Abe sale kutte anke niche kar!
Next morning, Devyani woke up slowly, stretching her arms. For a brief moment, she felt the warmth beside her but then realized RIVAN wasn't there.
She quietly got up and walked towards the bathroom to freshen up. Her mind drifted to last night... a shy, almost guilty smile crept onto her lips as she remembered every little moment the closeness, the kisses, the way his presence made her heart race.
Tomorrow, they were returning to Rajasthan. Somehow, just the thought made her chest tighten slightly, a mixture of excitement and nervousness.
She stepped into the shower, letting the warm water wash over her, clearing the sleepiness from her eyes. When she finally stood in front of the mirror, droplets of water clinging to her hair, she couldn't help but smile at her reflection, her mind replaying the memories of last night.
As she stood before the mirror, her fingers brushed against her lips.
Instantly, last night's kiss flashed in her mind, making her eyes widen.
Her cheeks warmed, but then she scrunched her nose.
"Ewwww..." she muttered to her reflection. "That saliva thing... he's so shameless!"
She sighed dramatically, then her hand slowly moved to her chest.
A strange calmness filled her as she remembered his touch soft, possessive, different.
She tilted her head, confusion clouding her face.
"Why doesn't it feel the same when he touches me?" she whispered.
"Is there... any difference between touches?"
But then, a small, toothy smile spread across her face. "Anyway!" she declared proudly, placing both hands on her breast. "Today, I'm going to make a deal with him."
She looked down at her breasts and said in her most serious voice,
"Okay, don't be sad, okay? I found you a new owner. He'll carry you after a few days. So... don't be upset."
She giggled softly at her own words, completely unaware of the chaos her innocent logic would soon cause.
She slipped into her blouse and petticoat, her fingers fumbling nervously.
Now came the saree the part she absolutely had no clue how to wear.
Stepping into the room, she froze mid-step.
Her eyes widened.
RIVAN. Standing there. Shirt half-open, his hair still damp, droplets clinging to his temple. He looked... impossibly handsome, the kind of handsome that made her forget how to breathe.
Her mind went blank. She hadn't even realized she hadn't properly draped her saree yet. Her chest... barely covered, and her heart raced as heat crept up her neck.
"Oh no..." she whispered to herself, her thoughts a jumbled mess. "Why... why does he have to look like that?"
The room seemed smaller, the air heavier. She could hear her own heartbeat thumping loudly, her palms sweating. Somehow, in that moment, all her carefully constructed composure evaporated.
RIVAN's gaze flickered to her, his eyes sharp, yet something unreadable danced behind them. And she—completely unprepared—stood frozen, caught between embarrassment, desire, and awe.
She realized her mistake and bolted inside, slamming the door behind her. Her heart raced uncontrollably, thumping like a wild drum in her chest. She pressed her back against the door, trying to catch her breath.
"Chii chiii, battameez admi kabhi kahi bhi ajata hai!" she muttered under her breath, her cheeks burning.
(Ugh, that shameless man... how can he just appear anywhere, anytime?)
Her hands shook slightly as she smoothed down her clothes and tried to calm herself, taking deep, shaky breaths.
Her mind was still spinning from the sight of him wet hair, shirt slightly open, that dangerous, mesmerizing look in his eyes.
Her chest fluttered on its own, and she felt a strange warmth spread through her body.
After a few moments, curiosity overcame caution. She peeked carefully through the door, her small fingers clutching the frame.
"Ae ji, suniye na..." she called softly, her voice a mixture of nervousness and defiance.
RIVAN raised an eyebrow at her. His sharp gaze made her stomach flip.
"Boliye ji," he replied, his tone calm but teasing, like he already knew the effect he had on her.
Devyani narrowed her eyes, trying to hide the tremor in her voice. "No, I didn't like your tone"
"Kitten...," he murmured, then forced that charming, dangerous smile that always made her knees weak. "Ji, meri dharam patni ji, boliye."
Devyani's eyes went wide, her breath catching in her throat.
"Dha... dharam patni?!" Her cheeks instantly turned crimson. Her hands flew to her chest, as if trying to contain the sudden, dizzying flutter of feelings. Her heart raced even faster than before, her pulse hammering in her ears.
Her stomach felt ticklish, almost like butterflies were dancing inside her. A strange heat crept up her neck and settled on her cheeks. Her mind was spinning: This... this is something else. Why does it feel like my whole body is awake?
Baby kitten is cute, she thought, but dharam patni.
.. the words lingered in her mind like a spark that wouldn't die.
It wasn't just embarrassment it was excitement, curiosity, and a thrilling nervousness that made her weak at the knees.
Her chest tightened in ways she didn't expect, her lips parting slightly as she tried to breathe normally.
She felt exposed and yet safe at the same time, her heart caught between fear and a strange fluttering happiness.
Her eyes, wide and shining, reflected a mix of awe, nervousness, and a tiny hint of mischievous anticipation.
She didn't want to admit it, but the words, the way he said it, the very presence of RIVAN Thakur it was intoxicating.
Devyani peeked through the door again, pouting slightly, and whispered, "Woh... call Jinal or any servant, I need to drape my saree."
RIVAN's sharp eyes twinkled with amusement as he replied, "You still haven't learned to drape it yourself, kitten?"
She blushed furiously, her hands twisting nervously, and murmured, "No... it's too lengthy... I can't."
"Come outside, I'll help you," he said, the dangerous aura softened just slightly by that teasing smile.
Devyani crossed her arms and muttered, "Hawww... sharam nahi ati apko!"
(Translation: Aren't you even a little embarrassed?)
RIVAN raised an eyebrow, pretending to think, then said with mock innocence, "Kis baat ki sharam, kitten?"
(Translation: Embarrassed about what?)
Devyani's cheeks flamed red. "Arey... you! You just want to see me struggle, don't you?"
RIVAN smirked, leaning slightly closer. "Struggle? No... I just want to make sure my dharam patni looks perfect. And if that means holding your waist for a minute... I'll survive, I guess."
Devyani gasped softly, "Eh! You're shameless!" Her tone was scolding, but her eyes betrayed a tiny sparkle of amusement.
"See? Teamwork, kitten. We are partners now.
Devyani peeked at him shyly, her little brows furrowed in curiosity. "Ummm... you... you know how to drape a saree... right?" she asked, her voice soft, tinged with innocence and a little nervousness.
RIVAN's lips curved into a small, amused smirk as he murmured himself, "I... I took classes for that." And then he said "YES"
Devyani's eyes widened, narrowing slightly in suspicion. "How...?" she pressed, tilting her head as if trying to read the hidden secrets of his mind.
RIVAN's confident exterior faltered for a split second, and he scratched the back of his neck nervously. He couldn't admit the truth—he really had taken formal classes, and the thought of telling his wife this made his ego cringe. "Ummm... actually... nothing. Just... come here, okay?"
Devyani's little wife-mode immediately switched on, sensing his nervousness. Her eyes sparkled with a mix of mischief and curiosity. "But... how? I just want to know..."
RIVAN swallowed hard, trying to regain his usual dangerous composure. "I said... nothing. Hurry up... or else I'll go."
Devyani's heart skipped a beat. she whispered urgently, her tiny hands gripping the edge of the doorframe. "Wait, wait... I'm coming! Don't go!"
RIVAN's smirk deepened, his sharp eyes watching her every move. "Okay... come fast then," he said, pretending to be stern, though the playful twitch at the corner of his lips betrayed him.
Devyani quickly wrapped herself in a shawl, her heart racing, cheeks flushed with a mix of embarrassment and irritation. She stepped out, holding the saree tightly in her hands, standing stiffly as if daring him to look.
RIVAN's dark gaze softened just slightly as he took the pleats from her trembling hands.
He started draping them with practiced precision, his fingers brushing against her delicate skin.
Finally... these classes were worth it, he thought with a small, satisfied smile hidden beneath his stoic exterior.
Devyani's lips pouted as she watched him work, her brows furrowed in curiosity. "So... tell me... how did you learn this? Did you drape someone before?" she asked innocently, though her voice carried a hint of challenge.
RIVAN froze for a fraction of a second, his eyes widening. Hun... is she serious? he thought, swallowing hard.
"Why would I?" he replied smoothly, keeping his usual calm and dangerous tone, but inside, his mind raced.
Devyani didn't let him off so easily. "Then how come you drape it so perfectly? Honestly... tell me, you must have draped someone before, right?" Her eyes narrowed, the tiny crease at the bridge of her nose making her look both adorable and formidable at the same time.
RIVAN felt his pulse skip. That innocent anger... that little flare of frustration it was infuriatingly cute. He gulped, knowing he couldn't ruin his image by confessing the truth.
"Ummm... I have a meeting. I'm going..." he muttered hastily, pulling the edge of the saree neatly around her before quickly leaving the room.
Devyani, left fuming and cheeks burning, watched his retreating figure.
Her little fists clenched the shawl tighter.
"Huh... impossible man! Always so mysterious.
.. but I'll get the truth out of him," she muttered to herself, a mixture of anger, admiration, and something else fluttering in her chest.
Devyani got ready quickly, and stepped into the breakfast hall. Everyone was already gathered around the long dining table, chatting casually, enjoying the morning calm.
Instead of sliding in beside RIVAN, as she normally would, she planted herself directly opposite him. The shift did not go unnoticed. Eyes turned subtly toward her, some amused, some curious. A faint smile crept on a few lips, sensing the quiet rebellion in her stance.
Yashodha, unaware of the silent tension, chirped happily, "Since we are going back to Rajasthan tomorrow, the ladies are planning to go shopping!"
The moment her voice reached RIVAN, his previously soft expression hardened. The warmth drained from his face, replaced by sharp, dark edges his jaw tightening imperceptibly. He didn't like her chatter, didn't like her voice today, and he ignored it with deliberate coldness.
Devyani's eyes were shooting daggers at RIVAN across the table, her tiny brows furrowed in anger.
Virendra noticed immediately. "Devyani, what's wrong?" he asked, concern lacing his voice.
"I'm angry," she replied, her tone carrying a hint of frustration that made it clear she was not in a playful mood.
Virendra opened his mouth to probe further—"why—"
But before he could finish, the entire family suddenly froze.
Virendra thought, sensing the tension ripple through the table. He glanced subtly at Devyani, who looked like a small storm ready to unleash.
"Why is everyone screaming at the same time?" Virendra asked, flustered.
Payal quickly raised her hands in protest. "Bade Papa, please! We are not ready for another bomb!"
Aradhya chimed in, a little pleading in her voice. "Yes, Papa, please don't ask!"
RIVAN's sharp gaze cut across his siblings like a knife. They immediately lowered their eyes, murmuring amongst themselves in hushed tones.
"Hamara kya jaata aapke hi aura ka pakoda hota.Tu dkh Payal mai bhaiyya ko abhi batati hun bade aye aankh dikhane wale!"
Aradhya, ignoring the subtle signals from Yashodha to keep quiet, asked again, eyes sparkling with curiosity, "Bhabhi, why are you angry?"
Yashodha shot her a sharp glance, silently warning her to stop, but Aradhya being Aradhya, persisted.
RIVAN, meanwhile, sat there, calmly eating his breakfast, completely unaware that his little, seemingly innocent wife was about to drop a bomb that would shake his morning peace.
Everyone was quietly eating when Devyani, with her soft but confident voice, suddenly spoke
"Woh... actually, I'm angry because pati ji draped my saree."
The sound of a spoon clinking against a plate broke the silence. Every head instantly turned toward her.
Virendra froze mid-bite, Yashodha blinked, and Aradhya almost choked on her juice.
Payal whispered, "He did... what?"
Devyani continued innocently, completely unaware of the bomb she had just dropped.
"Yes! He draped my saree! I don't understand how does he even know how to drape a saree? I mean, he tied all the pleats so perfectly!"
She puffed her cheeks, crossing her arms, as the entire table fell silent.
RIVAN, who had just lifted his cup of tea, stopped midway. His jaw tightened. His cold eyes flicked toward her, and for the first time since morning, the peaceful air around him turned ice cold.
Virendra looked from Devyani to his son, visibly trying to process this new reality. RIVAN Thakur... draping sarees?
Aradhya's eyes widened in disbelief. "Bhai... YOU know how to drape a saree?"
The spoon in her hand trembled slightly as she bit her lip to stop from laughing.
Payal, unable to resist, whispered to Jinal, "He must've secretly practiced on mannequins."
Jinal elbowed her. "Shhh, do you want to die?"
Devyani, still serious, looked straight at him. "Tell them! How do you know? Did you drape someone before me?"
RIVAN didn't utter a single word.
He just placed the cup back with measured calm, leaned back in his chair, and looked at her with that signature silence of his the kind that spoke louder than any threat.
Devyani was still sitting with her lips puffed and eyes narrowed, glaring right at her husband. Her arms were crossed, her cheeks slightly red not out of shyness, but pure annoyance.
Aradhya, barely holding her laughter, leaned forward with a teasing grin.
"Bhaiyyaaa... you know how to drape a saree??" she said dramatically.
"Dammm, that's new. Tell me whom did you practice on before bhabhi, hmm?"
The whole table gasped softly. Even Payal hid her giggle behind her glass.
RIVAN Thakur... draping sarees? Touching fabric? Helping someone?
That was more unbelievable than snow in Rajasthan.
But peace was a distant dream when Mrs. Devyani Thakur was involved.
Before anyone could save the situation, Devyani turned her angry, questioning gaze straight at him and said loudly,
"Tell me,pati ji... Were you a ladies' tailor before marriage? Or did you sell sarees before marriage? Is that how you learned to drape a saree so well?"
The entire dining room went dead silent.
Even Kaaka, who was serving parathas, froze mid-step the spoon hanging in the air like a scene from a suspense movie.
Virendra blinked.
Yashodha gasped softly, her hand automatically reaching for her temple.
Payal choked on her juice.
And RIVAN... RIVAN just froze in place.
Every pair of eyes turned to him, waiting for his reaction except Devyani, who looked at him with the most serious curiosity as if she had genuinely cracked some secret of his past.
For a moment, no one dared to breathe.
RIVAN's fingers stilled over his cup. His jaw tightened just slightly.
He lifted his eyes one cold, sharp glare.
That was enough.
Every person at the table instantly looked down Aradhya grabbed her phone, Payal started buttering her toast like her life depended on it, and even Virendra cleared his throat and pretended to check his watch.
But Devyani?
Still staring at him with full seriousness, waiting for his answer, completely unaware that her husband The RIVAN Thakur was dying of silent embarrassment for the first time in his life.
Aradhya bit her lip, trying not to laugh, whispering to Payal,
"Bhaiyya tailor? Oh my God, imagine him holding a measuring tape!"
RIVAN's eyes flicked toward them in one deadly glare both instantly shut up.
Then, finally, his calm, dangerous voice broke the silence,
"Kitten... I'll answer your question. Tonight."
Devyani, clueless as ever, smiled and nodded innocently,
"Okay! I'll wait."
Everyone else: ??????
Virendra immediately stood up. "Ahem breakfast's over. I'm going to office."
Yashodha jumped in, "Yes yes, everyone get ready quickly!"
Within seconds, the entire Thakur family vanished from the table like wind scattering dry leaves.
Devyani frowned, muttering softly,
"Hmph... why are they all running away?"
RIVAN, still seated, took another slow sip of tea.
The moment everyone scattered, the room fell into an uneasy silence.
Only two people remained RIVAN and Devyani.
She was still pouting, muttering under her breath, "bht ajeeb aadmi... na jawab deta hai na kuch..."
RIVAN pushed his chair back slowly.
The sound of the chair scraping the floor made her stop talking instantly.
His tall frame came around the table each step calm, deliberate, the echo of his boots filling the quiet hall.
Devyani instinctively held the edge of her saree, eyes blinking up at him as he stopped right in front of her chair.
He didn't say a word.
He just looked at her that sharp, unreadable gaze that made her heartbeat jump and her throat go dry.
Before she could ask what happened, he leaned down a little his hand gently sliding over her hair, resting on her head.
And then... he placed a soft kiss on her forehead.
Her breath caught.
Her lashes fluttered, her cheeks turning pink.
Devyani sat frozen in her chair, watching his broad back as he walked away his calm, powerful aura filling the entire room even after he left.