CHAPTER – 6
R agini and her team settled down in the first half and started meeting. Because of the complications in the acquisition process, the HR team asked Ashley and her team to assist Ragini and others for a few more days since the acquisition is first on its kind for R Empire. Every acquisition done till now is only on paper, their team never attended the R Empire building except for official meetings, and they operated from their previous office buildings, but Abhyansh wanted Ragini and her team to work in his building for obvious reasons.
And because of that, Ragini and her employees are on R Empire's payroll, so the HR department needs more time to sort all these things, Ashley huffed and left from there leaving Isha, Ragini and Reetu to sigh.
"She would create more trouble for us", Reetu expressed
"Yeah, I thought the HR department would be taking control of things from Ashley and her team today, but they need more time it seems...", Ragini said. Isha nodded and recalled how the HR department apologized and said they would try to fix this sooner. Till then they asked them to cooperate with Ashley and her team, Ashley didn't throw any tantrums, accepted the HR department's request which rang bells among Ragini's employees.
"Ms. Ashley clearly isn't fond of us, then why didn't she deny the HR department's request??", Isha questioned
"To torture us, what can be any other reason?? That woman is definitely not a saint to do good deeds... such a bi**h...", Reetu said and Ragini agreed
"Reetu... don't use such words...", Isha said and Reetu and Ragini sighed at their friend...
"Okay fine, let's talk about work, let's have our first meeting in R Empire after lunch, okay??", Ragini announced to all her staff and everyone nodded enthusiastically... "every change sees some challenges, the meeting agenda is to discuss the challenges we face after shifting here, previously we had our workplace and boutique in the same office space, so it was very easy to track our sales and directly know our customers and their needs, I think that contributed a lot to our designers to create their best work, so, we'll be discussing how to tackle those challenges", Ragini completed and everyone agreed.
Ragini suggested that they have their food together since it's their first day and also there are a lot of chances that they get bullied by Ashley and her team or the other employees if eaten separately. But they never imagined that they would get to witness such a huge drama on the first day of their extraordinary feat of working in the R Empire building.
Everyone settled in the cafeteria, and some went to get lunch while others who brought tiffin from home heated their food. Isha, along with Shivam and Aashna is heating her lunch in the microwaves provided in the cafeteria when a man approached them...
"Excuse me??", he said looking at Isha...
"Yes?? Do you need something, sir??", she asked politely
"You look beautiful... your courage and confidence in carrying your outfit are commendable... may I know your name please??", he said looking at Isha... Isha gave an awkward smile, she didn't realize that the man is flirting with her since he is very polite...
"Um... Isha...", she said awkwardly...
"Abhay... Abhay Malhotra... Director, Brand Management", he said forwarding his palm for a handshake... Isha shook her hands awkwardly... Shivam and Aashna's eyes widened hearing his position, he is quite a senior but looks young.
"Which department do you work in?? I have never seen you before", he said
"Um... today is our first day, R Empire recently acquired our boutique... I'm sorry, forgot to introduce my colleagues, this is Shivam and that's Aashna", Isha introduced them and he shook their hands as well but he seemed only interested in Isha... he kept talking to Isha making her uncomfortable, Shivam understood this and tried to save his friend...
"I'm sorry to interrupt you sir, but we have a meeting soon after lunch, so we need to go...", Shivam said and Isha and Aashna nodded...
"May I join you guys?? If you don't mind??", Abhay said, Shivam, Aashna and even Isha wanted to say 'No' strictly but they don't want to offend a person in such a senior post, so they unwillingly nodded...
They walked to their table and Shivam introduced Ragini, Reetu, and others to Abhay and vice-versa.
"So, Isha, what are your hobbies...", Abhay asked
"Um... cooking and designing clothes, that's all", she said politely
"Can I try it?? Did you cook this??", he asked and she nodded awkwardly, he used the spoon he is eating with to taste the curry and she absolutely hated it, she is never used to eating the ort meal (Jhoota Khana). Till date, she only had food from her brother's and husband's plate but here this stranger did that. Isha decided not to eat her box anymore...
"Um.... it's very tasty, you are a wonderful cook, you are amazing", he said and she smiled awkwardly...
Ragini and Reetu understood that Isha is getting very uncomfortable now, that man is openly flirting with her... Shivam is now pissed, he is that protective friend of Ragini, Reetu, and Isha. He thought that man would back out if he gets to know Isha is married... he signalled Ragini to call him, Ragini shook her head as that plan would backfire but Shivam is adamant, he changed Ragini's contact to Isha's husband and asked her to call him...
"I'm sorry to interrupt you sir, Isha... where is your phone?? Your husband is calling me, here take it", Shivam said handing over his phone which showed Isha's husband... Isha panicked, Shivam doesn't know about who her husband is then how come he had his number... Ragini is signing her not to panic but Isha isn't looking at her way...
"Wh...Why is he calling you?? H...How did you have his number?? Sh..Shivam...", Isha got nervous... but Abhay took it in another way...
"Why are you so afraid of your husband?? Hey relax... calm down...", he said holding her shoulder... Isha pushed his hands immediately and moved back... "hey, chill... it's okay...", he said again trying to hold her palm...
"Mr. Malhotra... she is fine, please sit down and continue your lunch", Ragini said "Ishu... come with me...", Ragini said glaring at Shivam who didn't understand anything, he just tried to help Isha right?? Then why is Ragini glaring at him as if he committed a murder...
Isha nodded at Ragini and is about to walk away when Abhay held her palm...
"Our conversation is not done yet", he said with a flirtatious smile... Isha tried to pull away her hand from his grip but his grip is tight, now it's heights for Ragini, she is about to give him a piece of mind but before she could do anything, a glass hit his head and he jerked his palm which is holding Isha's...
Abhyansh walked to the cafeteria to spot his wife and the staff are told that his highness Abhyansh Singh Ranawat is coming to the first-floor cafeteria for the food quality checks. His eyes quickly scanned the whole place and he found his wife in a second, but what he saw boiled his blood, he found a glass on the table beside him, and immediately threw it aiming Abhay Malhotra's head, everything happened in a split second that none could notice before the commotion made some sound.
"ABHAY", Abhyansh roared, hearing his scream, everyone is terrified, Abhay who is tending his wound on head till now forgot about it as soon as he heard the BEAST's anger-filled scream...
"M....Maharaj...", Abhay said bowing his head down, his legs literally shivering, hands shaking... Ragini and Reetu are more terrified as they knew the reason for his anger, what if he blasts at them as well for not protecting Isha...
"Is that how you behave with a woman?? With a married woman??", Abhyansh screamed making everyone shiver...
"M...Maharaj... my sincere apologies... please forgive me...", Abhay let out those words with difficulty... everyone is looking down fearing his fury, but Isha looked at her husband who isn't looking at her at all, his gaze is only busy in killing Abhay who is half-dead by now... is he angry with her?? She thought, yes he is, he is mad at her for not slapping that ba**a*d right away.
"John, get him booked under PoSH(Prevention of Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace), take her(Isha's) signatures", Abhyansh ordered, he wanted to cut the man's hands then and there for touching his wife but he needs to be rational and think as a chairman of the company not as her husband, that's what his wife wants him to do, he doesn't want to give bad memories of her first day at her empire. "Both of you, meet me in my cabin", he said strongly... "on the same floor", he added as his wife can't take the elevators, so he got a cabin for himself on the first floor too, saying this, he stormed out of the cafeteria, and as soon as he entered his cabin in the first floor, he punched the wall strongly...
Isha sat at a side table holding her head, her husband is definitely furious with her as well, her eyes welled up... John got the complaint ready but Isha is apprehensive. She doesn't want to drag her family's name to the court, she is concerned about her husband's respect, she thought the case would go to court. Ranveer who rushed there after knowing what happened through Ragini saw his sister hesitating to sign. He understood her apprehensiveness...
"Mrs. Isha, the investigation is carried out internally, there is a redressal body in the organization, so don't worry, it's your right", Ranveer said politely, if not for so many people, he would have hugged his sister, seeing those tears in her eyes... hearing her brother, she sighed and signed the papers.
"Mrs. Isha, and Ms. Shah, His Highness wants you to meet him, please", John said showing the way... Isha sighed and walked whereas Ragini shivered even scared to imagine what the scary BEAST will say to her. Ranveer understood her fears so he too followed them...
"I'll go first, he must be furious, I'll text you after he calms down, then come in", Isha said, Ragini nodded but Ranveer is against this idea.
"What about you?? He is furious, I'll also come with you bacha", Ranveer said afraid for his sister, he knew how possessive his beast of a brother-in-law is...
"Bhai... let me handle this please... I'll be fine, don't worry, okay??", Isha said
"She is right, it's better she goes alone, it's between them, it's better to let them deal with this alone", Ragini said as she knew it would be difficult for Isha to handle her husband in front of audience, that would always make her conscious but when they are alone, she could do many things to calm him down and as a woman she knew this.
Ranveer turned to glare at Ragini but seeing her confident, he wants to trust in her belief so he nodded surprising Isha... her brother wouldn't normally let her face her angry husband. She had to persuade him a lot to let her but this time he agreed so easily??
"But I'll come in if you didn't call us in 5 minutes... ", Ranveer said
"Bhayyu... 20 minutes", Isha bargained
"Not a second more than 5 minutes", Ranveer said and Isha sighed
"Fine, 10 minutes, now go in", Ragini said winking at Isha, Ranveer looked at her in surprise and shock, did she just speak in his behalf?? For some reason it felt good to Ranveer... Isha walked inside locking the door physically...
Ragini gave an awkward smile to Ranveer noticing his gaze on her...
"So sorry Mr. Rajput... but 5 minutes is very less considering how mad Maharaj is, I know I have no right to say that but any delay would anger his highness more so I had to", Ragini said and Ranveer frowned, why did she give him an explanation... huh... he left a disappointed sigh and she thought he didn't like her involvement and even the thought upsetted her... "I am sorry Mr. Rajput... ", she started but he glared at her which stopped her from saying a word... around Isha he maintains this soft and child like personality but at that moment he looked very dominant and scary.
"You look smart but looks can be deceiving", Ranveer said and Ragini frowned... "Did you really think I minded your words on my behalf??", he said pinning her to the wall surprising her with his sudden move...
"Mr. Rajput... wh.. what are you doing??", Ragini said panicking, what if someone saw them?? Looking at her nervous face Ranveer moved away... thankfully Avyan came after he moved away...
"Ranveer, I heard what happened in the cafeteria, how is Bhabhi sa??", Avyan asked worried...
"She looked fine, but I have to talk to her later to know exactly, but your beast of a brother is furious, and your Bhabhi sa is a stupid, she insisted on entering the lion's den alone", Ranveer said
"Why did you let her??", Avyan asked getting worried for Isha... Ragini sighed at all the over protective men around her best friend, how the hell is she maintaining her sanity with these men around, she wondered.
Isha took careful steps towards her husband, he knew her presence the moment she entered his cabin and locked the door but he didn't look at her, he doesn't want to hurt her, her stupidity is causing him unexplainable fury... why the hell didn't she jerk his hands and slap him hard?? Why??
"Rana sa... I'm sorry", she said, she knew she is at fault but she didn't want to create a scene by reacting that's why she didn't jerk his hands, she tried hard to pull away from his grip though...
"Oh! so, Rani sa knows that she is at fault", he asked sarcastically drilling holes in her head...
"I tried to pull off but...", she started and that made him burst out...
"Pull off?? You should have slapped that jerk, ah... I feel like cutting his hands off", he shouted punching the wall, scaring her off... she tried to touch him but he moved back...
"Have you washed your hands??", he asked and she looked at him bewildered, he held her wrist, took her to the washroom attached, and washed her palms with handwash, he kept rubbing her palms, and that for unknown reasons made her laugh but she with a lot of difficulty held it otherwise her husband would have killed her... but the next moment, her hopes are shattered, huh she must be naive to think she could hide things from her husband...
"I don't know what is so humorous Rani sa??", he said in his cold tone that made her shiver...
"R...Rana sa... I'm sorry... please forgive me", she said, he washed her palms and wiped them gently with the hand towel, before leaving her hands and walking out, she sighed and followed her husband... "Rana sa...", she called, he didn't stop, so she had to run and pull him by his forearm to stop him...
"Isha...I'm very mad, I don't wanna hurt you, so let me go...", Abhyansh said controlling his temper...
"Please...", she said, controlling her tone from breaking, she couldn't bear her husband being mad at her... he turned and her filled eyes made him curse himself... he hugged her to his chest... "I'm so sorry, I should have jerked his hands but I got afraid, I didn't want to create a scene and let everyone know... I feared embarrassment...", she said and he understood her...
"This is what 90% of the women do, they hesitate to voice it out, they tolerate the discomfort fearing embarrassment which is very wrong, you are the queen, I want you to set an example for all those women who couldn't voice out their discomforts because of our patriarchal society... there is no written rules for this Isha, like it's wrong if only touched in certain parts, it's your body and if you feel uncomfortable even when a man holds your palms, you should voice it out... never fear anything... hm??", he said cupping her cheeks and she nodded giving him a smile, a small tear escaped her filled eye which he gently wiped with his thumb...
"Rana sa, I promise you, I would express it from now on... trust me, I won't disappoint you", she said softly and he nodded kissing her forehead... "Rana sa... what would happen to him??", she asked fearing her husband's fury, he killed the Arab Prince just for looking at her with lust-filled eyes, and now Abhay dared to touch her, she is afraid of what would her husband do to him... Abhyansh understood what she meant, but he can't disclose it to her and make her restless, he still remembered how much she cried when she got to know about the Prince.
"I would have cut his arms if he is aware of you being my wife but since he didn't know I won't", he said and she sighed in relief, he cleverly said he wouldn't cut his arms but he still can do other things... he is a BEAST when it came to his things, especially his wife... he wouldn't let go of any man who saw his wife with a lust-filled gaze...
"You are still mad??", she asked
"What do you expect Isha?? That b*st**d touched you, even that thought is boiling my blood", Abhyansh shouted again trying to punch the wall but she held his arm closing her eyes tightly in fear...
"Please... don't hurt yourself, you can hurt me instead", she said her eyes still closed in fear, she can't bear the thought of him in pain...
"How did you even think that I could see you in pain??", he asked cupping her cheek...
"Not every pain hurts", she said placing her lips on his, tiptoeing... only if she knew what other meanings her innocent words held... her words along with her lips on his took him to the deepest of his desires... he slammed her to the nearby wall holding her wrists together at the top of her head with his one palm where as his lips assaulted her soft petals, and his other hand explored her body. His touch evoked many unknown emotions in her, she didn't know what those are but she absolutely loved them, she moaned in his mouth, he bit her lower lip making it bleed, but he sucked it making her moan with pleasure... he kept sucking her lower lip until the bleeding ceased, he inserted his tongue exploring her mouth while his palm explored her waist and back... she couldn't even complain of oxygen as he is kissing her open mouth supplying air sufficiently... he didn't stop kissing her even after 15 minutes and she had to stop him as she remembered her brother's words... he might be wanting to break in and Ragini must be having a hard time stopping him and that's true...
Ranveer after 10 minutes, tried to go inside but finding it locked made him worried and furious. He tried to break in but Ragini and Avyan are trying to stop him but it's getting difficult with every second...
"Rana sa... pl...please... bh...bhai worried", she fumbled breathing heavily, her chest heaving up and down making her husband lose his senses looking at her dishevelled form which turned him on badly...
"You can't ask me to stop, looking like this...", he said huskily kissing her again...
"Ranawat... open the damn door", they heard Ranveer, Abhyansh's fury rose, he is damn irritated, all he wants is his wife and his brother-in-law is disturbing him... her eyes widened hearing her brother...
"Ra..Rana sa, please", she said and he sighed...
"Call him, and convince him to leave from here, if you really want to calm my fury", he said gazing at her intently, she blushed furiously understanding his words...
"Hm...", she said taking her phone which she kept on the table to go behind her husband when she came in...
"Ishu... why the hell are you calling when we are practically on either side of the door, did that Ranawat hurt you?? Ishu... open the door, I want to see you", Ranveer said extremely worried for his sister... he is afraid of his brother-in-law's anger, he saw it the last time during Farhn Al Qasmi's visit, if he could kill an Arab Prince without any second thought, anyone can imagine his fury, this time he is mad at Isha as well, so his worry has a base...
"Bhai... don't worry, I'm fine... we are.... we are talking", Isha said but her hesitation made Ranveer doubt her words...
"Ishu, I said open the door...", he said sternly...
"Okay bhai...", she said, but Abhyansh took her in front of the mirror, her dishevelled form shocked her... Abhyansh chuckled looking at her widened eyes. "Bhai... I have something to talk to Rana sa... trust me, I'm fine, I promise, please go", Isha told her brother and Ranveer sighed...
"Ishu...", he started but Abhyansh took the phone from Isha as he is desperate for time with his wife... she is like an addiction to him...
"Rajput... I won't hurt my wife ever... stop creating a scene and get out", he said and hung up throwing her phone on the couch...
"Rana sa... Bhai is w...", she started but he gently pulled her to him kissing her nape sucking the area and biting it, making her moan loudly...
"Forget about your brother for now...", he said taking her lips into a painful kiss, but she enjoyed it, both the pain and pleasure it gave her... "good that you removed the nose pin, otherwise, it would be so inconvenient now", he said taking her upper lip in between his teeth and biting it...
"Ansh...", she moaned fisting his hair and unconsciously pulling him into her... he absolutely loves it when she unconsciously calls him 'Ansh' when they are so drowned in passion... she had enough of his assault, she too wants to kiss his addictive lips, so she took his lower lip and smooched it with her lips before sucking them trying to copy his actions, and that made him rock hard...
"Rani sa...stop it, if you don't want me to take you right here...", he said and though she didn't understand what he meant by that, she by now knew it was something deep version of what they are doing now... she didn't stop, for some reason, she absolutely loved her husband's love and wanted more... she kept moving her hands from his hair to his shoulders and back, pulling him into her and he squeezed her waist pinching her near her belly button before taking the control of their kiss locking her hands above her head...
"You are not supposed to enjoy your punishment baby, that's very bad", he said slowly pulling away from her lips... she looked away blushing furiously at what just happened... he made her look into his eyes fisting her hair gently, he moved closer to her lips and she opened her lips in anticipation of his warm lips but he gently shifted to her neck and dropped wet kisses all over her neck, and his gentle kisses soon turned into biting and sucking making her moan loudly... he knew it was a soundproof room so he enjoyed her moans without any concern of someone hearing his wife's se*y sounds only he is entitled to...
"Rana sa... please", she said reluctantly, as she didn't want him to stop his sweet torture... he slowly left her wrists and she hugged his shoulders tightly calming her laboured breathing... he rubbed her back calming her down and himself as well... after some time, she slowly detached herself from him, and he stared into her eyes but she looked down blushing... he kissed her forehead with an undying love for her...
"Come with me...", he said taking her to the washroom... he gently removed her jewellery except for her mangal sutra(nuptial chain), and gently washed her face and neck using face wash...
"Rana sa... I'll do it", she said...
"Sh... let me...", he said kissing her hair and helped her freshen up, then opened her bun and combed her hair with his fingers, she closed her eyes in bliss, he repeated how she told him in the morning and this time he made it perfectly though there is no comb... then he made her wear her jewellery trying to cover her hickeys but his wild love isn't covered by some small neckpiece... she sighed looking down... he took her out of the bathroom and made her sit on the couch before looking into a solution in his phone. It's all new for him as well but he found a solution quickly.
"Call Ragini and ask her to bring makeup", he said and she nodded, he listed the items and Isha told those to Ragini, Ragini being the smart one understood what's it's purpose... she smiled to herself and hung up and is about to walk away when Ranveer held her wrist and she glared at him strongly, he left her wrist immediately but he is equally glaring at her...
"What did she say?? Is she okay??", he asked
"She is fine... now please let me go, my friend needs something from me", Ragini said and walked away... Ranveer closed his eyes in guilt, reason?? Well the words he spoke just some time ago...
"You shouldn't have said all that to her Ranveer, if Bhabhi sa gets to know about this, she wouldn't forgive you", Avyan said
"I know but I was worried for my sister... it's all your brother's fault that I hurt her...", Ranveer said remembering his words...
"This is all because of you, why the hell did I listen to you in the first place?? I won't leave you if my sister is hurt Ragini Shah", he said with anger shocking Ragini, she never imagined that this sweet, calm, and jovial brother to her best friend can be so cold, detached, and venomous. Her eyes filled, why?? She didn't know, she is not the one among to cry, she would give them back but for some reason, words stuck in her throat when it came to this man who made her flutter at the first sight of him. She blamed it on Reetu's baseless words and her stupid self who expected him to have feelings for her... she wouldn't do that mistake from now on...
Ragini is back with a small bag, she knocked on the door and Abhyansh opened the door.
"Maharaj, you need any help??", Ragini asked all serious but he could find hidden humour in her tone, he glared at her, though she didn't look into his eyes, he could feel him drilling holes into her head... Ragini cleared her throat and muttered a 'Sorry'. Abhyansh took the bag and shut the door...
"What the actual f**k??", Ranveer said, wanting to go inside but his BEAST of a brother-in-law shut the door on his face... "what's there in that bag??", Ranveer asked Ragini
"I can't tell you Yuvraj", she said coldly, Ranveer could hear her distant tone...
"Is Bhabhi sa fine??", Avyan asked
"She is absolutely fine, Your Highness...", she said softly to Avyan, Ranveer frowned at the change of the tone she used when she spoke to him and Avyan.
"I already told you, please don't call me that Ms. Shah... you are Bhabhi sa's best friend, no need to be formal", Avyan said softly, Ragini gave a formal nod... "okay if Bhabhi sa is fine, I'll leave then, Ranveer let me know if there is anything", Avyan said and Ranveer nodded, and Avyan left.
"What's there in that bag and why are you calling me Yuvraj??", Ranveer asked trying to hold her but she moved back...
"There is makeup in it, concealer, foundation, and other things to be precise", she said and Ranveer's eyes widened in realization... how dare he touch my sister is the first thing that came in his head, Ranveer didn't like the idea of his sister and brother-in-law's proximity. Not yet at least...
"That b**t**d...", Ranveer fumed, Ragini looked at him bewildered... he is an extreme version of those Indian possessive brothers...
"They are wife and husband I think, Yuvraj", Ragini said before she could stop herself... she didn't understand Ranveer and his crazy love for his sister... when it came to her, he loses his calm and senses, and Ragini didn't like that a bit. She thought, he could think in the best interests of Isha only when he stays calm and is able to think correctly.
"Who will answer my other question?? Look, I'm sorry, I shouldn't have...", Ranveer started but Ragini interrupted him...
"Please don't apologize... it's fine... let's forget it", Ragini said, she understood where he is coming from, she had taken it optimistically if Ranveer wouldn't have shouted at her, she would never get a reality check, and she would never know the growing feelings inside her without her knowledge, and now since she knew, she thought to control them. Though Isha is very close and is like a family to her, her family is far from her.
Ranveer smiled gratefully at Ragini for understanding and Ragini gave a polite smile, he sensed something different in her behaviour, and he is about to ask her when Abhyansh opened the door after he helped his wife conceal his love from the outer world, Ranveer immediately rushed inside only to see his sister sitting on the sofa having water in her left hand and half-eaten chocolate bar in her right.
"What is this?? Don't tell me, he gave you a chocolate bar to keep your mouth shut", Ranveer said, looking at his sister with chocolate in her hand and some spread on her lips, she looked exactly like a 4-year-old who just received a chocolate from the mother after getting a good beating to stop her from complaining the father...
Ragini giggled hearing Ranveer and Isha's innocent eyes matched his words. Abhyansh glared at Ranveer before taking a tissue and gently wiping Isha's lips shocking Isha, Ragini, and Ranveer as well... Isha is shocked because her husband never showed so much affection in front of people, even though that was just her brother, Ragini and Ranveer as they couldn't believe their own eyes... Ragini even rubbed her eyes to check if she is having an illusion and now it was Ranveer's chance to chuckle looking at her... she looked so cute...
Abhyansh signed Isha to hold the tissue and wipe the rest while he deals with her brother and best friend...
"Rajput... there is a word called 'Patience', ever heard of it?? Why the hell were you banging on my door?? To attract attention from my employees and create problems for my wife", Abhyansh asked coldly, Ragini literally shivered hearing the coldness in his tone, did she call Ranveer cold and venomous before?? She took her words back after hearing Abhyansh now...
Abhyansh is worried about the rumours that would spread regarding his wife if any of the employees observed this. He could bear anything but his wife's pain is not among them...
"Patience?? After seeing how you shot Farhn Al-Qasmi, prince of one of the most powerful royal families in the world without a second thought, just because he passed crude comments on your wife?? How do you expect me to be sane knowing my innocent sister is alone with you, that too when your BEAST mode is on", Ranveer said, Ragini's eyes widened hearing Ranveer, did he have a death wish?? Where the heck did he get the courage to say all those words to the king, that too the most ruthless one?? Ragini and Isha are hell-scared after hearing what Ranveer said aboutAbhyansh killing the prince without any second thoughts. Though they knew this, it still sent shivers to them... observing his wife's condition, Abhyansh glared at his brother-in-law furiously.
"Watch that mouth Rajput, I don't want to make my wife's brother dumb for life, my patience is thin, you know it very well, so better don't test it", Abhyansh warned in his calm yet dangerous tone. Ranveer got the seriousness in his brother-in-law's tone.
"Ranawat, you should understand my worry, I'm extra sensitive regarding my bacha during this time as she...", Ranveer suddenly stopped when he looked at his sister's widened eyes, only then he realized what he is about to say... Abhyansh frowned looking at the sibling's reaction, he knew there was something that they are hiding and he also knew they wouldn't say a thing even if he asks, well he had other ways to get the truth out but unfortunately, he can't practice them on his wife and for her sake, he can't do it on his brother-in-law as well.
"Ms. Shah... about what happened a few hours ago...", Abhyansh started...
"Rana sa... /Ranawat...", the Rajput siblings started together coming to Ragini's rescue... Abhyansh frowned looking at Ranveer with a frown, didn't he already warn him to stay away from his wife's best friend?? Ranveer shut his mouth looking at his brother-in-law's scrutinized gaze, now he had to hear another warning to stay away from Ragini, huh... why can't he shut his mouth?? His sister would save Ragini but who would save him now?? Cursed himself, Ranveer.
"It isn't Ragini's fault, she is about to...", Isha started but Abhyansh gave her a strong look that shut her up, she knows when to shut up to save her life.
"Seeing how you stood up for your best friend last time, I expected something different from you but you disappointed me...", Abhyansh said surprising Ragini. He talked as her best friend's husband, not as a king. She expected him to reprimand her, and so did Ranveer and Isha but his words shocked them as well...
"I apologize Maharaj... that time I stood up for my best friend's rights, and now to save the same best friend from embarrassment, I was silent, but I realized my fault now... I should have taught Abhay a lesson the moment he made Isha uncomfortable", Ragini said genuinely...
Abhyansh nodded... Ragini and Isha walked away and Ranveer is about to escape too but his BEAST brother-in-law stopped him...
"Not you Rajput, I need to discuss a few things with you", Abhyansh said
"Ishu wait...", Ranveer said to his sister who almost reached the door, "Ranawat, I need to check on my sister, we'll talk later okay", Ranveer tried to escape...
"Bhai... I'm fine... don't worry, talk to Rana sa, I have work, we'll talk in the evening, whatever it is", Isha said, gave a small smile to Abhyansh, and left with Ragini...
"Dumb and useless sister of mine...", Ranveer muttered and Abhyansh glared at him... "I was talking about my sister Ranawat, not your wife", Ranveer said in his defence but Abhyansh didn't budge... "okay sorry", Ranveer apologized and Abhyansh's stature changed a bit from rigid to somewhat composed.
"What games are you playing with Ms. Shah?? I already told you to stay away from her, didn't I??", Abhyansh said coming directly to the point...
"I'm not playing any games Ranawat, stop seeing me as a player... and she is not the one to be played by anyone... she is a strong woman and knows what she wants...", Ranveer said
"And what she wants is definitely not you...", Abhyansh said and Ranveer glared at him... "what?? Glaring at me won't change the fact that she is off your limits, that woman is too good for you", he added
"When a BEAST like you can have a woman so good and innocent as my sister, then a man like me can definitely have a woman like her Ranawat", Ranveer countered and now it's Abhyansh's chance to glare at his brother-in-law...
"Last warning Rajput... don't call me BEAST, my wife won't like it... and stop whatever it is you are doing with Shah...", Abhyansh said
"I haven't started anything yet, to stop, you are such a BEAST", Ranveer cursed his brother-in-law and left from there...
Abhyansh sighed at his childish, immature, and a** of a brother-in-law before getting back to his work... Ragini and Isha went back and everyone was curious as they went for hours, Ragini told them that it was the procedures that took much time, she said the king didn't say much, just asked them to take care next time and report any incidents of harassment or even a minute discomfort. Everyone praised the king's thoughts and how he cared about some random employee but only God would know how they would react when they get to know that this random employee is the Queen of the whole Empire. But Isha knew her husband would have reacted the same way if he saw any other girl getting harassed like that, the only change is he won't be so furious and take it personally, or get mad at the girl for not jerking the man's hands away, like he did in her case, but there's another difference... the way the king is gonna punish Abhay Malhotra... well, that's a secret only for the king, his men, and Abhay Malhotra himself apart from the almighty who wrote his fate like that to know.
Ragini started with their first strategy meeting on how to deal with their major challenge of having the office space separate from the boutique.
"There are two major issues because of this, we won't be getting reviews or inputs about customers' needs or their opinions about our clothes or our designer's works, the second is it gets difficult to track the sales pattern now, any solutions guys??", Ragini asked
"On sales pattern, we can take help from the marketing team of R Empire, they keep track of everything, and now our designs will be produced in bulk, they will definitely keep a track of it", Shivam said
"But, what about the other issue, customers' inputs??", Ragini asked
"Ragini, we recently shifted our pattern of work, I don't think abandoning our old methods completely is a good idea, we should keep following the same things, a sudden change could result adversely, and taking such risks isn't advisable in the current situation", Isha said
"So, what’s your point??", Reetu asked expecting Isha to detail...
"I think we should keep getting inputs from the customers' that way, our designers won't lose their major source of inspiration and their work would be up-to-the current trends", Isha said
"Yr... Ishu... I can't go back to working in that crappy building after witnessing how working in R Empire looks like", Reetu said
"Today is my first day and I already saw the king from so near, what more inspiration do we need than this", Aashna said and Isha sighed looking at Ragini...
"I'm not suggesting for us to work there every day, two of the designers go per day, that way, each of us will have to spend a day in the whole week there...", Isha suggested and after discussing all the pros and cons, Ragini finalized Isha's idea, all the designers whined but agreed as she is right.
After the day, everyone left for their places, Isha thought her husband would have left as he would be home an hour before her work hours end but to her surprise, she saw his message.
"Waiting for you in B4",the text read, she smiled, he does the most detested things even for her, like texting...
"Ishu... let's celebrate our first day somewhere nice", her colleague suggested
"Um... my husband is waiting for me, you guys carry on... I'll join some other time", Isha said
"Oho... your husband came to pick you up since it's your first day, love is blooming", Aashna teased...
"Her husband would drop and pick her up daily... now that they both work in the same building", Reetu said smirking at Isha... Ragini slapped Reetu's arm for her loose tongue...
"Oh... we forgot that your husband works closely with the king, is that why you are gonna take the private lift that goes to B4??", Shivam asked, Isha cursed, she didn't know they saw it...
"Y..Yes...", Isha fumbled...
"Okay, see you tomorrow, go now, your husband must be waiting for you", Ragini said, Isha bid bye to her colleagues and left from there...
After getting inside the car, Abhyansh shut down the partition and pulled his wife in a hug...
"Tired??", he asked
"No, are you??", she asked with a smile...
"No", he said kissing her forehead...
"Isha...can I ask you something?? Will you tell me the truth??", Abhyansh asked after some time...
"What is it Rana sa??", Isha asked
"What were you and Rajput talking about?? In the noon??", he asked directly, Isha's breath hitched at that question but she decided to be truthful if not the complete truth...
"I would stay upset for a few days after Ma-papa's death anniversary, once I fell sick a few years ago, from that time, bhai and Vikram would take extra care of me during this period", she said and he frowned... sick?? Before he could ask she added... "don't worry Rana sa, I'm fine now... bhai is just worried like always", she said dismissing the topic, Abhyansh understood his wife wouldn't reveal anything more than that so he decided to stay calm for the time being...
They reached home, after Abhyansh walked away, Avyan and Amruta congratulated her on the successful completion of her first day at R Empire. Amruta made Isha eat her favourite sweet making her give a tight hug to her mother-in-law. Abhyansh's eyes are filled with contentment witnessingthe affection between his mother, brother, and wife from upstairs before those bitter memories took their place and his eyes turned cold.
Ranveer reached there after a while, and Isha and Amruta gave them coffee and snacks before she sent them to her husband through a servant, as she wanted to prepare a delicious meal with everyone's favourites as she is very happy today.
They had their dinner and after everyone walked to their chambers, Isha and Ranveer too reached the king's chamber, they are sitting in the ground floor of the king's chamber and talking whereas Abhyansh is waiting for Isha in their room...
"Ishu... are you really fine?? Bacha, if you have any pain or anything you feel, please talk to me or Vikram, you remember what happened 10 years ago right??", Ranveer asked holding his sister's palm...
"Ha bhai... I'm completely fine, stop worrying so much, it happened 10 years ago, it won't happen again...", Isha assured her brother
"Ishu... it didn't because we were taking precautions, you are following the doctor's advice till today, and you should keep following them", Ranveer said and Isha nodded... "call Vikram... he wants to call you but knowing the situations here, I asked him not to call you, and told him you will call him yourself when you get some time", Ranveer said and Isha nodded, she knew how much Vikram would be worrying for her, as 10 years ago too, when she got a major panic attack, it was Vikram who was there with her and saw her in her worst condition, Ranveer came later as he was out of the palace for some work.
"Ishu... Dr. Sangeeta is in the town, please meet her once", Ranveer asked
"Bhai... I'm fine... I don't want anyone to know about this, especially Rana sa... so don't ever talk about it please... it just happened once, won't happen again...", Isha assured her brother and after some discussion, Ranveer finally agreed to his sister and left from there.
Isha called Vikram and they talked about her first day, Vikram asked about the incident happened in the office and asked if she is fine.
"Vikram... I'm completely fine, don't worry so much...", she said and to her bad luck, her husband came out exactly at the same time...
"Ishu... meet Dr. Sangeeta once... she will be in town for one more week... I requested and extended her stay... please Ishu...", Vikram requested
"I told you I'm fine Vikram, why don't you and Bhai understand me?? Please na...", she whined and Vikram laughed at her childish self, she never changed, she is the same child he tended to 12 years ago. Abhyansh fisted his palms hearing his wife's casual approach to that Vikram guy, though he is like a brother to her, he just couldn't tolerate it... he couldn't hear what the other person is saying as he is standing on the top of the stairs...
"Okay your wish, but you remember the drill??", Vikram asked
"Yes your highness, I do remember, any discomfort or pain, or even a minute change in the breathing, I should immediately call you or bhai, right??", she said and Abhyansh's anger turned into worry hearing her, is his wife sick?? Is it major?? Why the hell is he unaware of it??
"Yes... does your husband know??", Vikram asked
"No, he doesn't, it's better this way, also, it occurred 12 years back Vikram... I'm completely fine now, why worry him about an issue that's not even there now... you and bhai think too much", Isha said
"Ishu... there are many times you were about to suffer these attacks but you followed the drill and that's what saved you... stop being complacent bacha", Vikram said in a brotherly tone he rarely uses that tone on Isha, for him Isha is more of a best friend than a sister, but at times like these, he becomes a brother to her more than Ranveer. Ranveer loses sanity when Isha's life is at stake, then Vikram is the only one who can think without losing his senses and also in the best interests of Isha...
"Fine bhai number 2, I just now had to hear a lecture from your friend, don't have the courage to hear another one... so please spare me...", Isha said
"Fine, now don't boss me around, take care and go, sleep, if you don't have enough sleep, your BEAST of a husband will skin me alive for keeping you up till late", Vikram said
"One more time if I heard you or bhai calling Rana sa with that word, I would stop talking to you both, for real...", Isha warned...
"Fine! sorry... good night", Vikram said giving up and Isha laughed before bidding him bye and getting up to leave to her room when she spotted her husband... by seeing his usual poker face, she assumed he wouldn't have heard her conversation as she expected him to fume in anger and worry if he had heard, but she still has a lot to know about her husband's intelligent moves.
"Rana sa...", Isha said with a smile...
"What are you doing here without coming to the room??", he asked
"I was talking to Vikram...", she said ascending the stairs...
"About??", he asked raising his brows
"Nothing important, bhai informed about the incident that happened in the office today, and asked me to call Vikram as he is worried for me, bhai asked him not to call me as that would irk you, so I called him, I know you won't like it, so I was talking here and not in front of you", she said and her honesty brought a small smile on his face, she is too innocent to play games, even if she hides things, it's just so that to not worry him... he decided to find out the truth later as asking his wife is out of options when she is unwilling to tell him.
"Um... come in and sleep, it's late", he said and she nodded following him to their room... after she fell asleep, he called Bhairav...
"Get all the medical history of Rani sa right from her birth, especially after her parents passed away, you have an hour Bhairav", he ordered and hung up... he knew it was way less time but that's the maximum he could hold himself sane, he also knew Bhairav is capable of it. Exactly after one hour, he received Bhairav's call but only fear is heard in the man's tone... why not?? For the first time in history, he failed to do the assigned task.
"Hukum... there was something major that had happened to Rani sa 12 years ago but that was unknown to everyone except for Rani sa's brother Mr. Ranveer Rajput and his best friend Vikram Singh", Bhairav said awakening the beast in Abhyansh.
"Bhairav...", Abhyansh said coldly and the man holding the phone other side shivered as Bhairav never disappointed the king before... Abhyansh sucked in his anger taking deep breaths before opening his mouth... "take time but get me the results", Abhyansh said but the response he heard fumed him...
"Hukum, I'm afraid time isn't the problem, Mr. Rajput very cleverly hid all the things related to it, even Kailash Rajput or Sheela Rajput is unaware of it, the only clue that something like this happened is on 3rd Aug 20**, around 2:26 AM, i.e 12 years ago, the gardener of the Rajput palace saw your brother-in-law entering with a man or woman he wasn't sure but a doctor as he spotted a stethoscope and a bag holding medical supplies with them, but when he asked Ranveer the next day, he made the man promise that he would never ever reveal this to anyone, I had to use extreme measures to get the truth out from him Maharaj... I have checked all the means used to arrive and searched for doctors who travelled here on those dates but none matched, so it must be a local doctor the gardener saw that night but he wasn't even sure if it was a woman or man in the first place. I tried all the means Maharaj but every door is closed", Bhaiarv said fear evident in his tone... "there is a way but I know you wouldn't approve of it, Hukum", Bhairav added all the time holding his breath afraid of his king. Abhyansh hung up as the only way that is left is to torture Vikram or Ranveer but that wasn't the case anymore...
He wondered what made his brother-in-law all so secretive about the whole ordeal, what exactly happened to his wife precisely 12 years ago?? Abhyansh wondered, if it was earlier, he would have enjoyed the mystery and even the thought of Isha suffering had given him pleasure but he is long dead, now even the thought that she could be hurt scares him...
He walked back to his room and laid beside his wife taking her into his arms...
"What are you hiding Rani sa??", he asked and suddenly something hit him... if this is how restless he would get for a few hours after knowing his wife is hiding something, how the heck is his wife handling herself when she knew that he was hiding something big, he didn't have the courage to tell her the reason he tortured her brutally in the initial months of their marriage yet she didn't question him. She waited for him patiently and is still waiting...
"I'm so sorry... will you ever forgive me??", he whispered to her, she nuzzled her head in his neck fisting his t-shirt with her palm...
"Rana sa...", she muttered...
"Hm...", he asked looking at her still-closed eyes, he knew she is in deep sleep yet could feel him... she didn't reply but cuddled into him more... he carefully wrapped his arms around her, ruffling her hair with his fingers knowing how much she enjoyed it...
The next morning, after breakfast, Isha changed to her simple peach color full-sleeved suit to leave for the office...
Abhyansh walked into the room and Isha looked at him with surprise, usually, he wouldn't come back to the room, after breakfast, he would leave for his home study and from there to the office.
"Let's go", he said and she gave him a wide smile, knowing he came for her, as she is afraid to be in the elevator as they had to go to the palace basement to take the car...
"Hm... just a minute", she said taking her bag and checking if she had everything... "let's go", she said walking towards him but he looked at her wrist with a frown...
"You didn't apply the ointment the doctor prescribed??", Abhyansh asked, he observes it every time...
"Sorry, I forgot, will do later, let's go, we're getting late", she said taking the ointment and is about to put it in the handbag but he took it from her hands, and made her sit... "Rana sa, we'll get late", she said but he gave her a look to shut up and she did...
He first cleaned the area with the cleanser doctor gave, then gently applied ointment on her, and then put the ointment on its place before taking another one and put it in her bag...
"You got another one??", she asked
"Hm, this is for your office use", he said and she is about to say something like 'waste of money' or something like that but shut her mouth as that would definitely piss him off... for some reason he is cranky that morning but is gentle with her, she didn't want to step on a ticking bomb so she is trying to be careful... he understood her hesitation and sighed... "just some issues, don't bother, I'm fine...", he said kissing her forehead and she smiled...
They walked but passed the elevator confusing Isha, that's when she saw escalators one to ascend and one to descend.
"When did you get this ready??", she asked
"It was ready for a while but they got some minor issues, and I got them fixed last night", he answered and she shook her head at the extravagant stuff her husband does for her...
"You can't be getting escalators everywhere I go Rana sa... eventually, I need to learn to deal with my fear...", she said
"You'll get better, I'll help you... but till then, I'll do everything to keep you safe", he said, his tone holding a hidden promise...
They reached the office and went to their respective floors to work... Ranveer came to meet Abhyansh as his beast of a brother-in-law called him to inform him about something. By then, Abhyansh understood that he should build some trust for his brother-in-law to confide in him, and he is going to lay the foundation for it that day, he knew his wife would be upset with his step but this was the best choice among the ones he is left with.
"Ranawat... tell me fast, what is it??", Ranveer started as soon as he is allowed in his brother-in-law's huge cabin...
"Stop acting as if you are so busy", Abhyansh is pissed with his brother-in-law's 'acting busy' attitude. Ranveer sighed at his beast brother-in-law who is looking extra beasty today.
"Okay fine, you are pissed, I get it, but is there a reason or this is your usual hormones that are acting at a high rate today??", Ranveer asked and Abhyansh glared at him coldly which shut him up...
"I don't want you to involve that friend of yours in matters concerning my wife from today, I don't trust him", Abhyansh said
"What's new in it?? You don't trust anyone except... are there any exceptions??", Ranveer asked and Abhyansh took out the revolver that was in the drawer and put it on the table. Ranveer understood the warning behind it, so decided to calmly respond to whatever his brother-in-law asked.
"Yes... your sister, Bhairav, and when it came to your sister's safety, you as well", Abhyansh said shocking Ranveer, his brother-in-law who doesn't even trust his own shadow trusts his sister completely, and him too when it came to Isha??
"Thanks Ranawat, I lack in feminine hormones, otherwise, I would have teared up", Ranveer said wiping his imaginary tears and Abhyansh sighed holding his head, if he isn't his wife's brother, he would have shot him by now. Bearing his drama is just too much...
"There is a reason I got your Visa blocked, your friend is hiding something from you, well something that upsets you a lot, when he could break your trust who he claims is everything to him, how is he trustworthy of Isha's safety", Abhyansh played his game...
"What do you mean??", Ranveer asked seriously, he knew his brother-in-law wouldn't lie ever, yes, he plays games but never lies...
"Do you know who visits your place in London when you aren't there??", Abhyansh asked and Ranveer looked anticipating it was not what he is thinking... "Naina Gupta... the woman you hate to the core", Abhyansh finished...
"You can't be serious Ranawat", Ranveer said, anger and fire of betrayal running in his eyes, Abhyansh just sighed and got back to his work...
Ranveer stormed out to confront his friend, this can't be happening, that woman is so vile, how the hell his friend ended up in believing her going against his word?? Ranveer confronted his friend and all he has to offer is 'silence' and that made him furious, his a** of a friend did not even has an explanation for why he did it. Ranveer stormed into his room and Vikram instantly called Isha and told her everything.
"You might be mistaken Vikram, how would Rana sa know about it??", Isha said and Vikram sighed
"Ishu... you are too naive... he can know anything if he wants to, you are still unaware of the power he holds, your brother himself told me that it's your Rana sa who told him the truth... anyways, I called you to inform so that you stay careful, Ran doesn't know that you are aware of the truth, I don't want him to be mad at you, don't say anything to him", Vikram said
"But bhai would get madder if he gets to know later", Isha tried to convince but Vikram asked her to keep quiet and hung up. After some time, Ranveer came back to talk to Vikram...
"How long are you guys in touch??", Ranveer asked Vikram coldly, again all Vikram had was silence...
"Answer you ba**a*d or else I'll kill you", Ranveer slapped Vikram but he stayed silent... he knew his friend is angry and mad but his answers would only hurt him more... Ranveer forcefully snatched Vikram's phone and before Vikram could stop him, Ranveer opened the call logs, and what he saw shocked him. In the recent outgoing calls, it's Isha's name on the top.
"Why did you call Isha?? Wait! Does she know about this??", Ranveer asked joining the dots... he recollected how Isha snatched Vikram's phone from his hand and made up a story to cover her act.
"No", Vikram is too quick to answer raising Ranveer's suspicions...
"Come with me", Ranveer said dragging Vikram...
-----------------------
Isha is now mad at her husband, why would he do that to her and Vikram??
"Ragini, can you help me with the elevator?? I need to talk to Rana sa", Isha whispered to her friend controlling her temper...
"Ishu... what's wrong?? Is everything alright??", she asked worried, her friend is ready to go through the scary elevator ride to talk to her husband?? Why?? Ragini wondered...
"I need to talk to him, please take me there", Isha asked and Ragini nodded...
Isha and Ragini reached Abhyansh's floor... Ragini gave her friend the water bottle she brought with her knowing her friend's condition... after calming down and drinking some more water, Isha walked toward her husband's cabin whereas Ragini sat on the sofa near the elevator as that floor looked highly confidential and with all the predating eyes she felt awkward so she stayed outside, she didn't even enter the workplace of the king's immediate staff.
Isha stopped at the woman who is sitting at a huge open cubicle, who stood up seeing Isha, all other staff stood up too in respect...
"Your Royal Highness...", the woman bowed seeing Isha...
"Is Maharaj occupied?? I mean is he in a meeting?? Sorry to bother you, I couldn't find John so I had to stop by at your cubicle", Isha said politely...
"It's not a bother Rani sa... that's my job, Maharaj isn't in any meeting, and John is with him inside", the woman who is wearing a formal saree neatly draped, told. She understood what her husband told her, there are women who wear sarees as formal wear as well...
"Okay, I'm going in then...", Isha started walking when she observed the whole floor is standing up... "please sit down, carry on with your work", she said politely and walked to her husband's cabin... everyone sighed in relief and sat down, they appreciated how Isha is so easy to talk to, and her kindness is shown on her face. They didn't know how she, with her softness, is bearing the most ruthless man in the world, without knowing that man would lose all his ruthlessness at the sight of her...
Isha entered his cabin, Abhyansh sprang from his chair at her sight... John bowed down to Isha and Abhyansh and immediately left from there as instructed by the king.
"Why did you come here?? Are you okay?? You could have called me down, Rani sa, why are you so careless??", he ranted
"I'm fine Rana sa... I took Ragini's help, I need to ask you something", she said softly
"What is it that can't wait?? If it's so urgent, you could have called me down", Abhyansh is mad, what if she had breathing issues in the elevator?? She stays a bit calm only when he is with her otherwise her condition gets too much... he is mad but his anger is replaced by worry when he heard her words...
"Did you inform bhai about Naina??", she asked and he took a deep breath before answering her...
"Yes...", he said and she looked very angry and this irked Abhyansh. Why is she so worried about that Vikram guy?? "Your brother needs to know about it, he trusts that man when he is not trustworthy", Abhyansh said and Isha gave a surprised look, it's not like her husband cares so much about her brother...
"So am I then Rana sa, I hid this from bhai as well", Isha said
"Your bhai doesn't know about your involvement, and you aren't the same, you just hid the truth while he...", Abhyansh started but stopped as he isn't sure how much his wife knew...
"I know Rana sa, Vikram won't hide anything from me... I know she is wrong in what she did, but now she really loves Vikram", Isha said surprising Abhyansh. He didn't think his wife would support such a woman, well he is old school in that department like Ranveer. But that doesn't concern him, he didn't care an ounce about Vikram if he dated a woman who cheated on him once but the fact that's disturbing him is he didn't value his best friend's views and went on dating her behind his back breaking his trust. That didn't go well with Abhyansh, no one does that to his family and he wouldn't agree in front of him but Ranveer is his family...
Ranveer along with Vikram exited the elevator, Ranveer's footsteps halted seeing Ragini sitting on the sofa looking into her phone...
"Ragini?? What are you doing here??", Ranveer asked, his tone softening, Vikram is surprised, at the way his friend gazed at the woman appreciating her beauty forgetting his anger, he got the whole picture that his friend likes this woman...
"I came with Isha, she is inside, talking to Maharaj...", Ragini said and Ranveer's anger returned...
"Good that she is here... both of you will hear me for this Vikram, I'm telling you", Ranveer said the last part to Vikram angrily.
"Ran... at least spare Ishu... she isn't at fault", Vikram tried to save Isha...
"Oh! you are not in a position to save her Vik... shut the hell up", Ranveer said and before Ragini could ask anything, Ranveer dragged Vikram in... they are about to walk in when John stopped them...
"Some or the other drama always goes in this family", Ragini muttered within herself without knowing about her future.
"Queen Isha is inside, so no one is allowed to go in Mr. Rajput", John said, Ranveer sighed and called Abhyansh, and after getting orders from Abhyansh, John allowed them in...
"Bhai...", Isha said, looking at fuming Ranveer who entered holding Vikram's arm...
"Don't even call me that, you hid such a big truth from me?? Ishu... how could you??", Ranveer said
"Rajput... as much as I understand your frustration, your words against my wife are intolerable, so choose them wisely", Abhyansh said in a no-nonsense tone... Ranveer sighed deeply trying to hold his anger, while Vikram looked intimidated but Isha is neither, she instead glared at her husband. 'First you go and tell my brother all this and now you take my side??', well that's what she wanted to say but her husband is clever to understand without her voicing it.
"Rani sa...", Abhyansh started coming towards her but Isha showed him her palm and he stopped surprising Ranveer and Vikram... wah! Ishu is so powerful, stopped the BEAST just with a palm, thought both of them...
"Rana sa... please let me talk to my brother, don't bother us, any way you have high concentration, hopefully, our conversations won't affect your work", she said and at her taunting voice, she looked so adorable and Abhyansh just wanted to kiss her cheeks, but restrained himself sensing her anger... Abhyansh nodded and walked back to his chair, resuming his work.
"How the hell did you do this??", Ranveer whispered in his sister's ear seeing how the BEAST became a kitten, and walked to his chair calmly listening to his wife...
"Bhai... I'm sorry... listen to me first", Isha tried holding her brother's forearm, and that reminded Ranveer why he was furious with his sister in the first place.
"Ishu... how the hell did you decide all this by yourself?? That woman is vile, she isn't right for Vikram... he is an idiot, gone crazy in her love but what about you?? Do you really think she is right for Vikram?? That woman cheated on him once, and the thing is she wouldn't have confessed it to him if she didn't see me watching her that night... that bl**dy bi...", Ranveer stopped cursing looking at his sister's widened eyes... Vikram closed his eyes, he didn't like his friend saying all those things, more than anything, he didn't like discussing the whole thing in front of Abhyansh who is definitely an outsider to him, but he hardly had any choice, when Ranveer is mad, he couldn't stop him. "That woman was kissing another man just outside our residence, can you believe it", Ranveer completed his sentence...
"Bhai, it happened years ago, she might have changed now, you didn't interact with her now, try to know her, if she is the same, then it would make sense if you ask Vikram to stop seeing her but...", Isha started but Ranveer interrupted her...
"If she could do it once, she could do it again Ishu... don't be stupid", Ranveer said
"Ran, she was drunk then... she regrets it a lot... she loves me truly, she sincerely pursued me for 2 years after that and finally I decided to give her a chance, you could imagine how she would be so changed if I decided to give her a chance going against you", Vikram said and Ranveer turned to his friend before punching him on his chin...
"Bhai...", Isha held Ranveer's shoulder and pulled him back... Abhyansh gave a look to the two men and shook his head, he wanted to ask his wife not to involve or worry for them, but he is afraid she would again taunt him... yeah, it looked odd to him even, that he is afraid of his timid wife but life happened to the BEAST as well finally.
"Don't talk like a philosopher... that woman is not right for you... period.", Ranveer said, before Vikram could say anything, Isha opened her mouth...
"Bhai...say this to him after talking to Naina... I talked to her, she seemed very genuine bhai... please trust me", Isha said and Ranveer glared at her strongly...
"You talked to her?? Behind my back?? Ishu... you?? Are you really the same Ishu who refused to eat for 2 days just because I asked you not to", Ranveer said, hurt visible on his face... Isha remembered how Ranveer refused her to eat anything from anyone's hands after their grandmother died, he doubted it wasn't a natural death. He went out to investigate it but unfortunately, because of bad weather, he wasn't able to come home for 2 days, and Isha didn't eat anything just because her brother asked her not to as he didn’t trust anyone.
"Bhai... it's not that... I'm sorry...", Isha said with her filled eyes, she couldn't see her brother in pain that too because of her, but Vikram is like a brother to her, and she thought she needed to support him...she is stuck between her brother and best friend.
"Ran... please, don't misunderstand Ishu... it's all my fault, I'm sorry", Vikram said, Isha's worry is hurting him too...
"You... don't talk... in fact, both of you... I need a break from you people... I'm going out of the city...", Ranveer said walking away shocking Abhyansh, he didn't think his brother-in-law would hurt his sister...
"Bhai...", Isha called but he left by then... "Vikram... go behind him, stop him, please...", Isha said with worry...
"Ishu... I think it's for the best, when he cools down... he will come back... relax... everything will be fine... I'm so sorry for involving you", Vikram said
"Vikram... stop saying these things... what's there to involve, when it's about your life, I'm always involved, by default", Isha said, Abhyansh glared at his wife, but since he was facing her back, she didn't see it but Vikram did... he moved farther from Isha than he is...
"Okay, I'll go home now, take care, don't think much... especially don't worry about your bhai or me for that matter", Vikram said and Isha nodded with a smile, he knows her the best, she is worried for him, what if her brother isn't convinced?? Vikram had to leave Naina as no matter what he couldn't leave Ranveer... they are attached for life... Vikram looked at Abhyansh... "Maharaj", he called and Abhyansh looked at him... "I'll take your leave", he said bowing down a little, Abhyansh nodded and resumed his work...
"Vikram...", Isha called when he turned to leave... "I'll soon forgive you", she said and there was a wide smile on his face... he ruffled her hair with brotherly affection hearing her making her smile. He is very happy...
"Remove that damn hand or I'll permanently separate it from your body", Abhyansh who is controlling himself till then busted out... Vikram quickly took his hand away and rushed out, bowing down to the king one last time... Isha turned to look at her husband but he is working sincerely, how the hell did he know when he wasn't even looking their way...
She walked to him and he quickly got up and is about to hold her forearms when she moved away...
"Why did you do it Rana sa??", she asked trying to control her tears, she stayed strong till then as her husband wouldn't spare anyone who became the reason for her tears, she didn't want to create problems for her brother or Vikram but the thought that her husband is the reason behind her brother getting mad at Vikram and her is upsetting her. Her husband sold her out, even the thought is unbearable for her.
"Rani sa... I just told him about his friend...", Abhyansh tried to justify but that wasn't any justification, he knew it too...
"But you knew there are chances he would know about me too right?? Or I would have myself told him the truth after he gets to know about Vikram, or worse my bhai could figure it out by himself, then why??", Isha asked and Abhyansh had no answer. He knew it but he didn't think Ranveer would react this badly, as considering it's not a huge matter, he knew Vikram is important to Ranveer but didn't think he is so important that Ranveer would get mad at his Ishu for supporting the wrong girl in Vikram's life. He is furious at Ranveer for that...
"I didn't know he would react this way, I thought I could handle this, didn't know you would be this hurt", Abhyansh said, it's true, he thought Ranveer would get angry and taunt his sister like he does always but this was extreme...
"Rana sa... how could you do that?? I didn't expect this from you", Isha said with tearful eyes... her husband really disappointed her...
"Isha...don't cry...", he is about to wipe her tears but she moved back and rushes out, Abhyansh punches the table in anger... he remembered about the elevator, so he rushed out... he saw Ragini and his wife walking towards the elevator...
"Ms. Shah, I'll bring her down, you can leave", he said and Ragini nodded and left from there, Isha turned glaring at her husband... Abhyansh gently wiped her filled eyes and her cheeks to remove the tear stains and took her to his private elevator...
He held her close to his arms and since it was closed Isha didn't push him away, she hugged him tightly in fear and Abhyansh rubbed her back slowly...
"This was the reason I got his Visa cancelled, I didn't think Ranveer needs to do so much for a friend who doesn't respect his opinion... your brother is my family and I won't tolerate if someone is doing wrong to him or hurting his emotions behind his back, if you think I'm wrong, then maybe I'm but I'm like this butI'm yours,you have to bear with me, you can't get angry with me like this, neither could you cry... I'm not giving you that option...", he said hugging Isha to his heart more tightly... he didn't want to admit his soft corner for his brother-in-law to anyone but if that could make his wife feel better, then he is more than happy to share, moreover he felt comfortable in sharing things with her...
How could she stay mad at him if he talks like that?? Her anger melted but she didn't want to give in so early, so she decided to deal with her husband at home... she wanted to take Vikram's side but they reached the first floor by then and before the doors opened, Isha got farther away from her husband. Both of them got out of the elevator... there aren't many but the people who are there wondered what is a normal employee doing in a private elevator that too along with the king but none had the audacity to question the king or about the king for that matter, so they bowed down, he walked away without paying any attention to them... while Isha gave an awkward smile and started walking when Ragini came to her rescue...
"What did Maharaj say?? Did he agree to support our idea??", Ragini made up something to divert people's attention, and the anxious onlookers got the idea that it's about work, they appreciated Isha's courage for being in the same elevator as the king for the second time.
Isha nodded and both the friends walked away, thankfully Ragini didn't ask Isha anything understanding that's very much personal, and they got back to work.
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