Chapter - 73
Hello, beautifulpeople! ??
After two long lectures, I was finally free.
Trisha and I walked toward the cafeteria like always and sat at our favorite spot—under the big tree.
The weather was soft, the breeze gentle, and the familiar hum of students surrounded us.
I sat down and leaned back on the chair, feeling a little light finally.
And then I remembered—
Avi's message.
Oh no! I didn't even reply.
I quickly unlocked my phone and was about to open his chat...
When I suddenly heard a voice.
"Hi Rani sa."
That voice...
I didn't need to look.
But I did.
And there he was—sitting right beside me on the right chair, with his usual soft smirk like he hadn't just surprised me completely.
My Avi.
Before I could say a word, a man came with two pastries and three coffees.
I blinked at him in confusion.
"W-we didn't order anything..."
But before I could even finish, Avi smiled and said,
"I did. For us."
The man placed everything on the table and walked away.
Avi passed one pastry and coffee toward me, and the other to Trisha.
Trisha looked like she had frozen in her seat.
"R-Rana Sa, I'm fine really... I don't—"
Avi stopped her softly.
"Call me Jiju. We're family now, right Siya?"
He looked at me while saying that, and I...
I just nodded with a small smile, avoiding eye contact.
My heart was already doing somersaults inside my chest, and now everyone in the cafeteria was looking at us.
But Avi?
He didn't care.
His eyes were just on me.
I tried not to blush.
I really did.
How do I stop my heart when he sits beside me like this... as if I'm the only one who matters in a world full of people?
We ate quietly. Or at least I did.
I couldn't even taste the pastry properly—too many butterflies in my stomach.
Once we finished, Trisha stood up.
"Siya... I have some work in the library. I'll meet you tomorrow, okay? Bye!"
And before I could stop her, she was already gone.
I slowly turned to look at Avi and whispered,
"What are you doing here?"
He raised an eyebrow, acting innocent,
"Am I doing anything? I just came to have coffee with my wife."
I gave him a look—my fake angry glare.
He smiled more and leaned a little closer,
"What could I do, Siya? When my Rani Sa is upset with me, how am I supposed to sit in the office and work?"
I tried not to smile.
He continued,
"Do you know how much I controlled myself from coming during your lecture?
But I didn't... because I know you'd get more angry.
And that—I cannot afford."
My heart melted.
He really knows me too well.
And the truth is...
I already forgot about the alarm thing.
But now, seeing how he came all the way here, just for me—
I was enjoying it.
So maybe... I'll play a little more.
Because that's my right.
And only mine.
I looked away, pretending to be serious.
Even though inside, I was smiling so much my heart could burst.
Let's see, Mr. Rathore... how far you'll go to pamper your angry queen.
After finishing the last sip of my coffee, he looked at me and said with a smile,
"Let's go. I have to meet Dhruv too, otherwise he'll create a drama after."
I raised my eyebrow and stood up with fake anger,
"So you came here to meet your friend... not for me?"
Without waiting for his reply, I picked up my bag and walked away toward the parking lot.
I didn't turn back.
I walked slowly—half expecting he would come running after me... or at least say something to stop me.
But nothing.
No footsteps.
No voice.
Nothing.
Wait... what?
Why is he not stopping me?
Is... is my little drama backfiring?
I was about to glance behind when suddenly—
A man came towards me and handed me a red rose with a small note.
I blinked and opened it:
"One smile = One hug."
A small smile escaped my lips without my permission.
I took another step, and again, another man appeared with a rose and a note:
"Two smiles = A forehead kiss."
Now I couldn't help it... another smile.
Then again—another rose, another note:
"Three smiles = A kiss that makes you forget the world and only remember your Avi."
By now, I was blushing like crazy and smiling like an idiot.
And again, one more:
"Four smiles = A date night. Just you and me."
I held all four roses close to my heart and finally reached his car.
He was standing there—waiting for me—with a whole bouquet of roses in his hand and the softest smile on his face.
He held the bouquet out and said,
"Ready to claim your rewards?"
In that moment, all my fake anger, all the teasing—melted away.
That's it.
I ran into his arms, hugging him tight — I just couldn't stop myself.
My eyes filled with tears, and before I even realized, a few escaped.
He gently rubbed my back and said softly,
"I told you so many times, Jaan... You're not allowed to cry."
I tried to speak,
"Sorr—"
But before I could even complete the word, he stopped me,
placing a finger softly on my lips,
"Don't. If you want to say something, say how much you love me. Or tell me anything else... but never say sorry to me."
I smiled through my tears and looked up at him,
"I wasn't really angry with you... I was just pretending to be. I was enjoying it a little."
He chuckled softly and kissed my forehead,
"I know, jaan. And it's your right. You can do all the drama you want. I'll enjoy every second of it."
I looked down, blushing, and nodded.
He opened the passenger door with a soft smile,
"Come, sit. Don't stress so much," he said gently.
And I did.
Because with him...
I didn't need to pretend anymore.
I could just... be me.
I was busy going through some files when a knock came at the door.
"Come in," I said without even looking up.
It was Rohan.
He stepped in and said,
"Sir, today is Mr. and Mrs. Vyas's anniversary party. They've specially sent the invitation for you and Rani Sa."
For a second, I blinked.
Right... I had completely forgotten about it.
I don't like socializing. Most parties feel like noise and fake smiles.
But the Vyas family has been loyal clients—years of trust.
I closed the file in my hand and said,
"Okay. Send sarees and jewelry options for Rani Sa to the palace. And my outfit too. Make sure everything is perfect."
"Noted, sir," Rohan said and began turning when I spoke again.
"What's the condition of the Rajputs?"
His lips curled into a half-smile,
"Sir, exactly how you wanted.
I didn't let them sleep for even an hour.
The water, the food, the silence around the bungalow.
.. they're breaking slowly. Now they're begging Dev to shift them to another house or take them along.
But Dev is refusing. Says he's out of the country. "
A smirk formed on my lips.
Smart move, Dev. You're learning well.
Then another name came to my mind—the filth who dared to touch my Siya.
"What about Veer? That bastard?" I asked coldly.
Rohan straightened,
"Sir, last night, he passed out from the electric shock. We had to call the doctor urgently."
I clenched my jaw but didn't flinch.
"Don't let him die."
I looked at Rohan sharply.
"He doesn't deserve an easy way out. I want him to live... and regret every breath."
Rohan nodded,"Understood, sir,"and left.
I sat quietly for a while, eyes on the empty cup in front of me.
And suddenly... her face came to my mind. My Siya.
I leaned forward, elbows on the desk, and closed my eyes.
Flashback
It was yesterday.
I had gone to meet Dr. Mehra—again.
I needed an update on Siya's condition.
He welcomed me in and said,
"Rana Sa, Rani Sa's health is improving now. I even spoke with Dr. Arora. She said Rani Sa opened up about her past. That's a big step. But..." he paused for a second, "The only thing still troubling her deeply is that she has no memory of her parents."
I looked at him seriously.
"I know. But what you're suggesting... I can't take that risk with her."
Dr. Mehra nodded respectfully.
"Understood, Rana Sa. Just keep her happy. That's the best way to keep her stress-free."
Flashback ends
I opened my eyes and looked at the photo frame on my desk.
It was a candid picture of her smiling... taken without her noticing. My angel.
I still remember the day I told her about how I first saw her...
How she became my bride instead of Natasha.
That day, I had the entire medical team outside the house.
Waiting.
I was scared.
Because I didn't know how she'd react. She's strong, but she's also sensitive.
Dr. Mehra told me clearly—"Don't tell her everything at once. One truth at a time, Rana Sa."
So I only told her little.
And she handled it.
She didn't break.
The moment she went into the bathroom to change her dress, I messaged the doctors to leave.
That was the first time I breathed properly that night.
It was evening, and I was getting ready for the party.
Maa was helping me drape the saree. Avi had messaged me earlier and told me we were going to attend Mr. and Mrs. Vyas's anniversary celebration. He also sent a few saree and jewellery options for me to choose from... but how could he expect me to choose so easily?
I mean, tonight... it's not just any party.
It's the first time I'll be going with him as his wife.
As Rani Sa of Rajasthan.
How could I take it lightly?
I held the blouse in one hand and the saree in the other, staring at them like they were puzzle pieces I couldn't figure out. And Anaya wasn't here—she had gone to London just yesterday, so I couldn't even ask her for help.
Maa saw me panicking and smiled. "Siya beta, relax. You will look beautiful in anything, but I think this one will be perfect."
She picked out the blush pink saree—it had soft shimmer and delicate embroidery,paired with a matching blouse.
Maa helped me wear it, pleating it with care, and she helped me put on the heavy necklace, earrings, and of course, my mangalsutra andapplied a small amount of sindoor.
My eyes paused at it for a moment. Every time I wore it now, it reminded me that I no longer had to hide. That I was his, openly and proudly.
Maa made a neat bun and adorned it with fresh gajra. The soft floral scent made me feel calm.
Chachi walked in just then with a smile and put kajal behind my ear.
She held my shoulders and said, "Perfect. Didi, today our Aarav won't be able to focus on anything. His whole attention will be stuck on our Siya."
I felt my cheeks burn.
"Chachi..." I whispered, but she and Maa just laughed and teased me a little more before leaving the room.
I was just trying to breathe normally when I heard the door open again.
And there he was...
Avi.
Dressed in all black—as always. So powerful, so confident. But the way he looked at me in that moment... like I was the only thing shining in his world.
He walked up to me slowly. My heart started racing like always.
He came close, just enough to make me feel the air shift around me.
"If you look this beautiful," he whispered with a smirk, leaning closer, "don't blame me if I mess up that perfect lipstick before the night ends."
I lowered my eyes instantly, cheeks burning.
"We... we are getting late, Avi."
He leaned closer and said softly,
"If you say so, I'll cancel going to the party right now."
My eyes widened a little, and I looked at him in shock.
"Avi! We can't do that. We already accepted the invitation. It won't look good... People might say things about us."
He smiled, clearly loving the way I worried about everything.
"Let's go then," he said, taking my hand gently.
"Because my angel doesn't want anyone to speak badly about us. And if that's what matters to her, then that's what matters to me."
I smiled softly.
And silently, I thought...
What kind of love did I do in my past life to deserve someone like him?
We both walked out together, side by side—me, still blushing... and him, holding my hand like I was the most precious thing he had ever touched.
We reached the party, and as soon as Avi stepped out of the car, he turned towards me and extended his hand.
Without thinking twice, I placed mine in his.
His grip was warm and steady, and just like that, I forgot the nervous flutter in my stomach. We walked together, side by side, into the big, beautifully decorated hall.
The lights were soft, music was low, and there were smiling faces everywhere.
We first went to meet Mr. and Mrs. Vyas—the couple celebrating 50 years of love and togetherness. Their smiles were so pure, so full of memories.
"Happy anniversary, Mr. and Mrs. Vyas" I said with a smile, handing the gift to Mrs. Vyas.
She took it warmly and said, "Thank you, beta. You look so beautiful. Aarav is lucky."
I looked down shyly, but Mr. Vyas chuckled and added,
"Looking at you two reminds me of our early days. Young love... full of grace."
I didn't know how to reply, so I just gave a small smile, holding Avi's hand tighter.
After a few minutes, we moved around, meeting other guests. Everyone was smiling at us, and for the first time, I wasn't scared of the attention. Because he was next to me.
Soon, Karan and Trisha arrived too. Their family was invited as well. We greeted them, and after a while, Karan got called away by someone, leaving just Trisha with me.
Avi leaned close to my ear and whispered,
"I need to meet some people—just for a bit. Stay with Trisha and enjoy. I'll be back soon, jaan."
I nodded and watched him walk away. I already missed him.
Trisha smiled at me.
"You look like a dream tonight. Honestly, if I was a guy, I would've flirted with you right now."
I laughed a little, shaking my head.
"You're impossible."
But then suddenly, a waiter accidentally spilled some juice on her dress.
"Oh no! I'll just go to the washroom and clean this. You stay here, okay?" she said.
I nodded and watched her walk away.
Now I was standing alone.
I looked around, trying to spot Avi.
But he was nowhere in sight.
I started walking slowly, scanning the hall. My eyes searched every corner, every group of people.
Then I saw him.
A little far, near one of the glass walls, he was talking to someone. I took a few steps closer. And that's when I saw... he was talking to Karan.
And just when I was about to call out, I heard something from Avi's mouth that made my whole world stop.
Words that didn't fit... words that didn't make sense...
Words that felt like a betrayal.
My feet froze.
My hands turned cold.
I wanted to turn back, to pretend I didn't hear what I just did.
But it was too late.
The sentence was already said.
And my heart already shattered.
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