch and bite her lips in frustration when the time showed up to be three past nine. She kept her right palm on her furiously beating heart and calmed herself.


    Vihaan, who was looking at her for the entire two minutes, half lying on his chair with his index finger on his lips, sat straight on his chair in a professional manner, when he saw her lifting her hand to knock and said: "Come in" when he saw her, knocking on the door.


    The view inside the office amazed Shanaya and, before looking at the man himself, she looked at the floor to ceiling window surrounding the office.


    Shanaya looked at the man when she heard him saying"Good morning Miss Shanaya.", and that was the moment she looked properly at the man in a white shirt with above two bu??ons opened, revealing a little white flesh of his toned ?h?st, his sleeves rolled three folds, revealing his muscular forearms.


    Having no strength and confidence to look more, she did not look at him and gulped down the saliva.


    But, she was forced to look at him when she heard him saying"You are late by three minutes" and saw him standing up from his chair and moving toward her.


    Having no clue what to do, she only tried to defend herself by saying" Your protocols made me late, Mr Vihaan. I was here sharp at nine" meanwhile, forgetting his greetings earlier.


    "Have a seat", gesturing her toward the sofa, standing at no more than three steps from her, he looked at her and retreated when he saw her seated.


    Shanaya made herself comfortable thinking the earlier interaction to be fully formal and saw him standing at his back with the support of his desk, with arms and legs crossed.


    "Tea or coffee?"


    "Water, please."


    Nodding his head a little, Vihaan reached the digital telephone kept on his desk and pressing a bu??on, spoke "Erina, a glass of water and my usual" and kept it down.


    Reading numbers of name on the pages, Shanaya asked, confusingly" What''s this?"


    "These are some people who are best in ?ssisting you. Also, they will keep it a secret."


    "But, I do not need anyone!" countering back, Shanaya tried to make him understand.


    "We hardly have time with us. We just have 12 days in our hands and, as far as I know, you won''t be getting any time to yourself. How will you prepare the wedding dress in such a short time?"


    Bending herself to the front, Shanaya spoke: " I will."


    Looking at her with challenging eyes, Vihaan asked "How? Tell me exactly how you will ready the wedding dress as well as will manage the event?"


    "It''s easy. I will manage the event till evening and will ready the dress at night!"


    "It''s not just a day we are talking! Out of twelve remaining days, eight days will be fully occupied with the functions, and the remaining four days will pass in the blink of an eye! How the hell will you manage?" without his knowledge, Vihaan''s voice pitch had increased and, he took a long breath to calm himself when he saw Shanaya affected by his tone.


    Standing up from the couch, he paced angrily and after a minute, came to a halt in front of Shanaya. Pointing his finger at her, he said firmly" I want everything perfect! A single mistake and I swear I won''t mind to replace you. I won''t care who you are, or how will this affect your career growth. Understood!".


    Getting a project from The Rathore was what everyone would dream, and she just could not let this slip away from her hand and answered him " I understand, but I have a request."


    Being a businessman, Vihaan knew how important the deal was for Shanaya. Instead of listening to her request immediately, he tried to know what was going in her head, but, once he was not able to reveal, he nodded his head.


    "You will not meddle in between my ways."


    ............................................................


    Enjoy reading it :)


    Love to all <3

 Chapter 33 - Lies

    The Hall of the Rathore Mansion was not in usual. Instead of being silent, it was full of helpers, moving here and there, fulfilling some requests and obeying some orders. In the middle of the Hall, seated on the couch were Mr and Mrs Rathore''s.


    Standing on the top of the stair that led to the first floor, Vansh descend down, meanwhile eating an apple and touched the feet of four of them to get the blessing of "Long live" in return.


    Sitting on the armrest of the couch of his aunt, Mrs Shakti, Vansh enquired with puzzled expressions " What''s the chaos?"


    "The one waking up at 10 in the morning won''t be able to understand it." hearing the sarcasm from his Dad, Vansh laughed and answered him "Dad, come on. I promised uncle and Bro to join them in the office after a month.. Can''t I live freely for this month?"


    "Your uncle and Bro are the reason behind your laziness" not stopping his complaints, Vansh''s dad, Mr Surya kept on saying.


    "Cool down Surya. He is a child, let him live freely" and, Vansh passed a cheesy smile at his Uncle, Mr Shiv, after hearing him say.


    Leaning a little more on his aunt, Vansh looked at the list in her hand and asked "Guestlist?"


    When he saw her aunt nodding, he scanned the list and asked with confusion" Who is Riya? I do not think I know her."


    Mrs Shakti spoke to answer him "She is Shanaya''s friend, but, Avni too know her. Avni asked me to invite her."


    "Ohh, by the way, where are others?" scanning the area to find no one of his group present in the hall, Vansh questioned.


    "Saaransh has gone to Mumbai for some emergency case, Avni is sleeping, Shanaya has gone somewhere, and you know were Vihaan would be."


    "What you mean by Shanaya has gone somewhere? She must have told you where she was going." puzzled by Shanaya''s behaviour, Vansh did not know what he was asking.


    Vansh looked at Mrs shakti, who, had turned her gaze to him and saw mischief in her eyes. Before she could think more, he explained to her at a fast pace" You are thinking wrong. I am just worried about her as She is new to Delhi." and standing up, he moved toward the stairs to ascend and pull out the phone from his pocket to dial her number.


    "I won''t allow it" denying Shanaya''s request, Vihaan took a sip from his coffee and instruct Erina, who had entered his office some time ago "Erina, vacant a room, spacious enough, for her to work without any issue and, hideous enough to let her work in peace. She will be here at night, so make sure to inform the Watchman to allow her. Make all the necessary arrangements."


    Trying to listen to his orders as patiently she can, she was getting angrier with the passing time on his refusal to accept his request and spoke up when he finished giving orders" Why won''t you allow it? I can''t work under someone."


    Dismissing Erina immediately, Vihaan did not utter a word till he saw Erina closing the office door behind her. Once done, he looked angrily at Shanaya and spoke in a dangerous tone" Do not dare to question me in front of my employees. Understand?"


    Scoffing in disbelief, Shanaya stood up angrily when her phone rang, breaking the tense environment. Looking directly in his eyes, Shanaya picked up the phone and answered: "Yes, Vanshu."


    Without withdrawing her gaze, her anger-filled eyes penetrating deep inside Vihaan, she listened to Vansh and answered him back" Do not worry about me. I just had some work and, you were sleeping, so could not tell you."


    She listened to Vansh, again and, avert her gaze from Vihaan to look at her watch and answered Vansh back" I have some other work too. I have to meet someone else after this meeting. I will be late."


    She answered him for the last time" ya, see you in the evening" before ending the call and moved toward the office door.


    But, she was stopped by the same voice she did not wish to hear any more"Who are you meeting?"


    Without looking back at him, replying him in the worst possible rude tone" I do not share my business matters with just anyone", she opened the door and exit, without looking at the fuming Vihaan.


    Enjoy reading it :)


    Love to all <3

 Chapter 34 - Eager to meet them?

    "Vanshu...Vanshu" calling his name at the top of her tone, Shanaya in her white track pants and red t-shirt, with Ipad in her right hand, run toward the Vansh clad in his white trousers and red t-shirt, busy on the phone and descending the stairs.


    Looking back at the rushing Shanaya, Vansh said the person on the other line to wait for a minute and spoke up, when he saw her closer" Hey, calm up. No need for rushing. We all know how clumsy you are."


    Narrowing her eyes on his insult, She spoke in a rush" Where is your brother?"


    "How would I know where my brother is? I hardly saw him since morning."


    ?


    "Vanshu, at least give me a hint! I have an important matter to discuss with him." .


    "Baby, I really do not know about his whereabouts. But, you can check him on the main gate."


    Vansh was about to resume his talks on the phone when he gave a final look to her and said while pinching her" Same pinch! We are wearing the same colours" and fled down before Shanaya could pinch him back.


    Standing at the top of the stairs, Shanaya with tensed face, scanned the area when she saw a full black dominating figure entering the hall of the Mansion. She need not guess the person and, she descends the stairs with full force and, within minutes, she was standing in front of Vihaan.


    Looking at the breathless Shanaya with nose and forehead scrunched up, Vihaan gave her the chance to calm down and waited for her to say something.


    "We have an issue" taking no more than a second, Shanaya tells him the reason of her unexpected meetup.


    "What?" asking for the details, Vihaan enter the gate and moved toward the wooden ladder kept in the hall to sit at one of the rungs of it.


    He was following the preparations for the Ring ceremony to be held the next day since morning and the tiredness could be easily seen in his face.


    Understanding his situation without being explained, Shanaya followed him and spoke when she saw him fully ready" You told me to prepare the seating arrangement for 200 guests, but, the hall of the Mansion can only accommodate around 180."


    Shanaya was amazed at the calmness with which she saw him speaking"Do not worry. Not everyone attends."


    Vihaan saw the confusion spreading on Shanaya''s face and, he spoke further to clear her doubts" Trust me, not everyone is capable of attending all the events. On average, one out of five always gets busy in some other work."


    "Oh! ofcourse" understanding it without any issue, Shanaya looked at him in hidden amazement and, she could see why he was the unfamous Vihaan Singh Rathore.


    "Any other issues?"


    Nodding her head, she spoke when she saw him expecting the verbal reply"Nopes. My team has done everything as smoothly they could."


    Shanaya had asked her teammates from Hyderabad to come to Delhi for Avni''s wedding and had introduced them to Vihaan three days earlier. Her team had organised a few events, earlier, but, organising the event of Rathore''s was definitely a big deal.


    "What about the guest list?" with eyes shut and sleepy voice, Vihaan enquired.


    "It has been prepared. You just need to tell me who will be on the entrance to welcome them. Vanshu was telling me he can if you want."


    Opening his eyes and looking at her speaking, Vihaan did not utter a word to stop her. Her voice was soothing to his ears and, he spoke when she finished"It would be better if I welcome them" and signalled her to handle him the list.


    Handling him the Ipad on which she has created the list, she looked up at one of the members of her team in the corridor of the first floor showing him the bottle of water when she heard him"Shanaya Mam, you want water?"


    "Yes, throw it" and get ready to catch the bottle like a wicketkeeper in the cricket team.


    "Got it", she smiled and winked at her member when the bottle landed safely in her hands.


    She had taken a single sip when she heard Vihaan" I do not see your s?x buddies name here" and the water erupts out from her mouth.


    Coughing hard, meanwhile looking at Vihaan in an unbelievable face, She took a minute to herself to be okay and spoke up the moment her cough stop" Excuse me!"


    "Excused!"


    "What you mean by ''my s?x buddies''?" shock and accusation evident on her face, she asked angrily.


    "Oh, they were your boyfriends!" faking the astonished expressions, Vihaan stood up and came closer to her.


    Not understanding a single word he was uttering, Shanaya looked at him and asked:" What exactly you are talking about?"


    ?


    Closing the distance between them, he leaned forward and spoke in a voice only audible to them" Remember the time you said ''Sex is not just s?x''."


    Shanaya nodded her head when she remembered the time she had visited his room for the first time to discuss Avni''s birthday. And, the discussion had turned out from birthday to s?x, just because of her opinion on hearing her favourite RJ''s show, even though her cheeks were turning red just at the mention of ''Sex''.


    But, exactly not following him, and she asked further"So? How does these two are relatable?"


    It was evident Vihaan was enjoying the show. He could see how Shanaya''s cheeks had turned red at the mention of s?x, and he thought of enjoying it a little longer.


    "What two?"


    Closing her eyes in frustration, Shanaya spoke with a clenched jaw and fisted hands" You know!"


    "No, I do not. I did not understand your question, Miss Shanaya." laughing inwardly at her inability to speak ''sex'' in front of him he was enjoying it too much.


    "How does ''sex is not just s?x'' and ''my s?x buddies'' are relatable?" not looking at him, with her neck and face full of redness, Shanaya blabbered it all in one go and took a breath once she finished it.


    "Oh, that! It''s obvious Miss Shanaya. If you said ''sex is not just s?x'' it means you have it with your boyfriend for whom you had" stopping for a moment, he locked his eyes with her and spoke in a very casual "or have feelings".


    Having no clue or idea what it was all about or why he was even asking, she replied to him with the best thing her sarcastic mind could say" Oh! I never knew you were eager to meet them!" emphasising on ''them''.


    It took a minute for Vihaan to digest the new information and he tried his best not to show anything. His heart knew the thought of Shanaya with someone else was affecting him, but his mind did not even let the same thought strike him.


    Snatching the water bottle from Shanaya''s hand with anger, he gulped down the content of it in one go and replied with bitterness" Now you know I am waiting" and continued with the same bitterness spread in his face, his face just an inch away from Shanaya" So, when will I get to meet ''them''".


    Noticing his emphasis on ''them'', one part of Shanaya''s heart wanted to correct him, wanted to tell him there was not a single one in her life with whom she has been intimated, but her mind argued "What''s the need? He is not your lover or someone important in your life. Why do you care what he thinks about you?" and, ignoring the soft part of her heart, she stated simply" I have invited them in the wedding."


    She could swear on Saar, she, saw the traces of anger and hatred on Vihaan''s face, but, before she could confirm, she saw him retreating and moving far away from her.


    ...............................................


    Enjoy reading it :)


    Love to all <3

 Chapter 35 - Blast from the past and the big day

    The D day arrived and, the Hall of the Rathore''s Mansion was different from usual days. Gone were the sofas and chairs, and were instead replaced by the sets of semicircle shaped dining table and five chairs covered with blue satin cloth.


    On each dining table, along with the cutlery set, was placed scented napkins and in the middle of the table lay a white wicker basket with white daisies.


    The idea to have the semicircle shaped table was Shanaya''s as she wanted every person present in the hall to have the view of the stage, where Avni and Anubhav were to exchange the ring, without troubling themself.


    The stage was at the far end of the hall and decorated with hanging glass globes with various flowers petals in them.


    The theme of the day was blue and white and, the path from the entrance to the stage covered by white curtains and, chandeliers along, with white flowers enhancing the beauty of it..


    The stairs bathing in the white flowers was enhancing the beauty and, the noontime perfectly showing the arrangements.


    Shanaya had decided to go with the minimal decorations keeping in mind, the time of the event, which was in the noon.


    "It''s beautiful babe" marvelling at her work, standing beside her, wearing a blue suit with a grey shirt and brown shoes, with his hair long hair gelled up backwards, Vansh applauds her hard work.


    Smiling wide in anticipation, Shanaya looked at Vansh and scanning him from toe to head, complimented him" You are looking hot and handsome" but before finishing the sentence on wittiness" for the first time" and giggled lightly.


    Looking with narrowed eyes at her, Vansh roams his hands in his hair and spoke with same wittiness" One of us need to look better."


    Scowling at his response, Shanaya replied" Ofcourse! you need to look better to match with my charms."


    "Look who is talking! the one is roaming around in pants and tee."


    "Just wonder Vanshu baby, how many will have a heart attack once they will see me dressed up prettily."


    Laughing loudly at her reply, Vansh placed his hands on his ?h?st and said while faking the horror expressions "ofcourse! they will die screaming ''witch, witch.''"


    Smiling slightly at the mixture of his insult and joke, Shanaya turned to face him and standing on her toes to match his height, messed his hair with her hand and ran to escape frustrated Vansh but could hear him yelling"No one mess with my Hair, Shana! "


    "I do not come in ''no one'' Vanshu!"


    .......................................................


    "Wow, who is this beautiful chick?" oozing at the descending figure of Shanaya in a satin blue gown, two men in their ''20s in blue attire, standing at the entrance voiced out.


    Standing close to them, in a white shirt in his usual style with folded sleeves, his blue Rolex watch looking worth his value on his right wrist, fitted blue pants displaying his long muscular legs with cheery coloured shoes, his hair gelled up in a neat yet s?xy look, his trimmed beard enhancing his captivating lips and perfect jawline, Vihaan with the aura of dominance, looked at his cousin standing beside him and, turn his attention to their captivator.


    His heart took a beat when he saw the gorgeous Shanaya with her blonde hair moving with her movement, her earrings playing with her ears, her eyes shining with happiness and her face masked with a fascinating smile.


    It was the first time he had seen her in traditional dress and, his mind, along with his heart, knew she was going to steal many hearts. He wished he could see her forever, but, his attention got shifted back to his cousins to found them watching her.


    Clearing his throat to grab their attention, he spoke when they turned their eyes to him" Are you here to look at her? And, what is this word ''chick''?".


    Creating a distance between them, two of them murmured a sorry when they feel getting wrapped by strong arms and heard Vansh''s voice" Isn''t she hot? Want me to introduce to her?"


    Before they could utter a word, he stopped them by saying "Oh, not to forget, she is my best friend."


    It was more than those two could handle and, they left the spot, understanding the hidden threat in Vansh''s words.


    Watching them fleeing, Vihaan chuckled inwardly, but his eyes glued back to Shanaya, and saw her talking with Avni who was looking like a fairy in her offwhite full sleeves, oval-shaped necked backless cotton silk gown with her curly hair tied up in a bun.


    Seated beside Avni was Anubhav whose sherwani was matching Avni''s outfit and was making him look more handsome than normal days.


    Vihaan could not believe his single sister was getting engaged, and before he could turn weak, his gaze moved back to Shanaya, whose laugh was welcoming every bachelor present there.


    His attention was distracted when he saw Saaransh looking like a greek god in his blue suit with a blue shirt, black hair styled up and clean-shaven face making his sharp jawline more visible, patting Vansh''s shoulder and saying" You are good with your words."


    Smiling at his words, Vansh replied: "You know the principle of my life, no messing with my people."


    Humming in response, Saaransh turned his attention to Shanaya and spoke in a lost way" By the way, it was not your cousin''s fault."


    Saaransh was about to say more when he saw Shanaya receiving a call and saw her coming toward them. He does not know about others, but his heartbeat was syncing with her footsteps and, he took a long breath to control his emotions but failed by his luck, he saw Vihaan looking at him with a weird expression.


    "Vanshu yrr I need your help" without looking at Vihaan and Saaransh, Shanaya busy in her phone said with desperation in her voice.


    She lifts her gaze to see Vansh''s expression when she saw him surrounded by Vihaan and Saaransh and, her heart did not go unbeaten at their sights.


    Ignoring them, completely, to not to disturb her thoughts, she spoke without listening to Vansh''s answer" You need to pick one of my friend from the Delhi airport."


    Looking at her with narrowed eyes, Vansh spoke nothing and continued listening to her" Please nh Vanshu, you, are my baby, my sweetheart, my love, my darling."


    Looking at her acting cutely, Saaransh could not stop laughing and, Shanaya''s attention turned to him.


    She could hardly ignore him at such a moment and, she did what she wanted to do from the starting. She openly undresses Saaransh like a pro and said with flirtatious tone" I wish I could have a heart!"


    Taken aback by her response, Vihaan looked at her with shock. He could not believe she was flirting with his best friend in front of him!


    Laughing at her reply, Saaransh took her hand and said seducingly" Why so beautiful girl?"


    Leaning closer to him, in full mood of flirting, Shanaya spoke with warmth and love "I wish to give it to you" and laughed loudly at her own actions.


    "Hahaha" laughing from his heart, Saaransh spoke with same flirtatious tone" You already have it, darling."


    Before she could say more, she felt someone''s heated gaze and, she knew who could it be. Her heart felt like she was cheating on Vihaan by flirting with his best friend, but that was not the case and, she wondered why. Ignoring the warnings given by her heart, she spoke" Let''s have a selfie.


    Posting the picture of her with Saaransh on Instagram, Shanaya once, again, reminds Vansh to go to pick her friend within thirty minutes and, was going back to Avni when she received a notification stating she has a direct message on Instagram and, she stopped dead.


    "Keep away from boys Shana! I am warning you!" was the message from Saar.


    .............................................................................................


    Enjoy reading it :)


    Love to all <3

 Chapter 36 - Pleading

    Riya...Riya, listen to me" asking for the attention of a girl in her ''20s of wheatish skin and mid-length black curly hair wearing denim shorts and white fitted top, Shanaya in her olive-green regular fit solid joggers and white long sleeves tee put her hands on the attractive girl''s shoulder and plead with her eyes the moments their eyes locked "Please do not."


    "What''s going on? Shana tell me what''s all this?" ignoring the curiosity of Vansh in his night-black dress, standing behind her, Shanaya keeps pleading with her eyes to the girl and answered him when she was sure the girl would not tell anything" It''s nothing Vanshu, Riya was just curious about something."


    The girl, Riya, did not utter a single word but, her big beautiful eyes were enough to send the secret message to Shanaya" The discussion was not over."


    "That''s what I am asking Shana, what was it that she wished to tell me about you." with a hint of anger in his voice, Vansh enquired again.


    Five minutes earlier, when he was about to retire for the night, he saw Riya, Shanaya''s friend he was supposed to pick up at the airport, rushing toward him with anger masking her face and stopping in front of him to accuse him" What kind of a best friend you are if you do not even know what''s going in your best friend''s personal life!."


    Before he could understand anything, he saw Shanaya rushing toward them and stopping Riya from saying more..


    Looking at Shanaya, he was surprised to see her state, her face was full of tension, and she was not in her usual chirpy mood. It was his first time to, see, Shanaya pleading with someone and, he knew something was happening for sure in her life, of which he was not aware.


    He came back from past when he heard Shanaya saying with a fake smile" It was nothing Vanshu, she was just trying to prank with you. That''s how she is." and saw her leading Riya toward their room, without wishing him good night and his doubts need no other reasons.


    "Riya, why can''t you understand me!" moving here and there in her room, with her hair resembling a nest due to her constant roaming hands in them, Shanaya looked at Riya sitting at the edge of the bed.


    Scoffing a little, Riya busted "What Shana? That jerk is messaging you and, no one knows about it!"


    "Yes, because he is no more important to me!" shouting at her full level, Shanaya continued" I do not care anymore about him, that''s why I told no one about him!."


    "Swear on me and say you fu?k?n? do not love him!. Your body has his name tattoos and, you are saying he is not important to you!''


    Standing from the bed, Riya moved toward Shanaya and keeping her hands on her shoulders, continue"I know you, Shana, better than anyone, better than Vansh."


    " It was I who saw you crying for him like a mad girl, happy when he would tell you something about him, sad and upset when he would ignore you. It was I, Shana" cupping her face to ??r?ss them, she continues"who would hug you in nights to console you, who had seen your sleepless nights, who had seen you ruining you and your studies for him, you just can''t lie to me."


    Drinking down her tears at her miserable, past, Shana could only say to Riya" I will not ruin myself again, so, just do not tell anyone about it. Please Riya, I promise you, I won''t let him affect me in any way."


    "Please Riya, Avni dee is getting married, I do not want her to get worried over me. She has done a lot for me, Riya. She has taken care of me like a mother, I, can''t let her feel betrayed. Vansh, my vanshu has protected me like a father, friend and brother, I won''t be able to see his shocked face."


    "Shana, I do not think you will be able to do it, even you know it, do not you?" the questions Riya asked her straight went in her heart and, she no longer knew what to say.


    Their eyes met with each other, pleading with each other to understand each other. Seconds passed and, Shanaya withdraws her gaze when she could not face the truth in Riya''s eyes.


    Moving toward her wardrobe, Shanaya pick her handbag, collect earphones and mobile charger from the desk beside her bed and stuffed in it.


    Riya saw her doing all of it silently, but she too knew she had done her best. Saying more would be interfering with her personal life, and Riya knew where to stop.


    "I am going to the office for Dee''s wedding dress. It''s going to be a surprise for her, so no one knows about it." standing with her face toward the door, Shanaya turns the doorknob and continued" I will be back within two hours, so, just keep the door unlocked, no one would disturb you and, you need not worry about anyone."


    Shanaya had opened the door when she heard Riya"I don''t trust this guy Vihaan, he is same as Saar."


    .................................................


    Passing through the corridor of Shana''s office, Vihaan saw her office''s lights switched on and, he look at his watch to saw it striking one in the morning.


    Wondering why she has not returned back to the home, he looks inside to saw Shana with her back toward him, adjusting, the red dress on the mannequin. Seconds later, he opened the office door when he found no response after knocking twice to see her ears covered with earphones.


    Standing with his back supported by the table, he crossed his arms around his ?h?st and focused his attention on her busy figure. He smiled a little when he saw her tapping her right foot in sync with the tone of the music and kept on observing her.


    After an hour, Shanaya bends her neck in all directions to release the stiffness and with a little force squeezed her shoulders. She had just taken her earphones out when she turned her shocked face toward the source of the voice and in the process had almost knocked down the mannequin" Beautiful."


    "What the..." calming her pounding heart, she removes the tiny droplets of sweats formed on her forehead and spoke," What are you doing here?"


    "Admiring your work."


    Looking at him with some suspiciousness with her narrowed eyes, she further enquired" Why did not you knocked?"


    "I did, twice, but you were engrossed in your work, you did not hear it."


    Looking at her watch, she gasped when she saw the time and mutter"Shit, Riya will be angry" and hurriedly start collecting her bag and other things. She looked at Vihaan who was standing at the same position and asked him" What were you doing at this hour?"


    Chuckling at her audacity to ask him, he reduced the distance between them and spoke with an aura of dominance" It''s my company, in case you have forgotten."


    Not getting offended by his comments, she replied" No, I have not forgotten" and continued while looking at him in the eyes" But, the owner too must have some reason if he is in the company at one in the morning."


    Giving no response, he continued challenging her to withdraw her gaze, but he was not amazed when he saw her not withdrawing her gaze and, a mischievous idea struck him.


    He saw the surprise in her eyes and saw her taking a step back when he diminishes the distance between them and the process came to a halt when her back collides with the table and, she had nowhere to escape.


    "Ouch" she winced but, her gaze did not break away.


    Placing his hands on the table around her, caging her in, Vihaan spoke with authority in his voice" No one asks me about my decisions". His eyes moved from her innocent and beautiful eyes to her tempting red lips, causing him to turn his hand in a fist and, with his hard breaths, he ended the sentence"Ms Shanaya."


    Shanaya heart was being crazy would have been an understatement, for she was sure she would die of heart attack if she ever saw him reacting like that again.


    Cursing her heart in her mind for behaving stupid, she gathered her courage and spoke"Good for you, Mr Vihaan" and tried to escape the cage when she heard him asking" What happened with Riya?"


    He saw her looking at him with confusion in her face and spoke again to explain himself" I saw you three talking seriously."


    "In case you have forgotten, I do not share my personal things with just anyone" snapping back at him for making her remember the s?ns?t?v? issue again, Shanaya said irritatingly "And, is this how you talk to everyone?"


    "How, Ms Shanaya?"


    Tired of his plays and his moods, irritated with him for triggering her s?ns?t?v? issue every time, she, could no longer control her emotions.


    Glaring at him, she spoke while pointing the space between them" This is what, I am talking about, Mr Vihaan. Is this how you react with your employee or any girl you came across?"


    "Yes, Ms Shanaya. Do not you know I am a playboy?"


    The thought of him, sharing the intimate space with other girls made her furious and, before she could control her emotions, she blurted out" I do not fu?k?n? care what you are! Do not ever try to cross the limits with me again."


    Pushing him with force, she took her bag and hurried over to the door before her falling tears could be seen by him and said without looking at him" And, I do not fu?k?n? like anyone to see my work without my consent."


    .....................................................


    Enjoy reading it :)


    Love to all <3

 Chapter 37 - No choice

    "Shana, wake up, it''s almost noon" patting Shanaya on her shoulder, Riya in her mustard yellow net gown with a full sleeve top moved toward the mirror and adjusted her light brown curly hair. Picking up the blue accessory box, she opened it to reveal the emerald in square shape and wearing it stood up.


    Scowling at sleeping figure of Shanaya, she spoke loudly" Wake up sleeping beauty. Dee''s Haldi ceremony is going to start soon!".


    "Let me sleep Ri, I slept late." murmuring in her deep sleep, Shanaya covers her face with her duvet and doze off.


    "I did not tell you to work late. Wake up Shana before Dee came enquiring for you" busy in choosing among the perfumes, Riya warned her for the last time.


    The effect it had on Shanaya was worth noticing. With her eyes closed, she sat up on her ??p and opened her eyes to saw the gorgeous Riya standing in front of her. Blinking thrice, She spoke lazily" You are looking beautiful.."


    "Thank you, now get your lazy bum away from the bed. You have just half an hour to get ready."


    Remaining on the bed, Shanaya look at her in a lost daze and whispered:" How can you be so beautiful Ri? Want to marry me?".


    Looking at Shanaya with narrow eyes, Riya spoke while wearing the bracelet" Shana baby, stop making excuses. I have known you for a decade and know it very well what kind of excuses you can make to sleep".


    Emerging out after 20 minutes in her white bathrobe and wet hair, Shanaya applied moisturiser and sitting on the bed, asked Riya" What should I wear?"


    "You have not decided yet!"


    Checking her phone, Shanaya nodded her head in a ''No'' and speak in an explanation when she saw Riya looking at her in disbelief" I had no idea they would invite guests. I thought it would be something normal occasion, so, I would wear anything."


    "Now what?"


    "You do not have any extra dress?"


    Thinking for a minute, Riya smiled devilishly and spoke excitedly" I have!"


    Gaping at her, Shanaya waited for Riya to return and stood up the moment she saw her returning with a yellow dress and said in horror"No, I am not wearing this!"


    Riya spoke while enjoying the show "Shana, do you have a choice?"


    "I am not going to wear this dress. I will wear my jeans and Shirt" looking at the dress in disgust, Shana continued"For god sake, it''s a yellow coloured dress!"


    "Today is the Haldi ceremony, Shana! Ofcourse the dress code would be Yellow."


    ?


    Almost in crying state, Shana lifted the dress laid on the bed and turn it in all direction and notice it was a sleeveless, halter neck kurti reaching her ankle.


    "Trust me it will look great on you Shana" motivating her to wear it, Riya spoke with a smile.


    Looking at her with a sad face, Shana whispered:" I hate yellow".


    Giggling at her, Riya urged her to wear it and waited for her to return.


    "I am not going to wear it! Just look at the neck, it''s so deep!" storming out of the bathroom, Shana in the yellow kurti throw her nightdress on the bed and looked at Riya in anger.


    "Shana, girls, wear this deep neck dresses" calming her, Riya stood up and turning her in all direction, spoke with admiration in her voice" It''s really s?xy! Just look at your back, Shana."


    "Exactly Ri, just look at my back. I am almost feeling half-naked with my half back on view!" looking herself in full view mirror, Shana complained.


    "Oh, come on! " Riya was about to say more when she saw the name inscribed on Shana''s body and, the realization hit her. Looking at her in the mirror, she spoke:" You are worried about the tattoo on your back, isn''t it?"


    With their eyes locked, Shana need not say anything for Riya to understand, and Riya spoke up " We will cover it with dupatta. You need not worry about it."


    ................................................


    Walking alongside each other, Shanaya and Riya passed through the corridor to reach the stairs to descend down in the hall where Avni was seated in yellow skirt with brown dots on it and boat neck sleeveless yellow crop top with a belt of circular diamonds on the neck of it and the tiara on her hair, on a small-sized bed with the background decorated with flowers.


    Taking a small amount of wet Haldi from the vessel, Shanaya applied her on Avni face with a smile on her face and whispered lightly in a teasing tone" Look at your glow! Jiju(brother-in-law) would be fascinated to see such a glowing skin " and, got a smack in return from blushed Avni.


    "Wait for your wedding, Shana" playfully holding Shana''s ear, Avni fake the acts of scolding her.


    "You have pampered her a lot, dee" applying the Haldi on Avni''s cheeks, Riya spoke.


    "Yes, because I do not have someone who can pamper me unlike you" in a tone full of hurt, Shana replied to her.


    "What you mean?" shifting her glance between the two, with confusion spread over her face, Avni enquired.


    Not giving a chance to Riya to speak, Shana spoke:" She is getting married."


    ?


    "What!?"


    Interrupting them, Riya spoke " It''s not like that. My parents choose a guy, and, I found no fault in him."


    "And?" Avni probed her.


    "I said yes to him, but asked for a year to myself. He agreed and, that''s all."


    "Arranged ?um love marriage, hmm" teasing her more, Avni continued" Show me his pic."


    Looking at the handsome man in his ''30s with a light beard, Avni and Shanaya sighed" He is so hot!"


    "Who is Hot?" interrupting them, a man sharing the features of Vihaan and Vansh and looking the same age as Vihaan took Haldi from the vessel shanaya was holding and applied on Avni''s face.


    ...........................................................


    Enjoy reading it :)


    Love to all <3

 Chapter 38 - Secret revealed?

    "Just talking about someone, Keshav" replying to him, Avni looks at Shanaya and Riya and pointing to both of them, spoke, "Keshav meet my friends Shana and Riya."


    Shaking his hand with Shana, Keshav spoke"Nice to meet you, Shana" and did the same thing with Riya.


    Even though he was a handsome man, Shana found him nowhere close to Vihaan or Vansh. She had no idea if she was correct, but she could swear she saw something evil in his eyes.


    She was distracted when she heard Avni asking Riya" What''s his name?" when Keshav went away.


    Before Riya could answer, Shanaya''s phone rang and, she excused after saying" I am sorry, but I have to take this call, it''s a professional call."


    Ascending the stairs to reach the first floor, she saw it crowded and took the stairs for the second floor. Picking the call at the final bell, Shanaya spoke "Good noon, Mr Dhananjay."


    She laughed a little listening to Mr Dhanajay response and replied him back" It''s not like this Mr Dhananjay.. Today is my friend''s Haldi ceremony and, you know how exhausting an Indian marriage make a person."


    Listening to his response, Shanaya notices the stains of Haldi on her right hand and remember how she forgot to wash it. Ending the conversation with "I will inform you within two days, Mr Dhananjay" she ended the call with her left hand and ascended the stairs that led to the third floor.


    Even though she was aware of Vihaan''s room on the second floor, she could not risk using his bathroom, on top of considering the day before yesterday''s incident.


    "I can''t believe myself! How could I say it like this" accusing herself of the incident, she opened the gate of the unoccupied room and moved inside.


    Looking absentmindedly at herself in the mirror, she opens the water tap and tried removing the stain with the help of soap. Struggling for five minutes, she finally gets rid of the stain and clears the basin with the tissue paper. Drying her hand with the towel, she adjusted her hair and finally noticed herself.


    Noticing her eyes in the mirror, she remembered the night incident with Vihaan and wondered why she would get jealous of such an issue. It definitely was not her business how he reacts with others, but she asks herself once again" Am I getting affected by his behaviour?"


    The moment she remembered his touch, she stiffened and saw her cheeks turning tomato red. With her heart beating in anticipation, her body urged her mind to seek his touch and, she put her hands on the basin with a shocked expression." What the fu?k Shanaya! How can you crave for his touch!. He is not a person for me, not good for me. He is a playboy, can easily hurt anyone, and he just wants s?x from the opposite gender."


    Consoling her body and heart, she again opened the tap and, splash the water on her face. Continuing it for two to three minutes, she closed the tap and drying it partially, turn toward the exit gate when she bumped into someone and, she shrieked out" What the.."


    Her right cheek was pressed on the person''s ?h?st, listening to the heartbeats and she need not see the other person to recognise him when his right hand was already at her upper back to support her from falling and left-hand snaked around her waist.


    She did not look at Vihaan when she heard him asking" Are you okay?", but instead get away from him and nodded her head when she was at an appropriate distance.


    "I had no idea you were here" looking at her properly in her flushed cheeks, Vihaan gave the explanation to prevent any kind of misunderstanding.


    "I came to wash my hand after applying Haldi on Dee" speaking, Shanaya looked at him properly for the first time since their encounter in his yellow kurta and, her mind speak to her"Damn! How can he look so good in everything he wears."


    "Same with me" talking normally, he moves away a little to give the path to her to exit, when he remembered something and said to her," I think I mistakenly applied Haldi on your upper back while saving you from falling."


    Without saying anything to him, she moved back to the basin and tying her open hair in the messy bun, turned her back in the direction of the mirror. Surely enough, she saw the stain on the left side of her back and turned her back toward Vihaan, to pick tissue papers.


    Standing at the entrance, Vihaan saw her turning toward the mirror from her left side and keep on watching her attempts to remove it.


    Without his consent, perverted thoughts came to his mind and, his eyes moved from her left side of the upper back to the right, but gone were those thoughts the moment he noticed something inked there.


    Busy removing the stain, Shanaya did not notice him approaching her and, turned herself at vampire speed meanwhile bumping her back on the basin base, when she heard him saying" You have his name engraved on your skin" and, saw him looking at her with expressionless eyes and face.


    .....................................................


    Finally, Vihaan saw the name of "Saar" engraved on her skin! I wonder how will he reacts, considering his infatuation for Shana!


    Also, Riya is getting married within a year. Do you think it will happen? No one knows what''s gonna happen in future!


    ..................................


    Enjoy reading it :)


    Love to all <3

 Chapter 39 - Future

    The silence freezing the washroom was more horrible than some harsh words to Shanaya at that moment. Looking at Vihaan, who, was looking at her with no expressions and yet full of expressions was terrifying her.


    She back away a little when she saw Vihaan closing the distance between them and stop breathing when he caged her in his signature style.


    "I will ask again, Who is Saar?" with determination and a sense of ownership in his voice, Vihaan tried his best to ask as calmly as possible, his eyes gazing her right side neck fully in view of him due to Shanaya''s act of turning her face toward her left.


    But, he felt it hard to be calm. Not, after witnessing someone''s name on her skin.


    He heard his mind taunting" It''s none of your business. She can do whatever she wants. She can choose to write anyone''s name on her skin. Who are you to ask her?" but, he simply ignored it. .


    Shanaya had never thought she would encounter a person whose closeness would affect her at that rate. She was fully aware he had no right to ask her anything related to her personal life and, she need not tell him anything, yet, she felt the tension in the atmosphere and knew there was a bond between them that was above all that.


    She knew she had to say something to him.


    "You need not know" gulping down the fear, Shanaya spoke.


    Closing his eyes for a minute, Vihaan opened them and look at her who had turned her face straight, with no traces of anger in them. Speaking as calmly he can, he spoke, once again" Do I know him?"


    Confused by his demeanour, Shanaya kept looking at him, giving no care to anything. She knew he was referring to Saaransh at that time and, it was necessary to clear the situation.


    Replying with a single word"No", she passed through him and collecting her dupatta from the bed of the room, exit the room.


    "Hello, Shanaya" grabbing her attention, Keshav spoke.


    "Ohh, hello" with a surprise in her voice, Shanaya replied, even though her body was telling her to stay away from him.


    There was something off in Keshav and, Shanaya''s body and heart could feel it.


    "I think you are a magician, Ms Shanaya" blocking her path in the first-floor corridor, Keshav spoke in sarcasm with his evil eyes all over her.


    Shanaya was knowledgeable enough to understand his intentions, and in an attempt to get away from him as soon as possible, she faked the smile and spoke:" It''s an honour" and, tried to sneak past him when she heard him saying"I was noticing how well you have settled yourself with this family" and, she turned herself to face him.


    Passing a mysterious smile, she closed the distance between them and spoke with a charm and an attitude she always had" Should I take it as a compliment, Mr Keshav?"


    Far away from them, Vansh was ordering the helpers when he noticed Shanaya with Keshav and without wasting a second, moved toward them at a fast pace.


    Interrupting the dangerous silence, Vansh spoke:" Hey Keshav bro, can you please help me?" and looked at Shanaya to see any kind of distress on her face.


    Vansh saw Keshav passing a knowingly smile at Shanaya and heard him saying "Sure bro".


    "Do not get involved with him in any way, Shana" was the first words Vansh spoke to her as soon as they were left alone.


    Looking at him, Shanaya probed "Why?"


    Glancing at Keshav''s disappearing figure, Vansh leaned on the corridor stone railing and spoke with a warning" He is not like us, Shana. He is evil, dangerous and does not give a damn what people think of him."


    ...................................................


    Lying on her right side on her bed, Shanaya''s eyes fluttered showing the sign of her awareness of the surrounding, but deep inside, she was recalling, the incident in the Washroom.


    The scene of them together, his eyes boring into her, their shared breaths was troubling her mind with her heart and, she tossed and turned to her left side.


    "Trouble in sleeping?" looking at her forcefully closed eyes and furrowed brows, Riya enquired.


    Opening her eyes to look at enquiring expressions in her eyes, Shanaya whispered:" No, just thinking something."


    Lying idle with her open eyes, Shanaya kept looking at nowhere particular, when she asked in a low voice" Do you think someone can actually love me?"


    Passing an encouraging smile, Riya put her phone down and spoke looking at her"Yes, in fact, he will consider himself lucky to have feelings for you, your devotion and loyalty is the best trait."


    Smiling at her attempt to encourage her, Shanaya changed the direction of the topic by asking" What about you? You really like Zarun?"


    Taking a deep breath, Riya spoke the truth" Right now we are in the phase of knowing each other. Yes, I like him but not in the way a girl should love a boy. I have a year for my feelings to develop, let''s, see what happens in the future."


    "Ahmed chacha(uncle) choose him?"


    Shaking her neck in denial, Riya replied to her"No, he liked Sammer, the other proposal and thought we would be comfortable with each other due to our religion, but I did not like him."


    "hmm, let''s wait and watch what the future has for us" ending the conversation, they wished good night to each other and doze off.


    ....................................................................


    Enjoy reading it :)


    Love to all <3


    PS: Hey guys, thank you for loving my story and supporting me. I have a surprise for you tomorrow, so, stay tuned and enjoy my book.

 Chapter 40 - Conspiracy?

    Wishing everyone good morning and avoiding gaze from two people- Vihaan and Keshav, Shanaya took her seat on the breakfast table, opposite to Vihaan, left to Riya and right to Vansh.


    Sitting down, she noticed Avni and Saaransh were not present and, she remembers Avni has gone out with Anubhav and Saaransh to his work.


    Saaransh has been taking the cases that he could solve in Delhi, instead of Mumbad, but most of the time he was out.


    Shanaya never told this to anyone, but, she found Saaransh interesting. Interesting, in a professional way.


    She liked his seriousness for his work, his dedication to his family, not that she had seen but, she had listened to it from Anubhav many times.


    And, not to forget his friendship.


    She had not seen it but has felt his dedication for Vihaan, many times. For some, Saaransh was a jolly person, but, Shanaya knew, he was a reserved person who never told anyone his pain, maybe, except to Vihaan..


    She never knew how she knew it, but, maybe suffering from pain had made her feel connected with other''s pain.


    Coming out of her ''deep in thinking'' state, and, not daring to look at Vihaan, she kept her eyes low and passed the salt to Riya in the same way. Her idea of eating in silence and without any problems got disturbed when she heard Shiv Rathore " We all are on the breakfast table after so many days."


    "Yes, we finally got the break for two days" replying to him, Mrs Shakti Rathore spoke.


    "Yes, it feels good to be here, after such a long time," answered Mr Surya Rathore.


    Shanay did not pay much attention to anyone. She was busy eating when she lifts her eyes to look at her surrounding.


    Directing his attention toward Keshav who was seated along with Vihaan, Shiv Rathore continued"Keshav, how''s the thing in your city?"


    "They are good chachu(younger uncle). We are preparing for the election going to be held after six months." drinking the orange juice, Keshav replied with pride in his voice.


    Amazed by it, Shanaya noticed there was a tension in between Keshav and Vihaan and, both of them were trying to act normal.


    She immediately withdraws her gaze when she found Vihaan looking at her and found his gaze going to her shoulder. She need not any extra kind of information to know he was thinking about the tattoo on her back.


    Eating her breakfast as fast as she can, she choked when she heard Shiv Rathore addressing to her" Shana, have you sign any contract?"


    Drinking water, she tried to stop embarrassing herself in front of everyone and spoke with a forced smile" No uncle. But, I am thinking of signing Mr Dhananjay''s contract."


    "Dhananjay, hmm, he is a good businessman but be attentive while being with him" speaking for the first time, Surya Rathore advised her.


    Seeing her confused face, Vansh leans toward her and whispered in her ears" He means to say he is a womanizer."


    "Oh" surprised in her voice, Shanaya could only speak this much.


    "Why do not you collaborate with us?" taking everyone in surprise, Keshav spoke.


    He continued to explain, ignoring Vihaan''s gaze at him" I have come in the business world with one of my friends, and, as far as I know, you are an emerging fashion designer, so why not merge with us? I would be happy to be your partner."


    Keeping the formality between them, Shanaya spoke"Thank you for your consideration, I will think about it" but, deep down she was sure she would never think about it.


    Their attention was distracted by the ringing of Vihaan''s phone and, he picked up at once" Yes, Erina".


    Listening to her attentively, while having his breakfast, he spoke after two minutes" Tell him I will send the proposal within a day" and hang up the phone with tension all over his face.


    "Everything good?" Shiv Rathore asked in concern.


    "Yes uncle, just Singhania deal. He wants me to be his business partner but wants it to play safe." speaking casually, he finished his meal and stood up to leave when he heard Shiv" Singhania deal is about merging with a fashion designer, right?"


    "As far as I can understand, you do not know which fashion designing company will be worth your proposal, right?" speaking as if he already has an answer, Shiv asked him with a mysterious smile.


    No one might have understood the mysterious smile, but being a businessman, it was as simple as understanding the ABC for Vihaan.


    Standing at the back of his chair, thinking while looking at Shanaya for a minute, he inwardly smiled and spoke after much consideration" Yes, uncle."


    It was exactly what Shiv Rathore wanted to hear and, he suggested the name as soon as he heard Vihaan''s reply" Why do not you consider Shanaya for this deal."


    Shanaya coughed hard and, interrupt them without wasting a second"Oh no uncle. I am not good enough to work with your company".


    Just the thought of working with "Rathore & son" had made her panic and nervous. She was aware of the importance of being a part of it, but she had never collaborated with an organisation of such a top-level. She liked doing work in her own way and was happy and content with the fame she already had.


    "Oh come on Shana bcche, I have seen your work and, I find it good. You have the capability to be a part of it. Yes, you will have to work hard to maintain the pace with us, but, I am sure you will be able to with your dedication." motivating her, Shiv turned his attention to standing Vihaan and asked him" What say Vihaan?"


    Looking at Shanaya who was sitting with her face down, he spoke"As you wish, Uncle" and saw the shocked face of Shanaya looking at him.


    Walking away from them, he genuinely smiled after such a long time and say to himself"Welcome to my World, Shana".


    ...................................................


    Enjoy reading it :)


    Love to all <3


    PS: Santa Claus is on the way to deliver 3 chapters!!! Merry Christmas, lovely readers<3>3

 Chapter 41 - He cares for me?

    "Vanshu, Are you, going to the market?" with her teeth closed, Shanaya words come out as a hiss.


    Looking at Vansh with puppy eyes and frowned expressions, Shanaya was looking cuter than a cute dog.


    Not like they could be compared in any way.


    Looking at her with his furrowed brows, Vansh took a second to speak" Yes, but why are you hissing?"


    "I am not hissing" replying, she winced in pain and placed her hand gently on her right cheek. With her half-opened eyes, she looked at Vansh and spoke slowly" Wisdom teeth issue."


    Opening her mouth a little, she fanned it with her hand and spoke when the pain reduced" I need cloves."


    "Ohh! again? I can''t believe it has been almost a decade since you started having these issues." taking advantage of her inability to speak, Vansh tried to make fun of her but stopped when saw her glaring daggers at him. .


    "What? I am just saying." shrugging his shoulder, Vansh saw Shanyaa trying to intimidate her by glaring at him.


    Not like it was going to happen.


    "I know you well, so I exactly know what you meant by it." speaking with teeth closed, Shanaya voiced out which came out to be nothing more than a hiss.


    "Oh yes, I wanted to ask you about the proposal. Have you thought about it?" changing the topic, Vansh asked him with seriousness in his voice.


    Nodding her neck in a yes, she spoke slightly" hmm, I informed dad I would not be able to visit them this year. "


    "He must be furious."


    "Yup, very. But, I told him I am busy with my work, so, I guess he would understand it."


    ........................................


    Sitting on the bed, Vihaan, wearing a blue tee and denim shorts and frames on his eyes was going through the mails when he got reminded by the reminder to inform Shanaya to order for the flowers, for decorations.


    He very well knew those two days were going to pass in a blink with Mehendi and Sangeet ceremony to be due.


    Vihaan stood up from his bed when his eyes fell on the file kept on the table and, he forwards his hand toward it.


    Picking it up, he read the content of it and, a mysterious smile took place on his face.


    Searching for Shanaya, he reached Avni''s room and found her sitting with Avni. He saw Avni speaking to her, but to his utter surprise, Shanaya was silent and was just nodding her head, and knocked on the door to make them feel his presence.


    He was going to remind Shanaya when he was stopped by the exclaiming Avni "Wow, you both are, matched today. You both are wearing White dresses".


    Aware of this fact, Vihaan did not react knowingly and, look at Shanaya and saw her looking at herself and then at him as if to check Avni''s statement.


    Clearing his throat, he spoke when he saw Shanaya looking at him" You have to order for the flowers today, visit "Pink Petals Floral Design" and, order, anything that is best according to you.


    Again, he saw her nodding and, the curiosity in him arose. Handling the file to her, he speaks in explanation after noticing her confused glances" This is the agreement between you and I. Sign it if you are ready to work with us."


    "Okay" was all Shanaya could speak.


    Vihaan was about to say more when he noticed the bandage on her right thumb and, his expression changed from normal to worried. He spoke with concern in his voice" What happened to you?" and regretted it immediately when he saw Shanaya looking at her with a different expression.


    "Nothing, just hurt myself" speaking more than a word for the first time, Shanaya withdraw her eyes from him, her heart beating furiously on noticing his care for her.


    "He cares for me" full of joy, her heart transfers it to the mind, but the mind cut it down, in the same manner, a blade cuts down the thread in a single attempt by speaking" He is simply asking you as a human. Do not think more of his actions." and all the joy vanished from her face.


    ...........................................................


    Waking up in the morning, Shanaya opened her Instagram and checked the notification of the photo she had shared the day before.


    Replying back to the comments and messages, she kept her phone down and glanced around the room to find her alone and wonder where Riya could go so early.


    She immediately remembers Riya telling her in the night about her date with Zarun and, she cursed herself for waking up late and missing the golden opportunity to tease Riya.


    Taking a quick shower, she reached in the almost fully decorated hall of the mansion and saw others taking their seats on the dining table.


    Having a seat beside Vihaan was making her uncomfortable, but, she was glad to be seated on the right of Saaransh on the other hand.


    In the matter of time, she had become comfortable with Saransh, in the same manner, she had been with Avni and Vansh.


    Ignoring Vihaan''s intoxicating and masculine smell, she tried to close her nose and sat down comfortably, but her heart starts racing when she saw Vihaan looking at her and, she could swear he smirked.


    Distracting her from his thoughts, saying good morning to Senior Rathore''s and others except for Vihaan, she was chatting with Saaransh when she came to know Avni too had gone out with Anubhav for some important occasion and, Keshav had gone with her.


    She was glad to not to share the space with Keshav and was deep in her thoughts when she was informed along with Vansh, Saaransh and Vihaan by Senior Rathore of their planning to visit the temple to wish for Avni''s wedding.


    Hours passed and having no work to do she was sitting silently meanwhile Saaransh and Vansh were discussing when they were interrupted by Vihaan who yelled from his room " Vansh!!!!!".


    Before the three could understand what had happened, they saw Vihaan coming into the hall, fuming with anger.


    ..............................


    Enjoy reading it :)


    Love to all <3


    Merry Christmas everyone <3

 Chapter 42 - You are just a guest!?

    Vihaan eyes were blaring with anger, but he was trying to control it, his hands were closed in the fist and, was taking long breathes to calm himself.


    Vansh who could not understand the reason behind Vihaan''s unexpected behaviour stood up from his seat and asked on reaching closer to him " What happened, bro??? "


    Vihaan did not look at Vansh but closed his eyes to calm his anger. He had hardly shouted at Vansh in his life, and, he did not want to show his anger to him, but he was finding it difficult to control himself at that moment.


    Trying hard to control his anger, he asked:" You ordered the flowers I have asked Miss Sanaya?"


    At the mention of her name, Shanaya, who was looking at, Vansh turned her face to look at Vihaan and saw him looking at Vansh.


    Vansh replied with furrowed brows in confusion, "Yes, but why?"..


    Gritting his teeth so that he can not shout at Shanaya, Vihaan looks at her for a second and turned his attention at Vansh to ask again " She told you the details?".


    Getting more confused, Vansh again replied, " Yes, she texted me the details, but bro can you tell me what has happened??".


    Vihaan who was still trying to calm himself could no longer control himself and shouted at Vansh" And you did not care to fill the information correctly, you did not have the time to check it first!".


    The entire mansion became the witness of the shocked expression on the face of Vansh who looked at Vihaan for a minute in disbelief.


    He could not even realize his elder brother had just shouted at him in his numbness.


    Vansh was not alone to be shocked, Shanaya and Saaransh could not believe they were witnessing it. They both knew how much Vansh matter to Vihaan and have never seen Vihaan raising his voice, let alone shouting at him.


    Cursing himself inwardly, Vihaan closed his eyes in disbelief and bite his lips. He had raised his voice on Vansh and, he knew nothing could revert it.


    At that moment, he hated no one more than he hates himself.


    Vansh voice which had not recovered from the shock, broke the awkward and hurtful silence" I have exactly filled what she has texted me, I had double-checked it before ordering".


    Not having the courage to look directly at Vansh, Vihaan spoke "I told her to order from "Pink Petals Floral Design" but, instead, you order from our biggest rival (Royalty)'' s branch "Pink Petal Floral Design!"


    Meanwhile, trying to keep his volume down.


    Taking out her phone, Shanaya immediately checked the text she had sent to Vansh and cursed herself after finding she had sent the wrong text to Vansh.


    But, looking at Vansh who was being wrong because of her she spoke up after gathering the courage with difficulty " I am sorry, I texted him wrong in the first place. I had written "Petal" but autocorrect option pop up and, then I select "Petals" not knowing that they are names of different shops".


    "Miss Sanaya, I am talking to my brother right now, and, I do not want anyone to interrupt me. Is that clear!?" yelling at his full voice, having no more control over his action, Vihaan glared at Shanaya.


    Taken aback by his behaviour, Shanaya''s heart gets filled with fear and, she could not dare to look in his eyes. Gone was the confident Shanaya who could speak anything to him and was replaced by a fearful Shanaya who was guilty.


    Trying to make Vihaan understand the situation, she spoke with a weak but firm voice" I am not interrupting your so-called conversation with your dear brother, I just told you what had happened".


    "I am not interested in knowing what has happened, Miss Shanaya. And as I said earlier, I do not want to listen to others while I am talking to my people" glaring at her for interrupting him, again, Vihaan spoke up in anger emphasizing the word "Others" and "My".


    Shanaya had never heard any harsh things from anyone and listening to Vihaan, whom she thought she had come to know was shocking and hurtful at the same time.


    Deep down, she was hurt, but, she had no right to even say she was being wronged. They had no connection or relationship with each other, but she also knew it was wrong to just shout at anyone.


    Getting angry at him for his harsh and hateful words, she wanted to yell back at him but, the pain in her mouth was restraining her from doing.


    But, she needed to take out whatever was building inside her and, she did exactly that " I am neither interested in becoming your person in any way nor, I am interested in having any conversation with you."


    "But Vansh is my best friend and, I can not let anyone yell at him for no issue at all. If he is listening to you just because you are elder to him does not mean you can yell at him for no reason and can show your superiority".


    Vihaan''s blood boils at her words and, he knew no longer what was making him angrier." He shares blood with me and blood is more important than mere friendship and never ever interrupt me while I am talking with any person that belongs to my family" spatting at her, he looked at her with pure hate.


    "Vihaan", "Bro" he immediately heard the calling from Saaransh and Vansh respectively, but he ignored them and continued looking at Shanaya and saw her not backing away.


    Looking carefully at her, he could see her hurt expressions, but, he was too much in anger he did nothing.


    He neither soften himself nor stopped himself from insulting her further by saying " And if you are so sorry, why do not you keep your mind on your work instead of talking with others and flirting with them? "


    "Why do you keep forgetting that you are here as a professional worker first and guest later and, professionals do not commit mistakes! And, why do you keep forgetting that even if you are here as a guest, guest does not have the authority to come in between family issues!".


    Shanaya was too numb to speak anything and, before Vihaan could speak more, Vansh spoke up with controlled anger so that he does not disrespect Vihaan who was elder to him.


    " She is my person and, in case you have forgotten she was invited by Dii and I and, I cannot let you insult her like this".


    Moving back toward her, he took her hand and spoke without looking at Vihaan" May I take the leave, if you finished talking?"


    ...............................................


    Love to all <3


    Merry Christmas <3 <3

 Chapter 43 - Big brother

    Vansh was sitting at the edge of the bed in his partially lit room, with no expressions on his face when he glanced up to the entrance of his bedroom on hearing footsteps and saw Vihaan leaning on the door and looking at him with care, love, and guilt. Vansh stood up and asked, "Need something, brother".


    The change in the expressions of Vihaan said it all for, he, had not missed the word "Brother".Since childhood, Vansh had always had called him "Bro", but whenever he would get angry with him he would call Vihaan "Brother".


    With the calculated steps, Vihaan moved toward him and taking his hand, forced him lightly to sit with him in the bed and asked politely " Angry with me?".


    When he did not get any response from Vansh''s side, he smiled internally. ''He and his silent torture'' thinking to himself, he continued" Fine, you do not want to talk to me, do not, but I am sure you can forgive your big brother, isn''t it?".


    It took no less than a second for Vansh to realise Vihaan was emotionally blackmailing him. It was hard for him to ignore him when he had personally visited him even after being a busy person.


    He did not want to insult him by not acknowledging him and replied back "For what?"..


    "Ohh!!! So you are talking now" saying this Vihaan placed his left arm on his shoulder like an elder does in love or to show that they are always for the younger ones.


    He continued " I am sorry for showing you my anger, I just lost my control. You know how I always wanted to do everything perfectly for Di''s wedding and, I could not just tolerate the fact that something happened wrong and beside this, I do not want you to do anything wrong by trusting someone. "


    " In near future, you are going to join business so you must know how to handle all these things, you should know whom you are ordering, who you are trusting, whom you are contacting".


    "She is the person I trust, bro" Vansh replied back immediately to him. He knew he was younger and Vihaan had the right to scold him, but the way he had behaved was not the right one.


    He was ready to do anything for Vihaan, was ready to get scolded, but deep down, it hurt him. It was the first time since his high school when Vihaan had scolded him.


    And, he did not like how he insults Shanaya, She had been her best friend for four years and, they both knew what they were for each other, he could not forgive the time when she with him when no one was with him.


    "I am not saying not to trust her. I am sure she must be a trustworthy person since you and, Di both trust her and, in fact, because of your trust only I have proposed her for the business deal."


    "But what I am saying is, you can be the perfect boss only when you double-check what you are going to do and, I do not want anyone to say that you are not the perfect boss. I want you to be better than me in every way possible," trying his best to apologize, Vihaan tried to make him understood in a very polite and loving way.


    Vansh who was listening to him patiently said: "I got it bro, but please do not behave like that anymore with her, I cannot let anyone do like that with her, you know what friends are for me, what sister is for me, and she is both for me, I am not angry with you I am just hurt that you insult her even knowing that what she is for me".


    Closing his mouth shut, Vihaan remembers the hurt he has seen on Shanaya''s face and, he acknowledged he had done wrong, he must not have said all that to her but, he does not know how all those words came out of his mouth.


    He never wanted to insult her, to hurt her, but he just lost control of himself when he saw her with Saransh, laughing with him. He did not know what happened with him, but he was sure he did not like her with Saaransh.


    Ignoring all the thought that was coming in his mind, he spoke up " I was just angry and, all the anger came out on you and her".


    He got disturbed when Vansh said the words " Then you should say sorry to her too".


    Looking at Vihaan''s disturbed expression, Vansh spoke up in a shock" What??? Do not tell me you had not thought about apologizing to her!!!!".


    Not replying back to Vansh, he stood up and after patting Vansh shoulder for a second leave his room, leaving Vansh in the silent and disturbed mood.


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    Enjoy reading it :)


    Love to all <3

 Chapter 44 - Diplomatic?

    Shanaya was sitting on the side of the swimming pool, feeling the coldness of the water on her legs, with her eyes closed.


    Her Black pant was folded up to her knees and, her legs were in the water till her knees and, her hands sprayed on the floor in the backside direction.


    Her head was displaying the images of what has happened a few hours ago, again and again, and she felt getting trapped in those hurtful images, again and again.


    Standing at a few distances away from her with the support of the wall, Saaransh was watching her for the last five minutes.


    When he could no longer just stand and watch her pain, he moved toward her and sat down beside her.


    Shanaya opened her eyes on hearing footstep approaching near her and find Saransh sitting beside her. Smiling at him, she continues sitting there in silence.


    Saaransh was the one to break the silence by saying " Do not think that I did not oblige you of not coming to you, I have come here after 2 hours" and heard the melody he always wanted to hear, he saw Shanaya laughing happily and saying, "It''s okay, I am fine now". .


    "He should not have said all that. I am sorry from his side, you know how he is, he just lost his temper when he came to know about the situation, but I know he should not have behaved how he did" saying this he looked up at her whose expressions were unreadable at the moment.


    "I wonder why you are saying sorry!! It''s not like you have done something wrong and please do not worry, I am okay" not showing her pain, Shanaya lightly smiled.


    Saaransh was not naive to accept her lies, he, was a lawyer, and his observations and the ability to find the hidden truths was the reason he was famous.


    Reading her carefully, he spoke " I am sorry because he is my best friend and thus it''s my responsibility to apologize for his wrongdoing. I know it was right for him to apologize, but we all know how he is. Besides, I am sure you know how possessive he is for his members of the family and we can not forget about Di''s work and wedding and all the stress and tension he is going because of all this."


    She laughed in amazement and spoke when she saw him looking at her with the confused expressions at her behaviour: "You are such a diplomatic person, Saaransh.'' Leaving a sigh, she continued" He is lucky to have you as his best friend."


    Hearing, he chuckled and on leaning closer to her said " What to do??? I guess being Lawyer and a businessman makes you like this".


    "You are a businessman!" with her eyes opened in shock, she exclaimed and looked at him.


    Winking at her he said, " Yes mam, I am!!! Business is my side profession and, I love being Lawyer".


    He saw her lips forming "Wow" and noticed her eyebrows standing up in an arc position.


    "You seems impressed," he spoke, his eyes wandering at nothing in particular.


    Shanaya turned her face in his direction and wondered " How do you know that??".


    Saaransh turned his gaze to her and said: " Your eyebrows make an arc whenever you seem impressed".


    ?


    "You are making me surprised and impressed, again and again, today," she said and saw him chuckling.


    Smiling a little, Saaransh spoke his heart out" Shana, do not think of breaking the contract with Rathore''s company. I know it would be hard for you to handle Vihaan, but one should be careful and m?tur? enough to differentiate between personal and professional life."


    ?


    Nodding her head a little, lost in her own world, Shanaya spoke " I will think about it" and turning her head toward him, spoke with a smile" Thank you for caring for me."


    Saaransh expressions suddenly turned serious and, he whispered: " Well, I have something to confess."


    Noticing she has turned attentive and was waiting for him to continue he said " I overheard your conversation about the boy name "Saar" on my first day here."


    He immediately spoke when he saw her shocked but, betrayed face " It was not my intention to hear, I just happen to listen".


    Shanaya who seemed frozen on hearing his name remained silent for a second and then smiled lightly at him and said " Well, it''s okay since you are my friend" but saw him looking at her for more.


    Giving a smile that was not actually a smile, she spoke" He is my ex-boyfriend or, you can say, my only boyfriend. We met on social sites and, you know how we should not fall in love with the person or believe the person we met on social sites before meeting them so, my feeling for him was normal, nothing extraordinary. We planned to meet but before we could meet we broke up due to some reasons and then I started falling in love with him".


    With his full attention on her, Saaransh noticed how her cheeks blushed at the mere mention of him, how her heart beat faster, how excited she seemed to talk about him, but he also could not ignore the pain in her voice and eyes.


    Trying to lighten the atmosphere, Saarnash chuckled " You just gave me the teaser, when are you going to show me the full movie."


    "Later" was all she could speak to prevent herself from crying.


    Nodding he said, " I want that later to come soon".


    Without having any idea of Vihaan who was standing a few feet away from them, they continued talking and laughing.


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    Love to all <3

 Chapter 45 - Music

    Sitting at the partially illuminated corner of the terrace in his night-black pants and no shirt and the glass of whisky in his lift hand, Vihaan looked absentmindedly at the busy, illuminating but noisy and polluted Delhi. The pollution covered sky had no stars, or the human eye of Vihaan could not see the hiding stars.


    He thought of the awkwardness present between Vansh and him even though he has apologized to him. The chain of thoughts lead him to Shanaya and, deep down he felt bad, bad for shouting at her, for making her hurt, for making her feel uncomfortable, but his mind did not let him go deep in guilt.


    His mind spoke immediately to him"I am not wrong. She did the mistake and, it was not I who told her to speak in between us."


    He abruptly looked to his left when he heard some footsteps and, soon enough, a feminine figure busy in her own world emerged. His breaths stopped, he, was not expecting someone on his favourite and hiding place.


    The figure seemed not to notice him, as he could see her back to him and saw her going to the other side of the terrace, but close enough to listen to her. He noticed her standing facing him with the support of the wall and her middle- length honey brown hair dancing in the air, her toned white legs on display in her denim shorts, and her grey v neck T-shirt complimenting her skin tone. .


    Having no clue of Vihaan sitting at a few distances away from him, Shanaya spoke to the other person on the phone"Dad, why are you keen on marrying me, I am just 26."


    She listened to her Dad" I am not forcing you to marry, but I want you to have a happy life. At least tell me if you have a boyfriend, child!"


    "Dad, I am happy and, I do not need a husband to be happy if I am not! And, I have no boyfri.." but she stopped with a shock when she noticed a figure sitting at a few distances away from her. It was her favourite and hiding place, and, she was not expecting anyone.


    Her heart beat furiously on sighting him shirtless and, she averts her gaze with a sudden force when her eyes met his. She could feel the blood rushing to her neck and cheeks and, she thank the darkness for preventing him, to see, his effect on her.


    "Dad, I will talk you later" hanging up the phone, she hurriedly moved toward the exit when she noticed the whiskey glass in his hand and a feeling she could not understand erupted deep inside her.


    Vihaan seemed to notice the loathing in her eyes, for he looked at her and then at his glass. But, he did not keep it away. Forcing her to see him by locking her eyes with his intense gaze, he drank the content of it and chuckled when he saw her darting away from him.


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    The days had passed in a hurry, and it was already Avni''s sangeet(dance-music-singing) ceremony. All the relatives who were already residing in the guest house and others who were not able to attend other functions were present and, were, busy chatting and gossiping with each other. Since the wedding was not a destination one, Abhinav''s family was not with them.


    It was eight in the evening and everyone, be it, elder or children, was excited for it to begin.


    They were gathered in the hall of the Guest House, but, the interior of the Guest House was different, there were no longer the sofas, and, the table, instead, the mattresses were placed, on the floor and, everyone was sitting on them. There were few sofa chairs for all those who were elder and had the problem in sitting downside.


    There were around hundreds of people, but they were all closed ones. Rathore family had decided all the family functions would be attended by their relatives only and, the VIP''s and their business partners would be invited to the Reception.


    Dim lights and laser lights were enhancing the beauty of the already decorated hall with flowers and lamps.


    They had decided to take all the vases away to prevent them from falling while dancing, only the walls of the hall were the same as they were before, all the paintings were hanging on the wall, decorated with the flowers, stairs were looking beautiful.


    Children were running and playing with each other. Some were rehearsing for the dance.


    Elders were telling tales about their marriage and, few of the young ones who were listening to them were teasing and laughing at their funny moments.


    Suddenly, their attention shifted to Vihaan, who was looking breathtaking in a Black kurta with pyjama (Indian dress)without any jacket and heard him announcing the beginning of the function.


    Vihaan was looking like hot among them, Black colour emphasising his hotness and handsome features. Saransh was looking handsome and s?xy and, Vansh ofcourse was looking cute and Handsome.


    Everyone was looking at their best.


    Sitting on the sofa in the Vansh room which, was her at the moment, busy in her phone, Shanaya in her silver lehenga with a necklace set was looking regal.


    She had no makeup, but a hint of a moisturizer and red lipstick was enough to make her look hot. An inch of her waist was on display, but, her hair had covered her backless blouse.


    She looked up when she heard the footsteps and saw Vansh entering the room. She smiled at him and saw him sitting at the edge of the bed.


    "What are you doing here when all are present in the hall?" admiring her beauty with a genuine interest, Vansh questioned.


    "Oh, nothing. I was going to come soon" answering without looking at him, she, kept on tapping on the phone.


    She might have said it, but her heart knew the truth.


    "Is it about the music?" with his keen eyes, Vansh stood up and sat down on the arm of the sofa in which Shanaya was sitting.


    ...............................................................................................


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    Love to all <3

 Chapter 46 - Music and Dance

    Keeping his hands on her shoulder, Vansh murmured with care" Love, you, have to solve this issue. Till when are you going to avoid the music? Music is a basic part of everyone''s life, you, just can''t tell the other one to stop listening to it or can ask the other one to stop playing it."


    "I am trying, Vanshu" with a defeated tone, Shanaya looked at Vansh with a broken gaze and hugged him.


    Patting her, Vansh spoke" I know, Shana. But you have to move on from this issue. It''s just in your mind and heart, it''s, in your mind to relate every song to your breakup phase. I know it''s because all you did in your breakup phase was to listen to music 24*7, but you have to leave that phase behind, to actually, enjoy your life."


    "I am enjoying my life" interrupting him, Shanaya defended herself.


    "By sitting here alone?" with a touch of sarcasm in his tone, Vansh enquired.


    Defeated, she stood up and taking his arm, lead to the exit gate..


    Reaching the venue, she admired the work her employees had done and made a point to praise them once she would be free. She saw Avni surrounded by her cousins and spoke to Vansh" Dee is looking beyond any words, isn''t it?"


    Avni had slain the look with an ivory and gold lehenga with a generous dose of embellishments and elaborate gold jewellery.


    "Where were you!? I was looking for you, Shana" as soon as Shanaya met Avni, Avni bombarded the questions, and her questions did not stop there. She continued" Where is Riya? I can''t see her too! God, where the hell were you girls leaving me alone!".


    Laughing at her, Shana spoke while hugging her" You are looking beautiful dee" and continued"I was in my room because of some work and Riya is on a date with her fiance, but she will be here soon."


    Avni made her sit beside her and heard Shanaya asking" By the way, you have so many cousins, and yet you were alone, hmm?" and noticed the tease in her voice.


    Standing with the male, Vihaan eyes were searching for someone when his search came on stop as soon as his eyes rested on Shanaya.


    His heart pounded when he found her sitting with Avni and making faces when Avni twisted her ears. A smile carved his face, but, it did not last long as he found himself pulled by one of the relatives on the dance floor.


    Hours became seconds, with no one having any clue of the time. More than three hours had passed and, all the elders started returning to their rooms, leaving, all the young one and Rathore members behind.


    Madness had taken over them as all were dancing happily.


    Vihaan to Shana''s surprise was dancing for an hour and seemed so happy. He had danced with Avni, vansh, Saransh, Mr and Mrs Rathore and almost everyone, but not with Shanaya.


    A blush took place on her cheeks when she remembered the moment she was shocked to find herself dancing with Vihaan.


    An hour ago, everyone was dancing with their full mind and heart and, shanaya was dancing with Rathore''s members, when she got so lost in the dance, she did not realize the proximity between Vihaan and her.


    They both were dancing within inches and, their body was touching from the back. But, they were too busy to give a thought of knowing whom they were touching, they were just engrossed, in themselves.


    After a while, when shanaya had turned, she was shocked to see herself dancing with him, and, before he could notice, she had excused herself.


    Her gaze returned to Vihaan and saw him smiling and laughing with his cousins and friends. She had never seen him so happy in those fifteen days and, a smile covered her face unknowingly.


    She was happy watching him happy. He looked like a child who had got his favourite candy. She knew that he was attached to Avni, but had no knowledge of the extent of it.


    She did not know she was staring at him or was smiling while seeing him smiling when Mr Shiv Rathore''s voice break the charm. He was standing on the first step of the stair and was holding the mike in his hand. When everyone''s attention turned to him, he spoke:" That was really fun everyone, and I hope everyone had enjoyed it. I would have loved to continue it but, it is already past 11, so we have to stop now".


    He smiled a little when all the young one sigh in sadness, and was about to exit when Avni stopped him from going and on reaching him, whispered something to him. He looked at her and nodded his head in a "No", but saw her not leaving and making puppy faces.


    Done with her tricks, he said something and heading to his wife and others, said something to them and, soon they all started leaving.


    Everyone had gone except Avni, Saransh, Vihaan, Shana, Riya, and few cousins of Rathore siblings. Some of them were laying on the mattress while some were sitting with tired emotions.


    Vihaan changed his position from lying to sitting on his ??p and looked around to see Shanaya and Saaransh giggling together. He did not like it and averted his gaze from them. He did not know the reason, but, his ?h?st had ached when he had seen them like that.


    Ignoring the pain in his ?h?st, he shouted so that Avni who was talking with her cousin could hear" Di, why are we here??".


    Hearing Vihaan, Avni gestured him to wait and asked everyone to gather. Once everyone was around her, she spoke excitedly " We are going to play a game and dance a little bit more".


    Vansh immediately spoke up" And Di, what do you think we were doing just a few minutes before".


    She fake glared at him and, speak up to explain" You all dance to your wish, not according to my, wish. Besides, I wanted to spend my remaining time with my closed ones, so I planned a game".


    "Come on, di, we can just dance, why game and dance together?" asked one of her cousin.


    Avni smiled and said " There is no fun in marriage if there is no such daring game" and passing an evil smirk to Shanaya, she, moved toward her room knowing they would follow her.


    Enjoy reading it :)


    Love to all <3

 Chapter 47 - Game on

    "What exactly is this game?" with brows furrowed, sitting on the sofa in Avni''s room, one of the female cousins of Avni questioned.


    "Just what I told you" making some space in her room for all of them to sit, Avni replied.


    They were thirteen in total, including Avni, Vihaan, Vansh, Saaransh and Shanaya and, most of them had occupied her bed and sofa.


    "And exactly what you told us?" helping her in cleaning her bed, Vihaan enquired frustratingly.


    He had never liked all that, but he could not help it when it was the matter of Avni''s choice.


    "Vihuu, I did not expect this from you" with her wide eyes, Avni looked at him in an unbelieving way and continued" I mean, you are an intelligent and keen person, how could you not understood my game?"


    Closing his eyes at her dramatic expressions, Vihaan leaned toward her and spoke softly" Dee, you know I hate all this. I really can''t stand it, I am going" and moved toward the exit gate when he felt Avni''s soft hand on his arm and heard "Okay fine, just one round and you can go."


    ? .


    When Avni saw Vihaan nodding, she grinned and turned herself to address others" Okay guys, so you know the game.


    "There will be two teams with six members each and I will be the Judge. We will write down the names of twelve of you in a basket. I will pick the names and the names to be selected on the odd sequence will form ''TEAM A'' and with even sequence will form ''TEAM B''."


    She continued explaining the details" Once teams would be formed, I will keep TEAM A members'' names in one basket and TEAM B''s in another one. In the third basket, there will be twelve paper slips with Bollywood movies names on them."


    "I will pick one slip from each basket, will announce the names written on them but won''t tell you the movie name. Now, the name announced will come forward and, I will tell one of them the name of the movie in secret."


    Looking excitedly at all of them, she continued" Now the game is, the one with the knowledge of movie title has to write a sentence that perfectly defines the title of the movie on the back of the other person. And, the latter has to understand it to get points for his/her team."


    "Seriously! this was the game!" with a disgusted face, Vihaan looked at Vansh who had the same expressions and spoke to Avni.


    Narrowing her eyes at Vihaan and Vansh, Avni said with determination" Yes, this is the game and, none of you is going to quit."


    "But, how are you going to choose to whom to tell the title of the movie?" deeply involved in the game, Shanaya questioned, ignoring the weird faces of Vihaan and Vansh.


    Shanaya liked playing such games and, when it comes to movies, she knew no one could beat her.


    Liking her involvement, Avni answered her" I did not think of it." and stick her tongue out on her foolishness. Thinking for a minute, she spoke excitedly" Yes, the first six titles will be for the members of TEAM A, and the remaining one for TEAM B".


    "And, what if someone fails to understand it. I mean there should be some punishment for it, right" Keshav spoke for the first time and looked at Shanaya as if he knew what he wants.


    "Oh yes, bro, the one who failed to do so has to dance."


    "No!!" immediately, everyone except for Keshav, Vihaan, Saaransh and Avni spoke in unison.


    "YES! So, let''s start the game" Avni spoke, ending the chaos.


    Ten minutes later, everything was done, and, it was the time for the game to start.


    Shanaya, Vansh and to utter disappointment of Keshav, were in TEAM A with other two female and a male cousin of Rathore siblings.


    Vihaan, Riya and Saaransh were in TEAM B with three females cousins of Rathore siblings.


    Things progressed and, Avni picked the slips for the third time. She smiled at the names and announced "Vansh and Riya".


    Dressed in Black lehenga, Riya was not looking less than a diva. She had joined them before the starting of the game and, she was looking happy as if her date with her fiance Zarun has gone well.


    Shanaya noticed them and, without any reason, the thought of them being together stuck her mind. She shook her mind in horror but, she knew if Riya would not have been engaged to Zarun, Shanaya would have tried setting her up with Vansh.


    She watched them completing the dare and, she smiled when Riya understood the sentence Vansh had written on her back, she knew she was correct about them, they would have made a perfect couple.


    She saw them taking their respective position and heard Avni calling" Shanaya and Saaransh."


    ...........................................


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    Love to all <3

 Chapter 48 - The Punishment

    Twenty hours later, dressed in a teal green satin Crisscrop knot backless tank crop top and white skirt, hair covering her b?r?back in her signature style, Shanaya was sitting with Avni.


    Avni had worn teal green satin gown with hair tied in a lovely bun and long silver oxidised necklace as an accessory and was smiling at the Mehendi design the Mehendi artist was making on her hands.


    It was her Mehendi ceremony and all the females'' relatives of the Rathore family, Shanaya and Riya were sitting together in the hall.


    They were around fifty of them and, ten of the Mehendi artists were present for them.


    "Huhu, soon to be bride is blushing at seeing her soon to be husband name on her hands" teasing Avni, Shanaya brushed her shoulder easily with her''s when the Mehendi artist wrote Anubhav''s name on her hand.


    It was not a ritual, but it was a part of the fun of the wedding. Every bride would allow the artist to write their soon to be husband names on their hands hidden in designs in such a way they would not be able to see it. But the fun was, every groom would try his best to see it, as the bride would not allow him to touch her without finding his own name.


    Shanaya find it romantic and whispered, dreamingly" I really want someone to try looking at his name in my Mehendi design.."


    "They will once you will accept someone. Alteast date someone to find if they are worth you" looking at her, Avni spoke with seriousness.


    "Ah dee, stop it. I do not want all of this. I am happy and, I was just kidding" replying to her, Shanaya looks at Riya and found her watching the same way a cop look at the thief lying.


    "Come on, just because you are getting married does not mean you also want me to get ready for it. And, I am happy" emphasising on ''happy'' Shanaya looks away scoffing when she saw Riya not taking her lies.


    Her gaze collided with Vihaan and, she looked away immediately. Since that incident of him yelling at her, none of them was talking to each other. Their eyes had collided many times, but just like it, they would always withdraw their gaze instantly.


    The meeting of their eyes reminded Shanaya of the incident on the previous night, and, she looked down shyly. She could not believe she actually did it.


    On the previous night, during the game, when Avni had called "Shanaya and Saaransh" Shanaya was more than happy.


    She was comfortable with Saaransh, and, the bonding was getting great every day.


    She remembered the night very well, it, was the best night of her life. They had so much fun, but the thing at the end had turned her best night into a nightmare.


    On hearing her name, Shanaya stood up and moved toward the centre and saw Saaransh coming toward her with a teasing smile. She welcomed him with the same gesture and moved toward Avni to hear the title of the movie.


    She moved back to Saaransh after listening to Avni and passed an amusing look at Saaransh and spoke:" Darling, are you ready?"


    Calling darling, baby, love, sweetheart had become a daily routine for them, and that too without any awkward feeling.


    "Yes, sweetheart, I am" replying to her, Saaransh stopped just in front of Shanaya with his back toward her, both of them facing the other members.


    As soon as Shanaya wrote a single word on his back, Saaransh started laughing and stopped her from writing any more.


    "What?" with a confused but laughing look, Shanaya asked him, with all others stares on both of them.


    "Saar, what is this?" looking at both of them, Avni questioned.


    "Sorry dee, but her hands on me made me feel a shiver and giggle." still laughing, Saaransh looked back at Shanaya and pulled her cheeks.


    Shanaya stood shocked at Saaransh''s behaviours and, before she could react, she feels someone''s or to be exact, the devil''s eyes on her, boring deep down on her. She did not look at him at all and asked Saaransh" What is this, dear?


    Why are you not letting me do it!" and forced Saaransh to face others by turning his back to her by his shoulder.


    "Shana, why do not you marry me? I really love your touch" flirting with her, Saaransh laughed more when he found Shanaya hitting her on his shoulder and heard her saying" Shut up Saaransh, no joke now."


    No one but Vihaan knew what Saaransh was doing when he failed to decipher the title of the movie. He hated it and spoke up irritatingly when he saw Shanaya writing on Saaransh back for the third time and Saaransh refusing to tell the title"Saar, would you tell the title? We can''t afford to lose the points."


    "Bro, I really do not know it. I surrender" stopping Shana from writing more by turning his back, he looked at Avni and asked," What is the punishment?"


    "Wow! Finally, someone loses it. Ofcourse you have to dance, two of you together." Avni spoke excitedly. She had eagerly waited for someone to lose the game so that she could see some romantic dance.


    Vihaan had a hint of Saaransh''s mischief but, he did not react and saw Shanaya refusing and heard her saying" But dee, why I have to dance? He lost it not I" and saw her glaring at Saaransh when she heard Avni" Because you failed to make him understood."


    He heard her saying" this is not fair" but saw her moving back to Saaransh and hitting him, hard on his arms.


    It sucks the breath out of Vihaan!. He could not tolerate seeing such an intimacy between them and stopped looking at them by keeping his head down. He did not see them when they started dancing, did not see them when he heard others teasing them by saying loudly how hot couples they look, how beautifully they are dancing and how they wished them to be a couple.


    It took him a lot of self-control to not see them for the five minutes, but, he could not control it and glanced upward to see them dancing beautifully. He hated it but could not deny they looked beautiful together.


    ...........................................


    Enjoy reading it :)


    Love to all <3

 Chapter 49 - Wanted?

    Once the dance was over, everyone went to their respective place and, it was TEAM B turn to take the lead. It was midnight and, only two of the papers in each, basket, was left.


    Avni picks out the second last slip and a mysterious smile broke on her face. She lifts her head and spoke" Vihaan and" taking a glance at Shana, continued" Shanaya".


    Shanaya did not know what happened next, except, she could feel Vansh and Saaransh concerned eyes on her. None of them has told anyone about the incident of Vihaan and Shanaya, and making it appear normal was surely going to be hard.


    Shanaya realized the gravity of the situation in the next two minutes, when her heart did not seems to belong to her, beating furiously when she walked toward Vihaan.


    Standing close to Shanaya, Vihaan did not glance at her, instead, kept his gaze at nowhere particular in front of him. He had no idea God was going to play with him at that moment.


    Appearing to be normal in front of Avni and others when only he knew the turmoil going inside his body, was a big task.. Taking a deep breath, he turned his attention to Shanaya and, their eyes met.


    Withdrawing immediately as if they have sensed some sort of electricity, Vihaan moved toward Avni to know the title of the movie and looked back at Avni with an expression no one understood when he heard the title.


    Moving back to stand at the back of Shanaya, he closed his hands in a fist to control the urge of showering kisses on her creamy back when he saw her removing her hair from her back to allow him to write on it. He had imagined how it would feel to touch her, but touching her in front of so many audiences was not something he had wished.


    He got out of his ?ustful thoughts when he heard Avni telling him to start and, his mind screamed"Oh God! how soft!" when he felt his right-hand knuckles ??r?ssing her back, instead of writing on it.


    Shanaya jerked forward with a shock and controlled herself from m??ning the moment her body acknowledged his touch. "Do not be a fool, Shana!" Are you going to m??n in front of so many people at the mere touch of his!?" shouting at herself in her mind, Shanaya scanned the room for accusing eyes on her, but, to her relief found no one.


    Vihaan could swear he felt Shana reacting on his touch, and he was not going to miss the golden opportunity. He wanted to touch her, ??r?ss her, love her and claim her skin, but he knew he has to wait. He would wait, but, also he would not miss it.


    Shanaya tried to understand what Vihaan was writing on her back, but all she could understand was his knuckles ??r?ssing her back. She looked in front of her and saw her team waiting for her answer, and she closed her eyes in embarrassment.


    "God! I am here for a task! He is just doing his work. What''s wrong with me!" speaking to herself, she collects herself and focuses on Vihaan''s movement. Before she could understand more than "I", he stopped.


    She looked at eager Vansh, Keshav and other members of the team to hear her answer, but she shakes her head in a No. "I need to think" muttering to them with a little bit of embarrassment, Shanaya looked down.


    "Vihaan, do it again" Avni had just ended her sentence when she heard Shanaya exclaiming" No!"


    ?


    The thought of his hand on her again was more frightening than being eaten by a lion. She spoke up in her justification" I will think about it, give me a minute."


    Shanaya had no idea what was written on her skin!


    She dare not ask Vihaan to do it again, but when a minute passed and, she did not speak, she heard Avni" Vihaan, do it the second time. But do it slowly, you must have written in a hurry."


    "I have never written anything slower than it" speaking in his mind, controlling his chuckle, Vihaan spoke," I will try".


    Before Shanaya felt his hand, she spoke to herself" Shana baby, it''s just a game. Focus on his movement, that''s all. You need to win, so focus".


    She was ready for his touch the second time, and, she actually paid attention to his hand''s movement. But to her dismay, before she could make out more than " I'' and ''You", she find his hand''s movement coming to an end.


    "Oh, no, no, no, not this time! She can not afford his touch for the third time." angry at herself for not paying more attention, she, did not look at her team members. She could not believe she was going to lose just because of her lack of control on her body.


    Vihaan wanted to admit his mischief of not writing the sentence properly after looking at Shanaya''s angry and embarrassed expression, but he was going to be selfish. He was going to avail the opportunity of touching her back once again. Even though he had wanted to touch her tattoo, he found it out of his reach and had to remind himself to be content with the provided chance.


    As soon as he wrote the missing word of the sentence on her back, he found her squealing" Wanted!".


    Without waiting for anything more, he moved toward the exit gate and heard Avni telling others the title of the movie" Wanted" and smiled to himself when he remembered the words he had engraved on her skin.


    He had written, " I want you".


    ..........................................


    Enjoy reading it :)


    Love to all <3

 Chapter 50 - Wedding jitters

    Sitting in front of the dressing table in one of the rooms of the Rathore''s guest house, Avni looks at herself with kohl eyes and thick eyelashes, face glowing and blushing due to the bridal makeup. She let go her eyes to her dress, she was wearing champagne gold bridal lehenga designed by Shana with uncut diamond and gold piece of jewellery to compliment it.


    She was going to marry the love of her life, but she was nervous.


    She had always thought of marrying Anubhav, but when it was going to happen, the thought of going away from her family was unsettling.


    She lifts her eyes toward the gate of the room when she heard the footsteps and saw Mrs Chaya and Shakti Rathore coming in the room.


    Her eyes met Mrs Chaya Rathore, who had stopped in her way to her and was looking at her with pure love, but, with a little bit of sadness in her eyes.


    "Oh my child, you are looking absolutely gorgeous" coming in Avni''s room, Mrs Chaya Rathore spoke and came to kiss Avni on her forehead and lingered there for more than a second.


    Mrs Shakti Rathore did not utter a word, her silence speaking how painful it was for her to be away from Avni. She kissed Avni''s forehead and looked at her with admiration and love..


    The love act stopped when the gate opened for the second time and, Avni saw Shanaya illuminating in Blue designed sleeveless top and silk draped skirt.


    It was the first time for Avni to saw her wearing a necklace and bangles, but the change was gorgeous. She was looking beautiful and, Avni could swear she was going to steal someone''s heart when she saw her smiling.


    Next to her, glowing in a black off-shoulder crop top and crop pant with a long shrug, stood Riya with her black hair tied in a high pony, lips painted with red lipstick and earrings dangling in her ears.


    Avni knew Shanaya and Riya were poles apart, Shanaya liked being stylish but without much makeup, whereas, Riya liked makeup and was feminine in that way, but, their personal choice never come in between their friendship.


    "oops, we will come later" looking at Mrs Rathores with Avni, Shanaya signalled Riya to give them some time and turned along with Riya to exit when she heard Shakti Rathore" It''s okay, she need you more than us." and saw her smiling at them.


    "No, aunt, she needs you more than us. In fact, we will be outside waiting once she will be free"smiling at them, Riya spoke.


    Listening to both of them, Mrs Rathores smiled and, ask them to come forward.


    Taking their hands, Chaya Rathore spoke" I know it''s selfish for me to say it, but I want you both to stay with us for longer. We won''t feel the Mansion empty with Avni going if you would with us. For us, you are our daughters."


    Shanaya knew nothing to speak. Staying for more two-three days means facing Vihaan more and given their chemistry, she hardly had to guess how it was going to be.


    She was thinking of going to look for an apartment for her as she was thinking of staying in Delhi for her next business deal once Avni''s wedding would be over.


    Looking at Avni who too was hoping for a positive answer, she replied" Sure, aunt. I would be more than happy."


    She was ready to stay, knowing she would be the reason for someone''s happiness.


    ........................................


    Standing at the welcome gate of Rathore''s farmhouse, adjacent to the Guesthouse, Vihaan looking absolutely handsome in the three-piece royal blue suit with a crisp white shirt, Rolex watch, his long and voluminous hair gelled up perfectly with a classy touch was welcoming guests with as politely he could.


    Smiling at the invited guests, Vihaan could not believe the day has finally arrived for her sister to get married. He had heard how difficult it is to bid adieu to your sister, but only now he could totally feel it.


    His heart was heavy thinking how he is going to protect Avni if something happens to her, if Anubhav is not the right person for her and if she will not be able to be happy.


    He tried to distract his unnecessary thoughts knowing very well Anubhav will never hurt Avni and, even if he tried, Vihaan would make sure to pay him for his deeds.


    It was almost time for the arrival of Anubhav with his family and relatives and, Vihaan looks around to make sure everything was perfect.


    Looking at his farmhouse, which was big enough to held Avni wedding, he wanted to thank Shanaya for decorating and managing it beautifully, but his ego did not let him do.


    He noticed the entrance gate of the farmhouse was decorated with the bunches of red and white roses with leaves at the top of the gate, lights illuminating the door.


    The road to the centre of the farmhouse was simple, with light lamps placed on each side and trees decorated with lights.


    Shana had planned the arrangement while keeping in mind the stargazing opportunities for the guests, with the top of the tables covered with bushes and light bulbs to proved enough light for them to eat with comfort, and to gaze at the open sky.

 Chapter 51 - Kanyadan-giving away the bride

    Looking at the arrangement in admiration, Vihaan felt proud of Shanaya and himself for believing in her. He was sure the merging of their companies was going to be a helpful, provided Shana was ready to take a professional chance with him.


    He cursed at himself for behaving like a jackass with her, but then, a smile covered his face remembering the game night.


    He could not believe he touched her in front of so many audiences! But, he was not going to ever, regret it.


    "Vi, my man" distracting him, Saaransh hugged Vihaan.


    "And I thought you are going to be with the groom side as always" hugging him, Vihaan spoke with a hint of sarcasm.


    "Oh, come on, man! I am a person in demand." winking at him, Saaransh admired the view and spoke with pride" Shana is a gem."


    Ignoring his statement, Vihaan changed the topic by referring to Anubhav in his statement" Why are you not with your cousin, or my Brother in law? .


    "Bro, I have an advantage over you. I can call them whatever I want, be it Bhabhi-Bhaiya(Sister in law-brother) or dee-jiju(sister-brother in law) and thus I can be with him or with my sister."


    It was true, being his best friend, Avni was Saaransh''s sister, but being Anubhav''s cousin, she was his sister-in-law too.


    Her beautiful big eyes with kohl and mascara in them look at Saaransh but did not lay longer on him and moved toward Saaransh. Smiling at him, she moved forward the same moment, Vihaan moved in her direction and, both of them hugged together.


    Breaking the hug, but the smile lingering on his face, Vihaan spoke with love in his tone" Sush, you are looking gorgeous babes!" and giving a look at Saaransh, spoke," I wonder how many gonna have a heart attack after seeing you."


    Laughing with her heart, her head falling backwards, the girl spoke:" You too are looking, handsome babes."


    The conversation was interrupted when Saaransh spoke with a tone no one could decipher" Welcome and Thank you for attending the wedding, Sushmita."


    ................................................


    It was four in the morning and, Avni was sitting with Anubhav in the wedding mandap where the priest was reciting the seven vows of the marriage to them. She had no time to notice the mandap was, decorated keeping the theme of the wedding, and set up away from the wedding hall in the farmhouse.


    The wedding was almost completed and, it had gone with no complications. Many of the VIPs had returned after the exchanges of the garlands between Avni and Anubhav and, many of the relatives too had returned to their home, leaving only closed one to the wedding.


    "Bride''s parents come forward for the Kanyadan(giving away the girl)" the priest spoke.


    Vihaan stood up from his seat which was to the right of Avni and told priest" They will be here in a moment" and moved toward the exit to call.


    Standing in front of Shanaya, but away from her, speaking something on the phone, Vihaan eyes were focused only on Shanaya. His eyes were taking note of every little detail of her, her dress, her face, her body and everything he could see.


    The moment Vihaan had seen Shanaya when she had come with Avni for the wedding to start, he could not avert his eyes from her. That was not the first time he had seen her with b?r? waist, but he had definitely not seen her with bangles and a little bit of makeup on her. She was different at the moment and, he knew the reason for it.


    She was prettily dolled up!


    He had cursed a lot when he had heard people talking about her and, he had wanted to punch them for even uttering a single word about him, but how could he! He had no right, definitely not!


    Shanaya kept her eyes as she could not dare to look upward when she knew Vihaan''s gaze was on her. She could not believe herself to behave properly and not to stare at his handsome face and s?xy body hidden in his three-piece suit, but she was sure it would be worth millions.


    The s?xu?? tension in them broke when she saw him returning to his seat and saw Rathore couples coming in the Mandap.


    But to her surprise, it was not Mr Surya and Mrs Chaya to come forward for the Kanyadan, but Mr Shiv and Mrs Shakti. As a parent of Vihaan and Avni, it was supposed to be Mr Surya and Mrs Chaya and, she leaned toward Vansh to speak"Why are they doing Kanyadan?"


    She felt the tension in Vansh body and, she looked at him to saw him debating within himself. That was a surprise for Shanaya to witness Vansh in such state. But she did not have to speak more as she heard Vansh" They both consider Avni dee as their daughter and being the elders, they decide to do the ritual first."


    "But what about Surya uncle and Chaya aunt?" not satisfied with the answer, Shanaya questioned again.


    "Do not, worry they too will do it, but after them".


    And true to Vansh''s word, Shanaya saw Mr Surya and Mrs Chaya replacing the other Rathore couple.


    ...............................................................................


    ****Kanyadaan, meaning "giving away the bride" in Sanskrit, is a symbolic marriage ritual for the Bride''s parents and the couple. The Father of the Bride takes his daughter''s right hand and places it in the Groom''s right hand, requesting him to accept his daughter as his equal partner. This ritual signifies both the acceptance of the Bride''s Father and his official approval to give his daughter away.****


    .............................................


    Enjoy reading it :)


    Love to all <3

 Chapter 52 - Pain?

    Roaming around the corridors with no thoughts and emotions, clad in her favourite black joggers and blue tee, her hair in a messy bun and her ears covered with earphones, Shanaya took the stairs and ascended to the second floor.


    It was almost midnight and, the temperature was not high. The decorated lights were blinking and, the Mansion was bathing in it, the trees were swaying and, the moon was enjoying the cool wind and the view of dancing trees and plants.


    The Mansion was the same and, yet it appeared to be different. It was not in it''s usual, with no murmurs and footsteps.


    Sitting on the stairs, with her face toward the hall of the Mansion, Shanaya smiled with the ironical expressions. She could not accept Avni had just gone to her new home, leaving her family behind..


    The adieu was the most torturous things she had ever witnessed and felt. She had heard about the pain of the parents of the bride after marrying her, but she felt, it for the first time when she saw Rathore couples crying and hugging Avni.


    She too cried when she hugged Avni to console her and to say indirectly to her" Do not worry dee, I will take care of them."


    Everyone cried except Vihaan, Vansh and Saaransh who remain standing at one of the corners and come forward only when Avni asked for them. None of them utters a single word, just hugged Avni and told her to be happy and tension free.


    They all ?ssured her they are just a call away.


    They did not cry when Avni sat down in the car, or when she cried like a madwoman, but they support her physically and emotionally. They hugged her and, the silence of theirs was enough to reveal everything they had in their heart.


    They were feeling the same pain as everyone, but they just could not show it, they were the brothers of the bride, and they were supposed to be strong.


    Taking her earphone out, she stood and was about to go back to her room when her footsteps took her forward and, she found herself in front of Vihaan''s room. Standing with nothing particular in mind, she saw the back of Vihaan''s muscular and built body in his white tee, his head hung down, looking, at something.


    She guessed he was looking at his phone when she saw his hand reaching toward his face and, she knew what he did with them.


    Vihaan Singh Rathore was crying in the memory of her sister in secret.


    ................................................


    "Is it necessary for you to go?" sitting on the breakfast table, Shanaya asked Saaransh.


    They were the only one to be on the table and, all other members present in the mansion were deep in sleep.


    "I do not want to but, I have some important cases back in Mumbai" looking at Shanaya with an expression full of sadness and apology, Saaransh answered her.


    "Hmm, I can understand" with a whisper, Shanaya looked at him and smiled.


    She was going to stay for two days on Avni and Mrs Rathore''s request, but she had no idea Saaransh would not stay, for longer.


    Living in Rathore Mansion without Avni seemed awkward to her even but, she was thankful because of Vansh. Riya had a flight, at night and, Saaransh too had a flight in the evening, leaving her alone with Vansh.


    "So, what about you?" done with the breakfast, Saaransh turned his attention solely to her.


    Playing with her hair and then with fingers, Shana glanced around to nowhere particular and spoke:" Nothing much, going to look for a decent apartment for myself and then will see with whom to deal."


    "You have not signed any deal yet?"


    "Nopes, I have 2-3 deals in my hand right now."


    "Including Rathore''s ?"


    Stopping playing with her fingers, Shanaya looked at Saaransh and, her eyes said things she could not speak.


    Leaning toward her but maintaining an appropriate distance, Saaransh spoke warmly" Shana, I, think you should do it. Think about your profession and trust me, you, won''t get such a deal. Think about your employees. They too will get benefit from this deal. I know you will understand me being a businesswoman."


    ........................................................................


    The day passed in a hurry and, it was the time for the Mansion to spend its time with midnight.


    Lying on the bed with eyes closed, in her nightdress, Shana was tossing and turning, as if she was in pain or a problem.


    "Ughh" she sighs when she felt the pain unbearable and laid back. She had no idea whether she should be grateful for her periods to come on time, or to curse for coming back!


    She was relieved they have not happened a day earlier. Otherwise, it would have caused a problem. It was a hectic but beautiful day and, she did not want to have any problem or mood swings.


    Laying on her bed, she opened her eyes when she could not tolerate the pain. Her lower portion was aching and, her back was stiff with the pain. Her legs were in restless position and, she felt them burning.


    "Great! It''s not just abdomen pain this time, but leg and back too" cursing in frustration, her mood already changing, she stood from her bed, take out the hot water bottle from her cupboard and moved toward the kitchen with great difficulties.


    Still clutching her abdomen, she put the water for boiling and put the gas burner at high temperature and sat down on the kitchen''s floor waiting. She felt instant relief sitting in that position and, she stood up again to change the temperature of the gas burner from hight to low so that she can sit in the relieving position for long.


    Sitting on the floor while clutching her abdomen, she supported her head with the cupboard, closed her eyes and did not remember when she dozes off.


    ..................................


    Enjoy reading it :)


    Love to all <3

 Chapter 53 - Silent moments

    Sitting on the sofa chair for an hour, Vihaan kept on looking at the pictures of his childhood. He smiled a little when he saw his younger self sleeping in Avni ??p in his twenties.


    It was just a day, and he was already missing her. He had never imagined the current scenario and had no idea how to cope up.


    He knew Avni was going to be happy with Anubhav and, he could meet her whenever he wished. She was still his sister and, he, can talk to her as much as he, wants, but he too could not deny she was now a married woman.


    In order to distract himself from missing her more, he opened his ??ptop to check emails. He had not visited the office for the last three days and, he was sure he was going to be busy like hell.


    He was not in favour of sleeping again or, to imagine things he did not wish. He had no one to talk his heart out his, best friend had gone back to his home, Vansh was sleeping and, he hardly had friends. .


    Sitting alone in the room, he felt the loneliness he always felt and thought of drinking. He was about to open his cupboard, where he mostly had alcohol when his heart declined the temptation.


    It was strange.


    ?He had never declined any, alcohol.


    He went back to his chair and sat down with his eyes closed. He wanted something to drink, but it was not alcohol or coffee.


    "Tea!" he smiled when the word came to his mind and, he stood up to go to the kitchen.


    He entered the kitchen while rubbing his head and eyes which were partially closed. Without looking at Shana or having any idea of her presence in the kitchen or the boiling pot, he went to the cupboard that usually stores utensils, picks out another pot, fill some water on it and moves toward the fireplace.


    Confused by it, he moves his eyes all over in the kitchen and stopped when he found Shana sitting with her eyes closed.


    He furrowed his brows in confusion and kept on looking at her. He wanted to know the reason but, he also wanted to ignore it considering the chemistry they had. They were strangers and were going to remain the same in the future.


    "Yes, and you like touching a stranger, great, my man" mocked his mind and forced him to move toward her.


    Reaching her, he sat down in a steady position with one knee bend in 90 degrees and another bend in the backward direction. He observed her closely and found her eyes closed shut as in pain, and her hand clutching her abdomen.


    He was guessing what had happened to her when, he remembers the hot water bottle on the cabin and, understood, what was going on. He stood up and on reaching the fireplace, found the water has reduced to half because of over boiling.


    He adds more water in it and, after boiling it for another five minutes, he filled the hot water bottle and moved back to her and sat down in the same position he has sat down before.


    Shana opened her eyes, as if, she could sense someone''s gaze on her, and, saw him sitting in front of her and looking at her with care.


    However, he does, not revert back his eyes and continued looking at her. She could easily hear her pounding heart, and was sure she was embarrassing herself in front of him for she was damn sure she was blushing! Before she could do anything, She looked at him in surprise when he moved a little bit forward, evading the little privacy she had and taking her free hand put the hot water bottle in it.


    Shocked, surprised, thankful, speechless and teary was what she felt at that moment.


    She wanted to thank him for his sweet and careful gesture but did not utter a single word.


    He wanted her to say to take care of her, but he simply looked in her eyes as if to say" Take care".


    Deeply looking in each other eyes, unaware of their surrounding, lost in the temptations, d?s?r?s and gratitude, the charm broke when they heard the boiling water noise.


    Vihaan turned his attention back to Shanaya and saw her blushing.


    "God! I like it!" his mind screamed and, it was becoming hard for him to resist touching her and kissing those red and juicy lips which were tempting him.


    He stood up with a sudden force and moved back to the burner, giving the time and distance Shanaya was in deep need.


    It took a minute for Shanaya to compose herself back to the normal, and she stood up. She heard, her heart, asking her to thank him for his help but, her mind screamed at her for even thinking about it.


    "Shana baby, he helped you but, he did not speak a single word to you. Besides, he knows you are grateful for his help in the same way you know he has asked you to take care of yourself. Do not think, too much of this moment, it was just humanity" talking to herself, Shana stood up and without glancing at him, moved back to her room.


    Turning her light on, she opened her cupboard and picked up the large brown envelope from it. Reaching her bed, she sat down on it and read the papers. Thinking for a moment, she smiled a little and grabbing the pen from her bedside desk, she, signed it.


    She was ready to be ?ssociated with Rathore''s.


    .............................................


    Enjoy reading it :)


    Love to all <3

 Chapter 54 - The contract

    "Erina, is everything ready?" sitting on the sofa chair in his bedroom, with his phone buried between his left side face and neck, his hands busy with the shoelace, Vihaan enquired.


    He listen to the other side and spoke after a minute" Good, make sure nothing is out of the place" and hanging up the phone stood up to move toward the full view mirror.


    He scans himself from top to bottom and then vice versa for more than two times. He was looking his usual, handsome and hot in his Black suit and a light blue shirt.


    But, he was not yet satisfied with his looks.


    Adjusting his hair for the hundredth times, he murmured to himself" I am, almost done" and move toward the wardrobe once again.


    Opening the tie section, he rummaged his fingers through several ties and after a minute, pick up two ties, a pure black silk tie and dark grey in solid colour.


    Moving back toward the mirror, he looks at himself with black and then with grey. The confusion was evident on his face and, he wondered which one to use.. He again tries both of them and, finally, he made his mind.


    All he hoped was, Shanaya would find him attractive as if her opinion matters a lot to him.


    .................................................


    More than a week had passed since Avni wedding and Shanaya had shifted in her own apartment which, was fifteen minutes away from Rathore Mansion and twenty-twenty five minutes away from Rathore''s company.


    After signing the deal, she had given it to Vansh and was surprised when Vansh had hugged her in joy. She had no idea everyone was eager for her to accept the deal.


    It felt to her as if they were welcoming her in their business as a worthy partner, rather than, just some business partner.


    And she could not be happier. After such a long time, she had finally found something she had always wished.


    Yes, she was an ambitious woman and, she knows the importance of working with ''The Rathore''s''.


    She had started looking for the apartment after she was sure she was going to work with Rathore''s, she had asked her PA in Hyderabad office, Ms Kriti, a single mother in her ''30s to accompany her in the job as her PA again. As for her Hyderabad office, she had handed it to one of her senior employee John and had asked all of them to work properly under him.


    It took her five days to finalised the apartment and a whole day to arrange it. She had purchased no extra furniture, just a single bed, two sofa chairs and some bedsheets.


    The same goes for the kitchen stuff and other necessary things. The apartment was 2 BHK with bathroom, kitchen and a small lobby where she had kept three flower pots.


    The apartment was a ground floor with the facility of car parking, which was one of the reasons she had finalised it.


    The rooms were neither large nor small and, she had placed the single bed, two sofa chairs and a flower vessel on one of the rooms. The second room was empty except the two mannequins and, she had thought of keeping it as her workroom.


    Emerging out from the shower with a brown towel wrapped on her body, she reached the cupboard to pick up the dress. It was her first day in Rathore''s and, she was nervous but excited at the same time.


    Before she could pick the dress, her phone rang and, she hurriedly went toward her bed. Picking up the phone, she speaks without listening to another side" Vansh, I am nervous yrr!"


    Playing with her hair with her free hand, she listens to Vansh and spoke"Thank you Vanshu! I will be ready" and hung up the phone.


    Vansh was going to pick her up and then they were together going to the company. Vash was going to be the Managing Director of the company and Vihaan had asked him along with Shanaya for the press conference.


    Keeping the phone back, she moved toward the closet when her gaze fell on her favourite black jogger. And, the flashes of the incidents of the kitchen passed in front of her eyes. The blushes were evidence of the embarrassment she had faced knowing the fact Vihaan had come to know about the periods.


    She might be an extrovert, but she had never shared the details of her periods with any of her male friends. For her, it was personal and something she could only share, with the person she loves.


    Hoping the meeting won''t be awkward and he won''t remember anything about it, Shana went for the dress to get ready.


    ...........................................................................................


    "Erina, the press conference should start exactly at ten and, it should not exceed more than twenty minutes." sitting in his office on his chair, providing the necessary information to his PA Erina, Vihaan checked his watch and, found it to be almost nine.


    Vansh had called him earlier informing he was going to pick Shana on his way to the office and guessing by, the distance he was sure they would be in the office within fifteen minutes.


    He was thinking about the incidents with Shana when the knock on the door disturbed his thoughts and, he found Erina coming inside and speaking "Sir, Kritika is here".


    "Let her come in".


    Soon enough, a tall, slim and curvaceous girl in a short black dress revealing her long toned legs, long brown straight hair reaching her waist and, her beautiful face professionally done with the perfect makeup, appear.


    Smiling at Vihaan, she spoke " Hey baby" and, moved forward to hug him.


    "Kritika" avoiding the hug, he took her hand with a polite smile and gesturing toward the sofa, asked her to sit down.


    Once they were seated, Vihaan was the first to speak" Yes, Kritika,"


    Judging his professional mode, Kritika did not think of casual talks and spoke: "Erina asked me to stop by for Contract extension agreement."


    ..............................................................................


    Enjoy reading it :)


    Love to all <3

 Chapter 55 - Rules of the Contract

    "Oh yes" standing up from the sofa and moving toward his desk, he picked up the set of papers and moved back toward the sofa.


    Once, he finished reading them carefully, he looked up after two minutes and spoke with a professional tone" Kritika, I am happy to appoint you as the Brand Ambassador of our company, but, I have some rules for it."


    Taken aback a little by the last statement, it took a moment for Kritika to nod her head and to speak" Yes, I am listening."


    Checking his watch, again, Vihaan told her the rules he wanted her to follow and, after five minutes ended the conversation" I hope everything is clear."


    Smiling heartily, Kritika spoke," Yes, Mr Vihaan".


    Going back to his chair, he looked again at the watch and looked at Kritika when he heard her saying" Are you waiting for someone?"


    "Why do you think so?" adjusting his hair, and pretending to be busy, Vihaan spoke.


    "You are impatient right now" reaching him, Kritika leaned toward him and keeping her fingers on his lips to silence him when she saw him interrupting her, she continued" you have seen your watch for the hundredth time." .


    Taking her finger away from his lips, Vihaan stood up from his chair, increased the distance between them and spoke" Nothing like that Kritika and I hope you have not forgotten things I have told you."


    Kritika looks taken aback, again and she opened her mouth to say something. She had never seen Vihaan acting like it, and, she wanted to know the reason behind it.


    More than wanting to know, she was dying to know.


    Before she could speak, Erina comes inside after knocking on the door to say" Sir, Vansh Sir is here with Shanaya Mam".


    ............................................


    Marvelling at the interior of the company, looking at the employees, looking at everything with great interest, Shanaya was walking toward Vihaan''s office with Vansh when she saw Erina greeting them with a smile and heard her saying" Sir is waiting for you."


    To say she was not nervous would be a lie. She was nervous about so many things. She was tense about the press conference, about the new phase of her life but more than anything she was anxious about meeting Vihaan.


    She was worried someday someone would sense the s?xu?? tension within her for Vihaan and what would happen if that someone comes out to be Vihaan himself!


    "You okay?" coming out of her world, she looked up to see Vansh looking at her and, she nodded her head and said" Just worried."


    At least, she could be true to some extent.


    Chuckling, Vansh took her hand and spoke:" Do not worry, everything is gonna, be fine."


    "Shall we go inside?" she nodded her head in a yes when she heard Vansh asking her but, before she could move toward the door, the door of Vihaan''s office opened and came out a beautiful and s?xy girl.


    Okay, what a surprise!


    Looking at the way she was carrying herself, Shana guessed her to be someone close to Vihaan and was surprised when the same girl hugged Vansh and saw Vansh too hugging her.


    She totally ignored the jealousy erupting within her. First, Vihaan and then her best friend! Not a good thing.


    "Definitely closer" murmuring to herself, she averts her eyes from her and soon found her eyes resting on the door. She withdraws them immediately when the door opened for the second time and, she knew with her heart who would be the person to come out of it.


    He was astonished when he found her standing outside his office in a black suit and light blue shirt with black heels. He noticed her hair tied up in a high pony with a puff and, she had worn metallic earrings.


    "Mindblowing! She is so beautiful!" screamed his heart and he accepted it, with no complaints.


    The reaction he was waiting from her on finding out they were matching comes when he found Shana looking at him and her eyes spread wide in recognition.


    "Fuck! we both are wearing the same colour!" looking at him, she looked at herself and cursed. That was the second time they were matching without even talking about it.


    Well, well, there was at least one thing to ease the jealousy erupting in her heart.


    "Oh, you both are matching. Did you guys talk about it" it was Kritika who broke the awkward silence between them and, soon enough both of them avert their eyes from each other.


    "Oh yes!" looking at both of them, vansh too spoke, but added immediately" But I doubt they talk about it" knowing very well about their chemistry.


    Before they could speak more on the topic, Vihaan and Shanaya decided to change the topic, but Vihaan went for it, first.


    "Kritika, I think you should leave now" excusing himself, he went inside his office, indirectly ordering Vansh and Shana to follow him.


    "Yes, as if he changes his furniture every day!" her mind spoke with full of sarcasm.


    But, she was definitely feeling better to have vansh with her, for she had no idea how she would conversate with Vihaan.


    Praying to God he would not remember the kitchen incident and would not realise she was on her periods, she finally looked in his direction and, damn it!


    She found his eyes already looking at her.


    But, they did not last there, and she felt them moving over her neckbones, a little longer on her br??sts and, they came to rest on her abdomen and, she could feel him imagining her hands clutching it while sitting in the kitchen.


    He was aware of her periods!


    ....................................................................


    Enjoy reading it :)


    Love to all <3

 Chapter 56 - Anti-ignorance potion?

    "Ms Kriti, ask John to send Ankit, Abhilasha and Surbhi to Delhi, they will be working with us. Also, ask them to recruit new ones as soon as possible" sitting on her chair in her office which, was same as Vihaan''s but smaller in size, Shanaya informed Kriti.


    She was wearing Teal ankle-length pants and white shirt inside the teal blazer. Her hair was tied up in a high pony, her favourite Hermes watch on her right hand and white sneaker finishing the look.


    And, her fingers were happy wearing the diamond ring she always wears, her favourite ring and three other rings.


    Shanaya might not be fond of things a ''girl'' wants, but, she was always fond of rings, earrings, watches and shoes. She had never buy any branded bag or something, but she had always buy branded watches.


    Yes, she was a complicated person.


    The diamond ring she adores, the one on her index finger, she had bought it when she, had received her first salary pay while working for some firm in UK. when she had .


    Her office was adjacent to Vihaan''s and both of them could see into each other offices by the small glass window that was common to both, but, as usual, they both kept it closed with curtains.


    None of them could take the risk of distracting themselves by looking at each other, although none of them knew about each other feelings.


    Her office was simple, nothing fancy in it but a single landscape painting behind her chair, a big flower vase at the corner, a five-seater sofa along with two sofa chairs and a wooden table.


    A week has passed since the press conference and, Shanaya had started working properly with the help of Kriti. They have not recruit anyone else but, considering the deal, they knew they have to do it as soon as possible.


    They were not in the mood of ruining their business with ''The Rathore''s.''


    Shanaya had not met Singhania yet, but, within a week Vihaan was supposed to have a meeting with him. And being his partner for Singhania''s deal, Shanaya was asked by Vihaan''s PA Erina to accompany him.


    Shanaya was excited to meet Mr Singhania, for she had heard a lot about him and knew he was not just some name, he was a ''trust'', trust they too needed from the people.


    "I informed John" hanging up the phone and telling Shanaya Ms kriti looked at Shanaya to see her getting her blazer from the stand and enquired "Are you going somewhere?"


    Wearing the blazer, adjusting her hair, Shanaya grabbed her phone from the table and looking at Kriti, answered: " Yes, Kriti, Avni dee is coming home."


    "Should I order dinner for you?"


    "Nopes Kriti, it''s almost six in the evening. I will be late after meeting dee."


    "Hey! What a surprise!" surprised, she took a minute looking at him and later moved forward to hug him. Hugging him for a minute, she broke the hug and smiled.


    "It''s good to see you too, babes" replying sarcastically with a smirk, Saaransh walked inside Shanaya''s office and gave a look at it.


    "I am just surprised to see you and no doubt happyyy" moving toward him, Shanaya gestured him to sit down on the sofa and sat down to his right on the sofa chair and asked " Anything for you? Water, coffee?"


    She laughed when she heard him replying"Maybe some anti ignorance potion" and spoke " What''s wrong with you? In a bad mood?"


    The Person sitting in front of her was not the Saaransh she knew.


    "Something is wrong with me? Really baby! I have not received a single text or call from you for the last fifteen days and, you are saying, something is wrong with me!" looking at her with hurtful expressions, Saaransh took a sip from the water Kriti gave to him.


    Closing her eyes in a pang of guilt, Shanaya signalled Kriti to leave and spoke when they were alone" I am really really sorry Saaransh, I was just damn busy with the new things in my life and I hardly got time for myself, so I just forgot to call you."


    She continued when she saw the dissatisfied expression on Saaransh" I know these are excuses but trust me, I actually was busy. You know you are, important to me, Saaransh and, I would hardly do anything to hurt you."


    "Relax, Shana, I was kidding" chuckling, Saaransh passed a dashing smile at her and continued" By the way, it felt good to hear I am an important person for you."


    Punching him hard at his arms, Shana narrowed his eyes at him and stood up to move back to her chair. Sitting down on it, she spoke:" Are you done, Mr Saaransh Bharadhwaj?"


    He was about to reply when they both heard a knock and a second later Vihaan emerged from the door.


    Shanaya breath hitched looking at him and, immediately she averts her eyes before they would reveal anything. "Damn it! Why he is so beautiful!" speaking to herself, she did not look at him or Saaransh and pretended to be busy with her phone.


    That was the first time he had come inside her office and, she felt her office shrinking in his presence. Her chair was biting her for sitting on it and ignoring the aura of the handsome man. However, she remains seated on it but, her ears alerted for his voice and, her body rejoiced in joy when she heard Vihaan speaking" I heard from Erina you came, Saar."


    The moment she heard him saying ''Saar'', she wanted to interrupt him to say "He is not Saar" but, she did not.


    She damn very well knew he called him ''Saar'' on purpose and her body urged her to kick him down there for picking up on her, but she knew very well she could not do anything.


    She took a long breath and lift her eyes to focus on Saaransh, trying to ignore the blurred image of Vihaan which, she was seeing from the side of her left eye.


    .........................................


    Enjoy reading it :)


    Love to all <3

 Chapter 57 - No reasons

    "Yes, Vih, I had some work in Delhi so thought of visiting you. Erina informed me you were in a meeting so, I, came to meet Shana for the due time." standing up, Saaransh moved toward Vihaan and hugged him.


    "Come, we will talk at home" peeking at Shana and chuckling deep inside him at her attempt to ignore him, Vihaan spoke to Saaransh.


    "Oh yes, I heard Avni dee is at home" replying to him, Saaransh shift his attention to Shanaya to ask" Shana, you coming?"


    Shana turned her attention to him and, that was the moment she finally looked at Vihaan. The thought of eating him and tasting him flashed in Shanaya''s mind the moment she looked at his beard look, intimate gaze and his body wrapped like a gift in a black suit and shoes.


    Disgusted at herself for having ?ustful ideas for Vihaan, Shana could not bear to look longer at him and, fixing her attention on Saaransh, spoke with heavy breathes" Yes, Vansh will pick me up. My car has not been shipped yet from Hyderabad. I do not know why it is delaying?"


    "Come on, babes! I will be going alone in my car! Besides, my car hardly like me, she too will like if you will be with me" pushing her toward the door with his hands on her shoulder, Saaransh smiled when Shanaya spoke "Ohkay Saaransh, cool down, I am going with you. .


    " Let me just call Vansh to inform him of the changes in the plan."


    Smiling at her and, annoyed-looking Vihaan, who was standing as if he was the third wheel, Saaransh spoke" Cool."


    ...............................


    "You guys are still not talking to each other?" getting out of the car on reaching Rathore Mansion, Saaransh opened the gate for Shanaya as a gentleman while asking her the question.


    Shanaya did not respond right away. She needed to think of an answer to it so that she would not give away her thoughts.


    "We have no reasons to talk" replying him, she waited for him to join her and turned her attention to the back of her to see the whereabouts of him but instead, saw Vihaan heated gaze on her.


    She did not avert her eyes, immediately, instead, she, let them roam on his body, giving him the hidden message" you do not affect me." which was a total lie.


    She was someday going to create a mess considering her ocean-sized feelings for Vihaan and total lack of showing it.


    It was, as if, input was infinite and output was nil and, it needed not a scientific mind to know how terrible it was.


    Soon enough, Saaransh joined Shanaya, Vihaan at the back of them at some distance, his eyes noticing the proximity between Saaransh and Shanaya.


    Walking ahead of Vihaan, Shanaya felt his gaze on her body and, consciousness wrapped her thoughts. Walking fast to avoid being watched by him, she hugged Avni who was waiting for them in the Hall and squealed" I missed you so much!!!".


    Wrapped in Shanaya''s arm, Avni beamed and spoke with admiration" I miss you, baby! It felt so lonely without you."


    Avni broke away when she heard someone clearing throat and looking at Vihaan and Saaransh, spoke"Yes, yes, I missed you guys, too." and laughed at them teasingly.


    Everyone saw the Hall of the Mansion filled with Avni and Shanaya laughter and, soon enough, they were sitting together in the Hall after the dinner. Shanaya had refused to eat and had told she was going to be late, but at last, Avni had managed to stay at the mansion for the night.


    Drinking the night coffee, talking excitedly about Avni wedding, teasing her the moment they got chance, Saaransh, Vansh and Shanaya left no stone unturned.


    Even though Vihaan was lying on AVni''s ??p on the couch with earphones in his ears and Avni messaging his head, he was not taking any part in it. The thought of teasing Avni with her double standards talks in front of Vihaan was not at all comforting to her, and she was glad for his no active participation in it.


    "Who knows if he is listening to songs or, our talks." thinking it in her mind, Shanaya ignored him.


    "How''s your work, Shana?" turning her attention from Vihaan to Shanaya, Avni asked with curiosity.


    "It''s good, I, am adjusting well." speaking excitingly, Shana answered.


    "Mothers told me you have not come here since my wedding" in a complaining tone, Avni continued.


    "Ah, umm, I had no reasons to be here" hesitate in her voice, Shana spoke while keeping her eyes away from Avni and looking at no one particular.


    "I never knew being my best friend was not any reason for you to be here!" with a scoff, Vansh gave her one of his angry looks.


    "It''s not like this Vanshu" founding nothing to say in reply, that was all Shanaya could say to him.


    But, she knew that was one of those moments where she had hurt Vansh and, she was going to pay for it.


    Back hugging him in her chirpy pretending mode, Shanaya spoke: "Okay, I will do whatever you want."


    When Vansh did not reply to him and instead, kept ignoring her, Shanaya cupped his face in her hands and spoke" I am Sorryyy, Vanshu. I am sorry. I won''t do it again. Okay, I, won''t say it."


    She spoke at last "I said I would do anything for you!"


    Looking straight in her eyes, Vansh spoke: "From now onwards, you are going to spend your weekends with me, here."


    ....................................................


    Enjoy reading it :)


    Love to all <3

 Chapter 58 - Feelings for Shanaya

    Engulfed with the blackness, the darkness of the room ceased to exist when someone switched on the lights of the presentation room and, Vihaan, Vansh and Shanaya''s figure appeared.


    Vihaan was looking extra handsome in navy blue slim fit shirt and black pant. He was not wearing any blazer or coat and, the sleeves of the shirt folded in his usual style, the same style Shanaya too carry.


    None of the people has noticed it, but, Shanaya and Vihaan had so many similarities. Their dressing sense was always on the same standard, and considering Shanaya choice, which was more toward man''s style, they both had the same bending methods of their sleeves.


    Shanaya was looking simply gorgeous in wine coloured formal coat pant with hair in a ponytail and, Vansh had gone stylish and comfortable with blue jeans, white tee and Black Solid Regular Fit Single-Breasted Casual Blazer.


    Sitting along with them around the oval glass table was a man in his ''40s of an average personality and high intelligence but, his creepy eyes were what made him ''not in favour'' list of Shanaya.


    Since the last two months, she had seen him watching her with ?ust and trying to touch her whenever the chance. At first, she thought to let it pass, thinking he will stop once she would show she is not interested in this game. But when he continued doing it, she confronted him and asked him to behave..


    No one had any idea about it, and, she did not even think of letting others know till she could handle it. She was capable enough of handing such persons and, besides, she was not going to complain about every man with the low standard she was going to interact with.


    She knew she had to face such type of man in her life and she was ready for it, just like all those women who had to face such kind of man, unwillingly.


    Such was the fate of the women, but, they were not coward in any way.


    Vihaan cursed when the lights turned on, and he shifted on his chair. In the darkness, when Shanaya was giving the presentation, his mind was not on it, at all, instead, his eyes, were stuck on her lips and, all he could think was to touch and kiss them.


    Keeping in mind the chemistry between them, he had no doubt Shanaya would never talk to him and, it was all good for him, the greater the distance, the more safe Shanaya would be from him.


    He noticed his surroundings and found Shanaya engaging with Vansh and Mr Aniket, the representative of Singhania''s. He had no doubt Aniket would be the perfect choice for any company, but something was wrong about him.


    It was as if he could sense some danger around him, but had no idea about the source of it. It was as if his mind was warning him and yet, could not do anything about it.


    It was such a pissing moment for him.


    The deal with Singhania''s was so important, for him and, he did not want anyone to create any problem that would affect his business with Singhania''s.


    Shanaya had no knowledge of Vihaan''s eyes on her, for, she was too busy to notice the evil eyes of Aniket on her. She wanted to finish this deal as soon as possible and was even giving her extra time to complete it.


    She could swear if possible, she would have slapped him in front of everyone, but that was not something good for the deal.


    Taking her seat, she spoke something to Vansh and gritted her teeth when she heard Aniket questioning something illogical. It was all he would do, would attend every meeting, would stare at her with his dirty mind and would try to engage her with his illogical talks.


    As if that would help him with her at all!


    "Fool" spatted Shanaya to herself in anger while looking at Aniket with narrow eyes.


    "Mr Aniket, Mr Vihaan and Vansh will answer all of your questions. Please, excuse me, I have, to go." standing up from her chair, Shanaya fake the professional smile and, exited the presentation room, giving one final look to Vihaan.


    Vihaan knew something was wrong and could feel changes in Shanaya for the last two months, but all he could do was to observe.


    That''s what all he could do when he had no knowledge of anything.


    ...................................................


    It was Saturday night with the hint of love in the air and, Vihaan was sitting with Vansh and Saaransh in one of the hotels, waiting for Avni, Anubhav and Shanaya to join them.


    Since the time Vansh had asked Shanaya to spend her weakened with him, Avni had suggested a plan of going on a dinner on every Saturday. The objective was simple, spending time with each other, tasting different types of foods and visiting every hotel, be it five stars or a normal one in New Delhi.


    He was busy with his phone when he heard Saaransh clearing his throat to seek attention. Glancing up from his phone, he looked at him and saw him speaking" I want you both of you to listen to me."


    "I am listening" getting busy with his phone again, Vihaan spoke casually but put his phone down when he heard Saaransh again" Attention solely on me, bro."


    "What''s the matter, bro?" speaking for the first time, Vansh enquired.


    The passerby girls looked at them with a wanting look and wondered if it was a coincidence, as, all three of them were in black jeans and a white tee as if it was a dress code.


    But, only they knew the truth.


    Unaware of the attention they were getting or habitual of it, they all were busy in their world.


    Clearing his throat once again, Saaransh glanced first at Vihaan and then at Vansh and casting his eyes down, spoke slowly" I have feelings for Shanaya."


    ...............................


    Enjoy reading it :)


    Love to all <3


    ................................................................................

 Chapter 59 - The bad deal?

    The chatter disappears immediately and, silence engulfed the surrounding.


    The sound of the people surrounding them turned mute the music turned to be no music and, the chatter and noises vanished, completely.


    None of them spoke, definitely no one!


    Vansh stopped using his phone, his eyes boring into Saaransh and he continued watching him.


    Saaransh knew nothing how to handle the situation, he, kept messing his long and thick hair with his hands, eyes focused on nothing.


    And, Vihaan, he did not even look at anyone. In fact, he did not look anywhere. He kept boring his eyes on his phone, having no clue what was he even seeing.


    Was he looking at his emails, or was it some pictures in the gallery, or was it the contact list? He had no idea!


    All he knew was the shocking yet not so shocking confession of Saaransh..


    Minutes passed and, when the silence started turning awkward, Saaransh cleared his throat once again, giving the necessary sound to break the silence and spoke slowly" Will anyone says a word?"


    Glancing at Vihaan from whom he did not get any reaction, Vansh laid his eyes down on Saaransh and spoke:" I have no problem, but I do not think it''s the right time. I mean, are you even sure your feelings about her?"


    "I know, and my feelings are genuine." replying to him, Saaransh looked in Vansh''s eyes, to prove his genuineness, ready for Vansh to read the emotions through his eyes.


    "ohh, I can see it" back to his usual mood, Vansh teased him and putting his phone down, leaned forward toward him to say" If she accepts you, I would be really, happy."


    The blush on Saaransh''s cheeks was enough to prove his emotions, and he smiled. But, the lack of conversation from Vihaan made him turn his head toward him to see him looking at something in his phone.


    "Bro, I think I need more attention than your phone" bumping his shoulder with his, Saaransh looked at him in '' Do not you think so?'' expression when Vihaan lifted his eyes.


    "What can I say in it?" trying to act casual, Vihaan spoke in the unaffected and boring tone while shrugging his shoulder.


    "Anything would be welcomed" answering his question, Saaransh kept on looking at him.


    " I still think Sushmita is best for you" looking at him in his eyes, Vihaan answered, but before his eyes could give much, he withdraw them.


    "We are not going there anytime" replying to him in his firm voice, Saaransh looked back at Vansh and asked," What kind of boys Shana likes?"


    Laughing aloud, Vansh spoke between his laughs" She likes man, not boys" and continued when Saaransh hit him hard on his biceps" I think she will like you, you are her type."


    Feeling suffocated, suddenly, meanwhile sitting in the lawn, of the hotel, feeling the air on his face, Vihaan drank some water and looked here and there to ease him. The idea of Shanaya and Saaransh was terrible for him. He had said to himself not to reveal his feelings to Shanaya but, the thought of her with someone else made him regret his decision.


    Shanaya was his, only his.


    He took a sigh of relief when he sighted Avni and Anubhav coming toward their table and, the conversation stopped.


    Coming to the table, placing her bag on the chair beside her, Avni spoke: "Where is Shanaya?"


    "Oh, she has not arrived yet, "Vansh replied to her.


    "It''s almost seven in the evening, office closes at six, isn''t it?" furrowing, Avni questioned back.


    "She told me she would be late as she has some extra work to do" giving her the answer, Vansh picked up his phone back and spoke," I will call her".


    ..........................................


    Placing things back to their original position, Shanaya in her white top and blue ankle-length fitted pant was keeping her sketches back when the door of her office opened and, Kriti come inside, but she was not alone, along with her was Mr creepy.


    The sight of him cringed Shanaya to hell, and her sixth sense alerted her. The thought of him in the company when no one was there except for Kriti and, she was a bad idea. But, the guards at the entrance made her feel more uncomfortable.


    She stands back straight and keeping her arms around her body, spoke professionally" Mr Aniket, how come you are here?"


    "Shanaya, I have something to discuss with you," answering her unprofessionally, Aniket moved inside her office, his eyes taking notice of everything, leaving nothing, not even Shanaya''s body.


    Not missing his unprofessional tone, Shanaya keeps her cool, facade and acting professionally, gestured him to take a seat. She was about to take the seat when her phone rang and, she excused herself, not before looking at Kriti and speaking to her" Ms Kriti, make Mr Aniket accompanied, I will be back in a moment."


    Coming outside her office and moving toward the reception, she picked up the call. Listening to the person impatiently, she looked back at her office, something in her body urging her to be back in the office.


    "I will be there within thirty minutes, Vanshu" replying, she hanged up the phone and moved fast toward her office.


    She had just opened the gate and, all she did was shout " What the hell!!".


    ............................................................................


    Enjoy reading it :)


    Love to all <3

 Chapter 60 - Changes?

    1 Hour Later


    "Finally!" sighting Shanaya, Vansh waved his hand in her direction and stopped when he saw her moving toward them.


    But, something was not, right, he could feel it.


    She was Shanaya and, she was not.


    Coming toward the table, Shanaya passed a mild, smile at Vansh and Saaransh, and hugged Avni and Anubhav and sat down opposite to Vihaan. She did not look at his direction, as a matter of fact, she did not look at anyone.


    She lifted her face when she heard Vansh saying to her"You are late" and without keeping her eyes on his face, she pretended to be busy in her bag, while saying" Yes, some work."


    "Is everything okay? Are you okay?" looking at her, Vansh enquired.


    Before the question could attract other''s attention, she spoke" Yes, Vansh, I am fine.." and gave him her usual smile.


    It would have been foolish to say Vansh did not realize the changes in her, but what happened within two hours since he left office was hard to say.


    Keeping the matter to himself, he thought of asking her after the dinner and the movie they were supposed to watch and let it go.


    Even though Shanaya was sitting with them, laughing at some things and replying to them in minimum words, she did not feel the positive aura in her anymore. She could feel she was not in her usual self, and before anyone could point out the exact thing, she tried to be more participative in the conversation.


    But, she was glad for having no attention from Vihaan at that moment. Since her arrival, she had seen him busy on his phone, b?r?ly lifting his face and, she could hardly feel his gaze on her, but she was grateful for his lack of attention.


    The night passed in her own speed, letting them have fun and lots of talk, but Vihaan did not look at Shanaya at all. The thought of having her with someone else was crushing him deep inside, but all he could do was to accept the uncomfortableness in his ?h?st.


    Since Saaransh had talked about his feeling and he had felt selfish to think about Shanaya as his, he felt bad to think of hurting Saaransh in any way and since then he had been busy in thinking of all the thing that would stop him from hurting him.


    He spoke to himself he does not love Shanaya, and all he had for her was some attraction or to be precise, ?ust. He reminds himself how she hates him, how they both keep on fighting and are no good to each other.


    After thinking for an hour, having no idea what was going on near him, he finalised one thing,


    He was going to stay away from Shanaya.


    Feeling relieved at his decision, he finally lifted his eyes to look at her for the last time with admiration and all the thing he had for her when he blinked his eyes in confusion.


    Something was different!


    The Shanaya seated opposite to him was wearing full sleeves white top with a colourful scarf and, he could swear she had a tiny amount of makeup on her face.


    Not at all the Shanaya he knew!


    "Really! a moment before, you spoke to yourself not to even look at her" he ignored his mocking heart and kept his eyes at her during dinner and later during the movie.


    At last, when the movie ended and, they were to go back to the home, he listed thing he had found about her. He found her quiet, in her own world, taking so long to reply and that too in minimum words, not enjoying the night, anxious, nervous and not chirpy.


    All he needed was some confirmation which, was given when he heard Shanaya" Which one of you are going to drive my car?" and saw her asking from Vansh and Saaransh.


    Shanaya loved her red Audi A4 like a baby and being a car lover himself he knew how much efforts it takes to let someone else drive the car.


    He was sure she feared something or someone and thus was in need of a company.


    ..................................................................................


    Yes, Shanaya was nervous and was glad to be with Vansh. She feared to be alone and, she was no fool to underestimate the danger that had surrounded her after the incident in the office.


    Her eyes looking at the sides of the road, sitting on the passenger seat in her, Shanaya spoke at the low voice "Ms Kriti is on leave as of today".


    She turned her direction to the driving seat and found Vansh driving it slowly and carefully, making the gap between the others and them wider.


    Vansh wanted to have the time with Shanaya and, that was only possible if he keeps driving at the low speed, which he did.


    "Any emergency?" feeling her gaze on him, Vansh tried to keep the conversation normal and spoke while keeping his eyes on the road and driving safely.


    Shanaya took a minute to reply and, when she did, she tried to make it appear true" Her daughter was missing her."


    Noticing the short and up to point replies by her, Vansh took a left turn on the road and spoke when the road was straight " The time might not be the correct one."


    He had never expected the reply he got at all. He had never heard Shanaya yelling, but " Why the hell everyone keeps telling me what is wrong, what is not!" made him experienced that too.


    "What the hell Shanaya!What is wrong with you??" applying the brakes, halting the car, Vansh shouted back at her and came face to face with the angry Shanaya.


    "Stop asking me things!" having no idea why she was getting irritated at this question, Shanaya shouted back before she could control herself.


    "Then tell me yourself what''s wrong with you!" matching her voice, Vansh too yelled.


    "Do you want something bad to happen with me!! I said I am fine!!!" without realizing what she was saying, she kept on shouting but, something on Vansh''s face must have given her the clue, for she closed her eyes at the regret of shouting at Vansh and cursed herself.


    "Sorry" she heard herself saying, but she did not hear anything in response and sensed him starting the car and driving in silently.


    ...................................


    Enjoy reading it :)


    Love to all<3

 Chapter 61 - Changes and the master plan

    Days passed, but, nothing changed much for everyone, except for Shanaya. She starts staying at Rathore Mansion and, whenever she would be at her flat, someone would be there with her during the night.


    Everyone close to her noticed changes in her, but all they could do was ask and, most of them did it. But, none of them got a satisfactory answer from her.


    Sitting in his office, Vihaan was busy in his work when his thoughts went to Shanaya and, he stopped working.


    Supporting his head with the chair, he closed his eyes and, start going through the flashes of her. The changes in her were affecting him and, what caused him trouble was, no one was able to find out the reason behind her bitchy attitude..


    To link her bad behaviour with her getting the job with Rathore''s was not a good reason, for they knew she was not one of those who would change herself just because of a job. Vihaan knew the matter was big.


    He jerked up when a thought came in his mind and dialling a number he spoke:" Come in my office immediately."


    Within a minute, the head of the security was in his office.


    Looking up at him, Vihaan ordered:" I want the CCTV footage of the last Friday within a minute."


    To his words, it took the head of the security to proved the footages to him not more than two minutes and Vihaan was already going through the footages. But something was wrong there, were no records of the evening, to be particular, the records of the time Shanaya was in the company.


    Someone had deleted them!


    The last footage was of seven-thirty in the evening and, Vihaan saw Shanaya leaving the company, but she was not alone.


    Accompanying her was the guard of the company!


    He immediately summoned him, but no output came.


    .....................................


    The chaos of the club was enough for anyone to get distracted, but it was not helping Vihaan at all from getting away from the thoughts of Shanaya.


    It was one of the Saturdays'' night and, as expected by him, Shanaya had refused to join them stating she had some works. Since Shanaya was not joining them, they were free to drink and thus they planned to go to a club.


    "Am I the only one who is noticing changes in Shanaya?" breaking the silence on their table, sitting on the sofa in one of the VIP''s section, Saaransh gulped the tequila shot and enquired while looking at all of them.


    "No, you are not" fully drunk, Avni answered and spoke," She has changed a lot, but she is not telling us."


    "She shouted at me" taking a sip, Vansh spoke next and, when he saw others looking at him with shock, he continued" Yes, even I was surprised."


    "She has stopped interacting, talking much, and is no longer in her usual chirpy mood." continuing the conversation, Avni spoke.


    "And, She has started staying deep in her thoughts, lying awake in the night saying she has works to do, and not to forget keeping secrets, "Vansh spoke to give additional information.


    "She is indeed keeping secrets" speaking for the first time on the topic of Shanaya, Vihaan spoke casually and told them about the footages and the scene with the guard, when they looked at him with confusion.


    "She joins us late during our weekend plan, the same day someone deletes the CCTV footage for the exact time she is in her office. From the same day, she starts behaving differently, and she starts showing the sign of fear and nervousness." stating in his lawyer''s tone, Saaransh looked at all of them and said with definite confidence" Something happened with her."


    "Yes, but we do not know what!" shrugging her shoulder, Avni spoke.


    "Why do not we make her drunk to tell us" looking at his glass of beer, Vihaan speak to himself but when he found others gaze on him, he found he has spoken aloud.


    "I was kidding! Don''t be a fool to think about it" he immediately spoke when he sensed them to be thinking of it as a solution.


    "No, it''s actually a good plan!" speaking with excitement, Avni voiced out her opinion.


    "Dee, have you forgotten the scene when we made her drunk?" full of concern, Vansh questioned Avni.


    "What! You made her drunk" it was time to see Saaransh''s surprising reactions.


    Vihaan made it appear as if he was not interested in the topic anymore, but the thought of Shanaya drunk made him curious and, his eyes ad ears were all on the topic.


    Laughing at her mischief, Avni told Saaransh" We wanted to know her secret lover, so we made her drunk till she could tell us exactly what we wanted to hear."


    The ''secret lover'' caught Vihaan''s attention and before he could stop himself, he spoke:" So, did you find him out?"


    Looking at him, it was Vansh who answered" No, because the moment she started talking about him, we like a fool made her drink more and the last sentence we heard from her while unlocking her phone was" I forgot the password!"


    Avni and Vansh laughed at the memories and, to his surprise, Vihaan too found him smiling at the imagination of drunken Shanaya.


    "She must have been cute" thinking and smiling to himself, he heard Vansh"So, you in for this plan, because we know only this is gonna help us find out."


    "I am in" it took not less than a minute for Avni to decide.


    With a hesitation, Saaransh looked at Avni and then at Vansh, but when he saw Vansh urging him, he spoke"In."


    When he saw them looking at him, expecting an answer, he took a long breath and said the word they wanted to hear" In."


    ......................................................................................


    Enjoy reading it :)


    Love to all <3

 Chapter 62 - Birthday boy

    Seeing her tired reflection in the dressing table mirror, wearing her favourite red colour full-sleeved shirt with sleeves not folded up which was not her style, and brown cargo, hair tied up in her usual bun, Shanaya leaned toward it, keeping her hands on the dressing table. She traced her neck with the help of her left hand and noticed the bruises fading.


    Feeling relieved, she stood back and folding her left sleeves three times she observes the bruises fading there too. It had been four days since the incident and, she had acted pretty bad.


    But, she was glad two-three days more and, she would not have to hide her skin anymore. Just the thought of hiding her skin due to someone made her feel angry and, she swore to herself she was going to teach the bastard a lesson he would never forget.


    She wanted to act normal, but considering her feelings, her turned-up emotions, she knew everyone was suspecting her, but she was glad no one had asked her again the question" Are you okay?".


    She was hating herself for being a bitch, but she could not just tell them what exactly happened, and she hated lying to her loved ones, so she simply prefered ignoring the questions for which she had no answer.


    She had no stopped going to the office or attending the presentation and meetings, but she was clever enough to be as far as possible from Aniket. She would always be with someone whenever she would feel Aniket coming to her and, she was finding it hard to stop the feeling of hitting the creepy hard in his mouth whenever she would saw him smirking or hell, even saw him..


    The name and the memories bought a bitter taste, and she felt disgusted."It''s okay. You can, do it, everything is gonna be fine."


    Motivating herself, she makes herself feel better, which was becoming a hard task for her, and hurriedly unfolded the sleeves to their original place and bu??oned them up at wrist when she heard footsteps approaching her.


    She was back to her chair in Vansh''s room when she heard a knock and Avni walked in her black top and jeans. She had been staying in Rathore''s mansion for the last four days and, like always, Vansh had given her his room.


    Thinking of Vansh made her feel angry at herself and loathing at herself for shouting at her best friend! She was grateful to him for so many things, but she just could not be back to her usual self, for it she needed to do something and, she was going to do it.


    "Hey" smiling at her, Avni walked inside the room and sat down on the edge of the bed. She saw Shanaya arranging her sleeves, but ignoring it for the fulfilment of her ''master'' plan, she, spoke:" Umm, Vihaan''s bday is coming."


    "Ofcourse" Shanaya spoke to herself as if it was not a piece of new information for her, but looking at Avni in her ''trying to be normal'' tone, she whispered "Ohh".


    Clearing her throat, not giving much of her feelings toward Avni''s brother in front of Avni herself, she speaks further" So, any surprises or parties?"


    Waving her hand, Avni spoke immediately"Oh no no, Vihaan does not celebrate his birthday" and continued" He just hang out with all of us."


    Shanaya was momentarily surprised to hear the information, for she never thought Vihaan would be the guy who does not like parties or celebrations. When she had read his date of birth on google while surfing about him, she had thought of a big party arranged for him by Rathore''s.


    Yes, she had been keeping track on every news of Vihaan, the girls he dated, the companies he made a deal with, the awards he got and so on. For her, it was not stalking, as she was not doing anything that would hurt Vihaan.


    Processing the information, she heard Avni saying" Well, I am organising a small party at his office, and just you, Saaransh, Vansh and of course the bday boy, received the invitation."


    Shanaya was going to reject when she heard Avni scolding" I won''t take a ''no'' as an answer, Shana! " and saw her turning her head from her in anger.


    Thinking for a minute, realizing she has to stop hurting people she loves just because of some creepy person, Shanaya closed her eyes.


    Opening them after a second, she stood up to move toward Avni and hugging her meanwhile feeling Avni''s reluctance, She hugged her with more strength and spoke in her usual tone with a real smile" I will be cominggg, now stop fusing my sweetheart".


    .................................


    Replying to the birthday wishes by his closed ones, Vihaan kept the phone back on his desk and laid back on his chair, his neck supported by it. Hell, he was tired!


    He had a busy day, meeting with four different company''s CEO, attending a charity event, and finalising the ''master'' plan.


    Standing up, he removed his black coat, loosened the tie and unbuttoning the top two bu??on of his white shirt he sat down back on the chair, meanwhile, folding his sleeves up to his forearm.


    Getting comfortable in the chair, he closed his eyes and, he was about to doze off while rubbing his forehead, when the door of the office opened and, Avni entered squealing" She accepted it! She is coming!!".


    It was almost seven in the evening and, all the employees had gone back to their home, leaving Vihaan alone. He was not a frankly and pleasing boss, and knowing him very well, no, one had requested him to cut a cake or to do something else.


    Only Erina, his PA, had wished him from the staff side and after making him cut the cake one of his employees had baked for Vihaan, she had not disturbed him for the birthday.


    That was the reason he was Vihaan''s PA, she knew him, well.


    "When are others coming?" speaking in his sleepy voice, Vihaan closed his eyes again.


    "I talked to Vansh and, he said he would be with Shanaya around nine. Saaransh too will be here till that time, even though he said he might have to retire early because of the case he is stuck upon."


    "And, he says I am the workaholic one" sarcasm in his voice, he opened his eyes and standing up to move toward the sofa, he spoke to Avni while lying down on it and closing his eyes" Wake me up at nine, it''s going to be a long night."


    ............................


    Enjoy reading it :)


    Love to all<3

 Chapter 63 - Drunken kiss

    "Do you think the dress is okay?" standing at the entrance of the big Rathore''s building, wearing denim shorts till her mid-thighs and white lose top with casual sleepers and opened hair, Shanaya looked at Vihaan standing at her left in black joggers and blue tee.


    There was no theme for the party Avni had organised for Vihaan, and as much as she can remember, all Avni had informed them was " Be in your casual and comfy clothes, we are there to hang out and chill."


    "They are perfect for the ''casual and comfy'' theme, Shana" giving her a look, Vansh locked his car and urged her to move ahead.


    Shana was thankful for so many reasons! Vansh was no longer angry with her, and, they were back on the talking terms. God! she was going to make sure never to hurt him or anyone else anytime in future.


    But, the real problem was still there. She might have accepted the invitation, but how was she going to attend it without actually wishing the birthday boy!


    The problem was solved when Saaransh meet them at the entrance of the office of Vihaan and, they together went inside, wishing Vihaan in a union, leaving her the option of not wishing him at all.


    The sight of Vihaan in his white unbuttoned and folded sleeves shirt revealing too much of his gleaming skin made Shanaya in awe and, she had to breath hard to be herself. God! How much she wanted that man! She wanted to feel every inch of his, making him her completely, only her..


    Feeling the heated gaze of Shanaya, Vihaan unconsciously turned his attention to Shanaya and the thought of having her at the moment crossed his mind. Gulping down the saliva, looking at her toned legs and th??hs, he doubted his control.


    "God, save me!" praying to God for the first time since God knows when Vihaan reluctantly withdraws his eyes from her tempting body and, tried to distract himself.


    He was not going to reveal his ?ust and d?s?r?s for her in front of the members of his family and best friend who was soon going to propose her!


    "She is not mine, I won''t look at her at all, she is here for a reason" explaining to himself, calming his ragged breaths, his heard his heart mocking" Really! that''s why you were thinking of different ways to have her? you are such a perverted man!".


    ..................................................


    "I likeeeee pink lips" in the drunken steps, dancing on the song "Pink Lips", Shanaya hugged Avni from the back and resting her head in the crook of Avni''s neck, closed her eyes.


    She was wasted, completely and it was time for the execution of their ''master'' plan, but Shanaya was too energised for it. Since an hour, she was dancing on all the songs like a crazy girl.


    Opening her eyes with a jerk, Shanaya opened her arms around Avni and moved back, walking drunkenly, repeating the words" I like pink lips". Before she could fall, Vansh scoop her in his arms and said seriously" Stop dancing Shana! you are gonna hurt yourself."


    "Hehe, it''s my besty!!!" kissing him on his left cheek, Shanaya closed her arms around his neck when Vansh supported her in standing straight. Blinking her eyes twice, she looked at Vansh while trying to keep open her eyes and, before she could stop, she traces his lips with her thumb, saying crazily" You have pink lips, Vanshu! I like pink lips."


    "Shana! Stop acting pervert" still supporting her, Vansh arched his neck in an effort of keeping his face away from her reach and moved toward the sofa along with Shanaya''s drunken weight.


    He was about to reach the sofa when Shana tried to stop him from moving, and, before he could know, his knee came in contact with the back of the sofa, making him trip. Cursing himself, Vansh looked at Saaransh and Vihaan and spoke in the cursed voice" Are you waiting for my death?"


    Looking at them, Saaransh laughed and came forward to help Shana, who was lying on her back on the floor with her arms opened and eyes closed.


    Vihaan growled when he saw Saaransh lifting her in a bridal style and moving back to the sofa, making her sit down.


    Saaransh was about to leave her when he felt Shana grabbing his arm and, he looked at her. It was his first time to see her acting so freely and, even though he had no issue with it, it was taking a lot of patience to keep his control.


    The Shanaya he was witnessing was far cuter than the original one, and god, he wanted her for eternity. He wanted her to spent her life with him, to get drunk with him, to be naughty with him and to do everything with him.


    Sitting with her on the back on the sofa, his breath stopped when he felt Shana''s lips on his left cheek. He was not in his teens, he had been in various relationships, but no woman had made him feel like that. He could not dare to see anyone, for he was aware he was blushing and, his breathing was hard.


    "You too have pink lips" leaning toward Saaransh, her eyes noticing every detail of Saaransh''s handsome face, Shana smiled and fell back on the sofa.


    "She is going crazy! I never thought we would see her perverted side one day!" looking at her with disbelief, Vansh spoke.


    Laughing hard, Avni looked at both of them one by one and spoke: "Trust me, she is going to be embarrassed like hell once we will tell her about today."


    "Really! then let''s just make a list longer" smirking at Avni, Vansh spoke while looking at Shanaya, but not before giving a look at Vihaan who was sitting in one corner and trying to ignore everything" Shana, what kind of a man do you like?"


    Laughing like a child, Shana look at everyone, but not at Vihaan. When the suspense was too long, she pointed her finger at Saaransh and spoke" Him. If I could, I would have fallen in love with him."


    "Were we here for this?" interrupting them from listening to her drunken words, Vihaan spoke for the first time.


    Gesturing toward Shanaya, he spoke while looking at others one by one" We were here for a purpose."


    He was hating to see Shana''s commenting about Vansh and Saaransh lips, but he could not control his anger anymore when he heard Shana drunken confession. For god sake! he was going crazy.


    "Come on, Vih it is, the first time we, are hearing something from her heart. She is always ready for us, we, too need to give our time to her."


    ....................................................................................


    NOTE: PLEASE DO NOT READ CHAPTER 64 AND CHAPTERS 66-70. THESE CHAPTERS HAVE BEEN REPEATED DUE TO SOME PROBLEM FROM . I CAN NOT DO ANYTHING AS THESE CHAPTERS ARE NOT SHOWING IN MY CONTENT LIST BUT IS AVAILABLE FOR READERS. SO PLEASE MAKE SURE TO REMEMBER THIS. ??


    Enjoy reading it :)


    Love to all <3

 Chapter 64 - Half-revelation-1

    Vihaan was half lying on the sofa chair next to the sofa in which Shana was sleeping, his hands supporting his head at the back, legs crossed and supporting themself on the table, his eyes solely on sleeping Shanaya.


    Sitting there, his eyes fixed on her, the thought of their deeds at night made his body shiver with excitement and something more, and he shifted in the sofa chair. He had not closed his eyes since the night, for he was not sure when he was going to have another chance of seeing Shanaya at such proximity.


    Remembring her expressions, he smiled. He was correct about Shanaya, she was, one of those girls who would look innocent but, on the bed they were wild, and Shanaya was no doubt wilder than any girl he has met.


    He remembered their kiss, Shanaya trying to dominate the kiss, her hands on his neck and god! he wanted to do it again! His body was on fire the moment she had touched him and, he wanted her hands all over his body, ??r?ssing it and loving it, again.


    "No, don''t go there!" stopping his mind from going in the direction they had gone after the kiss, he breathed hard, the control losing him.


    The mere remembrance of her doing things to him made him turn on and, he just wanted her, in any way and every way. Looking at the innocent face of her while sleeping, he kept thinking everything he wanted to do with her. .


    He wanted her to be with him when he sleeps when he wakes up and the thought of him m?k?n? ??v? to her, praying her with his touches and kisses, excited him.


    But, he cursed when the words of Shanaya rang on his ears" I still love you!" and he knew she had kissed him thinking as her old lover, the guy named ''Saar''.


    Next second he remembered the tattoo on Shanaya''s back and he thought to himself" Is he handsome, s?xy, hot? What kind of a person is he? Does he still love Shanaya? Are they still in contact?"


    He ?r??n?d when his mind shouted at him" Why in the hell you are thinking about that guy!?"


    His heart shouted back at his mind" Because she is mine!"


    "She is not yours" his mind corrected his heart.


    "I won''t let her be someone''s else" ignoring his mind his heart dominated him.


    God, how much he wanted to kill that man, but more than that he wanted to kill his mind for not letting him enjoy the thoughts of them together.


    "Really! you think you are going to survive without me" he heard his mind mocking him, and he knew his mind was not telling a lie.


    He closed his eyes when he saw Shanaya changing her direction for he did not wishes to be caught looking at her. But, he knew she was going to wake up soon, she had slept for hours and, it was almost noon.


    Lying still, she took a minute to get an idea about her surrounding and, she remembered nothing than the Vihaan''s birthday party. Her mind was blank and, she stood up immediately, her face showing anxiety.


    She looked at her right to see Vihaan lying on the sofa chair and, she blinked in confusion.


    "What''s going on?" thinking to herself, she looked at him once again. And, an odd sensation passed through her.


    Everything was a mess and, she hated the moment.


    But, more than that she was hating the feeling she was getting while looking at Vihaan, she was feeling him closer, as if something had happened between them, something that was going to change everything.


    She tried to remember things, anything, but all she got was some images of the birthday party. Not knowing the condition she was in, she adjusted her hair which was all messy and tangled and, she wondered what has she done to let them in such a condition.


    Folding the upper sheet neatly, she placed it at the corner of the sofa and put her legs on the floor without making a noise. She was in no condition going to stay there any longer, not knowing what had happened.


    Pretending to be sleepy, Vihaan heard her folding the upper sheet and, he sensed her footsteps toward the office gate.


    Shanaya had just reached the door and, she jumped when he heard the husky and sleepy voice of Vihaan" I would not do it."


    The thought of him looking at her was not that much of a surprise as it was of him talking to her and she thought while looking at him" Have we resolved our issue?."


    In no hell way, he must have spoken to her if that would not be the case.


    "Fuck you my memory!" cursing at her mind, she pretended to know everything and moved back to the sofa to sit down.


    Watching her sit down, Vihaan keeps looking at her for some reaction, but when he saw nothing coming, he stood up and pouring the water in the glass, took some medicine from the drawer of his desk and moved toward her.


    Reaching her, he spoke," Drink it, it would be good for your hangover."


    "What!!! I took the alcohol???" the surprise in her voice and face Vihaan heard and saw was not just surprise, it, was the confirmation Vihaan needed.


    He knew she must not have remembered a thing about the night, for god sake, he knew enough to know, no girl react like that after kissing and making out.


    "Only Kiss, Kiss, Kiss" ordering himself to only think of Kiss, he looked at Shana who was still in shock.


    "No way I would have taken alcohol" shaking her head in disbelief, she remained sitting on the sofa in doubt.


    Five minutes passed in silence, the ticking of the clock the only sound in the office.


    "What else have I done?" Shanaya broke the silence and looked at Vihaan.


    Looking at her, he found her curious and, he thought what to tell. He wondered if he should tell about their kiss and, he spoke:" You kissed me."


    ........................................


    Enjoy reading it :)


    Love to all <3

 Chapter 65 - Drunken kiss and the confession

    "Wa....t....e.....r" murmuring in her sleep, Shana tried to open her eyes but failed. Her throat was dry, and all she wanted was a drop of water..


    After a minute, after several attempts in opening her eyes, her eyes opened to reveal the room in dim light. She did not know where she was, and, the headache was making it impossible to think much.


    Groaning, she spoke once again" Waterr" and moved her lips to say again, "Water" and, soon enough, she saw the glass full of water in front of her eyes.


    Without looking at the owner of it, she took it and gulped down the water in a single go.


    Standing in front of her, seated on the sofa, Vihaan saw her drinking the water and took the glass from her hand when he saw her emptying it.


    Back when Shana had dozed off in sleep without telling anything, they all have waited for some time, but after waiting, Vansh and Avni had gone back to the Mansion so that senior Rathore''s won''t find out about their plan at all.


    Vihaan was habitual of staying back in the office and, everyone was aware of it, so staying back at the office for another day was not going to create suspense in the eyes of them.


    Also, Saaransh was supposed to stay with him but, he got the call and, he had to go back to his office, leaving Shanaya in the custody of Vihaan.


    Vihaan did not know how to name the feeling he got once he realized he was alone with Shanaya and closing the office door, he sat down on his chair, his eyes drinking the sight of Shanaya lying on the sofa.


    He kept seeing her for almost an hour and had just closed his eyes when he heard a faint voice. The sleep was in the process of embracing him and, he ignored it without actually realising he had ignored it, but, he shut his eyes on when he heard that faint voice again and immediately his eyes went to Shana. He saw her lips moving and, heard the word"Water."


    "Where am I?" drinking the water, her head spinning, Shana asked the person standing in front of her and, that''s when she saw Vihaan. Hell, she could identify him with her eyes closed!


    Even though she was drunk, her heart knew she was not in talking terms with him and, she immediately turned her head away from him.


    Watching her turning her head away from him, Vihaan could no longer ignore her, and keeping his index finger under her chin, urging her to see him, he spoke calmly while sitting down on his knees" Hey, talk to me."


    He had no idea what made him do this, but maybe the silent night and alcohol in him were the reason.


    When he saw her reluctant to talk to him, he turned her face fully toward him and locking his eyes with her, he spoke with the tone he had never used" I am sorry for all the things I have done in the past to hurt you."


    Shanaya might be drunk, and she might not understand the words clearly, but she needed not to hear them, for she could read his eyes like no one else. She looked his eyes justifying his words, and, she smiled at him finally.


    Looking at him sitting close to her, Shana looked around her surrounding and question, again" Where am I?".


    "In my office" speaking like a lover, in his calm and lovely voice, Vihaan looked at her.


    "Ughh, my head is spinning" keeping her hands on her head, she closed her eyes in agony.


    "Sleep, it will pass" taking her hands in his hands, Vihaan spoke while tracing her hands softly as if she was the most fragile thing he has seen in his life.


    "I do not want to" speaking childishly, Shana looked at his eyes, but soon her eyes drift toward his lips and, the air in the room changed instantly.


    Seeing her eyes on his lips, Vihaan gasped for breath. He saw her lips moving just inches away from her and, the thoughts of touching, tasting and kissing them were all he had. He wanted her at that moment more than anything.


    He wanted to suck the hell of life from her!


    Trying to distract her and more of himself, he asks the question he was dying to ask" What happened to you that evening? Something happened with Aniket, isn''t it?"


    ?


    Vihaan might have been ignoring confronting Aniket, but he was no fool to notice ANiket''s eyes on Shana. Even though he wanted to kick him, he was controlling himself considering the deal. The deal was of million worth, and he could not just take any decision without knowing anything.


    Shanaya heard his question, but hell no, she was not going to answer it anytime. Her mind was keeping the secret safe, even if she was drunk.


    "You have red lips" speaking softly, ignoring his question as if she did not hear him, Shanaya looks back at his eyes and the s?xu?? tension in the room magnified ten times.


    God, She wanted him and was ready to face any rejection or embarrassment. She had no idea why she was saying such words, but she wanted to say it and was happy she was finally able to say them. She was free for at least a day.


    She was ready to play the ''hating game'' from the next day, but all she wanted to be was, him for the night.


    "But, you like pink lips" speaking with hatred, the anger in him getting doubled at being ignored and then at her confession of liking pink lips, Vihaan looked at her as if to say to her" Say it, you do not."


    ?


    Shanaya leaned more toward him, making the distance diminish between them, their faces less than inches away. Not knowing what made her do it, but, she touches his lower lip with her thumb.


    His intimate and ?ustful eyes turn her on and, it did not help when she heard her name in his husky voice" Shana...".


    It was said to stop whatever was happening, but the opposite happened. Grabbing the same hand that touched his lips, Vihaan jerked it with force, making Shanaya fall on his ?h?st.


    He ignored his mind warning him" She is drunk and, your friend loves her. You also heard her saying she likes his kind of man!" and the urge to control vanished when he heard Shanaya" I like pink lips, but, I lovee red lips."


    No one knew what or how it happened, but the moment she said those words, their lips met and, both of them m??n?d.


    "Oh, god!" Vihaan growled when his lips touched her soft and juicy lips. The kiss was soft at first, but soon it turned out to be a dominating and possesive one. Sucking her lips, he hissed in pain and p???sur? when he felt Shanaya plucking his hair out but soon was rewarded with her m??n the moment he bites her lips hard.


    Shanaya was in heaven! And, she was ready to sacrifice everything she had to be in it for eternal. His hands, on her body, were turning her into a fire of p???sur?s and, her body was aching for the things she knows only Vihaan was capable.


    Not knowing how, she found her back against the sofa and Vihaan above her, kissing her like his life depend on it.


    God, he was one of the best kissers!


    The kiss continued, each one of them trying to taste everything of the other, but Vihaan won in it. Without breaking the kiss, his hands roam over every part of the body where his long and strong hand could reach and finally came to rest on her nape. He pulls her head back to take more of everything she was giving him and, he did take it.


    Five minutes later, they broke the kiss to take some air and, Vihaan looked at her with the same ?ust he had five minutes earlier. The sight of her swollen and bitten lips made him growl like an animal and, he so wanted to have her.


    Closing his fist, he tried to calm himself, but the sight of Shanaya with her red cheeks, hot body, and the state of her lips for which he was fully responsible did not let him.


    He was not going to think any more of Saaransh or his love, he, was going to have what he wanted, be it in any way.


    He smiled from the bottom of his heart when his heart made him proud by saying" I marked her mine."


    ...................................................................


    Enjoy reading it :)


    Love to all <3

 Chapter 66 - Half-revelation-2

    Shanaya stood up, her hands covering her mouth, her eyes bulging out and mumbled weakly" I...I..". The words did not leave her mouth. She was too shocked to say a single word.


    "It''s what Vansh and Saaransh will say to you" seeing her reaction, seeing her all shaken up, Vihaan changed the direction of it, revealing half-truth.


    "Oh god!!" with both the relief and the embarrassment in her voice as she paced around the room, she questioned without looking at Vihaan" Umm, Where did I" and stopped.


    How was she going to ask the question!, but when she looks at Vihaan and saw him waiting patiently for her question, she completed it" Kissed them?"


    "Cheeks" the single word could not be the most precious word she had heard and, she almost wished to hug Vihaan for sharing the good news..


    "Thank god! I must be crazy for doing it!" she had just said it when the knock on the door interrupted her and, she saw Saaransh at the end of the door.


    "I am so so sorry!" looking at him, frozen on her spot, Shanaya spoke the moment her eyes sighted him and continued" I must be really crazy to do it! Trust me, I, had no idea what I was doing."


    Closing the door and coming inside the office, Saaransh chuckled and pulling her toward him, hugged her, while saying" It''s okay."


    "No, it''s not okay! I must have looked like a pervert, oh god!"


    "Shana, it happens between friends, and I got it you were drunk, you hardly had any conscience." trying to help her, Saaransh brushed his hand around her hair.


    "Trust me! It''s the most embarrassing situation for me" hiding her face, Shanaya spoke all she could to make him understand the situation.


    Watching them together, Vihaan took a long breath and tried to make his angry heart at peace by remembering their kiss. It was him with she had kissed, not Saaransh!


    "Why don''t you head to the Mansion? We are good, okay" hearing Saaransh, Shanaya nodded her neck and collecting her things, the first thing she did after leaving the office was to call Vansh.


    When she heard her call not picked up, she hurriedly texted him" I am so sorry Vanshu! I really do not know what to say, but I guess you will understand me as you always have."


    The minute Shanaya left the office, Saaransh moved toward the sofa to sit on it and spoke looking at Vihaan" Found anything?"


    "Nopes, she kept sleeping till now" Vihaan lied, even though the urge to tell him what happened between them was prominent.


    ........................................


    Shanaya wearing a blue tee and blue short was walking toward some destination with fury on her face, her hands clutched in a fist when she took the stairs toward the third floor and opened the gate to Vihaan''s room without knocking.


    "Why did you fire him?" questioning him with anger, she turned her face immediately when she saw Vihaan in the midst of changing his shirt and closed her eyes in guilt for not knocking the door.


    It was ten in the night and seeing Shanaya in his bedroom in her nightwear, Vihaan stopped his mind from going anywhere indecent and changing into a tee, he spoke casually "What are you talking about?"


    "Alok, the guard" without turning her neck toward him, she replied.


    Vihaan closed the wardrobe and moved toward the bed. Sitting on it, he looked at Shanaya, who was now in front of him, and spoke:" What about him?"


    Having no option than to look at him, she spoke:" Why did you fire him?"


    "He did not tell me what I asked, simple" changing his direction from sitting to lying on the bed, Vihaan put his hands at the back of his head, and looked directly in her eyes.


    The sight of him made Shanaya a little weak, and ofcourse a little diverted, but she was back on track soon" I asked him not to say a thing."


    "I know, so why don''t you tell me if you want me to rehire him." speaking in his business tone, Vihaan crossed his legs.


    "Tell you what?" knowing very well what he was asking, Shanaya pretend to be unaware of the content of their talks.


    Looking directly in her eyes, intimidating her, Vihaan spoke with a little bit demand" What happened that evening?"


    Shanaya blinked once, twice and several times. Listening to him asking something she was not going to tell, but the matter being linked with the future of someone''s else made her think hard of her next words.


    The question itself was hinting Vihaan knowledge about the matter and, she wondered if she had said anything to him while drunk.


    "Nothing happened, and even if something happened I am capable enough to handle it" she was going to say a lot more but ended it shortly and moved back a little when he saw Vihaan getting from his bed with red eyes and saw him moving toward her.


    "Oh really!" standing an inches away from her, his red eyes focused on her, his hands closed in a fist, gritted teeth, he mocked her.


    "Okay, fine! Yes, something happened and, for that, I am never going to forgive him. I am, going to take the revenge myself, so do not you even think of coming in between" broken, at last, Shanaya was determined in her words and look with the same anger.


    Pushing her toward the wall, his hands around her waist, he trapped her with the other free hand by keeping it on the wall above her head and spoke dangerously "Your revenge is mine! I want to know everything that happened with you or else I am going to fire every single person you are close with, and it starts with your team."


    ............................................


    Enjoy reading :)


    Love to all <3

 Chapter 67 - The homework-1

    Shanaya was panting hard when she stopped jogging in the middle of the night. The guest house of Rathore''s was visible from where she had stopped and taking a long breath, she resumed walking at a fast pace.


    The night was nice with cool air and, she saw the path around the Rathore Mansion illuminating. She had taken the track from Mansion to Guesthouse and then to the farmhouse and was on the second round when she felt tired.


    Her mind was distracted when the music on her phone changed. She had not put the headphone and, the phone was on the speaker on a low volume, audible only to her. She knew nothing about the songs, but since her talks with Vansh, she had tried listening to them and had asked Vansh to create the playlist.


    She decreased her walking speed when she found her heart rate normal and, she got reminded of her fight with Vansh thirty minutes earlier. She had gone to Vansh to talk about the drunken night and, somehow, it had led to the fight.


    "Vansh! How could you do it!" she had spoken with a shock. .


    "I did what I ?ssumed correct" She had heard Vansh speaking without a hint of guilt.


    "You know I hate drinking and you, out of all person, you did it" pointing an accusing finger at him, she had looked at him with disbelief.


    "For god sake! I had no evil intentions! I did what I could to have information that was troubling you." shaking with anger, Vansh had lost his temper and closing the distance between them, he had spoken" I gave you a week to tell me the things, but you did not even trust me!" hurt visible on his face at the word ''trust'', he had continued"We are best friends friend and yet, you did not have faith on me to tell me what''s troubling you!"


    He stopped her from saying any further by saying" Tell me one thing and, I would accept I did wrong, If you would have been in my place and the only option would have to do the thing I hate, would you still not do anything?" and had looked at her with a serious face.


    "Yes, I would have done anything to take you out of misery, but not like this Vansh!" looking at him with some kind of hope, she spoke with a calm voice. She did not want his sorry or something. She just wanted him to accept, there, was another way of knowing everything.


    "Oh, really! So, you mean to say I should have waited for a month to know everything, when you would have been kind enough to tell me or the whole world, would have known it!." looking accusingly at her, Vansh had tried to calm his anger, but it did not seem to be helping.


    He had paced around the room, but the anger on her for not telling him things, for accusing him, had made him lost his peace, his mind, intelligence, everything and he spoke" I must have looked like a fool to you" and walk out of the room without listening to her.


    Standing in front of the guest house, remembering the past, Shanaya took another long breath and sat down on the first stair of it after pausing the music.


    The night was all silent and, she remained seated, looking at nowhere particular, her mind recalling her fight. Vansh was not just her, best friend he was her everything a man could be except for someone''s partner and soulmate.


    She could not stand hurting him, but she knew she had hurt him. She too would have done something like he had done, and she realized she had overdone.


    Absentmindedly her fingers traced her lips and the words" You kissed me" rang in her ears. The thought itself made her feel heat waves all over her body and her heartbeats increased. "What if Vihaa would have been the one to say it?" the thought flashed and, she immediately shakes her head, the thought itself was more than she could handle.


    Still tracing her lips, she found they were back to normal from the day before''s night, when she had found them swollen.


    She must have chewed her lips, considering this as the only reason for the swelling, she had ignored it, but now sitting in silence, her heart just did not accept it.


    It seemed wrong and, the various thought like" When did we talk? What happened after Vansh and Avni left? What happened during the night? Did really nothing happen? Did I did nothing to Vihaan?" considering her s?xu?? attraction for Vihaan, she had every reason to doubt herself, but, at the moment she had answers of none.


    But one thing she knew, she needed to talk to Vihaan, but before that, she needed to do something more important.


    Picking out her phone, she texted Vansh" I am sorry, I, overdid everything" and, that''s when she noticed the time. It was twelve and, exact one day more, it would be her Birthday, a birthday without her best friend.


    The bitter reality made her eyes wet and, a drop of tears fell on her cheeks.


    She did not dry them, she, let them where they were and came out of her sadness when she heard her phone ringing and saw "Private number" flashing on her screen.


    She immediately knew who it was, but she took her time to appear normal and, strong as if she did not wish to be seen vulnerable to the person calling. Drying her tears and clearing her throat, she took two-three long breaths and spoke at last after picking it" Hi, Ms Kriti."


    ............................................


    Enjoy reading it :)


    Love to all <3

 Chapter 68 - The homework-3

    Vihaan was sitting inside his office, busy in his thought, the thoughts of Shanya engulfing him. It had been an hour since the conference, but Shanaya had not come, and he was doubting if the chasing game was working. But, his heart knew she would come soon, and, the knock on the office door proved it.


    He knew it was Shanaya without looking at her. He needed not to look, his heart, knew his girl.


    Not yours, his mind corrected him, and adjusting himself on the chair, he spoke:" Come in."


    Calming her pounding heart, Shanaya entered Vihaan''s office and having no idea why she felt some sensations in her body as if her body was remembering things she could not. Without being aware of, her eyes looked at the sofa, taking every detail of it, as if something would come out of it. Her eyes slide to the floor near the sofa and, the waves of heat passed through her body.


    "What the hell?" cursing at herself inside her mind, she looked at Vihaan and saw him looking at her with those intimate eyes she loved. .


    Wait? What? Loved?? since when she loved his eyes? questioning herself, she looked away from him, the intensity in his eyes too much for her.


    Vihaan was looking at her when she had entered the office, but soon, he saw her eyes looking at the sofa and the memories of the night made him hard, instantly. God! How much he wished to do it, again and again, but he stopped his mind going far.


    He had no control in front of Shanaya, and knowing it well, he could not think of all ?r?t?? things at the moment.


    "Ye.." clearing his throat, he spoke authoritatively" Yes?"


    Back to being the arrogant and rude boss.


    But he was not her boss, he, was her business partner and, he wondered how it would feel if it could be just "Partner".


    "What''s happening with me? God! Did I just say it? I must be going crazy due to stress" talking to himself, he looked at Shanaya and saw her looking everywhere, but not at him.


    Standing in front of Vihaan, Shanaya looked here and thee, having no idea how to start the conversation. She had so many things to tell him, but the cat caught her tongue, and she remained silent.


    She heard Vihaan''s clearing his throat in an attempt to hear her say something and, she spoke while roaming her hand on her neck" Umm, I saw Alok, outside."


    Great! what a way to start!


    Vihaan was enjoying it a lot! To see her all self-conscious around him was such a sight.


    "Yes, Vansh is smart enough to knock some senses into him" not budging at all, his eyes, constantly on her, he spoke while trying his best to remain unfazed by her.


    "Vansh!" exclaiming, Shanaya formed her mouth in an ''oh'' expression when she saw Vihaan nodding and, this led her to think about Vansh. He had not replied her back and, she was damn sure he was angry and hurt and, he was not going to talk to her at all.


    It hurt a lot! But, she was the one responsible and, she was willing to wait for him, to give him some time.


    Taking a seat opposite Vihaan when she saw him gesturing her to take one, Shanaya sat down with a little hesitation, as it was her first time. She had no idea why she was getting shy from him, but the shyness deep inside coming out from nowhere was the reason.


    "What did Alok say?" not looking directly in his eyes, but looking at his face, Shanaya finally asked.


    Vihaan did not answer her immediately. Instead, he stood up from his chair and walking toward the chair Shanaya was seated, he, sat down, at the edge of the desk with his right hand inside his pocket, and leaned toward Shanaya, diminishing already existed distance.


    Every breath escaped Shanaya when she felt Vihaan closer, and she had to pray to not be affected by him.


    Now, she could easily understand the concept of physical attraction, while in her earlier days she would mock those girls who would go crazy for someone with a good personality and face.


    She would have asked them to have some control over their hormones, but now her own hormones were out of control.


    Maybe they all were cursing her to feel the same, and Shanaya realized it too late.


    "Why do not you tell me what happened?" looking at Shanaya who was trying to ignore him, Vihaan was almost an inch away from her face, and his eyes automatically drifted toward her lips.


    The growl he heard inside him was not of a human!


    Closing his fist to have control over his animal side, Vihaan gritted his teeth until they hurt and he sighed of relief when he heard Shanaya soft voice" He is an ?ssailant,"


    But, the relief did not last long as soon as the word registered in his mind. His mind gets flooded with many disgusted and unwanted scenes, all, of them of Shanaya getting hurt by Aniket. "Please God, no, no" he prayed to God with all his heart, he prayed, to not let it be what he was thinking. He was not ready to hear anything that would have hurt his Shanaya in any way.


    His mind did not correct him when he said ''his Shanaya'', the fear in his heart was too much for it. Looking at her, he thought of her behaviour on the night, and his mind ?ssured him nothing happened to her.


    She had not feared when he had touched her. She had not back away when they had kissed, she had not broken the kiss yelling or had done anything that would point to her being physically, emotionally and mentally forced.


    ...............................................


    Enjoy reading it :)


    Love to all <3

 Chapter 69 - The homework-2

    Vihaan was sitting on his chair in the conference room with his employees, wearing a black shirt in his usual style and grey pant. His focus was on the presentation shown by his manager, but his mind was on Shanaya, whose gaze was continuously on him.


    He was more than pleased to have her attention, and the idea made him realized how much he enjoys her attention. He wanted her focus solely on him, not for the moment, but for the lifetime, for eternity.


    He wanted her to see just him, to blush while looking at him, to feel those heat waves he feels when he would look at her or would pass close to her. He wanted her to feel and do everything he was feeling and doing for her.


    But, but, he was not going to show it to her, ever.. Besides, the idea of her chasing him after being ignored was captivating and excited. He had seen her trying to talk to him since the morning, but, he was not going to give her the chance easily. He wanted to be worth her hard work.


    Sitting across Vihaan, Shanaya had no idea what the presentation was about, her eyes without her consent was on every gesture of Vihaan. And, she was grateful in her mind for her position for the first time. At least, she would not be fired for her lack of attention!


    Since the morning, she had wanted to talk to Vihaan. But Vihaan had not glanced at her at all, ignoring her every time she had tried to initiate to such level she no longer felt like talking to him at all!


    "Fine, he doesn''t want to talk to me, I too will not talk to him!" speaking to herself like a child, Shanaya glanced at him with anger and saw his attention focused on the presentation.


    God! How much she wanted to beat the crap out of him, but she was the one to seed it, she was the one to make him anger him by not telling him things, but she had changed overnight, hadn''t she? She was even ready trying to initiate the conversation unlike herself.


    But looking at Vihaan, she doubted it and wondered "Are we going back to ''no-talk'' phase?" and she was brought to reality when she heard Vihaan.


    "Erina, send me the copies in my office" speaking at the end of the presentation, Vihaan stood up from his chair and stealing a glance at Shanaya who was busy answering someone, Vihaan walks out of the room with a smile that would have seemed precious to someone.


    ....................................


    Coming to rest, she took her phone out from her red pant and dialled a number. She waited for a minute, meanwhile pacing and spoke with the mixture of relief and excitement" Hey Riya, I need your help." She spoke for a while, told her things she wanted and ended the call after five minutes with "Thank you, sweetheart, I love you."


    Next, she dialled another number, but the tension was now evident on her face as if it was an important call. The urge to cut the call was prominent, but she somehow controls herself and spoke when she heard the voice on another end" Hey, Saaransh."


    She talked to him for five-ten minutes and, when she finished the call, she was beaming. She opened her office door to exit and walked toward the Vihaan''s office with a satisfied expression filling her face.


    She was halfway when she saw Alok, the guard emerging, out from Vihaan''s office and she furrowed. As far as she knew, Vihaan had fired him for not telling about the incident and, she ponders why he was in the company.


    Her confusion was soon solved when, Alok saw her in the middle of the way and, coming close to her, greeted her.


    Greeting him back, Shanaya looked back at Vihaan''s office, the feeling of betrayal rising inside her when she met Alok''s eyes, but, they were not the eyes of the person who had betrayed and, Shanaya felt relieved.


    He had not betrayed Shanaya and, it was confirmed when Shanaya heard Alok" Mam, you are a brave woman and I feel proud to hide things for you, but as a concern person, I think you should take Vihaan sir''s help. He is willing to help you and, I can see he will not judge you for anything."


    Hearing him say, Shanaya looked at him and smiling her genuine smile, spoke" Mr Alok, I thank you for supporting me and I am sorry for causing trouble for you. I will do anything to make him rehire you."


    At this, Alok smiled. Looking at her as a father, he spoke:" He rehired me."


    "What?" looking at him with confusion, Shanaya looked again at Vihaan''s office and before Alok could say anything, she spoke," Did you tell him something??"


    Alok remained silent, giving away the secret, the feeling of betrayal and anxiety rising again in Shanaya''s mind and heart, but, they vanished when Alok spoke:" I just told him what I saw, nothing more, nothing less."


    Closing her opened mouth, Shanaya nodded her head several times, as if she was accepting it. If Alok could get his job back just by stating what he saw, he had not betrayed her at all!


    "Thank you so much, Alok. I owe you, and I will remember it for my lifetime." shaking her hands with him, she conveys how thankful she was to him and walked toward her ultimate destination, Vihaan''s office.


    .........................................


    Enjoy reading it :)


    Love to all <3

 Chapter 70 - The homework-4

    Shanaya finally looked in his eyes when the silence in the office became unbearable, the seconds seemed minutes, and she spoke in a determined tone" It would be me who will decide what happens with him."


    Withdrawing her eyes from his face, she shook her head in disbelief and disgust wrap her face. ''You know what he did?" looking back at Vihaan whose eyes were only on her, she spoke with a broken voice, as if the next thing she was going to say had pained her as of the same pain someone feels once stabbed with a knife."


    " He..." controlling herself, she spoke finally" He s?xu??ly... ?ssaul.....ted.." but the burden of saying was much more and, she stopped.


    The moment she stopped, Vihaan lung toward her, his hands on the arm of her chair, his eyes full of anger, his mind''s veins pumping fast, his heart beating faster, but praying hard" Not his Shanaya., please..."


    He knew he was selfish to think like it, to have someone else take her position, but, he was ready to be responsible for it.


    He just could not tolerate anything happening to her, and he was ready to be punished for being selfish and, he spoke in a hoarse voice" Who?"


    It would have been a simple word in a normal context, but not at that moment.


    "Ms Kriti, and..", but, Shanaya stopped dead.


    No, she would never tell him what happened to her. It was a personal thing for her, she needed his help to give justice to Ms kriti, but she was going to give justice to her on her own.


    "I will kill that bastard!!" pounding the desk hard with his fist, he cursed and making a distance between them, he paced in the room, his hand all over his hair, his face full of hatred.


    He could not believe it! He had not interacted much with Ms Kriti, but he knew her enough to call it as his own "personal issue" and, he was going to make sure the bastard pay it.


    He marched toward his desk and picking up the phone, he dialled a number, while cursing it again and again" I will kill him, I won''t leave him."


    "What are you doing?" snatching the phone from Vihaan, Shanaya spoke in a terrified tone.


    "He is going to rot in Prison!, I will personally make it sure he never sees the sun again in his life" the voice was enough to prove he was going to do but, that was not what Shanaya wanted.


    "I just told you he is mine to decide." speaking with a loud but controlled voice, Shanaya looks at Vihaan who was glaring at her for interrupting him.


    "Just because she was a woman, doesn''t give anyone to do that to her! She was my employee. She was next to me when it comes to power. And, if she could not be saved from those evil intentions of a man, how can I be sure my other female employees are safe?? How can I be sure I won''t be facing the same thing!? " continuing in her tone, Shanaya paced around the office and, she did what she had never dared.


    Clasping her hand with, Vihaan''s she asked him what he would never give to her" Please, please,,, let me do it in my way. I need you, yes I need you but, I do not want you to do anything right now."


    Vihaan''s mind was all messed up, he wanted to take his hand back, he wanted to say he would not let her do anything alone, but he just could not. The warmth he was getting from her hands, the eyes that were pleading him and looking at him with hope made him curse and, he closed his eyes in desperation.


    He would have done everything for her, but not the things she was asking.


    But having no option, he spoke" Okay, but I want every minute detail about it." and looked at her with those eyes that speak'' Do what I want or, else you will have me to handle''.


    " I will and thanks" replying to him in a thankful voice, Shanaya looked at his eyes, his face and wondered what he would do if he came to find everything.


    Having nothing to speak, Shanaya nodded in his direction, and her eyes finally sighted their locked hands. It feels so perfect to have her palm touching his palm, the warmth making her feel safe with him. Oh God! how much she would love it, but they were not lovers, hell, they were nothing and yet everything.


    Vihaan saw her taking her hands back, felt the warmth gone and how much he wished to place them back and never let them go. He saw Shanaya reaching the office door and, he wished her not to go.


    "Oh, yes! I have one thing more to ask" turning her face, she blinked her eyes twice to take some time, and when she saw Vihaan waiting, she spoke," Are you sure nothing more happened on your birthday night?"


    And there it was, the amusement she had not seen on his face for such a long time.


    Straightening near his desk, Vihaan eyes glowed and placing his hand on either side of the pant''s pocket he spoke" That''s your homework, Ms Shanaya" his tongue rolling on ''Shanaya'', making her name sound s?xy.


    .........................................


    Enjoy reading it :)


    Love to all <3

 Chapter 71 - You Kissed me

    Vihaan was half lying on the sofa chair next to the sofa in which Shana was sleeping, his hands supporting his head at the back, legs crossed and supporting themself on the table, his eyes solely on sleeping Shanaya.


    Sitting there, his eyes fixed on her, the thought of their deeds at night made his body shiver with excitement and something more, and he shifted in the sofa chair. He had not closed his eyes since the night, for he was not sure when he was going to have another chance of seeing Shanaya at such proximity.


    And was not she beautiful at the proximity too. With no trace of makeup, all herself, she was pretty, cute, beautiful and all the words he could find to praise her.


    Remembring her expressions, he smiled. He was correct about Shanaya, she was, one of those girls who would look innocent but, on the bed they were wild, and Shanaya was no doubt wilder than any girl he has met.


    He remembered their kiss, Shanaya trying to dominate the kiss, her hands on his neck and god! he wanted to do it again! His body was on fire the moment she had touched him and, he wanted her hands all over his body, ??r?ssing it and loving it, again.


    "No, don''t go there!" stopping his mind from going in the direction they had gone after the kiss, he breathed hard, the control losing him. .


    The mere remembrance of her doing things to him made him turn on and, he just wanted her, in any way and every way. Looking at the innocent face of her while sleeping, he kept thinking everything he wanted to do with her.


    He wanted her to be with him when he sleeps when he wakes up and the thought of him m?k?n? ??v? to her, praying her with his touches and kisses, excited him.


    But, he cursed when the words of Shanaya rang on his ears" I still love you!" and he knew she had kissed him thinking as her old lover, the guy named ''Saar''.


    Next second he remembered the tattoo on Shanaya''s back and he thought to himself" Is he handsome, s?xy, hot? What kind of a person is he? Does he still love Shanaya? Are they still in contact?"


    He ?r??n?d when his mind shouted at him" Why in the hell you are thinking about that guy!?"


    His heart shouted back at his mind" Because she is mine!"


    "She is not yours" his mind corrected his heart.


    "I won''t let her be someone''s else" ignoring his mind his heart dominated him.


    God, how much he wanted to kill that man, but more than that he wanted to kill his mind for not letting him enjoy the thoughts of them together.


    "Really! you think you are going to survive without me" he heard his mind mocking him, and he knew his mind was not telling a lie.


    He closed his eyes when he saw Shanaya changing her direction for he did not wishes to be caught looking at her. But, he knew she was going to wake up soon, she had slept for hours and, it was almost noon.


    Shanaya opened her eyes when she felt her eyes heavy with excess sleeping and her head fogy as if her mind has no sufficient oxygen.


    Lying still, she took a minute to get an idea about her surrounding and, she remembered nothing than the Vihaan''s birthday party. Her mind was blank and, she stood up immediately, her face showing anxiety.


    She looked at her right to see Vihaan lying on the sofa chair and, she blinked in confusion.


    "What''s going on?" thinking to herself, she looked at him once again. And, an odd sensation passed through her.


    Everything was a mess and, she hated the moment.


    But, more than that she was hating the feeling she was getting while looking at Vihaan, she was feeling him closer, as if something had happened between them, something that was going to change everything.


    Folding the upper sheet neatly, she placed it at the corner of the sofa and put her legs on the floor without making a noise. She was in no condition going to stay there any longer, not knowing what had happened.


    Pretending to be sleepy, Vihaan heard her folding the upper sheet and, he sensed her footsteps toward the office gate.


    Shanaya had just reached the door and, she jumped when he heard the husky and sleepy voice of Vihaan" I would not do it."


    Calming her crazy heart, she turned her face in the direction of the voice and saw Vihaan lying in the same posture, except his eyes were no longer closed and were looking at her in a way she had never seen him looking.


    The thought of him looking at her was not that much of a surprise as it was of him talking to her and she thought while looking at him" Have we resolved our issue?."


    In no hell way, he must have spoken to her if that would not be the case.


    "Fuck you my memory!" cursing at her mind, she pretended to know everything and moved back to the sofa to sit down.


    Watching her sit down, Vihaan keeps looking at her for some reaction, but when he saw nothing coming, he stood up and pouring the water in the glass, took some medicine from the drawer of his desk and moved toward her.


    Reaching her, he spoke," Drink it, it would be good for your hangover."


    "What!!! I took the alcohol???" the surprise in her voice and face Vihaan heard and saw was not just surprise, it, was the confirmation Vihaan needed.


    He knew she must not have remembered a thing about the night, for god sake, he knew enough to know, no girl react like that after kissing and making out.


    "Only Kiss, Kiss, Kiss" ordering himself to only think of Kiss, he looked at Shana who was still in shock.


    "No way I would have taken alcohol" shaking her head in disbelief, she remained sitting on the sofa in doubt.


    Vihaan spoke nothing, and keeping the medicine and water near the sofa, he went back to his sofa chair, giving her the time she needed.


    Five minutes passed in silence, the ticking of the clock the only sound in the office.


    "What else have I done?" Shanaya broke the silence and looked at Vihaan.


    Looking at her, he found her curious and, he thought what to tell. He wondered if he should tell about their kiss and, he spoke:" You kissed me."


    ........................................


    Enjoy reading it :)


    Love to all <3

 Chapter 72 - Half -revelation

    Shanaya stood up immediately, her hands covering her mouth, her eyes bulging out and mumbled weakly" I...I..". The words did not leave her mouth. She was too shocked to say a single word, and her mind seems blank at the moment.


    "It''s what Vansh and Saaransh will say to you" seeing her reaction, seeing her all shaken up, Vihaan changed the direction of it, revealing half-truth.


    But, wasn''t he enjoying it? He wanted to see her reactions on knowing they have kissed, but he stopped.


    He did not want to torment her in any way. .


    "Oh god!!" with both the relief and the embarrassment in her voice as she paced around the room, she questioned without looking at Vihaan" Umm, Where did I...." and stopped.


    How was she going to ask the question!, but when she looks at Vihaan and saw him waiting patiently for her question, she completed it" Kissed them?"


    "Wow! Shana, what a question!" taunted her mind.


    "Cheeks" the single word could not be the most precious word she had heard and, she almost wished to hug Vihaan for sharing the good news.


    "Thank god! I must be crazy for doing it!" she had just said it when the knock on the door interrupted her and, she saw Saaransh at the end of the door.


    "I am so so sorry!" looking at him, frozen on her spot, Shanaya spoke the moment her eyes sighted him and continued" I must be really crazy to do it! Trust me, I, had no idea what I was doing."


    Closing the door and coming inside the office, Saaransh chuckled and pulling her toward him, hugged her, while saying" It''s okay."


    "No, it''s not okay! I must have looked like a pervert, oh god!"


    "Shana, it happens between friends, and I got it you were drunk, you hardly had any conscience." trying to help her, Saaransh brushed his hand around her hair.


    "Trust me! It''s the most embarrassing situation for me" hiding her face, Shanaya spoke all she could to make him understand the situation.


    "Why don''t you head to the Mansion? We are good, okay" hearing Saaransh, Shanaya nodded her neck and collecting her things, the first thing she did after leaving the office was to call Vansh.


    When she heard her call not picked up, she hurriedly texted him" I am so sorry Vanshu! I really do not know what to say, but I guess you will understand me as you always have."


    The minute Shanaya left the office, Saaransh moved toward the sofa to sit on it and spoke looking at Vihaan" Found anything?"


    "Nopes, she kept sleeping till now" Vihaan lied, even though the urge to tell him what happened between them was prominent.


    ........................................


    Shanaya wearing a blue tee and blue short was walking toward some destination with fury on her face, her hands clutched in a fist when she took the stairs toward the third floor and opened the gate to Vihaan''s room without knocking.


    "Why did you fire him?" questioning him with anger, she turned her face immediately when she saw Vihaan in the midst of changing his shirt and closed her eyes in guilt for not knocking the door.


    It was ten in the night and seeing Shanaya in his bedroom in her nightwear, Vihaan stopped his mind from going anywhere indecent and changing into a tee, he spoke casually "What are you talking about?"


    "Alok, the guard" without turning her neck toward him, she replied.


    Vihaan closed the wardrobe and moved toward the bed. Sitting on it, he looked at Shanaya, who was now in front of him, and spoke:" What about him?"


    Having no option than to look at him, she spoke:" Why did you fire him?"


    "He did not tell me what I asked, simple" changing his direction from sitting to lying on the bed, Vihaan put his hands at the back of his head, and looked directly in her eyes.


    The sight of him made Shanaya a little weak, and ofcourse a little diverted, but she was back on track soon" I asked him not to say a thing."


    "I know, so why don''t you tell me if you want me to rehire him." speaking in his business tone, Vihaan crossed his legs.


    "Tell you what?" knowing very well what he was asking, Shanaya pretend to be unaware of the content of their talks.


    Looking directly in her eyes, intimidating her, Vihaan spoke with a little bit demand" What happened that evening?"


    Shanaya blinked once, twice and several times. Listening to him asking something she was not going to tell, but the matter being linked with the future of someone''s else made her think hard of her next words.


    The question itself was hinting Vihaan knowledge about the matter and, she wondered if she had said anything to him while drunk.


    "Nothing happened, and even if something happened I am capable enough to handle it" she was going to say a lot more but ended it shortly and moved back a little when he saw Vihaan getting from his bed with red eyes and saw him moving toward her.


    "Oh really!" standing an inches away from her, his red eyes focused on her, his hands closed in a fist, gritted teeth, he mocked her.


    "Okay, fine! Yes, something happened and, for that, I am never going to forgive him. I am, going to take the revenge myself, so do not you even think of coming in between" broken, at last, Shanaya was determined in her words and look with the same anger.


    Pushing her toward the wall, his hands around her waist, he trapped her with the other free hand by keeping it on the wall above her head and spoke dangerously "Your revenge is mine! I want to know everything that happened with you or else I am going to fire every single person you are close with, and it starts with your team."


    ............................................


    Enjoy reading :)


    Love to all <3

 Chapter 73 - Re-hired

    Vihaan was sitting on his chair in the conference room with his employees, wearing a black shirt in his usual style and grey pant. His focus was on the presentation shown by his manager, but his mind was on Shanaya, whose gaze was continuously on him.


    He was more than pleased to have her attention, and the idea made him realized how much he enjoys her attention. He wanted her focus solely on him, not for the moment, but for the lifetime, for eternity.


    He wanted her to see just him, to blush while looking at him, to feel those heat waves he feels when he would look at her or would pass close to her. He wanted her to feel and do everything he was feeling and doing for her.


    But, but, he was not going to show it to her, ever. Besides, the idea of her chasing him after being ignored was captivating and excited. He had seen her trying to talk to him since the morning, but, he was not going to give her the chance easily. He wanted to be worth her hard work.


    Sitting across Vihaan, Shanaya had no idea what the presentation was about, her eyes without her consent was on every gesture of Vihaan.. And, she was grateful in her mind for her position for the first time. At least, she would not be fired for her lack of attention!


    Since the morning, she had wanted to talk to Vihaan. But Vihaan had not glanced at her at all, ignoring her every time she had tried to initiate to such level she no longer felt like talking to him at all!


    "Fine, he doesn''t want to talk to me, I too will not talk to him!" speaking to herself like a child, Shanaya glanced at him with anger and saw his attention focused on the presentation.


    God! How much she wanted to beat the crap out of him, but she was the one to seed it, she was the one to make him anger him by not telling him things, but she had changed overnight, hadn''t she? She was even ready trying to initiate the conversation unlike herself.


    But looking at Vihaan, she doubted it and wondered "Are we going back to ''no-talk'' phase?" and she was brought to reality when she heard Vihaan.


    "Erina, send me the copies in my office" speaking at the end of the presentation, Vihaan stood up from his chair and stealing a glance at Shanaya who was busy answering someone, Vihaan walks out of the room with a smile that would have seemed precious to someone.


    ....................................


    Pacing in her room, sitting on her chair, and repeating the action, Shanaya played with her fingers, hair and the glass paperweight kept on her desk. An hour passed, and she did nothing. She needed to talk to Vihaan, but keeping in mind his behaviour, she was uncertain about it.


    Coming to rest, she took her phone out from her red pant and dialled a number. She waited for a minute, meanwhile pacing and spoke with the mixture of relief and excitement" Hey Riya, I need your help." She spoke for a while, told her things she wanted and ended the call after five minutes with "Thank you, sweetheart, I love you."


    Next, she dialled another number, but the tension was now evident on her face as if it was an important call. The urge to cut the call was prominent, but she somehow controls herself and spoke when she heard the voice on another end" Hey, Saaransh."


    She talked to him for five-ten minutes and, when she finished the call, she was beaming. She opened her office door to exit and walked toward the Vihaan''s office with a satisfied expression filling her face.


    She was halfway when she saw Alok, the guard emerging, out from Vihaan''s office and she furrowed. As far as she knew, Vihaan had fired him for not telling about the incident and, she ponders why he was in the company.


    Her confusion was soon solved when, Alok saw her in the middle of the way and, coming close to her, greeted her.


    Greeting him back, Shanaya looked back at Vihaan''s office, the feeling of betrayal rising inside her when she met Alok''s eyes, but, they were not the eyes of the person who had betrayed and, Shanaya felt relieved.


    He had not betrayed Shanaya and, it was confirmed when Shanaya heard Alok" Mam, you are a brave woman and I feel proud to hide things for you, but as a concern person, I think you should take Vihaan sir''s help. He is willing to help you and, I can see he will not judge you for anything."


    Hearing him say, Shanaya looked at him and smiling her genuine smile, spoke" Mr Alok, I thank you for supporting me and I am sorry for causing trouble for you. I will do anything to make him rehire you."


    At this, Alok smiled. Looking at her as a father, he spoke:" He rehired me."


    ?


    "What?" looking at him with confusion, Shanaya looked again at Vihaan''s office and before Alok could say anything, she spoke," Did you tell him something??"


    Alok remained silent, giving away the secret, the feeling of betrayal and anxiety rising again in Shanaya''s mind and heart, but, they vanished when Alok spoke:" I just told him what I saw, nothing more, nothing less."


    Closing her opened mouth, Shanaya nodded her head several times, as if she was accepting it. If Alok could get his job back just by stating what he saw, he had not betrayed her at all!


    "Thank you so much, Alok. I owe you, and I will remember it for my lifetime." shaking her hands with him, she conveys how thankful she was to him and walked toward her ultimate destination, Vihaan''s office.


    .........................................


    Enjoy reading it :)


    Love to all <3

 Chapter 74 - Assailant

    Vihaan was sitting inside his office, busy in his thought, the thoughts of Shanya engulfing him. It had been an hour since the conference, but Shanaya had not come, and he was doubting if the chasing game was working. But, his heart knew she would come soon, and, the knock on the office door proved it.


    He knew it was Shanaya without looking at her. He needed not to look, his heart, knew his girl.


    Not yours, his mind corrected him, and adjusting himself on the chair, he spoke:" Come in."


    Calming her pounding heart, Shanaya entered Vihaan''s office and having no idea why she felt some sensations in her body as if her body was remembering things she could not. Without being aware of, her eyes looked at the sofa, taking every detail of it, as if something would come out of it. Her eyes slide to the floor near the sofa and, the waves of heat passed through her body.


    "What the hell?" cursing at herself inside her mind, she looked at Vihaan and saw him looking at her with those intimate eyes she loved. .


    Wait? What? Loved?? since when she loved his eyes? questioning herself, she looked away from him, the intensity in his eyes too much for her.


    Vihaan was looking at her when she had entered the office, but soon, he saw her eyes looking at the sofa and the memories of the night made him hard, instantly. God! How much he wished to do it, again and again, but he stopped his mind going far.


    He had no control in front of Shanaya, and knowing it well, he could not think of all ?r?t?? things at the moment.


    "Ye.." clearing his throat, he spoke authoritatively" Yes?"


    Back to being the arrogant and rude boss.


    But he was not her boss, he, was her business partner and, he wondered how it would feel if it could be just "Partner".


    "What''s happening with me? God! Did I just say it? I must be going crazy due to stress" talking to himself, he looked at Shanaya and saw her looking everywhere, but not at him.


    Standing in front of Vihaan, Shanaya looked here and thee, having no idea how to start the conversation. She had so many things to tell him, but the cat caught her tongue, and she remained silent.


    She heard Vihaan''s clearing his throat in an attempt to hear her say something and, she spoke while roaming her hand on her neck" Umm, I saw Alok, outside."


    Great! what a way to start!


    Vihaan was enjoying it a lot! To see her all self-conscious around him was such a sight.


    "Yes, Vansh is smart enough to knock some senses into him" not budging at all, his eyes, constantly on her, he spoke while trying his best to remain unfazed by her.


    "Vansh!" exclaiming, Shanaya formed her mouth in an ''oh'' expression when she saw Vihaan nodding and, this led her to think about Vansh. He had not replied her back and, she was damn sure he was angry and hurt and, he was not going to talk to her at all.


    It hurt a lot! But, she was the one responsible and, she was willing to wait for him, to give him some time.


    Taking a seat opposite Vihaan when she saw him gesturing her to take one, Shanaya sat down with a little hesitation, as it was her first time. She had no idea why she was getting shy from him, but the shyness deep inside coming out from nowhere was the reason.


    "What did Alok say?" not looking directly in his eyes, but looking at his face, Shanaya finally asked.


    Vihaan did not answer her immediately. Instead, he stood up from his chair and walking toward the chair Shanaya was seated, he, sat down, at the edge of the desk with his right hand inside his pocket, and leaned toward Shanaya, diminishing already existed distance.


    Every breath escaped Shanaya when she felt Vihaan closer, and she had to pray to not be affected by him.


    Now, she could easily understand the concept of physical attraction, while in her earlier days she would mock those girls who would go crazy for someone with a good personality and face.


    She would have asked them to have some control over their hormones, but now her own hormones were out of control.


    Maybe they all were cursing her to feel the same, and Shanaya realized it too late.


    "Why do not you tell me what happened?" looking at Shanaya who was trying to ignore him, Vihaan was almost an inch away from her face, and his eyes automatically drifted toward her lips.


    The growl he heard inside him was not of a human!


    Closing his fist to have control over his animal side, Vihaan gritted his teeth until they hurt and he sighed of relief when he heard Shanaya soft voice" He is an ?ssailant,"


    But, the relief did not last long as soon as the word registered in his mind. His mind gets flooded with many disgusted and unwanted scenes, all, of them of Shanaya getting hurt by Aniket. "Please God, no, no" he prayed to God with all his heart, he prayed, to not let it be what he was thinking. He was not ready to hear anything that would have hurt his Shanaya in any way.


    His mind did not correct him when he said ''his Shanaya'', the fear in his heart was too much for it. Looking at her, he thought of her behaviour on the night, and his mind ?ssured him nothing happened to her.


    She had not feared when he had touched her. She had not back away when they had kissed, she had not broken the kiss yelling or had done anything that would point to her being physically, emotionally and mentally forced.


    ...............................................


    Enjoy reading it :)


    Love to all <3

 Chapter 75 - The Homework

    Shanaya finally looked in his eyes when the silence in the office became unbearable, the seconds seemed minutes, and she spoke in a determined tone" It would be me who will decide what happens with him."


    Withdrawing her eyes from his face, she shook her head in disbelief and disgust wrap her face. ''You know what he did?" looking back at Vihaan whose eyes were only on her, she spoke with a broken voice, as if the next thing she was going to say had pained her as of the same pain someone feels once stabbed with a knife."


    " He..." controlling herself, she spoke finally" He s?xu??ly... ?ssaul.....ted.." but the burden of saying was much more and, she stopped.


    The moment she stopped, Vihaan lung toward her, his hands on the arm of her chair, his eyes full of anger, his mind''s veins pumping fast, his heart beating faster, but praying hard" Not his Shanaya., please..."


    He knew he was selfish to think like it, to have someone else take her position, but, he was ready to be responsible for it.


    He just could not tolerate anything happening to her, and he was ready to be punished for being selfish and, he spoke in a hoarse voice" Who?"


    It would have been a simple word in a normal context, but not at that moment.


    "Ms Kriti, and..", but, Shanaya stopped dead.


    No, she would never tell him what happened to her. It was a personal thing for her, she needed his help to give justice to Ms kriti, but she was going to give justice to her on her own.


    "I will kill that bastard!!" pounding the desk hard with his fist, he cursed and making a distance between them, he paced in the room, his hand all over his hair, his face full of hatred.


    He could not believe it! He had not interacted much with Ms Kriti, but he knew her enough to call it as his own "personal issue" and, he was going to make sure the bastard pay it.


    He marched toward his desk and picking up the phone, he dialled a number, while cursing it again and again" I will kill him, I won''t leave him."


    Shanaya jumped from her chair as soon as she saw him dialling a number, and she rushed toward him.


    "What are you doing?" snatching the phone from Vihaan, Shanaya spoke in a terrified tone.


    "He is going to rot in Prison!, I will personally make it sure he never sees the sun again in his life" the voice was enough to prove he was going to do but, that was not what Shanaya wanted.


    "I just told you he is mine to decide." speaking with a loud but controlled voice, Shanaya looks at Vihaan who was glaring at her for interrupting him.


    "Just because she was a woman, doesn''t give anyone to do that to her! She was my employee. She was next to me when it comes to power. And, if she could not be saved from those evil intentions of a man, how can I be sure my other female employees are safe?? How can I be sure I won''t be facing the same thing!? " continuing in her tone, Shanaya paced around the office and, she did what she had never dared.


    Clasping her hand with, Vihaan''s she asked him what he would never give to her" Please, please,,, let me do it in my way. I need you, yes I need you but, I do not want you to do anything right now."


    Vihaan''s mind was all messed up, he wanted to take his hand back, he wanted to say he would not let her do anything alone, but he just could not. The warmth he was getting from her hands, the eyes that were pleading him and looking at him with hope made him curse and, he closed his eyes in desperation.


    He would have done everything for her, but not the things she was asking.


    But having no option, he spoke" Okay, but I want every minute detail about it." and looked at her with those eyes that speak'' Do what I want or, else you will have me to handle''.


    " I will and thanks" replying to him in a thankful voice, Shanaya looked at his eyes, his face and wondered what he would do if he came to find everything.


    She was sure of one thing, he, would not let her persuade him any longer. She had no points to prove why she was feeling like that, but she knew he would make Aniket suffer if she told him what he did to her.


    Having nothing to speak, Shanaya nodded in his direction, and her eyes finally sighted their locked hands. It feels so perfect to have her palm touching his palm, the warmth making her feel safe with him. Oh God! how much she would love it, but they were not lovers, hell, they were nothing and yet everything.


    Vihaan saw her taking her hands back, felt the warmth gone and how much he wished to place them back and never let them go. He saw Shanaya reaching the office door and, he wished her not to go.


    "Oh, yes! I have one thing more to ask" turning her face, she blinked her eyes twice to take some time, and when she saw Vihaan waiting, she spoke," Are you sure nothing more happened on your birthday night?"


    And there it was, the amusement she had not seen on his face for such a long time.


    Straightening near his desk, Vihaan eyes glowed and placing his hand on either side of the pant''s pocket he spoke" That''s your homework, Ms Shanaya" his tongue rolling on ''Shanaya'', making her name sound s?xy.


    .........................................


    Enjoy reading it :)


    Love to all <3

 Chapter 76 - A Birthday wish from first love

    The wind was howling against the huge Mansion, striking it with her blows but unable to do any harm. The Mansion was silent deep inside, but a storm was raging outside it. The moon was playing hide and seek with the clouds, trees around the Mansion was swaying. The branches of trees were tapping harshly on the windows.


    It was almost twelve in the night and, Shanaya was sleeping in her style, her hands and legs sprayed in eagle form.


    Suddenly she tugged the upper sheet and, a line of worry appears on her forehead. She seemed disturbed and, she opened her eyes on an impulse when she heard, the voice of the evil in her sleep, " He won''t take your side, he is a businessman, he won''t sign off this deal just for you."


    ?


    She remained on her bed in the same posture she had woken, her eyes set on the ceiling of the room, her breathing harsh.


    It took five minutes for her to be at ease, her breaths returning to normal. She felt something wet on her cheeks, and when she touched her cheeks, she was, crying..


    At that moment, she wanted to lie on someone''s ??p and cry her heart out. She wanted someone to console her, to say ''everything is good'', to say ''you are brave'', to say'' we are with you''.


    God, she wanted Avni and Vansh with her, she wanted to be with Vihaan to tell him everything and to be free of the burden she was sharing. All she wished was to speak to any one of them.


    A man in black joggers and a fitted tee was sitting on a chair with his face hidden in darkness. The only source of the light was the light lamp kept beside his chair, illuminating a portion of the room. The surrounding seemed classy, and of high standards even in the darkness and the Rolex on the man''s right hand was enough to prove it.


    The man''s attention was on the phone and, the pictures of Shanaya was visible on it. The man kept on seeing her various pictures from her Instagram profile and zoomed many of them.


    After fifteen minutes, when he found for what he was searching, he went to DM option and typed a text.


    He hit the send bu??on of the text, exact at twelve in the night, which read" Happy Birthday, Shanaya.


    ......................................................................


    "Mr Singhania, my company is my territory. I won''t sit doing nothing." speaking to Mr Singhania, a man in ''50s and the owner of Singhania''s company which was a renowned name in the field of the Fashion industry, Vihaan looked at him on the web camera.


    After knowing about Ms Kriti, Vihaan had called Mr Singhania on his number to sign the deal off. Even though he knew the deal was beneficial for him and it would make his company in the top 3 in the Fashion industry, he could not ignore what happened with Ms Kriti.


    "Mr Rathore, I understand you. I promise you we will take appropriate steps to punish him. I would suggest you reconsider your decision about breaking the deal." talking to Vihaan, Mr Singhania looked worried.


    "Mr Singhania, everything related to this deal is up to Ms Shanaya. And, she won''t hesitate in breaking it for Ms kriti. She is one of her''s close person."Vihaan answered Mr Singania, knowing Shanaya very well.


    Vihaan was a name in the business for a reason. He knew everyone''s weakness and where they all stood. Mr Singhania might be a renowned name, but Vihaan knew his delicacy.


    Mr Singhania was a man of a word and, he would not take the risk in the business because of a man whose evil deeds were going to be a problem.


    "Vihaan, I would like to talk to Shanaya. She is an intelligent woman and, I am sure she would understand me. Now, think about sticking to the deal if she agrees." addressing them with their first name deliberately to show how important they are for him, Mr Singhania used his experience to solve the issue.


    The deal with Rathore''s was after all beneficial for him too.


    Admiring Mr Singhania for his abilities to cope up with the situation and after thinking for a moment, Vihaan spoke up " If she agrees I would not create any problem."


    Ending the call, Vihaan thought about Shanaya and, it made him restless. How he wanted to punish Aniket with his methods, but his promise with Shanaya was controlling him.


    He had just picked up his phone when he heard a knock on his door and, he checked the time. It was five past twelve and, without wasting another minute, he spoke: "Come in."


    Away from him, Shanaya, in her room was about to turn on her net connection when she received a call.


    "Hey, dad!" speaking enthusiastically, she heard her dad speaking and, a drop of tears escaped her eyes. Drying them, she spoke," Thank you, papa, and maa, I miss you so much!".


    She laughed a little after listening to something her father said and spoke" Dad, Come to India, I want to hug you, like really hard!".


    She heard her dad saying" You know bcche, we can''t. It will take two years to get a green card" and made her face while listening.


    "What if I marry someone during this phase?" laughing, she teased them.


    "What? you have someone?" Shanaya heard her mother speaking on the phone and, she knew she had snatched the phone from her father.


    "Ofcourse!Mom, he is so handsome and hot that I find me looking at him all the time" trying to hide her laugh, Shanaya kept teasing and making fun of her mother.


    But, her mother was her MOTHER and, she heard her mother saying" Ahh, you naughty girl! you are trying to make a fool of me!"


    ......................................................................


    Enjoy reading it :)


    Love to all <3

 Chapter 77 - Guilty feelings

    Standing outside of Shanaya room, Anubhav and Vansh looked at each other. Looking at his watch, Anubhav spoke:" When are they going to come?" and looked at the corridor.


    "They said they would be here within five minutes" replying to his brother-in-law, Vansh roams his hand on his hair and pace around.


    "Are you sure it would be a surprise for her?" questioning Vansh, Anubhav looked at him.


    Vansh was the one to plan everything for Shanaya''s birthday and, he was going to do everything to make it work.


    "I did not even talk to her because of the surprise. Do you think she is intelligent enough to grasp the situation?" doubting himself after listening to Anubhav, Vansh asked him.


    "Let''s wish for the best!" motivating him, Anubhav winked at Vansh in a tease.


    Inside her room, Shanaya laughed aloud on something her mother said when she heard a knock on the door and, she hung up the phone after thanking them and saying she would talk to them later..


    Soon after she said the words" Come in", she saw Avni, Anubhav and Saaransh, coming toward her beaming and all she could do was to look at them with her mouth open.


    They remembered her birthday!


    "Happy birthday, sweety!" rushing toward her, Avni exclaimed and hugged her tightly.


    Avni was so happy someone would have guessed it was her birthday!


    On the other hand, all Shanaya could do was to control her sob. She was happy but sad at the same time. It was her first birthday in five years without her best friend. Deep down she had hoped Vansh to forget the fight and to be with her on her birthday.


    "Happy Birthday, my little sister" hugging her like a child, Anubhav wished her and patted her head.


    For Anubhav, Shanaya was her little sister and Shanaya too had never treated him differently.


    Standing afar from them Saaransh gave his dashing and heartbreaking smile and walked toward her when Anubhav moved aside.


    God, how much she loved his smile! If Shanaya would have an option of fulfilling her two wishes, she was sure she would have asked Saaransh to be her soulmate.


    "And, Vihaan to be her life partner" she stopped the thoughts as soon as they entered and focusing on Saaransh, she smiled from her heart.


    "Happy Birthday, love" hugging her Saaransh did the thing he had never done. He kissed her on her forehead and hugging her for a minute walk away.


    ''Love'' was the nickname given to her by Saaransh and Shanaya had loved it.


    "Thank you so much!! Thank you! You guys don''t know how much it matters to me." on the verge of crying, Shanaya looked at three of them and gave a crying smile.


    "I do not know what''s happening with me nowadays! I am getting too emotional!" taking a long breath to be at ease, Shanaya gave them all another smile.


    "It''s okay you are our''s precious Shanaya in every way" giving her a consoling smile, Avni spoke and spoke immediately " We have a surprise for you!."


    Vansh would have loved the shocked expressions on her face.


    Moving toward Shanaya, Saaransh take out a Red silk blindfold from his back pocket of the denim and spoke in a double meaning tone, understandable only to Shanaya" Should I?"


    Shanaya laughed aloud on hearing Saaransh''s words and nodded her head to permit him.


    The bonding between Shanaya and Saaransh had reached to the point where they could talk to each other in double meaning and could laugh at double meaning jokes without hurting anyone''s sentiments.


    In one sentence, he was perfect for Shanaya.


    Five minutes later, after walking with her eyes covered with the blindfold, Shanaya came to rest when Saaransh stopped moving.


    She had guessed the destination to be above her room after she had ascended the stairs.


    Standing on something she knew not, she felt the cool breeze and recognised where she was.


    She was on the terrace!


    She nodded her head when she heard Saaransh" I am removing the blindfold, okay".


    The view in front of her was amazing, mesmerising and beautiful!


    Adorned room in front of her was looking no less than some beauty.


    The lights, flowers on the white curtains that were swaying and hanging photos from the ceiling was such a sight.


    In the middle of the wall-less room, an oval-shaped glass table was placed, decorated with hundreds of red roses. In the middle of them was the cake.


    Shanaya saw it all, admired all of it, but all she could look at was Vansh standing at the entrance of it along with Vihaan.


    "I am so sorry, Vanshu. I promise I won''t hide anything from you. I won''t hurt you ever! Please do not stop talking to me." sobbing, Shanaya said all she could say, hugging him closer as if he will vanish in the air.


    "Hey, look at me!" urging him to look at him, Vansh dried her tears and spoke:" I won''t ever stop talking to you, okay."


    "Happy Birthday, besty" engulfing her in a full hug, Vansh kissed her on the forehead.


    After a while, they broke the hug and, Shanaya noticed Vihaan looking at both of them. She saw him looking at her but saw him speaking not a word, not even the birthday wish.


    The same thing she had done on his birthday night, the same night she had been drunk.


    She withdraws her gaze from him when she found it hard to look in his eyes, the words'' It''s your homework, Ms Shanaya'' ringing in her ears.


    But more than that, she was anxious, tensed about the result.


    "What if she did something? What if something happened between them and that was the reason they were on talking terms?" her mind spun by the numerous doubts and, she turned her attention back to Vansh.


    "Am I forgiven?" with a puppy face, she enquired to Vansh.


    "Tell me the correct answer of one of my question and, you will be forgiven" Shanaya heard Vansh speaking the moment she closes the distance between them.


    Shanaya knew it was a trick and, the question would not be a normal one, but, she nods her head.


    She was ready to give him an answer.


    "What''s ''Saar'' profession?" counting his luck, Vansh spoke in a whisper, the tone audible just to them.


    The moment Shanaya heard the question, she looked at Vansh with her eyes in disbelief. She had excepted it to be related to Aniket or Ms kriti.


    Another surprise for her from Vansh, the first being the birthday planning.


    Looking at Vihaan, she saw him looking at her and, she felt the same sensation she feels every time he looks at her.


    She liked his eyes on her!


    "He is a businessman" answering Vansh, Shanaya looked at Vansh but switched her eyes back to Vihaan, as if he was a magnet and she was an iron.


    "Oh!" was all Vansh could speak. Looking at everyone else who was waiting for them to finish the conversation and to start the celebration, Vansh spoke carefully, "You have no secrets anymore, right?"


    Shanaya''s eyes fell on Vihaan without her consent and, she spoke without hesitation "No, I don''t have any".


    But, the guilt stayed in her heart. She had a secret for which she would die, the secret having the power of destroying her relationship with every member present.


    .......................................


    Enjoy reading it :)


    Love to all <3

 Chapter 78 - Wounded heart

    Shanaya was praying to God with her eyes closed to make the anxiety all over her mind gone. Standing at the back of the crowded elevator used by the employee of Rathore company, wearing pink blazer and pant with a white tank top, she was counting every second in her head to distract.


    It was just a minute and, yet sweating and rushed breaths had become her friends.


    The VIP elevator was not functioning, thus not leaving any other option for Shanaya. She had never thought to be in a crowded lift was going to be an impact mentally, but she was proved wrong.


    The incident with Aniket had changed a lot without her knowledge.


    She rushed toward the exit when the lift reached the top floor and coming out of it she bends forward exhaling several breaths.


    She straightens herself after a minute and, after adjusting her hair, she started walking toward her office only to stop when she felt someone''s eyes on her.


    Sitting inside his office on his chair, Vihaan was on a call when he looked outside unintentionally.. Looking at nowhere particular, he focused his mind at the words of the caller when he saw Shanaya bending on her knees.


    On an impulse, he stood up from his chair to help her but sat down when he saw her straightening up and adjusting her hair.


    He wanted to know if she was okay, but he remains seated.


    His eyes were still looking at her when he found her eyes looking back at him and, electric shocks passed through his body at the connection.


    Standing outside Vihaan''s office, Shanaya felt the same connection Vihaan felt and, her skin tingled with love, d?s?r?s and an attachment.


    The realization of her feelings shook Shanaya to the core and, she rushed toward her office, giving Vihaan no more sightseeing.


    Vihaan remains looking outside the office, imagining Shanaya standing outside looking at him until the office phone rang and, he turned his attention back to work.


    ..........................................................


    Shanaya did not pay attention to anything the instant she reached her office. Keeping her red sling bag on the table, removing her blazer and hanging it on the stand, she picked up the air conditioner remote and, turns up the AC.


    But the temperature did not help her at all! Her face was red from heat, or maybe, from blushing too much.


    God! the thought of his eyes on her was making her crazy, crazy as in love.


    Fanning her with her hands when the AC did not help much, she sat down on her chair and drank a lot of cold water.


    Nothing changed, except her heart was beating at less speed than before.


    Taking her phone from her pant pocket, she dialled a number and waited eagerly for the other person to receive it.


    "Hey! Riya. I need to tell you something." she spoke as soon as she heard Riya on the other end.


    "Hey, Shana, I was about to call you. I finished the work you gave me and send it to Saaransh."


    "Oh, that''s great! Thank you so much, Riya." standing from her chair with an exclamation, Shanaya beamed and let the original matter bypassed.


    "Oh, come on! There is no need for thanks. I did it for Ms kriti."


    "She and I both will be thankful to you, Riya."


    "You better be! And, if you want to do something for me, make sure to punish that bastard."


    Shanaya smiled at Riya''s statement. She was lucky to have friends who were risking their lives for her and who understand her no matter what the situation.


    Sitting down back on her chair, Shanaya spoke" I talked to Ms kriti. She is recovering from the mental trauma."


    "You did well by sending her to her daughter."


    Fixing her eyes at the ceiling, Shanaya spoke slowly "I just hope everything will be okay and she will get what she deserves".


    "I am sure you will manage it. So, how are you?".


    The question made her remember the reason why she had called Riya and, she stood up. Pacing around the office, she answered: " I am good, how are you?"


    Shanaya listened Riya answering and, she took a long breath when she heard Riya asking" What was it you wished to tell me?".


    Biting her lips in nervousness, Shanaya kept on pacing, her hands playing with her hair. Several ideas came in her mind how to tell Riya, but, she failed to utter a single word.


    The confession she was about to make was going to be the nuclear bomb for Riya.


    "Shana, are you there? What''s wrong?" Shanaya heard Riya and, she cleared her throat.


    "I like Vihaan".


    The silence following her confession was worse than anything. Shanaya counted the minutes, saw the clock ticking, played with her hair, bite her lips, checked her clean white shoes for any dirt but, the silence remained.


    "Riya, please say something. Say anything but say it, okay" biting her lips to such an extent they bleed, Shanaya urged Riya to say anything.


    Shanaya knew Riya would react the same way. Since the moment Riya had met Vihaan in Avni wedding, she had disliked him and, she had even told Shana to be away from him.


    "You are repeating the same mistake, Shana".


    The words were correct but, bitter at the same time.


    Shanaya felt like a blade piercing her heart and shattering it in pieces, but her mind took control of the situation.


    "I guess you are correct, " the words left Shanaya mouth unwillingly, and she kept her hand on her heart as if to console it.


    "Shana, you know the reality. I am saying this because I care for you and, it hurts to see you in pain. "


    "Hmm, I know" it was Shanaya''s mind that was talking. Her heart was wounded.


    .....................


    Love to all <3

 Chapter 79 - Dont touch me!

    "You want to break your heart again, do it. I will be there to console you, help you but do not forget I alerted you." guessing by Shanaya''s tone, Riya knew she was hurt and, all she needed was her support.


    "I understood everything. I won''t let my feelings hurt me again." on the verge of crying, Shanaya somehow spoke.


    "Shana, I can only make you understand and see the reality. It''s totally up to you, to do what you want it''s your life. Having feelings for someone is divine, but having it for a wrong person is not."


    Shanaya heard Riya continuing in a soft voice, the soothing voice that she always use while making someone understand her point "Vihaan is exactly like ''Saar'' and, you know the exact reason behind this statement of mine."


    Yes, Shanaya knew very well the reason for it and, she knew it was not Riya''s blame to dislike Vihaan.. "I got you, Riya. I won''t feel for him anymore, I promise you." trying to smile, Shanaya opened her eyes and looking at her nails to distract herself, she made the promise she knew would break her, again.


    ............................................


    Parking her car at her spot which was beside Vihaan''s, Shanaya checked herself in the rearview mirror. Dark circle were visible clearly under her eyes and, it looked she had not slept for days.


    Opening the card desk box, she took out her sunglasses from its box and wore it.


    "And now, it''s good!" speaking to herself she glanced back at the cricket bat lying on the back seat and, she exits the car.


    Since the incident with Aniket, she had started keeping bat in her car to save herself from any attack. She wasn''t just going to give the power of dominance to Aniket, attacking or kidnapping her from nowhere and anywhere.


    She had exited the car when she sighted Vihaan''s Black Porsche Panamera at a distance but, within a second she saw Vihaan parking it in reverse order without taking a second chance to adjust it in the small available area.


    She had always loved the car stunts.


    She rushed inside the company without acknowledging Vihaan or even giving him a look.


    "What the...!" cursing when she saw the VIP elevator still not working, she walked toward the lift used by employees. Waiting nervously for the elevator, she looked at the entrance gate for any sign of Vihaan.


    She was trembling with the idea of being near him. She was going to avoid him as much as possible.


    Her body was shaking, heart pounding at the mere thought of being closer to him and, she cursed herself a lot.


    She took a sigh of relief when the door to the lift opened and, she entered. Standing against her back, she closed her eyes and put her right palm on her heart.


    Her breathings were harsh, mind''s nerve popping out.


    But, her relief was short lengthed. She opened her eyes when a second later, the door of the elevator opened again and, she saw Vihaan at the entrance of it.


    Shanaya saw Vihaan coming inside it and the second seemed to turn in hours.


    "Why she is wearing sunglasses?" questioning himself, he looked again at her, his eyes going down to her fingers that were locked tightly, turning themself as white as possible.


    "Please, please, please, help me, God. I can''t be alone with him" with her eyes closed under the sunglasses, Shanaya prayed as if her life is on line.


    "Why the lift is taking so much time?" wondering while praying, Shanaya tried not to guess Vihaan''s position. She could feel the space filled with his cologne and body odour, the warmth of his body but the cold aura he always carries with himself.


    Soon the elevator stopped and, she opened her eyes to know the reason for it. Standing outside the elevator was the group of 10-12 people of the company and, before she could grasp the situation, she felt someone''s weight against her body.


    The unknown touch of a male made her remember the incident with Aniket and, she shouted before knowing she was yelling" Don''t touch me!".


    Vihaan looked at her with surprise the moment he heard her yelling and saw her body shaking with fear.


    "All of you, out, now!" the orders from Vihaan was enough to tell the group what it needed to do. They rushed out immediately, apologizing to Shanaya on their way out.


    Shanaya mind was blank, absolutely blank.


    "What''s wrong with you?" speaking for the third time, Vihaan shake Shanaya by her shoulder when he got no response from her side. He had no idea, what was going on and, it was frustrating him as hell. The helplessness he was feeling while looking at Shanaya''s trembling body but having no answer for it had no words.


    "I am fine. I am fine." comforting Vihaan instead of herself, Shanaya spoke with great difficulty. Her throat was dry, but she was not going to reveal the problem to Vihaan at any cost and, she knew she had to speak to convince Vihaan she was okay.


    "My office, now!" leaving no space for any arguments, Vihaan exit the elevator when it reached the top floor and walked toward his office with long strides. There was no way he was going to accept her fake words.


    .............................


    Enjoy reading it :)


    Love to all <3

 Chapter 80 - I want to be with you

    "I am fine!" going after Vihaan, Shanaya tried her best. Opening the door, she found Vihaan sitting on the couch waiting for her. "I am okay" standing in front of him, she looked at him, but not in his eyes.


    She had no strength and reality to saw in his eyes.


    "Why did you shout if you are okay!" anger evident on his voice, Vihaan spoke out, challenging Shanaya to prove him wrong.


    Taken aback by his voice, Shanaya took a minute to say anything. Deep down, she knows he was reasonable and, anyone would get angry on not getting the answers after asking several times. But, she could not just let the truth slip.


    "It was an unexpected touch, so I freaked out. That was it" trying to speak in a soft and low volume, Shanaya tried not to freak Vihaan out. .


    "What happened that day, Shanaya? You changed your dress not because you spill something on it, but, because something happened which you are not telling me! So, tell me what happened!?"


    Shanaya took a moment to think.


    And, that exact moment told Vihaan he was guessing correct. Something had happened to her.


    "I told you what happened that day. There is nothing more or less." Shanaya spoke emphasising on ''nothing''.


    Standing up, Vihaan walked toward Shanaya and looking in her eyes with his red eyes spoke with the same angry tone " Last chance, Ms Shanaya. What is wrong?"


    Looking at the angry Vihaan with her thumping heart, every cell of Shanaya body advised her to tell the truth, but all she spoke was " I am telling the truth. I am fine."


    Cursing in anger at no one, Vihaan walked toward his chair and sitting on it, spoke "You can go" taking back the closeness he had shown to Shanaya.


    Looking at him all resigned, Shanaya spoke again in an attempt to open the path of ''closeness'' they shared " I am okay."


    "Okay" looking without at her, Vihaan spoke.


    "Nothing happened!" not liking Vihaan''s behaviour, Shanaya spoke again.


    "Okay"


    "Mr Vihaan, why are you reacting like this when I am saying I am fine!"


    "Okay, Ms Shanaya"


    "He hurt me" tired of hiding the truth, Shanaya blurted out. Also, she could no longer tolerate Vihaan acting like a stranger.


    "Okay".


    And that was when Vihaan lifted his eyes.


    "What did you just say?" disbelief in his voice, Vihaan''s eyes got narrowed in shock. Walking toward Shanaya at a fast pace, he gripped her shoulder and spoke with urgency" Tell me everything, right now."


    Telling him would be like sharing a secret. It would become their thing.


    And, she knew very well the meaning of having a ''thing'' with Vihaan.


    But, the look in Vihaan eyes made her compelled to tell and, the words came out of her mouth like a river flowing" He touched me without my consent."


    She felt the grip of Vihaan''s hand on her shoulder tightening, but, she could no longer dare to look in his eyes. She felt disgusted at herself for being touched by Aniket and, all the emotions she had suppressed erupts out.


    "Fuck! fu?k!fuck!" giving not a damn about his language, he leaves Shanaya''s shoulder, his hands now plucking his hair out and pace around the office like a crazy man.


    Vihaan had no idea what to feel, what to say. All he could hear in his mind were Shanaya''s word'' He touched me without my consent.''


    The urge to kill Aniket by his hand was so prominent he gave a minute to the thought of consequences of it.


    He wanted to kill someone, wanted to punch someone, wanted the uneasiness in his heart to go.


    Looking at Vihaan pacing like a lion on a hunt, Shanaya reduced the distance between them and called his name softly.


    Her body was afraid of unknown contacts and, that solved the mystery about his birthday night.


    Vihaan was not a stranger to her in any way. Her body knew his touch more than her heart and mind.


    "Tell me everything, please" leaning closer to her, he pleaded.


    "I want to. But, I can''t. " with a shaken voice, Shanaya continued" I can''t dare to describe what a terrible evening it was. I can''t tell you with words how much he ruined Ms kriti and me."


    Patting her arms with his hands, Vihaan spoke softly" Then, show me." and continued when he saw Shanaya looking at him with confusion" I know you have the CCTV footage."


    "How?" was all Shanaya could ask.


    "I knew something is wrong the moment you meet us that day with your changed dress. It was not your style! Then, the change in your behaviour, the fear in your eyes and the missing CCTV footage confirmed my suspicion."


    Shanaya could not just ignore the fact Vihaan knew her dressing sense and, it made it more difficult for her to do as she promised.


    And, she wondered will she be able to forget him.


    She knew the answer without even thinking and, it was a simple ''No''.


    Taking out a Pendrive from her bag, she gave it in the waiting hands of Vihaan. She walked toward the office door when she saw Vihaan busy with the Pendrive and had just opened the door when she heard Vihaan" Where are you going?".


    ?"I think I should go" speaking while expressing herself with the help of her hands, Shanaya looked at him and then at her legs.


    "I want you to be with me," stating it without giving a thought to what he had uttered, Vihaan signalled her to be beside him and opened the video the moment he felt her near him.

 Chapter 81 - The precious hug

    He looked at the screen and looking at Aniket sitting in Shanaya''s office made his blood boil with anger. He felt Shanaya shaking in anger and, he spoke softly and lovingly to calm her down" Shanaya, don''t think about it. We will get him punished for sure.


    He looked at the screen again when he saw her nodding her head and focused his attention on the screen.


    Sitting in Shanaya''s office, Aniket was looking at everything with great interest but, the wicked eyes of his were standing out.


    "Do you need anything? Tea, coffee or some juice?" offering him, Ms kriti looked at him, expecting an answer.


    Aniket smiled sinfully and scanning Ms kriti from top to bottom he spoke: " Only your boss can give me what I need."


    It did not take a second for Ms kriti to understand the meaning behind his words and the fear of being wrong by him made her reach toward the office door while saying" Please wait. Ms Shanaya will be here soon." .


    But, before she could reach the door, she was stopped by a massive weight.


    Standing behind her with his arms snaked around her waist, Aniket pulled her toward him with force.


    "What are you doing, Mr Aniket?" shouting at him in disbelief, Ms kriti tried to free herself but to no avail.


    She found herself being pulled backwards by her hair and before she could stop, she was bending on the desk on her stomach, with Aniket body forcing himself on her.


    "You know what I need? I need your Ms Shanaya on my bed" forcing himself on her, Aniket eyes were full of evilness, his mouth near her breath.


    Looking at the screen, Vihaan closed his hand in a fist the moment he heard Aniket. His teeth were grinding against each other, and his knuckles had turned white.


    He could not look at Shanaya at all his eyes were all over the screen. But his mind was thinking of all ways he was going to torture the hell out of Aniket.


    "Get out of me!" crying, Ms Kriti pleaded him again and again.


    "I asked her, again and again, to be with me, but your Ms Shanaya thinks she is above me." groping her ?ss, touching his manhood against her, Aniket continued talking with all the hate he could" She even slapped me, that bitch slapped me!"


    The door of Shanaya''s office opened and, Shanaya entered. But the scene in front of her made her shout " What the hell!!!".


    Sighting Shanaya, Aniket smiled immorally, his eyes all over her body. Not giving a damn to Shanaya''s horrified expression, he spoke in Ms kriti''s ear, his voice audible to Shanaya" Look who is here! Your Ms Shanaya is here to save you, but she won''t be able to." and he laughed madly.


    "Get the hell out of here!" with her red eyes and face with anger, Shanaya took her phone out and showing it to him she continued"Release her right now or, you will be in prison the next moment."


    Laughing in the same evil tone Aniket did not release kriti, instead, he spoke while being in the same posture " You want me to release her, fine, I will. But, why don''t you occupy her place." and laughed more. He did not stop talking when he saw Shanaya dialling someone" I will continue to harm your female employees till you come to me."


    "You are disgusting!" with fury Shanaya shouted at him and, spoke on the phone" Alok, come to my of..." but she could not complete.


    She found her phone gone from her and, she found herself hitting against the wall. Next, she knew, she was being strangled.


    "You think highly of you, don''t you? I am going to take every ounce of your dignity right now" roaming his hands all over her body, he took her hands and, pinned it above her head with his left hand.


    His tight grip on her wrists was causing Shanaya pain, but she did not wince.


    "Everything you are doing is recorded on camera. Do you think you will escape after doing all this?" filled with loath, Shanaya looked challenging at him.


    Smirking, forcing himself more on her, his body covering her, he spoke daringly" Do you think Vihaan will help you?"


    He continued when he did not hear a single word from Shanaya "He won''t take your side. He is a businessman, he won''t sign off this deal, just for you."


    Before any of them could say more, they heard a knock on the door and heard Alok" Ms shanaya?"


    Creating a distance between them, Aniket looked ?ustfully once again at her and opened the door to leave after saying" He won''t help you."


    Vihaan did not close the video. He did not give attention to anything.


    Before she could know she felt Vihaan pulling her toward him and, seconds later, she found him hugging her.


    Hugging her like he was holding something precious, Vihaan rested his chin on her shoulder and spoke" I am sorry. I am sorry I failed to protect you. I am sorry you could not trust me. I am sorry you felt the pain because of my carelessness."

 Chapter 82 - Memories

    Shanaya wanted to erase the last hour of her life desperately.


    Sitting in her room, she was mentally still in the Vihaan''s office, in his arms and feeling the warmth of them. It had looked so perfect to be there, finding comfort in them and Vihaan''s words.


    She had been shocked at


    first when she had found herself against his body and had shared the heat.


    But, then she had relaxed and, against her will, she had liked a lot being there. The d?s?r? to be locked in his arms, to share his heat body, to have those comforting words spoken in her ear was so overwhelming she was ready to forget for a second she was supposed to suppress her feelings for him.


    A floor above, Vihaan was lying on his back on his bed, eyes fixed on the ceiling, hands under his head and, legs crossed. He was the perfect example of ''physically present mentally absent'', his mind left behind in his office.


    His arms could still feel the presence of Shanaya, his mind smelling her body odour in his mind and, could feel the tingling sensations in his body on being so closer to her..


    He had no plan to hug her he had not even thought of it but sitting there witnessing everything she had endured urged his body to comfort him at all cost. His body took action without being told and, before he knew, he was hugging her.


    But, he meant every word he spoke to her. He was sorry for not protecting her, for having the image of ''not a trustable guy'' in her mind because of their fights and arguments, to let someone touch her in his world, in his own damn company!


    The thought itself made his hands formed in a fist and, he took several long breaths to calm himself.


    No one touches what''s his and, Shanaya was his.


    She was not his in his life, but, soon it was going to be.


    Vihaan was going to make her his.


    He had promised the guy was Shanaya''s and, he would help her in every way, but he too had many things to do with Aniket.


    The man was going to regret even laying a single finger on his Shanaya and Ms kriti.


    He knew how to take revenge for his people, and he did not mind at all to say Shanaya was one of them.


    She was his without commitments.


    .........................................................................................................


    "You will do as I say" sitting on the couch in the darkroom in some five-star hotel, Aniket took a puff of a cigarette, his dark and ?ustful eyes staring at the half-naked girl lying on the bed, waiting for him.


    He had no idea who the girl was he just needed someone to release his needs. And, the stress he was going on after being fired from Singhania business was not helping him much.


    The girl in ''20s was neither pretty nor ugly, her face covered with makeup, her lips painted red in a s?utty way, her black lingeries good enough to send the invitation.


    Looking at the man in his ''40s, she was aware of what he was asking. She had heard a lot about him, from other girls in her profession and, none of it was shocking to her.


    The man sitting in front of him was once a married man, but his behaviour of seeking out new girls every day had started creating the problem in his married life, eventually leading it into a divorce.


    But, he was convincing himself to wait. He was distracted when he heard the girl " It would take more money."


    Smiling himself at the answer, he stood up from the couch and reduced the distance between him and the girl. Grabbing her face with force with one hand, he let other hands roam over her body, undressing her, thinking her as Shanaya.


    Shanaya was all over his mind.


    Hell, how it would be when it would be real, he wondered and laughing like a crazy, he spoke:" Money is never a problem."


    Within a minute, he had taken her from behind and mounting her all he thought of was Shanaya.


    He thought of being over her and, he cursed while grabbing her face " You are such a bitch."


    Pushing deep inside her he cursed while on the verge of coming" I will fu?k you every day and night, bitch. You dared to go against me, I won''t let you leave, in peace."


    He kept saying all the things he thought of Shanaya, thinking of the girl as Shanaya.


    Once he found his release, he moved out of her. Taking a bundle of notes he cared not to count from his wallet, he left them in front of her and walked out of the room.


    ......................


    Enjoy reading it :)


    Love to all <3

 Chapter 83 - Fear

    Standing in her room in the apartment she had rented, looking at her reflection in the mirror in a grey see-through backless maxi dress, Shanaya turned to see herself from the back.


    The dress was beautiful as suggested by Ms kriti for the evening party Mr Singhania has hosted in the honour of Vihaan winning the ''CEO of the Year'' award, again.


    She had come to her apartment for the dresses she was going to wear at the party. She had been residing at Rathore''s Mansion since the mishappening, but, she knew she needs to go back to her apartment one day.


    But, as usual, Vansh had denied her request to be back. All he said was "You will go back once we are sure."


    After telling Vihaan everything, she had dialled Vansh number on coming out of Vihaan''s office and had told Vansh everything. She was going to keep her promise of having no secret.


    Except, for the secret that she was going to keep forever and ever. .


    She had come to know about the award three days ago, the day Vihaan had hugged her. Vihaan was the one to inform about it.


    That was the first good news she had heard in a while, and, she could not deny it. She was not a party person but knowing Mr Singhania was the one to throw the party she very well knows it was not a party. It was his idea to strengthen their ties and bonding, again, after the incident with Aniket.


    Looking back at herself, she seemed confused.


    The dress was pretty and perfect for the party, but Shanaya being Shanaya she wanted something decent. The dress she was wearing was revealing a lot of her skin and, she hated showing her skin in public.


    She had no issue wearing a knee-length dress at the office or shorts at the house, but, wearing the dress that was revealing her entire back, a tiny part of her waist from the right side and the slit of it showing off her toned th??hs was so much.


    "I need to change it" talking to herself she walked toward her wardrobe near the window of her room when she caught someone''s figure hiding out in the bushes and, trees.


    Her apartment was on the ground floor and, she could see someone was stalking her while, hiding.


    Fear grasped her and, she walked back immediately, switching the lights off.


    She needed not to know who the person could be!


    "Vansh, please come soon" praying to herself she reached her bed to pick her phone and dialled his number.


    Vansh was supposed to pick her up for the party and, she knew he would be there soon.


    "I need not worry, Vansh will be here soon" calming herself while listening to any suspicious activities outside her apartment, she repeated the words as if chanting.


    Five minutes passed and, nothing out of the ordinary happened.


    Sitting in the surrounding of silence and darkness, she found herself covered in sweating.


    But, no way was she going to scream or get affected by it.


    She was not going to let herself affect by any consequences of triggering Aniket. She was not going to fear him.


    Her body shakes in fear as soon as she heard the banging on her door and, she clutched her phone with more force.


    The relief that passed through her body was indescribable when she heard Vansh voice outside the door" Shana? Are you okay?".


    Switching on the light, she spoke hurriedly" Coming, Vanshu" and took several long breathes. Once, she was okay, she walked toward the mirror and, picking up the tissues, she removed the drops of sweats covering her face.


    Gone were her anxiety and fear. All she could do while looking at her besty was stare.


    Vansh was looking breathtaking.


    "Wow! you are looking beautiful, hot and s?xy", entering her room, Vansh complimented her while looking at her with pure admiration.


    "You stole my chance of complimenting you. You are looking" looking at Vansh, again, Shanaya completed the sentence" Awesome, Handsome and hot!".


    "Did I just miss the chance of being ''sexy''?" speaking while walking toward the bed, Vansh winked at Shanaya and lying on the bed on his back, he looked at Shanaya expecting an answer.


    "You will never be ''sexy'' for me." arching her brows, Shanaya spoke and moved toward the mirror and look at herself.


    "Are you sure I look good?" biting her lips, she glanced back at Vansh through the mirror.


    "Yes, you look, amazing! Why are you having doubts?" scanning her with no ?ust, Vansh answered her back.


    "I do not know! I feel uncomfortable with all this skin show." looking again at herself for the hundredth time, she walked toward her wardrobe, when she made her mind.


    "I am going to change it. Wait for me for five minutes more," informing Vansh, she rushed toward the bathroom, to change.


    ......................


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 Chapter 84 - Lipstick mark

    "Ms Shanaya!" welcoming Shanaya with a full genuine smile Mr Singhania in his blue Armani suit and hair styled in a pony spread his arms to hug her.


    Wearing a red bodycon knee-length sleeveless formal dress with a golden belt at the middle of the waist with a black stiletto, Shanaya had opted for a light red lipstick and had her hair free down her waist. She had no piece of jewellery, her diamond ring and Hermes watch only the thing on her body apart from the dress.She felt confident in the dress, which was same as her office going dress.


    Smiling at Mr Singhania, she side hugged him for not more than a second and withdraw as soon as possible without hurting his sentiments.


    She knew she had to meet several people at the party, and she had herself mentally and physically prepared.


    But, under no condition, she was ready to hug any stranger.


    Mr Singhania was exceptional, for he was her partner in the deal and he had no idea what had happened with her.


    Not like she was interested in telling anyone about it.. She wanted no sympathy or pity.


    She glanced at the surrounding when Mr Singhania get busy with Vansh and found the party to be decent and eye-catching. The party was at the rooftop of the hotel Mr Singhania owns and, no one was supposed to be allowed on the top two floors of the seven-floor hotel.


    Five minutes later, when Mr Singhania ask them to enjoy the party, they both move away from him and, that''s when Shanaya realized the guest of the party was not present.


    She could not sight Vihaan anywhere!


    "Where is Vihaan?" turning toward Vansh, she enquired while keeping the curiosity deep inside her.


    Vansh took a moment to speak as if he was hiding something, but before he could give away, he looked at his watch and replied casually" He must be here in minutes."


    "I am going to use the washroom," informing Vansh, Shanaya moved away from him.


    Upon enquiring, she came to know the washroom was on one floor down and she descended the stairs.


    Five minutes later, she was walking through the corridor of the seventh floor to ascend the stair when she received a notification and, she stopped.


    Saar had liked her Instagram posts again.


    "I am not going to be affected by him anymore." repeating the words in her mind, Shanaya walked forward, her eyes still on the phone.


    Vihaan was ascending the stairs to the rooftop in his black suit and shirt when he reached the end of the stair and saw Shanaya coming from another side, her eyes focused on her phone.


    She was at a minute distance from him, but, she seemed not to notice him.


    Vihaan was about to take another step toward the stairs leading to the rooftop when he heard footsteps coming from the downside. Turning his face, he saw a group of the man holding chairs and desk and moving toward the corridor Shanaya was walking.


    They had their face partially covered because of chairs and desks, and they were moving ahead without much knowledge of any other person.


    Looking at the post of Saar, Shanaya had no idea what was happening when suddenly she was pulled by someone.


    She bumped into someone''s hard ?h?st and, her hands reached forward on its own to grab the person''s shoulder to support herself.


    It took a moment for Shanaya to realize she was in Vihaan''s arm and felt his arms snaking around her waist when she heard Vihaan''s voice" Watch it!"


    The next thing she realized was going to be the reason for her death.


    Her lips were on his neck!


    Standing against the wall on his back, his hands around Shanaya''s waist, Vihaan was in heaven. He had pulled her to protect from the passerby, but he had never imagined the consequences. He could feel her hands on his shoulder gripping so hard, it was going to have him another bruise, but like he cared for that. But feeling her lips on his neck skin, it has no words.


    But, what he knows, he could live like that forever.


    Standing against each other almost skin to skin, he could hear her pounding heart and his body could feel the warmth of her body. He found her every curve fitting perfectly with his as if she was made just for him.


    He pulls her toward him more when he felt her pushing away and spoke:" Are you okay? Where was your mind?"


    He was not ready to let her go so soon.


    Shanaya could hear the concern in his voice even though her eyes were looking at the wall. She had understood the situation the moment she had heard Vihaan speaking the others to watch out. But, she had no idea how to answer.


    Speaking would result in her lips murmuring against, his skin and, she was not going to do it at all!


    Thank you very much!


    Creating some distance between her lips and his neck, she had just spoken" I am fine" when she felt herself being pulled again, her lips once again leaving the marks on his neck.


    "I think we need to leave, they will keep on coming" answering to Shanaya as an act of justification, Vihaan loses his grip with very difficulty.


    He did not want to lose the feeling.


    "Oh my god!" putting her palms on her mouth, Shanaya''s eyes spread wide when she saw Vihaan''s neck covered with red lipstick.


    Her lipstick.


    Vihaan''s brows were arched while looking at Shanaya in confusion when he saw Shanaya speaking and heard her" I am so sorry! I will remove it right now."


    "Remove what?" asking casually, Vihaan adjusted his dress and roam his hand on his hair.


    Shanaya was too embarrassed and shy to answer. Telling him, he had her lipstick marks on his neck would be too much for her!


    Playing hide and seek with him with her eyes, Shanaya lowered her gaze and murmured" You have lipstick marks on your neck."


    "Oh!" was all Vihaan could say.


    "I will just get a tissue." turning toward the stairs, Shanaya had just started walking when she felt Vihaan''s right hand grabbing her right arm, stopping her from moving more.


    "It''s okay. I will manage it."Vihaan spoke while not looking at her and, touching his neck with a free left hand where the marks were present, he looked at her with a gaze full of love.


    ,.................................


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 Chapter 85 - Thank you and sorry

    " I have a flight for Hyderabad tonight so Bro will pick you now and," giving the looks that say ''do not dare to deny me'' to Shanaya, Vansh continued" You will be staying in my room."


    "I will order a cab," replying him back, Shanaya took a sip from the juice glass she was holding.


    She was not going to be in the same car as Vihaan, no, never.


    It was almost an hour since the party has started and she was already feeling bore. She had cleverly denied any dance request and was grateful no one had forced her.


    After introducing three of them to the several members present, Mr Singhania had asked them to join him for the toast in honour of Vihaan.


    Shanaya would have joined them, but, the horror of kissing Vihaan hours ago was haunting her.


    And, to add more to it, Vihaan had not removed them at all!


    The moment he had entered, Shanaya had thought he would have removed them and, her eyes had automatically looked at his neck..


    "Look at me, please look at me!" speaking to herself, she had prayed for Vihaan to look at her, just once, but to no avail.


    He had been enjoying the party to himself, giving not a single glance at her.


    Every time she would look someone saying something in his ear, she would think the topic was the marks on his neck and would let the breaths go she would be holding when the person would shake hand with him and would go, without glancing at her at all.


    "Bro won''t eat you up, Shana. You will go with him or else I will miss the flight just because I would be dropping you at home."


    "Vansh I am ?du?t enough to go myself. I do not need someone." hissing back at him, Shanaya smiled at some guests who passed closer to her.


    "I know, but, none of us is taking the risk. Why the hell you can''t go with bro!?" trying to control his anger, Vansh spoke within his teeth.


    "I just can''t go."


    Before she could hear Vansh''s they were interrupted by Mr Singhania request " Ms Shanaya, May I have the honour of dancing with you?"


    Dancing and Shanaya? It was the biggest blunder anyone could see.


    Smiling with a little hesitation, Shanaya spoke " Mr Singhania, I am sorry. I do not know how to dance."


    "Oh come on Shanaya. Just follow my steps and, you will be dancing." not buying her lies, Mr Singhania insists.


    Shanaya had hoped stating the truth would help her, but it did not like it. She was not ready to let some stranger touch her. She knew Mr Singhania was a decent man and, would not, touch her inappropriately, she still did not want it.


    But, considering the deal and, the business relationship, she smiled and accepted the invitation.


    "See you safe tomorrow" stating all the things he wanted to convey in a simple sentence, Vansh looked at her and bid her bye.


    Shanaya understood the look. It said ''either go with the bro or else you will face me.''


    Vihaan might have been dancing with someone else, but all he could see was Shanaya. He hated seeing her with someone else, but he could not blame anyone.


    He had been ignoring her on purpose. He knew, the moment he met her eyes, she would ask him about the marks and, he was not ready to remove them, yet.


    He could feel her eyes on him all along with the party and wasn''t that something to cheer and love.


    He hissed when he saw Singhania''s hand resting on Shanaya''s waist and, all he could think was murderous.


    It was supposed to be a secret.


    He could feel his hands on her body and, the red dress she was wearing had hardly acted as a barrier. The dress had felt like another skin on Shanaya''s body to Vihaan''s hand and, the moment he had seen her, his mind had gone blank.


    The moment he had put his hand on her, he had wanted to keep touching her. The dress was decent but s?xy. Hell, he could see every curve of her and unfortunately, other males present at the party.


    But, not like he had some claims on her and could dare them to look at her.


    She was a woman, a pretty and s?xy woman, and he was well aware of the mindset of a man.


    Now, he understood the agony of letting someone see what''s yours.


    Shanaya might have been ''all smiling'', but deep down, she was counting every minute to her freedom. She was feeling trapped while being with Singhania, but, not like he was offending her.


    He was the same decent man she had thought of her, his hands touching nothing more of her body than required. But, something within her was unsettling and, she knew the reason very well.


    Her body was fighting his touch.


    She would not have loved Vihaan more but, at the moment when she heard Vihaan speaking from behind" Ms Shanaya, I think we should take leave."


    She could not believe after ignoring her in all the party, he was there, rescuing her.


    But, not like he knew she was in need.


    "Mr Vihaan, you are such a mood spoiler. I was enjoying the time with Ms Shanaya." speaking as if his every word matters, Singhania spoke.


    "I am sure it would have been all lovely, but, we need to go." something in Vihaan''s voice seemed different to Shanaya, but she ignored it.


    All she wanted was to be at home.


    "I too think we should take our leave, Mr Singhania. I came along with Vansh and, since he has some business, I have to go along with Mr Vihaan. He would already reach home late after dropping me at my home."


    None of the employee or their business partners knew Shanaya was living in Rathore''s Mansion except Ms kriti and, Erina. And, Shanaya was going to make sure no one ever found it.


    As soon as they were out in the garage, Shanaya blurted out" Thank you and Sorry."


    "For what?" turning himself to look at her, Vihaan stopped walking.


    "Thank you for everything you have done for me. Sorry for not trusting you. Sorry for creating problems for you."Shanaya spoke while looking down at her heels which were making holes in the grass.


    Looking at her, Vihaan remained silent. His mind thinking hard. He opened his mouth after a second "Are you thankful and sorry from your heart?"


    "Ofcourse!" lifting her head, Shanaya looked straight in his eyes.


    Every word she spoke was from her heart and, she was not going to be a coward, for not taking responsibility for her own, words.


    Giving her his one of the mischief smile, he closed the distance between them and spoke with beaming eyes" Prove it by doing something for me."


    .. .................. ........


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 Chapter 86 - No explanation

    "I owe you no explanation" adjusting the phone between his left ear and neck, Vihaan spoke on the phone.


    Removing his shoe while sitting on his bed, Only one per cent of his mind was on the conversation, rest on the further things he was going to do.


    He walked toward the full view mirror and, roaming his right hand on his hair as a habit, he starts, unbuttoning his shirt.


    He stopped after unbuttoning the top two-button, the anger and frustration evident on his face.


    "It was a mutual decision, Kritika! We decided to break up after discussing with each other." hastening the process of unbuttoning, he jerks it off from his body and toss it somewhere on the bed.


    He was in no mood to deal with anyone of them.


    "I do not want to have any talk regarding this, ever. Do not tell me you can''t keep your personal and professional life separate! I respect you but do not change my opinion on it just because you are drunk!" not minding his rude tone, Vihaan spoke all of it a single sentence..


    He did not give Kritika a single second to reply.


    Roaming his hand on his hair in a pissed mood, he looked at his n?k?d ?h?st in the mirror and, the mood changed when his eyes moved lower to his abdomen. No longer was he looking angry or frustrated, but in pain, for sure.


    Removing the square-shaped white bandage which he saw was now covered in his blood on his lower abdomen, he hisses a little in pain when he felt the air hitting the wound covered in something brownish called ''betadine''.


    The collision with Shanaya before party might have hurt him more than he had expected. He had felt a little pain when he had hugged.


    But, he had no regret of it.


    He was ready to do it again every time.


    The wound seemed to be three inches long deep cut horizontally.


    He knew he needed to bandage it, again, and, going over to his bed, he picked the phone, which had landed safely.


    "I need the band-aid kit immediately and do not dare to tell anyone about it" speaking in a hush but the commanding tone, Vihaan hung up the phone and moved back in front of the mirror.


    But no longer was he looking at the cut, his eyes were on his neck and, he felt no more pain, his mind distracted by the mere sight of it.


    Going to his bed, he lay down in the pants, not bothering to change it. All he could think was adding the thing in the scene he wanted to create with Shanaya. He would have added kissing her on those soft and juicy red lips he wanted all over him, again. He would have added kissing on her neck, su?k?n? her throat, biting on her neck and marking her body, his.


    His heart pound when he imagined roaming his hands on her body and wondered how it would feel when he will do it.


    He cursed when he realized it was not possible. He knew very well Shanaya would never allow it, consciously for sure.


    Just like that Kiss, on his birthday eve, the best birthday gift.


    His face lit up in a smile when he recalled exiting the Singhania''s party. He was genuinely surprised to hear ''Thank you and sorry'' from Shanaya, for he had never hoped for it.


    He had always done what he liked, and he did the same with Shanaya''s case.


    Yes, he would have loved to handle the case himself, but those pleading eyes of Shanaya were, he guessed affective.


    .................................................................................


    A floor down, in Vansh''s room, Shanaya was not at peace. Her heart was pounding against her rib, looking at the Ipad in her hand. Staring back at her from the Ipad screen were the eyes of Vihaan.


    The picture she had been gaping was of Vihaan standing with Singhania but what was fluttering her was the headlight, which read" Mr Vihaan Singh Rathore, the heartthrob for millions of girls sighted with lipsticks marks! Is he dating someone?".


    Adding more to it, his neck where the marks were, was highlighted with a red circle.


    "How could he be so careless!!!" biting her lips, messing her hair with her hands, she screamed at no one particular.


    It had been just an hour since they leave the party and the picture was already viral! It was one of the time Shanaya hated the power of Media and Internet.


    "I do not give a damn!" placing the Ipad on the table in front of the couch she was seated with a little bit more force than required, she sat against the back of it, her b?r? feet on it, her knees a few inches away from her ?h?st.


    She hated the helplessness in which she was sitting just a floor away from the culprit of the incident.


    Hell, she hated the idea of not even able to confront Vihaan she had no valid reason!


    She had not found any mention of her in the news.


    Deep in thoughts, Shanaya''s eyes were on the colour of the nail paint which was red, but, her mind was on the after-party conversation with Vihaan and, her heart was pounding remembring what he had responded in answer.


    Looking at her, Vihaan remained silent. His mind thinking hard. He opened his mouth after a second "Are you thankful and sorry from your heart?"


    "Ofcourse!" lifting her head, Shanaya looked straight in his eyes.


    Every word she spoke was from her heart and, she was not going to be a coward, for not taking responsibility for her own, words.


    Giving her his one of the mischief smile, he closed the distance between them and spoke with beaming eyes" Prove it by doing something for me."


    Taken aback by his words, Shanaya gulped down the confidence she had a minute earlier and spoke hastily" What do I need to do?".


    ..................................


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 Chapter 87 - Confirmation

    But, deep inside, she knew what she had agreed upon was not going to be easy.


    The person she was talking to was Vihaan Singh Rathore, not some normal man. And, Shanaya knew very well not to think less of him.


    "Complete the homework I gave you as soon as possible" looking at her with mischief and something more, Vihaan''s eyes scanned her, all of her, and wasn''t that he wanted to do every day and night of his life!


    Watching him looking at her took Shanaya''s breath, but, damn it, she liked it!


    "I am going nuts" thinking to herself, she did not withdraw her gaze from Vihaan. No way she was going to be weak in front of him. She was going to handle him in the same way she had always done.


    Shanaya was going to shut her mind off permanently when her mind spoke sarcastically "Yes, just like admiring his body, face and smile. And, yes imagining him against yours."


    Since meeting Vihaan, her heart and, mind has become a mortal enemy and, she did not like it at all! .


    Hell, even her mind and heart were not together, how was she going to tell Riya.


    "And tell her what? That you can''t stop your feeling. Such a good thing to say to her. She will be proud of you, isn''t it!" rolling her eyes listening to her mind, Shanaya closed her hand in a fist. She was so going to turn her mind off!


    "Excuse me! Don''t you dare roll your eyes at me!" she came out of her world the moment she heard Vihaan''s authoritative voice and, she spoke immediately to defend herself " Oh, no no! It was not for you" but shut up the moment she saw Vihaan looking at her with an expression ''Are you crazy?''


    She did not think of engaging in a fight with him by reminding him she does not take someone''s order, but she let go his statement of not rolling her eyes.


    They were her eyes she can do whatever the hell she wants to do with them!


    "So?" looking at her with hope, Vihaan probed her for a clear answer.


    " Can you please give me a hint about my so-called ''homework''? I have no idea what it is." Shanaya spoke with such a soft voice he was sure Vihaan had never heard.


    Vihaan wanted to laugh at her attempts to persuading him by giving him a puppy face, but, he was not going to answer so soon.


    "She is so cute!" for once in his lifetime, Vihaan agreed with his heart.


    "And I thought you were saying something about ''proving your words''" making sure he was clear on the fact that he was not going to tell her anything, Vihaan moved toward his car.


    She jerks when she felt herself being too engrossed in his thoughts and she picked her Ipad, again. She was going to distract herself and to do so, she opened her Korean drama folder and lay down on the couch in a comfortable position.


    Korean dramas were the best distraction she had ever found!


    "No way I have done it!!" the horror on her face was enough to demonstrate the inner battle she was going through and, she stood up from her couch at vampire speed.


    "No, no, no!" pacing in her room with her hands still on her mouth, her body was shaking in disbelief.


    She kept on denying the thing she had just remembered and, she kept repeating" It did not happen. I would never do something like it. Oh God! what if it is true!".


    Only one person could tell if she was wrong, but, the mere thought of going to him was scaring her.


    She was scared to be correct for the first time.


    Pacing in her room, thinking about the situation, Shanaya had no idea how much time had passed. She stopped after what it seems to be half an hour and remained standing at the spot.


    She was Shanaya and, Shanaya was not a coward. She was going to face it, whatever it was going to cost her.


    Five minutes later, she was standing at the door of Vihaan''s bedroom, but the hesitation to enter was all over her face.


    But more than hesitation was fear, fear of being correct.


    Assuming the person would be the helper to give him the band-aid kit, he stood up while placing his hand on his wound and spoke: "Come in."


    Standing in front of the mirror, he was busy removing the bandage to change it when he heard his door opening and, without looking at the person arriving, he spoke:" Put the Kit on the table."


    Looking at his n?k?d back, Shanaya felt her body getting all excited and the memories came running at her, terrifying her.


    The image of her on top of him kissing the hell out of him switched, and before she could stop them, she remembered Vihaan kissing her lips, neck, abdomen and things she did not wish.


    She closed her eyes when, she could not stand seeing them any more and, her mind came to rescue her by announcing her presence" I..".


    "Oh," was all Vihaan could utter. The shock of finding Shanaya in his bedroom when his mind and body knew what he wants was so much. Just seconds before, he had imagined Shanaya with him.


    Add to his problem was the opened wound. There was no way he was going to let her know about it.


    Wearing his shirt within a second, he turned to Shanaya and saw her looking down at her feet.


    Ofcourse, ignoring looking at his n?k?d body.


    "Yes," urging her to speak, Vihaan spoke.


    Shanaya lifted her head when she heard him and, was glad to find him dressed. Moving inside his bedroom, she looked, here and there, and when she could no longer remain silent, she spoke:" I have something to confirm."


    Vihaan could swear he had an idea what it was, but he still nodded at her to continue.


    . .............................


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 Chapter 88 - Overthinking leads to nothing

    Pacing in his room, Shanaya thinks hard how to start. It was so awkward for her to speak of such things. But, she could feel Vihaan''s eyes on her, expecting her to speak.


    But, damn it! Those eyes were making her nervous.


    All she wanted was to say it and end the agony and maybe the guilt she was feeling.


    "It may sound weird and, I am sorry in advance, but, just don''t take me wrong or, such thing." blabbering while using her hand to convey her words, Shanaya looked at Vihaan.


    Reducing the distance between them, Vihaan winced when the motion creates pain, but before Shanaya could see him in pain, he spoke:" What''s wrong?."


    But before Shanaya could say, she heard the third man" Sir, first aid." .


    The thought of someone seeing her inside Vihaan''s bedroom that late in the night caused tension to Shanaya and she stopped dead. No way she was going to let others know about them or even have any doubt on them.


    Hell, they were not even ''them''.


    She saw Vihaan moving toward the door and heard him saying something like " Thank you and make sure to do what I said earlier."


    Next moment she saw Vihaan putting the first aid box on the table and giving the attention back to her" Sorry, yes, what was it?".


    But, Shanaya had other things in her mind. She remembered the words Vihaan had spoken the moment she had entered and, she spoke out with a concern" What''s wrong? Are you hurt somewhere?".


    "No, I just found I do not have the kit in my room so, I asked." hoping she would buy the lie, Vihaan tried to change the topic by asking" Yes, back to you."


    "Just get over with it, Shana!" listening to her heart speaking, she no longer gave a damn to her mind stopping her and blurted out" Did we ki.." but at the last moment her mind took control and, she stopped.


    "Kissed?" Vihaan completed the sentence in his mind and, his heartbeats increased like ten times.


    Shanaya did not need to complete the question, for she had already gotten her answer. The look on Vihaan''s face was her answer and, she found she was, lost.


    She realized she had no idea what she would be doing after knowing the answer. But, at the moment, looking at Vihaan, she knew she should have given a thought to it.


    How was she going to react once she would hear Vihaan saying ''Yes''?


    Will Vihaan even speak the truth?


    Vihaan had no obligations to speak the truth, and, he might not have remembered it at all! Hell, what if it was a mistake from his side.


    What if he says the alcohol in his body leads to it, just like Shanaya''s.


    That kiss meant so much to her, even if it was a drunken kiss. For God sake, it was her first kiss!


    She was not going to crumble and break because of someone else, anymore. She had a bucket of it in her past.


    All the negative thoughts start rooting in her mind, and before she knew all the negative habits of Vihaan start erupting in her mind.


    Every breath leaves her body the moment she realized she had fallen for someone who is drunker and, it shook her like nothing. She had loathed every person, whom she had seen drinking and for god sake, Vihaan had done it, again and again.


    He had even challenged her to see him drinking the night she had gone on the terrace to talk to her parents.


    Looking at her all silent, Vihaan spoke with tension in his voice" Did we, what?" but got no reply.


    Shanaya did not hear any word Vihaan said, her mind on Riya''s words" Shanaya you are repeating the mistake." and she now knew Riya was correct.


    Saar too was drunker and was not that one of the reasons they could not be together?


    "Sorry, I have nothing to ask, I.." not knowing if Vihaan heard her, Shanaya walked toward the door, busy in her thoughts and world.


    "Shanaya? Tell me what''s wrong!" losing the patience, Vihaan grabbed her elbow, stopping her from moving. He did not even give attention to the fact he just called her by her name.


    He needed to know if she was talking about kissing and, no way was he going to let her go without it.


    "And then what? You are going to kiss her again and then what? Are you ready to be in a relationship? Will you ask her to be with you? Hell, will she even accept you? You do not even know if she has anything for you." he stopped the moment he heard his mind and, losing his grip on her elbow, he stood blank.


    But, he needed to be clear on it. He wanted to know everything that was going in that little head of Shanaya''s. He wanted to know how she was feeling, but the silence from her side was torturous.


    He was ready to accept any decision of hers, but not the denial he had seen Shanaya doing. He knew she was talking about the kiss and, he was going to give them a chance more.


    And, after that? He was sure he was going to let her go if she wanted.


    "Complete your sentence, Shanaya. Did we, what?" making sure he had her attention, he spoke with his eyes locked with Shanaya''s.


    His heart was pounding in nervousness.


    All he wanted was her to acknowledge the kiss, nothing more nothing less. He wanted her to accept it, as if the kissing matter to her, just like it matters to him.


    But everything shatters the moment he heard Shanaya" Nothing, I was just ..." and he did not give attention to her words anymore.


    He was going to let her go.


    He had let her go.


    .............................


    Enjoy reading it:)


    Love to all?

 Chapter 89 - Mystery girl

    "The cake was delicious, Aunt" peeking over the kitchen slab to look what Chaya Rathore was preparing, Shanaya was talking with her for an hour. It was the Sunday evening, the cold breeze of air providing a little bit of relaxation in August.


    "Really?" stirring the content of her dish, Chaya Rathore smiled pleased.


    "Ofcourse Aunt. I forgot to thank you on my birthday, you know with all the things going on." swaying her hands in the air between her talks, Shanaya continued" But I knew the moment I taste it, it''s you."


    "Are you bu??ering me, Shanaya?" looking at her attempts to seek forgiveness, Chaya could not stop laughing.


    Chaya had known Shanaya for the last three years when Vansh had introduced her as his best friend and, the boding between two of them was quite good.


    Not to mention, Chaya was a teaser and Shanaya, a charmer. .


    "Come on, Mrs Chaya!" faking shocks, Shanaya opened her eyes wide and continued," You know me. I never compliment someone I do not want to."


    "Oh! yes, I know," responding to her, Chaya smelled the food and turning toward Shanaya, spoke while forwarding the stirrer to her"You want to do it?"


    "Oh, no, no, Aunt! I am bad at cooking and, when I say bad, it means bad!." Shanaya smiled innocently.


    Shanaya never had, any particular interest in cooking but, she knew how to make the daily meal and, she was confident all things she could make tasted good.


    "No issues, we will make you marry someone who will be a great cook." winking at her, Chaya gets back to her dish.


    "Haha, that would be great, Aunt!" hugging her from the backside, Shanaya beamed.


    "Who is getting married?" entering in the Kitchen, glancing at Chaya''s dish, Shakti Rathore took her place next to her younger sister-in-law, Chaya Rathore.


    "Shana was telling me how she does not know much about cooking. I told her not to worry as we will look for a chef as her husband."


    Shakti Rathore burst into laughter, and giving a high five to Chaya, she patted Shana''s head with love and spoke:" That would be great."


    The bonding between them had deepened after Avni''s wedding when Shanya had started coming to Rathore''s Mansion every weekend.


    "What''s great?" Saaransh''s voice filled the Kitchen when he saw three of them discussing.


    Wearing his office dress, black coat and white shirt, he was going toward Vihaan''s room when he heard them talking and, curiosity made him ask.


    "oh great!" clapping her hands in excitement, Chaya looked at Shanaya and than at Shakti, and glancing her hands toward Saaransh, spoke," He is a great cook."


    "Oh, yes! And, we will love you as our daughter" already daydreaming, Shakti Rathore smiled teasingly at Shanaya.


    "Great, great, great!" quoting it in the air, Saaransh continued when he had their attention" I am feeling alien standing with three of you. Can anyone tell me, what''s this about?".


    Walking toward Saaransh, Shanaya interrupts all of them by speaking " It''s nothing, they are teasing me." and looked at Mrs Rathores with the pleading eyes to spare her from more teasing.


    The look worked and, both of the Mrs Rathore let her go.


    "Thank you so much Saaransh for helping me. Riya told me she had forwarded the files to you and I could not be more grateful to you for accepting those files." walking together with him away from the Kitchen, Shanaya spoke, meaning every word.


    Stopping at the first steps of the second floor that lead to Vihaan''s room, Saaransh answered: " My work has not finished, yet."


    "Still, you have helped me a lot."


    "Yes, because I wanted to." completing the sentence with a flirtatious tone, Saaransh gave his ''killing'' smile.


    "For free." adding, Shanaya spoke.


    "Oh yes!" faking it, Saaransh continued with his mind calculating something inside it " It would have cost you a lot considering my fees, wouldn''t it?" and completed it with a teasing look "I am regretting it, now."


    Arching her left brow and narrowing her eyes, Shanaya placed her hands on either side of her waist and spoke with a tone of challenge" Oh really?"


    Laughing, Saaransh took a step forward to ascend when he stopped and turning his attention to Shanya, spoke " Why don''t you join us? I came here to talk to Vihaan and Vansh about Aniket''s case."


    "Oh!" was all Shanaya could say.


    After returning from Vihaan''s room, Shanaya had thought hard to solve the problem and, she had come to one conclusion.


    She knew her case could be made less awkward under two conditions.


    The first was, she ignores him completely and second, was, she continues pretending she knows nothing.


    She chooses the latter.


    But, now the idea of going to Vihaan''s room was shaking her trust on herself. She had no idea how she was going to behave after seeing him.


    They had not seen each other since the night.


    She came out of her world when she heard Saaransh asking " Are you coming?"


    One part of her wanted to go to hear everything Saaransh had to say, but another part of her was scared, scared of facing Vihaan.


    That too, after knowing everything she had done with him.


    Talking casually, they were outside Vihaan''s room within two minutes.


    Knocking on the door, Saaransh opened it wide, wide enough for Shanaya to enter along with him but he regretted it the moment he saw Vihaan standing in front of the mirror shirtless.


    Shanaya had no idea how to hide the heat on her cheeks in the form of blush.


    Not to forget her pounding heart.


    Not looking at any of the two, she shifted her attention to Vansh and saw him busy on his phone, unaware of all of it.


    For the last month or more, she had been noticing Vansh being busy in his world and, she knew the reason behind it.


    Walking toward him, she sat down beside him on the sofa and asked softly" Who is the girl?"


    "What? No!, nothing like it" hiding his phone in his pocket, Vansh tried best to cover the lie.


    "Spill it up, man. I know there is some girl in your life for the last month.'' shifting closer to him, Shanaya spoke softly, audible only to both of them" Always remember one thing, I am always happy for you and, I always will be with you. I know you must be scared or you must be insecure for not telling me, but, trust me, I won''t let the past haunt you, again."


    Running his right hand on his hair, Vansh looked at her and, his facial expression changed from ''hiding something'' to ''opening up'' and he spoke" We are only friends, but," playing with his hair continuously, he spoke the last part shyly" I like her."


    Shanaya could not believe the handsome, smart but tough man sitting in front of her was blushing while confessing his feelings!


    "I am so happy for you!!!" hugging him tightly, Shanaya squealed, ignoring everyone else present in the room.


    She could not believe her best friend was finally happy. She had always dreamed of such a moment for the last two years, since the tragic incident in Vansh''s life.


    "Shana, we are only friends. Calm down" watching Vihaan and Saaransh''s questioning looks, Vansh spoke in her ear.


    "Yes, yes, yes" breaking the hug, Shanaya took her position, but the smile never leaves her face.


    Not when Saaransh told her the plans.


    Not when she heard them talking casually.


    But, the smile faded and, her heart stopped pumping when she heard Saaransh" Tell us the name of the mystery girl who marked you."


    . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .


    Love to all ?

 Chapter 90 - How was the Kiss?

    Lifting her head, Shanaya looked directly at Vihaan but to no avail.


    Vihaan was ignoring Shanaya.


    The more, he was ignoring more was the tension erupting in Shanaya''s mind and, heart.


    "Ahh, this" she saw Vihaan speaking while roaming his hand on his neck, as if, tracing the red marks, again.


    The gesture was more than enough for Shanaya, to remember everything and, she cursed deep inside.She wanted the touch, the feeling, the sensation, everything she had with Vihaan.


    And she knew blaming God for the situation would not make her guilty.


    All she had ever asked was a man who was far away from drinking, smoking and domestic violence. Vihaan might not be the last two, but the first one was enough for Shanaya to control the rein of her needs, d?s?r?s and wishes..


    "What? You are going to keep it a secret?" the chain of her thoughts was disturbed when he heard Saaransh voice and, she realized Vihaan had not answered, yet.


    "Do not tell me it was some random girl!" with his brows and tone in confusion, Vansh spoke.


    "Oh no no, it was not random. The girl who kissed me had a history with me." finally glancing at Shanaya, Vihaan spoke.


    Shanaya could swear the mere glancing took her breath. It had not been, twenty-four hours and, she was already missing his eyes on her.


    "Had? What you mean by ''you had a history with her''?" it was Saaransh turn to sound surprised.


    "Saaransh! could not you ignored it?" Shanaya wanted to voice out these words, but she knew the better.


    Vihaan took a minute, but when he spoke, his voice was not in his calm tone. He was angry.Vihaan could not care more about Saaransh or Vansh.


    All he noticed was his red eyes fixed on Shanaya and, the angry tone of his words" This mysterious girl drunk kissed me or, we can say, we both make out, crazily."


    He stopped in between and giving a final ''unsaid'' look to Shanaya, he withdraws his gaze and, focused them on Saaransh.


    But, he knew the effects of his words on Shanaya.


    He knew behind the controlled posture of her was the shaking Shanaya.


    He knew he was correct when he had let her go the previous night. He knew, he had guessed correctly, when he had thought, she was pretending and, the realization made him angrier.


    "And you know what happened next!" shifting his attention on Saaransh and Vansh who were listening carefully, Vihaan ended the sentence" she pretended not to know anything!."


    "Oh fu?k man!" before Saaransh could stop cursing in front of Shanaya, the words slip out and, he turned immediately toward Shanaya to apologize.


    Shanaya had never thought there would come a day when his friends would be listening to her deeds or she would be sitting listening to her friends bitching her in front of her.


    Not like everyone knew the girl was her, but, still, she felt the accusation in Vihaan and Saaransh''s voice.


    Sitting there, listening to the entire things, she felt, the situation was not as simple as she had ?ssumed.


    "So, " clearing his throat, Saaransh moved a little more toward Vihaan and glancing a hesitated look at Shanaya, he spoke, " how was it?"


    Shanaya could not believe her ears but, more than the Saaransh''s question, the laughter from Vansh that filled the room was unbelievable.


    "Welcome to men''s world, Shana." still laughing, Vansh spoke to Shanaya whose face had turned red.


    "It''''s not a big deal, Vansh" speaking to Vansh but looking at Shanaya, Vihaan continued " We have discussed ''sex'' with her, talking about a kiss is normal, I guess."


    Shanaya knew it was better to remain silent.


    Noticing Vihaan, she knew he was angry over something and messing him was not a good option. Besides, she accepted Vihaan was correct.


    "Yes, he would have been correct if he would have been talking about some other girl with your friends, not about you!" coming to her rescue, her mind spoke.


    Shanaya''s felt her heart rate increasing with the passage of the time and found to be watching Vihaan with full intent.


    She was curious to know how he had felt about their kiss.


    "Yes, as if it would boost your self-confidence, isn''t it! It''s such an important thing in your life!" her mind turns to the sarcastic guy immediately.


    But her heart won and, she found her ear all ready to listen to Vihaan.


    Vihaan had never dreamed he would be talking about the kiss in front of Shanaya. But, he wanted her to know the kiss was not a mistake.


    He was not okay with her pretence. He was going to tell her what happened between them if she was not ready to dwell it.


    He wanted the thought of them to be the only thing in her mind. He wanted her to think about them, just like he was thinking.


    God! he wanted him to be the only thing in her mind, heart and the world.


    "It was amazing. The girl seemed pro in kissing." overstating, Vihaan spoke casually but, with great interest.


    He was not going to tell anything else. Not to Vansh and Saaransh but, to Shanaya, he knew the time would come soon.


    "Excuse me!" before Shanaya knows, the word slips out and, she felt the three set of eyes on her.


    She had thought she would be okay listening, but, listening to Vihaan describing the kiss as if, he was living it again made her all jelly.


    Vihaan chuckled, when he heard Shanaya and, he knew he was successful in his mission. He wanted her to be curious and, it was not he had lied a lot.


    He had found, Shanaya to be amazing, he might have been drunk but, every sense of his was alive. He remembered the birthday night as clearly as looking at her at the moment.


    "Excuse me. I should go." Shanaya stood up swiftly while changing the content of her words, and, without looking at Vihaan or the other two, she exited the room at vampire speed.


    ...........................


    Enjoy reading it:)


    Love to all?

 Chapter 91 - Forget it, now

    "You can go, Ms kriti. I will be leaving soon." speaking to Ms kriti, sitting on her chair in her office in a crisp white shirt with folded sleeves, blue destroyed skinny jeans and black boots, Shanaya closed the opened folder on her desktop kept on the table and looked at Ms Kriti.


    It was seven in the evening and, all the employees had already gone to their respective home, except Shanaya, Vihaan and Ms kriti.


    Ms kriti spoke while observing Shanaya if she is telling the truth"Are you sure? I can wait for some more time."


    "I will be alright, Ms Kriti. Your daughter is waiting for you at, home." promoting her to go, Shanaya smiled and continued" Make sure to lock the gate, I will be, there soon."


    Shanaya had asked Ms kriti to join her in her apartment after she had returned to the office. Ms Kriti was not only her ?ssistant, but she was also like a family to her and, there was no way she was going to let her hurt, in any way. .


    Shanaya looked away from kriti when her phone notified her of incoming Whatsapp message and, she picked her phone to see Saaransh message with a link.


    "See the video immediately and wait for me. I will be there in half an hour."


    "Now happy, Saaransh will be here soon. Now you can go without any concern." flashing her phone toward Kriti, she smiled and saw her leaving after a minute.


    Clicking the link, she saw the video popping and, soon a female news reporter standing outside the supreme court of India.


    "The supreme court of India has sentenced Mr Aniket, who had been charged for s?xu?? ?ssault by three women the sentence of ten years. He is also to give 10 million to each of the victims."


    Shanya had never been so happy in her life but at that moment she knew, no bound. The feeling of getting justice was so overwhelming.


    She was about to stand up from her chair to call Kriti, when she saw the sequence changes in the video and, soon Aniket appear.


    He was no longer the person she had met.


    Soon the night she had gone to Vihaan''s office to confirm the Kiss flashed in her mind and she knew the reason for it.


    She rushed toward Vihaan''s office and without knocking the door, she entered inside to see Vihaan leaning on his chair on his back with his eyes closed and hands resting on his ??p.


    But she saw him opening his eyes a minute later.


    She spoke without wasting any minute" You did it. isn''t it?"


    Vihaan remained in the same position his eyes fixed on Shanaya. He leaned forward to sit straight when he sensed the time passing and adjusting his dress, he spoke, while focusing his attention on the opened file kept on the table " I have no idea what you are talking about."


    "I am talking about the bruises on Aniket''s face and not to forget the cut near his right eye." reducing the distance between them, Shanaya walked toward him and stopped when she was a few steps away from him.


    She flinched when she saw the casual expressions on Vihaan''s face changing into anger and saw him clenching his jaw tight.


    Vihaan was not finding himself in the mood of answering any question related to Aniket and, the mere thought of Shanaya talking about him was making him angrier.


    "It''s my business and, I do not talk about my business to everyone." shutting her off with his rude response, Vihaan pretend to be reading the file.


    Taken aback by the reply, Shanaya''s mind stopped working and, soon, the anger overtook the calmness. Pounding the desk by her hands, she leaned forward and spoke angrily" It''s my business if you did it for me. You got hurt because of me!."


    "I do not want to talk about my personal life with you." spatting at her response, Vihaan glared at her and, that was when he noticed the closeness between them.


    He wanted to enjoy it but, the previous night incident stopped him from doing, anything.


    Shanaya spoke without giving a thought to what she was speaking" Nothing is personal from you considering we have..." but the moment she realized what she had said, she stopped dead.


    She could not believe she had the ''slip of tongue'' moment at that point of life.


    Vihaan needs no supernatural powers to know what she was talking about and, every ounce of control he had vanished. Standing up from his chair with the sudden force, he was an inch away from Shanaya within a second.


    "We have what?" enquiring with the angry tone, Vihaan red eyes met Shanaya''s and, he knew what he was going to do.


    He had let the thought of hearing her confession go twice, but no more.


    Shanaya was frightened by Vihaan for the first time. She was shaking badly, looking at his devil but the handsome face and she had no idea how to handle the situation.


    Taking a step back to create some distance between them, Shanaya spoke when she felt comfortable enough to speak" I did not mean that."


    Ignoring her answer, Vihaan took a step toward Shanaya when he saw her moving backwards and, he demanded, again," We have, what?"


    "I.."


    "We have, what!!" yelling at the loud voice, Vihaan knew nothing else. He wanted an answer and, that was it.


    Shanaya''s back met the hardness of the wall when she tried to take another step in the backward direction and, every hope of surviving his anger evaporated.


    Watching her against the wall, Vihaan was in no hurry to diminish the distance. Taking a step at a time like a lion do while hunting a trapped deer, Vihaan spoke with the tone of a crazy man in his voice" We had s?x? No."


    Taking another step, he continued" We had makeout? Partially Yes".


    "I..." Shanaya opened her mouth to say something, anything to calm him, but nothing came out.


    "We kissed? Yes, we did!" placing his palms at either side of her head, on the wall with force, Vihaan shouted.


    "Why are you getting angry!? I asked whether you did it or not!" blurting everything she could think at the moment, Shanaya continued" I don''t want you to get hurt because of me or anyone else."


    Looking at her, feeling her body against him, Vihaan lost track of time. He heard the ticking of her heartbeats, felt her taking breaths, saw and felt her br??sts bouncing up and down against his ?h?st and he wanted nothing.


    He wanted to mark her when she would be conscious and, he did what he had wanted to do again since the birthday night.


    "Let me.." Shanaya could not speak more as she felt his lips shutting her mouth shut and her eyes spread wide in shock.


    Her mind froze when she felt his lips moving against hers and, found him forcing her to open her lips.


    Every nerve of her body seemed to turn into stone and, she could not lift a single finger.


    But, her body was responding in delight. It was enjoying and, it wanted more of it. Her inner was fighting a battle against herself to keep him close or to push him away.


    She wanted to curse herself, to blame herself, for the thought and the feeling but, she was liking things Vihaan was doing to her body.


    Sucking her closed lips with every ounce of ?ust, passion, anger and possessiveness Vihaan was not giving any thought to Shanaya or her attempts to fight him.


    He kissed her hard, urging her to open her mouth but, the disappointment he felt was not good. He wanted to taste the inside of her mouth again.


    She tried to push him by his ?h?st when her mind won the battle against her body with great difficulty but to no avail.


    Vihaan did not budge a little, instead, grabbing her right wrist by his left hand, he placed it behind her while pulling her more toward him, leaving no space between them.


    He pushed her against the wall and pressing himself against her, he grabs the free wrist by his right hand and, placed it above her head on the wall, while su?k?n? and kissing her lips.


    He got the chance of entering inside her mouth when he heard her protesting and, he kissed her as on his birthday night, wild and full of domination.


    He sucks her lower lip, her upper lip, touched the sole of her tongue with his and heard Shanaya m??ning in p???sur?.


    He continued taking what was his and, stopped after five or ten minutes to take the air.


    He felt the satisfaction he had never felt while looking at Shanaya''s red and swollen lips because of his kiss, and, taking a few steps back, he spoke," We kissed like it."


    Looking at her in shock and something he could not decipher, Vihaan touched his lips with his thumb to feel her lips and spoke " You want to pretend this too did not happen? Fine, do it."


    "You want to forget it? Forget it, now!" challenging her the moment he saw her meeting his eyes, Vihaan once again closed the distance and spoke with a voice he was sure was going to hurt him in the future" I will too forget it."


    Walking back, he swayed his hand in the air while speaking" Scratch that, I have already forgotten."


    . ...............................


    Enjoy reading it :)


    Love to all ?

 Chapter 92 - Pretence or reality?

    4 months later


    "What''s your opinion on it, Ms Shanaya?" sitting on his chair with his index finger on his lips in the presentation room in a Blue pant and White shirt with sleeves folded, Vihaan withdraw his eyes from the ppt on display and look at Shanaya.


    Shanaya was sitting on the immediate right of him wearing wine business suit with pant and a blue tank top.


    Hearing Vihaan, she averted her eyes from the ppt and spoke looking at him after considering everything "The designs seemed to be made by focusing on females who like to be feminine. There are many females outside who like boyish thing in their size or style and, we can''t ignore that particular section of females."


    "We want everyone to be satisfied with what they buy from us and, that will be when we will give them limitless options."


    There were in a meeting for the upcoming Winter clothes and, Shanaya could not miss it. Since the contract with Rathore''s company, Shanaya had attended every meeting related to cloth business. She had not much idea about other business of Rathore''s, but she knew, the company was in top 3 and, it had recently come in the top 50 companies in the clothing industry.


    Rathore''s had been dealing in telecom, movie production, automobile and construction before the deal with Shanaya..


    But, when the offer from Singhania, who was a known name in the clothing industry came to him, Vihaan could not decline it.


    Singhania only had one condition, he wanted to deal with Rathore''s if they were ready, to deal with someone who was already in the same field.


    Stopping for a moment, Shanaya glanced at the members present and spoke with emphasising on each word" Everyone present here want the best for the company and, I am sure none of us wants to have any negative feedback on our company website. I want everyone to give their best. "


    The smile covering Vihaan''s face was not some ordinary. It was a proudful smile. He had loved watching Shanya motivating their employees with such words.


    Vihaan was proud of himself to pick Shanaya as his business partner. It had been nine months for their partnership and, Shanaya had given him the impression of learning from her mistakes.


    In initial days, there were many times when she made the wrong decision, but, he also saw her improving it and, that''s what Vihaan liked in her.


    She was a good and hardworking businesswoman.


    Glancing at the employees, Shanaya knew she had made her point. She was an ambitious girl and, under no condition, she was going to quit. She wanted the best for anything that goes in the market by her name, for her name was the trust people needed to buy.


    She was aware she was only one of the minor shareholders of the Rathore''s organisation, but, she was the 50% shareholder of ''R.M clothing'' and that responsibility made her felt responsible for every mistake along with Vihaan.


    Vihaan had opened another branch exclusively for clothing industry after the partnership and had named it after taking initial of both of their last name.


    ''R'' for Rathore and, ''M'' for Malhotra, as in Shanaya Malhotra.


    ..........................................................................


    "You have a meeting with Mr Anil Khanna at Paradise Mall at twelve in the noon," informing Vihaan who was back to his office and was sitting comfortably on the couch, Erina who had taken a seat opposite to him lifted her eyes from the Ipad.


    Vihaan''s eyes were closed as he listens to Erina and, enquired slowly" Did you inform, Ms Shanaya?"


    "Yes, Sir, she will be joining us."


    "Good. When do we leave?"


    Looking back at Vihaan, she spoke"The ride is of half an hour. We leave after fifteen minutes."


    Ten minutes later, away from them, in her office, Shanaya was wearing her coat and adjusting her hair after it, she looked at Kriti who was sitting on one of the chairs.


    Picking up the phone from the desk and pushing it into her pant pocket, Shanaya spoke: " I will be back, soon." and, continued when she was about to exit the door" All the best for the interview. Let us employ the best."


    They had posted the vacancy of personal ?ssistant for Ms kriti. Kriti was not only Shanaya''s ?ssistant, but, she was also the designer and, it was giving her a lot of stress.


    Shanya had thought of hiring someone earlier, but with all the things happening in her life, the thought vanished from her mind, completely.


    The four months after that kiss had passed, somehow. August was already ending and, both of them had busy themself in their work.


    None of them had reacted differently at work, having a conversation whenever necessary, going to meet the client whenever needed and, attending some VIPs together.


    Looking at them, no one could tell if that was real or pretence, and, no one gave any thought to it, for, they knew nothing that had happened between them.


    None of them showed any reactions to anyone in those four months. It looked as if they were two business partner with great chemistry and understanding.


    Shanaya had heard Erina informing the meeting was to be held at one of the famous Mall of Delhi and, the owner of the Mall was the client itself they were going to meet.


    .................................................................


    The three of them reached in the garage silently and, from there, they drive to the destination in Vihaan''s car in silence, again.


    Sitting along Vihaan on the backside of the Car, Shanaya head was leaning against the window, her eyes scanning the outside world.


    Throughout the ride, none of them spoke much. The only conversation was between Vihaan and Erina and once between Shanaya and Vihaan regarding the client.


    Mr Anil Khanna, a man in ''60s wearing a blue suit that fit perfectly to him, forward his right palm toward Shanaya for the handshake and, spoke with a smile, welcoming her "Ms Shanya! You look more beautiful in real life."


    Shanaya accepted the compliment with a smile, as she felt it to be genuine.


    "You look good, Mr Khanna" forwarding her hand, Shanaya took the seat and saw Vihaan taking the adjacent seat.


    "Thank you for your interest in us for your project." unbuttoning his coat, Vihaan adjusted himself while speaking to Khanna.


    "Pleasure is all mine, Mr Vihaan. I heard about Shanaya from Mr Singhania and, on further details, I came to know about your partnership with her. I did not doubt it for a second."


    Shanaya knew she was correct about dealing with Vihaan. His reputation for keeping his promise and delivering excellent work was well known and, she could see it with her eyes at the moment.


    The door to the office opened once again and she saw Erina entering with a handsome man in ''30s. Before she could wonder who he is, Mr Anil Khanna spoke up " Meet my son, Rohit Khanna."


    "Ms Erina, you are as radiant as, ever. Nice to meet you, again" Shanaya saw Mr Anil, standing up from his couch seat and, walking toward Erina with the same expression, he had welcomed Shanaya.


    But, what caught her attention was the expression on Rohit''s face. He was all charmed by Erina.


    Shanaya had found Erina to be charming and lovely. She was that girl who was innocent and had a positive aura around her.


    Shanaya had liked Erina from the first time she had met her and, looking at both of them, she knew, what was coming and, she could not be happier.


    Shanaya was shocked for a second when she heard Senior Khaana speaking "Mr Vihaan and Ms Shanaya, you two look like a perfect couple. I wonder when I will be getting invited to your wedding." and, it took a minute for her to get back to her sense.


    She felt Vihaan shifting on his chair and, she spoke before he could say anything" Sorry to disappoint you, Mr Khanna. I love someone else and" pretending a blush, she continued ignoring the silent stare from Vihaan" it''s a secret."


    . ...,...........................


    Love to all?

 Chapter 93 - Suffocated feelings

    "Blind date?"


    "Seriously!!"


    "When did it happen?!!"


    "You on a blind date? When has sun rises from the west!!"


    Reading the messages on the whatsapp group made by Avni after her wedding, Shanaya had no sense how to react.


    The thought of Vihaan going on a blind date had snatch every sense from her body and mind. She felt numb and, it took a minute for her to realise someone was talking to her.


    Oh yes, Ms kriti was standing in front of her, her face masked with confusion. .


    She heard kriti asking " Are you okay, Ms Shanaya?" and felt the concern in her voice.


    And, she knew the reason for her concern. She had ignored her like, for the last five minutes!


    "Wow! the mere mention of Vihaan going on a date has made you knock to the death and, you think you are fine!" she heard her mind back to its sarcastic mood and, she could not blame it.


    She had no reason to get affected by what Vihaan does and, she was sure the moment she had said "I love someone else" to Mr Khanna in front of Vihaan, she was moving on from him.


    "I can see it, Ms moving, determined and, revengeful Shanaya!" quoting the words in the air, her mind interrupted, again.


    Clearing her throat, Shanaya roams her hand on her hair and, spoke without looking at Kriti" Yes, I am fine, Ms Kriti. Was only thinking about something."


    kriti seemed to buy the lie as she spoke again" Ms Kritika is here for the photoshoot."


    "Oh, yes, I forgot about her, totally." standing up from her chair with hurry, Shanaya joined kriti and walked away from her office to the floor where she had arranged for the photoshoots.


    "Is she ready?" walking along with Kriti, Shanaya enquired.


    She was back to her professional mood or, to her distraction mood.


    It was the only thing that had helped her ignored Vihaan for the last four months.


    She remembers every moment they had been struck together late at the office because of work.


    She remembers every moment she had felt his eyes on her and, she had looked at him in secret.


    She remembers it all, but the words'' Forget it, now'' did not stop following her and, she knew what to do.


    She knew to be strong whenever Vihaan would stand closer to her in an elevator or, would sit closer in the car.


    Distracted in her thoughts, she walked along with Kriti and soon reached the spot, only to see the source of all the problems.


    She saw Vihaan standing with Kritika at one corner of the room, and saw him laughing at something she had said.


    Looking at him laughing with a beautiful girl make Shanaya suffocated and all she wanted was to grab some air. She had that possesive feeling all over her body, which she had never felt.


    And the point that ''someone else'' was no one else than his ''ex'' made her feel angry.


    She wanted to slap him hard for kissing her and, challenging her to forget, that day.


    She wanted to curse at him for tossing with her and then going on a blind date and not to forget, flirting with her ex!


    The thought of ''Blind date'' did not make things easier. She could not believe he was going to marry someone!


    Or she was not ready to believe it. The mere thought was terrible for her.


    She might not be his, but, she was not ready to let him be someone else''s.


    "If you keep glaring at them, the room soon will be on fire" coming to stand behind her, Vansh looked at Vihaan with Kritika and than at Shanaya who was standing with her arms crossed and flaring nose.


    "Excuse me!" furrowing her brows, Shanaya turned her attention to Vansh.


    "In case you have not noticed, you are glaring at them," speaking the fact, Vansh looked at her.


    Scoffing, Shanaya spoke without looking away from them" I am noticing her dress. I designed this dress. It''s looking good on her."


    The bottle green floor-length gown had a pleated bodice and, a Queen Annie neckline. It had a beaded waistline belt, th??h high-slit and zip-up back.


    Shanaya wanted it to be s?xy but decent a the same time and, had chosen the zipper at the back till the waist rather than the full body style.


    Shanaya had liked it the moment she had designed it. She had never worn such dresses but, she knew deep inside she was dying to wear it.


    Especially after watching Vihaan admiring the dress.


    "Shut up! I can''t believe I am thinking like this!" talking to herself she spoke again to herself the moment she saw Vihaan resting his hand on Kritika''s waist" Do not touch her!".


    God, she was all raging.


    Noticing Shanaya, Vansh knew he was correct. He had the idea about their attraction for each other for many days but, he had thought not to involve himself in it.


    He was not going to tell anyone anything. He was going to let them realise it themself.


    And, he was not going to be biased in it. He knew Saaransh was going to confess his feelings to Shanaya and, he was going to make sure to give him the opportunity.


    He saw Shanaya walking back to her office and, he followed her. He saw her sitting on her chair and resting her head on the desk.


    Shanaya wanted to cry her feelings. Looking at him with Kritika was too much for her.


    She knew she was in trouble, and, she had no idea what to do.


    "You are coming with me in the evening, right?" sitting on the desk, Vansh patted her head and spoke softly.


    He wanted to be with her, even if it meant staying quiet.


    "of course, It''s Shiv uncle 50th birthday" biting her lips, shanaya look at Vansh while keeping her head on the same position.


    She could not believe it was almost a year. A year for her to meet Vihaan and all the things they had gone came flashing in her mind.


    More importantly, the kiss on his birthday and the challenging kiss.


    And God! she wanted it again, she wanted to be with him.


    She wanted to be ''kritika'' for the first time.


    ..........................


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    Love to all?

 Chapter 94 - Bitching ex gf?

    "So, Blind date, hmm?" eating cookies from the plate kept on the decorated table, Anubhav enquired while looking at Vihaan.


    He was wearing black jeans and a blue tee.


    "Yup" eyes focused on his favourite thing, wine glass Vihaan wearing black jeans and black fitted tee responded, absentmindedly.


    Vansh wearing black jeans and the black tee was sitting next to Vihaan on the same round table along with Avni, Saaransh and Shanaya and looked at Shanaya the moment Vihaan answered.


    Shanaya wearing black jeans and a blue tank top with a blue Long Shrug did not look toward anyone, her attention was focused solely on the fruit juice kept in front of her.


    "But why?" wearing blue jeans and blue peasant Avni spoke emphasising on ''why''?


    "Why do people go on a date!?" taking a sip, Vihaan spoke, once again ignoring any eye contact.


    Observing everything, Vansh noticed Vihaan was not making eye contact while talking about it and he knew the reason. .


    "You are going on a blind date, not on a date, Vihaan" narrowing her eyes at Vihaan, Avni spoke again.


    "Exactly! Why are you going on the blind date out of nowhere?" speaking for the first time, Saaransh looked at Vihaan.


    Saaransh too was wearing black jeans and black tee, just like all of them.


    At last, Vihaan withdraws his eyes from the wine glass and looking at each of them one by one, rest his eyes on Shanaya who was not looking at anyone and spoke: "I want to get married."


    Dhak dhak... dhak dhak.... dhak dhak


    Shanaya''s heart shrank the moment she heard Vihaan and lost all the senses. She felt her heart breaking into millions of pieces, each piece sharpness wounding her.


    Her eyes were fighting to control the tears, but, her heart was weeping, silently.


    Shanaya found the next fifteen minutes the most torturous minutes of her life. She wanted to cry her heart out, but no way was she going to cry in front of them.


    But, the mere thought of him having a family with someone else sounded like a death sentence to her.


    It was bleeding her heart.


    Vihaan saw Shanaya act all normal and, it did not go well with him. He wanted to see a reaction from her small or big, but, the silence from her was more worrisome.


    Four months were too long to pretend.


    The statement '' I love someone else'' kept ranging on his mind and, he was going crazy listening to it. He wanted to know so many things, God! he wanted to do so many things to her and, he was regretting his word'' forget it, now" more than anything.


    After some time, he heard her excusing herself and saw her removing her Shrug to keep it on her chair and tying her open hair in a messy bun.


    But, as soon he saw her walking away, he closed his hands in a fist.


    Her almost backless top was revealing too much of her skin and not to forget the tattoo.


    ................................................................................


    Shanaya was standing leaning against the wall, looking outside at the lawn full of people from the window when she heard Vansh" Code ''Red''."


    Code ''Red'' was a code invented by them in which they could share or say anything to each other without telling the person name or asking for more information.


    Whatever a person wanted to speak, the other listens without judgement and questions.


    Laughing genuinely, she turned her attention to Vansh and smiled at him.


    "The girl I like seems to like me too. But, she does not say it clearly." looking outside the window, standing beside her, Vansh spoke while crossing his arm around his ?h?st.


    "I am confused lately. I am attracted to someone but, my past is stopping me or, we can say it is, warning me." looking at nowhere particular, Shanaya spoke.


    Not until she saw kritika joining the party and, all the rage she had felt for her resurfaced.


    She spoke with the tone full of anger and hatred" I do not know, but, I feel myself hating her."


    Shanaya wanted to hate someone and, kritika seemed to be perfect for it. Shanaya was not the bitchy type, but, at the moment, she wanted to be selfish, to be the bad girl, to feel nothing but hatred for someone.


    Looking at her with pure hate, she spoke again" Look at her showing her cleavage! I mean seriously!"


    "It''s not much, Shana." enjoying her bitchy mood, Vansh spoke.


    Yup, it was not much and, to Shanaya''s annoyance, Kritika was looking beautiful in blue halter-strap neckline gown with th??h high-slit.


    "Look at her legs! Don''t you think she is showing off?" biting her lips in anger, Shanaya was ready to toast kritika with her eyes only.


    "Well, she is s?xy enough to show off." responding, Vansh continued to look at Kritika.


    Two of them were so busy bitching Kritika they paid no attention to anyone.


    "Bitching about my ex gf, is it?"


    Shanaya jumped and put her hands on her mouth when she heard Vihaan and saw him standing all handsomely behind them and looking at her with those intense eyes of him she always loved.


    ................................


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    Love to all ?

 Chapter 95 - I do not like my girl showing skin

    "I.." backing away, creating a safe distance, Shanaya shuttered.


    Deep inside, Shanaya could not stop cursing Vansh for leaving her alone to deal with the devil by excusing himself seconds later they had been caught bitching Kritika by the devil himself.


    Not to forget, he was Kritika''s ex-boyfriend.


    Not a good situation, as Shanaya could sense without any new information by anyone. .


    "Yes, you?" closing the distance, eyes on her, Vihaan moved toward her.


    He was enjoying it!


    After Shanaya had excused herself some half an hour ago, Vihaan could no longer sit there enjoying the food or listen to others asking him about the future blind date.


    All he could think was the exposing skin of Shanaya and the name of ''Saar'' on her back taunting and teasing him.


    God! how much he wanted to have his imprint on her, rather than someone else''s.


    Standing against the wall, like literally, Shanaya had no clue what to do. She had no answer for his questions for like, the first time.


    "I am waiting, Ms Shanaya. I am all yours " arching his brows, tilting his neck, Vihaan keeps looking at her.


    Shanaya could have sworn the statement ''I am all yours'' had two meanings and, knowing Vihaan in his ???kiness behaviour, she knew, she was thinking correct.


    But, it was not the time to consider or understand ?ustful things.


    "I am sorry" not meaning it, Shanaya continued while tilting her neck and looking at everywhere but not at Vihaan" I should not have bitched about your ex gf."


    "So she was showing her cleavage, right?" trying to hide the amusement in his voice on seeing her mortified expressions, Vihaan continued "or her legs, which by the way" swaying his hands in the air, he quoted " was s?xy as vansh had said, right?".


    Gulping her saliva down her throat, ignoring the heat rising in her body on their closeness or her beating heart, Shanaya spoke:" I was only saying it, I did not mean any words."


    "So you mean she is not s?xy or has good legs" hiding his smile, Vansh pretended to be hurt when he saw her looking at him," And here I thought I have a good idea about women."


    "Oh, she is s?xy! " not knowing how to speak about female body parts in front of him, she hesitated a little before whispering" I mean about her cleavage".


    But, looking at all confused expression on Vihaan''s she got she had messed up all and, she spoke hurriedly"I mean about her showing her cleavage."


    In a second, there no longer exit any distance between them and, Shanaya found herself flushed against him. She felt his muscular arms around her waist and his big hands resting against her back and neck.


    "What about you, Ms Shanaya?" feeling her against him which he had wanted for so long, hearing her pounding heart which he seemed to be missing, he touched her b?r?back by his right hand meanwhile, the left hand remained on her neck.


    Shanaya was helpless.


    She wanted to push him away from her, but it seemed her body no longer take orders from her, or her mind had stopped fighting with her heart. She wanted to feel him and after hearing him say about ''getting married'', she wanted it more.


    She wanted the closeness in those four months she had faked to be all normal.


    Every cell of her body wanted to be with him for every second of her life.


    But her mind was conscious or intelligent enough to know the difference between ''wanting'' and ''having''.


    "What about me?" gathering her calmness in the ocean of the storm surging inside her body, Shanaya spoke.


    He had no idea if he like her, but, he liked being with her.


    He liked spending time with her.


    Moving his hand in an upward direction on her back an inch meanwhile feeling her ragged breath on his face and, his eyes focused on her red lips, Vihaan spoke slowly, softly and huskily" You are showing" moving his hand a little more upward, "much more skin than her."


    "You see" lifting his eyes from her lips, he met her eyes and slowly moving his hand upward, he continued in his s?xy voice" I do not " while he moved his other hand that was on her neck in her hair. And, removing the rubber band from her bun with a jerk, he completed it" like my girl showing her skin too much."


    Standing frozen under his charm, Shanaya felt her hair against her skin and back to their original position, the opened position, covering her b?r?back and the tattoo.


    ............................................


    "Hey, have you seen Shanaya?" noticing Vansh coming out of somewhere, Saaransh standing in the middle of the lawn full of people enquired Vansh.


    He had been looking for Shanaya for the last five minutes, but she seemed to be nowhere.


    He had thought of talking to her after the party but listening to Vihaan talking about marriages and the family, had made it worse.


    Not with Avni and Anubhav, not with any of Mrs Rathore and not with Mr Rathores.


    He wondered if she had more people to go, but, he doubts it as he knew she knew no one expects from the above-listed people.


    "Oh yes, she is on the other side of the lawn." winking at him as if he knew what he was going to do, Vansh wished him the best of luck.


    Saaransh needed it very much.


    Damn, he needed everyone''s wishes, if possible.


    .............................


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    Love to all ?

 Chapter 96 - The changed girlorl

    Thinking about Vihaan if he was hiding something from him Saaransh walk toward Shanaya with his mind full of Vihaan. He knew his best friend very well and, he knew Vihaan would never go for such things. Vihaan was a romantic person who believed in love no matter how many times he had been heartbroken and, something about the situation was not adding up.


    He knew Vihaan was hiding something.


    He stopped a few steps away from Shanaya, who was busy on her phone when he received a message.


    The urge to ignore the message was too powerful, but his mind knew it could be something important and, without his consent, his hands reached into his pant pocket to take out the phone.


    He clicked on it absentmindedly, his mind and eyes fixed on Shanaya.


    Smiling a little to himself, he shifts his eyes from Shanaya to his phone and at that moment, the smile faded.


    "No, it can''t be!" roaming his hand on his hair frustratingly, he looked at Shanaya leaning against her elbow on the waist length wall of the corridor and, he knew what he had to do..


    "You are looking lovely" copying her posture, Saaransh smiled at her when he saw her looking at him and acknowledging his presence.


    Giving a genuine smile, Shanaya looked at him and, without noticing his appearance, she spoke:" Thank you and, you look great."


    She need not observe him, for, she had already noticed him earlier and, he had been in his usual handsome and s?xy look.


    Chuckling at her response, Saaransh looked or, stared at her and, when he seemed to realize it, he looked away with a sudden move.


    The message he had read earlier had broken his heart and, he knew nothing how to ease it.


    He only knew one thing he was going to act fine.


    And, hell he wished he needed not to do it. He was not the pretending type, but, considering the situation, he had no other options.


    He voiced out the words in a hurry as if the question was weighing on his mind" Do you still love Saar?"


    Shanaya was speechless.


    She had not expected to hear her first love name out of nowhere.


    Hell, she had not expected anyone to say his name in front of her.


    It was the experience of the first love, pure love, betrayal, pain, agony and sadness.


    It simply was not a name.


    She turned her face toward Saaransh taking her time and looking at his eyes on her as if, seeing her soul, she opted for the truth" I do."


    She was not going to lie to him.


    She was in love with Saar as much she had been a year before.


    And how could it be not, Vihaan''s every action had been a reminder to her of Saar''s behaviour and actions.


    She heard Saaransh saying "Okay" in a sound so sad as if accepting it had been hard for him.


    It had been hard for Saaransh. He knew about Saar and Shanaya''s feelings for him, but he had hoped for a miracle.


    A miracle of Shanaya moving on from him.


    "I like you, Shanaya" finally saying what he wanted to, Saaransh did not look at Shanaya who had snapped her neck toward him the moment he had utter those words.


    He could not tolerate seeing rejection in her eyes.


    He was strong enough to handle everything, but not losing his first love.


    He stopped Shanaya in midway when he heard her "Saaransh, I.." and, without meeting her gaze, he spoke "I wanted to confess my feelings, I do not like having something in my heart. Do not burden up with my confession. And, " finally looking at her shocked face, he completed it" I do not want to hear your answer right now, Take your time" and walked away.


    .................................................................


    "Stop eating chocolates, Shana. You are going to gain weight, again." sitting on the driver seat, turning his car right, Vansh looked at Shanaya who was sitting on the passenger seat beside him eating chocolates.


    "Saaransh confessed to me, Vansh!" speaking as if she could not believe her words, she did not stop eating the chocolates.


    The silence from Vansh made her confused and, then her expressions changed. Sitting upright on her seat, she looked at Vansh accusingly" You knew about it, wasn''t it?"


    Halting the car suddenly and parking it at the side of the road, Vansh spoke while turning toward her" Everyone knew about it, Shana. "


    "You know he is like a member of our family. So, yes, I knew about it like everyone else."


    "Why did not you tell me, vansh" looking at him, not aware of her surrounding anymore, Shanaya roam her hand in her hair and bite her lips.


    Biting her lips was her signature gesture.


    "Would it have mattered? Your answer would have been the same as it had been today" speaking with tiredness evident in his voice he lay down against the car seat and, looked outside the window of the car.


    They were on an empty road and, the silence surrounding them was grave.


    Shanaya did not speak she knew Vansh was right.


    "I like him, Vansh. I do. He is the kind of a person I would have loved to date or marry a few years ago." looking in front of her, she closed her eyes and, saw Saaransh looking at her, his eyes searching her soul and, she opened her eyes immediately.


    "But, that''s the problem. I am no longer a girl I was in my past and I hate it."


    .. .....................


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 Chapter 97 - Personal work!?

    "Saaransh proposed to you!" hearing the excitement in Riya''s voice over the phone meanwhile roaming in her room, Shanaya closed her eyes.


    "He did not propose me, Riya! He only confessed his feelings" telling Riya for the nth times, Shanyaa had lost every hope of making her understand.


    All she could hear was the excitement in her voice.


    No wonder, Riya liked Saaransh for her from a very long time, just like Shanaya had guessed.


    Riya was asking or, to be more precise, she was advising her to think of Saaransh as her future from such a long time.


    Shanaya had no idea since when Riya had started thinking of Saaransh as the future of Shanya.


    Shanaya guessed it could be since Riya had met Saaransh while helping Shanaya for the case or maybe it was much before then that?


    And, the happiness in her voice was proof. .


    "Come on it''s almost same. But why did not you say something? He deserves it, Shana."


    Shanaya was more heartbroken than she could express. She could practically feel Saaransh''s pain. All she wanted was to take away his pain, for, she was the cause of it.


    She had never wanted it, but, all of it was unexpected.


    Yes, she had liked Saaransh, but not as the woman, but as a person.


    "He asked me not to answer." feeling the wetness on her cheeks, Shanaya knew she was crying, but she did not want to stop.


    She wanted to cry, for she too was hurt. She had never wanted to be the reason for someone''s misery, and she had never thought there would come a day when she would hurt him.


    She had never thought she would hurt the person who had been with her at the time she needed someone, other than her friends.


    "Riya, I do not want this. I want to be with someone who could love me and, I know he is the perfect person but, I do not know why I can''t do it!"


    "Hey, stop crying. I know you would never want to hurt someone on purpose" Shanaya hear Riya''s concerned voice over the phone and, it made her weep more.


    God, she hated herself!


    A haunted past and there she was, a changed person with no capacity to love someone decent or someone who can love her more than anyone else.


    Vihaan was a rough, cold-hearted man, ready to hurt anyone for his sake, just like her, her new self.


    She had heard opposites attract, but that was not the case anymore.


    Shanaya stood from the bed, the phone still on her ear listening to Riya calming her. Moving inside the bathroom, she placed the phone on the slab while putting it on the speaker and, splashes the water on her face.


    Riya remained on the phone, throughout the time.


    Once she was sure she had no more to cry, she patted her face dry and picking up the phone, spoke: " I will talk to you later, I have a meeting with a client."


    A minute later, she was outside her apartment, opening the door of her car.


    Going inside her car, she was on the way to her meeting with Rohit Khanna, son of Anil Khanna who was their new client.


    Along with Vihaan and Erina, Shanaya was to meet him at the Paradise Hotel, one of the five-star hotel of Delhi.


    Anil Khanna was a wealthy man having chains of hotels and mall, all named after "Paradise."


    Her mind was wandering in the past, that was, the previous night.


    She could not stop thinking how Vihaan''s hands had traced her back and, her heart started thumping, rather than beating.


    A mere thought of Vihaan and she was all excited and nervous.


    "Stop giving attention to yourself, Ms moving on. He was toying with you like he always does with you! I can''t believe my owner is such a fool!" and there it was, her "Anti-vihaan" mind screaming at her.


    Before she could think more, her brain already had a plan, the plan of traumatising her.


    "Take your time." was all she could hear in Saaransh''s voice.


    And one part of her wondered if she would ever think about him.


    .....................................................


    "I am sorry, Mr Rohit. I am late." passing a smile to the seated Rohit, Shanaya took a seat opposite to him and Erina who was seated adjacent to him.


    Looking at both of them, Shanaya knew something was cooking between them. The blush on Erina''s face while looking at him, the curiosity in Rohit''s gesture to peek at her was enough.


    But, she was not the type of person who would give their nose in other''s business.


    "It''s okay, Shanaya and please call me Rohit." passing a sweet smile at her, Rohit looked at his watch and turning toward Erina, enquired" Where is Mr Vihaan?"


    The mention of Vihaan brought Shanaya to the real world and, she looked at Erina expecting, an answer.


    "Ms Shanaya," looking at Shanaya instead of Rohit, Erina spoke " Mr Vihaan messaged me informing he can''t make to this meeting. He has some personal work."


    "Personal Work!?" furrowing her brows while arching her brows and su?k?n? her lower lip at the same time, Shanaya wanted to ask, but she kept it inside her.


    It was weird. Vihaan had never done it before.


    Like never.


    ...............................


    Half an hour later, Shanaya was shaking hand with Rohit while saying " We will mail you the presentation within two days."


    "Sure, take your time." glancing at Erina in between, Rohit spoke.


    Shanaya tried hard not to comment or compliment them, but the way they were trying to ignore the attraction between them was so adorable.


    Shanaya wanted to say something, but she better thought not to.


    She did not want to ruin whatever was happening between them.


    "See you soon, Shanaya" smiling at her, Rohit finally looked properly at Erina and spoke while shaking his hands with her, taking time with her, much longer than required " See you soon, Ms Erina."


    Erina was affected, no doubt.


    Withdrawing her eyes from him, Erina spoke or rather, murmured" See you, Mr Rohit" and walked away with Shanaya.


    "Do not say anything, please" stopping in the middle of the vestibule of the hotel, Erina looked at Shanaya with pleading eyes" Nothing is going between us."


    Controlling her laugh, Shanaya spoke all innocently" I have not said a word."


    "Yes you have not, but I can feel like you want to say it, Ms Shanaya" blushing like hell, Erina had no idea how to cope with the situation.


    "Please call me Shanaya" mimicking Rohit, Shanaya laughed when Erina blushed hard.


    Patting her right shoulder with her left hand, Shanaya closed the distance between them and spoke sweetly" I would vote for ''yes''."


    Erina blushed hard but, not like she was going to accept it soon." Ms Shanaya, I told you."


    "Yes, Erina, I heard you." still smiling at her attempts to convince, Shanaya could not stop her smile.


    Erina was looking cute!!


    But the jolly environment vanished the moment Erina exclaimed:" Mr Vihaan is here!"


    .. .......................


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 Chapter 98 - Lets move on

    Shanaya''s expressions changed with the speed of the light. She had not seen him since the previous day.


    But, she turned her attention in the direction Erina was looking and, she winced with pain.


    Sitting at the far corner of the hotel vestibule in the black suit, looking more handsomely than ever was Vihaan.


    But, not alone.


    Seated opposite to him, was a beautiful woman all dolled up in a black sleeveless gown.


    She was there to impress him, as in really impress him.


    Vihaan seemed to have heard Erina, for he looks at their direction and the shock on his face was enough to say he was not expecting them to be there. .


    Looking at Vihaan who had changed his hairstyle as if to impress someone, Shanaya knew one thing.


    He was playing with her feelings.


    Shanaya felt betrayed and broken, again and, she knew her mind was correct all the time.


    "I will meet you later. I have to meet someone." without looking at Erina, Shanaya spoke and walk away from her.


    She could not risk showing her tears that were on the verge of falling.


    Rushing inside the restroom, she had sighted earlier she could not be more thankful in her life.


    The restroom was all empty, all to her tears and sadness.


    Bending on the white marble slab, she breathed heavily, as if she could not breathe properly. Gasping for air, she opened her mouth and stroke her heart with her right hand.


    She did not know how much time passed all she knew was, she was feeling the wet liquid on her cheeks which was going down to her lips, further down to her neck and cleavage.


    Looking at her broken reflection, standing in the same posture, she saw herself crying for someone who was not even hers.


    And the mere thought cracked her, broke her completely.


    She wept hard while sitting down on the floor of the restroom, her arms embracing her in the warmth she needed at the moment.


    Only one thought was in her mind "Let''s move on."


    ...............................................................


    "Are you okay, Shana?" looking all concerned for her, Saaransh eyes were all over her.


    He was surprised when he had received Shanaya''s call and was shocked when he had heard her saying "We need to meet, now."


    Drinking the coffee while sitting in the Saaransh''s office, which was an hour away from hers, Shanaya nodded.


    But, she could not speak a word.


    "Shanaya, what''s wrong?? Why your eyes all puffy as if, you have cried?" Saaransh was beside Shanaya in a moment, his hands palming hers, his eyes on her.


    God, the state she was in, was unbearable for him.


    "Did you mean every word you say to me, last night?" placing the mug back on the table, Shanaya looked straight in his eyes.


    The question surprised Saaransh but, he answered knowing, it was the best in the current situation" Yes, I meant every word."


    The thought that someone likes her sincerely made her happy a little as if, she had found a ray of light in the middle of the black hole.


    Saaransh was the ray of light and, her ''life'' was the ''black hole''.


    "I am sorry I could not answer you at that moment." stopping Saaransh from speaking by squeezing his hand she continued" I do not want to lie to you about anything. I like you too, but, I do not love you and, I do not know if I would ever be able to."


    "Shanaya, it''s okay."


    "Please listen to me Saaransh before ?ssuming anything." pleading him to listen to her, Shanaya waited for a minute.


    She had so much to tell but had no idea how to start.


    "I am not a person you would like to be in a relationship with, for, I am a broken person" trying her best to deliver what she wanted to, she continued even though she knew it was not going good " I might not be able to make you feel special or loved."


    Stopping for a moment, she looked at him listening to her patiently, his attention solely on her.


    And, she knew she was not going to make a mistake. For the first time, she was going to make the best choice of her life.


    "I might not be able to give you many things you want but, I want to try it with, you."


    Saaransh''s heart was pounding.


    He blinks several times, his face covered with the emotions of disbelief. He wanted to believe her every word and, he wanted to be selfish to grab the opportunity, but, he could not.


    Squeezing her hands, he looked in her eyes and whispered" Shana, you need not hurry. Take your time to think about it. Do not try to be with me thinking I would be hurt by it."


    "Saaransh, no!" interrupting him immediately, Shanaya leaned toward him unknowingly and, spoke softly, but, meaning every word" Neither I am feeling bad for you nor, I am saying it out of all love. I want to move on from someone and, yes, I am selfish to say it, but, I want to move on with you."


    "I want to gain the experience of being in a relationship with you. I want to be happy with you. I want to be with someone who wants to be with me."


    "Shana, you are not, thinking, correctly. I do not know what''s going on with you, but, any more word from you and, I would be selfish enough to ignore every possibility of being away from you." palming her face in his hands, he spoke softly.


    "Do not make me imagine things I won''t be able to have, for, I know it''s your pain that''s speaking not you." looking in her eyes, Saaransh spoke the things he was thinking.


    In truth, he was hurting himself by giving her another chance to rethink.


    Listening to him, Shanaya knew what he was doing. But, she was not going to hurt him anymore. She had made a choice, all she needed was his answer "Do you want to be with me? Do you like me in real?"


    "I like you like crazy, Shanaya. I want to be with you every moment of my life."


    "Do you want to be with me even after knowing I am going to be in a relationship with you for forgetting someone?"


    Shanaya was not going to lie to him about anything. But, she was also not going to use him or hurt him.


    "Yes," Saaransh need not say another word.


    He meant it.


    "Then listen to me, carefully. I might not be able to be a perfect gf, but, I promise you, I would be loyal to you. I would never do things that would hurt you."


    Hesitating a little, she withdraws her eyes from him, as if, the next thing was not something she would have liked to say" I might not be physically involved with you, but, I would be with you from my heart."


    Closing the distance with a sudden move, Saaransh palmed her face and spoke with the softest voice ever" I do not want you to be with me for physical things, Shana. I want you for what you are, not for your body or my d?s?r?s."


    "Date me, Shanaya Malhotra." and then, he smiled and saw Shanaya smiling.


    ............................


    Love to all ?

 Chapter 99 - Whats mine remains mine

    Vihaan was looking tired while sitting on his chair in his office. His eyes were red from not sleeping for the last twelve hours, his hair messed up from roaming many times hands in it, his tie loosens up at the top, his shirt rolled up to his forearm and his shoes, not in his feet.


    He ?r??n?d when he bends backwards and felt his muscles sore from staying in the same position. He had not gone to the Mansion after going on the "Date", for his works were pending.


    Or, he was hoping to talk to Shanaya, but not like it happen.


    Shanaya took her day off!


    Lying backwards on his chair, he felt heaven as soon as his back touched the leather and he forgets all his tiredness.


    All he wanted was some sleep.


    But, it was not in his life as it was already eight and he could hear several footsteps suggesting employee have come. .


    The new day had begun and, he wanted to be present in his office for his employees.


    He was not a friendly boss, but, he was the responsible one.


    Even though the work of the office was tiring, he was in love with it. He was ready to go through the same hell if it meant doing work, and that too in his office.


    He stretched his right arm to reach his phone, kept on the table and once it was in his hands, he opened it, to see several missed calls from Saaransh.


    He had the habit of keeping the phone on ''silent'' mood whenever he would stay in the office for the work.


    "I will call him later"thinking to himself, Vihaan put the phone on ''general'' mood and straighten himself to be back for the work.


    He was busy calculating some profits when his phone rang and, he saw "Avni dee" on the screen.


    Without wasting any time, he picked up the phone and spoke sleepily" Is everything okay?"


    Avni rarely calls him and, it was the matter of concern for him.


    At the same moment, he heard her speaking excitedly " Did you hear it?"


    Vihaan had no idea what he was supposed to hear, but judging from her voice, he knew nothing was wrong.


    He felt relieved.


    His family was everything to him.


    Focusing back on the screen, he spoke casually, not giving much attention to her words, anymore" I have no idea what you are talking."


    "What? Saaransh did not tell you?"


    "He called me, but I could not receive his call. Why? what''s the matter?"


    "Oh, GOD! You won''t believe it!"


    Vihaan closed his eyes impatiently. God! his sister was so dramatic.


    "What is it, Dee? I am busy, tell me fast" focusing back on the screen, his mind was back to his work.


    "Saaransh and Shanaya are together!"


    Calculating in his mind, he replied without thinking" Okay, together in what?"


    He had a lot of work to do.


    He put his phone away from his ear as his ear got blasted from Avni screaming"Vihaan!"


    "What!" he replied after a second.


    "You are not listening to me. Stop your work for a moment!"


    Withdrawing his eyes from the screen, he put his back against the chair comfortably and spoke slowly"Tell me."


    "Shanaya and Saaransha are together, as in together!"


    And then it hit him.


    He stutters while speaking" What..What do you mean?"


    "Saaransh proposed to Shanaya and she, accepted."


    One part of his mind kept saying" It can''t be!" but, another had no idea what to do.


    He did not utter a single word, the silence haunting him.


    "You, there?" he heard Avni and before she could get suspicious of his behaviour he spoke hurriedly" Yes, Umm, I will talk you later, I have to go." and hangs up the phone.


    He did not wait for her to greet him he questioned her hurriedly" Where is, Ms Shanyaa?"


    Puzzled, Erina took a minute to reply" Umm, I have seen her going to the presentation room, Sir."


    "Oh" murmuring to himself, he sat down comfortably.


    "What were you thinking? Did you think you can confront her?" his mind spoke and, he knew it was correct.


    He had no right over her. He could not stop her from doing anything she wanted.


    But, it hurt him. The mere thought of his best friend with Shanaya made her want to kill Saaransh.


    Shanaya was his!


    "Oh, yes, and you made it clear while going on the ''Blind dates'' and, ofcourse speaking in front of her that you wished to get married!" taunted his mind.


    He was interrupted by Erina who spoke" Sir, you too have to be in the presentation room. It''s about the acquisition."


    She had promised Saaransh to be loyal to him but sitting there she doubts it. The trivial thought of seeing him was causing so many heats to erupt in her body.


    She heard her heartbeats fastening when the door opened and, she felt the presence of Vihaan.


    She did not need to lift her eyes to know, her heart, knew the presence very well.


    Shanaya could not gather the courage to lift her gaze even when she could feel Vihaan''s eyes fixed on her.


    And, not to forget the anger in his eyes.


    She passed the entire duration while avoiding her eyes from him or looking down at nowhere.


    She had promised to be loyal and, she knew this could be achieved only by not looking at Vihaan.


    "Wow! what a way to keep your promise!'' taunted her heart, but she did not give a damn.


    Shanaya vowed, not to think anything from her heart anymore, she had given the reign to her mind.


    The meeting was about to end when she heard Vihaan speaking authoritatively" What''s mine remains mine!'' and felt his gaze on her.


    Shanaya felt her heart reacting on his words by pounding.


    She knew the words were for her.


    Looking at her from his seat, Vihaan had killed two shoots by a single arrow. He had spoken them for the business deal, but he had also spoken them for Shanaya to hear.


    ............................


    Enjoy reading it:)


    Love to all?

 Chapter 100 - You know Saar?

    "So, you guys are like, in a relationship for a month and then you will decide if you want to continue or not, right?" sitting on the bed of Shanaya in her apartment, Riya enquired.


    "Yup, it was best for both of us" arranging her bed, Shanaya answered.


    "Cool! so if you think you guys are not for each other, you will break up mutually?"


    "Yup, no drama or something like that. We both are ready for it so we will get hurt less, even though we will be hurt."


    "So, what''s with you and Vihaan?" taking the pillow in her ??p, Riya enquired.


    Sitting close to her, Shanaya looked at her and with confusion, spoke: "You mean, Saaransh and I, right?"


    Shanaya could not be happier when she heard Riya was in Delhi for her seminar for a week. She had immediately asked her to stay with her.


    "No, I mean you and Vihaan.." looking pointedly at Shana, Riya cleared the confusion.


    Scoffing, Shanaya spoke, "Last time I checked you were so excited for Saaransh and me!"


    "I am still excited and happy for both of you but, I can''t ignore the possibility of you being stuck between them!" moving her hands in the air, Riya answered.


    Biting her lips, Shanaya wondered if to tell about the kiss to her. She had not told about it, and considering Riya''s hatred toward Vihaan, she could not take the risk.


    But, getting scanned under Riya''s sharp eyes, she had no alternative.


    "Don''t freak out, okay." taking a long breath and closing her eyes, she spoke out in a single line" Webothkissed!"


    "Pardon? Can you please speak it slowly?" suspicious rising in her voice, Riya questioned.


    She could listen to Shanaya''s furiously beating heart, and, she knew it was not something, casual.


    Shanaya opened her eyes, to look at the curious Riya and, she knew she was in trouble.


    She was either getting scolds from her or no response from Riya.


    Ofcourse, the latter was more dangerous.


    "We kissed!" biting her lips hard, Shanya confessed the dangerous secret to Riya.


    "What!!! When? How?" clapping her mouth shut by putting her fingers, Riya looked at her with wide eyes.


    "It just happened, we were not planning or something" shy enough to talk about it, Shanyaa avoided looking at Riya.


    "Okay, how?" still in shock, Riya whispered.


    She was not going to tell her in details, for, she wanted them to be with her, as a memory.


    Those were the only memory she had, and she was not going to lose them.


    " Why did not you guys talk about it? You are in a mess, girl!" listening to her, Riya could not say anything else.


    "He did not talk to me about it so, I too did not approach him!" defending herself, Shanaya exclaimed. She continued" How could I talk to him about it when I knew he was not going to take it seriously!"


    "How did you know he was not serious about it!" questioned Riya.


    "He would have tried to talk to me if he would have been serious about it, but did he? No! All he did was going on blind dates for he is too eager to get married!" Shanaya spat, her voice full of anger and venom.


    "Saaransh knows about it?" Riya asked softly.


    Shanaya was raging in anger and, it took a minute for her to be calm.


    Taking long breaths, she gulped the water kept on her desk and spoke" Ofcourse not!


    How can I tell him I kissed his best friend! Also, it happened before we came into a relationship, so it does not matter."


    Taking Shanaya''s hand, Riya urged her to face her and, once they both were facing each other, Riya spoke: " Answer me something, truthfully."


    Riya spoke when she saw Shanyaa nodding her head in a ''yes'' " Why did you accept Saaransh?"


    Shanaya smiled when she heard the question, for she knew it was coming.


    Looking at Riya, she looked straight in her eyes and spoke " I want to settle with someone who will never hurt me. I found Saaransh to be the one who would never hurt me."


    "But, you do not love him, Shana?"


    "Yes, I do not. But one day, I will eventually love him, for he is worth it."


    ...................................................................


    The moon was playing hide and seek with the clouds outside the Rathore Mansion and, the September had begun.


    Vihaan was pouring the alcohol in the glass when the door to his room opened without a knock and, he saw Saaransh.


    "No congratulation to your best friend, hmm?" Saaransh spoke while looking at Vihaan and then, picking up the glass kept near the bottle, he poured some alcohol for himself and, walk toward Vihaan.


    "Shanaya does not like men who drink" joining them, Vansh too repeats the same pattern and, sat down with both of them.


    "I know, that''s why this is the last time I am drinking. Cheers to both of you for having my company for the last time." toasting with Vansh, Saaransh turned toward Vihaan who had not said a word, to toast.


    Vihaan wanted to ignore, Saaransh but, he could not gather the courage to hurt his only best friend.


    But, Vihaan wanted to fight with Saaransh for stealing what was his.


    "But you never told him about Shana" spoke his mind and it made him want to hurt himself rather than Saaransh.


    God! how was he going to look at them together!


    Fuck seeing Shanaya with others, how was he going to tolerate her with his best friend without causing any problem?


    He had no idea!


    No matter what!


    Toasting with Saaransh, Vihaan uttered the words he had never wanted to say to his him with the hint of sarcasm" Congratulations for paving the path of your heartbreak."


    Vansh had never expected Vihaan to be so blunt, but Saaransh''s laughter that filled the room made him at ease.


    No doubt, they were best friends.


    "Come on! Stop hating Shanaya, Vihaan. She is with me now. You have to stop disliking her." looking at annoyed Vihaan, Saaransh replied to him.


    Looking at both of them one by one, Vansh found himself to be stuck. He wanted to tell Saaransh it was ''liking'' not ''disliking'' that was making Vihaan angry but, he guesses it was better not to.


    "Do you even know about her?" angry at himself for ruining everything, Vihaan questioned Saaransh unknowingly.


    "You mean about Saar? Yes, I know about him. And I have no problem with it. Everyone has some past." sipping the drink, Saaransh answer honestly.


    Vihaan question was not about Saar, but rather about him and Shanaya, but he stopped when he found what he was going to do.


    "Was he going to reveal everything, like a fool?" thinking to himself, Vihaan stopped the conversation, immediately.


    God! he was going mad!


    "Ahh, Saar! I hate this guy, like seriously!" joining them, Vansh spoke with a tone full of hatred. He continued without waiting for anyone''s reactions"I will make that bastard pay for hurting Shana the day I will meet him."


    "I doubt it." taking a sip, Vihaan remained at ease as if, he had not said something unusual or big.


    "What! You know Saar?" came the surprised reaction from Vansh.


    And, now Vihaan was smiling, like crazy.


    Winking at Vansh, he gulped down the alcohol in one go and spoke teasingly" Maybe." He added to himself" provided my guess is correct."


    ............................


    Enjoy reading it:)


    Love to all ?

 Chapter 101 - Something odd

    Shanaya opened her eyes to see herself engulfed in the darkness. It took a minute for her to adjust to it and immediately, her hand went to the right side of her head.


    "Good, it''s not hurting anymore" thinking to herself, she felt relieved and shift herself on the bed, to be precise on Vansh''s.


    She had no idea what time it was, or what was happening in the Mansion, for she had not left the room for the last two days.


    Two days before, when she had come to the Mansion as per her promise to Vansh of coming on every weekend, she had no idea migraine pain will come back to her.


    The pain was so worse, she had not eaten anything and had slept continuously for the last thirty-six hours without knowing anything.


    She vaguely remembered someone coming to her while she was sleeping asking for foods and her condition and, she guessed it must be one of the trios.


    The trio as in Saaransh, Riya and Vansh as Avni was at her new home, as in Anubhav''s home. .


    She remained on the bed in the same position, making sure she is not feeling any more headache. Once, she was sure she stretches her right arm and, the light fills the room.


    Getting up from the bed, she stretches herself in all the direction and walks toward the bathroom.


    The refection she saw in the mirror was not shocking to her. She saw her eyes swollen and face puffy, as it would always happen whenever she would sleep a lot.


    Tying her messy and tangled hair in a bun, she splashes water on her face and picks her toothbrush.


    In the next fifteen minutes, she had taken a shower and was ready except for the dress.


    She guessed it was almost night considering the complete silence in the mansion and, looking at the clock, she saw, it showing eleven in the night.


    Grinning at her correct guess, she chooses black yoga pant and, a red tee to wear for, she was not going to sleep anymore.


    She descends the stairs to reach the hall of the mansion and, there she saw Saaransh wearing a blue tee and black pant and Riya sitting together on the sofa, talking to each other with great interest. They had bonded well, like a brother and sister.


    Smiling to herself, Shanaya wandered her eyes and soon spot Vansh reading a book while lying on the other couch and there he was, the thorn of her heart, Vihaan sitting in a black muscle tee and yoga pants with a ??ptop on his ??p.


    "Will you please focus on your boyfriend?" she heard her mind questioning her loyalty and, she immediately avert her eyes from Vihaan.


    She had taken another step when she found three sets of eyes on her and saw all of them looking at her.


    Immediately, she saw Saaransh standing up from the sofa and saw him walking toward her.


    Reaching Shanaya within a minute, Saaransh cupped her hands in his and asked softly, with concern in his eyes and voice" Hey, how are you?"


    Smiling genuinely at him, Shanaya replied" Hungry" and broke in laughter.


    She had never seen any male caring for her, and looking at Saaransh all worried for her, she felt good and loved. Apart from Saar, she had never given anyone a chance, and thus she had never felt how it feels when someone cares for you and worry for you.


    Looking Saaransh all anxious, she had nothing but, to ease him.


    "Hey, how are you? I am serious." laughing along with her, Saaransh enquired, again.


    "Yes, how are you?" looking past his book, Vansh looked at Vihaan and then at Shanaya as if he was asking on Vihaan''s turn.


    Vansh knew his brother well, and he knew he was dying to know her condition.


    "Poor bro" thinking to himself, Vansh kept the book on the side and then stood up to walk toward her.


    "I am good, now." looking at Saaransh then at Vansh and then at Riya who was still sitting but was all focused on her, Shanaya answered.


    She avoided looking at Vihaan who seemed to be busy in his work.


    "Are you hungry?" looking at Shanaa with love in his eyes, Saaransh questioned.


    "Yup, very." grinning, Shanaya remain standing with her hands in Saaransh''s.


    "Tell me what you want to eat?" he asked.


    Pretending to be busy, Vihaan wanted to walk out of the hall or wanted to kidnap Saaransh so he no longer can talk to Shanaya.


    Looking at him all lovey-dovey with Shanaya was killing his mood and, all he wanted was to kick him and yell at him.


    A week, a week for two of them to be in a relationship and Vihaan still could not digest it.


    Every time he would look at any of them, he would curse at himself for ruining everything.


    But, as if it was helping him anyhow.


    He came back to reality when he heard Shanaya" Umm, Icecream and chocolates and yes, cold coffee. I am craving for them!"


    Saaransh laughed at her reply and god! Vihaan hated his laugh. Standing with Shanaya, laughing with her, he looked no more than a greek god and Vihaan hated it.


    God, he was starting to hate everything about Saaransh, be it his height, his looks, his voice, his intelligence and more than that his luck, luck to be with Shanaya.


    Vihaan ignored his heart who spoke to him" You want to take his place, don''t you?"


    Shanaya felt Saaransh lips on her forehead, kissing her and heard him speaking to her" Wait for fifteen minutes,


    okay." and next thing she saw, he was exiting the main door of the mansion.


    But something was odd.


    .........................


    Hey guys... First of all thank you so much for loving my book... I really love you all??. I keep reading all the comments and i really love it.


    Secondly, I have finished writing this part of my novel and it is going to take time for me to start the sequel of this.. So sadly I am going to take break???? I did not wish to but I am not getting time to write because of my job... So please please do not stop reading it and just wait for 10-15 days for my updates.


    As for the further chapters of this.. Sadly only privileged readers of mine can read and complete it ... So all my normal readers please please wait for just few days for me.


    Enjoy reading it :)


    Love to all?

 Chapter 102 - Confrontation

    Strengthening himself on the chair, Saaransh look at Vansh, Riya and then at Shanaya busy in eating. They were seated on one of the window tables of Paradise hotel and, the moon shining in the sky was just behind Shanaya.


    He kept looking at them as if waiting for something.


    Yes, he was waiting for the correct time to ask something he knew was going to change everything.


    "Vihaan is avoiding me, isn''t he?" dropping the question on them as if it was the most simple thing he had asked, he went back to his food, but, his eyes noticing everything.


    Immediately, three of them stopped eating for a second but resumed without glancing at any of the three.


    But, it was more than enough for Saaransh. The way three of them reacted the same gave only one thing.


    Every of the three knew, but, they knew individually..


    He knew something was wrong the moment he had proposed Shanaya.


    He had observed Vihaan avoiding looking at both of them or talking about Shanaya with him.


    Hell, he even had stopped talking with him at great length.


    Saaransh was not foolish to think Vihaan''s ''hatred'' for Shanaya to be the cause.


    "Why would he do that?" questioning rather than answering, vansh spoke, trying to handle the situation.


    "Fuck, bro is ruing everything" thinking to himself, Vansh prayed Saaransh to believe it.


    "I do not know. You tell me if you know" looking deep in Vansh''s eyes, Saaransh asked.


    But the tone he used gave away the secret, that he already knew.


    .............................................................


    "Thank you for dinner. It was delicious." entering the Mansion with Saaransh, Shanaya smiled, looking at him.


    Riya and vansh were a few feet away from them as if they were trying to give them some privacy.


    Saaransh smiled at her, even though his mind was churning with questions and many other things he had for Vihaan.


    Only he knew how he had driven back to the mansion.


    "Pleasure is all mine" keeping the smile on his face, Saaransh replied.


    "Are you okay?" searching for any signs, Shanaya enquired while looking at his face.


    Being with him for the last fifteen days had made Shanaya observed him closely and, she knew something was disturbing him.


    She could sense his fake smile and, it was troubling her too.


    "Oh, yes, just some work issues." roaming his hands in his hair, Saaransh spoke.


    But, he did not give any smile for there was no longer the need to fake.


    He did not want to let her know anything that was going in his mind.


    "Okay if you do not want to, but remember this, I am there for you. Talk to me whenever you want to." meaning every word, Shanaya looked again at him.


    They saw Riya and vansh retiring to their bed, leaving them alone in the hall.


    They had just said good night to each other when Shanaya''s foot stuck at the bottom of the couch and, she found herself falling.


    Except, it did not happen and, she found herself against Saaransh, his lips on her cheeks.


    Saaransh froze along with Shanaya. He was not trying to do any such thing and, it happened on itself while pulling her to save her from falling.


    Vihaan was talking on the phone when he started descending the stairs to the hall only to stop.


    Standing in the hall, Shanaya was leaning against Saaransh, her face hidden from Vihaan''s view, but, it looked as if they were kissing, kissing on the lips.


    The sight before him took every ounce of self-control he had and he spoke harshly, more than necessary" Talk you later" and hung up the phone.


    The sound of Vihaan''s voice made Saaransh and Shanaya aware of the situation and Shanaya strengthen immediately.


    Shanaya almost tipped when she back off hurriedly the moment she heard Vihaan.


    All she wanted was to be away from Vihaan, for she could feel his angry eyes murdering Saaransh and her together.


    "Hey, bro" breaking the awkward silence, Saarnash spoke, but it was not his usual voice.


    Something was missing.


    Not looking at Saaransh, Vihaan strode back to his room, the sight enough for him to kill Saaransh.


    "Fuck you, fu?k you, fu?k you Saaransh!" cursing, blabbering, murmuring in anger, he took long steps to reach his room and shut the door off with a loud voice.


    "What''s wrong?" opening the door of Vihaan''s room, Saaransh enquired.


    "Leave me alone"pivoting, looking at him with red eyes, Vihaan spat, giving a damn about his tone and, marched toward his wine cellar.


    "Why should I?" Saaransh was not going to back away.


    "I fu?k?n? do not want to talk to you!" pointing his finers at Saaransh, Vihaan snapped.


    "And, why the hell is it!" shouting for the first time, Saaransh questioned back.


    "Can''t you fu?k?n? leave me alone!" hitting the glass on the table, Vihaan shouted back.


    "I will leave you alone the moment you will answer me!" shouting back, Saaransh ignored everything else.


    Vihaan paced in the room, trying to calm himself, but nothing happened. The sight of his best friend with the girl he wants was not helping much.


    "Why the hell did you steal what was mine!" poking Saaransh in his ?h?st, Vihaan looked at him.


    Scoffing, Saaransh looked at him in disbelief.


    "What did I steal from you?" narrowing his eyes, Saaransh asked.


    Vihaan looked at him with the same angry eyes. Gone was the moment for hiding his feeling, for the arrow had already left the quiver.


    Creating the distance between them, Vihaan moved back while looking at Saaransh and spoke accusingly" You stole Shanaya from me!"


    Before Saaransh could speak anything, he shouted while pounding the table with his right hand that had glass in it" She was mine!"


    He did not give a damn to the blood that bleeds out from his hand, the red drops that fall on the floor.


    All he did was stared at Saaransh and, continued" We kissed for bloody sake! I had already marked her as mine!"


    But, he stopped the moment he looked at shocked, hurt Saaransh. Gone was the anger toward him, replaced by the guilt, the guilt of hurting his best friend.


    Vihaan murmured looking at him, his voice heavy with the guilt" I told you to be away from her. I told you, it will break your heart."


    But, he looked away when he could not see Saaransh any more. Keeping his eyes away from him, he roams his hands in his hair and, murmured to himself "Why the hell did you make me the Villain in your life!"


    Saaransh walked toward Vihaan with no emotions on his face, not even anger or shock that was in his face a minute ago.


    He did not say a word on reaching Vihaan, did not punch him or swear at him.


    Standing against Vihaan who was not facing him anymore, Saaransh yanks off the handkerchief from his pocket and taking Vihaan bleeding hand, tied it over his hand.


    God! he hated himself at the moment. He had hurt his best friend most maliciously and there his best friend was, playing the Doctor.


    But that did not last long.


    Vihaan was seeing Saaransh being warm but, the next moment, he felt the pain on his lips as Saaransh, punched him hard.


    "ouch!!" Vihaan ?r??n?d, for the punch was hard, as in hard.


    Touching his lips, Vihaan feels the pain and, he winced. But, along with pain, he felt something wet and, he knew his lips too were bleeding.


    God damn it! the man was too strong for a lawyer.


    Seeing him covered in blood, not much but yes a little, Saaransh breath hard and closing the distance between them, he spoke while pointing his finger against his ?h?st:" That was for hiding it from me."


    Saaransh did not stand there longer, he pivoted and walked toward the gate, but he stopped in midway. Turning a little, he looked deep in Vihaan''s eyes and spoke or challenged" You want her? Fight for her, as I will." and walked away, leaving Vihaan all messed up.


    ............................


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    Love to all ?

 Chapter 103 - Care for him?

    Saaransh''s eyes were looking past Shanaya who was sitting in front of him. He was physically present there but, his mind was still in Vihaan''s room, the words ''She was mine'', ''you stole her'' ranging inside his mind.


    He heard Shanaya''s worried voice from a distance" Saaransh, what is it? Tell me what happened?"


    But, he doubts he would be able to tell her.


    Shifting his eyes on her, Saaransh looked at her looking at him with full attention and concern in her eyes.


    "Worried for Vihaan or me," he thought to himself and, he knew the answer well.


    He closed his eyes once the words" We kissed for bloody sake!" rang in his mind.


    God! how could they hide it.


    He had lost the battle even before going in the battlefield..


    His mind played the scene when he had come out of Vihaan''s room and had found Shanaya waiting for him at a distance.


    He could see the horror in her eyes when she had noticed the drops of blood stuck on his shirt''s cuff.


    "What the hell happened?" he had heard her asking.


    "Don''t worry, it''s not my blood." he had spoken the words deliberately and on cue has seen Shanaya looking at Vihaan''s door immediately.


    He was sure, if possible she would have run toward it to see how injured Vihaan was.


    At that moment, he had realised Shanaya was in love with Vihaan.


    And he need not knew anything about Vihaan, the act he had pulled minutes earlier were more than sufficient.


    But like fools, none of them was accepting it.


    Smiling at her, he took her hands in an ?ssuring way and spoke "It''s nothing to worry, Shana. We just fought on something."


    "How can I not worry when you hit your best friend or vice versa. Tell me what happened." arching her brows, Shanaya enquired.


    She was not going to buy anything Saaranash was saying.


    For fu?k?n? sake, she had seen the anger radiating from Vihaan''s when he had sighted them.


    She knew it was related to her.


    She heard Saaransh chuckling and speaking" We boys handle everything by fighting. So, don''t worry about it."


    Saaransh was not going to tell Shanaya anything.


    He might have no more battle to fight, but he had things to do.


    But not like Shanaya was going to let it go.


    ........................................................


    Five minutes, it took five minutes for Shanaya to control herself from barging in Vihaan''s bedroom.


    She was pacing in her room for the last five minutes since Saaransh had gone back to his apartment. She wanted to ask Vihaan the moment she had seen blood on Saaransh''s cuff, and it had taken every ounce of control she had to remains seating with Saaransh.


    Five seconds


    Four


    Three


    Two


    and,


    One!!!


    Shanaya rushed toward the second floor toward the Vihaan''s room. She did not bother to knock on it on reaching and, opened it while questioning" What the hell you said" but the volume of her voice lowered when she saw Vihaan turning his face to look at her and, she completed it with nothing more than a whisper " to Saaransh?"


    Vihaan''s lower lip had a cut at the left and, the blood had dried itself while unattended.


    Shanaya''s eyes went further down and there she saw, the reason behind the blood on Saaransh''s shirt cuff.


    Vihaan''s right hand was covered with blood, his blood even though he had something wrapped on it.


    The cloth seemed to be of no help as it too was covered in blood.


    Looking at Shanaya, Vihaan gave no reaction, nothing at all. He remained seated on one of the sofas facing the door and, facing Shanaya.


    Shanaya forgot the reason she had barged in his room, her eyes all over him, her heart aching as if feeling his pain and urging her to go to him to aid him.


    But, she did nothing.


    She remained standing at the entrance of the room and, it took her a minute to realise, she was there for a reason.


    Clearing her throat, withdrawing her eyes from Vihaan, she spoke, again, this time with a little bit of volume "What did you say to Saaransh?"


    ?Watching her standing in his room, Vihaan tried to calm his anger. He was still furious, at all the things that had happened, and Shanaya was not helping, much.


    It was making him angrier and, the thought of doing things to Shanaya was making ways in his mind. He wanted to push her against the door and, to Kiss the hell out of her.


    He wanted to touch every inch of her and, he wanted to believe, she was his.


    Standing up, he walked toward the bathroom, away from her when he heard Shanaya, again " I asked you something for god sake!"


    Noticing the anger on her voice, that too because of Saaransh made his blood boil and he spoke with a raised voice while turning in her direction" None of your business!"


    .. ...........................


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    Love to all ?

 Chapter 104 - Desperate for you

    Shanaya blinked twice.


    She could not believe the man in front of her just said that.


    "It''s my business because the man you fought with is my boyfriend." looking at him in his eyes, Shanaya spoke angrily but with a low volume.


    Vihaan clenched his fist to control his anger and before he knows he was walking, toward her.


    Next moment, Shanaya found her back against the door while felt Vihaan''s fingers digging in the skin of her shoulders. His nose was flaring in anger and, his face was an inch away from her.


    "The boyfriend you made after kissing and making out with me and who turned out to be my best friend, hmm?" looking angrily at her, Vihaan accused.


    Okay, that hurt and Shanaya felt the same..


    But it did not last long and, all the things he had done to hurt her made her realize he was not in the position to judge her.


    Not giving a damn, she snapped while looking deep in his eyes, challenging him in a way she had no clue" Look who is judging, the one who is so desperate to marry after all of it that he went on a blind date and not on one, but many!"


    "Desperate!" narrowing his eyes at her, Vihaan chuckled like a crazy man.


    "Desperate, hmm?" looking crazily at her, he tried to calm the needs raging inside him.


    The word ''desperation'' had made his head full of ?ustful thoughts.


    Next minute he was closer to her and, murmuring in her left ear, Vihaan frees her shoulder only to grab her wrist to pin her hands against the wall and pressed himself against her" I am desperate to rip the dress off your body and to have you right here right now while hearing you m??n my name."


    He wanted to scare her and, being a shameless person was the only option he had but, not like, he did not wish to do it.


    Shanaya heart pounded against her rib and, she closed her eyes while forming her hand in a fist.


    She could not believe she was turned on mere by his words!


    Shanaya had guessed him to be a wild man with that great body of his, but listening from him? It was enough for her to ?r??sm.


    What the hell happened to her? She should have been disgusted and angry at him, she should have slapped him, but all she wanted was to continue feeling him, his muscular body, and his body warmth.


    "Shana, wake up. It''s nothing more than ?ust." her mind protested against her body.


    But, she was no longer in control of her d?s?r?s.


    Her body was pleading her to remain closer to her.


    "Shana, you have a boyfriend! You promised to be loyal to him!" and the thought vanished all the attraction.


    Pushing himself away from her, after fighting with her body, Shanaya tried to speak with" You are disgusted!".


    "Yes, I am disgusted, so do not provoke me to do things I said." glaring at her, he continued" Last warning to you, stay away from Saaransh or I swear I will chase you down and it won''t be a good thing for you."


    "Excuse me!" not believing anything he said, Shanaya narrowed her eyes in disbelief.


    Did he order her to break up with Saaransh?


    Tracing her lips with his right thumb, he spoke huskily" Send regards to God for being Saaransh''s girl as of now. I would not have hesitated to claim you if you would not have been my best friend''s girl".


    Vihaan no longer had any idea what he was saying. He no longer knew even if his talk was logical.


    "I do not want you to be with him, ever. I refuse to accept your relationship." closing the distance, Vihaan looked straight in her eyes and continued" You want to know what I told him? I told him everything that happened between us."


    He put his palm on her mouth when he saw her on the verge of speaking and continued" You still want to deny everything, hmm?".


    Vihaan walks, toward his bed while ignoring confused Shanaya and, picks up his phone.


    Shanaya saw him typing on it and, next minute, her phone notified her of a message.


    Shifting his attention to her, Vihaan spoke casually and, calmly" See it and, you won''t be able to deny our kiss anymore or, you can say I won''t allow you anymore to ignore it."


    . ............................


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    Love to all ?

 Chapter 105 - Pink and red lips

    Vihaan had never thought he would blackmail Shanaya in such way. But, not like it was something to blackmail.


    Looking at the short clip of his birthday night on his phone, he put it back and recall the time he had transferred to his phone after clearing from the office.


    He was aware everything they had done on his birthday night would be recorded and, he was not in the mood to take the risk.


    He laughed maliciously on imagining Shanaya''s reaction before seeing it. He was sure her head would be full of all the worst scenarios.


    God! only if he could see her reaction.


    Lying on his bed, he put the pillow on his ?h?st and started recalling his birthday night.


    .........................................................


    Shanaya could not convince herself to go back to her room for she had no idea what the message was. Riya was in her room and, she was not, ready to take any risk.


    She looked at the crescent moon while sitting on the terrace room and turn her attention to the phone in her hand. She had not looked at the message for she could not gather the courage to see it.


    She remained seated, trying to ignore looking at her phone or at the message Vihaan had send her.


    Minutes passed and, when she could not resist more, she opened her whatsapp to saw a message from Vihaan. It was a video and, Shanaya realized it was the first message between them.


    They never once had any chat or talk on whatsapp or any social app.


    Shanaya scanned her surrounding and, once she was in the clear, she laid down on the sofa and opened the video.


    Shanaya''s heartbeat increased when she saw what it was. It was the clip of Vihaan''s birthday but, no one was in it except those two.


    In the clip, she was lying on the sofa and was murmuring something like ''Water''.


    Immediately she saw Vihaan walking toward her with a glass of water and, she saw herself gulping down the water in one go.


    Next two minutes passed while Shanaya saw Vihaan talking to her, apologizing to her for his rude behaviour and enquiring about Aniket.


    "Ahh, that''s why we started talking." finally getting the reason for which she had forgave Vihaan, Shanaya smiled.


    "He is so cute!" she found herself mumbling looking at the paused clip.


    "Just cute? He is hot, adorable and s?xy, man! I want him" screamed her body and heart at the same time.


    The clip was all about it, nothing like she had feared.


    Not like she needed any clip to remember the birthday night.


    She remembered it too clearly and, for the first time, she let herself enjoy it. She did not stop herself from going to the past and living the moment again.


    She was curious to know how she had felt when he had touched her, how he had felt while touching her. She wanted to see him in his aroused state.


    Her heart pounded when she remembered saying to Vihaan drunkenly "You have red lips." and she found herself smiling shyly.


    She had no idea Vihaan too was thinking the same while lying on his bed.


    God! She had never thought she would found the memories cute, embarrassing, thrilling, but, s?xy.


    "You have red lips." speaking softly, ignoring his question as if she did not hear him, Shanaya looks back at his eyes and the s?xu?? tension in the room magnified ten times.


    "But, you like pink lips" speaking with hatred, the anger in him getting doubled at being ignored and then at her confession of liking pink lips, Vihaan looked at her as if to say to her" Say it, you do not."


    Shanaya leaned more toward him, making the distance diminish between them, their faces less than inches away.


    Not knowing what made her do it, but, she touches his lower lip with her thumb.


    His intense and ?ustful eyes turn her on and, it did not help when she heard her name in his husky voice" Shana...".


    Grabbing the same hand that touched his lips, Vihaan jerked it with force, making Shanaya fall on his ?h?st.


    No one knew what or how it happened, but, the moment she said "I like pink lips, but, I lovee red lips." their lips met and, both of them m??n?d.


    "Oh, god!" Vihaan growled when his lips touched her soft and juicy lips. The kiss was soft in starting but soon turned into dominating and possesive one. Sucking her lips, he hissed in pain and p???sur? when he felt Shanaya plucking his hair out but soon was rewarded with her m??n the moment he bites her lips hard.


    Shanaya was in heaven, and she was ready to sacrifice everything she had to be in it for eternal.


    His hands touching her body were turning her into a fire of p???sur?s and, her body was aching for something only Vihaan could give.


    He was one of the best kissers!


    ?The kiss continued, each one of them trying to taste everything of the other, but Vihaan won in it.


    Without breaking the kiss, he let his hands wander on every part of her body that his long hand could reach, and finally came to rest on her nape. He pulls her head back to take more of everything she was giving him and, he did take it.


    Five minutes later, they broke the kiss to take some air and, Vihaan looked at her with the same ?ust he had five minutes earlier. The sight of her swollen and bitten lips made him growl like an animal and, he so wanted to have her.


    . . ...............................


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    Love to all ?

 Chapter 106 - You are drunk, Shana

    Closing his fist, he tried to calm himself, but the sight of Shanaya with her red cheeks, hot body, and swollen red lips for which he was fully responsible did not let him. He was not going to think any more of Saaransh or his love he was going to have what he wanted, be it in any way.


    But, his conscious mind was not letting him do it. He could not ignore Shanaya was drunk and, he knows he could not have her.


    But not like he could not do anything else.


    "Don''t look at me like that, Shana" looking at her with same ?ust, Vihaan spoke when he saw Shanaya looking at her with d?s?r?s in her eyes.


    "Like what?" with her eyes on his lips, Shanaya spoke s?xily.


    Closing the distance, he traced her lips with his thumb while his eyes saw himself doing it and turning his eyes toward her, he spoke huskily" Like you want me to continue it."


    Shanaya jerks him closer by grabbing his collar and murmured against his lips" I want to continue.."


    Looking all aroused, Vihaan spoke as if he was finding it hard to control his needs" You are drunk, Shana."


    But he did not create any distance.


    Out of the blue, he took her lips in his mouth and kissing her with the same ?ust and passion he had earlier he broke the kiss, after a minute.


    Shanaya felt herself feeling hurt and, she spoke disappointedly" You don''t want me?"


    "Fuck, Shana! I want only you. I want you like crazily." with his gaze still on her lips, he spoke "But you are drunk right now. I want to do everything with you when you can feel every touch of mine."


    "I will feel it right now too like I feel every time you touch me." with her eyes locked with his, Shanaya did not realize she had given her secret away.


    Vihaan blinked twice as if he had not expected her to say it. But, did not that made it all clear?


    In a second, he was back to her, his lips crushing her, su?k?n? her and hearing her m??n.


    Shanaya was no longer seated against the sofa. She was beneath Vihaan with his left hand at her nape, his right hand squeezing her b?r? waist as the top had lifted and his lips tasting her lips.


    Vihaan heard her voice which sounded full of p???sur? when he bites her lips softly and, the voice of her turns him on.


    Shanaya was struggling to taste him, but, she was getting frustrated as Vihaan was not giving her, any chance. She wanted to touch him everywhere, but, it seemed, Vihaan was not going to let her.


    She wanted to hear his m??n, wanted to know how will he react when she will touch him and, the desperation of all of it made her hands make way toward his back.


    Vihaan froze in between when he senses her hands on his back and, without wasting any time, he broke the kiss.


    Capturing her wrists by his hands, he positioned them on the arm of the sofa, top over her head and, chuckled when he saw her frowning.


    But, the sight of her, arching back with her hands over her head, her full br??sts pushing against her white top made him lose every control and, he kissed her back while pressing her arousal against her.


    He wanted to undress her, to kiss on her br??st, but, he knew he needs to be in control.


    He was so relieved knowing she could not feel him in her denim shorts for, he did not want her to be frightened by his length.


    He was going to take things slowly.


    He was not going to let her touch him. He was going to tease her till she came to him without being drunk. He wanted her to suffer, for not able to roam her hands on his body as he had.


    But, Shanaya was not going to accept any denial.


    Before Vihaan could understand anything, she bites his lower lip and, taking advantage of his shock, pushed him on the floor.


    No longer she was beneath him or under his control.


    "Shana!" Vihaan cried out with the d?s?r? the moment he felt Shanaya''s lips on his skin. All the thoughts of not letting her touch him vanished and all he wanted was her to continue.


    Looking at her, he saw her eyes on him, noticing his behaviour and, that almost made him, ?r??sm.


    Looking at Vihaan lying under her, totally under her control gave a confidence Shanaya had never felt.


    The man she wanted was begging her silently to touch him, to give p???sur? to him, to kiss him and, Shanaya gave him.


    Leaving the trail of kisses in his neck, she moved downward on his revealed ?h?st. She tried to unbutton his shirt when she could not get more of him but froze when she felt his hand on her back inside her top.


    "Ahh, someone''s weakness is her back." chuckling to himself, Vihaan added it to one of the lists in his mind, but not that he was not going to find more of her weaknesses.


    He was going to find every s?ns?t?v? and p???sur? point of her body.


    ......................................................................................


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    Love to all <3

 Chapter 107 - I love you, Saar

    Vihaan kept roaming his hand on her back above the waist while feeling her lips on his ?h?st.


    "How many times she had done this?" the thought erupts in his mind and, the next moment he was above Shanaya.


    Pinning her hands above her head, he looked at Shanaya who was glaring at him for stopping her but, he did not change his mind.


    Adjusting himself in between her legs, he glared at her and asked angrily" Who taught you this?"


    He looked Shanaya blinking and saw her lips forming the words "I.." but he could not tolerate listening to the man or men''s name.


    He shut her mouth by his and squeezing her b?r? waist and then the centre of her stomach he found her m??ning while kissing. The kiss suppressed her m??ning, but, he did not care. The thought of Shanaya with someone else doing all of it was more than he could handle. .


    Breaking the kiss, he moved toward her neck and heard Shanaya "Vihaan!" the instant he kissed her neck. He keeps kissing and marking her on her neck, the swell of her br??sts and, her lips.


    He controlled his d?s?r? to have her n?k?d with great difficulty and, moved downward toward her stomach.


    Her top was no longer covering her stomach and navel, and the skin flashing was white and tempting.


    "God! you are so soft and beautiful!" groaning he wastes no time and start touching the skin around navel by his fingers and lips.


    "Vihaan!" Shanaya screamed in p???sur? when she felt his tongue on her skin, her stomach and navel.


    She wanted him, all.


    ?Ten minutes later, Vihaan stopped when he had marked her in the way he wanted. He smiled when he saw Shanaya lying beneath him with the slight marks of kisses, his kisses on her neck, cleavage, flat stomach and belly bu??on.


    He did not care the marks will no longer remain at her body in the morning, for he had imprinted himself in her mind and heart.


    Admiring his work, he knew it was more than enough for the first time, enough for her.


    Getting from her, he laid down beside her and closed his eyes just like Shanaya.


    Taking long breaths, he spoke " We should stop, now or I won''t be able to stop." and heard Shanaya''s week response but with a chuckle" Coward."


    Vihaan chuckled at her attempts to excite him and turned toward her while supporting his head with the left hand" Do not ever provoke me, Shana. You might regret it." and saw Shanaya smiling.


    It felt so good and natural to share his time with Shana.


    He turned himself and laid down against his back when he saw Shanaya in sleeping position and was about to sleep when he heard her murmuring" I still love you, Saar."


    Shanaya''s heart was still pounding when she finished remembering the night and, her face had turned red like a tomato. Her body was aching for his touch and, all she wanted was to go back to Vihaan, to kiss him, to feel his touch and to feel him.


    She grabbed the arm of the sofa as if that would resist her from going to his room.


    And, maybe it worked.


    But, she found herself closing her eyes in regret, the regret of letting herself close to him and more importantly, talking about Saar in front of him.


    Kissing him was okay, well, not that, okay, but talking about Saar was the biggest mistake of the night. She did not want to speak his name in front of Vihaan.


    Looking at the moon, she recollects her time with Vihaan, every fight, every time she had aroused thinking of him or being with him, had seen him smiling and every time she had found him looking in her direction.


    She wanted to be with him in every way possible. She wanted to feel the feeling again, but she knew she would not be.


    She needed to go away from him, far away from him, even if it means going for a month.


    She doubts her self control and, after living the feeling of p???sur?, thrill, excitement with him, she needs no other reminder.


    She was not the one who would judge on their s?xu?? activities, but, she wanted herself to be v?r??n until her marriage.


    She was never going to be Vihaan''s wife and, the realization made her eyes wet and, she felt, her heart aching.


    God! how much she wanted to be part of his life. She wanted to be the most special person in his life. She felt like a beggar at the moment.


    After ten minutes, she found herself to have made a decision and, she picks her phone to call Saaransh.


    She was going to be away from Vihaan.


    ......................................................


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    Love to all <3

 Chapter 108 - Say yes

    "Do not forget to call once you all reach Miami." looking at Senior Rathores sitting in the car, Vihaan wearing blue loose harem joggers and, black muscle shirt spoke to them.


    Mr Rathores along with, Mrs Rathores had planned to go to Miami once they would be free and the time could not be more perfect than the present.


    They no longer had the tension of marriage or business.


    Standing outside the Mansion, Vihaan felt the air on his face and heard birds chirping in nearby. He scanned his surroundings and felt good when he saw the Mansion surrounded by trees and birds.


    Shiv Rathore laughed loudly and patting the shoulder of Vihaan from the window of the car, spoke:" Our son had grown up, hmm."


    Vansh wearing white knee shorts and blue tee looked at Vihaan standing silent and together they saw the departure of Senior Rathores.


    They turned to went inside, when Vihaan''s phone rang, and he gestured Vansh to go without him..


    Picking up the phone, he greeted Erina back and spoke:" What''s wrong, Erina?"


    "Sir, Sorry to disturb you but you have to meet, Mr Khanna, today."


    Frowning, he looked at himself in one of the mirror windows and adjusting his hair, spoke casually" But, Ms Shanaya was supposed to meet him, wasn''t it?"


    "Oh, I guess you don''t know, Sir. Ms Shanaya gave leave application at late at night."


    "What!" Vihaan''s hand stopped moving in his hair, and before he knew he was walking inside the mansion with long strides.


    But, before he could sight Shanaya, he saw Vansh and, walking toward him, he questioned: "Where is Shanaya going?"


    None of it was a part of his plan!


    "She is going to Australia to see her parents along with Saaransh."


    ....................................................


    Shanaya was walking in the balcony while reading the messages when she heard Vihaan shouting "Shana!" and before she could respond, he had twirled her.


    "What the fu?k was that?" glaring at her, Vihaan questioned.


    "I should ask you this. What the hell was it?" Shanaya questioned back with the same anger.


    For fu?k sake, she could have died of heart attack!


    "Why the hell are you going with Saaransh?" Vihaan captures her wrist when he saw her moving back.


    He was mad as a bull and, nothing was going to calm him, except the girl in front of him, provided she does not provoke him further and, answer him what he wanted.


    Shanaya was already frustrated and, angry at herself for so many things and, hearing him questioning her as if, he owns her life, she spoke indignantly" I can go anywhere I want, with anyone I want. You have no right over me."


    And that was the biggest mistake of her.


    The next moment, she was against the wall and, she scoffs in herself as she realized it had become her destiny to be against the wall or, door whenever she would be with Vihaan.


    But, she was not going to be dominated by him, irrespective of his dominating aura.


    "Tell me you are not going anywhere with him." fuming with anger, Vihaan ordered. He had no idea why the thought of her going away from him was making him so angry.


    And to add to his annoyance, she was going with Saaransh!


    Hell, even the thought of her smiling or talking to him was not tolerable, let alone seeing her going with him.


    "I will go with whomever I want." Shanaya was not going to back down.


    "You will not go anywhere with him." placing his hands on either side of her head on the wall, Vihaan commanded. He continued with the same tone" Say you will not go with him anywhere, Shanaya. I want to hear you say ''yes''."


    "I won''t say anything." looking straight in his eyes, Shanaya answered.


    No way she was going to change it.


    "I want to hear a ''yes'' "demanding in a balanced tone, with neutral eyebrow and plain face, he outfaces her. His tongue made a hissing sound on ''yes'' and, he gazes at her intensely, dominating her, making her body experiencing something new like all the time.


    Her opened mouth gaping at him, flushed cheeks and blinking eyes were the witnesses of the effect he had on her.


    She felt her mind stuffed and, blank with the proximity of their body and, unawarely saw the transformation in his behaviour. He was no longer in command ''zone'' he was tapping his fingers behind her on the wall and his feet on the floor.


    Living with him for some time, she had learned the experience of him being a man with little patience, but she too knows this issue was not easy.


    Unable to function her mind, she chooses to ignore that condition and closed her eyes and the palms in a fist.


    Vihaan moved the tip of his right index finger in her right arm when he sensed being ignored and saw her eyes opened immediately. He felt the electric shock that flowed from his body to her and, noticed her quickened heartbeats, breath rate and shaking of her body.


    His eyes moved toward her mouth and, saw her lips forming "what the hell!" but no voice came out and, without his intention, a chuckle escapes his mouth.


    She closed her eyes immediately to save herself from embarrassment and cursing herself run her tongue over her painted lips to give some moisture to them. She cleared her throat and whispered by hiding her eyes from Vihaan" What are you doing?"


    He hastily removed his eyes and spoke swiftly "I guess I asked you something" and arched his left eyebrow to imply he was still waiting for it.


    He could not speak more with his ragged breathing and tension in his body.


    She tilts her head in the left direction to ignore him and shift it back when she noticed their proximity. She tried to step back but, felt herself being pulled immediately by him by his right hand placed at her back and, she bounced with his ?h?st.


    ......................


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    Love to all ?

 Chapter 109 - Consequences

    She tilts her head in the left direction to ignore him and shift it back when she noticed their proximity. She tried to step back but, felt herself being pulled immediately by him by his right hand placed at her back and, she bounced with his ?h?st.


    He ignored her angry looks and spoke with confidence that he always carries"I am not letting you go unless you tell me what I want to hear."


    "Someone will come and see us you better leave me" she spoke with weight in her voice while her eyes scanned the surroundings to see if someone was around them and glared at him.


    "I don''t care who comes and who see us" he spoke carelessly, looking in her eyes when suddenly his mouth lift in a smirk and leaning closer to her, spoke playfully "In fact, it will be good if someone sees us together. I do not have to worry more after that."


    As if she suddenly understood what he said, she voiced out in haste"Just leave me.." and tried to free herself but before she could complete her sentence, she saw his right index finger making contact with her lips and her eyes spread wide in shock and surprise and, she felt the same emotion.


    The emotions she was not willing to name..


    She looked at him in disbelief and, the tautness in her already fighting with her emotion''s body grew.


    "Shhhh...do whatever you want, say anything you want, I am not going to leave you until and unless you say what I said you to say. Even if it takes whole day or night, no matter who calls you, no matter who came for you, I am not going to let you go" he whispered in her left ear, his breath fanning her exposed neck and moved back a little to stare in her fazed eyes.


    Shocked by his statement, it took a while for her to regain herself and not knowing what to do, her earlier frustration mixing with anger, the rage she had for him and, together they returned to shield her.


    Levelling her eyes with him, she outburst "I am going to do what I wish, you have no fu?k?n? right to tell me what to do or whom to choose. It''s entirely my choice".


    Not able to handle it, his breathing quickened and, he clenched his teeth. He moved back a little creating some distance between them and put left hand on his waist and closing his eye rubbed the forehead with his right hand. He keeps on doing it and opening the eyes after 5 seconds pinched the bridge of his nose and moved forward, leaving no space between them.


    He did not budge even a little when he heard her " Don''t...".


    He was not going to give her more chances, was not going to tolerate her stubbornness anymore.


    Standing with his body pressed on hers, not leaving even a little space he pinned her palms above her head on the wall and spoke with his reddened eyes" Do I need to Mark you to get the answer I want? "


    Before she could understand and respond to it, they were interrupted by a surprised tone.


    "What''s going on here??"


    Shanaya turned her face toward the voice with the speed of the light to see Riya looking at them with narrowed eyes.


    "Riya, it''s not like what you are thinking." defending herself, Shanaya spoke while trying to push Vihaan away from her, only to see her looking at them with the same expressions and Vihaan in the same position.


    "You are thinking correctly." replying as if nothing has happened, Vihaan continued" I would like it if you would give us the privacy" and, gesturing toward themself, continued" As you can see, we have something important to discuss."


    He neither changes his position nor creates any distance between them.


    "Riya, trust me." trying to defend herself, Shanaya spoke while trying to get Riya''s attention. She could feel her heart beating furiously the same way someone feels when they get caught doing things they should not.


    And, on top of it all, she was embarrassed as hell but relieved it was only Riya not someone else, like Vansh?


    "Riya" speaking like ordering, Vihaan continued while looking in Riya''s eyes who was standing there dumbfound" I heard someone calling your name, maybe Vansh."


    Shanaya found Vihaan signalling Riya with his eyes and next moment she saw Riya turning back.


    How could she!? She was her friend, not Vihaan''s!


    Shanaya saw her going with dismayed. She could not believe her friend left her hand in trouble!


    "Why would she help you when you did not tell her anything?" taunted her mind.


    "Where were we? Oh, yes!" Vihaan continues as if they had not been caught or, interrupted "We were talking about you not going with Saaransh anywhere."


    Closing her eyes in anger, and annoyance, Shanaya spoke softly as if she no longer had the energy to fight with him" I will never do things you want."


    "I see." chewing his lips, Vihaan spoke further" It''s up to you, now. Do not blame me once you find the consequences of your stubbornness."


    . .............................


    Enjoy reading it:)

 Chapter 110 - The conclusion

    Shanaya was keeping her clothes inside the bag when she heard her phone ringing.


    Picking up the phone from her bed, she answered it with a smile on her face" Hey, Saaransh."


    She listened to him for some time and spoke in response" Yes, I am ready. When will you be here?"


    Saaransh was supposed to pick her around 11 in the morning thought their flight was at two in the noon.


    She had presents to buy for her parents and, she could not believe she was going to see them after a year. She had not visited them since she had started working with Vihaan.


    "Okay, see you soon." ending the conversation, she tossed her phone on the bed and checking her bag to make sure she had kept everything, she left her room only to get surprised on reaching the hall of the mansion.


    "Dee! when did you come?" rushing toward Avni, Shanaya hugged her..


    Avni smiled and spoke:" Vihaan called me, saying he has something urgent to tell me. He practically made me run to be here within an hour!"


    Anubhav''s house was an hour away from Rathore''s mansion but, it would take a little more for someone to reach on time, due to the hectic traffic.


    "Oh" she remembered his words in the morning and, she wondered if it was related to her.


    "No, he would not do it." talking to herself, Shanaya smiled when she saw Avni looking at her.


    But, she was restless at the moment. She was smart enough not to take Vihaan easy and, somehow she knew it was related to it.


    Shanaya turned her eyes toward the stairs when she heard Avni" Oh, there he is" and saw her looking toward the stairs.


    Shanaya saw Vihaan looking at her with no emotions or expressions, for a second and then he was looking at Avni.


    She blinked when she saw him sitting on the stairs instead of descending to the hall and heard him speaking while looking at Avni" Dee, you came."


    Shanaya noticed he was still in his morning dress but, something had changed. The demeanour of his was of a cold person rather than the warm person.


    Soon enough, she saw Vansh emerging out of the kitchen and, heard him speaking" What''s the issue?"


    Looking at Avni and, then at Vansh with a blank expression, Vihaan spoke: "Which one of you is going to object me with Shanaya?"


    What the fu?k!


    Shanaya had never thought, of listening to these words even in her dream.


    "Don''t tell me"glancing at Shanaya and then at Vihaan with narrowed eyes, Avni spoke with shock in her voice.


    Vansh closed his eyes as if he was not expecting Vihaan to come clean and murmured to himself" Bro.."


    Vihaan ignored her question and spoke without minding anything" How much do you know about Shanaya?"


    Shanyaa had not thought the conversation was going to be around her a minute earlier, but now she had no doubt. Her heart was beating like never before and, fear of being caught by Avni and Vansh made her sweat.


    "We know all she had told us," Avni spoke as if she too wanted to know where Vihaan was going.


    Scoffing, Vihaan looked at Shanaa accusingly and spoke:" Do you know who is Saar?"


    No! this was not happening.


    "Vihaan, don''t!" Shanaya found herself pleading and, she no longer cares how it was looking to Avni or Vansh.


    "Vihaan, not this, please!" she walks toward him unconsciously and ascending the stairs, she stopped in front of him only to speak" Vihaan not this."


    "Saar is" before Vihaan could complete it, he found Shanaya''s hand on her mouth, shutting him off.


    He heard her pleading, her eyes pleading" Vihaan no.." but he did not care.


    Jerking her hand from his mouth, he made her sit beside him on the stairs with force while keeping her wrist in his right hand as if she will fly away from him.


    Turning his face toward her whose eyes were wide with shock and horror, Vihaan questioned innocently" Do you want me to tell them about our kiss, then?"


    But, she heard both of them squealing" Kiss!!".


    "I...I didn''t" but Shanaya could not complete it.


    She was too afraid to say.


    She had betrayed her best friend and someone she thinks of her as a sister and family.


    "Don''t worry, about it she did not cheat on Saaransh. It happened long before him." completing the sentence in place of her, Vihaan spoke.


    But, not like he was going to get an award for it.


    "Yes, back to the topic" speaking as soon as he sights Saaransh at the entrance of the mansion, Vihaan continued" Do you know the meaning of ''Saar''?"


    He turned his face toward Shanaya when no one answered and spoke:" You are going to tell or should I?"


    Shanaya spoke nothing more than "Vihaan, please do not." while looking at his eyes, pleading him not to do it.


    Sitting beside Vihaan, she felt something wet on her cheeks and, she realized she was crying silently.


    Neither Avni nor Vansh asked Vihaan to free her, for they were sensing they were in no position.


    The shock was too much for them, and all they could feel was betrayal and anger, and they were too shocked to react.


    "Fine, I will" breaking the haunted silence, Vihaan continued while keeping his eyes on


    Saaransh" Saar means the same as ''Saaransh'' does. It means ''the conclusion''. But unfortunately, Saaransh is not the conclusion of her life."


    "So, the person was the conclusion of her life, her world. He meant everything to her." looking at all of them at a time, he waited for some time and spoke when he had their full attention" It was never a name, it was an emotion."


    "Vihaan, don''t!" trying to free her hands, Shanaya shouted.


    Shanaya might have been weeping, but the anger in her for Vihaan was not less. She hated him at the moment as she had never hate anyone.


    More the anger, more was she crying. She had this issue of crying when she would not be able to control her anger, and, it was happening at the moment.


    It hurt him to see her tears, but he had to do it, for he knew Shanaya would never tell them anything.


    And, that was not going to help him.


    Masking his face with no emotions, he frees her wrist and, looking at her side, spoke while dropping the bomb" Tell them, Shana, I am ''Saar'', your first love, and the conclusion of your life."


    "What the hell!"


    "Are you serious!"


    "God!"


    Shanaya heard them, but her mind could not process who said what.


    Her heart refused to beat, and her mind refused to think.


    But she felt only one thing deep inside, the feeling of betrayal from Vihaan and the anger for him.


    And next moment thing no one had imagined happened.


    Saaransh, Avni and Vansh became the witness along with the hall of the mansion of the unimaginable history, the history of Shanaya slapping Vihaan.


    ............................


    Enjoy reading it :)


    Love to all ?

 Chapter 111 - Authors note?

    Hey guys... First of all thank you so much for loving my book... I really love you all??. I keep reading all the comments and i really love it.


    Secondly, I have finished writing this part of my novel and it is going to take time for me to start the sequel of this.. So sadly I am going to take break???? I did not wish to but I am not getting time to write because of my job... So please please do not stop reading it and just wait for 10-15 days for my updates..


    I would be back with a good sequel of it for sure. Till then, do not stop loving and reading it?


    Enjoy reading :)


    Love to all ?

 Chapter 112 - Volume 2

    Hey guys.... I am back!!!!


    Welcome to the sequel of my book!!!! I can''t believe I am writing second book of my life.


    Thank you so much for waiting for it and loving my book. I never thought I would get so much love from you all.


    I would be updating 3 chapters in a week, sadly :( .


    I am not getting enough time due to work load and I do not want to write anything just for the sake of updating. I want my readers to love it and feel every emotion of it.


    I hope you would understand it. ?


    Enjoy reading it :)


    Love to all <3

 Chapter 113 - The past -1

    4.5 years ago


    "Mom, I will be fine! Stop worrying about me." Shanaya, wearing denim jeans and a red tee, in her twenties, not elder than 21 with a little bit of fat on her body that would not place her in the ''fat'' category, spoke on the phone while sipping the coffee.


    Her tone gave nothing as she roams her free hand in her coffee coloured waist-length hair and her eyes full of sadness, loneliness and betrayal looked at the far end of the street, at nothing in particular.


    It was mid of October, and she was standing outside one of the coffee shops in London. It was thirty minutes past six and the sun was about to set.


    Her face lit up in a sad smile at something her mother said and, she replied to her"Mom, College is going fine. As for the rented apartment, I received a message from one of the house owners I met, and I am going to meet him now."


    Just like every mother in the world, her mother too was worried about her. It has been a month for her to live in London and attend university, but, her mother worries had not disappeared..


    Stopping for a minute, she did not let her mother responds and continued" Now happy with my reporting" and smiled naughtily, a genuine one.


    She adjusted her hair with now free hand and start walking, the phone still on her ears.


    Ten minutes later, she was standing outside a small but beautiful single floor apartment. The trees surrounding it were magnifying the beauty of it and, the surrounding pf the locality was away from hectic and loudness, the exact thing she had always wanted.


    Instantly, she knew she was going to like it and, she hoped it to be of her like from inside too.


    "Mom, I will talk to you later." hanging up the phone and putting it back in her jeans pocket, she took long breathes and walking toward the main door, she rang the bell.


    The woman who opened the door was in the ''50s with the round face and two chins, wearing a violet top and black pant, her face lit up in a smile.


    Shanaya''s eyes looked at her eyes without her consent, a habit she had developed over time, and observed her eyes beaming with happiness.


    " Ofcourse she will be happy to see you, Shana. You will be giving her money if everything went good." ignoring her sarcastic mind, she smiled back at her and enquired "Mrs Wilson?"


    Shanaya continued when she saw Mrs Wilson nodding in yes "Hello, I am Shanaya, and we talk on the phone about your apartment."


    "Oh, yes, please come in." grinning, Mrs Wilson invited her in, and Shanaya walk behind her, into the apartment.


    Shanaya felt the apartment to be cozy rather than small, with two single bed placed horizontally with some distance between them, two cupboards at either end of the wall of the room.


    Not like it was an issue for her.


    "I guess someone is already living here?" glancing at the room, Shanaya could not stop herself from asking.


    "Yes, but I think you will like her. She too is an Indian like you."


    The relief Shanaya felt on hearing the other tenant be an Indian was so much, she could not stop showing it by smiling.


    She had no issues in sharing it with some locals, but she was just like others, who would feel homely interacting with the native of their country.


    Only she hoped she would be nice. She really wanted some good people in her life.


    "I like it." thinking of all the things she needs to buy for herself for the room, she smiled at Mrs Wilson and moved toward the exit game, not before asking" When can I move in?"


    A few minutes later, she had just opened the door to come outside when she sights a cute, 5''4 beautiful Indian girl wearing a black halter neck top and denim jeans, hair tied up in a pony, entering the ramp of the apartment. The girl seemed to be elder than her, three-four years at maximum.


    Shanaya walks toward the ramp along with Mrs Wilson, thanking her for giving a tour while walking.


    She stopped when Mrs Wilson, halts, on reaching the mid of the ramp and spoke to the girl "Hey Avni, meet Shanaya, she will be sharing the apartment with you."


    .............................


    Enjoy reading it :)


    Love to all <3

 Chapter 114 - The past-2

    4 years ago


    "Do you think he loves me, like really?" looking at Shanaya dressed in her casual blue shirt and brown cargo with hair tied up in a pony, sitting in one of the club pubs, Avni wearing a blue off-shoulder top and denim shorts spoke while gulping down the tequila shot in one go.


    Playing with the water glass in her right hand, Shanaya looked at Avni sitting beside her.


    It has been five months for them to share the same apartment, and they were more friends than the roommates. The very first day, Shanaya had moved in, Avni had welcomed her with a smile and, Shanaya knew it was genuine as she out of her habit had looked in Avni''s eyes.


    Over time, they had opened themself to each other and, now, they were at that stage where, none of them had any secrets, from each other.


    "Dee, he loves you, like really" looking in her eyes, making sure she believes her words, Shanaya opted for the truth.


    She continued after taking a sip of the water instead of any alcohol " You know, Dee, sometimes I am envious of you." but this time, she did not look at her, her attention focused solely on her hands. .


    Before Avni could say anything, she saw a man coming toward them and saw him hugging Shanaya from the back and saying" I never knew you would miss me so much."


    A smile break on Shanaya''s face and without looking at the man, she spoke:" Will you get over yourself, Vanshu."


    "No, I can''t!" taking the seat next to Avni, looking handsomely even in his twenties, wearing a white fitted tee and black jeans with black boots, Vansh ordered a glass of beer from the cute bartender in her twenties and focused his attention on Shanaya.


    Narrowing her eyes on him, Shanaya scoff and spoke:" But, you should."


    "You know what" looking at Vansh and then at Shanaya, Avni interrupted them" You both should really date."


    "No!"


    "No way!"


    Shanaya and Vansh spoke out at the same time.


    Looking at the horror on both of them face, Avni could not stop laughing and, before they knew, all three of them were laughing.


    "Why? I mean, I introduce you guys to each other because I felt you would be perfect for each other." speaking casually, Avni looked at both of them.


    Vansh smiled, listening to her and recalled the time he met Shanaya. It was four months before and, Avni had set him up with a date.


    He had expected the girl to be ''girl'', like others wearing expensive short, revealing, fancy dresses with makeup, but, the moment he had seen Shanaya wearing yoga pants with a loose tee and no traces of makeup, he knew, she was different.


    Together they had a laugh, had commented on boys and girls, had a talk about fashion and simple living and before they knew they were friends.


    They both had come seeking love, and they had got it too.


    In the form of friendship, they have got it.


    "We do are perfect, together" arching her brows, Shanaya answered Avni and continued" Having friends of the same level is perfect."


    Laughing at her response, Vansh thought of teasing her" But, accept it, Shana. You would have liked me as a man if you would not have been already in love with someone." and flashed her his charming smile.


    "Oh, please! I have something called ''taste'' in man, man!" narrowing her eyes at him, Shanaya responded.


    "Hahaha! I doubt it." laughing at her response, Vansh questioned while adjusting his voluminous black hair with his hands" But, what are you doing here? I thought you hated drinks and anyone who drinks."


    "I hate them but, that does not mean I won''t accompany my friends when they need me. "


    "Even if it means you have to drink water with them, aww, so sweet of you." speaking with the mixture of sarcasm and awe, vansh turned his attention to Avni to ask" But, what is wrong with you? Why did you ask me to meet ?"


    "Anubhav proposed to me."


    "Wow!! It is awesome!Congratulations!" hugging Avni immediately, Vansh exclaimed. "But, why are you speaking it as if you are not happy?" looking at Avni''s average expressions, Vansh enquired with his brows furrowed in confusion.


    "I do not know what to say to him?" Avni answered sulkily.


    "Seriously, Dee!? He loves you." interrupting them, Shanaya took Avni''s hand and looking in her eyes, continued" It''s rare to have someone in our life who loves us as much as we love that person. We all know you too like him, and isn''t that awesome."


    "I love him, but what, if we, are not meant for each other? What if I am left broken just like you, Shana. You are strong, but I am not!" trying to explain herself, Avni closed her eyes with helplessness.


    God! how much she wanted someone to understand her.


    "Dee, everyone gets hurt while being in the journey of "love". But, your case is different for we all know he loves you more than you love him. We know he won''t hurt you." trying to deliver her thoughts with the help of her hands, she continued" And, to be frank, he is worth taking the risk. You can''t reject him just because you are so coward to tackle all the obstacle in your future."


    "Exactly! You need to believe her dee, for she is a love expert." trying to lighten the mood, Vansh spoke while looking at both of them.


    "You never told us about him in detail, Shana" turning her eyes toward her, Avni spoke.


    The mere mention of her past made her sad, hurt, but she did not show any sign of it. It had been three years for her to accept she was alone in her agony and the love of her life was no longer hers, and it had made her somehow surviving it.


    "I think you should tell us, Shana. It would help you. But the choice is entirely yours." passing a small smile at her, vansh tried to provide little comfort he could.


    Smiling to herself, a habit she had developed over the time to make herself believe she was happy, gulping half of the water glass, Shanaya spoke dreamily, her thoughts away from her.


    "He came unexpectedly in my life, and before I know, he was my everything. At first, he did not mean much to me, but I had no idea I was getting addicted to him more every day. I was a practical girl who knew love is not easy and I was happy to go on a smooth pace with him, but before we could turn out to be something more than just a technical bf-gf, we broke up."


    Not revealing much about the reason for their breakup, She continued when she heard none of the other two stopping or interrupting her for any doubts. Guess, they were curious to know more about her.


    " I did not stop or begged him not to leave me. I was hurt, and, deep down, I was so sure of myself that I would be fine without him."


    Smiling in a mock at herself, she took a minute to compose herself and drinking the water, she spoke, again" But, I was no longer the same. I started missing everything about Him, his voice, his talks and even his poor jokes."


    "He became the conclusion of my life, he became the summary of my life, and I felt no more living without him."


    "Conclusion? It''s a big word, Shanaya." amazed at her feelings, Avni could not stop herself. She had no idea about the depth of her feelings.


    "But, he became it, without my realization." drying the tears with the edge of her palm, she answered softly.


    "What''s his name? " and before Shanaya could say something, vansh stopped her by speaking" Hiding his name is not a good thing, Shana."


    "He is not in my life anymore, Vansh. Telling his name would mean he was special in my life and, I do not want to feel about him in that way!"


    "But, it would also mean his name no longer means something to you!"


    "Vihaan" the name rang in her head, in her heart but, she could not speak it.


    She felt weird when it came on her tongue and, the realization struck her like a thundering light.


    It was not, a name, it was everything and, also the reason for her ruins.


    Deep in her thoughts, deep in understanding her heart and coping with the realization, she did not hear Vansh phone ringing and him speaking"Vihaan Bro! I was calling you for the last five hours!"


    Sitting there together, none of them realized they had something more in common.


    ................................


    Enjoy reading it:)


    Love to all <3

 Chapter 115 - The Present

    Sitting on the comforting bamboo stool on the lawn of her parent''s home in Australia in loose white tee and denim shorts, Shanaya was sipping the hot chocolate coffee while admiring the starry sky and the full moon.


    All she could see was the looks of horror on Avni and vansh''s face. She wanted to explain to them, to tell them she had no choice but to hide it, but, at that time she just remained sitting on the stairs.


    Her body refused, even when, her mind was screaming at her to do something to save her friendship.


    To save the relationship with Avni, which she valued more than her love for Vihaan.


    She could not fathom how everything falls in front of her, and, she could do nothing!


    And, about Vihaan! she was going to make him pay for all of it.


    She seems lost, to such an extent, she did not notice Saaransh''s eyes on her.


    Saaransh sitting beside her wearing his usual solid joggers and a white tee kept on looking at her in an attempt to know the reason behind her silence..


    Not like he had no idea.


    Throughout the flight, they have not spoken more than two times, that too was not more than "Are you okay?" and "We have arrived."


    If the flight had not been to her parents'' home, Saaransh knew Shanaya would not be with him.


    Saaransh saw her sitting gloomily at the window seat, looking outside it and sleeping in the total nineteen hours they were on the flight.


    But, he did not confront her. He wanted to, but he knew she needed time, for she looked all shaken up.


    More than confront, he wanted her to talk to him as a friend, no more than it, for now, he too knew, where they both stand.


    He needed no answers or words from Shanaya to know they were no more than a friend as of now.


    Busy in her world, Shanaya jumped on her stool when he heard "Oh, my God! look who is here!" and she could not stop beaming.


    Standing in front of her, was a boy, a good looking and a tallboy.


    Amazed at her reaction, Saaransh could not stop wondering about the boy and the next moment he saw Shanaya jumping on the boy and hugging him like no one."Oh, my baby!! ''you are here!! I waited for you!" kissing the boy on his cheeks, Shanaya hugged him again.


    "Sisyy! No one told me you are coming." bending backwards a little to see Shanaya''s face, Akshar spoke.


    Saaransh could find the hint of love but also respect in Akshar''s voice and, he was not surprised.


    Shanaya was a lovely woman, no doubt.


    And as for respect, she had that aura, that would make people respect her.


    Either out of choice or out of demand.


    "Well, it was a surprise" face filled with genuine smile and happiness, Shanaya answered him.


    How much she had missed them!


    "My my! You have turned out to be a handsome man" with pride looks, the same pride a mother feel for her son, Shanaya felt his face with her hands and look at his striking features.


    Akshar was a tall boy, of around 6''2 height, brown hair just like Shanaya, eyes just like her.


    They would have looked like twins if the face cut of Akshar would have been round just like Shanaya, but he had an Oval face with a perfect nose and short hair.


    "Oh, sissy! I would have come to pick you up" and, at that point, Shanaya realized they were not alone.


    Breaking the hug, Shanaya turned her attention toward Saaransh and spoke:" Saaransh, meet my brother, Akshar."


    Scanning Saaransh from head to toe, to make sure he was even worth sitting with Shanaya, Akshar forward his hand for a shake and spoke with a tone of possessiveness, possessiveness of a brother toward his sister" Hello".


    ....................................


    Vihaan had no idea about his feelings anymore.


    All he knew was, he was missing Shanaya, her company, her aura, her voice and her presence around him.


    Apart from it, he was all confused about his state of emotions.


    He was regretful for revealing everything about Shanaya and him, for it has caused Shanaya further away.


    He was relieved, for it meant he no longer needed to fear Saaransh.


    He knew Saaransh would never think of Shanaya as his after hearing the truth.


    And, he was damn angry on himself, for hurting his best friend, again.


    Hell asking, she had not even shown the sign of knowing him when they had first met, face to face.


    Sitting on his chair in his office, in a white shirt with folded sleeves and no tie, long and messy beard, he kept his phone on which he was looking at Shanaya''s Instagram profile, like usual and laid back on his chair, supporting his back.


    Closing his eyes, he recalled the moment he saw Shanaya for the first time.


    It had been a year before when Avni had informed them about Anubhav''s marriage proposal and, they had planned to announce it during Senior Rathore''s anniversary.


    Busy in his office work, planning for the anniversary party, Vihaan had just enough time to know, someone Avni and Vansh know, to be precise, their friend who was also supposed to be fashion designer, as well as event manager, was going to come to the Mansion on both of their invitations.


    To add more to it, he had been informed by Avni that she had asked the same friend to organise for the party so that everyone can see her work since Avni wants her wedding to be planned by her.


    ...........................


    Enjoy reading it :)


    Love to all <3

 Chapter 116 - Lil fiesty girl

    Busy in his office work, planning for the anniversary party, Vihaan had just enough time to know, someone Avni and Vansh know, to be precise, their friend who was also supposed to be fashion designer, as well as event manager, was going to come to the Mansion on both of their invitations.


    To add more to it, he had been informed by Avni that she had asked the same friend to organise for the party so that everyone can see her work since Avni wants her wedding to be planned by her.


    Vihaan was furious! He could not even tolerate the idea of someone else deciding for his sister marriage, but not like he did not have a plan.


    Finally, both of them had concluded, Vihaan had the final call to make, as if, if the person was good enough.


    In the midst of all, he never asked for the name, all, he knew was, the person was a female and, she was to arrive within two-three days. It would be lying to say Vihaan was not curious to know the person.


    He was, but he did not show it. He did not ask for the picture or the name.


    Finally, the day arrived and, Vihaan was descending the stairs to go to the office in the morning when he stopped dead..


    Standing in front of them, surrounded by Avni, Vansh and the other members of the Rathore''s family stood, a girl just like Shanaya.


    "No, it can''t be!!" shocked which was definitely an understatement, Vihaan had supported himself by holding the rally of the stairs.


    It had taken him some time to accept the girl was not like Shanaya, but Shanaya herself.


    The time had stopped for him and, he kept on looking, staring at her, making sure it was not some dream.


    And, he knew it was not some dream when he saw Shanaya lifting her eyes in his direction and saw the same expression he had felt on her face.


    But, he saw her withdrawing her gaze immediately as if she could no longer stand the mere sight of him.


    Not like he could blame for her.


    He exactly knows the reason behind her hatred for him.


    Coming to the present Vihaan shifted, on the chair, meanwhile, his eyes remained closed.


    But, a second later, he opened them.


    Lost in thoughts, his right hand palmed his right cheek and, a smile covered his face.


    "My Lil girl, you turned to a feisty one." murmuring to himself, remembering the past when Shanaya was a shy, cute, immature and m?tur? at the same time and would have never thought of slapping him even in her dreams, he chuckled while remembering the slap.


    All he wanted at that time, was to shove her against the stairs rally and to kiss the hell out of her.


    The anger had magnified the craving for her at such level he was ready to mark her in his own way, in front of everyone present.


    And, he would have, if Saaransh would not have taken Shanaya at the right moment.


    It had been only three days for all the "shocking revelation" to happen, but it felt like an eternity.


    And, the mere thought of touching her, to be around her, to talk to her caused him great pain.


    Agony could be the word for it.


    He wanted to be with her and thinking of her away with Saaransh was not letting him in peace.


    Even when he knew Saaransh would never do something of which he was afraid.


    Hell! he could not tolerate her away for a day, how he was going to leave without her for a week!?


    ''Fuck!" he cursed while roaming his hands all over his face when he remembered Erina informing him of Shanaya''s plan to extend her leave from a week to two weeks.


    .............................


    Will you spill it up??" looking at Shanaya who seemed to be busy in reading "The Chosen", Aksar spoke, again.


    The two of them was sitting in Aksar''s room and, as her habit of possessing bed of others, Shanaya was lying freely on his bed.


    "Do not disturb me, baby. I am busy reading!" not tearing her eyes away from the novel, Shanaya spoke with desperation.


    She really wanted Aksar to shut up!


    God! he had been asking her all the questions she so wanted to avoid for the last thirty minutes.


    "I will when you will tell me everything, sissy!" giving him'' I mean it'' looks when he saw Shanaya looking at him with narrowed eyes, Aksar shrugged.


    Shanaya kept her book aside with a thud and sat down on her ??p when she could no longer tolerate him and spoke irritatingly" Fine! What you want to know!?"

 Chapter 117 - Spill it up

    "Who is Saaransh to you? What are you hiding from me? What actually happened in India?" without taking a breath, Aksar rent out.


    Okay, Shanaya needed to accept her brother was no longer a small child.


    Not that he would ever grow up for her.


    "Why do you think I am hiding something or something is wrong with me or happened wrong in India?" shrugging, Shanaya questioned him but continued" As for Saaransh, he is my friend!."


    "Seriously!? Sissy, you really think I am still a child who do not know the looks of a man toward his love or crush? Or when two people look at each other with awkwardness?"


    Shanaya kept quiet, for she too knew Aksar was right and she had to tell him someday.


    Chewing her lips, Shanaya looked nervously at him, for she was not sure of his reactions.


    He may be her younger brother, but he was a brother who had always thought of him as an elder brother of her and had made sure to act in that way. .


    Clearing her throat, she started speaking when she saw Aksar expecting answers from her" You remember the guy I met on Fb when I was in college?"


    "Yesss..the same guy who was your first love, right?" nodding his neck and looking at her all curiously, Aksar spoke as if he knew what was coming next.


    "Umm," playing with her fingers, ignoring ''first love'' even though it made her heart all churned up, she cleared her throat once again and continued" I met him a year before when I went to India to attend Avni dee''s wedding."


    "Oh!" furrowing and surprised at the same time, Aksar continued all curious" And? How did you meet him? What happened?"


    Shanaya did not know if to stop or continue, but, she knew she would be betraying her brother if she did not tell him at the moment.


    And, thus, she chooses to tell him everything.


    "He is Vansh''s cousin."


    "What!!" surprised, Aksar yelled out.


    "I had no idea!! We never talked about him and, even if they had done it, I never listened to it for I never paid attention to hearing other males name."


    Closing his eyes, Aksar knew the gravity of the situation very well. Meeting your first love, that too when you had no idea would have been so hard for her and, he hated her for keeping it to herself.


    "You should have told me, sissy." looking at her, Aksar took her hand as a gesture of understanding her and continued" So, did they knew about you?" What happened?"


    "None of them, except both of us knew about us. I did not know how to react when I saw Vihaan standing at the stairs of the Mansion as if he owns it."


    "My world spun in a second, and I could see nothing. My eyes were open but blurred. I was standing there, but I was not! I felt my legs giving up my weight, my heart on the brink of breaking, and, I could feel pain in my sternum along with my heart."


    "I could not breathe, I heard no words Vansh, Avni dee and others spoke to me, I could only see the man responsible for my ruin, my heartbreak, my everything."


    "But, the man who was my love too. He looked so handsome, attractive, powerful standing there and I just wanted to have him in my life, again."


    "I could see my past taunting me, my determination of never being weak again in front of him swaying, my heart and mind remembering all the things he had done to hurt me and I could not welcome him in my life, again."


    "I saw him looking at me with shock, not with the happiness of seeing me in reality, and I just knew one thing at that moment. I have to be away from him and, telling everyone about us was not going to let that happen."


    "And?" interrupting her for the first time, Aksar questioned. He wanted to give her all the time she needed.


    "I showed no sign of knowing him even though I wanted to touch him, wanted to see him, wanted to know how it feels to know and see your first love. I have imagined meeting him in real life, but that was not one of the scenarios."


    "I wanted him to be happy, surprised not shocked if we were ever to meet coincidentally, but that was not the case."


    "He seemed to have understood I was not going to tell anyone about us, for he too did not, and we never talked about it. But, then" looking at Aksar for the first time, Shanaya felt her heart beating knowing she was going to tell him something important, she continued" we got close and, before I knew, I was in love with him, again."


    "Oh!" Aksar did nothing to hide the amazement in his voice. But, he could feel the vibration in his heart.


    He was feeling too much of everything to know the exact feeling of his. He had no idea if he was angry on Vihaan, curious about both of them, happy for her sister to find her love and sad to see them breaking further away.


    "But that jerk!" anger surfacing in her tone, Shanaya spoke angrily" He spoiled it all by telling about us to everyone, even when I plead him not to just because I did not listen to his bloody order!!"


    "I swear it, Aksar" eyes full of hatred, Shanaya spoke the last words" I will never forgive him. I will hate him forever for doing it."


    . ................................


    Enjoy reading it :)


    Love to all <3

 Chapter 118 - Mystery

    It was six in the evening and yet, it looked dark, dark enough to be called midnight. October had ended and, the winters had started approaching.


    The birds had gone back to their nest, leaving behind a silence, utter silence.


    The Rathore mansion stood arrogantly in the midst of it just like its owner.


    Parking his Audi in the parking area of Rathore mansion, Vansh did not come out of it, immediately. He remained seated on the driving seat, his attention focuses on his phone in his hands, to be precise on the display photo of Whatsapp of Shanaya.


    The thought of calling her, asking her if she is fine was too much, he was on the verge of dialling her number, just like every time.


    But, he stopped, just like every time.


    Instead, he focuses his attention once more on her display pic..


    The picture was the latest one, the one where she was looking at the sky while sitting on the lawn wearing blue yoga pants and red tee.


    Vansh guessed it to be her home''s lawn.


    The thought of her, at her home, made him remember all the shocking revelation in the past week.


    Shocking would be the understatement.


    He could easily recall the moments of Vihaan telling everyone he is "Saar", the guy he had hated for hurting Shanaya, the guy he so much wanted to kick, the same guy who ruined his best friend.


    He had stood frozen, his friendship with Shanaya seeming nothing more than lies. He wanted to understand it, wanted Shanaya to say it was all lies, but the moment he had locked his eyes with her, he knew the truth.


    He chuckled to himself when he realized their behaviour toward each other was pretty much the hints of their feelings for each other.


    He just had a new task in his hand, and, he knew he was going to be busy for some days.


    .........................................................................


    Saaransh was about to end the conversation with one of his business clients in one of the coffee shops when he glanced outside the window and saw Shanaya sitting on one of the chairs on the outer area, busy on her ??ptop.


    Shaking his hands, he moved toward the exit door and, within minutes, he was standing behind Shanaya.


    Shanaya was busy looking at some documents with such intensity she shuddered when she heard Saaransh " I do not think you should start looking for other jobs."


    "Saaransh! You shocked me, man!" with a surprised tone, Shanaya looked at him who had taken a seat in front of her.


    "You too surprised me when I saw, you, searching for a job" arching his brows, Saaransh looked at her accusingly.


    Shanaya did not answer immediately. Hiding her eyes from him, She focused her eyes on the page opened on her ??ptop and saw the headline of the article "Job for a Fashion designer in Australia."


    "I am thinking of staying in Australia." breaking the silence, Shanaya spoke while playing with her fingers.


    Just like, she had been doing for a week.


    She had been feeling so guilty she had not dared to face Saaransh or to speak with him. She wanted to but she just could not.


    She had no idea how to deal with it, and she did not want it to go wrong at any point.


    Saaransh was an important, person in her life and, she was not ready to let him go or hurt him, that too when she had already done it once.


    "Did you talk to Vansh or Avni?" watching her playing with her fingers and avoiding eyes contact, Saaransh let her do it.


    He knew he had no chance of being ''special'' in her life, but, he too knew she needed a friend.


    "I am sorry, Saaransh" finally making the eye contact since the revelation, Shanaya continued "I am sorry I hurt you. I am sorry I hide it from you and, I am sorry I could not keep my promise."


    Taking a second break, she spoke immediately, without giving Saaransh any chance" And, no, I did not talk to anyone. I just could not."


    After debating for a minute with himself, Saaransh chooses to speak the truth " I knew about you both before I confessed my feelings for you."


    "Pardon? What?" jerking forward on her chair, Shanaya looked at him all confused.


    "What do you mean about it? How did you know?" the curiosity was too much for her.


    Saaransh looked at his watch instead of answering her and, spoke:" It''s time for the flight" and stood up.


    "Saaransh! You can''t do this to me!" standing along with him, Shanaya spoke while walking toward her father''s car.


    Saaransh did not answer her. Instead, he opened the passenger seat''s door and, tilt his neck a little to signal her to sit inside the car.


    But, Shanaya missed the amusing smile on Saaransh''s face that appeared for a second.


    Ten minutes later, they were standing at the airport.


    "Saaransh tell me how did you know about us? And, if you knew why did you confess your feelings or why did not you confront me!?" standing beside him, Shanaya was back to her chirpy and curious mood.


    Looking at his watch again, Saaransh pulled Shanaya into a friendly hug and, before she could say something more, he stopped her " Enjoy your visit to your parents and come back to India soon. I will miss you."


    The night before the disclosure, a week before, when Shanaya had called Saaransh, she had asked him to go abroad with him. She had no destination in mind all she had wanted was to go away from Vihaan and to have some time for herself.


    But, the moment Saaransh had informed her of his business trip to Australia, she knew where she was going.


    Five minutes later, they had the revised plan, the plan in which Shanaya too was going with Saaransh to Australia.


    Engulfed in Saaransh''s hug, Shanaya knew she had missed his friendly warmth. She had thought she would be awkward with him, but at that moment she knew, Saaransh was not just some other boy or man in her life.


    He may not be her lover, but, he was someone she loved as a human.


    Smiling after such a long time, Shanaya spoke childishly" You are such a notorious man, Saaransh."


    Laughing aloud, Saarnash broke the hug and spoke" I will tell you once you will be back in India" and walk away toward the checking point, leaving smiling Shanaya behind.


    .....................


    Love to all <3

 Chapter 119 - Missing besty?

    "Keep this too, Shana." picking up the golden coloured big round steel box from the bed, Shanaya''s mother, Mrs Ankita Malhotra, spoke while keeping it inside her travelling bag.


    Shanaya was busy collecting her dresses from the wardrobe when she heard her mother and, walks toward her mother, pausing her other work for a moment.


    "Akshar made them for you." picking the book from the bed, Mrs Ankita spoke.


    "Really?" beaming with happiness, Shanaya took out the box and opened it without wasting any minute.


    "Wow! pede!" looking at the box full of pede, an Indian sweet dish, Shanaya could not stop her mouth-watering.


    Before her mother could speak" Do not finish them eating in a day", Shanaya had two of the pede in her mouth.


    "umm, they are so tasty!!" exclaiming, Shanaya was about to go for the third one when she felt the box snatched away from her hands..


    "Mom!" she exclaimed with disbelief.


    She just could not believe it.


    "What? Are you planning to finish all of them today itself? I told Aksar it is going to be a bad idea. You can not control your tongue once you start tasting any sweet!" scolding her, which was not at all scolding, her mother put it back in her bag.


    "I can''t believe you favour pede over me!" making mouth toward her mother, Shanaya laid down on the bed.


    "He made them for Vansh, Saaransh and Avni too. What will you give them if you finish eating them yourself? And, who is going to pack your things, hmm?" looking at her, her mother questioned, while slapping her back, lovingly but complainingly.


    Closing her eyes, spreading her legs and hands in the remaining space on the bed, Shanaya murmured" I am not doing it. You want me when I am not at home but, once I am at home, you want me to go away! You do not love me at all! I am telling you, I will marry someone there without telling you about him! I won''t even ask him to come to you."


    "I knew you were seeing someone!" forcing her to sit, Mrs Ankita sat beside her and asked curiously" Who is he?"


    Okay, that was the wrong idea and, Shanaya realized it too late.


    She had no idea what she was going to say next.


    Ignoring Vihaan name that emerged in her mind at the mere idea of getting married, Shanaya did not speak anything. Her heart had started beating furiously, and, she was not going to risk speaking in front of her mother.


    For, she doubts she could speak in her original voice.


    "There is no one. I am not going to marry anyone." standing up from the bed, Shanaya, walked toward the wardrobe and resumed her work.


    ...........................................


    Vihaan''s mind was not at all in the meeting that was taking place in the meeting room. It had been a week without listening to Shanaya or fighting with her and, he was missing it.


    Missing her whole, rather than just fighting and talking.


    He had never thought there would come a day when he would be missing the same girl he had thought of none other than a timepass in his teen days.


    The mistake he had made in his twenties was the reason Shanaya was away from him, without giving him a chance to at least explain.


    "And explain what? Are you going to say to her'' Shana, I am sorry for letting you go in the past? But, now I want you, would you forgive me?''" Vihaan closed his eyes when his mind teased him, but he knew he had no chance.


    Afterall, his mind was correct.


    Knowing Shana, he doubts she would give him another chance.


    Or a chance at all.


    But the thought of being away from her seemed impossible to him. He wanted her in every way and seeing her with someone else was making him crazy.


    He was going mad thinking of the situation where she would never talk to him she would be dating someone else and thought of marrying someone was intolerable!


    Deep down in his thoughts, he did not realize Erina, calling his name.


    Sitting beside him, Erina looked at the physically present but mentally absent Vihaan. She had an idea about his ongoing situation, but she was not sure.


    But, at present, she had other things to do. Being a personal ?ssistant, she knew she had to step up to tackle the situation.


    Clearing her throat, she spoke again, with a loud voice"Sir, I have taken the notes. Will you give the final decision after reading it?" and sigh in relief when she saw Vihaan looking at her.


    "Oh, yes, sure" not knowing what else to say, Vihaan adjusted himself on the chair and addressed the employers present "You can go now."


    A minute later, he was alone with Erina.


    "Thank you, Erina" passing a genuine smile, Vihaan spoke gratefully.


    "It''s okay, sir" welcoming his appreciation, Erina cleared her throat once again.


    The news she was going to share was definitely going to affect the person sitting in front of her.


    Vihaan paid his attention to Erina when he heard her clearing throat and, he knew she had something more to say.


    "What is it, Erina?"


    The moment Vihaan heard "Sir, Shanaya mam informed, she will be joining office from tomorrow", his breathing stopped and, he could not think of words to say.


    ...............................


    Enjoy reading it :)


    Love to all <3

 Chapter 120 - SIL

    "Saaransh is coming to pick me up." picking up the black-tie from her bed, Avni looked at Anubhav standing in front of full view mirror in their bedroom.


    Avni was wearing a v-neck, sleeveless black dress and, even though she hardly had any hint of makeup, she was looking gorgeous.


    But that who she was, a beautiful, cute and charming girl.


    Walking toward Anubhav, Avni stood up by facing him and standing on her toes she lifts herself to tie the knot of the tie.


    These little but memorable moments were the keys of their healthy relationships and, Avni had made sure never to let Anubhav go outside without tying his tie for the last one year since they have got married..


    Anubhav family belonged to one of those family who was well reputed but, Anubhav had chosen to go to the other field.


    Seeing his interest in software, he had decided to be a software engineer and was a highly paid software engineer in one of the top IT companies.


    Avni never minded his salary, all she looked at him while dating was his caring nature and his love for her.


    Although, being a daughter of one of the rich people, she once doubted if she would be able to live with him, will be happy with him.


    But, as she grew up and attained maturity, she realised money does not matter that much for, she knew Anubhav''s salary and her salary being an interior designer would be enough to maintain the standard in which she had grown up.


    Yes, she was one of the finest girls, and maybe that was the reason she found herself attached to Shanaya.


    They both were similar in that way.


    "Will he be okay going to Rathore Mansion?" memorising every feature of Avni''s face as if he would never be able to see her, which was what he would do every day, Anubhav spoke.


    Avni''s hands stopped for a second, but, she resumed as if nothing happened.


    Getting away from him to pick his wallet, Avni remembered the moment she had come across the secret, the biggest secret she could ever think of and felt her heart aching.


    The pain was of betrayal, not just from Shanaya, but from Vihaan too. She had never thought the person she had loved and adored like her child would keep such a secret from her!


    She just refused to accept it.


    She was not just sad. She was also angry and had refused to talk to anyone two of them. But, not like she had not missed the voice of those two. All she wanted was an explanation, which none of them had given.


    And, she also could not let the fact ignored that the person she had ?ssumed as her brother, Saaransh had been hurt by them.


    Yes, Saaransh had not said a word since that day regarding the topic, but, she was not one of those who would ignore his feelings because he was not related to her by blood.


    He was not just her brother-in-law or Vihaan''s best friend(which was doubtful at the moment) he was also her brother by feelings and, she was not going to let him suffer.


    Shaking her head to come out of the past, Avni had just walked toward Anubhav and had spoken "I doubt it" when she heard Saaransh calling" SIL, are you ready?"


    "SIL?" furrowing his brows, Anubhav looked at Avni and enquired.


    Smiling a little, Avni answered" SIL as in Sister-in-law."


    Laughing, Anubhav pull her toward himself and kissing her hard, spoke while moving out of the room" You have got a lovely brother-in-law."


    ......................................


    Fifteen minutes, those fifteen minutes were unlike any for Saaransh.


    Driving his car in silence for the last fifteen minutes, Saaransh had taken the turn when he heard Avni finally speaking" How was your meeting in Australia?"


    "It was good. Meeting went well." noticing how Avni refused to speak Shanaya''s name, Saaransh too went along with the flow.


    He was not going to show any of his feelings to anyone. He was going to hide it, like other pains of his.


    He had gone so much pain in his life he, was habitual of it as if it was a necessary part of his life.


    And, like those pains, he was going to keep the pain of letting Shanaya go.


    "Ohkayy.." emphasising on it as if she was digesting everything, Avni settled back on her seat in an attempt to hide the curiosity in her voice to ask about Shanaya.


    Deep down, she wanted to ask him" How is Shanaya? Is she okay? Did Shana cried a lot? When will Shana be back? Did Shana miss me?" but, somehow she controlled herself.


    Saaransh attention was on the road but, one part of his mind knew what was going with the person sitting on the passenger seat. He almost laughed when he heard Avni" I am sure uncle, Aunt and, Aksar are well and, you must have enjoyed yourself with them."


    "Yes, they made sure I do not feel like an outsider." speaking from his heart, Saaransh passed a smile remembering Shanaya''s family, welcoming him with such an open heart.


    He truly had enjoyed his visit.


    Avni smiled and replied him back with the same happy tone" Yes, they are such lovely and welcoming people. I had always enjoyed my visit to them."


    Before Saaransh could reply, he entered the Rathore mansion and, halt the car at the main door.


    Opening his door, he gets out and, within a second, he was at the other side of the car, opening Avni''s door just like a gentleman.


    But, he did not turn or showed any intention of walking inside the Rathore Mansion.


    Standing just outside the main gate, he had retrieved Avni''s belonging when he heard Avni" Why are you just standing here? Come in."


    Avni knew the reason, but, she did not let it just go. She was not going to let Vihaan and Saaransh''s friendship crack.


    Clearing his throat, Saaransh pretended to look at his watch and moving toward the driving seat, spoke with speed as if he was in a hurry" SIL, I have to be in my office within ten minutes. I have some urgent cases to see."


    Standing there, watching him going, Avni recalled Vansh telling her how Vihaan had not visited the Mansion for the last fifteen days and, she realised how everything had fallen just because of Vihaan''s past mistakes.


    Yes, she was angry on Shanaya, but, she was not going to be against her, knowing very well how much she had cried for Vihaan, expect Avni never knew it was Vihaan who was the bad guy at the time.


    ...............................


    Enjoy reading it :)


    Love to all <3

 Chapter 121 - Hide and seek

    Standing in front of the full view mirror in one of the best hotel''s suites, Vihaan looked at himself for the nth times.


    The suite was the same Vihaan would book whenever he would have a lot of work and, he would not be able to work it out at home or office.


    Fundamentally, it was his suite.


    And, it was the same hotel suite he was staying at for the last fifteen days.


    Not like he was busy or something. It was just the fact that he could not bring himself to go back to the place where Shanaya had left him, or where he had taken something from her, the friendship of her with Avni and Vansh.


    Apart from Shanaya''s issue, he could not forget the feeling he would get whenever he would think about Saaransh and his friendship.


    He had never wanted to hurt him, but, he also could not tolerate Shanaya with him. .


    Yes, he was selfish to think about himself, bad to hurt his friend, but that''s what he was. He was simply a human who was in love with someone, and yet, he was unaware of it.


    And, maybe that was the beauty of his feelings.


    Roaming his hands in his hair, he once again looked at himself carefully from head to toe and sigh in satisfaction.


    He was looking his usual, handsome, hot and s?xy in a black suit, messy but decent hairstyle and a stubble beard.


    Yes, he was ready to see Shanaya.


    "Yes, like she will even glance at you." replied his sarcastic mind and, he cursed.


    He was well aware it was going to be unpredictable and, he had no idea how Shanaya was going to behave.


    Hell, it was the first time he was judging his appearance as if it would help him catch Shanaya''s attention and would help her forget everything.


    "I am sure I have never seen someone more fool than you!" his mind spoke again and continued" Do you think she will talk to you or look at you?"


    Keeping his right hand on his furiously beating heart, Vihaan wondered why he was so nervous? Why was he thinking about his reaction once he would meet Shanaya?


    Confused about his feelings, he kept wondering many things.


    He let his mind asking questions such as '' How will Shana react? Will she look at him? Will she ever forgive him? Will she ever talk to him?''


    His heart knew the answers. His mind knew the answers. His soul knew the answers, and yet, he was not ready for any of it.


    After all, he was the great Vihaan Singh Rathore who had always got what he wanted.


    And at the moment, he wanted only one.


    And, he was sure to have Shanaya back in his life.


    Far away from him, Shana was looking at a beautiful girl staring back at her from the mirror.


    The girl or the reflection of Shanaya was wearing a red long trench coat with denim jeans and a white top. But, the red lip colour was what was outstanding her.


    She had always heard how the slightest lip colour or lipstick changes a person''s appearance but looking at herself, she, knew it was not just some rumours.


    She had no idea why she had applied lipstick but, deep down, her heart knew.


    She was getting ready for Vihaan.


    "Oh shut up!!'' cursing at her heart, she spoke out loud and taking some cotton, she removed it.


    She was back to the natural red lips Shanaa and back to the person she always was, the Shanaya who hated Vihaan and was never going to let him hurt her.


    Looking at her reflection, she saw her eyes determined to forget Vihaan and, to never let his fake promises, sweet talks, hot touch, make her a broken girl, again.


    She had learned her lesson, the lesson that had stolen her happiness, her youth and her belief in love.


    ................................................................


    "Come on! Look at me, just once! Just a glance, pleaseee!" looking at Shanaya, seated in the presentation room two chairs away from him, Vihaan was continuously praying.


    His mind was nowhere in the presentation and had no idea if the ideas presented were even good for the company!


    As if he does not exist!


    Well, they had not actually met as he had thought.


    He had thought he would get the chance to look and talk to Shanaya in privacy. But, the moment he had arrived at the office, Erina had told him about the meeting and, the presentation room was the area he had seen Shanaya.


    And, the moment he had seen her sitting on the chair busy on her phone, he could feel the world stopping, or it was his heart that had stopped breathing. He could not decide.


    Before he knew, he was scanning her from head to toe, meanwhile feeling the heat forming inside his body.


    The moment his eyes saw her lips, the images of him kissing her against the wall and floor came running and, the urge to take it to his office and to kiss the hell out of her was so much, he turned abruptly, breaking his eyes contact from her lips.


    Looking all beautiful in her red dress, she was like a prize, a prize which only had the claim of his.


    He was going to make sure not to let others even be the participants of the competition, the competition of having the beautiful, hot, s?xy, intelligent, witty and caring Shanaya in their life.


    God! how much he was resenting himself for blowing off everything!


    Unaware of any of Vihaan''s thoughts, ignoring the bu??erflies in her stomach, sensations in her body, thumping of her heart, Shana was giving every bit of her not to look at the handsome devil.


    Even though she was sitting far away from him and they had no contact, her body was aching to feel him in any way.


    Her body was remembring being against him, his touch that had made her melt.


    Her lips were still feeling the warmth and dominance of his lips, lips that had felt heaven to her.


    "Shut up, Shana! Are you crazy! You are such a cheap girl!" turning her hands in a fist, she tried to control the ?ust and d?s?r?s her body had suddenly started feeling.


    Three hours ago, before entering the office, she had promised herself not to look at Vihaan at all.


    She was vulnerable at the moment and, she no longer trusts herself and, she was not a fool to not to accept the reality.


    But, the excitement of seeing him again, the curiosity to look at him just once was so overwhelming, she looked in his direction but, the moment she saw the shadow of his broad shoulder, the pace of her breathing increased and, she withdraws her gaze, immediately.


    She could only guess if the shadow of his shoulders can affect him that much, how much his whole body could.


    And, the answer to it was making her more regretful.


    How was she going to face him every day when the slightest sight of him can make her heart run a marathon?


    The only answer she could find to it was not to look at him, ever, but, considering her curiosity, she knew not to count the idea at all!


    "I need to be strong! I am not going to let him hurt me, again." chanting it as a mantra, Shanaya could only pray for it to happen in reality.


    All she could pray to God was to let her feeling for him vanish, like a miracle.


    But, she knew, very well this miracle was not going to happen ever.


    ..................................


    Enjoy reading it :)


    Love to all <3

 Chapter 122 - Free bird

    Standing against one of the walls of the VIP elevator, wearing dark blue skinny jeans with a white jacket, Shanaya adjusted her long, wispy layered honey coloured hair with her index finger.


    She was so sleepy, all she wanted was to close her eyes and not to open them till eternity.


    Well, eternity not as in going to heaven and meet GOD so early.


    "And why do you think you will go to heaven? You can go to hell too." spoke her mind and, she made her face.


    She was in the midst of the process of ignoring her mind for some time now.


    But, yes, all she wanted was to go straight to her home, get tucked inside the warm blanket, get cosy alone in it and go to sleep.


    That too, when she had come just five minutes before from her apartment!


    The reason for her condition was simple..


    She had not been able to sleep the entire night because like usual, she was busy thinking all the worst scenarios.


    Being an overthinker was not an easy task, after all.


    And, every scene included Vihaan.


    Closing her eyes while leaning against the wall, Shanaya felt the elevator stop, but, she did not change her posture.


    "Let me sleep. It''s a VIP elevator no one will be entering in it.", speaking to her conscious version, Shanaya was about to go back to sleep when a thought entered her mind" Yes, no one except, Vihaan." and she suddenly jerked herself to stand straight.


    "Fuck!" cursing, Shanaya adjusted her hair, clothes without having any idea if they were okay within a second before the door opened.


    Everything happened in a second, a second earlier, she was enjoying her nap time and, a second later, she was standing as if preparing herself to see the devil.


    A handsome devil.


    Her heart knew it very well.


    Vihaan was talking with Erina about his schedule while standing outside the elevator, waiting for it to open when he sensed Shanaya, like always.


    He knew before taking a step inside the lift, he knew before lifting his gaze to see her standing in front of him with her eyes down.


    It seemed like Vihaan had to wait to see his reflection in Shanaya''s eyes, again and he had no idea how he was going to do it.


    "Ouch, it hurts to be ignored by her, isn''t it?" ignoring his mind sarcasm, Vihaan took his position beside Shanaya and saw Erina standing a few distances away from them, in front of them.


    Vihaan did not waste his minutes to avoid looking at Shanaya.


    Instead, the moment elevator''s door closed, he scanned her from head to toe, noticed her tomato coloured cheeks which could either have turned because she was blushing or because of the chill of December, her eyes that kept hiding as if hiding them would hide her body.


    He closed his hand in a fist when his eyes rest on her red lips and the memories of him touching them, tasting them came flooding.


    He wanted it, again and again.


    He knows he was the resident of her heart and the relief he felt knowing that was indescribable.


    Standing closer to him, Shanaya wanted to know how he was looking, what he was wearing, how messy his hair was, how kissable his lips were, what was the intensity of his eyes, what was his feeling at the moment and, was he too thinking of kissing her.


    Shanaya cleared her throat to speak when she heard Erina greeting her and, the voice that comes out was only enough to reach Erina with difficulty "Good morning, Erina."


    Flashing a smile at Erina, Shanaya did not speak more than that and, ignoring Vihaan as if he was a ghost she tried to engage her mind at something else.


    God! she was inches away from Vihaan and, yet she could feel his body heat and the urge to continue feeling it was so dominating, she could remain standing there for eternity.


    "Well, well, darling, isn''t it the time to test your theory?" Shanaya heard her mind and, before she knew, she starts thinking about his celebrity crush.


    She had read somewhere, to move on from someone, you need to bring someone else in your life, you need to like and love someone else, but considering her recent activities with Saaransh, she doubts it.


    But, she had no other alternative, and after thinking or overthinking, she had concluded something.


    She was going to accept her love for Vihaan but to herself. She was not going to deny anymore, was not going to account him responsible for her broken heart, was not going to keep that 0.1% of hope that had kept her stuck waiting for Vihaan.


    ................................


    Enjoy reading it :)


    Love to all <3

 Chapter 123 - Date and marriage

    "Mom just because I am single does not mean I would be wasting my singlehood going on dates with strangers." speaking in a calm voice over the phone which was on speaker mode, kept on the desk, Shanaya was busy checking the design on the monitor.


    Going on dates with strangers to check their compatibility and to know if she could love any one of them in future, was not an option for Shanaya.


    That was not what she had in mind when she had decided to be a free bird in the morning after a countless night of deprived sleep.


    Filling various colours in her designed dress, Shanaya heard her mom " I am not asking you to meet any of the matched boys in your busy time. But, just like you said you are single, it means you have free time which mingles people do not have! Stop making excuses, Shana."


    Shanya closed her eyes when she heard her mother''s next line" Do you love someone? Is this the reason you are not meeting anyone?"


    "Yes" whispered her heart.


    "Mom, No!" spoke her mouth and, before her voice could give any hint of lies, Shanaya continued" Mom, I have not thought about marrying anyone as of now." .


    "Liar! You thought marrying Vihaan every day" shouted her mind and, she clenched her teeth.


    She so fu?k?n? hates her mind! She did not need an enemy when her own mind was her enemy.


    "Shana, I am not asking you to marry without knowing them. I want to see you getting married, want to see my grandchildren."


    "And, here she starts motherly lectures." thought Shanaya.


    She often wondered if her mother was the only one to do all this, but, after talking to her friends, she had come to know it was all mother''s problem.


    "Mom, I would marry once I would love someone. And, trust me, I won''t delay a single moment if I come to meet him." speaking her heart, Shanaya lifts her gaze to see across her office and saw Ms kriti in conversation with Erina, Vihaan''s secretary.


    Since her arrival back to India, Shanaya had been busy completing her stacked projects and, Erina was there for that purpose only.


    But, that was not the only relation they shared.


    Shanaya and Erina had formed a friendly bond over time and, Shanyaa was glad to have a friend like her in her life.


    Erina was not only a beautiful, intelligent girl, but she was also a caring person who would value a person''s inner beauty rather than outer beauty and, that was one of the reasons Shanaya had liked her at first glance.


    Shanaya had been at such a comfort zone with Erina she did not think twice while talking about her personal details with her mom on speaker in the presence of her, which she rarely did with anyone.


    Such was her feelings and trust for Erina.


    "Mom, I know you must be eager to see me walking down the aisle, but, not right now."


    "We don''t walk down the aisle, bcche. We do saat phere(seven rounds)."


    Sitting away from Shanaya and listening to her, Erina laughed a little when she heard Shanaya answering her mom " Mom, I, can fall in love with a Christian man. I will walk down the aisle if that happens, isn''t it."


    "I do not care who you love. All I want is to see you getting married."


    "Oh, really!" arching her brows at her mom''s statement, Shanaya spoke in response" What if I marry a girl instead of a boy?" and hi-fived Erina who had started laughing after hearing her mother" Playing with me, hmm. Fine marry a girl if you want to. But, all I want is you to meet the boy for me."


    ...........................................


    Sitting on the sofa with legs crossed, index finger on lips, wearing a dark grey three-piece suit and black shoes, Vihaan was deep in thinking. His hair was messy as if he had been roaming hands in them for a long time.


    Lying in front of him on the table was his ??ptop and some files, but he had no attention to them.


    All he could think was meeting Shanaya in the elevator and how she had been ignoring him for the last five days since her return.


    God! all he wanted was to look in her eyes, hold her hands and talk to her with no thought of the time.


    He smiled, thinking about how she reacted sensing his presence but, the smile did not last long when he remembered Shanaya was not only angry on him, she was determined to erase him from her life.


    Yes, he knew Shanyaa more than anyone, even if he was not in her life. He was well aware of every expression of her, a thing he realised at that moment only.


    Busy in his world, he came out of it when he heard his phone ringing and picked it up immediately when he saw the caller''s name" Good morning, mom."


    He bites his lips, a thing he had taken from Shanaya, when he heard Chaya speaking angrily " Why are you not coming to home? You did not even come to meet us!"


    "Mom, I am busy, you know it very well." trying his best to make sure she bought his lie, he changed his position and sat while leaning against the back of the sofa.


    "Oh, really! I never knew how busy a CEO could be. You are the only one in our family to be the one, isn''t it?"


    Ohkayy, it was sarcasm and, Vihaan did not take a second to know it.


    "Mom, what happened? Why are you so angry? Did someone say anything to you?" standing from the sofa, Vihaan spoke while walking toward his chair and sat down on it on reaching.


    "No one can say anything to me, darling. I miss you, bcche." hearing soft and full of love voice of her mother, Vihaan had no idea what to say.


    He wanted to go to the mansion, wanted to sleep in his room, wanted to talk to Avni and Vansh and laugh with them, but how could he ignore their expression on knowing he had betrayed them.


    How could he sleep in his room when he knew the walls of the mansion would haunt his night, would repeat the scene again and again?


    He was weak to hurt his sister, brother whom he had hurt without any intention.


    "Mom, I would surely come once I would be free, I promise." ignoring the sadness erupting in his heart, Vihaan tried to lift her mood by kissing her on the phone.


    He had just said "Come in" on hearing a knock on the door office, when he listened to his mother "Well, do you know, I receive a marriage proposal for you."


    "Moooommmmm, stop telling me about my marriage proposals. I am not interested in getting married right now."


    "Really! That''s why you were so interested in going on a date, isn''t it?" spoke his mother, sarcastically.


    Vihaan wanted to speak" that was to make Shanaya jealous" but not as if he could.


    "Mom, I would talk to you later." signalling Erina to take a seat, he hunged up.


    "Yes, Erina." giving her his attention, putting his elbows on the table, he spoke.


    "Sir, Shanaya mam had given the file on the recent project." forwarding the file to Vihaan, Erina spoke.


    Taking the files from her hand, Vihaan enquired while reading the content of it "Where is Shanaya?"


    Erina did not respond immediately. Looking at Vihaan reading the files, Erina knew she should not meddle in between two of them, but she could not just do it.


    She had no idea what had happened between them, but, she had seen both of them sneaking at each other thinking no one had watched them, had felt their attraction toward each other, had felt love in the air whenever they would be together.


    Clearing her throat when she saw Vihaan lifting his eyes to her level, she spoke with no hint of guilt in her voice" She is getting ready to meet someone for marriage."


    . ............................


    Enjoy reading it :)


    Love to all <3

 Chapter 124 - Vihaans feelings

    "Yes, ofcourse" seated on the chair of "Paradise" hotel, one of the top five-star hotel in Delhi, beside Rohit Khanna, his companies'' new client, Vihaan spoke.


    The chilled December was making a home in everyone''s life, affecting their lifestyle and their dressing sense.


    Affected by it, Vihaan too was wearing a black suit with a long grey coat and black shoes. Meanwhile, Rohit was wearing a blue winter suit with brown shoes.


    But, his eyes were not on, Rohit, somewhat they were fixed far away from where he was seated, on a lovely, beautiful girl.


    Vihaan had no idea what he was listening, or speaking, for he was burning in jealousy, for, the same girl wearing dark blue jeans with white turtle neck sweater, grey charcoal long coat and black ankle-length heel boots was none other than Shanaya Malhotra.


    His mind spoke in disbelief when he noticed her lips, her always natural red lips painted with red lip colour" Can you believe it? Is she here to seduce him!?"


    "Shut up! She will never need to seduce anyone." defending Shanaya as if accusing her of seducing someone else was not acceptable to him, Vihaan''s heart jumped into the conversation. .


    "What was the need for dressing up for him! She never thought of impressing me, and yet here she is, looking all pretty for him." debating angrily with his heart, Vihaan looked furiously at Shana.


    "You are not her boyfriend, lover or husband that she will try to impress you. Get over with yourself, man" mocking at him, his mind spoke.


    Smirking, he debated"Neither is he." and glared at the man.


    "But he can be. He has the chance you don''t have." he heard his mind and, knew he had no answer to it.


    Unaware of his presence, away from him but only four tables away from him, sitting in the corner table, Shanaya''s eyes were only on the man in front of her.


    "That''s impressive." complimenting the attractive man in twenties, Shana arched her brows, as if, she was really impressed by him.


    She heard the man saying "Thank you", and she leaned forward while keeping her elbows on the table.


    They had ordered the food a while before and were waiting for it to be served.


    Shanaya looked at her date and noticed his features without making him feel she was staring at him. She noticed he had quite an attractive or, handsome face, was tall, well built but, still something was lacking.


    He does not have a sharp nose like Vihaan, those intense full eyes, those broad and well-built shoulder. That body that would make her body tingle, churn in anticipation, d?s?r? and nervousness, that voice that sounds melody to her ear and, that dominating aura.


    He was not Vihaan Singh Rathore.


    She stopped when she realized what she was doing and focused her attention on her date.


    Thinking about Vihaan and dreaming about him was not going to help her.


    Away from her, Vihaan kept on observing every little detail of her, like, when she leaned forward to speak in a low voice. When she roamed her fingers in her long hair or when she arched her brows as if she was impressed by something.


    "No, no, no, she can''t be impressed by him!" screamed his heart and his eyes started noticing the man, carefully, as if finding faults in him would ease him up or would change Shanaya''s decision.


    Caught up between watching Shanaya and listening to Rohit, with who he had been on the meeting, Vihaan heard Rohit saying something and, he spoke, "Yes, ofcourse."


    For the last ten minutes, since he had been in the hotel, he had spoken none other words than "Yes, ofcourse."


    For, the meeting was just an excuse to be in the same hotel Shanaya was.


    To see who the man was who had dreamed of being her husband.


    The mere thought of someone else taking that position was irking Vihaan and, he wanted to know what kind of a person he was.


    "Stop lying, man. You want to see how more handsome, attractive, s?xy, hot and rich that man is, in comparison to you." he heard his mind speaking his heart.


    It was the first time his mind and heart was working together.


    Seated beside him, Rohit Khanna a young and handsome man in thirties, the same person Shanaya had seen impressing Erina, Vihaan''s secretary and vice versa, heard his answer and looked at Vihaan to see his eyes looking at something else.


    Rohit had never worked with Vihaan and, it was his first time working with him, but, he had heard a lot about his sincerity.


    In the past month, he had felt bonding with Vihaan and had felt the same from his side. It was rare for him to have such connections with his business partner.


    Shifting his gaze to the thing Vihaan had been watching, he found it was not a thing, but, gorgeous Shanaya Malhotra and, he knew the rest. Many times he had heard Vihaan making fun of him on the name of Erina, or teasing him with her name and today, was his chance.


    Chuckling to himself, he cleared his throat and shifting back his gaze to the lost Vihaan he questioned:" Do you like her?"


    He almost laughed when he heard Vihaan "Yes, ofcourse."


    God! catching Vihaan unaware was one of the opportunity no one could miss and, Rohit was not going to lose it.


    Rohit: "They are looking great together, isn''t it?"


    Vihaan: "Yes, ofcourse."


    Rohit: "Shanaya looks better with him."


    Rohit could no longer stop himself from laughing when he heard Vihaan" Yes, ofcourse."


    Diverted by Rohit''s laugh, Vihaan removed his gaze from Shanaya and saw an amusing Rohit looking in his direction.


    Confused, Vihaan enquired with a hint of annoyance" What?"


    "Man! you are completely ruined!" slapping Vihaan on his arms jokingly, Rohit continued" You have your undivided attention on her for the last ten minutes."


    "Yes, just like you are by thinking about Erina." Vihaan''s mind spoke but not his tongue.


    Now was not the good time to tease him.


    Shifting on his chair, looking here and there, to make it as if no one had caught him looking at Shanaya, Vihaan cleared his throat and spoke:" It''s not like that."


    "Ya, ya, very nice excuse, isn''t it? You can''t even persuade yourself by this answer." complained his mind.


    "Really? Do you even know what I said to you?" shifting a little toward Vihaan, Rohit enquired.


    "What was it?" searching his mind for any guess, Vihaan pleaded his almighty mind to help him once, but, how could it help him when his mind too was busy admiring Shanaya.


    He answered" Ofcourse not!" immediately when he heard Rohit" They look good together". and closed his eyes.


    Fuck! he once again had proved him right!


    Enjoy reading it :)


    Love to all ?

 Chapter 125 - Sister-in-law

    Rohit looked at Vihaan with playfulness in his eyes and spoke teasingly" Well, you agreed to it when I asked you earlier."


    Okay, the time to come clean had come and, having no other option, Vihaan shrugged his shoulder while speaking" Fine, but, never ever say they look good together! Just look at that man!"


    Looking at the man Shanaya was seated with, Rohit spoke casually" What about the man? I find him attractive."


    "Seriously!" looking at Rohit in disbelief, Vihaan complained," He is not tall."


    Rohit could not believe it, for the man was as tall as 6 feet. Shaking his neck, he pretended to be in favour of the man and spoke " Shanaya would find him tall enough and, it''s her opinion that would matter, isn''t it?"


    Before anyone could speak more, they saw Vansh in a black shirt and grey suit with white formal shoes..


    Vansh sat down opposite them and, questioned while looking at both of them at a time." What was going on? You seemed to be in a deep conversation from afar."


    He had not had a healthy conversation with Vihaan since he had comes to know about his past relationship with Shanaya, but, he also could not let his personal feelings take over his professional matters.


    But, looking at both of them, he doubts it was merely a professional meeting.


    "Nothing."


    "We were talking about Shanaya."


    Vihaan and Rohit spoke out at the same time and, Vihaan closed his eyes, once again.


    Great, what a way of starting with his already angered brother.


    Looking at Vihaan with a hint of betrayal, Vansh moved his eyes toward Rohit and leaning forward, enquired" What about her?"


    Rohit was in a dilemma.


    He had never thought his truth would lead Vihaan in a trap. But, he also had no idea Vihaan was going to lie.


    Before he could speak, he heard Vihaan" We were discussing her date."


    Vansh blinked in confusion, whether on (1) Vihaan answered, (2) Vihaan spoke about Shanaya or (3) Vihaan did not hesitate to talk about her but, when he saw Vihaan looking at someone, he followed his gaze to see Shanaya sitting with someone he did not know.


    "Okay!" realizing Shanaya too was present there, unaware of their presence, not like he had any knowledge of it, Vansh looked back at Vihaan and Rohit.


    He felt dreadful for not knowing about her date, but, it was not as if they were in contact and, she had not shared it with him on intentions.


    They had no contact apart from professional matters and, it was not like they had that much meeting in office. Vansh had hardly seen her twice in the seven days and, at both of the moments, they had ignored each other completely.


    "She seems to like him" looking back at Shanaya and her date, Vansh commented.


    "I too said the same thing." speaking, Rohit looked at Vansh and then at Vihaan.


    "She does not like him. She is just talking to him" Vihaan spoke out annoyed and looked at both of them irritatingly as if watching them taking Shanaya''s date did not go well with him.


    "But why are we even talking about, her? It''s not like she is my Sister-in-law." looking at Vihaan angrily, Vansh spoke. He continued" Neither it''s like she is in relationship with any of you two nor that any of you two likes her and can''t see her with anyone else?"


    Vansh was furious over Vihaan. How could he hide such a thing from him for these many years! He did not even know how much years it was, and, it was so frustrating.


    He continued as if he has just got a chance to speak whatever was in his heart for such a long time" You hide your relationship with her, you betrayed me, and, here you are, talking about her as if nothing happened!"


    Vihaan did not respond immediately to all the accusation. Instead, his hand moved inside the coat jacket and, when he removed his hands, he had his phone on it.


    Tapping on it, with his flared nose, he put the screen in front of Vansh''s eyes and spat with clenched teeth "Do not you dare preach me about ''betrayal'' when you have no told your so-called best friend about the lady love of your life!"


    "What?" shrugging as if he has not just shocked the hell out of Vansh, Vihaan continued, meanwhile looking at the wide eyes Vansh" Do not tell me you thought I would not know anything about you? Do you think I won''t have any idea what''s going in my brother''s life?"


    Jerking back on his seat, Vihaan pinched the bridge of his nose and spoke while looking straight in Vansh''s eyes" I might have hidden my past relationship with her, but, now I won''t."


    Standing up from his chair, he spoke" As for your questions, she is not your sister-in-law, but"and looming over Vansh, he finished his sentence" She would be your sister-in-law, soon." and walk toward the exit gate, but not before turning at some distance and saying" And, Saaransh''s too."


    . ................................


    Love to all ?

 Chapter 126 - Claimed

    Shanaya was tired.


    Keeping the bag on the ?ssigned place, she moved inside the bathroom on reaching her room and, freshen herself.


    Changing the dress in fur red pyjama and grey hoodie, she finally sat down with a mug of hot chocolates in her hands.


    Sitting there in silence, she could hear Kriti talking sweetly with her daughter and, a smile appeared in her face.


    Kriti''s daughter was such a cutie. She had her winter vacations and had come to live with them.


    Almost in no time, they have bonded and, Shanaya had started spending time with her.


    She had just adjusted her bed when a knock came on her door, and a second later, a girl dressed in pyjama and puffer jacket with her long hair in a braid come rushing to her. .


    "Where were you, aunt?" Shanaya heard the girl.


    Back hugging her after making her sit in the quilt along with her, Shanaya answered:" You aunt had a date" and kissed on her cheeks.


    Shanaya really liked kissing those soft and chubby cheeks. If she could, she would be kissing her every moment of her life.


    "How was it? Did you like him?" joining them, Kriti enquired.


    Hearing the question, Shnayaa looked at Kriti and wondered to herself about her date.


    She questioned to herself" How was it? Was it good? Was it worth it? Did she liked him enough to be his wife?"


    She did not know for all she knew she was busy comparing him with none other than Vihaan Singh Rathore.


    She was missing them more than any other day.


    All she wanted was to run to them and to ask them to understand her. She truly wanted to.


    Before she could break her thoughts and answer any of the questions to herself or Kriti, her phone rang.


    Picking it up from the stand beside her bed, she looked at the caller name and confusion spread on her face.


    ...................................................................


    The freezing temperature of December was too much to handle, be it morning or the night.


    Surrounded by the chillness of it, Avni busy in reading a book and Vansh busy in his ??ptop were seated around the fireplace in the mansion.


    It was Avni''s fourth day of the seven days she had planned of living with her family, until New Year''s Eve.


    Yawning and covering it with her hand, Avni lifts her eyes from the book and look around her and stop at Vansh. It was eleven in the night and, everyone had gone back to sleep, leaving both of them.


    She did not say anything while looking at everything but, she recalled all the moments with Shanaya on her wedding.


    It was so fun, with all of them kidding and teasing each other.


    She missed it, every day and realized how much Shanaya absence was affecting every one of them.


    It was almost a year to her wedding and how much time has changed things around her.


    No longer was Vihaan, Saaransh, Vansh, and, Shanaya were what they used to be.


    Vansh was busy on his ??ptop, having no clue what Avni was thinking.


    But, he looks away from it in the direction of Avni when he heard her calling him "Vansh."


    Looking at her to see her looking at him, Vansh spoke" Yup, dee."


    "Do you think Shanaya had a reason to hide it from us?" looking at Vansh, Avni questioned.


    Vansh was not expecting the question. He had not thought about it, even though he had thought, ''why'' she would do it.


    Thinking for a moment, he answered Avni with full of thoughts" I am sure she would have."


    He continued as if he had realized something" Everyone has some secrets. You and I too have them."


    Closing the book, Avni rubbed her hands together to shake off the coldness and spoke with a feeling of longingness " I miss her, every day. I feel like I am missing a part of my family whenever I think about her."


    Looking at Vansh, again, she questions innocently" Do you think she too misses us?"


    Vansh had no idea but, a part of his heart knew the answer. Smiling mildly at Avni, he answered:" I am sure she misses us as much as we miss her."


    "We need to talk to her, Vansh. It was us who denied her the chance of an explanation."


    ...........................................


    Avni and Vansh were sitting along with Mrs Shakti, Vansh''s mother and Mrs Chaya, Vihaan''s mother in the hall. It was Friday night, and the temperature had not decreased a bit.


    Knitting a sweater for Anubhav, Avni''s husband on his demand, Mrs Shakti spoke suddenly" I do not understand why the trio''s do not come to the mansion" and looked confusingly at Vansh and Avni.


    Looking at Mrs Chaya, she continued" Have you talked to Vihaan? He has not come to the home for so many days. I wonder what is keeping him away!"


    Reading Fashion''s magazine, Mrs Chaya lifts her gaze and spoke after closing it and keeping it aside, while looking at Mrs Shakti" Yes, he told me he is busy with office work but, I doubt it."


    Avni and Vansh shared a look, but none of them spoke a word. They knew it was better to be silent.


    "Exactly! Shiv and Surya never did this, even though they had such a workload." pausing in between, Mrs Shakti looked at Vansh and enquired" Do you know what is going on with him?"


    Before Vansh could speak, he heard Mrs Chaya" Also, have you noticed Shanaya and Saaransh too are not coming to the mansion?" and saw her sharing a suspicious look with Mrs Shakti.


    "Yes, I meant Vihaan, Shanaya and Saaransh when I said ''trio''. I am also wondering it is not Shanaya''s nature to not to visit us for such a long time."


    "Ya, it''s strange how none of them came to meet Avni too." speaking while looking at Mrs Shakti, Mrs Chaya changed her gaze direction to Vansh and Avni seated together and asked with a soul penetrating gaze" Are we missing something?"


    "Oh, no, no, mom. They must be just busy." responding immediately, Avni tried to keep it under control and shared a look with Vansh.


    "I do not think so" keeping her elbows on the table, Mrs Shakti looked suspiciously at Avni and Vansh and glancing a look at Mrs Chaya, spoke with a tone of authority" Are you going to tell us or should we ask the three of them ourself?"


    It was Saturday night and, Vihaan was furious.


    Sitting on his king-sized bed in the hotel suite, he was looking intently at his phone with his red eyes while his nose was flaring.


    He had just changed his office attire into a nightdress and, had planned to watch a movie while sitting in the warmth of a quilt when he received a message from Vansh and, that changes everything.


    Even though he was lazy and wanted a good sleep with no worries after watching a movie which, he had not for years, he felt widely awake.


    There was no longer a sense of laziness in his body and mind.


    He remained in the same posture as if he was thinking hard and, then suddenly, he walks toward his closet. He took a minute to select the black jeans, shirt and long overcoat and, getting ready within the next five minutes, he was rushing to his car.


    Typing a text while walking toward the car, he sent it to Shanaya and, read the message by Vansh, again.


    Even though the message was nothing more than "Shana is in meeting with her last date." it was everything for Vihaan.


    He had proclaimed to make her Vansh''s sister-in-law and thus his wife, but, seeing her recent activities, he knew he does not have time in his hands.


    He had to do something immediately or else he knew he was going to lose her, which he was not going to let happen.


    No matter what, Shana was going to belong to him, only him.


    He was ready to claim what was his.


    ..........................................


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 Chapter 127 - His wild girl

    "What the fu?k!"


    Shanyaa could not control the words from slipping the moment she read the message by Vihaan.


    She was sitting in the cafeteria in Hauz Khas, one of the famous spot in Delhi with her ''date''. She still had no idea why she had accepted the offer of meeting again, but, she was quite enjoying it, unlike the last time.


    Her mind was full of her date talks and, she realized the man was nice and kind of a person who would be a good husband.


    The same thing she wanted at the moment.


    "Everything okay?" she heard the man enquiring and, Shanaya lifted her eyes from her phone.


    "What a great way of impressing, Shana!" mimicked her mind.


    "Oh, I am sorry for cursing!" apologizing immediately, she further explained, "I just received something unexpected.."


    The man or her date laughed a little and spoke" It''s okay. Cursing makes you stress-free."


    "Look! the man is so understanding!" exclaimed her mind.


    Yes, her heart and mind were again in the war zone.


    Biting her lips, she passed a smile and was about to speak to him when her phone rang again.


    "Fifteen minutes, Shana, I want you here within 15 minutes!"


    "Look at the audacity of him! giving an order to me!" murmuring to herself, she no longer care for her date and start typing on her phone furiously" Stop ordering me! I am not your employee or servant to obey you.!"


    She immediately received another message" 14 minutes to go."


    " I am not coming. Stop disturbing me!" typing, Shanaya hit send.


    V: Shana, do not provoke me to do things you will hate!


    S: Excuse me! You can''t order me to meet you out of nowhere! I am least interested in talking to you and, you are asking me to meet you! Not interested, least interested!


    She was not going to let him run her or her life, anymore. Seven years were more than enough.


    V: Don''t blame, me, then for the thing I will do. You know it very well, I, do what I say.


    S: Oh, really! And what are you going to do?


    Scoffing, Shanaya read the first message and re-read it" Meet me within 15 minutes. I am at your apartment."


    "But, I do not want to meet you, look at you or even think about you." speaking to herself, she put her phone down on the table ignoring his messages.


    As if she was, true to herself of the above things.


    Well, she had mastered the art of hiding her true feelings.


    She was about to silent her phone on receiving another message when she heard the man" Looks like someone is keen on disturbing our date."


    "I am so sorry!" apologizing sincerely for the second time, Shana lied" I have a design to approve so, my team is asking for it."


    Picking her phone from the table, she spoke in the same apologetic tone" Give me just a minute." and opened her phone to freeze in shock.


    She read three times the message for she could not believe Vihaan would ever threaten her.


    She read the message, again" If you did not meet me at your apartment within 14 minutes, I would have no other option than to tell your date about us, who''s number I already have(Telling you in case, you waste your time thinking about it). If you do not want the entire world to know about us, meet me, right now."


    She felt herself out of her shocked state when she received another message" 12 minutes".


    She stood up, immediately and rushed to pick her bag.


    At the moment, she did not know what to do!


    How was she supposed to leave the person in the middle of her date? What was she going to tell him? Would not she appear rude if she left the meeting?


    But, what she knew was, she was going to fu?k?n? kill Vihaan! How dare he!


    Turning her attention toward her date, she hurriedly spoke when she saw his confused face by her actions" I am so sorry, but, I have to leave now. I will call you myself."


    Before the man could say something, she was walking toward her car.


    Reaching her car, Shana was blabbering. She was so furious, she had, no idea what she was even saying.


    Opening the door of the driver seat, she throws her bag on the passenger seat. And, within a minute, she was on the road.


    "How dare he threaten me with that! He just proved he is like every other man who has no standard!" shouting at no one, honking her car, again and again, she was the Shanaya no one had ever seen.


    .........................................


    Vihaan was standing in Shanaya''s kitchen wearing an apron and making maggie for himself. He had not eaten anything before coming to her apartment.


    When he had reached her house, he had met Kriti and her daughter.


    He was not, sure if he should ask her to give him the apartment for some time, but, when surprised kriti had asked him " What are you doing here, sir?" he had no other option.


    He had asked with full of guilt" Ms Kriti, I need to talk to Shanaya, urgently. I know I am selfish to ask this, but, can you please give me some time with Shanaya?"


    Vihaan knew at the moment, he, was going to repay every bit of Kriti''s help with everything he could do.


    He was hungry and wanted to eat, but had thought of waiting for Shanaya.


    But, after waiting for an hour for her, he had searched for some noddles to eat.


    For that was all he could make, he knew only how to make maggie.


    He had waited for twenty minutes to have her reply after his first message, but, when he saw his message seen but no, reply, he had messaged her again.


    He was not the patient type, but, for Shanaya, he had waited.


    For the first time in his life, he had waited for someone.


    But like every human being, a prison of his/her habits, he had lost the calmness. And, in anger, had threatened her.


    Opening the lid of the maggie container, he checked it. Closing it, he, looked at the watch.


    He smiled, recalling her anger and, he, was ready to face it at the moment.


    The Shanaya he knew in the past was so different from the one, in the present. She was a furious girl but, when he saw her for the first time in his life, at his home, after almost seven years, he was shocked at her calm behaviour.


    She was no longer the ''exploding at any moment'' Shanaya, but he knew he would be facing the same Shanaya soon.


    As on clue, he heard the car stopping outside her apartment when he was about to have his maggie.


    Taking the bowl with him, he stood against the window and saw Shanaya''s car beside his.


    But, no one came out of the car and, he chuckled.


    He knew Shanaya was going to make him wait and, she was damn angry.


    His wild girl was back.


    .................................


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 Chapter 128 - 10 minutes of your precious time

    Parking her red Audi A4 on its spot, Shana did not come out, immediately.


    She remained seated inside even when she saw Vihaan''s Black Porsche Panamera parked just a little away from her.


    She did not take big breaths to calm herself or tried to control her anger, anyways. She was beyond control and, she was not going to do it, not when Vihaan was the one she was going to meet.


    Thinking about the last messages, again and again, she recalled, out of nowhere, her last face to face conversation with Vihaan.


    It was not some healthy conversation. It was arguments on the day Vihaan had told everyone about them and, she had slapped him.


    Shanaya closed her eyes when she remembered slapping Vihaan and, deep down, she felt bad, but she too knows he deserved it.


    She recalled how Vihaan had stared at her with anger and something she could not decipher at that moment..


    But sitting in the car, recalling the night, she knew that ''something''. He was so furious at being slapped, he was shaking with anger and was controlling himself from harming her.


    But, ignorant of it, Shanaya had denied knowing him and had asked: "What proof do you have to claim yourself as Saar!?"


    And to her utter surprise, he had spoken with such calmness as if he was kidding" I still have the chat where you have confessed I am your first love."


    Shanaya had almost thought he was kidding until she had noticed his expressions which, were grave.


    She did not hear him carefully when he had spoken next" Do you want me to show it to you or someone else?"


    She had further listened to him" Now I can not be ''Saar'' in only one way. If you have lied to everyone present here that Saar is your first love. Now accept either I am Saar or you have lied to everyone."


    Shanaya had no more excuses, no option, for, Vihaan was correct. He was indeed, Saar.


    Shanaya shuddered coming out of the memories. She was damn angry at him that time and, to no surprise, she was at the moment too.


    Opening the car door, taking her bag, she comes outside with the same anger. She about to shut the door angrily when she slowed down and closed it, slowly and with care.


    Picking the pace, she reached her apartment door within a second, which usually, would take a minute. But, she had no time.


    Entering the code in the number pad, she had opened it with a jerk when she stopped.


    Standing in his kitchen was Vihaan in an apron, eating maggie and looking at her.


    But, the romance passed and, next she knew, she was walking toward him.


    Vihaan had just put the bowl down when he felt her bag hitting his left shoulder and heard her cursing" How dare you to threaten me!"


    He blinked thrice.


    "Did you just hit me?" stopping her from hitting him again by catching her bag, he asked bewildered. He could not digest, Shanaya just hit him!


    Scoffing, Shanaya snatcher her bag from him and throwing it on the couch, spoke sarcastically" You can threaten me but, I can''t hit you! Like, seriously!"


    Removing the apron, Vihaan spoke, immediately" I did ask you nicely. You made me do it."


    Shanaya retorted" Yes because I had no time for you" and, pointing her index finger at him, continued" Especially for you."


    "All I want is ten minutes of your precious time!" Vihaan responded in the same tone.


    Rubbing her face with her palms, Shanaya paced in the room attached to the Kitchen.


    God, she did not want to talk to him. How was she going to live with her heart at ease if she continued allowing him to do whatever he wants to do with her?


    It was exactly he would do in the past. But, not now. Shanaya could not afford it, now.


    Facing him, she spoke while forwarding her right palm" Give me the screenshot of our chat."


    Confused, Vihaan enquired "What chat?"


    "The same chat of our past where I confessed you are my first love. The same chat which, you told to everyone present in the hall that day." arching her brows, Shanaya answered.


    "Oh, that!" clasping his hands together, he shortens the distance between them and spoke while standing closer to her" I will once you will listen to me."


    Shanaya seemed to ignore it, as she spoke in the same business tone" Give it to me, right now."


    Shaking his head in a ''No'', Vihaan moved back, creating the distance between them.


    Biting the inside of her cheeks, Shanaya took a long breath and spoke again" Vihaan, I want it, now!"


    Vihaan could not believe he just heard his name from her! It had been almost five years since he had listened to his name from her mouth and damn, it sounded so good!


    He felt at peace within a second. He had heard how someone''s voice soothes you, but he had never thought hearing his name from Shanaya would make him feel it.


    Looking at her, without breaking the contact, he spoke:" Come and take it, if you want."


    . ................................


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 Chapter 129 - You dont matter now

    Shanaya could only look at the handsome Vihaan standing at the corner of her kitchen.


    Her cheeks red while her mind realised the meaning behind his words.


    They were normal yet the way he spoke hint her at the intensity of the words.


    Looking at the flushed Shanaya, Vihaan could not avert his eyes. All he wanted was to keep looking at her, her flushed cheeks, her medium-sized eyes, her brown hair he wanted to stroke for hours. It was not he was not interested in her body, hell he wanted to have her all the time but he did not want to disrespect her, not at that time.


    Not when the situation was grave.


    Shanaya waited for him to show he was kidding and did not mean it but when he did not chuckle and kept looking at it, she took a long breath.


    She was not going to let him affect her..


    "Fine..." Speaking in a hush to stop her from leaving, with his hands suspended in the air, Vihaan continued in the same urgent tone "I will if you will listen to me" and ended the sentence at the soft and almost pleading tone" just listen to me."


    "You want me to listen to you after what you did!!" turning toward vihaan, accusation in her voice, Shana spoke with anger while stopping in the midway of opening the entrance door.


    Crossing the path, reducing the distance between them, Vihaan spoke"I had no other option! "


    It took a minute for Shanaya to realise the great Vihaan Singh Rathore just justified himself!


    Vihaan stopped when he realised it but it did not matter to him. He was going to speak everything he wanted to tell Shanaya.


    But no longer he was calm, instead, he was back to his usual, Vihaan Singh Rathore mood.


    " I told you to listen to me and not to go with him but, no, you were adamant about going with him!"


    He was furious.


    And, jealous, very very much.


    "Like really? Why does it even matter to you? Who the fu?k gave you the right to order me!?" Throwing the bag on the sofa, Shanaya was no longer keeping things inside her.


    But only one side of her.


    Taking a long breath, Vihaan opened his mouth but closed it soon, as if he had no idea what to say or how to say.


    Standing at mere two-three steps away from Shanaya, ignoring every sensation in his body to feel her for even a second, Vihaan closed his eyes.


    It was such trouble.


    Opening his eyes, he looked directly into her eyes and let all the hesitation swept away as he spoke" I know you won''t believe me but I do not like seeing you with some other male. I feel like murdering that person " lifting her chin with his right index finger, his lips closer to hers, he whispered "and, I will without any regret."


    The room went silent as vihaan uttered those words, and the heat erupting in Shanaya body was too much such that she could feel numbness in her ears.


    The redness on her cheeks, ear, the thumping of her heart, was not in favour of Shanaya, for they were revealing her weakness.


    She wanted to say it to him to leave but could not.


    She could not utter a simple word.


    Hiding her emotions, or trying to hide them, Shanaya tried to spoke with a tone full of disgust and anger" why the hell does it matter to you? Who the fu?k give you the right to order me??"


    Moving back a little, creating space between them, for she could feel her mind and heart blank in his proximity, she continued when she saw Vihaan listening to her with rigid expressions" Who gave you the right to tell everyone about me, my secret, my things??"


    She had spent days and night wondering this, creating infinite scenarios each ending with nothing.


    "Excuse me!?? Those ''your'' things were mine too! I told them because I wanted to tell them! "


    Shanaya blinked twice.


    She was not expecting it at all! She never thought he would be so casual about it.


    "What else did you expect?" Taunted her mind and before she could say anything, she heard Vihaan" What was the big deal in it?" and she lost it.


    "Big deal! You told my best friend who always thought I had no secret from him, my sister who thought of me as a child who pampered me with her love, that I have a past with their brother!"


    Looking accusingly and full of hatred at Vihaan, she locked her eyes with him and whispered" The same brother who hurt me, ruined me!?"


    Even if it was an outburst not feelings.


    The time seemed to stop in the room, with no more sound than the ticking of the clock and the beating of their heart.


    Heart synchronised with each other.


    Standing not far away from her and yet away from her, with his furiously beating heart, Vihaan did not speak a word.


    Or he could not dare. He was not going to lose the opportunity once again just because of his short temper.


    "And jealousy" spoke his heart.


    Breaking the silence, which was very needed at the time, Shanaya spoke slowly "You should go."


    Not what he wanted to hear.


    "I won''t until you promise me you won''t go and meet someone else." not giving a damn what she was going to say or react, he was back to himself.


    But, he was not ready to see her with someone else.


    "What''s wrong with you!??" frustrated with everything, with him for being like it, at herself for being weak, Shanaya crossed the distance and continued" Suddenly you have interest in me but you had no idea about me or my feelings for the last six years. Why!? Do I look like a sympathy case to you?? " looking straight In his eyes she spoke with determination "Look Vihaan, I accept I had feeling for you, but they were only mine! Even if you meant everything to me, now you don''t. "


    Without giving him any chance to speak, glaring at him, she spoke " Not when you met your first love after kissing me, not after making me an option."


    Poking his ?h?st with her right index finger, she ended the conversation " You don''t matter now, Vihaan."


    ...........................................


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 Chapter 130 - Her earrings

    Mrs Rathores could not believe what they heard.


    Sitting in the Hall on the freezing night of the December, looking at Vansh and Avni, they exchange shocking looks with each other and turned their attention back to them.


    Mrs Shakti hands were occupied with the sweater she was knitting for Anubhav but they were no longer making any progress.


    She was too shocked to function.


    Seated beside her, Mrs Chaya put the fashion magazine she was reading on the table fastly yet with grace.


    Clearing her right ear with her finger, she spoke with confusion and surprise masking her face" Sorry...What did you say?"


    It was not like she did not hear it correct for the first time, just like Mrs Shakti Rathore who remained frozen as if she had heard the most unexpected thing..


    Understanding her hidden gesture behind her expressions, Avni and vansh glanced at each other, deciphering who should tell her, again.


    No one was ready to repeat all of it, again.


    Clearing her throat as if speaking again requires a lot of dare Avni had just spoken "Saaransh loves Shana" when she was interrupted by Shakti Rathore " And Shana is Vihaan''s past!? "


    Definitely not a good way to start.


    "What the hell is wrong with these children! " Pounding the table with her right palm, Mrs Chaya spoke or rather shouted at a low voice.


    Guess, Vihaan got his temper from his mother.


    "How could they hide it from us? " still not believing they have missed such a big news, Mrs Shakti spoke while looking at no one in particular on her left side.


    She might have been appearing cool, but it was the silence before the storm and everyone present in the room knew it.


    She was furious, very furious.


    Mrs Shakti was the only person aside from Saaransh who knew Vihaan''s secret. Vihaan had never kept anything from her, from telling her his first breakup to his last relationship.


    But never ever they have discussed Shanaya and for the first time Mrs Shakti was realising she did not know Vihaan at all.


    He might not be her child, but he was closer to her than Avni and Vansh, and it needed no proof.


    "Mom. "Speaking together at the same time, Vansh and Avni spoke in an explanatory tone, knowing the effect it would have on her.


    Meanwhile, Mrs Shakti did not speak at all. She kept looking at her phone but Avni and Vansh knew the kind of silence it was.


    Before they could speak anything more, they saw her standing up from her chair with her phone on her ears and heard her saying" Shanaya... We need to talk. "


    ............................................


    Vihaan'' s mind was not in the meeting at all, like other few days.


    Sitting in the meeting room wearing blue shirt in his signature style with black pant, his eyes were on the metallic earrings of Shanaya.


    For the last half an hour, he was only noticing the design of it, the size of it and the structure of it.


    And to his amazement, he was finding it lovely as if knowing her earrings would be knowing her.


    With every passing days, her feelings for Vihaan were going out of her control and to add on top of it, Vihaan was not letting any chance miss to make his feelings aware.


    "Jerk!" Screamed her mind for her mind knew he was doing all if it on purpose.


    He was not letting her forget him.


    Trying to stop her nervousness, anxiety and the little bit of happiness on knowing his attention on her, Shanaya straighten herself on her chair to distract herself.


    But it did not help.


    Before she could stop, the file fell from her shaken hands and she cursed.


    Everyone''s eyes were on her.


    Vihaan almost controlled his laugh when he saw her bending down to pick up the fallen file with her reddened cheeks.


    But, he did not withdraw his eyes when Shanaya locked her hairs behind her ears, his eyes on every movement of her.


    He wanted to be that hand, wanted his lips on her cheeks and ear, wanted to suck her earlobe and he let out a long breath.


    It was getting impossible for him to hide his emotions, d?s?r?s, attraction and love if it was.


    He wanted to do everything with her. He wanted to laugh, share his happiness and sadness with her, wanted to touch, kiss, lick and suck every inch of her skin.


    He wanted her, for the lifetime.


    For the first time, he realised he was liking the feeling of just observing minute details of a girl.


    Like he was observing Shanaya and had observed Shanaya.


    It was not he had never look at girl with such interest, but the interest in Shanaya was more.


    He wanted to know everything about her, from small details like where did she buy the earrings, when did she buy it, what was the story behind it, did she bargain for the price, to greater details like who is in her heart.


    And for the first time, he was not feeling suffocated by the thought of it.


    Anticipation of being wanted.


    God! she was so confused.


    She wanted him all to herself and yet she did not.


    ..................................................


    "Fuck fu?k fu?k! "cursing at herself the moment she entered her office, Shanaya gulped down the water from the water glass kept on her desk and sat down on her chair with a thud.


    She was at that point in her life where she was confused between stability and love.


    She no longer needed the dangerous, uncontrollable love in her life, all she wanted was peace and stable life.


    But deep down her heart was refusing it all. Her heart wanted Vihaan and his dangerous, possessive, dominating, adventurous, heartful love.


    She wanted Vihaan with no changes in him, wanted the exact Vihaan, and yet she did not want him.


    Without wasting any seconds, her heart kept beating in fear and nervousness as if she was being caught.


    Or if she had something wrong.


    Or was it guilt?


    The guilt or fear was so much, she even consider to let it ring but when she could not, she let out a long breath and picking up the phone spoke" Hey Aunt".


    She heard Mrs Shakti speaking "Shanaya... We need to talk" and her heart started beating more.


    Her mind started thinking every possibility, each and every one ending with the question ''Did she too knows about Vihaan and her? ''


    With a great difficulty, she heard herself saying" Yes aunt " meanwhile, the office heard her fast heart beats, and saw her reddened cheeks.


    The heat was from fear, not from arousal.


    She heard her saying something and before she could complete" Aunt, I wont be able to.."she heard her saying " Shana.. Do not make me drag you here " and it shut her up.


    Guess, dominance was in Rathores blood.


    Placing the phone back on the table after two minutes, Shanaya kept looking at the screen of it as if it would help her sort out her fear.


    Without wasting any more minutes, she picked up the phone and dialled a number.


    "Hello, Saaransh" Passing a mild smile, she spoke when her call was answered.


    "Hey, Shana, is everything okay?" She heard her worry voice and before he could ?ssume much, she spoke " Mrs Shakti invited me to the dinner at Rathore Mansion. "


    She furrowed when she heard Saaransh"Ohh..me too. "


    ................................... ..


    Ohkayyy... I wonder what is going to happen next


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 Chapter 131 - He is different

    "Dinner is ready"


    To Shanaya, it was "God exists".


    Rushing toward the dining table in the hall as if she was dying of hunger, Shanaya did not look at anyone on reaching the hall.


    She was surely dying of embarrassment, if not from the hunger.


    Trying her best to ignore Vihaan who was sitting opposite to her on the dining table, she kept her gaze fixed on the food in front of her.


    She did not need to look at Vihaan to know where he was seated, for she could feel his presence.


    But she very much wanted it. She wanted to see what he was wearing, how he was looking.


    But more than that, she just wanted to see his face, as if, looking at it will make her feel good or at rest..


    Seated not far away from both of them, grandma was looking at both of them with great interest. The smile on her face was amusing as if looking at them playing hide and seek with each other was fun for her.


    Time passed but nothing change.


    No doubt, three of them were playing something,


    "Thank you, grandma" looking at grandma but looking back at Shana as if he wanted to have her approval, Vihaan passed a flying kiss to grandma.


    Yes, they were both each other favourite.


    Shana was already finding it difficult to avoid looking at Vihaan and listening to grandma, the curiosity was now killing her.


    For God sake, why could not she just look at him! It was not like she would go to prison if she would look at him.


    It seems God was just listening to her, for, the next moment she saw Saaransh coming through the main door with his phone in his ear.


    Looking at Shana, Saaransh smiled but it stopped when he saw Vihaan opposite her on the dining table.


    Shana knew he was looking at Vihaan and finding the excuse, she did look at him.


    "He looks different" Spoke out her heart and mind at the same time.


    Seated, Shana saw Saaransh and Vihaan looking at each other, but, she noticed they were not reacting at all.


    Instead, they kept looking at each other as if ?ssessing each other''s reaction to each other.


    Unaware of all the awkwardness and the tension in the Hall, Mr Rathores were busy enjoying the delicious sahee panner with chapati, rice, salad, and curd.


    Yes, they were one of those rich who would eat normal, would make sure no food is wasted and would value the food.


    But, everyone apart from them knew what was going on, even if they were not pretending to be a part of it.


    Vansh and Avni just pass a look at each other and went back to their dinner, Mrs Rathores glanced at them and Shanaya and grandma did not look at them at all.


    After a minute which seemed like an hour to Shana, she saw them nodding at each other, accepting each other''s presence.


    That was all and yet, Shana sighed with relief.


    Accepting each other presence meant a lot and Shana knew if they were ready to accept, they would someday be friends again.


    At the thought of it, she looked to her left to see Vansh and Avni on her left


    and she smiled looking at them.


    It was nice to be back with them, to have the same comfort level and to have the same bonding.


    She had just turned her attention back when she noticed Vihaan and her mind again reacted with the same idea '' He is looking different.''


    The fight between her heart and mind continued for a minute and finally, her heart won.


    Pretending to be all normal, she looked at him, finally.


    She did not flinch when her eyes met with Vihaan and saw him looking at her.


    The moment their eyes met, Shana recalled the previous night conversation with him and her heartbeat again.


    The thought of him getting jealous enough to speak it indirectly was awesome.


    Her mind told her to look away but her heart begged her to look at him for some more time.


    And, it was her heart day.


    Wearing a red tee with black joggers, he was not looking any less than the Vihaan in suits. He had the same aura and dominance.


    But, he was looking different and yet handsome.


    And that''s when Shana realized he was wearing a tee for the first time!


    She had never seen him in a tee.


    That too in red colour.


    Sitting opposite Shana, Vihaan''s eyes were going back to Shana, again and again, as if he wanted to be sure she was sitting with him, was in his home, in his area.


    As if that would stop her from fleeing.


    It took a minute for Shana to accept he was wearing a red tee, he was wearing the tee of her favourite colour!


    She wanted to believe it was nothing, but her heart wanted to believe he had chosen red because of her.


    "Oh, shut up! He would not even know red is your favourite colour." coming back to his work, Shanaya''s mind spoke.


    "Did she even notice I am wearing a red tee?" speaking to himself, Vihaan glanced at Shanaya, again to see her looking at him with shock.


    Ohkayy.....she did notice it.


    And out of nowhere, Vihaan felt his heart beating like a drum.


    What was wrong with him!? Just wondering whether she would like him in a red tee was making his heart beating furiously!


    "I am crazy, totally and definitely!" murmuring to himself, he took a spoon from the vegetable soup in his bowl.


    He was not going to look at Shanaya again. For God sake! She was making him mad.


    Hey guys, I hope you are taking care of yourself and is staying at your home. Stay home stay safe?


    Enjoy reading it :)


    Love to all ?

 Chapter 132 - Silent car ride

    "Aunt" taking out a steel box with a beautiful design carved on it, Shanaya placed it in front of Mrs Rathores and spoke" Akshar made pede for you all." and smiled.


    "Aww... So sweet of him. " taking it, Chaya Rathore opened it immediately.


    Shanaya laughed knowing her love for sweet.


    "Where is mine? "narrowing his eyes at Shanaya, Saaransh questioned with a sense of power.


    Looking at him being all bossy, Shana laughed again and spoke " At home. Will give you it tonight.. "


    But, it did not go well with Vihaan at all. He could not tolerate anyone, even his Best Friend going to her home.


    That too, in the night.


    Saaransh knew it would not go well with Vihaan at all, but he wanted to make him jealous and rageful for once.


    He wanted him to feel it.


    He was going to speak more when his phone rang, again and he excused himself.


    Thirty minutes later, they all were enjoying the delicious custard in the dessert while sitting in the hall.


    But, Vihaan was enjoying something else.


    Seated in front of Shana, which was not coincident at all, he was drinking the sight of her.


    And what a sight it was.


    Eating custard, Shana seemed unaware of his gaze but he knew she was aware of his eyes.


    Her uncommon breathing was the proof of it.


    Eating the last spoon of it, ignoring Vihaan at her best, Shanaya placed the bowl down and looked at her watch to see it has been thirty minutes past ten.


    She was getting late.


    But, she had no idea what was taking Saaransh so long. They were supposed to leave at nine, as they had planned it earlier.


    But, they had planned it when they had no knowledge about the turns of the night. They did not know they would feel at home, again.


    As if she was trying to escape.


    "Where are you going? "


    "What happened? "


    "Is everything okay? "


    She heard Vansh, grandma and Avni at the same time and she stopped.


    Looking at her watch, again, she looked at Vansh and Avni and spoke " I am getting late, vanshu. I should leave now. "


    She did not dare look at grandma.


    Grandma was dangerous.


    And cute.


    Ohkk... that was unexpected.


    But, Shana was not ready to stay, not yet.


    Not when Vihaan was staring at her with no shame, as if she was his and he has every right to keep looking at her with his family members present.


    "Aunt, Saaransh will drop me home so you need not worry. I will be safe. " trying to convince them, she remained standing.


    She had just said it when she saw Saaransh coming but the lines on his face make her wonder what was wrong.


    Stopping in front of Shana, Saaransh spoke slowly but with great urgency" Shana, will you be okay if Vansh drops you home?"


    " Yes, Of course. But, is everything alright? "


    " Yes, it''s just that I have to leave immediately for my current case, and it''s opposite your home direction," explaining himself, Saaransh looked guilty.


    "It''s okay Saaransh. She will be staying here, and in the morning Vansh will drop her home. " speaking for the first time, Mr Shiv Rathore spoke.


    No way she was going to spend the night in the mansion.


    "Run as far as you want, Shana, but I promise you, you will be mine and only mine. " looking at her all flustered, Vihaan thought to himself, but he did not speak a word.


    He was waiting for destiny to play the game.


    And he was sure of it.


    Listening to all this, grandma smiled and looking at Shanaya, dropped the bomb" Vihaan will drop you home or you will stay here. "


    .......................................................


    Shanaya neck was stuffed.


    It was obvious given the fact she was looking in her left direction for the last twenty minutes.


    No way she was going to look at Vihaan, who was beside her in the driver seat.


    And he could not be more thankful.


    Taking a right turn for the nth time, he waited for Shanaya''s reaction.


    He was sure she would, for he was taking her from a long route.


    He wanted to spend time with her as much as he can, wanted to sit with her and wanted to share the same space.


    He just wanted to be with her.


    He smiled when he heard Shana "This is not the road to my home. " and felt her eyes on him.


    "Finally, you have looked at me. " his heart spoke with rejoice.


    But his mouth spoke " Yes, it is the safest road at night. I wanted you to know it. "


    "Liar.. Liar... Liar" Screamed his mind and soul.


    Shanaya turns her attention back to the lights and trees on the road, coping up with the awkward silence in the car.


    It was the first silent car ride of her.


    "Great... Everything first with you happens with Vihaan, isn''t it." mocked her mind and she rolled her eyes.


    She was not going to listen to her mind at all.


    Vihaan was disappointed when he sighed Shanaya''s home. He wanted to have more time with her, but he too knew he has no other option now.


    But, he wanted to share the car ride with her as much as he wanted to share his life with her.


    His whole life.


    Halting the car in front of her house, he was about to walk toward her side when he saw her already out of his car.


    "Ohkk... Let''s keep things normal... You will have a lot of time to open the car door for her. " spoke his mind.


    Walking toward her apartment, Shanaya opened the lock and was about to open it when she sensed Vihaan just behind her and she stopped.


    Turning toward him swiftly, she arched her eyes as if to question him "What? Why are not you leaving? " only to find Vihaan passing through her and opening the apartment door to go inside it.


    ......................................


    Enjoy reading it :)


    Love to all?

 Chapter 133 - Not a gentleman

    Blinking her eyes in bewilderment, Shana follows Vihaan in her apartment.


    "Wow...what an irony! Following someone in your own home!" her mind did not leave any chance to mock her.


    Ignoring it, placing her hands on either side of her waist, she spoke "Excuse me? I did not invite you to come inside my room!!"


    Ignoring her fully, as if she was not sharing the space, Vihaan went inside her kitchen and picked up the water glass from the cupboard. Next, he opened the fridge to take out the bottle and pouring it into a glass, he drank it.


    Knowing and sensing very well Shana''s eyes on him.


    Shana''s eyes were fixed on every movement of his adam apple as if it was the most awesome and s?xiest thing she has ever watched. .


    Which was true for her.


    Not about watching it for the first time, though.


    Looking at him, she loved the way he drank the water and his adam apple became more prominent.


    And all she could imagine was, herself hovering over him on her knees and hands, kissing and su?k?n? his adam apple.


    While m?k?n? ??v? to him.


    "Seriously!! Making love!! Get a grip, Shana!" scolding herself as if she had cheated the love of her life, surprised at her audacity to even think, she closed her eyes immediately and closed her hands in a fist.


    Damn, she wanted him!


    Vihaan had never thought he would be asking for some supernatural abilities, but looking at Shana in her own world, he very much wanted it.


    The ability to read minds, just like...what was it...yes... Vampires.


    "Ohh nice, you know such things? I thought you know nothing else about the world other than the business world." mocked his mind.


    Yes, he was well aware of Shana''s obsession with vampires, along with Korean dramas, novels and the army.


    "Oh boy, you are doing great.... Why don''t you find other things too about her." questioned his mind naughtily.


    The smile that appeared on his face was definitely mischievous.


    Placing the water glass down on the cleaned white marble slab in the kitchen, he thought to himself" I already know everything about her, from her favourite colour to every inch of her body."


    Well, not every inch, but he was intending on it.


    She was trying to insult him, but she had no idea if it was working.


    But, she wanted it to work, for she had no idea what was she supposed to do to make him go.


    Had not she make her situation cleared enough?


    "Technically, it''s not your home" trying to be funny meanwhile finding loopholes in her statement, Vihaan walks toward her.


    Yes, he did not feel the insult thrown at him.


    But, he definitely was missing the warmth and feel of her body.


    Arching her brows, taking some steps back without being conscious of it on watching Vihaan taking steps toward her, Shana spoke sarcastically" Very funny, isn''t it? "


    She continued with the same expression " Well if you are so keen on my words, I would like to say ''No gentlemen enter in someone''s house or someone''s rented house until invited. "


    "I am not gentlemen" speaking immediately, he kept on looking at her.


    Shanaya felt the atmosphere changing, heard the silence slicing the air of the room, and heard her own heartbeats.


    She knew very well he was not a gentleman.


    Her body knew it, very well.


    "Shut up babes, he is not talking about his s?xu?? preference. " waking her from her ''sweet and romantic world'' her mind spoke.


    And, suddenly a thought struck her mind, and before she knew, she was blabbering.


    But in an audible voice " Give the screenshot of the chat. "


    What chat? " knowing very well about it, Vihaan feigned ignorance.


    "Our chat" emphasising it, she spoke, while she remained standing in the same posture.


    How long was it?


    "Sorry? I did not understand you. " Faking it again, Vihaan was not leaving no chance of annoying her.


    Or rather, he was enjoying it, he wanted to hear her say it aloud.


    Taking a long breath to calm the anger that had rooted inside her within a minute, she looked at him, or stare at him. Noticing how he was standing adamant, with not a single sign of lie on his face, she spoke angrily and hurriedly" The same chat in which you claim I have confessed my feelings for you. "


    She was not going to trust him with that.


    Ever.


    "Ohh, that... " trying to sound surprised at his best, Vihaan looks at her and the very next moment, his expressions changed.


    Looking at her with narrowed eyes, the intensity of his gaze going up with every passing minute, he spoke seductively" I have told you earlier if you want it" taking a step back, taking his phone out of his pocket, he flashed it in front of her and spoke, " come and take it".


    ...............................


    Enjoy reading it:)

 Chapter 134 - I want you, Shana

    Shanaya could not take it any longer. Hearing it for the second time, she no longer cared what the hell was going to happen in the next minutes.


    Taking a step toward him, she saw him retracing his steps and she arched her eyes.


    What was he going to do?


    Next, she knew, the moment she took a step more toward him, he took a step back.


    Okayyy.... He was playing with her.


    But she had enough..


    Walking toward him, she scoffed when she saw him backing and before she knew, she shouted or it seemed to her" Stop moving!"


    It was as if GOD wanted the exact moment to remove awkwardness between them as Vihaan walks toward her bed with Shanaya rushing toward him.


    "Come babes, take it" teasing her, Vihaan spoke excitedly while flashing the phone, again and again.


    They were so engrossed in the moment, they did not notice the surrounding around them had changed.


    "Give it to me, right now" forwarding her right palm, as if he would give her so easily, standing in her bedroom, Vihaan standing closer to her bed, she spoke.


    "Catch it if you can" Smirking at her, he kept on moving away from her.


    They continued doing it for five minutes, with Vihaan going out of Shana reach and Shana chasing him.


    Five minutes later, Shana was exhausted chasing him.


    Irritated too.


    Aware of it, but still annoying her, vihaan was playing with his mobile phone by throwing it in the air and catching it, challenging Shana to steal it.


    Standing not so far from him, Shana was looking for a chance, which was seeming to a tough task at the time.


    But seemed like God was on her side.


    A minute earlier, Vihaan was tossing his phone and the next second he knew, it was not in his hands anymore.


    But on the bed of Shana.


    Looking for a chance, ready to grasp it, Shana rushed toward her bed, unaware of Vihaan''s movements.


    Only to land on top of him.


    Lying on her bed on his back with his hands spread upward his head while clutching the phone in his hands, Vihaan could not think next.


    All he could do was feel Shana on top of him, her body covering him from ?h?st to toe, her hands meddling with his hands trying to steal the phone and her bossom in front of his eyes.


    He tried hard to control his d?s?r? overtaking his body, his heart and mind urging him to touch her delicate and creamy skin, kiss her from head to toe, suck her neck, cheeks, lips, cleavage, navel and damn it!


    He wanted to make love to her.


    It only took a minute for Shana to realize something was odd. Forgetting about the phone, she took notice of her surrounding and her eyes met his.


    The intensity of d?s?r?s in his eyes shook her, with p???sur? and excitement.


    But also nervousness, anxiety and everything else.


    Words were failing to describe her emotions.


    She did not react at all, for she just could not, her eyes still locked with his, her br??st falling on his ?h?st again and again due to breathing, her legs feeling jelly and something else.


    She tried to lift herself in a rush, but the next second she found his hands on her waist and found herself pulled against his ?h?st.


    Vihaan did not waste a single second flipping her and she no longer was on top of him.


    Instead, she was under him, his hands clutching her hands above her head, his left leg between her legs and his right leg locking her body.


    The heaviness in their breathing was making it all steamy, the d?s?r?s in them for each other making it hard to fight against themselves.


    Finding her voice after a minute, fighting with her emotions and d?s?r?s, Shana spoke huskily" Vihaan, let me go."


    "I don''t want to." tracing her forehead, eyes, nose, cheeks, lips, jawline, neck, ear with his eyes, he spoke shamelessly.


    He was not going to hide his feelings or d?s?r?s for her anymore.


    It had cost him much.


    He was not going to keep his feelings to himself anymore, and he spoke while touching her soft and pink cheeks with the fingertip of his right index finger " I want you, Shana. I want you in every way. I want you to be beside me when I wake up in the morning, to have breakfast with me, to enjoy the coffee I want to make for you, to have lunch with me, to go shopping with me, to walk with me, to dance with me, to cook something for me, to share your smile with me, to share your happiness and pain with me."


    " I want to share my life with you, for lifetime. I want you to be mine, forever. "


    Kissing on shocked, frozen, ''not in the world'' Shanaya''s forhead, he delivered what he wanted to from a long time "Marry me, Shanaya Malhotra. "


    ............................


    Huhoooo... He finally confessed!!!!!!


    I wonder what''s going to happen next


    Enjoy reading it :)


    Love to all?

 Chapter 135 - Grandma and Mrs Rathores

    Enjoying the warmth from the heat of the fireplace on the freezing night of December, grandma was lying on the sofa, her eyes on the bunch of red roses in the garden visible from the floor-length glass window in the hall.


    The garden was illuminated with the light of the bulbs and the decorated trees.


    Mr Rathores have retired for the night along with Vansh and Avni.


    Lying not far away from her, doing absolutely nothing, were Mrs Rathores with their eyes closed.


    It was their "me" time. .


    "Our children are growing up too soon. I can''t believe they will be getting married soon. " still admiring the red roses, Grandma spoke.


    Yes, it was their gossip time too.


    Lying in the middle of them, with her eyes closed, Mrs Shakti spoke with a hint of accusation" Yes, grown enough to hide things from us."


    Yes, she was still mad at Vihaan for hiding about Shanaya.


    Averting her gaze from the roses, grandma looked at Shakti with confusion. She had no idea about it.


    Clearing her confusion, Mrs Chaya spoke up with closed teeth" Maa, we forgot to tell you something."


    Fuck! How could she forget to tell the most important thing!


    Wasn''t it the main reason she had request grandma to stay with them?


    Yes! It was not just some coincidence.


    But, wasn''t that the beauty of their relationship.


    Mrs Shakti could still remember the night of their fourth wedding anniversary and also the second anniversary of Surya and Chaya.


    How could she! It was the most painful moment of their life.


    Especially of Chaya''s life.


    Grinning like a child, Mrs Chaya spoke while looking adoringly at grandma" Maa, Shana is Vihaan''s past."


    "What!??" taken aback by the information, it took a moment for the grandma to get over it.


    "Sorry maa..." giving grandma a flying kiss, Mrs Chaya smiled.


    For her, grandma was not her mother in law, rather she was her mother and father.


    She vividly remembers that heartbreaking night, the night that took her mother and father from her, and the world.


    "Maa....you are looking so beautiful" hearing the voice of one and half year Avni dressed in a peach barbie frock and looking all lovely, Chaya had looked at her with love and had spoken after lifting her in a hug" Like mother, like daughter." and had kissed her on cheeks.


    Only to receive it back from Avni and she had burst into laughter.


    She had been playing with Avni while waiting for her mother''s call informing her of their whereabouts when she had seen Shakti radiating in a violet satin gown of queen Annie neckline, entering the room.


    But something was not good.


    The radiance on Shakti''s face was not from happiness, rather it was just makeup.


    And that was the first time she had noticed Mrs Shakti like that.


    She was about to ask something when she had felt herself in Shakti''s arm and the next second she had lost her sense.


    Only to wake up two days later, with advices from the doctors, concern from the members of the family.


    Advices to get rid of the depression.


    Mrs Chaya came out of her world when she heard Mrs Shakti joking" Mother, it''s you who has pampered her a lot."


    Chaya need not guess she was the subject of the topic and she smiled a little.


    Looking admiringly at Mrs Shakti, she spoke" Sissy... do not forget you too have pampered me."


    After all, Mrs Shakti''s sacrifice was the cure of her depression.


    Laughing aloud, Mrs Shakti spoke," It''s in our blood, to pamper our younger ones."


    "Yes, just like Vihaan pampers Vansh. Any girl would be lucky to have him as her man. He would definitely pamper her a lot."


    Before Grandma could boast for Vihaan more, Chaya spoke with sarcasm" Yes, just like Shana is dying to have him."


    She continued " And he is making Vansh just like him."


    Turning her attention toward Mrs Shakti, she spoke with wide eyes" Have you noticed the changes in Vansh. He does not care much about his surrounding, anymore. Sometimes he keeps smiling while on phone, sometimes he does not touch his phone at all. Sometimes he keeps gazing at nothing in particular as if something is eating him up. "


    Speaking after a long time, grandma said " He is in love. But we will have to wait to know the love of his life, just like we did in Vihaan''s case."


    "In fact" she continued" Shana too loves Vihaan. I can sense her feelings and that''s the reason she tries to ignore Vihaan."


    Mrs Chaya: "Yes, we can feel it too, but the thing is, we know how strong-headed Shana is, she won''t accept Vihaan so easily."


    Mrs Shakti: "Yes, but I love Shana. I can''t wait to see her as my daughter in law. "


    Turning her attention toward grandma, Mrs Shakti continued" Mother, can''t we do something to bring her back in Vihaan''s life? I really really want to see them together!"


    "Same here! " joining the conversation, Mrs Chaya continued" I am hundred per cent sure, she is the one for Vihaan. "


    " You know" looking at Mrs Shakti and then at grandma, she spoke again" Today at the dinner, I could feel their connection, their longings for each other and I felt so good by even imagining how beautiful it would be to see them together, to have their babies calling us grandma." shutting her eyes as if it pained her to feel so good, she spoke slowly" I really want my Vihaan to be happy, maa."


    "But not at the cost of Shanaya''s sufferings. All I want is them to sort their issues and be together again."


    Deep in thoughts, grandma spoke casually but with the tone of seriousness" They will, soon. I can bet on it. "


    ....................................


    Enjoy reading it :)


    Love to all ?

 Chapter 136 - By hook or crook

    Shanaya kept looking at Vihaan.


    Lying under him, her body fitting perfectly under the masculine body of Vihaan,her every part in rhyme with his, feeling every bit of it, she did not flinch her eyes.


    For she could not.


    Vihaan''s eyes were fixed on Shanaya''s face. Not because he wanted to intimidate her, not because he wanted to hypnotize her, not because he wanted to change her decision.


    He just wanted to see her reaction.


    Actual reaction.


    He wanted to notice the changes in her expressions, wanted to hear the answer to his questions with her eyes. .


    He wanted to know the exact answer of his question.


    For he knew, only her eyes would tell him the truth, the truth he wanted to know so badly.


    Shanaya either did not feel anything at all or felt everything and yet could not decipher it, for she was too shocked. She had never thought there would come a day when she would be hearing a confession from him, that too of marriage!


    How could she? They were not in a relationship at all.


    Yes, they had a relationship, the love-hate relationship, first love relationship, one-sided love relationship, but not where someone would expect such proposals.


    And without any warning, she felt the betrayal of her tears.


    But, she did not stop them anymore, she let them flow at their own speed, while her eyes remained locked with Vihaan''s as if she wanted to convey to him" You are the reason behind these tears", which was true to the core.


    Vihaan had never witnessed Shanaya crying, but the pain he felt, the ache he felt in his heart could not be described.


    He knew she was not going to accept him on the first chance, but this was not one of the scenarios.


    He was ready to listen to her accusing him, was ready to tolerate her anger, was ready to receive some slappings, but definitely not her tears.


    He did not wait for her to say " Leave me" or " Get off me", he did not wait for her to try distancing herself away from him, he just distanced himself away.


    For the very first time, Shanaya was relieved by Vihaan''s actions. She was being dependent on him to take care of her, for she was not ready, or was able to take care of herself.


    All she wanted was to cry, to let all the pain, the sense of betrayal, anger, love, longingness and all the emotions she had ever felt for Vihaan go away.


    She just wants them to vanish.


    But she did not want that moment to disappear, the moment Vihaan had said'' Marry me, Shanaya Malhotra''.


    How could she! No matter how strong she had become, she had always wanted to hear those words.


    Maybe that''s what first love is. You keep fantasizing about various scenarios that would flutter your heart, keep replaying them, keep having fake conversations with them and keep desiring them.


    She could not.


    The tense atmosphere of the room was working as the fire, turning the cold December into May.


    She was about to speak something, anything when she saw Vihaan turning his face a little toward her and heard him saying" I know it''s sudden and you have many doubts, problems, grudges with me, but I am serious."


    Vihaan did not look at her at all, instead, he kept looking at his feet on the floor, his mind and heart in unison for the first time, urging him to speak whatever he wants " I want to feel lucky and special by being your life partner, by receiving your love. I want to be that lucky man."


    He wanted to speak so much but finding it difficult to find words that would express him, he stood up with defeat and without looking at Shanaya, he walked toward the exit door.


    He waited for a second as if he was deciding his next move, and suddenly he walks toward seated Shanaya.


    Reaching her, he cupped her face in his hands and looking in her eyes, he spoke" Please be mine, Shana." and walk back after kissing her on her forehead, leaving her all speechless.


    Shana saw him confessing, saw him kissing her, saw his genuineness but also she saw him leaving.


    And she let him go.


    Opening the door of his car, Vihaan went inside and sat down on his seat, but he did not start the engine. His eyes were on the door of Shanaya''s apartment and he did not want to leave. He wanted to justify himself, wanted to ask for a chance, but the m?tur? part of him was stopping him to do anything.


    He knew he had to give time to Shanaya, to think, to accept him, again.


    Starting the engine of the car, he was on the main road, away from shanaya, thinking about his past.


    He remembers vividly the day he first started ignoring Shanaya.


    Seven years back, on a fine February evening, he was lazily lying on the bed of the hostel, his eyes focused on his phone.


    But the smile on his face was not normal.


    It was the same smile someone has when he/she talks to the love of their life.


    He was typing with a great speed as if he could not waste any more second replying to that person on WhatsApp when he received a notification and he swipes it right, ignoring it.


    The message was from Shanaya, and that was the first day, shanaya had to wait for his reply.


    She was going to be his, either by hook or crook.


    .................................


    Enjoy reading it :)


    Love to all?

 Chapter 137 - Vihaans girl

    Why don''t you get married? I want to see my great-grandchild before I die"oiling and massaging Vihaan''s hair, Grandma spoke.


    She was seated on the deewan in the lawn, warming herself with the rays of the sun, the much-needed warmth, while Vihaan''s head lay at the ??p of her while his half body was spread on the grass carpet with his arms locked around his ?h?st.


    A smile, beautiful smile spread on his face and he hugs himself more as if he was hugging someone else.


    The smile widened when he remembered the moments with Shana and how much he wanted it to continue, with no thought of the time, regrets, the possibility of rejection.


    Only his right on Shana, only him to touch and love her ,only him to share his life with her.


    All he wanted was Shana to be ''Vihaan''s girl''.


    He closed his eyes as if he was imagining when he heard grandma saying " Do I need to look a girl for you?"


    Hiding the blush, a faint one, he spoke with the smile still on his face, while his eyes remained closed " No grandma". .


    Grandma chuckled but she did not show anything. Instead, roaming her fingers in his hair, massaging his head with her old but strong and long fingers she asked " Why? Do you already have one? "


    How he wanted to tell everything to her, wanted her to somehow convince Shana to be his, wanted grandma to ?ssure him Shana would choose him.


    And, he finally decided to let everything go.


    " Grandma, I like someone" Speaking softly, he immediately corrects himself" No, I love her. I want her to be in my life, to be happy with me, to share her life with me. I really want her, grandma. "


    Seated not far away from both of them, Mrs Rathore heard him confessing but they did not disturb him. It was a rare chance for him to open up.


    Grandma stopped oiling his hair, Instead, patting him, she asked lovingly " What''s stopping you, then? "


    Vihaan did not wait for a second to admit, did not hesitate to accept " I am the one to give her pain. "


    .........................................


    They were still in their nightdresses, even though it was ten in the morning, and their face was showing a clear sign of sleep, for they were on the video call since three.


    Shana could neither sleep nor think anything after Vihaan''s confession.


    She had remained seated in the same posture for almost fifteen minutes after Vihaan''s departure, her minds full of so much nonsense at the same time, leaving no space for her to think sensibly.


    But, her heart was not giving her any chance to decline his offer. It was reminding her of all the lovely which were yes all coincidence, but lovely nonetheless, begging her to think and think and think about Vihaan.


    When she could no longer find any solution, she had lied down, had closed her eyes.


    Only to go back to Vihaan''s words.


    God! It was so good! She would have surely kissed and hugged him hard if they would have been a lovely couple.


    She would have been so happy as if she would have all the happiness of the world in her life.


    She was not serious about hua words at all, was going to reject him without thinking, but that kiss, that kiss on her forehead changed everything.


    Thinking and thinking, she did not know when the time passed and she was about to sleep when her phone rang. She frowned in confusion when she saw the caller name and picking it up at the second bell, she heard herself speaking" Bae, you alright?"


    She heard some disturbances on the other end of the line and guessed Riya to adjust herself on her bed.


    She heard Riya" Why are you still waking up?" and rolled her eyes.


    Look, who was asking!


    Shana: " You are also awake...what happened? Is everything okay?"


    Riya: " Yup...all okay...just wanna share something with you."


    Okay...something was definitely fishy. Shana could easily guess by the low tone of Riya.


    " Wait..let come on video call" ending the call, she was on whatsapp video call two seconds later.


    And, yes, she was right. Something was off. Shaba could easily saw it when she noticed the sadness in Riya''s eyes.


    What the hell had happened!


    She saw Riya not speaking anything, but one minute later heard her speaking" I am getting married a month later "


    "Wow!! Congrats!!" exclaiming with pure happiness, Shana stood up to sat on her ??p in excitement.


    But the look on Riya''s face caught her attention and she spoke " But why does it seem you are not happy with it?"


    Riya: " It''s not that m not happy... it''s just that I want more time."


    Shana: " More time with him? Or more time for yourself?"


    Riya: " I have dated him for almost a year, Shana and I know he is a nice guy, perfect for me, but my heart is not going with this idea. It''s like m missing something."


    "Or someone" before she knows, Shana found herself completing the sentence.


    And that did not go unnoticed by Riya and looking at ''out of the world '' expressions of Shana, she spoke up


    It was as if Shana got what she was searching for three-four hours and she blabbered all of it in one go" Vihaan proposed to me today."


    ''And what a romantic proposal it was'' spoke her heart.


    And before she knows, she went back to the moment she was above him and felt the heat travelling in her body while recalling his eyes on her br??sts, neck, lips, and all at once, she wanted his lip on them.


    She wanted to be under him, as she had been a few hours before while being kissed and p???sur?d by him.


    But, only him.


    "Ohhhhh! " shock and surprise quite visible on Riya, she asked further with curiosity" So, finally, he asked you to be his gf?"


    That was one of the many things that were troubling Shana. She could understand if Vihaan would have asked her to be his girlfriend, but asking for marrying him!?...that was unbelievable.


    "No...he asked me to marry him." not looking at her, hiding her red cheeks, Shana blurted out.


    "What!!!" placing her hands on her mouth, Riya could only speak that much.


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 Chapter 138 - Man to man

    The sun seemed to have been arisen from West, for Mr Vihaan Singh Rathore was late!


    Nodding his neck while receiving morning wishes from his employees, he rushed toward his office with long strides in fitted black jeans, shirt and long overcoat.


    His hair was in usual, messy but not out of place and his handsome face ''cheery on the cake'' on his well-built body.


    How could he not look that handsome!? He had spent hours on it.


    "Not hours! It was just five minutes! " scolding his mind, opening the one-sided view door of his office, he walks towards his chair and sat down.


    It was neither five minutes nor hours, but, for fifteen minutes he had stood in front of the mirror, knowing very well he was late.


    But, he wanted to look good, no matter how much late he had slept and had dark circles under his eyes.


    Laying back fully on his comfortable chair, he crossed his eyes and rubbed them with his fingers. .


    He was desperate for some sleep!


    How could he not? He was wide awake till four in the morning thinking about no one else than Shanaya.


    He had not stopped regretting hurting her in the past, in his childhoods.


    Or, in his immaturity.


    God! How much he was regretting it!


    Shifting forward, he sat straight and taking the phone out of his inner coat pocket, dialled a number.


    It was time to claim what was his.


    ...................................


    Halting his car in front of the huge and beautiful Rathore company, Saaransh opened the car door and come out of it.


    Not wasting a second, he went inside but, not towards Shanaya''s office.


    He had just taken few steps toward the cafeteria when he saw Vihaan walking towards him.


    Walking towards him, Vihaan glanced around his company making sure Shanaya was nowhere in proximity.


    He had call Saaransh half an hour ago, for, it was time for them to meet and sort things out.


    He wanted two persons in his life the most, Shanaya and Saaransh and he was not going to lose anyone of them.


    He saw Saaransh closing the distance between them and he nods his neck awkwardly, acknowledging him.


    Sensing and feeling the uneasiness, for it was still present, Saaransh rubbed his hands to warm them against the cold breeze.


    Or, to erase the discomforts.


    Clearing his throat, Vihaan glanced here and there and when he could no longer ignore his best friend, he finally looked at him.


    He had never thought he too would become one of the reasons for his pain and sadness, but, he was ready to bear the guilt for this, for the lifetime.


    For he knew, Shana was not made for Saaransh.


    He was aware of Shana''s feelings and he was not going to let her make the wrong decision.


    And, Saaransh sadly was one of that decision.


    "How are you?" gathering the courage to speak, Vihaan looked into his eyes.


    Saaransh could feel the efforts and deep down he wanted to embrace him, forgive him for, Vihaan had never taken any initiation, but, all he did was "I am fine, what about you?"


    "Same, I am also fine" roaming his right hand in his hair, Vihaan spoke.


    He spoke further" Do you want to go somewhere else?"


    What he was going to talk needed a place, a place where they could speak freely, and for a long time.


    ...........................................


    Taking all the warmth the rays of the sun can provide through the window glass of the car, and the AC of the car, Vihaan and Saaransh remained sitting in Vihaan''s car in complete silence.


    No one knew what to speak.


    The same way they did not knew when Vihaan had driven them from his office, to stop at one of the restaurant to order hot coffee, and then they had just driven for a long time with no destination in mind, to stop at the roadside.


    Saaransh looked here and there and when he could no longer avoid looking at Vihaan, he turned his attention towards him only to see him in the same position.


    Trying to avoid Saaransh.


    "Uhhmm" clearing his throat, Saaransh finally spoke up" You wanted to talk something? "


    "Ahhh.... Yes" playing with the steering of the car, he suddenly stopped and placing his left hand on his left leg, he opened his mouth to speak.


    But, no word came out.


    "What? Say it slowly and clearly, Vihaan" only catching the word ''Shanaya'' and ''yesterday'' , Saaransh curiosity double up.


    It was the first time for Vihaan to speak about Shanaya.


    "Ahhhh" slapping the steering with his right palm, he took his time as if he was getting ready, ready to tell the person beside him, he had proposed the same girl they both like.


    "I.... Proposed.... Shanaya..... Yesterday" speaking so slowly, almost like a snail walking, he looked at the shocked Saaransh and he continued" I asked her to marry me, because I am ready, eagerly ready to make her my wife. "


    "What did. .." Saaransh stopped for a second to clear his choked throat, and once he was sure he could speak with no problem, he spoke" What did Shanaya says? "


    Looking no more at Vihaan, Saaransh looked outside and continued" And why are you telling me all this? I did not ask you to tell me. "


    Starting the engine of the car, Vihaan spoke while looking ahead of him on the road " Because you are my best friend, and I do not want to hide anything more with you. "


    And finally he looked at him.


    Only to speak" I can not lose you again, just like I can not lose Shana. "


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 Chapter 139 - Worthiness

    Deep busy in completing the dresses of one of the current projects, Shana did not pay attention to the darkness of the evening.


    New year eve was urging people to run to their homes and get a cosy sleep with their partners and have a happy conversation with their family.


    But, for Shana, it does not matter.


    She had to complete it before the fifth of January and she had a lot to do.


    Well, not that much that she could not take some time out for herself or anything, but she had no such plans.


    Not yet.


    "Ahhh" moving her stiffed hands, she bends her neck in all directions and looked at the time.


    It was seven in the evening..


    She had been working continuously for five hours and she needed a break.


    Very very much.


    Adjusting the files on her table, she unplugged the phone from the charger and stood up.


    She was done for the day.


    Walking toward the roof to floor glass window of her office, overshadowing the whole town, she realised how beautiful it was looking, with the excitement for the new year in the air, the hotels, bars, restaurants and houses decorated with fancy lights.


    She could not listen to the talks of the people passing through the road, but she could swear they were enjoying every bit of it, the excitement for the coming night, for the fulfilment of the plans they had and for watching the reactions of their loved ones.


    Standing there alone, observing and feeling their happiness, for five minutes, she walked back toward her desk.


    Making sure she had arranged the files carefully, had shut down the monitor, she walked toward the door and exit it after switching off the lights.


    Passing through the VIP elevator, she walked towards the stairs and start descending.


    And what else could be the better exercise?


    Descending the stairs, her breathings a little bit harsh because of the winter, she was trying to enjoy the music when her inner self-sense someone''s presence and she felt a tiny amount of happiness.


    Yes, she was happy without her intention to be happy.


    Her heart was happy to feel Vihaan in her proximity. She might have not answered him, might not have made him feel special, but he was the love of her life.


    How could she not feel happy?


    But, she did not acknowledge his presence and continued walking.


    Yes, she was not going to show him.


    Tracing his location with his shoes, for her eyes were deep down as she could not take a risk of showing her feelings for him, her heart fluttered when she saw the distance reducing between them and she wanted to die.


    She so much wanted a hug from him!


    She knew the growing yearning for him was not because her love for him has increased, but because now she knew he too has feelings for her.


    She had read somewhere, a human being lost his control over his feelings when he knows the feelings of another person, and now she could experience it very well.


    Five.....four......three......counting the steps between her and him, she could listen to her thudding heart, could feel the heat on her cheeks and now all she wanted was to get over with it.


    She was not able to handle the teasing of her heart.


    Increasing her speed walking, she had just crossed him on the stairs when she felt a man hand holding her right wrist and she stopped dead.


    "No..no...no...Please God, I can''t face him now," pleading like a desperate children in need of his/her favourite toy, she prayed.


    But, seemed like God was busy listening to others.


    Pulling her a little toward him by her already captured wrist, Vihaan scan her face and noticed the redness on her nose, ear and cheeks.


    He had no idea who was the reasons for it, the winter or him, but the sight was appealing and soothing at the same time.


    Looking deep into her eyes, he asked straight" Have you thought about it?"


    Ignoring the sensation in her body, the beat her heart took on hearing the question, Shanaya spoke without wasting a second" What was there to think?"


    She was not going to tell him she had wakened till morning, thinking about him, talking about him and dreaming about him.


    No, she was going to be the same she had been for a year.


    Or for the last six-seven years of her life without him in her life.


    She had to be sure he was worth it, to be in her life again.


    Vihaan Singh Rathore, the business tycoon, the most eligible bachelor, the known smart, intelligent and clever Vihaan had no clue he was going to give a test to prove his worthiness.


    Vihaan knew she was lying but knowing it was not enough, he needed a confirmation, her words, which he was not getting.


    Lifting her chin with his index left index finger, he spoke softly and yet with power and dominance" I am not kidding, Shana. "


    "Don''t lie to me, Shana. I know you more than you know yourself, I understand the rhythm of your heart more than you know, I know the pattern of your breathing more than you know, so..." cupping her chin with the same finger he had lifted her chin, he finished" don''t ever lie to me."


    The confidence of Vihaan completely shut Shana and deep down she even began wondering, but her phone rang at the same time.


    It took a minute for her to realise her phone was ringing but she didn''t want to change the situation she was in, did not want Vihaan''s fingers to leave her chin.


    The phone rang twice, but the tense atmosphere was enough to let the sound of it vanish.


    But, seemed the caller was stubborn and her phone rang again.


    "Don''t pick up!" Vihaan had just spoken or ordered when he saw Shanaya taking her phone out but he eased up when he heard her speaking "Hey! Vanshu".


    Okay...it was an important call, he spoke to himself, but his eyes remained on her.


    It was such a precious moment, almost like a stolen moment.


    He almost laughed when he heard her lying" Umm...my phone was on silent mode" while biting her lips and closing her eyes and gosh! he wanted to feel and taste her lips.


    Which was never.


    "Of course I remembered. Don''t worry I would be there soon. Bye-bye," ending the call, Shana cursed at herself, without realising she had an audience "Fuck! How could I forget!"


    "Forget what?" looking at her, Vihaan enquired.


    "Vansh had invited me for the new year party, but I forgot. "


    "Let''s go then." speaking as if this was a normal thing to say, vihaan created a distance between them.


    He was about to descend when he heard" I can go myself."


    Within a second, she was against the wall of the stairs and Vihaan.


    Vihaan did not pay attention to the fact his body was fitted against her most perfect, for he was too angry to romanticise it.


    Before Shana could understand the reason for his anger, she heard him speaking" I am not fu?k?n? letting you go in some cab at this time. If needed, I will even drag you with me against your will, so do not provoke me, Shana, ever."


    ...................................


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 Chapter 140 - I object

    Happy New Year, everyone" repeating after each other, seated in the dining hall, raising the juice glasses instead of wine or beer, all the members present in the Rathore mansion was excited.


    It was the first time they had a new member in their family.


    Anubhav along with his parents had joined them.


    Feeling genuinely happy with them, Shana did not think too much about anything for the first time. She did not think much about what Vihaan had said before dragging her to come with him, not like she had not thought even a little.


    She just knew, she had liked his possessiveness and had felt herself smiling deep down.


    But, she did not think why she had done so! Because she was not going to overthink much.


    She was simply going to enjoy her life, with or without Vihaan. .


    But, she doubted she would be able to live without him, for only she knew her true feelings.


    Still thinking about him, even though she was sitting in the middle of them, she abruptly sat straight when she saw Vansh eyes on him.


    His probing eyes were speaking " Do you want to share something? " and Shana knew she has to tell him.


    Today itself.


    She smiled at him, conveying she would be telling him soon everything, when she saw Mr Shiv Rathore standing up and saw him forwarding his hands in front of Mr Singhania, asking for a dance with him.


    A moment later, the Hall was filled with music and Shana could only laugh looking at them dancing to the fullest.


    She was enjoying the sight, when her heart took a beat, for the man in front of her sight was the dancing Vihaan.


    She could no longer stop the thoughts of dancing with him in front of his family, in privacy, in the office, in their bedroom and all the places she could imagine at that time.


    And, they only wanted none other than Mr Vihaan Singh Rathore.


    ..........................................


    Touching the walls with her palm, while walking along with Vansh through one of the corridors of Rathore Mansion, Shanaya was not fully present at the moment.


    Feeling the wall gliding against her palm, she was like a child who would find a path with the support of the wall.


    "Do you want to share something with me? " watching her acting all suspicious, Vansh could no longer stop himself.


    "Hmm? " too busy in enjoying and exploring the roughness of the concrete but the smoothness of the paint of the wall, Shanaya did not hear it well.


    But, she turned her face to the director of Vansh''s when her mind registered the words and she stops abruptly.


    "Ohh... " resuming the walk, Shanaya was finding ways to tell Vansh.


    It was not an everyday topic! Not every day Mr Vihaan Singh Rathore propose for the wedding.


    Playing with her fingers, Shana finally decided and spoke hurriedly " Your brother asked me to marry him. "


    She did not know whether Vansh heard or not, but, she increased her walking speed, only to overtake Vansh.


    She was too embarrassed!


    "Wait... What!?? " Catching up with her, Vansh was genuinely surprised.


    But the small smile on his face showed it all.


    Stopping her by her right arm, he noticed her cheeks red like a tomato, her eyes hiding in embarrassment and her heart beating like a volcano.


    Vansh was too happy, he could have kissed Vihaan at the moment, which had happened never.


    They might have been close and frank, but they have not kissed each other.


    But, yes, hugs were usual.


    "What did he say? " Vansh spoke with all the excitement building inside him.


    But, still, he had liked them together very much.


    It was not he did not like Saaransh, but deep down he knew Saaransh and Shana was not meant to be together.


    If someone asks him the reason for it, he would not have been able to justify it, but he just knew it.


    Just like he knew he was not meant for someone.


    "Ahh... Umm," Shana had no idea why she was stuttering like that while talking about Vihaan in front of Vansh, maybe because he was his brother, or maybe because she was afraid of Vansh''s judgement.


    "What? You don''t want to tell me? " knowing very well he was being tricky, Vansh did not mind it.


    He had the right of it, after all, Shana was his best friend.


    "Sister in law, too" whispered his soul and God! He liked it!


    He loved it. Just the thought of Shana as his sister in law was too good, he wondered how it would be in real.


    They jumped together when they heard " Will you excuse us for some minutes, Vansh. I want to talk to her. "


    "I don''t want to. " responding immediate, Shana glared at him.


    Vansh did not know what to do, whose side to take, but then he saw vihaan looking at him with arched brows.


    And, then he understood it all.


    "Hey, Shana, I will see you later. " running away from bewildered Shana, as if he is doing a fantastic job, vansh leave them together, alone.


    "What! Vansh! You are taking his side!?" Shocked with his betrayal, Shana was about to walk after Vansh when she felt Vihaan''s hand on her right wrist.


    "Sorry, I can''t deny my brother, SIL" winking at her, Vansh flew away.


    Shanaya: "What! What do you mean by SIL? "


    Vihaan tried hard to control the smile that was eager to come on his face when he answered Shanaya" Sister-in-law, that''s what he meant. "


    " I am not!! " feeling the heat in her red tomato turned cheeks, Shana yelled.


    "You are," stating it, as a matter of fact, Vihaan kept looking at her back.


    Standing in the same way, with her head toward the direction vansh had left or flown, leaving her alone, with red cheeks, and her right hand''s wrist in Vihaan''s right hand, Shana spoke casually " No, I am not. I have not accepted your proposal. So I may be anyone''s SIL, but not Vansh''s. "


    No longer she was standing with her back against him, instead, she was against the wall of the corridor with her captured wrists behind her and her front against s?xy, hot Vihaan.


    Sliding his right palm upward on her right arm lightly, he heard her harsh breathing, and he spoke " Will you allow someone else to feel you, touch you like this? "


    Shana knew the answer damn well, knew the man in front of her know it too, but, yet, she lied "Yes."


    She was teasing him and Vihaan knew it very well.


    Next, touching her eyes, he spoke s?xily" Touch you here? "


    Shana was heating up! It was only a second and yet, her body was ready for him.


    "Yes"


    "Here? " stroking her left earlobe, he spoke and suddenly pinched it with his thumb and index finger.


    "Yesss" Shana somehow spoke it with her already opened mouth, for the m??n was silent.


    Pressing himself more against her, he removed his hands from her wrist, only to place her wrists on the wall at either side of her head, to enquire" Like this? "


    "Yes" determined to not say anything in favour of him, Shana spoke, while her body, heart and mind were enjoying every bit of it.


    Her mind wanted to scream" No" to every question of his, but, her tongue was the enemy of the moment.


    Vihaan knew what she was doing, knew her ''yes'' was actually ''no'' but still he wanted to hear ''No''.


    He wanted her confession, which was ironically not ''Yes''.


    Shana wanted the sweet torture to end, for she was no longer capable of holding herself.


    She wanted him, right there!


    Pulling her against him by her waist, he squeezed her side creamy waist and asked with intense eyes" Will you allow this too? "


    He was no longer able to control his anger, irritation and the feeling of a loser.


    Shana knew she was going to regret it, and yet, she spoke with no hint of any such regret" He will be my husband, he can touch me anywhere. "


    Grabbing her neck from the left with his left big hand, he pulls her with a jerk.


    Shana was astounded when she felt his cold lips on her hot neck and almost m??n?d when found his teeth digging inside the soft skin of her neck.


    Kissing and biting her neck, leaving his mark, again, he spoke possessively" I won''t allow anyone to touch you. You are mine, Shana."


    " I object. "


    ..........................


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 Chapter 141 - Unexpected things of the life

    Shana had always known life is unexpected but experiencing it was hard for her. She was finding it difficult to accept or, rather, she was not ready to accept it.


    Driving her car harshly in the middle of the confined road of Delhi in the freezing night, she was shuddering.


    But, not from the winter.


    Parking her car in front of one of the hospitals, she rushed inside it. She did not ask the reception for the room number, for she knew it already.


    Standing in the elevator, chewing her nails anxiously while waiting for the floor number, she did not notice she was only in her slippers and socks or her hair was a mess. She had no time for it.


    Coming out of the elevator the moment it stopped, she rushed toward a particular direction only to stop on reaching it. .


    Standing outside one of the VIP rooms, were all the faces she knew well, more than well.


    12 hours before


    Dhak...Dhak...Dhak...Dhak dhak dhak dhak dhak dhak.......


    The fluttering sound of Shana''s heart was so loud, all the people sitting and, enjoying the New year Eve could have heard it.


    But, thanks to her luck or her bad luck, only Vihaan could hear it.


    Standing against her, watching her aroused but shocked expression, hearing her heart beating against her rib cage, but beating for him, was so beautiful and damn s?xy!


    He could swear he would have wanted nothing more than experiencing it every day.


    And the flushed cheeks of her was cheery on the cake and, he wanted to eat it.


    He wanted to bite her round and fluffy but cute cheeks. He wanted to mark them his, wanted to know how deep his teeth could go inside her skin and wanted to feel the touch of them.


    But, he knew he did not only want her cheeks. He wanted to do everything with every part of her body.


    He wanted to claim her as his.


    Battle she had been fighting since a year, since she had met Vihaan in reality, had felt his touch, had seen him gone possesive for her, had seen his dominance on the people.


    Not to forget in the bedroom.


    Not like, she had shared it, but come on! They have done it, had not they?


    Far away from them, seated in the hall, Grandma''s ear was on the conversation but, her mind and heart were on the second floor.


    She was curious to know what was happening. She knew Vihaan was alone with Shana, not that she had any problem with it.


    But, still, she wanted to know. She wanted to know if things were going well between them.


    And why should not she be? She had wanted them to be together!


    She was about to speak something when the cough took hold of her and, she coughed hard.


    Mrs Chaya stood up immediately from her seat beside her and rushed toward the hot water kept in the Thermos near grandma. She spoke while pouring it in glass," Mom! The doctor told you to take care of yourself. "


    Smiling at her concern, grandma spoke after drinking two sips," Why should I take care of myself when I have you.".


    "It''s late, mom. You should sleep, now." urging her to retire to the bed, Mrs Chaya remained standing.


    But, seemed like grandma had something to do.


    "Where is Vihaan and Shana? I have not seen them for a long time." speaking in a voice so that everyone seated in the hall can hear it, Grandma enquired.


    But, it was not enough and, the mischief in her had not died and smirking, she spoke, aloud "Vihaan? Shana? Where are you?"


    Shana was already trying to escape from the warmth of Vihaan''s when grandma''s voice rang in her ear.


    Taken aback by her voice, Shana, lost in Vihaan''s intense eyes, shuddered as if she had been caught red-handed.


    "Leave me, I have to go." speaking or, rather asking for his permission, Shana tried to get free of his hold.


    But, Vihaan was not ready to let her go. And, suddenly, the images of them in the same posture, someone calling them meanwhile both of them trying to get past their feelings flashed in front of his mind.


    The only difference was, the image was of after marriage.


    Shana was lost.


    She knew she was in a meeting with one of her clients in one of the restaurants,


    but, she was not aware of what her client was speaking.


    It was four in the evening and, she had no idea what Vihaan was doing.


    Yesterday in the night, after grandma had called them, Vihaan had eventually let her go and, she had somehow convinced grandma she was on the phone call with her mother.


    Later in the morning, she had come to the office with Vansh, as she had no car of her own, and to her utter disappointment, in the same dress, she had worn a day before.


    It was easy for anyone to say she had a night out with someone.


    On reaching the office, meanwhile trying her best to ignore Vihaan, she came to know about her meeting with Mrs kriti.


    But, in a hurry, as she was late for the meeting, she forgot to bring her phone with her and, now, she was anxious.


    He must have at least said something!


    She wanted it. She wanted him to say something to her and, to convince her to marry him.


    She knew she deserved it.


    She deserved his efforts.


    She stood up with relief when the meeting got over and, taking a cab, reached her office after thirty minutes.


    But, something was odd.


    She could feel it the moment she set her foot.


    Vihaan was not in the company! It was the first time Vihaan was not in the company even though it was only six in the evening.


    Caring not much about it, even though she wanted to, she walked toward her office.


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