CHAPTER – 5
"R anawat?? What do you mean?? Tell me clearly", Ranveer asked his brother-in-law, what did he mean by he did it not only to punish Vikram, what other reason there could be??
"For now, you just need to know that you can't go to the UK until I approve, so enjoy your time here with your sister, it's not like you are planning to go anyways", Abhyansh said
"You f**king got my VISA cancelled and you act as if you are doing a favour on me... Ranawat... this is not done", Ranveer said angrily
"Get out and do the whining... ", Abhyansh said with a dismissal
"Ranawat, at least tell me the other reason", Ranveer whined, this time for real and Abhyansh cringed...
"I did it for you Rajput, you will know it when the time is right", Abhyansh said in his cold voice but for the first time Ranveer heard a bit of concern in his brother-in-law's tone, was it really there?? Or is he imagining things??
"Ranawat... ", Ranveer started but Abhyansh slammed the file on the table strongly...
"OUT", Abhyansh said in a stern tone, Isha, who is waiting outside as she is worried seeing her brother upset and on knowing her husband's temper, she expected him to lose cool soon, and he did sooner than she expected. She immediately walked inside and held his brother's arm...
"Bhai... talk to him later...", Isha said tucking her brother's arm... Ranveer glared at his sister, while Abhyansh frowned seeing his wife's concern for her brother.
"Ishu... your husband is bullying you and instead of helping me question him, you are rushing me out??", Ranveer questioned getting upset...
"Rajput... ", Abhyansh started, he hated anyone using that tone on his wife...
"Rana sa... let me talk to my bhai, please", Isha said, he could hear the right on her tone and that for some reason stopped him, the mad urge inside him to slit the throat which raised its tone on his wife is controlled by the need to respect his wife's right on him... he nodded at her fisting his palm to control his anger...
"Bhai... what did you tell me the other day?? You have no plans to return to the UK right?? So please calm down, think of it as your own decision", Isha tried to convince her brother, she knew her brother's anger is justified but she could reason only with him, her husband won't listen to her, but what she doesn't know is her husband is an easy one for her to convince, if she would have commanded him to get his brother's visa approved, he would have done it without any discussion, she just has to ask, Abhyansh would have searched for another way to torture Vikram but she didn't. Another reason for Isha to try stopping her brother is she felt her husband has a deeper meaning to do that, not just to punish Vikram but she didn't know that she is digging her own grave by stopping her brother now.
"What are you talking Ishu?? Both are not same, that's my decision and this is forced by your husband, my right to choose is being snatched from me, that's the part I am hating", Ranveer said
"You snatched her right the same way, remember Rajput??", Abhyansh said talking about how Ranveer made Isha sign the divorce papers...
Ranveer glared at him for digging the past... today, his fury is uncontrollable...
"Since we are talking about my deed, why not talk about why I did that as well Ranawat??", Ranveer said looking his brother-in-law in the eye...
"Careful there Rajput, you might overstep boundaries in your blinding rage, " Abhyansh warned in his cold tone, which scared Isha, and made Ranveer think before saying anything further. He is brave to confront his beast of a brother-in-law but he knows when to take a step back...
Isha knew both were wrong, she sighed not knowing whom to control...
"Bhayyu... look at me...", Isha said holding her brother's palm... " please, let it go for now, your anger is justified, but I believe Rana sa might have a reason for what he has done, anyways you decided not to go back with Vikram and Aryan, and handle the business from here right?? Let's think that way for now, you come with me first", Isha said holding her brother's forearm...
"Why are you hellbent on shutting me up rather than talking to your husband", Ranveer asked Isha
"Bhai... please... for me", Isha pleaded, and that calmed Ranveer...
"Fine, anything for my bacha", Ranveer said ruffling her hair softly but she can see the disheartened look on his face... his one sentence reminded her of the past, when her brother compromised the same way for her, not once but many times... to keep her safe...
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"Father... why the hell are you using the lake villaBhabhosagifted me for your dirty business??", Ranveer blasted on his father
"Yourbhabhosais dead son... it would be best if you idealized your father now", Kailash said with a smirk
"Father... I won't allow you to do this, don't forget I am of legal age now, I'll report to the police if you don't stop this", Ranveer warned his father
"You will report me??", Kailash laughed, “you are a majorfor sure but your sister isn't, I am her guardian still, don't forget it, and son...even if she becomes a major, you think you will be able to free her from my clutches??", Kailash said wickedly
"I will free her from you Father", Ranveer said staring angrily at his father
"Till then?? You will suffer her?? Listen to me carefully Ranveer, if you rebel against me, your Ishu will suffer, go ahead if you want to", Kailash said and Ranveer's expression changed... "Madan... let's use my bhai sa's other properties as well for our businesses...", Kailash said with a smirk
"Hukum, I'm afraid of Yuvraj contacting the police, make him say that he won't do anything like that", Madan said sickly, giving a cunning smile to Ranveer...
"Come on Son, say it, you are scaring my men", Kailash said and Ranveer glared at his father...
"Say it, or your sister will be dropped out of her studies... I'm serious Ranveer", Kailash said looking at Ranveer cunningly.
"Fine... do whatever you want to... I can do anything for my bacha... but if I get to know that you suffered her, you'll see the worst of me, father, remember that", Ranveer said gritting his teeth, Kailash smirked and walked away with Madan...
Ranveer thrashed the showpiece on the floor with rage after they left...
"Ran... calm down... we can try a different way...", Vikram tried to calm him...
"We can do nothing, Vik, not until Isha is in his hands, my ba**a*d of a father keeps using my sister to shut me up... and I had to tolerate all this for my Ishu, if not I would have thrashed him instead of this...", Ranveer said looking at the broken vase
"Ran... we'll free Isha soon... then we can handle your father", Vikram tried to make his friend feel better though he knew it was not possible anytime sooner
"It's not possible Vik, my father has many cunning b**t***s working for him, they won't let us take Isha away... I'll have to let him play me like this... huh... I'll let him, for my bacha", Ranveer said closing his eyes, as seeing his father doing all sorts of dirty businesses in his bhabhosa's properties is very painful for him...
Isha who is watching everything cried silently hiding behind the wall... it broke her heart to see her brother bowing down and doing everything he doesn't want to, just for her... hearing her sob, Ranveer looked at that side and saw Isha's dupatta, he sighed and walked to her...
"Bacha...", he called, and she tried to hide her tears but he already saw it...
"Bhai... I'm sorry... you have to give up all your wishes for me, I'm a bad sister...", Isha cried hugging him...
"Ishu...you are the best sister in the entire world, no universe... and listen to me clearly, it's not your fault, never blame yourself, that will hurt me more... I'm happy, whenever I see your face, all my worries will disappear in a second just like magic, now give me my Ishu wala magic smile, which could wipe off all my worries", Ranveer said stretching Isha's lips into a smile making his sister smile in real... yes... just like that, keep smiling always my bacha, don't worry, I'll get you out of this hell for sure... and it's you who had to give up all your wishes, not me... and I'm a bad brother Ishu, I couldn't even protect you", he said and Isha frowned
"Bhayyu, don't say that, you are the best, and I'll get angry if you say otherwise and I won't talk to you", she said turning her head, and her two pigtails hitting Ranveer's cheek... he smiled at his cute little sister...
"Okay, okay, I'm sorry, won't say that again... now don't be mad at me Ishu...", Ranveer pleaded Isha gave him a big smile, "Bacha... promise me, you won't ever think these stupid things... my Ishu is best, my lucky charm, now repeat after me, 'I'm your lucky charm' ", Ranveer said and Isha giggled
"I'm your lucky charm", Isha repeated giggling to her brother's words, and Ranveer smiledside hugging his sister...
"Great, both of them look here... I'm taking a picture of you", Vikram said taking out his phone...
"No, my hair is messed up... bhai... ask him to stop", Isha said and Ranveer chuckled whereas Vikram continued to take their pictures...
"I'll set it for you", Ranveer said making her pigtails again, and then both the brother-sister took so many pictures with a smile on their faces despite all the problems in their life.
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"Ishu... why are you crying?? What are you thinking?? Ishu...", Ranveer asked shaking Isha, getting worried seeing her tears flowing... Abhyansh stormed off his chair hearing Ranveer and pulled Isha to his arms...
"Isha...what's wrong??", Abhyansh asked softly, cupping her cheeks... the tears are unbearable for him... Isha came out of her thoughts and looked at her husband blankly... nothing changed, her brother bowed down for her in the past, he is the doing the same now, the only difference is that time he was afraid of his father hurting her, now he is afraid that she would get sad if he fights with her husband, suddenly, she felt so selfish for not thinking in her brother's point of view... he had to give up everything for her... she slowly freed herself from her husband's arms and wiped her tears giving a small smile to her husband and brother saying she is fine...
"Bhai... do you think I am binding you?? You could have done much better if I weren't in your life na??", Isha asked taking her brother's palm in hers, remembering the sacrifices he had made right from childhood for her, her kaku sa made his son bow down, blackmailing him with her education or any other thing related to her. And now seeing her brother gulping his anger for her, she suddenly remembered all those times.
Abhyansh frowned hearing her while Ranveer understood what was running in her head...
"My little fool... what are you even thinking ha??", Ranveer said tapping her head slightly and she hugged him tightly... "you are in my life and that is the reason I am doing so good... I don't know what would I have done if I don't have you in my life, my bacha... I love you the most... never think like that okay??", Ranveer said ruffling her hair...
"Bhai...", Isha tried to say what she's thinking, but her sobs didn't let her and Abhyansh's eyes are becoming red hearing her sobs...
"Sh...Sh... I know, I know what you are thinking, now stop crying okay??", he said wiping her tears... "if you remember what happened that day, you might have also remembered what I told you right??", Ranveer asked and Isha nodded... "then say it", Ranveer said and Isha smiled...
"Ishu is your lucky charm", Isha said and Ranveer kissed her forehead...
"Yes, Ishu is my lucky charm", Ranveer said, peace filling his heart looking at his sister's smile... Abhyansh kept looking at the siblings, calmness took over him seeing her smile, and the love between them but at the same time, Ranveer's importance in his wife's life made him jealous and insecure. The fact that he didn't even know why his wife was sobbing a few minutes back but his brother-in-law did, just by looking at her face is troubling him.
"I won't stop you if you want to talk to Rana sa... I don't want you to compromise on anything for me", she said to her brother surprising him but upsetting her husband, now his brother-in-law will nag him more...
"Really??", Ranveer asked and Isha nodded and turned to her husband...
"Rana sa... please don't get mad at him, I won't ask you to give him the reason or anything, that's your call but...", Isha started, she didn't want to pressure her husband for anything, she so wanted to ask her husband to give her brother the reason he wanted, but she doesn't have that right... though Abhyansh is very good to her, she couldn't ask him for things freely, there's some hesitation still...
"Okay...", he said surprising her...
"Thankyou", she said giving him a small smile, but her hesitation hurt him, he didn't understand what more he should do to make her adapt to him...
"Bhai... stay for dinner, I'll cook your favourite dishes...", Isha said walking away... she knew she didn't have to wait for Ranveer's nod, she knew he would stay...
"Why did she cry??", Abhyansh asked in his cold tone as soon as his wife left...
"My a** of a father, once blackmailed me openly, Isha happened to hear it, she thought I was compromising on things for her and she was a burden on me", Ranveer said staring blankly at the wall... "stupid... why doesn't she understand that if not for her, then for whom would I give up things??", Ranveer added looking at the BEAST who has a colder look than normal...
"How is he doing??", Abhyansh asked, Ranveer knew his brother-in-law is waiting for Kailash Rajput to get all fit, so that he could start his torture...
"Better, but not enough for you to start your torture... let him recuperate... I want him to enjoy this fear, he fears even getting better as the thought of your torture is scaring the wits out of him, I enjoy the terrified look on him, this is good too", Ranveer said sickly, gone was the soft man who smiled wholeheartedly at his sister...
"You wanted to kill your father?? Still on with the plan??", Abhyansh asked
"No, I want him to live as longer as possible, but in your clutches, torture him so much, that man enjoyed the scared look on my Ishu, now I'll enjoy looking at his sufferings every minute", Ranveer said venom dripping in his words, he hated his father to extent... Abhyansh could only imagine the pain his wife had gone through if it made her brother hate his father so much...
"You know Ranawat, my Ishu is so kind and innocent despite facing so much, and I want her to stay that way all her life... I brought her up, I hated seeing her growing up... I want my sister to stay with me always, my day wouldn't move without seeing her innocent smile, but that man made me go to London, I stayed away from her for years, he used all his contacts and played with my VISA many times, blocking me from seeing my sister, that's why I got so mad before", Ranveer said, Abhyansh looked at Ranveer, his face gave away his pain he went through by staying away from his sister... "you can play with anything Ranawat, but just don't keep me away from my sister, I can bear anything other than that", Ranveer said and that moved the mighty BEAST...
"I promise you Rajput... I won't do it, as much as I hate you near my wife, for her sake, you'll always be with her...", Abhyansh said making Ranveer smile widely, if Abhyansh Singh Ranawat promised, he would fulfil it without fail. There is always this fear in Ranveer's head that someone will separate his sister from him, and it doubled when she got married to the BEAST but his promise now relieved him to no extent.
"As a return gift to this, I'll show you a picture, where your cute wife was so much cuter...", Ranveer said opening his gallery and showing Abhyansh the picture Vikram took that day of the siblings... a small smile made its way on the Beast's face looking at his wife's younger version, she looked extremely adorable with those uneven pigtails...
"I made those pigtails, cute na??", Ranveer said looking up, but he is shocked to see his stone of a brother-in-law smiling, not a full-blow smile but a small one which is a shock too... Abhyansh's face turned cold realizing his brother-in-law's stare...
"That's why they are so bad", Abhyansh said and Ranveer frowned
"Bad?? If these are bad, you should have seen the ones your wife used to make... she was so bad at making hair, after the accident of my bhabhosa and bhabho's death...", Ranveer stopped taking his uncle and aunt's name seeing Abhyansh fisting his palms... "I first made her hair when she was 10, it was bad, but still she came to me every day for it, as she was worse...", Ranveer smiled at the memory... "I used to learn different hairstyles and try them on her hair... but could master only those pigtails and the casual single braid as her hair is too thick and long, she first learned to make hair when I moved to London", Ranveer said remembering teaching his sister how to make her hair on a video call...
"Well, I can't expect anything from your mother but why didn't the other females help her??", Abhyansh asked indicating the female servants of the Rajput palace...
"My mother didn't want anyone to help Isha... that time, I didn't know as she carefully hid everything from me, also I didn't like anyone helping my sister, I was the one who looked after her needs, honestly after my Dadi sa passed away, I stopped trusting even the servants of the palace, so I told my mother that I'll look after Isha, she tried to stop me, I ignored her. When my mother stopped any female servants from helping Ishu, I thought it was because I told her that I would take care of her but after Isha's marriage, I got to know many things...", Ranveer said fisting his palms remembering what all his mother did to his sister...
"What is it Rajput??", Abhyansh asked coldly... looking at Ranveer's eyes filled with rage, he knew Sheela Rajput did something worse than he knows...
"It's not my place to tell Ranawat, Ishu will tell you when she is comfortable...", Ranveer said, but it's not just that, he is afraid that Abhyansh would torture his mother more than he intended to do, after knowing these things, though Ranveer hated everything his mother did to his sister, he still has a soft corner for his mother, there was a time when he loved his mother, he knew his mother deserved it but he couldn't get it in him to let her suffer, maybe a son's soft heart for the mother...
"No one can save your mother Rajput, whether you say it or not, I'll find out", Abhyansh said, Ranveer looked at him, he sighed even thinking about fooling his brother-in-law, he is a BEAST, how could he not figure out??
"Okay, we'll think about that when the time comes, for now, leave all that", Ranveer said trying to avoid that topic, he knew he has to lose his mother in the future but he didn't want to think about it now... "a free advice from me, learn some hairstyles for my bacha... she still couldn't do her hair properly except for a very few...", Ranveer said and Abhyansh glared at his brother-in-law... though he could do anything for his wife, he didn't want to let his brother-in-law know that...
"Out Rajput", Abhyansh said, getting back to his work...
"You are not gonna tell me why you did that??", Ranveer asked one last time, Abhyansh ignored him, "fine...", Ranveer said taking his phone away, which is beside Abhyansh's palm on the table...
"Do you know your mother used to slap Isha??", Abhyansh suddenly asked when Ranveer turned to walk away, realizing it's no use asking his brother-in-law...
"What??", Ranveer asked turning towards his brother-in-law... he knew his mother treated Isha badly, and made her work like a slave for a few sanitary napkins, but didn't know she physically abused Isha or he didn't want to think that she did, after Isha got married, his uncle's loyal men and women told him how his parents tortured Isha all these years, but that was a broader perspective, he knew his mother could have physically abused his little sister, if she could do all the worse things, but he didn't want to think or believe it.
"If my mother did that, I wouldn't ever forgive her Ranawat, trust me", Ranveer said walking away... Abhyansh had his own plans for Sheela Rajput, but knowing it could hurt Ranveer is slightly disturbing, it wouldn't have affected him if his wife didn't love her brother so much... now even a frown or a little distress on her face causes him ache... he didn't know how to stay unaffected anymore when it came to his wife... he left a sigh before concentrating on his work...
Ranveer walked out to take some fresh air in the huge garden of the palace, he saw Avyan coming out with a gift wrapper and a box... when he came nearer, Ranveer noticed it to be a MacBook...
"Ranveer... look at this... I got it for Bhabhi sa", Avyan said handing over the box
"Mac??", Ranveer said looking at the MacBook, the latest version
"Yeah, tomorrow is Bhabhi sa's first day in our company, and I want to gift her something, will she like it?", Avyan asked and Ranveer nodded with a smile...
"She would love anything if it came from you, but she wouldn't know much about using a laptop, once I gave her a laptop but my father confiscated it...", Ranveer said, his smile turning into anguish at the end, but soon he shook those thoughts off and looked at Avyan... "you are very thoughtful... wish your brother is at least half thoughtful as you...", Ranveer murmured the last part but Avyan heard it, he chuckled but soon covered it, if his brother knew that he chuckled when his brother-in-law was mocking him, he wouldn't be able to smile anymore...
"Well... what did you get my Bhabhi sa for her first day??", Avyan asked, now both the men sat on the tea table that's present, Ranveer helped Avyan install all the games Isha likes to play, along with some settings according to her.
"Me?? I got her a bracelet, wanted to get her a watch but didn't", Ranveer said, not going into details, since the doctor asked her to apply ointment frequently and leave the scar free in air, she couldn't wear a watch on it, but she decided to wear full sleeves so that the scar is not completely closed off but at the same time not visible to people...
"Bracelet?? Good... all done??", Avyan asked about installing the necessary apps, games, and settings...
"Yeah! done... let me help you pack it", Ranveer said
"Yeah, thanks", Avyan said packing the gift he brought for his Bhabhi sa... not knowing that 2 hours from now, his brother would be drilling holes into his head for the same gift, Abhyansh is not used to surprising people, he isn't aware of all these things, people do, like celebrating the first day at work, the little achievements, etc...
Ranveer and Avyan finished packing the mac, Isha is done with dinner early, so she went to her husband to ask the things she couldn't because of her brother's intrusion.
"Rana sa... where is bhai??", Isha asked entering her husband's home office and not seeing her brother... Abhyansh shrugged continuing his work... "he left from here??", she asked, he nodded still working... "when??", she asked again, he again shrugged not wanting his wife to leave there and look for her brother... she huffed at her husband's unresponsiveness, walked to him, and entered the tiny space between him and the table on where his laptop is situated... with her move, she surprised her husband and also excited him with her proximity... "look at me and answer please", she said, though she said please at the last, her tone didn't look like a request, and Abhyansh didn't mind it though...
"Okay, ask", Abhyansh said looking into her eyes... she smiled at his instant shift of concentration on her...
"Where is bhai??", she asked again
"He walked away almost an hour back, um... his exact location...", Abhyansh looked in the tab that's placed to the corner of the table, changed some settings looking for Ranveer's location... "wait, what do I get if I tell you??", he asked her with a smirk...
"What could anyone give you?? You have the power to take anything you want...", Isha said not understanding what her husband is talking about... he smiled at her innocence...
"That's right too, my power works in front of everyone except for Rani sa...", he said and she smiled understanding what he meant, he is right to a certain extent, only she could make him change his decisions or revise punishments...
"Rana sa... tell me please... where is bhai?? I didn't see him in the main hall or anywhere on my way here... I asked him to stay for dinner, did he leave??", Isha asked
"He is in the front garden, with Avyan...", he answered
"Oh okay", she said and is about to move out of his way to get a chair and sit beside him, but he thought she is leaving to find her brother, and pulled her to his lap by her waist...
"Rana sa... let me get a chair and sit... I have a few things to ask, since I am done with dinner early, I came to you", she said but he didn't leave her, instead adjusted her in his lap so that she is in a comfortable position... she sighed and leaned her head on his chest, knowing he won't let her go... "lock the door, I know no one enters without permission but still I'm not comfortable...", she asked and he digitally locked the door...
"Done...", Abhyansh said kissing her cheek and she hugged him trying to hide her blush...
"Rana sa...", she called still hiding her face in his chest...
"Hm...", he responded... she looked at him with surprise, it just makes her heart flutter whenever he responds to her, the kind of personality he has, he normally hates to communicate and that comes in front of her too sometimes, but he makes a lot of effort to control that and respond to her... his immense striving to get better for her raises her love for him ten folds...
"Rana sa...", she calls him again, just to listen to his cold and base voice but she could hear the warmth in it as well...
"Hm??", he responds again making her smile... "what??", he asks looking at her wide smile... she just shakes her head and kisses his cheek surprising him... he pulls her face to him by her head and places his lips on hers, kissing her slowly but passionately, taking his time exploring her mouth, she moaned when he sucked her lower petal followed by the upper one... she tried to copy his actions and that made him wild, he pulled her to him and kissed her fiercely which she enjoyed more than she intended to... he left her slowly sensing her breathlessness... she nuzzled her face in his neck, slowly kissing his nape, hugging his shoulders tightly...
"What happened to you today??", he asked in his hoarse tone...
"Nothing...", she said hugging him tightly... he nodded and continued with his work holding her in place with his one arm... "Rana sa... I forgot why I'm here in the first place", she said looking up at his face slapping her head...
"Hm... ask", he said still working...
"Will ask later, you continue", she said leaning on his chest, feeling guilty to disturb him from working...
"Isha...ask", he said closing his laptop and she cupped his face and kissed his cheek again... the way he prioritizes her is just too loving...
"I wanted to ask about the dress code in your company...", she asked, he wanted to correct her, it's her company as well... but he knew she takes some time to accept his things, so in contrast to his personality, he decided to give her time to adapt instead of forcing his things and position on her...
"Didn't your boss tell you??", he asked
"Ragini?? She is confused herself... she asked Ashley but...", Isha stopped, trying to frame a sentence that wouldn't make Ashley look bad, she didn't want her husband to destroy Ashley, and if he knew what she said and the way she behaved with her, he would cut her into pieces... "she is busy to respond, so for now, we are unsure...", Isha said and her pause made him understand what she is doing... what did Ashley say?? Why is his wife hiding to protect her?? Beast decided to find out later...
"You can wear anything you are comfortable with...", Abhyansh said crisply...
"Rana sa... I want to know the dress code in the company, and you are just talking about me...", she said and he nodded kissing her forehead...
"At R Empire, bands 1 & 2 need to wear formal, rest all, it's decided based on their wings", he answered in short...
"What are those?? I didn't get you", Isha asked, he cursed his habit of using a few words...
"Bands are the levels in a company, it varies from organization to organization, there is a hierarchy, band 1 is basically the CEOs, CMOs, CFOs of different wings under R Empire, band 2 also has a similar set of people, um... for example, Ashley Parker, she belongs to band 2, these people attend the meetings with me in their related fields, so they are always in formal, rest all employees dress according to their functions, like our IT wing, they can wear anything they want to, well there are limitations to it as well, and they know that, and coming to the textile wing, since you are the designers, you need to work in different postures and flexibility is important, so you can wear anything that provides you that, Ragini is responsible to take care of it", he said, he made sure his employees dress up decently to the workplace, though Abhyansh runs a multinational, and he had branches all over the globe, his employees despite their location of the workplace need to maintain a certain dignity, that's what he believed in, he gave them the freedom to dress up according to their comfort but that comes with certain limitations and if people thought he is dictating then so be it, he hardly cared. According to him, a workplace is where you should maintain basic dignity.
"Oh! okay, what about Ragini, herself??", Isha asked
"She needs to wear formals, as she comes under band 2, when she gets on the R Empire payroll", he said and Isha giggled
"Ragini isn't comfortable in formal", Isha said and Abhyansh took her palms in his...
"Rani sa...formals are not just suits or blazers, even a saree comes under formal, you know??", he asked and she looked surprised, he is right, she has no idea... "formal is something which is suitable for formal occasions, anything that is simple yet dignified, without glitters or that extravagant stuff, it could be called as formal, and there are many band 1 and 2 staff who wear sarees or Indian suits to work, even a cotton kurti could be considered formal at us...", he said
"Oh! I saw every woman there wearing blazers and skirts, so I thought...", she said, and seeing her hesitation, he understood she is intimidated by those women...
"We promote Indian culture at R Empire, but since we have various nationals in our employee directory, we gave that flexibility", he said
"So, my previous work clothes are fine??", Isha asked
"Yeah... they are good, anything is fine until you are comfortable", he said and she nodded
"Tell me about the textile wing of yours in detail Rana sa", she asked, good that she is showing interest in it... he started detailing everything to her, but briefly, as too much information could cause her headache... though Textiles isn't one of the top 10 highest revenue-generating businesses of R Empire, still it's a huge one and is the second-largest textile in Asia... "hawww... Rana sa... it's almost dinner time...", Isha gasped getting out of his arms and trying to rush out but he holds her palms...
"Calm down, it's fine, we have 15 minutes for it still", Abhyansh said
"Not we, only you, we are common people Maharaj, and we should get everything ready before his highness's arrival, and I'm late... let me go", she said and he smiled at her cute taunts...
"This Maharaj can become a common man for you, want me to??", he asked and she smiled widely cupping his cheeks and kissing his forehead overwhelming him... he could feel her love and care on her kiss, none kissed him on the forehead, his mother did a few times during his childhood, that's all, he has missed on that care from then but now he got someone to show that...
"No, your words are enough... Rana sa, do you realize, this is the most you have spoken from the time we are married", she said and he smiled
"This is the most I have spoken in my entire life", he said and she hugged him tightly...
"I love youAnsh...", she suddenly said and before he could react, she ran off, he smiled widely replaying those precious words of his precious wife in his head...
Amruta glared at Isha seeing her late, Isha apologized to her arranging the final things on the dining table...
"Isha, if I die of a heart attack, you are responsible", Amruta said after taking a sigh, seeing the arrangements done on time... and Isha giggled seeing her dramatic mother-in-law
"Ma... not my fault, it's your son... he kept talking that we lost track of time", Isha said casually...
"What?? You mean to say my son, like my elder son, Abhyansh kept talking??", Amruta asked Isha with shock...
"Yes, the very own king, Abhyansh Singh Ranawat kept talking and got me late, so if you want to hold someone responsible, it's him", Isha said with a smile, pouring water into her husband's glass...
Pratap and Rajmata Devyani Devi came there and hearing Isha's words, surprised them... Pratap felt happy that his son got someone who could make him human, but his happiness is short-lived, that someone is Amar Rajput's daughter... he didn't have any personal hatred toward Isha, in fact, he knew Isha is a very kind girl, a pure-hearted soul, but her having Amar Rajput's blood made it impossible for Pratap to accept Isha though his son did...
Amruta cleared her throat to let her daughter-in-law know about the other people's presence... seeing her father-in-law and grandmother-in-law, Isha slightly bowed and greeted them... though Abhyansh asked her not to bow in front of anyone as everyone has lesser positions than her, she didn't stop. She didn't understand what her husband is trying to say, this is not the same as in her home, where although her father was the king, he always bowed to his mother, and her mother, though was the queen, bowed in front of her mother-in-law.
Rajmata Devyani Devi nodded at Isha's greeting while Pratap as usual didn't respond but unfortunately, this is witnessed by Ranveer and Avyan who came for the dinner... Ranveer observed Isha's pained face for a second before she put a smile on her face... it didn't go well with him...
"Your Highness, could I please have a talk with you after dinner", Ranveer said looking at Pratap surprising everyone... Isha looked at her brother keenly to find anything but his face was calm like always... what's her brother up to?? Why does he want to talk to her father-in-law?? Pratap just nodded at Ranveer in response...
Abhyansh made his way and like always, everyone stood up and after he sat down, others did too and Isha served him and then sat beside him to have her dinner... everyone finished their dinner, Abhyansh stood up after his dinner and is walking away, and Avyan had to open his mouth...
"Bhabhi sa... finish your dinner fast and come to the hall, we have something for you", Avyan said
"Chocolates??", Isha asked excitedly
"You are not getting any more chocolates Bhabhi sa", Avyan said and Isha gave him a pleading look... "okay, but not today, I have got you something else since tomorrow is your first day at R Empire", Avyan said and Isha gave him a wide smile...
Abhyansh took a U-turn and sat in the hall as he is hell-jealous and wanted to see what his brother and brother-in-law got for his wife, why didn't he get that idea??
She quickly finished her dinner and all the trio walked to the hall where their gifts are kept but along with those, sat Abhyansh Singh Ranawat...
"B...Bhai sa...", Avyan fumbled, he didn't expect his brother, now how could he gift his sister-in-law something knowing how jealous his brother could get...
Abhyansh didn't respond, just kept looking at his phone...
"Avyan, bhai... show me what you have got, I'm so excited...", Isha asked, Ranveer sighed looking at Abhyansh, now he had to tolerate his petty brother-in-law, but he had no choice... so he walked and sat on the plush sofa opposite Abhyansh... Avyan didn't want to do it as he is very afraid but he is locked from all sides...
Isha went and settled beside her brother, and Avyan followed her reluctantly...
"This...this is for you Bhabhi sa... good luck for your first day", Avyan said hesitantly, his brother's presence is creating a lot of trouble for him and Rajput siblings understood that... Isha got up and walked to her husband, leaning toward his ear...
"Rana sa... don't you have any work?? Why are sitting here??", Isha whispered
"I do... and I'm doing, see", he said showing his phone where emails are open, Isha sighed
"Your presence is intimidating to Avyan... please go inside na", she pleaded
"If your brother-in-law is a coward, not my fault", he said seeing her caring for him... Avyan and Ranveer who heard this sighed... Isha huffed and sat back in her place which is in between Avyan and Ranveer leaving a lot of space between them than she usually leaves, as her husband is already a jealous one when it came to her, she didn't want him to burn in it...
"Thank you Avyan", she said putting the gift aside, thinking to open all gifts at a time, she is sure Vikram must have sent one for her...
"What did you get for me bhai??", Isha asked
"Here... take it, this is from me and this is from Vikram...", Ranveer said placing two boxes in her hands...
Hearing Vikram's name, Abhyansh glared at Ranveer... Isha who saw it, signed him to calm down and he glared at her in return... she sighed but didn't say anything...
"Now open the gifts", Ranveer said and Isha nodded opening the gift wrap... she is surprised to see the MacBook, and so does Abhyansh... why the hell didn't he get the idea to get her a Mac... "laptop??", she asked getting surprised...
"Yeah... Ranveer and I already entered the necessary data, look into it Bhabhi sa", Avyan said and Isha smiled... she explored everything, she got excited to see all her favourite games and Ranveer explained how to use the features and how she could use it to save her designs and also make them...
"You need practice but whenever you are free, instead of on paper, try making it on this, using the styler, it is lot more effective and gradually you will get used to it", Ranveer suggested and Isha nodded happily...
"Thank you so much Avyan", Isha said ruffling his hair affectionately, Avyan got afraid of his brother to fume in jealousy. He looked at his brother to apologize, but what he saw shocked him, there is a small, unnoticeable smile on the BEAST's usual poker face... every man feels contented when his wife loves and cares for his family more than him and in this case, he is no different, but he doesn't like to show it. Abhyansh nodded at Avyan as in appreciating what he has done for his Bhabhi sa, got up, and left from there, leaving his brother in tears...
Isha and Ranveer too noticed the minute exchange between the brothers.
"Bhabhi sa... di...did you see that??", Avyan said, he has no words to describe what he is feeling, that minute, he felt he got a lot closer to his brother... Isha nodded at Avyan ruffling his hair affectionately...
"I think your bhai sa loves you a lot, he just doesn't like to show it", Isha said and Avyan nodded...
"He does, he loves me a lot, and I know it", Avyan said remembering the past...
---------------------------------------
"You dare to come at my brother?? You better be dead", the young boy took the heavy sword and slit the man in front of him...
"Sh... it's okay, your bhai sa is here... no one can harm you... stop crying...", the boy said wiping the kid's tears...
"bhai sa.... bhai sa... bl...blood", the kid said with fright, looking at the blood flowing like a river from his brother's blood...
"Sh... it's nothing, don't worry... don't look there...", the young boy lifted his brother in his arms and walked away...
------------------------------------
"Avyan... what's wrong??", Isha asked worried seeing his brother-in-law's tearful eyes...
"Nothing Bhabhi sa, I'm too happy...", Avyan said... "let's see what your brother and friend have gifted you, and then you will rank the gifts, okay??", Avyan said and Isha nodded opening the gifts... she loved the bracelet her brother got...
"Bhai, help me wear it, not now, tomorrow before going to the office", she asked and Ranveer huffed
"Ishu... you are plotting against me a lot these days... I know what you want, but no, I'm not gonna stay here for the night", Ranveer said
"Bhai... please, if not you, who will drop me at the office tomorrow", Isha said trying the emotional blackmail angle...
"Bhabhi sa, from now on, I can take you to the office, we both have the same destination and since now I got my parking in B4, there is no fear of someone seeing us", Avyan said and Isha nodded... she doesn't want her brother to go back this late... Rajput palace is far from there and it takes at least 1.5 hours, and he also had to talk to her father-in-law, it would get him more late but her brother wouldn't listen to her... she is afraid from the time of his accident, it scares her and she couldn't breathe properly until he calls her and says he reached and is fine.
Isha shook her head and opened Vikram's gift, which has all the things needed for a designer... high-quality fabrics, art supplies, fashion books, magazines, and sewing accessories.
"Woah, he is good, so thoughtful, he might have struggled a lot to get you these Bhabhi sa", Avyan said
"Yeah, I helped him with finding most of them...", Ranveer said
"Bhai... you and Vikram are the best, thank you", Isha said side hugging her brother...
"Okay, now let me go and talk to your father-in-law", he said getting up...
"Ha, I forgot to ask, what do you have to talk to him??", Isha asked her brother...
"Something you shouldn't know", Ranveer winked at his sister and walked away...
"Bhai... you always do this...", Isha whined, Ranveer laughed and walked away... Avyan too bid his sister-in-law 'good night' and left from there followed by Isha... she is carrying her gifts, the servants asked if she needed any help but she shook her head and took everything on her own...
She entered her chamber, Abhyansh who would usually be working in his home office/Study or the study in his chamber, sat on the sofa in the living room-like area which is just after entering the chamber... he quickly stood up seeing her struggling to carry so many things and helped her with them...
"Why didn't you ask the servants to bring these here??", Abhyansh scolded her... the thought that she carried all these alone angered him...
"Its fine Rana sa...", she said with a smile, he knew its late and she wanted the servants to rest enough since they are working right from morning, but what about her?? She is working from morning too, why can't she think about herself at least once, he thought.
"It's their work to do all these...", Abhyansh said and is about to shout for someone but she stopped him...
"They asked me, I was the one who didn't let them... calm down, it's not a big deal", she said rubbing his arm and he glared at her...
"Where is your brother?? And he teaches me lessons on how to treat you", Abhyansh scoffed... "and Avyan?? What's wrong with him?? How can he let you carry all these, I'll have to teach him a lesson", Abhyansh started, Isha told him that her brother and brother-in-law didn't know but he went on and on about how irresponsible everyone is... he also bashed Vikram for gifting her so many things. She laughed at her husband seeing him bashing everyone in frustration like a child... he stopped his word war seeing her laughter...
"What's there to laugh in it??", Abhyansh asked
"Nothing... you are so cute...", she said trying to suppress her giggle but couldn't... Abhyansh let a small smile seeing her bright face... he carried everything to their room and put it on the table and after some time, the couple sat on the couch...
"I'm so happy with what you did today, Avyan is so happy...", Isha said, Abhyansh just nodded... "Rana sa...", she started
"Don't...", he said, he knew she is going to ask him to change the way he treats his brother and start showing him some love... he didn't want to deny her anything but some things are impossible, so he stopped her from asking... she sighed but tried to accommodate her husband's feelings. He is changing, thought gradually, he is, and she wants to help him with the change by being patient...
"Make me wear the bracelet bhai got me...", she said taking it excitedly...
"What's there to get excited about it... I got you so many things, you didn't look like this, instead got angry with me, remember??", he asked reminding her how she moved out of the walk-in closet when he was showing her...
"That's for a different reason... I thought you want to compensate by giving all these...", she said
"I don't... I got them because you deserve it, because you are my queen....", he said and she nodded...
"Okay, now make me wear this", she said handing him the bracelet box...
"Not now, will do tomorrow morning...", he said and she frowned... "let me put it at Shiv ji's feet during the puja and then you can wear it", he said surprising her... "since it's a gold ornament given by your brother, before wearing it, it's auspicious and also our tradition to put at god's feet in the puja", he explained to her and she nodded smiling at her husband... he is religious and knows a lot of things, but he never looked down on her for not knowing things like this, instead, he is patient with her explaining her things...
"Rana sa... why did you marry me??", she asked suddenly, he is so perfect, he is very well-known, Reetu, her friend keeps telling her how great he is, being the wealthiest, he could marry anyone, why her?? She could feel his body tensed but his face is like always, cold and emotionless...
"Sleep... you need to wake up early...", he said in his stern tone, which was hardly used on her these days... she nodded, but didn't move from there... "what??", he asked in the same tone which used to scare her, but for some reason, it didn't...
"You too come...", she said cutely, and just like that his cold face is replaced by a small smile...
"Come...", he said taking her palm in his and walking to the bed... she placed her phone on the bed and went to change into her pyjamas, while Abhyansh too went to change and came back laying on the bed, waiting for his wife, he need to start working after she falls asleep... her phone rings and looking at her brother-in-law's contact, he takes the call...
"Rajput...", Abhyansh says
"Ranawat... where is Ishu?? Anyways tell her I'm leaving to Rajput palace", Ranveer said walking towards his car...
"You didn't leave yet??", Abhyansh asked
"I'm now", Ranveer said avoiding talking about meeting his father...
"Who is it??", Isha who came out after changing sat beside her husband...
"Your bhai, he is leaving", Abhyansh said still in call...
"Now?? It's very late, Rana sa please ask him to stay... please...", Isha asked
"Relax, he is staying", Abhyansh said calming her... "Rajput, come back and go to your usual guest chamber", he ordered...
"Ranawat... I can't, I'm leaving... ask my sister not to play any games", Ranveer said angrily...
"If you come inside, you will save some effort and energy Rajput", Abhyansh said hanging up...
He called Bhairav and asked his men not to open the parking lot gates or the main gates... Ranveer tried a lot and after wasting all his energy and time, he came in exhausted... he is mad with both his sister and brother-in-law, so walked up to their chamber...
He entered the chamber and looked for Abhyansh or Isha but found none...
"Come upstairs... to the main hall", he heard his BEAST of a brother-in-law's voice booming from upstairs...
"I thought you guys slept peacefully, after making me struggle so much, where is my devil??", Ranveer asked settling on the sofa beside his brother-in-law...
"Rajput, mind your tone...", Abhyansh warned coldly... Isha just came out with a badam shake...
"Have it bhai...", Isha said giving him the badam shake... Ranveer snatched it showing his anger and Isha huffed...
"I really don't understand why you strain yourself so much for this arrogant a**", Abhyansh said glaring at his brother-in-law...
"Rana sa... it's not his fault... I made him angry...", Isha said and sat beside her brother who is having the badam shake shamelessly, well that's what her beast of a brother-in-law thought... "Bhai... I'm worried from the time you got into...into that accident... please don't drive at night... please... what if something happens to you?? How could I live??", Isha says, and looking at her scared form, Ranveer's anger is long forgotten but BEAST's fury is raised seeing her so scared... what's there to worry about him??
"Ishu... bacha... nothing will happen to me...", he started
"Exactly my point, stop worrying for him", Abhyansh interrupted, Ranveer glared at him while Isha looked at her husband in surprise at his petty behaviour...
"I won't get into an accident but something might happen to me because of a certain BEAST", Ranveer said looking at Abhyansh who scoffed at him...
"Bhai... stop it...", Isha said understanding whom her brother is calling a 'Beast'
"See, even with your brain, you understood that I'm referring to him, that means, he is really a threat to me", Ranveer said and now both the wife and husband glared at him...
"Next time, mix rat poison in his badam shake", Abhyansh said, Ranveer who is drinking the badam shake choked... Isha laughed looking at it, patting her brother's head...
"You are laughing at it instead of reprimanding him??", Ranveer asked his sister in disbelief
"Bhai... Rana sa is kidding", Isha said with a giggle...
"No, I'm serious...", Abhyansh said with his poker face...
"Rana sa... sh...", she said, to tolerate their bickering...
"Bhai... you need something else?? I can make it for you ", Isha asked and Ranveer shook his head glaring at his brother-in-law... "okay then... go and sleep... I washed your pyjamas the last time you wore them and placed it in the wardrobe there...", she said and he nodded
"Wait, who got you these pyjamas, where are the ones I got you??", Ranveer asked looking at his sister's pyjamas with amusement, they are cute but he didn’t remember shopping these...
It is a cozy, light pink pajama set made of a soft, plush material. The top is long-sleeved with a relaxed, oversized fit and has a round neckline. A cute bunny face is printed on the front of the top, along with the words "How are you?" The pajama pants match the top, also featuring the same soft material and a relaxed fit, with cuffed ankles. There's a small matching bunny face design on the left side of the pants, just below the waistline. The overall look is comfortable and cute, perfect for lounging or sleeping.
"Ragini got me these... cute na...", Isha said
"They are good, but mine were better...", Ranveer boasted
"Yeah... they are... especially those Pokemon ones, they are so cute bhai", Isha said
"Hai na??(right??), I too loved them the most... we'll go buy some more this weekend", Ranveer said, and Isha nodded excitedly... Abhyansh looked at the brother-sister weirdly, he could never understand their love for cartoons...
"Looks like you haven't learned your lesson, I'll gift you some more cartoons", Abhyansh said lowly so that only Ranveer could hear... Ranveer immediately stood up... he needs to leave from there as soon as possible, his brother-in-law can be very cruel sometimes, who is he kidding?? He is always cruel and he wants to escape him asap...
"Ishu bacha... it's late, I'll go and rest... good night", Ranveer said and walked away, leaving his sister in confusion...
Isha took the badam glass and walked away to the kitchen... Abhyansh walked to their room followed by his wife... both of them settled on the bed...
"Why did Ragini buy you pajamas?? You don't accept things from me but her??", he asked her calmly, trying to mask his fury and hurt...
"No no, I gave her the money... I didn't take it as a gift, I asked her to buy it as I wasn't allowed to go out then Rana sa", she said, she doesn't want to remind him about that past, but she had to clarify him... he pulled her to him kissing her head closing his eyes in pain... she knew he is regretting his every action... "don't think much...", she said snuggling into him more...
"Hm... sleep now, you need to wake up early...", he said and she nodded though she didn't understand why she would be getting up early... he ruffled her hair, his fingers gently massaging her scalp which made her fall asleep faster... after that, he got up and started working, At 3:30 in the morning, he shut his mac down and laid beside her, only to wake up in half an hour...
He got up, freshened up, and walked to their walk-in closet, took her clothes and accessories out for the day... he woke her up and asked her to freshen up, she looked at her phone and frowned to see the time, but her husband's strict aura didn't let her ask any questions...
"Wear the clothes I have taken out", he said and walked away leaving her confused...
She freshened up and wore the saree her husband took out along with the jewellery, thankfully they aren't heavy but with those ornaments and saree, she looked like a complete woman...
It’s a traditional and elegant red saree, which exudes a rich and royal vibe. The saree is made of a luxurious fabric, likely silk, featuring intricate golden zari work that adds a touch of opulence. The border of the saree is broad, with detailed patterns woven in gold. She is wearing a matching red blouse with short sleeves, which fits snugly and complements the saree perfectly. The blouse is simple, allowing the saree's intricate work to stand out.
Her accessories are traditional and ornate, including a heavy gold necklace that sits close to her neck, matching earrings, and a maang tikka (a piece of jewelry worn on the forehead), which enhances her traditional look. She also has bangles on her wrist and a nath (a traditional nose ring), adding to the cultural richness of her attire.
Her hair is styled in a neat, low bun, with a few loose strands framing her face, which adds a soft, graceful touch to her overall appearance.
She put a red bindi and is about to fill her hairline with vermillion when Abhyansh came in...
"Don't", he said walking in with barefoot... and his white kurti pant, and his chest bare, with only a red shawl covering it, his Janeyu is visible, along with his scars... his forearms, head and chest are filled with sacred Ash and by looking at it, Isha understood that her husband is now going to the temple to do his daily puja but why to wake her up and get her ready, it's not like he would take her there... none is allowed inside the temple except for him so she strikes off that thought but she is met by a shock.
"Come with me, barefoot", he said and walked away and she followed him...
Both the husband-wife walked into the passages through their chamber... Isha blindly followed her husband as she didn't know the way. After walking for about 30 minutes, they reached huge doors, which are now open, Abhyansh entered in and Isha followed him... what met her eyes shocked her... it's like she is in another world... it's actually a temple, a very huge one, surrounded by nature, and there is a lake like in many ancient temples... extremely peaceful and the place felt surreal...
"Wear these and your saree...", he said handing her Gajra and showing her to tie her saree in a traditional way... she quickly took the other end of her pallu and attached it to the other side of her blouse, and adorned Gajra(flowers) in her hair...
He started the puja, reciting different stotras and worshipping Lord Shiva, Isha stood astounded, she stood behind him, a bit far from him, with her hands joined. He finished his puja after 45 minutes, he took the vessel of milk and signed her to come to him while reciting shiv stotra, she walked to him, and he signalled her to hold his hand surprising her, she did hesitantly... both the husband-wife together did the 'Abhishek' to Lord Shiva... Isha's eyes are filled, She did hear about this temple, and Amruta, many times told her how she wished to show the temple to her, but Abhyansh wouldn't allow anyone there, he alone cleans the temple and does puja there... her husband, that moment, with his that gesture, showed how important she is in his life...
They finished the rituals, and now it's time for Maha aarti, Abhyansh took the huge Aarti thaali by holding it's handle, and asked Isha to hold his hand, and both of them together offered prayers to Shiv Ling, with Abhyansh reciting the respective Stotras.
After all the puja is done, Abhyansh explained her to pray by sitting on her knees, folding them back and then putting her head on the floor... and she followed his instructions, while he did the 'Sahashtang'. They got up after praying, Abhyansh took some flower petals and yellow rice grains from Lord Shiva's feet, Isha bent down and touched his feet, and he blessed her by putting those petals on her.
When she thought they are done, he took a pinch of sindhoor and filled her hairline surprising her...
"From here on, you will be doing the puja with me every Monday", he declared and she nodded with filled eyes... he gently wiped her tears, took her hand, and walked showing her the whole temple...
"Rana sa, this place is so beautiful... so peaceful...", Isha said, experiencing a different feeling altogether, she never experienced so much she is doing at that time...
"This is the specialty of this place, even the air here is much purified than anywhere... there is a natural sandalwood stone every here and there, which purifies the air from all evils of life, the most astonishing part is this temple alone has a different climate than all the places surrounding it, including our palace, like it's not necessarily that it will rain here if it rains at our palace, my guru dev once said that the climate here changes according to Shiv Ji's mood...", Abhyansh told astonishing her, all these things are so shocking to her...
"This place is so clean, you are good", she said looking at the place immaculate...
"No, I clean this place once in every two weeks, I just clean the place near Shiv ling every day. As I told you, the air here is very pure, even if you leave the place without cleaning for months, this will still be immaculate", he said and her eyes widened in disbelief... she never experienced such things in her life...
"From now, I'll clean this place... can I??", she asked hesitantly and he nods with a smile...
"We will do it together...", he said and she smiled... just then, the climate suddenly changed and due to heavy wind, Abhyansh's red shawl flew away... Isha is about to catch it but he held her hand...
"Don't worry, I'll take it later, the heavy wind will stop in a while, this happens every day before sunrise... come, I'll show you something", he said taking her hand in his and walking to a faraway corner...
"From here, you can go to the back palace you saw that day... during the wars, women and children are sent here from the palace so they can be protected, even if the enemies got successful in entering the palace, they could never enter this temple without the people inside here opening...", he said
"Then how do they enter here in the first place", Isha asked...
"Just like we entered, through the king's chamber, there is another secret passage to here from our chamber, I have closed it for now, and got this made after I was crowned, the one from where we entered, the king and queen used to come here, open the passage for the back palace and after everyone is gathered here, the passage is closed", he said and all these things fascinated her... it's as if she is watching a periodic drama...
"Rana sa... thank you for bringing me here...", she said holding his hand...
"I thought It's your first day in the office, you are the queen and your first day in your very own empire should start with Mahadev's blessings", he said and she smiled...
"Aish... Rana sa... we forgot the bracelet bhai gave me...", she said hitting her forehead...
"I brought it...", he said walking to the main temple...
"When??", she asked following him...
"After I freshened up, I got everything ready for the puja, before waking you up, and brought it with me, then", he said and took the box which is covered in turmeric, vermillion, and flowers... Abhyansh took out the bracelet and made her wear it...
"We need to get ready for the office na, let's go to the palace", she said after some time, picking up her husband's shawl... "hm... here...", she said handing him the shawl... she is shy to look at his bare chest...
"Do the honours", he said slightly bending...
"Rana sa... what are you saying?? We are in a temple", she said and he chuckled...
"My shiv ji won't mind, also I'm just asking you to make me wear it, what were you thinking Rani sa?? Haw... we are in a temple", he said teasing her... her eyes widened...
"I...I.. I didn't think anything...", she fumbled, and Abhyansh chuckled seeing her... she quickly placed the shawl around his shoulders and started walking away when he held her hand stopping her...
"Let's wait for the sunrise, it's beautiful here... ", he said
"But...", she started
"We won't get late", he said and she nodded, and after a few minutes, the sun rose and Isha's eyes stuck at the beautiful sight, she would have regretted if she missed that sight, she never had such an enlightening experience...
The king and queen enjoyed the view for a while and walked back to the palace, but not before taking Mahadev's blessings one last time...
Isha quickly rushed down to make breakfast, Amruta is surprised to see her daughter-in-law in traditional clothes... she asked her but Isha is in a hurry to prepare breakfast, also she didn't know is she could tell her mother-in-law or anyone about it or not, she still has to confirm with her husband about it.
Soon, it's breakfast time and Isha started serving Abhyansh...
"Ishu, my bacha... you are looking so pretty today...", Ranveer complimented his sister... Isha smiled at her brother nodding at him...
Abhyansh felt like a fool, she looked extremely gorgeous, he had no words, but he didn't tell her that, and now his stupid brother-in-law stole the show, he cursed his lack of expressiveness for it... after serving her husband, she quickly sat and had her breakfast, Ranveer smiled looking at the bracelet he gave her on her right hand while the bangles Avyan gifted her are on her left hand, She wears them every day to the office like he wanted.
After breakfast, Isha walked to her chamber, followed by her husband... she took out her work clothes but Abhyansh took it from her and stuffed them back into her wardrobe...
"Rana sa, I'm getting late...", she whined...
"Don't change clothes, wear this and come to the office", he said, for a second, she thought he is kidding but looking at his serious face, she knew he isn't...
"Rana sa... what are you saying?? What will people think??", Isha said
"What would they think?? You are not breaking any policy of the company, what they think shouldn't concern you, this is a saree designed by you, walk inside confidently... show them what you are capable of", Abhyansh said
"But...", Isha started
"Confidence isn't in what you wear Rani sa, it's in you, within you, and today you need to bring it out... you are the queen of that empire you are gonna step in, the people looking at you might not know it but you do, who will have the audacity to stop you from entering your premises hm??", he said holding her shoulders, and surprisingly his words did impact her...
"Rana sa... isn't it too heavy??", she asked
"No... and you should see our senior directors on board, some of them belong to the royal families, and they do attend meetings with these attires during the festivals, it's completely normal... stay confident... and you areIsha Abhyansh Singh Ranawat, hold your head high and walk through the gates...", he said and she nodded... "that's my queen", he said kissing her forehead...
She opened her hair, took the flowers, and put it aside, deciding to adorn it after making a braid... but Abhyansh held her shoulders and made her sit on the chair in front of the dressing table...
"Let me do it, just guide me if I go wrong anywhere, okay??", he said shocking her...
"Rana sa... I can make it...", she said trying hard not to fumble but his actions are leaving no option but making her nervous...
"Sh... let me...", he said and she left his hands... it overwhelmed her, till then only her brother made her hair so lovingly, seeing her husband do these things fluttered her heart. He slowly tried making the bun, he practiced the previous evening and she helped him holding his hands, whenever he went wrong... and after half an hour, he made the bun, and adorned the flowers in it, and reapplied vermillion in her hairline... he went inside the closet and chose a Louis Vuitton handbag suitable for her outfit, and came out with it... he shifted all her stuff including the laptop his brother gave her the previous evening into her bag and got things ready for her.
She so wanted to sob hugging him, seeing him doing all those things for her, its always she who took care of his things, and she loved doing everything for him, but never expected him to do all those for her, but when he is actually doing, it made her overwhelmingly happy...
"I'll take you to the office today", he declared and she nodded... "go down, I'll in a minute", he said and she nodded attempting to take her bag but he pulled away... "I need to put some more things in it", he said and she nodded walking downstairs, she thought he would get it through servants but never imagined him to carry it by himself...
"Ishu... why aren't you ready yet, You'll get late on your first day", Ranveer who is waiting for Isha in the main hall of the palace along with Amruta and Avyan said
"Bhai, I'm ready... and Rana sa said he would be taking me to the office", Isha said
"Is he gonna declare that you are the queen??", Ranveer asked
"No... no... why do you ask", she said
"Then why else would he make you go to office in this outfit", Ranveer said and she huffed
"Bhai... it's nothing like that, and also we have no dress code, we can wear anything we are comfortable with, and I'm comfortable in this, so why not??", she said and Ranveer is surprised to see her confidence, he nodded, well he didn't have a problem if his sister goes like that to office, the only problem is she looked too beautiful, and even another man staring at his sister boiled his blood... he even hated Abhyansh for taking away his sister... and just like that, he was reminded of his devil of a brother-in-law, if he didn't have a problem with Isha looking this pretty to the office, he(Ranveer) wouldn't have to worry, as the BEAST is the most jealous man in the entire world, and if he is fine with it, then he must have had plans to handle the problem so Ranveer stopped worrying.
"Bhabhi sa... yesterday you didn't rate our gifts... come on, do it now... first place goes to your brother or me??", Avyan asked
"Your brother...", Isha answered remembering how her husband took her to the temple and held her hands making her do the puja...
"You mean your brother?? Bhabhi sa...", Avyan started but Isha cut him off seeing her husband descending the stairs holding her bag, while his office bag is held by Bhairav who is walking behind him...
"No, I mean your bhai sa, Maharaj Abhyansh Singh Ranawat, gets the first place", Isha says smiling brightly at her husband who walked towards her...
"Here... your bag", he said and she nodded... his words shocked Avyan and Ranveer... what the hell has happened to the mighty king, he carried his wife's bag?? That too in front of the servants and the family?? When did the BEAST become so gentlemanly?? Thought Ranveer and Avyan... "let's go", Abhyansh said and Isha nodded and bid byes to her brother and brother-in-law...
"What did he get her that she gave him the first place?? A Louis Vuitton bag gets the first prize, like really??", Ranveer whined looking at the retreating figures of his sister and brother-in-law...
"I can smell Match-fixing Ranveer...", Avyan said and Ranveer nodded in agreement, well according to them, the emotionless beast can never give any thoughtful gift, but this time he broke all their expectations...
Abhyansh's car entered the B4 of their office, and Bhairav opened Isha's door while John opened Abhyansh's door...
"Rani sa... use this elevator... this is a normal elevator but is disabled for B4 since Hukum would be using the private elevator but since you will be here from today, I have got it activated", Bhairav said, Isha nodded gulping her fear, looking at the elevator...
"Private elevator isn't in condition, so, I'll be using the general elevator", Abhyansh declared holding Isha's hand, he entered the elevator leaving no room for discussion, and both Bhairav and John understood what he meant... they sent a circular across the company which says the Private elevator isn't working, and the king will be using general elevators, so asking them to be careful about their behaviours...
"sh... it's fine... relax... I'm here", Abhyansh said holding her palm which calmed her to a certain extent... the elevator stopped at B2 and Isha moved far, before the doors opened... the employees who saw the king were shocked... the doors are about to close when Isha opened for them...
"Come inside, if you want to, I don't have a whole day", Abhyansh said in his cold tone... one employee started shaking in fear as he heard the BEAST's voice for the first time...
"No Maharaj... we will wait...", they said collectively... they looked at Isha as if she is some Arjuna bravery Awardee, well according to them, standing beside the BEAST without collapsing is worth the bravery award.
The doors closed and Isha sighed in relief...
"Next time, don't open for anyone, they won't enter if I am in", he said and she nodded, she got down on the first floor and Abhyansh went to his floor pressing 'non-stop' as he hated when it stopped in floors...
Reetu and Ragini greeted Isha, they are surprised to see Isha's outfit...
"Where did this confidence come from??", Ragini asked looking at Isha with amusement...
"Rana sa...", she said with a smile making her friends tease her...
"God, you look extremely gorgeous, I feel the king is beating his own legs with his stick, shouldn't blame anyone for ogling you", Reetu said and Isha glared at her for always exaggerating things not knowing that she is really going to turn heads today...
"Wait, your bun is a bit tilted, let me get that straight", Ragini said trying to reach Isha's hair when she moved back...
"Leave it like that, it's good this way", Isha said nervously and both her friends looked at her narrowing their eyes...
"Tell us what is it before we find it ourselves", Reetu said
"Nothing", Isha said
"Fine then, we'll definitely have to set the bun right", Ragini said trying to reach for it again...
"Rana sa made it", Isha blurted in order to stop her friends from touching it, is it's in her hands, she would stay like that with the bun till it comes out on its own...
"What did you just say?? I'm hearing things", Reetu said setting her ears, while Ragini stood there shocked... that stony man, can be emotional too??
"Tell me what did you plan today?? First the outfit and now this, is the king going to reveal about you in the company??", Ragini asked the same question as Ranveer...
"Oh god! no, why do everyone keep asking the same thing??", Isha asked
"Who else asked??", Reetu asked
"My bhai too said the same thing", Isha said unknown to her best friend's interest in her brother...
"Do dil ek jaan... ever heard of that Ishu??", Reetu said confusing Isha... Ragini hit Reetu with her leg trying to stop her stupid friend from blurting anything in front of Isha that could jeopardize their friendship...
"I didn't get you", Isha said
"Nothing, let's go, we have a lot of work today, Mr. Chaudhri delegated workspace to us, and now we have to start arranging things and start working...", Ragini said and Isha nodded...
"This is a pretty cool workspace", Reetu said looking around... "though R Empire is great and had very employee-friendly benefits, I didn't expect such a royal treatment and amenities, thanks to some kind queen who is loved by her king crazily...", Reetu said bumping Isha's shoulder...
"Queen?? What do you mean??", Shivam asked, Isha glared at Reetu for blurting things without looking around...
"Um... it's nothing, Reetu has gone mad, actually Isha's husband is a close acquaintance to the king, and she met the queen quiet sometimes, and had a good rapport with her, so Reetu meant that way though her comment has no base. We got the workspace based on our capabilities", Ragini said
"You had a good rapport with the queen?? Really?? God, I can't believe it... now I see, why you bravely wore such outfit on your first day", Shivam said and Isha sighed...
Their other colleagues who heard that she is close to the queen, rushed to her and kept asking her different questions until Ragini dispersed all of them strictly.
"These people might faint when they get to know the truth", Reetu said and Isha glared at him... they started arranging things and after an hour or so, they completed the work, and Ragini received a call from Ashley for the final verification of things with the merger, before the HR team of R Empire takes over the things...
They worked on things for the final meeting with Ashley....
"Finally, we'll get rid of that b**ch", Reetu said
"Reetu...", Isha said softly, trying to reprimand her friend
"Ishu... what wrong did she say?? She is a b**ch, she always picks on you", Ragini said and Isha sighed, she really couldn't defeat her friends when they both are on the same side, Ragini is usually sensible but when she chooses to rebel, no one can control her.
"Woah... look at whom we have here... Ma'am I think you misunderstood our office to be a function hall", Ashley Parker said walking towards Isha...
"No, I haven't, technically I haven't broken any rule of the company, also it's very normal for us designers to wear the designs we made and the saree I'm wearing is designed by me, personally stitched by me, so I don't find anything wrong in it, Ma'am", Isha said politely but her words surprised all her colleagues... she was coached by the king himself, so its pretty normal for her to behave that way... Isha's confidence surprised Ashley too...
"How do you know our rules and regulations even before entering our office?? You are still not aware of our policies", Ashley tried to trick Isha...
"Okay then, tell me which policy of yours I violated", Isha asked politely...
"You need to wear formals for office... and the outfit you are wearing is nowhere formal", Ashley said
"But that's for only Bands 1&2, I'm neither", Isha said
"That's not true...", Ashley tried to argue but Isha didn't faze... "who told you about all this, the person is definitely spreading wrong information, I'll make sure proper action is taken against him/her”, Ashley said throwing her power...
"I told her... what action will be taken against me Ms. Parker??", Avyan said entering inside the workspace allotted to Ragini's employees... Ranveer followed him...
"Sir... I was just trying to get the facts checked your highness, Apologies", Ashley said bowing her head but Avyan kept drilling holes in her head, how dare she question his Bhabhi sa...
"You don't check facts by lying Ms. Parker... you just attended a disciplinary committee last week, yet didn't change your ways... Bharat...", Avyan called for John's assistant...
"Yes Yuvraj...", Bharat said coming there...
"Make sure Ms. Parker learns her lesson this time...", Avyan said
"Wait Avyan... why are you troubling Bharat for this, we can teach Ms. Parker a lesson ourselves", Ranveer said staring at Ashley... Ashley so wanted to comment that with what right Ranveer is talking, but she shut her mouth up not to bring more difficulties on her head, but even if she asks, he had a befitting reply for it. Ranveer is not only present there as their queen's brother but also a partner to R Empire...
"Ms. Parker, apologize to Mrs. Isha for your behaviour...", Avyan said understanding what Ranveer wanted... also if Bharat takes matters into his hand, there is a chance of his brother knowing it and Ashley could lose her job too, and Isha will definitely hate it so Avyan agreed with Ranveer's idea...
"I'm sorry Mrs. Isha...", Ashley said, Avyan nodded and slightly bowed to Isha before leaving, Ranveer walked to Isha, Ragini, and Reetu...
"All the best to you people for reaching this milestone and also for your future endeavours", Ranveer formally shook Ragini and Reetu's hands as well as Isha's, Reetu observed he held Ragini's hand for a few seconds more, as he is reluctant to leave her hand... Reetu had to clear her throat to bring the couple out of their reverie...
Ranveer nodded at Isha and left from there...
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