CHAPTER – 10
T hat night was the toughest night to pass on for Ranveer, the weight of the truth that unveiled a few hours before was too huge for him to bear, he couldn't bear the thought that what if he had known about his sister's call that night ?? He might be or might not be able to rescue her but he could have tried, he wouldn't have regretted even giving away his life in the process of saving his sister but he didn't know, the choice that was his, was brutally snatched away by his best friend, but could he blame him completely ?? Isha's words have caused him so much hurt that he even hated talking about her... he let her words affect him so much that he forgot to think rationally, he not for once thought why would his kind and innocent sister would suddenly speak in a language that's so unfamiliar to her, in a tone that's so not her...
He left his sister to marry a BEAST, even if she really took that decision, for her freedom, it's his responsibility to save her, to stop her from destroying her life, she wouldn't have known what kind of a BEAST her to-be husband was, but he very well knew, didn't he? Then how the hell did he let his ego ruin his sister's life, he always believed that though his bhabhosa and bhabho(Paternal uncle and Aunt (Isha's Parents)) weren't alive to look after Isha, he gave her the love and affection like them, brought her up like them but he was so wrong, if his bhabhosa was in his place, would he leave his daughter like he did ?? Though hurt by her words, he would have tried till his last breath to save his daughter, then why did he leave his sister like that ??
This guilt was always there in Ranveer, but after knowing the truth, regrets flooded over his soul... how could he face his sister now ?? All these days, whenever he accused her of not calling him or asking him for help, she bore all his accusations silently without uttering a single word, he thought she was silent because she was guilty, but she was actually calm because she wanted to protect his friend and his friendship which he cherishes so much next to his relationship with his sister...
How could he not understand his sister ?? How the hell did he think that a person like her could speak those rude words to him ?? Why did he believe in them ?? Someone said right, if your time is bad, you would do all the unexpected things that will become your biggest regrets for life...
The next few days passed in regret for Ranveer, he couldn't look his sister in the eye, he didn't talk much, neither had his food properly, but made sure Isha had hers... Isha is worried for her brother, his silence is bothering her a lot, she tried to talk to him but he responds in monosyllables, but he loved her the same, maybe more... he took care of her a lot, but he looks lost always... she tried to tell him that her marriage was something she could never regret, she told him she is happy in her life but nothing could reduce Ranveer's guilt. She apologized to him for shouting at him the other day, he just shook his head at her wiping her tears but said nothing, and her worry grew every single day...
Vikram left the next day, when Ranveer asked him to... he knew his friend was very upset and felt betrayed by the revelation and Vikram thought to give him some time, it wasn't something small he did... he was partially the reason for Isha's sufferings and Ranveer's guilt that might last lifetime... his mistakes became unbearable and cost his friend a lot, Vikram regretted them a lot, but regrets are the worst thing a man can have, they can neither be forgotten nor forgiven, regrets are like unremovable thorns that will keep pricking you, the pain is not too much to die but enough to remind you of it's presence always...
"Bhai... dinner is ready, let's eat", Isha told her brother, who is indulged in his thoughts like he is, for the past few days...
"I'm not hungry Ishu... you eat, please don't force me today", he said, he refused to eat all the time but Isha blackmails that she wouldn't eat without him which gets him to eat but today, he wasn't in a mood...
"Bhai, please... stop being like this...", Isha said sitting in front of her brother...
"Ishu...", Ranveer said tiredly...
"No bhai... please, I can't see you like this... we can't change the past... and look at the brighter side, I'm happy in this marriage...", Isha started,
"Ishu... I am not in the mood to eat, please bacha, go, eat, and sleep", he said cutting her words off... Isha sighed, walked to the kitchen, got food enough for her and her brother in a plate, and sat in front of him again...
"Okay, if you don't want to talk, I won't force you, but eat...", she said forwarding a morsel towards his mouth... Ranveer's eyes got wet seeing his sister's affection, his regrets are like fresh cut wounds, they keep burning him... his sister's love and care are only causing him more pain...
He silently had the food, fed by her, and she kept eating along with him... after their dinner, she settled in front of him, both of them sat silently when she put her feet up and sat cross-legged and started pressing her legs...
"Kya hua ?? (what happened ??) Your legs are aching ??", he asked in concern
"Yes, bhai... don't know why", she said, and extended her legs towards him silently asking him to press them... Ranveer smiled at his sister's antics before starting to press her legs... "feeling better now ??", he asked putting very little pressure suitable for her...
"Yes...", Isha said giving him a smile... "Bhai...", she called him after a few minutes of silence...
"Yes, bacha...", Ranveer responded
"What would have happened to me if something happened to you while trying to rescue me from the marriage ??", Isha suddenly asked, Ranveer's hands that are massaging her foot now stilled...
"That would have been my choice Ishu... which Vikram snatched from me... I wouldn't be dying with regret now if I had died then trying to save you from that catastrophe you call marriage", he replied after a few minutes...
"Bhai... what about me then ?? I would still be married to Rana sa, and in addition to all my sufferings, I would be dying every minute of my life blaming myself for what happened to you", she said with tears, even imagining her brother in danger is heart wrenching for her... Ranveer looked at her wiping her tears... "the life I have now is blissful compared to what I might be having in that case... I will be blaming myself for what happened to you, I would be hating Rana sa for life, and every single day will be harsher than death... do you want a life like that for me ??", she asked and he shook his head vigorously... he never wanted such a life for his sister, that would be horrible... she has enough pain for life dealing with the loss of her parents and grandmother, he couldn't imagine her pain if she lost him too...
"Ishu... that's not what I meant, at least I could have tried to save you if Vikram would have let me know", Ranveer said
"I'm glad he didn't tell you, at that time, I didn't know Rana sa and what he is capable of, if I had, I wouldn't have called you in the first place, Rana sa would have killed you for even trying to take his bride away hurting his respect...", Isha shivered even thinking about the possible scenario... Ranveer side hugged his sister consoling her...
"Nothing of that sort happened, I'm here right beside you, and since Ranawat knows how much you love me now, and considering how much he loves you, he wouldn't do anything to me ever", Ranveer said to his sister with a smile, wiping her tears...
"Bhai... the things you got to know might be hurting you, you might be blaming yourself for not being able to protect me, but trust me, this is the best way things could shape on", Isha said, yes, the torture she bore in the initial stages of her marriage is huge, but she wouldn't be uttering about it to her brother who is drowning himself in guilt...
"No Ishu... I can't forget how much you suffered right from the day of your marriage and even before that, you might be so scared and alone, thinking about it makes my skin cold, I can never forgive myself or Vikram for all this", Ranveer said
"Bhai... it's all in the past, don't hurt yourself now thinking about it", Isha said, though with her convincing explanation about her being in a worse condition if he had managed to come there to rescue her from the marriage, Ranveer felt a little better, he couldn't just throw off his guilt...
"It's not in the past Ishu, it's still hurting you", Ranveer said indicating her condition a few weeks ago
"But this will come to an end soon... when Rana sa tells me the truth", Isha argued
"How long is this soon ?? And how are you so sure that this will end ?? You don't know what lies in that truth bacha", Ranveer put out his worry
"Huh...", Isha frowned in confusion... he shook his head in 'nothing'
"I just hope the truth won't hurt you and actually solve all the issues", Ranveer said, "though that's very unlikely", he whispered which his sister didn't hear...
Abhyansh called Isha as he did for the past few days, she has been talking to him lately, thanks to her brother's sad mood. He wished Ranveer stayed that way till his wife returned to Ranawat palace, he could at least talk to her... rather than sending those stupid texts which irritate the hell out of him, her short replies such as 'Fine', 'Good', 'Yes', and 'No' has made him want to banish those words from 'The English' language. He was that frustrated with her short texts. He is thankful that those irritating texts are replaced by phone calls these days. Though she only spoke about her brother and his well-being he was happy to hear her, listen to her voice. It kept his heart at Peace.
Isha looked at her phone which is ringing...
"Bhai... I'll just come...", Isha said, picking up her husband's call...
"Aren't your phone calls becoming too frequent ??", Ranveer said without noticing his sister already picked up the call...
"Bhai...", she reprimanded putting the phone near her ear to control her husband who might be fuming now... "Rana sa...", she started but got interrupted by her husband
"Rani sa... put the phone on speaker...", she heard her husband's tone, she could have argued in normal circumstances but his tone said 'DON'T'. She quickly did as she was told...
"Rajput... heard you had an issue with MY wife having phone calls with me, I'm here to address it", Abhyansh said in his cold tone, a tone that says 'Don't mess with me' and Ranveer knew that tone very well, he knew he pissed the BEAST. He held his head at the blunder he did... Ranveer could argue, fight, and even get on his brother-in-law's nerves but only when he was not as cold as ice or as furious as fire... both are red flags indicating his BEAST mode is 'ON'.
"Well, I was just surprised, she would just talk to you in texts until few days before and these days she is on phone calls more... I was just concerned for her, talking on phone isn't good for health, you know", Ranveer said, Isha giggled hearing her brother's explanation but she cupped her mouth when Ranveer glared at her...
"Cut the crap Rajput... get concerned about your health first", he warned, Ranveer needn't be told twice, he got the warning underlying in his brother-in-law's tone, which clearly said he would damage his health if he tried to stop Isha from talking to him...
"Yes Maharaj...", Ranveer responded, Abhyansh groaned in irritation at his brother-in-law's little too-obedient tone lacing with sarcasm...
"Isha...", he called, which meant her to switch off the speaker and come to a much calmer place where he couldn't hear the 'disturbance of India's' voice... well, that's what he referred his brother-in-law as...
Isha quickly turned off the speaker and walked out to her room nodding at her brother... Ranveer hated how his sister understood what the BEAST wanted to say just by his one 'Isha...' and here he was ranting about what he wanted for weeks and yet she was acting clueless... he knew the reason, his sister didn't want to break her marriage, as much as he wanted her to stay happy in her married life, he can't let her stay in that marriage, it's as if signing lifetime hell for herself and he isn't ready to put his sister in that state... only he knew what he went through seeing her in so much pain a few weeks ago... and why did she suffer so much ?? Because of his BEAST of a brother-in-law...
"Ji Rana sa(Yes Rana sa)...", Isha spoke softly into the phone, Abhyansh visibly calmed down hearing her soft tone and feeling his breathing soften, she understood he is now calmer, so she spoke bravely... "you shouldn't have spoken to bhai like that... he was already upset, you know", she said softly
"Rani sa... I can't bear any human's presence let alone their tantrums, I don't care about their situation...", he said coldly... she huffed and he understood she is upset...
"Isha...", he started but she cut him off...
"No Rana sa... all these days, I kept blabbering about bhai's condition and still you spoke that way with him... you are so soft with me, what will you lose if you show a fraction of it at my brother, he is just concerned", Isha argued...
"Rani sa... remember this because I won't be repeating this again... you are an exception... leave about tantrums, I can bear anything you throw at me", he said and she blushed at his words, his cold tone didn't intimidate her, instead his expression of love made her heart swell in happiness. "Don't expect me to be this patient with anyone else, not even with our children", he said and her eyes widened a bit with the mention of children... then she realized what he just said.
"You have to be patient with our children... I won't even let you near them if you roam with that rude face of yours Rana sa, I'm telling you", she said and his eyes twinkled in surprise, is it really his shy wife that was saying this ?
"Really! then maybe I'll stay with my Rani sa who loves this rude face", he said and she so wanted to say something to counter his statement but blushed instead, she couldn't handle when her husband becomes this sweet or makes these kinds of remarks, it's so against his personality but it sounds so natural maybe because of the underlying desire and love in his tone...
"Hm...", she said and he knew she is blushing... he so wanted to hug and kiss her lips until they are swollen... until she is moaning his name breathlessly until her throat soared... he shook his head trying to waver those thoughts, his wife is such an addiction, and has the capacity to turn him on at any situation...
"Rani sa... have you gotten your periods or not ??", Abhyansh asked, diverting the discussion...
"Um... no, Rana sa... I'm eating papaya, Ragini suggested it, I'll wait for a few days more", she said
"It's delayed for 10 days, and you said your cycle was never late before...", Abhyansh said, she could hear the worry in his tone...
"It's not that... it was late a couple of times in the past too... I'll be fine Rana sa...", Isha said
"I'm not hearing anything... we are going to the gynaecologist tomorrow...", Abhyansh declared
"Rana sa... okay, I'll ask bhai to take me then...", Isha said
"I said I'll take you", he said trying to keep a calm demeanour...
"No, I will go with bhai or Ragini, Rana sa... because nothing is fine between us... just because we are communicating properly doesn't make things right... there are problems between us and we can't solve them until you open your mouth... but again, no rush, take your time... I am not aware of what had happened, but I know it had hurt you badly... I don't want you in pain Rana sa... never", she said remembering that one time when she saw him having a nightmare after she made him gift a saree to his mother, he was never that vulnerable, but seeing him like that had a great impact on her... she never wants to see him like that again but again, she wants him to get vulnerable in front of her, so that she can comfort him... he can't keep his tough walls up always guarding his pain and emotions... he needs someone to calm the fire that's burning in him and she wants to be that person... but for that he needs to let her in...
"It isn't about my painIsha...past is not kind... it's ruthless and I want to protect you from it... as long as I can... anyways, go to hospital with Rajput tomorrow and let me know what the doctor said", he said hanging up... her eyes welled up... she expected him to sternly tell her that he would be going with her, but he gave up so easily ?? What's there in that past that he wants to keep it hidden, at the cost of staying away from her... she knew it's more painful for him than her... her husband is emotionally attached to only her and she knows he is emotionally dependent on her like she is on him... then why is he doing this to them ?? Why can't he reveal the past and get it over with?? Or is her brother right?? Does the past revelation really solve the problem or break them completely??
She slowly laid on her bed to sleep but it's eluded... Ranveer made his way to her room to check on her...
"Bacha... you didn't come to my room ?? Have you finished the call ??", Ranveer asked
"Yes bhai, sorry, I forgot", Isha said and Ranveer frowned...
"What's wrong bacha ??", Ranveer asked sitting beside her...
"Nothing bhai... will you take me to a good hospital tomorrow ?? Um... a gynaecologist maybe...", she said awkwardly... though her husband trained her to say 'Periods', she just got comfortable with him, not with everyone else... but, thankfully Ranveer understood...
"I forgot to tell you, Sangeeta said you would be having some issues because of the high dosage medicines and injections she gave you... talk to her once, if you think you should go to a doctor, I'll take you, let me know whatever it is, I'll book an appointment for tomorrow", he said...
"Okay bhai... I'll call her tomorrow, it's late now", Isha said
"No problem Ishu... she is in Germany now... it's fine call her and let me know in the morning... I'm going to my room... take care bacha...", he said and Isha nodded... Ranveer left after kissing her forehead...
Isha spoke to Sangeeta who informed the delay in her period cycle might be because of the medicines she has used... Sangeeta prescribed some medicines consulting her gynec friend and Isha hung up thanking her...
She pinged her brother that they needn't go to hospital as the issue is resolved... Ranveer replied instantly with an 'Okay' before furiously typing a response along with forwarding her message to his brother-in-law who gets on his nerves always...
"Read this message carefully, this is your wife's i.e MY SISTER's message saying she needn't go to a gynaecologist now as the problem is resolved...????", Ranveer typed and sent it to Abhyansh who has sent a voice note reading out the Do's and Don'ts in taking care of his wife who is HIS(Ranveer's) SISTER and the list involves the doctor visit along with the details of the doctor. Ranveer got furious at Abhyansh, what does he think of himself ?? Am I incapable of taking care of my sister ?? Huh... he muttered to himself...
His WhatsApp dinged with another voice note from Abhyansh when Ranveer was sulking...
"Send the prescription I'm sure Dr. Sangeeta might have prescribed, I'll get it re-checked, only after it can Isha take the medicines... Do.Not.Argue. Rajput",the voice note read...
"Of course... why would I argue if you use that tone...", Ranveer muttered in irritation... he replied with a"Fine",and tried to sleep...
The next morning Isha gave the prescription to Ranveer to get the medicines, after dropping her at the office, Ranveer forwarded the prescription to his BEAST of a brother-in-law, before pinging Ragini to come to the basement, and from there he said they would go out somewhere private.
Ragini wouldn't have gone to meet Ranveer if she didn't know about how Ranveer had been lately. When she didn't find Ranveer or hear from him after his confession that day in the basement, her heart ached, and she was so sure that he was playing with her and since she seemed to be playing hard to get, he might have jumped to an easy target, well that's what her head convinced her to believe, but deep inside she knew Ranveer might be a playboy but right then he wasn't playing with her but she chose to ignore that part conveniently until one day Isha shared her worry for her brother.
Though she didn't disclose the whole thing, she did say that Ranveer was sad regarding her and was in guilt, he was being very upset and didn't talk much lately. Ragini was curious to know what made Ranveer like that but she didn't want to intrude Isha's privacy.
Isha wanted to tell Ragini everything but for that she needed to disclose about she being forced to marry Abhyansh by her Kaku sa and what he did to her... all that was messed up and she didn't want to remember those black days anymore...
"I'll be back in some time", Ragini said standing up from her seat...
"But Ragini, we have a meeting with the design head in 10", Reetu said
"Try to postpone it Reetu... I have to go now", Ragini said and Isha frowned... Ragini was in a hurry...
"Woman! It's with the R Empire's All-India design head... you understand it right ??", Reetu said and Ragini sighed...
"I know... okay, try to get it shifted, if he says he is busy, you and Isha handle it for me", Ragini said... Reetu is about to shout when Isha interrupted her...
"Ragini, is everything fine, who are you going to meet ??", Isha asked concerned
"Yeah Ishu... I'm, I'm going to meet a friend, it's really important, hope you understand", Ragini said
"Of course, go, I'll try to get the meeting postponed, if not, Reetu, Shivam, and I'll handle it...", Isha said, Ragini nodded and walked out with her bag...
"You are going to do all the talking in the meeting... all the best Rani sa", Reetu said, whispering the last part, annoyed with her friends... Isha sighed but nodded silently knowing Reetu's irritation... she knew that was a tough job she has taken up but she had to help Ragini, she seemed to be in a rush...
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"Get in the car fast...", Ranveer said as soon as he spotted her getting out of the elevator... he opened the passenger door which surprised her... she imagined of getting treated like a princess by her partner but never thought she would be treated like a princess by the prince himself...
"What the hell Ragini ?? Put a break to your thoughts, partner? Seriously? Idiot...",she chided her head... she politely smiled at Ranveer and got into the car... Ranveer got in and drove away... they are on their way to a peaceful cafe so that Ranveer could have a talk with her when he receives Abhyansh's call...
Beast BILis displayed on the car screen which made Ragini widen her eyes... Ranveer cleared his throat, when Ragini looked at him, he signalled her to stay silent before accepting the call...
"Hello Ranawat...", Ranveer greeted casually as if he wasn't doing something against the Beast's orders...
"Rajput... I got it checked, it is fine... but I'll send them", Abhyansh said... Ranveer understood he was talking about the prescription and medicines... but why is he talking in puzzles ?? Did he have an idea about Ragini being with him in the car ?? His question was answered by Abhyansh's next statement... "don't think you could get away by going against me Rajput... I'll make you pay for it for both the times", Abhyansh warned mentioning about both the meetings, including the one in the basement before some days, Ranveer's eyes widened at how he got to know... Avyan ?? No no, Isha made him not to say it, he wouldn't have... then how ?? Ragini got startled with Abhyansh's cold tone... that was very scary...
"Ranawat... how do...", Ranveer started but was cut off by Abhyansh
"You were a fool to think I wouldn't know...", Abhyansh spoke
"Then why didn't you say anything that day ?", Ranveer asked, Ragini listened to their conversation interestingly, it's not every day you get to witness two powerful men conversing, especially His Royal Highness Abhyansh Singh Ranawat hardly spoke... though she didn't understand what they were talking about.
"I acted as if I didn't know because my wife didn't want me to know", Abhyansh said before hanging up...
"Sh*t Sh*t", Ranveer said rubbing his head while driving with the left hand...
"Mr. Rajput ?? Is something wrong ??", she asked softly
"Can you please stop calling me Mr. Rajput... it irritates me and right now my brother-in-law irritated me enough", he said and Ragini frowned in confusion...
"Okay, now tell me what is Maharaj talking about ??", Ragini asked calmly... she is not exactly the patient type but she somehow controlled her urge to snap at him looking at his condition, Isha was right, he looked very upset, his face looked as if he hadn't slept for days.
"Ranawat wanted me to stay away from you... the last time I met you in the basement, just a few minutes before, he warned me seriously not to meet you... that was why I was desperate to hide my meeting with you that day...", Ranveer said and Ragini thought Abhyansh didn't want a royal prince to chase a girl like her... and why wouldn't she ?? That's what most of the people thought about Abhyansh, seeing how he ruled the place and followed all the traditions and culture, they knew he was a very good man and an excellent king who took care of his people, but at the same time, they thought he was a man who kept old-school thinking regarding, family, lineage, and royalty.
"Then you should... he was right though... there is no point in you chasing after me... I'm no match for you...", Ragini said... "and you are no match for me either... I deserve a better man, and I'm sure I would get him", she added looking strongly at him and that's what attracted Ranveer more to her... that woman's confidence and grace...
"Well stop searching for a fictional man... you wouldn't get him... you have to adjust with me for now Ms. Shah...", Ranveer said... "and coming to Ranawat... you completely misunderstood him, he didn't want me to meet you, because he wants to protect you... well, like you, he too thinks that I'm playing with you and will leave you broken", Ranveer said shocking Ragini...
"Wh...What ?? Why would h..", Ragini's words remained in air when Ranveer spoke again...
"Ranawat is a great king, and he never lets anything unfair happen to anyone under his watch... well, the reason for his extra interest in your case is my sister though...", Ranveer said and Ragini nodded understanding what Ranveer meant...
"I have never seen any man loving a woman that crazily... that was the least expected from a man like Maharaj... he acted as if he didn't know you met me, just because Isha wanted him not to know...", Ragini said and Ranveer sighed...
"Love, passion and obsession causes more pain than happiness sometimes Ragini, one should know how to balance them and his emotions, otherwise he would destroy himself as well as his loved ones...", Ranveer said worried...
"What do you mean ??" Ragini asked...
"Will tell you... get down now...", he said stopping his car, she looked to a side to see they were in front of a 7-star hotel that belongs to none other than the king, Abhyansh Singh Ranawat...
"I thought of taking you somewhere far, but since he already knows, what's the point, let's talk in his own hotel, that way it would be easy for his men to spy on me", Ranveer said annoyed, Ragini chuckled at how petty he is... he got down and opened the door for her before she got down by herself...
"Thanks", she told him... he nodded, before giving his car for valet, they both walked in, settled in a private cabin...
"This place is fantastic", Ragini said looking around
"Yeah... I know... Isha liked it a lot too... she talked about it for days, after her first visit to this place on her first anniversary...", Ranveer said fondly remembering his sister and her happy face, it always gave him peace to see her happy...
"What is it Ranveer ??", she asked softly and for the first time in his life, he trusted a woman so much that he felt like saying everything to her... Ragini is not just a woman he is interested in... she is much more than that...
"I feel all the pain my sister bore is because of me...", he said and she frowned but didn't interrupt him... "my parents, they treated Isha very badly... my father had her caged for more than 16 years... he wouldn't have got her educated if not for Dadi... I tried to protect her and I thought I was doing a good job until after her marriage, I got to know about the things my parents did to make her suffer... she was a goddamn princess but was treated worse than a servant... and she... she was forced to marry Ranawat by my father...", Ranveer said, the way he talked about his father, clenching his teeth, Ragini saw the hatred, it's as if he would go and kill that man right away if given a chance...
"That man and his wife, unfortunately, I call parents, are so going to suffer for what they had done to Ishu... Ranawat won't leave them and I don't want him to either... it's a sin for son to kill his own parents, otherwise, I would have done it much before", Ranveer added and shivers ran through Ragini looking at the seriousness in his tone...
"Don't say stuff like that, though just for saying... it's a s...", Ragini started softly, internally convincing herself that he was just saying, he doesn't mean them...
"I'm not just saying Ragini...", his tone suddenly changed from anger to dangerously cold and serious... "I don't want to hide anything from you or pretend to be a good man in front of you... I could get very dangerous when someone harms my family, that includes my sister, Vikram, and Aryan, now Ranawat got included in it, though forceful fit... and now you too...", Ranveer said, his tone softening when he mentioned her, her eyes widened in surprise... "Ragini... if you are looking for a man whose life is as normal and peaceful as it could get in today's world, then I'm not the one, and can never become one...", he said and her heart beat raised, does it mean if she says 'Yes' he would leave her ??... "But that doesn't mean I would let you go or anything like that, I can't give you a normal life, but trust me, you would be very happy... think about it...", he said holding her palm... just sharing things with her made his heart feel better...
"How bad can you get ??", she asked suddenly... he raised his head to look at her... "you said you could be very dangerous when someone hurts your family, how bad can you get ??", she asked, it's important for her to know to decide on anything... Ranveer sure made his space in her life, if she could skip an important meeting to be with him now, he sure crawled his place in her heart, because for her, her work, her passion came even before her family, so, even if she doesn't admit to him, she sure has feelings for him but life can't go on just feelings, there should be some common grounds to be together and happy, at least that's what she believed in...
"I paralysed my father...", Ranveer said
"I... I think I didn't hear you correctly", she fumbled, because he can't do that right ?? The way Isha described her brother, and the way this man is towards his sister, kind and gentle, he is not capable of doing that to his own father right ??
"You heard me right... when I got to know what father did to my Ishu for making her marry Ranawat, I was furious, so furious that I would have killed him but Ranawat saved my father, he shifted him to a safety place where I couldn't reach... because Ranawat wanted to punish Kailash Rajput in his own way... but then, my Ishu was angry with me for too long, she was not talking to me... so I caused my father's accident... so that she would come to me, at least to console me, and that worked... she started talking to me again...", Ranveer said, Ragini's eyes widened at what Ranveer said... is he crazy ?? Can anyone really do it ?? Is he sick in the head... Ragini shook her head to control her thoughts, Ranveer chuckled seeing the strong ambitious Ragini Shah confused and scared... "I know you might be having a lot of questions, don't worry, I'm not sick in the head, if you know the things my father did to Isha, you would want to kill him too", Ranveer said with a deep sigh...
The food arrived and they had it peacefully...
"So, will you tell me what exactly happened these days that made you like this ??", Ragini asked after some comfortable silence...
"Isha called me for help, to help her escape her wedding... but I didn't even know about it... Vikram hid it from me... and all these days, I blamed her for not calling me... but deep down I know it's all my fault, I should have come here to stop the marriage even if I thought she wants it... my father played such a dirty game that made me think Isha was okay with this marriage when she was not... she suffered because me...", Ranveer said
"Sh... please... control yourself", Ragini consoled softly holding his palm...
"I just can't forget what happened... my Ishu called me for help, but I wasn't there to help her... I can't get that out of my head, and the fact that my best friend contributed to ruining my sister's life is unsettling", Ranveer said
"Why are you saying it ?? Isha and Maharaj might have had problems at the start, but now they love each other a lot, Maharaj loves Isha a lot... they are happy... stop feeling guilty now", Ragini said
"It's not that... it's not that simple... my sister's marriage isn't simple... you aren't understanding", Ranveer said shaking his head, neither could he tell her the whole matter, nor could he make her understand without it...
"Then make me understand, why do you have so much problem with their marriage ??", Ragini asked, surprised at how aversive Ranveer is of the thought of his sister being Abhyansh Singh Ranawat's wife...
"I can't tell you", Ranveer said and Ragini glared at him...
"Really ?? Why ??", Ragini probed...
"Woman, don't you want to live a beautiful life with me ?? You want me to get killed before that ??", Ranveer said when Ragini gaped at his open statement as if they are in a relationship, while they are just talking like friends... yes, she has feelings for him, though she hasn't named them yet, but she is not sure of him, in fact she felt the opposite, she didn't think they both are right for each other...
"Ranveer... I... I don't think anything is possible between us... stop saying things like this", she said...
"Why ?? Do they make you feel things ??", he asked looking her in the eye... she just shook her head and continued her food, both of them talked for some more time before deciding to leave to their respective work places. Ranveer insisted he would drop her, but she refused politely before booking a cab. Ranveer understood she needs some time to cope up with all the information he provided her today. He knew it's a lot to take in for anyone, so he agreed.
"Let's go", he said
"What about the bill ??", she asked
"This is my brother-in-law's place, you think I would pay here ??", Ranveer said before walking away... Ragini was shocked and was talking slow steps afraid of someone stopping her and Ranveer noticed this, he chuckled and walked back to her...
"No one will stop you to ask you for money... let's go", he said holding her wrist and pulling her with him... his gentle act stirred up emotions in her but she held herself back, she needs to think with a clear mind, she can't give in to her hormones...
"My cab is here...", she said hesitantly pulling away her hand from his hold, after they reached the gate... he opened the back door and she got in, she is not used to his gentlemanly behaviour, it was oddly comforting and in just a day, she felt as if getting used to it... the cab left and he drove back to his office.
-------------------------------
"Hi Akshay, I'm Reetu and this is Isha... I'm so sorry, Ragini had to leave urgently... we asked to re-schedule this meeting but your calendar wasn't free... so, we can discuss the things and Isha and I will update to Ragini", Reetu said, trying not to fumble or show her nervousness, mentally cursing Ashley who didn't help them in talking to Akshay's PA, Ashley was in a senior position and she is responsible for them till they get transferred to the HR department completely. If she wanted, she could have helped them but she chose to taunt them instead, with phrases like undeserving to be in R Empire, useless etc... Reetu would have punched her if she is in front of her, but thankfully, that was on a phone call...
"Yeah, I was going to Delhi in the evening... so, I don't have time... no problem... we can discuss and you can let Ragini know about it... anyways, there would be one more review of the finalized designs before releasing our festive collection", Akshay, the middle-aged man replied kindly. Isha and Reetu sighed inwardly hearing him. He was down to earth and easy to talk with for an All-India design head but again, if the queen of the whole R Empire can be as down-to-earth as Isha, anyone can, thought Reetu...
"He is kind, not like that bi**h Ashley Parker", Reetu whispered to Isha who so wanted to glare at her friend for speaking nonsense but controlled herself...
"Thanks for understanding Akshay...", Isha said and he smiled at her...
"Before going on with our discussion, I must tell you, I don't know if you recognize me or not, I was there during the acquisition presentation, I never got to meet you again to let you know this, your designs were exceptional... you have a lot of potential... and you are going to have a very busy schedule during this time as it's a festive collection, you design Indian if I'm not wrong ?", Akshay asked
"Yes sir, and thank you so much for your appreciation", Isha said politely...
The next hour was spent in discussing the upcoming launch, Isha and Reetu noted down the mentioned changes and they thanked Akshay again for being kind and understanding, before walking to their workstations...
"Reetu... don't you have a filter on your mouth... you were calling Ashley that in front of Akshay, thank god, he didn't hear...", Isha said...
"Baby, it's called bi**h, come on, say it, and what do you mean by calling her that in front of Akshay... she is one, and any person's name doesn't change, doesn't matter who is in front of you, you have to call them by their name only", Reetu said and Isha rolled her eyes at her friend's description...
"Anyways, leave it, thank god the meeting went fine... I'll block Ragini's calendar after lunch, we can detail her", Isha said
"Yeah okay... for now, let's put these laptops and go for lunch, I'm hungry", Reetu urged Isha and they walked to their workstations. On their way, they heard Ashley's teammates talk that halted their steps...
"Yes, I feel the same, all these can't be a coincidence, in this office, even if a screw gets here and there, it's replaced within minutes, but his highness's elevator remained under maintenance for months now, and all regular elevators were given access to B4, which was confined only to his Royal Highness, not even his brother can use it..."
"No, no, these days, even Avyan sir is using B4, I heard my boss saying it to someone, he was in the elevator with Avyan sir the other day"
"What ?? He was denied B4 for years, why would he get access suddenly ??"
"And those food-quality checks his royal highness makes, why only 1st floor cafeteria ??"
"And you know what ?? I saw Isha alone with him 4 times till now, once or twice could be a coincidence, this isn't anymore and I always feel something fishy there"
Hearing the last sentence, Isha's eyes widened, she knew people weren't stupid, but she didn't think they could be this nosy and observant... Isha held Reetu's wrist and pulled her to their work stations, Isha settled on her chair holding her head...
"Thankfully, no one has the courage to look at the king directly, or else they would have clearly noticed how his eyes search for his queen always", Reetu said and Isha who was already worried glared at her friend...
"Ishu... people are like that, ignore them... and why are you so worried as if they are linking you up with a random man ?? He is your own husband... let them think whatever they want, there will be a time when everyone's mouths will be shut", Reetu said and Isha nodded... she doesn't want to go to the cafeteria but they don't want to work stations either, so she reluctantly agrees but asked Reetu to go first, she will follow her after she talks to her husband... he picked up immediately after seeing her call as she normally wouldn't call when in the office.
"Isha...", he said and his tone said he was worried for her...
"I'm fine... it's just that I have a request...", she said
"Hm...", he said encouraging her to go ahead
"Don't come to the food-quality checks anymore...", she said and his temper raised... that was the only time he gets to look at his wife. He waited a whole day for that one glimpse of hers and here she wanted him to stop that...
"Isha...none, including you, have a right to stop me from looking at my wife...", Abhyansh said, and by his tone, she understood that he was angry, she sighed in despair...
"Please Rana sa... you can drop me home maybe", she offered and a small smile appeared on his face...
"I can ??", he asked, she can hear the happiness in his tone, how badly she wanted to give him all the happiness, she craves to be with him equally but their situation became the worst enemy...
"Yes... but please don't come to food-quality checks anymore...", she pleaded...
"Okay, that interaction with the team irritates me, I know food quality is the highest in our offices, but still I had to do it... to have one glimpse of my Rani sa", he said and she smiled...
"Not just you, they all get so worried and tensed every day, because of your so-called checks, poor them, have mercy on them Rana sa, they already work so hard and your visits make their work harder", she said
"Okay, I'll give incentives for all that they have gone through these few weeks... how about it ??", he asked
"Hm... they deserve it for handling the tough time", she said, indicating dealing with him is having a tough time, he chuckled at her taunt and she giggled along with him... "okay, see you in the evening", she said
"Hm...", he said his tone happy, she smiled at his joy of seeing her and spending some extra time with her... she sometimes wonders, is this the same man who once was so cold that she couldn't depict what he was feeling ?? He was like that with others even today, but for her, he changed so much, that change is customized for her alone and she felt his love in his every gesture, even in his silence.
"Had your lunch ??", she asked
"Not yet, I have it usually after seeing you have it every day, but since you asked me not to come, I'll have it after you do", he said and her heart fluttered...
"Rana sa... usually, a wife should have food after her husband, you reversed the tradition completely...", she said trying hard to hide her glee at his open display of love and her importance in his life.
"My wife is worth the reversal... anyways, I like it the most when we have food together... not before or after", he said and she smiled, he changed so much, he was not that king anymore, who made her serve him, or never allowed her to sit beside him and eat...
"Me too...", she said
"Then come to my cabin on the first floor, we can have it together...", he said and he got only silence and he got her answer... "okay... let me know once you are done with your lunch", he said and she hummed... "and Start the medicines from tonight, do not skip them at any cost, skipping would be painful for you... take care...", he said softly and before she could ask anything, he hung up...
She doesn't have to ask how he knew about her medicines, of course, he would have talked to her brother... she sighed at how her husband concentrates on every little thing when it comes to her, yet he doesn't understand how sad she is, staying away from him... why can't he end these distances... is she doing right by staying away from her husband till he tells her the truth ?? But again, the words he used for her father aren't some normal things, they were very harsh and she had the right to know what made him use those... her father is a very important part of her, the fact that her husband tortured her so much, and hated her just because she is Amar Rajput's daughter, stopped her from going back to him, before learning the whole truth.
She shook her thoughts and went to the cafeteria and had her lunch, she could see the relaxed faces of the cafeteria staff, the employees and everyone else, as the cafeteria received a call from Abhyansh's office, his secretary informed the king appreciated the good quality food provided by them and decided to increase their pay, also told them that he trusted them enough to continue serving the best quality and delicious food for the employees, so he won't be doing any food quality checks...
Isha was surprised, she just finished her call and he already implemented what she asked for...
"A chocolate mousse in the making, and today's snacks menu is Chinese, Indian, and Italian all included... the king appreciated our efforts and trusted us to provide delicious and good-quality food for you all, this is to thank him for his trust in us and you all for appreciating our efforts", the head chef announced merrily... employees cheered with claps, Isha smiled widely looking at the happiness of everyone around...
"Oh! so this is the queen's doing, huh...", Reetu said, and Isha blushed shaking her head... "woman, you had the king wrapped around your little finger... need to tell this to Ragini urgently", Reetu teased further...
"It's the other way actually...", she said, well, she knew Reetu wasn't wrong, her husband would do anything to make her happy, but what would happen if he heard this statement ?? His male ego would get wounded, no ?? Isha chuckled at her thoughts...
They returned to their workstations, and Ragini made her way after a while, they didn't get time to talk about personal things, so Isha and Reetu didn't ask about where she went, they detailed her regarding the meeting with Akshay and everyone got to their works. In the evening, everyone enjoyed the 3-cuisine snacks along with delicious desserts and milkshakes, Reetu told Ragini that it was all Isha's doing and both the friends teased Isha a lot.
In the evening, Isha asked Ranveer not to come to pick her up, as Abhyansh would be dropping her and this pissed Ranveer. He is afraid his sister will soon forgive him like every time and go back to him... here he is thinking of getting them separated forever but nothing seems to work... he is not against his sister having a happily married life with the person she loves, but he is not sure if she could actually have the happiness she deserves. If he had to make a choice between his sister alive or his sister happy, call him selfish, he would choose alive and unfortunately, he isn't sure if she would stay alive if she lived with the BEAST. If that man could trigger a severe panic attack she ever had, he could do it again, and Sangeeta warned him, that this shouldn't occur again, as it could be fatal for Isha. But what he didn't know was that Abhyansh was more scared than him, and that's why he was refraining from disclosing the truth, even at the cost of staying far from her.
Abhyansh dropped her home, and this continued for days, which didn't sit well with Ranveer. Both the brother-sister had arguments frequently on the same topic. Due to the hormonal medicines, Isha's mood swings are at peaks, and Ranveer had the brunt of it. Abhyansh noticed the changes in her too, but he never irritated her, so she looked happy around him, he did everything she said, he also took her to his hotel for dinner sometimes; after leaving from office and she enjoyed these mini dates a lot.
Isha returned at night 10 after having dinner one night, Abhyansh decided to walk her till inside, since it's late. They walked towards her room when they saw Ranveer in the hall pacing to and fro... Isha sighed with irritation seeing him. Abhyansh frowned at the siblings. What happened to that Isha who used to have a smile on her face every time she saw her brother... he wondered... Abhyansh observed her mood getting off these days when they neared Rajput palace, he so wanted to tell her to come back if she was unhappy there but then he was afraid she would ask for truth and that would disrupt the peace between them...
"Ishu... bacha... you had dinner outside again ??", Ranveer said walking towards them seeing her...
"It's in my hotel Rajput, they make it following all the quality measures...", Abhyansh answered
"Yeah... of course, Maharaj is always right", Ranveer said in irritation, Abhyansh is about to silence Ranveer but Isha jumped into it, her mood swings are at peak, and she is having light stomach ache too, all she wanted is to sleep, and here her brother is throwing tantrums...
"What is wrong with you bhai ?? Rana sa just said it so you don't worry, why do you have to take everything wrongly, when it's about him... what is your problem ?? That I went to dinner or I went to dinner with Rana sa ??", Isha shouted, surprising Abhyansh...
"Yes, you are right, my problem is that you went for dinner with him... I don't like you roaming with him", he shouted back, Abhyansh's temper rose when Ranveer shouted at his queen, but his wife didn't give him any time to act, she screamed in a louder pitch...
"You make it sound so wrong, he is my husband, I went out with MY HUSBAND", she shouted... Abhyansh was so happy hearing it, finally! the same possessiveness, the same owning, he felt in her tone for her brother, he felt for himself... maybe even more...
"You are married doesn't mean you act like a rebel, I'm your elder brother", Ranveer fought back...
"Yes, that elder brother who wants to get his sister divorced", she shouted... Abhyansh started to enjoy this fight now, he is getting to see his wife's hidden traits, he never saw her rebellious attitude, and it was actually so hot... the fight became entertaining for the BEAST now.
"Because you married a BEAST", Ranveer shouted...
"How many times did I tell you not to call him that ha ??", she said, running for a cushion and threw it at her brother... she kept throwing the cushions at him... "how many times did I tell you huh... why won't you listen... why...", she kept taking all the cushions and throwing it on him running behind him... Abhyansh so wanted to capture this in his phone but refrained from committing such a childish act which contrasts his personality so, he smirked enjoying the live show for now...
"Ahhhh!", She screamed in pain holding her stomach suddenly... due to extreme physical activity, she suddenly felt a sharp pain shot through her abdomen...
Abhyansh and Ranveer ran to her, made her sit on the sofa, while Ranveer ran for water... she started crying in pain....
"Let's go to the hospital...", Abhyansh said, about to lift her but she stopped him...
"No...no... I think I got my period... take me to my room please", she said hiding her face in his chest, while tears poured out due to pain...
"Yeah... let's go, don't cry... sh...", he said ruffling her hair and taking her in his arms...
"Where are you taking her ?? She is in pain, put her down Ranawat", Ranveer said, "bacha, have some water...", he said softly to Isha but she hid her face in her husband's chest shaking her head... she is in a lot of pain and right now want to use washroom and lay on the bed comfortably, she can't even utter any words...
"Rajput, I'm taking her to the room", Abhyansh said sternly, and that tone shut him up... he took Isha all the way to her room and she cried more, as she thought she is troubling him...
"I must be heavy... I'm so sorry, you have to carry me all along... I'm such a mess... I'm a trouble... no wonder, Kaku sa and kaki sa hated me...", she said sobbing, her periods reminded her of her kaki sa's treatment and her mood swings are making her talk all those things... they reached her room, he was about to make her lie on the bed... "not on the bed... please no... put me on the chair...", she said showing him a chair...
He didn't question her for now as he is furious with her words, so he tried to calm himself first... he made her sit on the chair and slowly kneeled in front of her...
"Where are your sanitary pads ??", he asked and she looked down in embarrassment...
"Aap bahar jayiye, hum le lenge(You go outside, I'll take it)", she said, her tears didn't stop because of the pain...
"Isha...", he called her softly cupping her face and wiping her tears. She looked at him in the eye, and she understood he was very serious when he asked her that...
"In my wardrobe drawer", she said slowly... he wiped her tears, kissed her forehead and went to get them... he also took out an extra panty for her...
He walked back to her, carried her to the washroom, and handed her the things.
"Change and call for me...", he said...
"I want to take a bath... could you plea...", she started but he nodded
"I will get you clothes... but don't lock the door... call me if you feel a lot of pain... hm ??", he asked softly, she nodded and he walked out... she closed the door but didn't lock it, he took out her clothes and after she finished her bath, he handed them to her...
"Rana sa... I'm done", she called for him after putting her pyjamas on... he came in and carried her back to the room...
He was about to make her lie on the bed but she stopped him...
"Not on the bed... I'll stain it...", she said and he gave her a furious look which scared her...
"A damn bed isn't important in front of your comfort... we can buy a new one... lay down", he said carrying her to the bed, and helped her lay down...
"Feeling any better ??", he asked settling beside her after taking off his blazer, tie, and waistcoat and she shook her head, she is feeling hell, the pain is much more than every month, but she is holding it back...
She observed he is angry and knew exactly why... the words she spoke might have got him angry... she knew she wasn't a trouble to him, she would never be a trouble but that time they just came out...
"Sorry...", she said and he nodded but didn't say anything, he adjusted her comfortably and started stroking her hair... "Rana sa... I'm really sorry", she said and he sighed before kissing her forehead...
"Never say that again... I would be happy to do things for you, only I should be doing things for you, no one has the right to, only I do", he said possessively and she nodded apologetically, she is such a stupid, how can she even put him and her evil uncle - aunt in the same bracket ?? Though she didn't literally compare them...
Ranveer knocked on the door, he understood his sister's problem so he made her favourite chocolate shake and poured into her favourite tumbler, his bhabhosa and bhabho bought two tumblers for them... pink one is for Isha and blue one is for Ranveer and after they passed away, his mother in the name of cleaning the house, threw all the things that held their memories in his absence, but he kept these in his room safely so they remained...
"Yes ??", Abhyansh responded as Isha couldn't even utter anything, he kept wiping her tears...
"Should I massage so that you would feel better ??", Abhyansh asked looking at her arms which were clutching her abdomen tightly... she shook her head tightly... Ranveer came in...
"Look what I made for you... Your favourite chocolate shake in your favourite tumbler...", Ranveer said... Isha sobbed hard seeing those tumblers... Ranveer sat down beside her, while Abhyansh rubbed her shoulders and hair...
"Too much pain ?? Let's go to the hospital please...", Abhyansh said, she shook her head, and looked at her brother...
"Bhayyu...", she said jumping into her brother's arms... Ranveer ruffled her hair slowly understanding her emotions... he shouldn't have brought these tumblers but her next words made him feel at ease... "thank you... I feel better", she said and Ranveer smiled... Abhyansh frowned, seeing a chocolate shake can make his wife feel better since she didn't even have it ??
"I know... have it, I'll tell you a story... very interesting one", Ranveer said and she nodded, drinking the whole contents...
"You know, when bhabhosa and bhabho went to...", Ranveer started but Isha's eyes widened...
"Bhai...", she stopped him before turning to her husband... "Rana sa... I'm fine, leave for home... it's very late... you need to wake up early too", she said softly... Abhyansh understood why she was saying all that...
"You are not fine... and I'm not going anywhere leaving you like this", Abhyansh declared...
"She would feel better by talking about her parents and unfortunately we can't talk in front of you... look at her face, she is even afraid to hear about her parents in front of you...", Ranveer said before turning to look at his sister... "do you want to live like this all your life ?? Afraid of even taking your parents' names?? One who brought you to this world and loved you so much Ishu ?? And most importantly, whom you love a lot, whose memories give peace to your heart ??", Ranveer asked, Isha shook her head and soon broke into sobs again...
Abhyansh's heart ached seeing her tears, he wanted to kill his brother-in-law for uttering all those nonsense in front of his wife when she is already in a lot of mental and physical pain... yes, it's true he couldn't even hear that man's name, but in front of his wife's pain, his pain doesn't seem to be huge anymore... he can bear hearing that man's name all his life if he gets to keep her with him, yes, that would be torture for him but he is ready to do it.
"You can talk", he said pulling her towards him... side-hugged her, and started slowly ruffling her hair which surprised her... Abhyansh didn't like displaying affection in front of people, even if it was family but her heart melted when he ignored everything in front of her pain... "and you will live a life you want", he said and she looked at him with teary eyes...
"I was afraid Rana sa... not of your anger, but your pain, I don't want to hurt you, that's why I stopped bhai...", she clarified her husband, and through her words, she wants to send a message to her brother as well, he cannot keep on blaming her husband...
"I know... you don't have to explain anything", he said softly, wiping a tear that escaped her eye...
"Okay okay, I got it, I'm the villain here... Ishu... bacha... sorry... forgive your bhayyu...", Ranveer said holding his ears, he knew he said a bit too much, well, he didn't regret what he said, those are his true feelings, but he regretted saying when she was already in so much pain...
Isha nodded when a laugh broke out making her cramps make their appearance... she winced holding her abdomen...
"Sh... calm down... you'll be fine... relax", Abhyansh rubbed her shoulders... "Rajput, do you have a hot water bag ??", Abhyansh asked
"No, I'll ask mother... I'm sure she would...", he started but Isha is quick to respond, in fact too quick to respond...
"No...", she wouldn't be taking anything from that woman, especially during this time, it would increase her pain instead...
"I have already asked for it, Bhairav must be on his way... relax...", Abhyansh said and Isha nodded looking at her brother with apologetic eyes...
"Bhai... I'm s...", Isha started but Ranveer shook his head...
"My fault Ishu... I shouldn't have taken her name in front of you, especially during this time... but trust me bacha... she would pay for every crime she committed against you... I won't leave her", Ranveer said stroking her hair... Abhyansh is about to ask but Ranveer signalled him through his eyes not to... Abhyansh blinked in assurance saying he wouldn't ask... no matter how much they disagree or fight with each other, they would work like a unit when it comes to Isha...
"Okay, now let me tell you the story... you remember bhabhosa and bhabho got these tumblers for us ??", Ranveer asked and Isha nodded excitedly, to listen about her parents, but she stayed in her husband's embrace, she knew her embrace could calm him down... Abhyansh held her by her shoulder with his one arm while his other hand was stroking her hair while she kept her head on his shoulder... Ranveer sat in front of Isha, facing her.
For a second, she felt what if her husband is right and her father did something bad to him ?? What would she do ?? She sure wouldn't forgive her father for giving so much pain to her husband... but the thought disappeared as soon as it came, how can she even think her father could do something to hurt anyone ?? No, there is sure some misunderstanding, she believed strongly...
"You know why they gave us the next morning, when they brought it the previous night ??", Ranveer asked and Isha shook her head... Ranveer chuckled at her cute antics... he slapped her head lightly, Abhyansh glared at him, before slowly stroking the place where Ranveer hit... Isha smiled and showed her tongue to Ranveer. "Real mature Ishu... anyways... that's because... you used to love pink so much, but the sticker designs on the pink tumbler were of Pokémon 'meowth' and 'Jessie & James' ", Isha made a 'Eww' face, Ranveer chuckled whereas Abhyansh is confused...
"Meowth is in the bad team, it's a bad Pokémon, and Jessie & James are bad people, always try to trouble Ash, the protagonist...", Isha said, explaining about Pokémon to her husband who listened to her carefully... Ranveer so wanted to take a video of this moment and send to the world leaders and powerful people, with caption, 'The BEAST - no longer one'.
"You were listening as if you werein plans to shut all your arms companies to open a Pokémon sticker shop",Ranveer sent a text to Abhyansh, who opened it thinking it to be of Bhairav, as he asked him not to call... Abhyansh glared at his stupid brother-in-law who chuckled at him...
"Ha bhai... then how did my favourite Ash and Pikachu come on this...", Isha asked looking at the tumbler in her hand
"Bhabhosa bought all the bottles, and the whole night he was awake, he kept removing all the stickers on the bottles, and cut all your favourite cartoons and stuck it on your tumbler, glass, plate...", Ranveer said and Isha smiled with a few tears slipped... her father really looked after her like a princess... he went extra miles for his children...
Isha looked at her pink tumbler, which still has the stickers of her favourite cartoons, though the paint had faded after all these years...
Abhyansh's phone dinged again and he glared at Ranveer, who shrugged saying he wasn't the one who pinged this time, he looked and seeing Bhairav's message, he got down the bed...
"I'll be back in a minute", he said looking at her frown when he got up... he knew she wanted to stay in his arms...
And after collecting the bag, he came back exactly in a minute as said...
"Okay... I'll go now, bacha, let me know if you need anything, and tomorrow, I'll make your favourite breakfast and feed you myself...", Ranveer said and Isha smiled slightly... Ranveer kissed her forehead and left the room after excusing himself from Abhyansh as well.
Abhyansh locked the door, and returned... he put the water bag for heating, before taking the heating patch and after carefully reading the instructions, gave it to her, before started explaining how to use it...
"No no... heating patch hurts a bit... water bag is much better", she said...
"You have used this before ??", he asked with a frown...
"Yeah, last month, when I was having pain, Reetu suggested this... but It didn't suit me... I have never used hot water bag though...", she said, he made her lie down, and gently placed the water bag on her abdomen... she sighed in relief...
He slowly pulled her t-shirt up, and pyjamas down, his warm fingers lightly caressing her bare skin, her breath hitched, he was having a much harder time as it's been a couple of months, he kissed her... the last time was on the day she left for Rajput Palace... and his ache and desire kept multiplying every day, and one the day he explained her about reproduction, he so badly wanted to make the lesson practical...
'Your wife is in pain, control your animalistic desires', he preached himself...
"Sh... relax... you'll feel better, trust me...", he said, slowly tapping her abdomen with the water bag which relieved her pain to some extent... but his hands that are close to her womanhood caused her a different ache... if only she could understand his ache... then that on innocent movement happened, his hand unintentionally touched above her va**na, a small hiss escaped her mouth, he thought it was of pain until he saw her face which is touched by pleasure... his eyes darkened with desire...
He put the water bag aside and slowly moved his face towards hers... he slowly kissed her forehead, which made her close her eyes in bliss, his warm lips on her skin, made her feel so good, he slowly trailed kisses on her face avoiding her lips irking her... he kissed her cheeks, smooched her face and neck, caressed it with his tongue, fingers but avoided her lips...
"Rana sa...", she called him in protest...
"I know... but no, I can't control myself if I kiss youIsha...and now we can't...", he groaned...
"Huh... ??", she whispered, in confusion, in desire and need as well... and he couldn't control seeing that innocent look and inviting lips, he placed his lips on her, roughly kissing her, all these days of being away is making him act on his desires, surprisingly, it happened with her too... she fisted his hair tightly and pulled him closer... he slowly peppered kisses on her neck and shoulders...
"this feels much better than any heating pad", she muttered in her tone which is filled with her desire and innocence mixed... her words made him pause his actions, and she hid her face in embarrassment...
"It's fine... in fact I need you to be vocal about how you feel, just like you did... that's how it works Isha...", he said kissing her forehead... "will you do it for me ??", he asked and she nodded...
"Words baby...", he said, his lips touching her, which she gently pulled into a kiss and whispered a small 'Yes' in between the kiss making him smile...
He soon came out of the trance and slowly broke the kiss...
"You need some rest... go to sleepIsha...", he said kissing her forehead and she nodded placing her head on his chest, and hugging him tightly... he pulled her into a comfortable position in his embrace and started ruffling her hair... she soon fell asleep in his embrace, and he slowly got up and walked to the bathroom to have a cold shower. He came back with just his pants on, he adjusted the duvet on her before lying beside her...
"Um...", she moaned in pain...
"Is it paining ??", he asked and she hummed... "where ??", he asked again...
"Legs and back", she said in broken words but he managed to make it...
He slowly turned her making her lie on her front, and started massaging her back with the pain balm, she moaned in relief and those innocent sounds she made woke up his little friend in seconds, who he got to sleep spending an hour in cold shower... he groaned painfully, his wife would be the death of him... he then massaged her feet and legs... he very well knew she wouldn't have let him touch her legs if she was awake...
"Feeling better now ?? Any pain anywhere ??", he asked to his sleeping wife, who responded to him even in sleep but wouldn't remember the next day...
"Hm... feeling good", she said and he sighed in relief that she was no more in pain, he washed his hands before lying beside her, taking her into his embrace.
The next morning, she woke up much more relaxed compared to the previous night. Now her back pain felt better and legs too didn't ache much, when she was bathing, she realized her husband had massaged her back and legs feeling the greasy balm on her skin... her heart bubbled with love for the man she called husband... he might not have slept the whole night considering she is in pain... every time, she cried or in pain, he never slept, her tears eluded his sleep always, and considering she went through a terrible pain, she was sure, he might have been awake the whole night...
She returned after taking bath, when she found him sitting on her bed all ready for his office in a new suit...
"Where did you get your clothes from ??", she asked
"I went home, the priest wasn't available to offer prayers to Mahadev, so I had to go", he said and she nodded...
"You shouldn't have come back... I'm feeling fine now...", Isha said, though she knew it's a waste to tell him anything... he would anyways come...
"Your brother is struggling in the kitchen since morning, I don't think he would be successful at making an edible breakfast... I'll order, tell me what do you want??", Abhyansh said ignoring her statement...
"No, bhai makes amazing bread rolls... I'm sure you'll love it", she said and he nodded...
"You are not going to office, change into something comfortable", he said seeing her in cotton kurti and leggings, she frowned...
"But why ?? I'm completely fine now...", Isha argued
"No, you are not, you were suffering a lot, even in sleep... you are not going", he said and she frowned...
"I was in pain yesterday, but now I'm not, my back ache is gone too, thanks to you... please let me go, you take me to the office, if I feel I'm not well, I'll ask you to take me back home... okay ??", she asked and he had to agree when she kept convincing him...
As Isha predicted, Ranveer made amazing bread rolls, Abhyansh liked them but didn't say a word, he can't lie and truth is something he wouldn't want to say and boost his brother-in-law's ego...
Abhyansh took her to the office and strictly asked her to call him if she faced any discomfort or pain. After a hell lot of instructions, he let her go.
To gain some real inputs and feedbacks from customers, they decided that two designers every day would go to the boutique, it's on a rotational basis and it's Isha's turn to visit their boutique along with Aashna but she got it changed with Shivam as she didn't have the strength to stand for the whole day there...
So, whoever goes to the boutique, they will have to apply for it through their HR portal regarding their proof of working while others who visit office had to punch in their cards, when Ashley noticed Isha's punch-in, instead of application in the HR portal, she got the much-awaited chance to show her superiority on Isha and avenge her insult but she didn't know she was calling trouble for herself for even trying to pick on Isha...
"Um... where is Queen Isha, I want to meet her and kiss her hand", Ashley entered their workstations with this sarcastic remark, Reetu and Ragini rolled their eyes at that while Isha panicked if she got to know the truth but Reetu whose cubicle is just beside hers calmed her down...
"Here Ma'am...", Isha said, and Ashley walked to her, Ragini too went there as Ashley seemed to be determined to trouble Isha today...
"According to the schedule you are supposed to go to the boutique, no ??", Ashley asked strongly...
"Yes, but I switched it with Shivam... I'll go after a few days...", Isha answered politely
"And who are you to decide that ?? You are an employee of the company, and here things run according to rules, not according to you...", Ashley said
"I wasn't feeling well, so...", Isha started but cut off by Ashley...
"Then you should have taken a leave...", she said harshly which startled Isha, but she maintained her ground...
"I'm in my periods, cramps get really bad for me and I can't keep standing the whole day in the boutique", Isha said expecting Ashley to understand since she is a woman herself...
"You are not the only woman in the office, we all work and we work the same like every day during periods too... get going, I don't want to see you in office today", Ashley ordered
"Ashley... please consider her request, I have seen her suffering, it gets pretty bad, and she had to stand the whole day in the boutique... look I understand, many women manage, but not everyone's situation is the same, and here there is an option of switching, there are resources available who could take Isha's position, so why not ??", Ragini requested politely, she so wanted to snap at the crazy bi**h but she was determined to send Isha to the boutique, so she had to request to stop her...
"Ragini... the company belongs to neither you nor your friend, don't waste my time... I'll come again in half an hour for the brief, I shouldn't see her here by then", she said and walked away with a winning smirk...
"Ishu... if I were you, I would have slapped her hard and screamed 'yes, the office is mine you bi**h'", Reetu said
"Huh, it's fine... I'll go to the boutique", Isha said packing her bag...
"Are you crazy ?? Shut up, I'll try to talk to Ashley again, but you are not going anywhere...", Ragini said
"Ragini...", Isha tried to stop her but she already left, Ragini tried to talk to Ashley but she didn't listen, so she had no option but to call Ranveer who in turn called Avyan to get the issue resolved as soon as possible but Avyan didn't pick up, so he had no option other than calling his brother-in-law, he thought he would get the issue resolved by his staff but what he did surprised him, now his sister would kill him and Ragini...
Ashley returned back exactly after half-hour, but Ragini didn't let Isha move an inch...
"What are you doing here till now ?? What did I tell you ??", Ashley asked
"I am her boss, she reports to me, I asked her not to go so she is obeying me", Ragini said
"Unfortunately, you don't have a say in it, it's the policy of the company and she leaves now...", Ashley said sternly in a louder tone, suddenly the place turned all silent and cold and Ashley thought it's because of her rising tone until she heard that tone which scared the hell out of her...
"John... ", Abhyansh called lowly in his cold tone but the calm environment made the coldness spread all over through his tone...
"Yes Maharaj...", John bowed before turning to Ashley... "recite the clause 25 in the employee contract Ms. Parker, it's the king's order", John said, his tone extremely authoritative but that's not what scared people, the BEAST who carries a coldest aura, standing there silently as if contemplating 100 ways to murder Ashley Parker...
Ashley turned and her eyes widened in shock and fear actually seeing the king there...
"I sincerely apologize for my tone Your Highness...", Ashley started but Abhyansh cut her off...
"What did John ask you to do ??", he asked in his cold tone which could scare the hell outta people, Ashley is no exception...
"Forgive me Your Royal highness... I don't remember...", Ashley tried hard not to fumble, already accepting she would lose her job now...
Abhyansh looked at John to recite it...
"Yes Maharaj...", John bows before starting to recite the contract "It states that the company provides a special privilege for female employees, they can take work from home for a maximum of 5 days a month if needed, if at all they have a field visit or a field job, they are free to switch for a desk job for a few days but ensuring there is no damage or loss for the company in any form.", John said, Ashley's face paled, she didn't expect the king to know the whole matter, she thought she could manipulate regarding what happened pushing the whole blame on Isha...
"The A & M contract included that the same employee contract is valid for Ms. Ragini Shah and her employees as well", John added "So, on what basis are you forcing Mrs. Isha to leave for a field job, when she fulfilled all her conditions according to the clause ??", John questioned...
All this time, Abhyansh was furious, he so wanted to kill Ashley Parker for talking rudely with his wife, but Isha kept signing him to calm down, trying to be as discrete as possible...
"I was trying to prevent any operational losses for the company... she...", Ashley started but Abhyansh has had enough of that women's bullsh*t... Isha very well knew that expression, she shook her head asking her husband not to do something extreme...
"Ms. Parker is demoted to the position she started with R Empire", Abhyansh declared walking away shocking everyone... especially Ashley... she didn't understand what's happening...
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