CHAPTER – 16
"N ow, do I look like a queen ??", Isha asked looking Natasha Khanna in the eye. Hearing her tone at the entrance, everyone bowed.
Isha walked in like the queen she is, her husband stood up and held the chair for her, indicating her to take the seat which she did. His sweet gesture overwhelmed her. He wanted his staff and everyone present there to know that his queen deserves the utmost respect if he chose to stand up in respect for her.
She sat on his throne-like chair while he stood behind it with his hand on her shoulder.
Natasha and Ashley shivered looking at the scene unfolding in front of their eyes. Did they insult this woman who is given utmost respect by the king himself?? They knew the BEAST and his image very well, he never stood up for anyone and by doing it for his wife, he sent a very clear and loud message to her offenders. After witnessing it, they lost the 0.1 percent hope that was left in them for their freedom.
"Avyan...", Isha called her brother-in-law...
"Yes Bhabhi sa", Avyan responded immediately walking to her... "clear this place, I want to have a little talk with the two", Isha said, Avyan nodded and started doing what he was asked to by the queen, this time he didn't even look at his brother for confirmation, his brother made it clear to everyone with his one gesture.
Bhairav started helping Avyan, fear filled his heart as well seeing the amount of importance and respect the king held for his wife. BEAST always preferred only one chair i.e. his throne chair whether it was in any of his dens or CD as he wanted only he be seated and the rest of them standing. The moment he stood up for his wife, Bhairav knew it was not just a chair he gave up for his wife, but also the power and respect it held.
Only they four are left in the room. Abhyansh knew his wife didn't want him to leave, he wasn't included in everyone. He just stood behind her, drilling holes into the two women who dared to insult his queen.
"You are proud of your position, and you are proud of your money", Isha said strongly looking at Ashley and Natasha. "Neither your money nor your position can get you outta here because I have them more than you, one thing that could have saved you now was kindness, only if you have displayed it a little", she said "gyan nahi dere hum, yeh sabak hai (this isn't a lecture, but a lesson)", Isha said the words in a louder tone startling the two women, all the times they treated Isha unfairly flashed in front of their eyes...
Isha got up and turned to walk away but Natasha's words stopped her in her tracks.
"Mujhe maaf kar dijiye Rani sa(Please Forgive me Queen)", Natasha begged for forgiveness.
"Please... please forgive me, Your Highness", Ashley begged, tears slipping from her eyes but there were no soft emotions on Isha's face, that once were.
"I might have thought of forgiving you if you are really sorry, but you are just scared, not sorry", Isha said and walked away without turning back, Abhyansh stood there admiring his queen. He followed his wife with Natasha, and Ashley's cries falling into deaf ears.
"I want to punish them Rana sa", Isha said while they passed through the empty aisle.
"Rani sa...", Abhyansh started, he doesn't want his wife to go soft on them...
"Trust me Ansh ", Isha said holding his palm, he sighed, he couldn't refuse her, but at the same time couldn't go soft on his wife's offenders... the video he saw boiled his blood, he felt like cutting Natasha Khanna's arm for raising her hand on his wife... well, eventually he is planning to make it happen but his wife's interference could disrupt his plans... "Rana sa... you want to punish them while I want to teach them a lesson... you will avenge your wife's insult if you punish them, that would make you only my husband, not a king. Decide for yourself what you want to become", she said calmly, amusement dancing in his eyes looking at his wife who is more of a queen right now...
"Okay... but that doesn't mean I'll stop with my punishment, I would do it to my heart's content if yours doesn't satisfy me", he said
"You can... but your punishment cannot disrupt my orders which I am gonna pass", Isha asked, Abhyansh frowned but nodded, he for sure knew something big was running in his wife's head and he had an idea of it, but he didn't know his wife is gonna surprise him with her lesson.
Both of them reached the huge hall, and all the staff gathered there to greet the king and the queen. Isha took a more detailed tour of the place and then walked to where her husband and brother-in-law were standing listening to the updates that were given by the head of the staff at CD. As soon as he saw Isha, he bowed to her in respect and the king dismissed him.
Abhyansh led his wife to the nearby cubicle where she detailed her point of view on some things where they lacked. Abhyansh is impressed with the way she observed things and picked out the problems in such a short time. Avyan gave inputs regarding a few things on why those weren't implemented till now. After a brief discussion, Isha came to a conclusion on a certain things.
"Avyan, make a detailed document on all these points your Bhabhi sa mentioned, we'll discuss before making changes", Abhyansh said
"Yes Bhai sa", Avyan said
"Rana sa... I want to resolve some issues right away, some policies regarding female staff needed change with immediate effect", Isha said
"Are you sure about your proposals ??", Abhyansh asked, asking if she wanted to discuss it with him or let him know before announcing it in front of everyone, but she shook her head and he trusted his wife, appreciating the newly emerging confidence in her. He walked out without saying anything but she understood her husband's silent approval. Avyan and she followed him.
"Rana sa, I want to implement a few changes, regarding the things I have discussed with you... if you allow...", she asked with respect, her tone audible to everyone present there as the huge hall maintained pin-drop silence in the presence of the king, Abhyansh gave a slight nod making Isha smile... "Bhairav... I want Ashley Parker and Natasha Khanna here", Isha said, though her tone was soft, there was an underlying order in it, Bhairav bowed and signalled the female staff to bring them there.
They were brought to the huge hall in the next few minutes.
Isha categorized the problems there into three points. The female staff of the CD does not have the flexibility to work from home for a maximum of 5 days in a month like the female workforce of R Empire has, for obvious reasons, that was a corporation and CD was where mostly local women who possess less education but richer in ethics, especially those who are loyal to the king were employed.
But Isha felt even they needed some relief during their monthly cycle as not everyone has the same amount of period pain. So, she announced that the female workforce will have the flexibility in the number of hours they work, if they want, they can leave early during their monthly cycle but will have to compensate for those working hours during the rest of the month, and they can ask their colleagues to refill their places so that there won't be any disruptions in the work.
The second change she made was they do not have a common room for female staff, there are washrooms and changing rooms for them separately but there was no room or facility for them to rest for a few minutes if they were too tired or to sit or relax for a while. They do have a medical facility but that is for both men and women and they cannot go to a medical facility if they just want to lay down for a few minutes to regain their energy right ?? She thought it was necessary for them so she announced the facility.
The third and foremost was utilizing the workforce not just efficiently but effectively as well. She got to know that there are many offenders whose offenses were lesser than the punishments they were bearing but that's not what intrigued Isha, but the talent they possess. Her husband believed in just punishing them but she thought what if she made them put their skills to use and in return, there would be small waivers in punishments for half a day or a day. Most women are good at cooking, cleaning, and other stuff, Isha thought why not use their help and reduce the men's involvement in those tasks, and put them to use in some tasks where only men were required?
Isha finished briefing the changes and everyone was astonished by the kind of issues she detected and the solutions she gave, but Abhyansh, Avyan, and many senior staff realized that these were very challenging to implement. It would get difficult to track the employee hours if the female employee chooses to utilize their flexibility regarding working hours. They needed more staff to track these things. Similar issues were found for the other two solutions as well but none dared to voice it out. Abhyansh decided to find out the solutions for these issues as he didn't want to discourage his wife who took a challenging step for the first time.
She did surprise him with the kind of ideas she gave, and he was very impressed, he expected a lot of mistakes considering her inexperience but he trusted her ability that is the reason he allowed her to announce it directly. She outperformed his expectations he thought. If he thought this was it, then he is in for a big surprise.
"Well, I do realize the challenges that come up in implementing these things, but not even a single person needed to be hired extra for this, this is Ms. Ashley Parker, and she has an experience of more than 15 years in people management, she is excellent at what she does, Ms. Parker would be managing all these things, and Natasha Khanna would assist her, including helping Ms. Parker in understanding the language", Isha concluded turning to her husband and she is amused to see him surprised, she thought her husband knew her, but looks like she managed to achieve the feat of surprising the BEAST who is a master in anticipating people's moves.
He did expect his wife to punish Ashley and Natasha with something similar but putting all their skills to use in such a way is a move even he didn't expect his wife to make, he knew his wife was smart but thought it would take some time to sharpen her.
Isha dismissed all the staff, only Abhyansh, Avyan, Isha, Bhairav, Natasha, and Ashley were left in the huge hall...
"Since you are so proud of the work you do and the position you enjoyed, put it to use here, one mistake and you'll be back to your initial days here", Avyan warned Ashley who shivered imagining those tortures, they didn't reduce but they got used to it to which they got relieved from right now by the very same woman who they insulted, picked up on thinking her to be weak...
"Your salary would be...", Isha started but Abhyansh stared at her, now the offenders would get the salary as well ?? He was irked by this and Isha understood it. "Decided on your performance in crisis management, starting with waivers(punishment waivers)...", Isha said, Abhyansh smirked at his wife's understanding nature. She was about to announce monetary benefits for Ashley and Natasha but her husband's glare was enough, so she changed her words... her husband might have given her some power but she knew better than to misuse it or go against him completely. "You have 3 hours Ms. Parker, get ready with an action plan... Ms. Khanna would help you", Isha said dismissing them...
Bhairav called someone to take these two inside and provide them with the things they needed to prepare the actionable. Bhairav is still in a daze with the happenings, he didn't expect their soft and kind queen to be this strong and bold. Same with Avyan.
"Rana sa... I'll be in CD today till the evening, if Ashley prepares an effective plan to tackle the issues, I would like them to start the work right away, with your approval of course", Isha said, silently seeking his permission... Abhyansh signaled Bhairav to leave and get the vehicle ready, he bowed and walked away.Abhyansh, Avyan, and Isha walked to the room beside them.
"Okay... Avyan will be there with you... No need to wait for my approval, you can take a call, both of you", Abhyansh said, Isha nodded with a smile... "Avyan, I need you to solve the other issues as well", Abhyansh said looking towards his brother, since he would be in CD the whole day, he wanted him to utilize the time there and resolve all other issues as well. Avyan cursed his fate in his head, he thought he could have a light day for once but no, his brother never let him, he whined but of course inward.
"Yes Bhai sa", he nodded politely but Abhyansh knew what his brother was feeling inside.
"You get every Sunday off, wasn't that sufficient??", Abhyansh asked sternly glaring at his brother...
"Rana sa... What did he even say?? Stop targeting the poor soul for everything", Isha came to Avyan's defense like always...
"Look at his face, he feels as if he is shouldering half the world's burdens", Abhyansh argued with his wife, pissed at her for taking his useless brother's side. Avyan looked at his brother with an open mouth...
"Avyan... Go inside and start with your work, go", Isha said softly before her husband could again scream at her poor brother-in-law. Avyan scurried away immediately... "Rana sa, why are you being so hard on him... Let him enjoy a little", Isha suggested
"No can do Rani sa, he is a prince, and a Ranawat, he is not even doing half of what he is expected to do, I planned to handover the CD's responsibility completely to him 4 years ago but he wasn't ready, I kept giving time but he still looks not ready, it doesn't work like that... You will not take his side from now on", Abhyansh told his wife sternly...
"Okay okay... We'll see, for now, go to the office, aren't you getting late, your half-day went to waste just like that", Isha said and that brought a small smile on his face.
"Not a waste if I get to see you like that, I am proud of you Isha", Abhyansh said cupping her cheek, she looked down trying to hide her blush making him chuckle...
Isha looked at his face, then around making sure no one noticed his smile, she quickly locked the door, cursing Avyan in her head for leaving the door open while leaving. She returned to him after locking the door, Abhyansh smirked knowing the reason why she locked the door but decided to tease her.
"No funny business here Isha... This is not our bedroom okay", He teased making her eyes widen and cheeks redden...
"Rana sa...", she hushed slapping his arm, and that made him chuckle again...
"This is why I locked the door, not to do what you are thinking, you look too good when you smile, and that sight is only for me... Maybe for our family as well but no one other than them could witness this precious smile", Isha said making him smile with affection in his eyes... He cupped her face and kissed her forehead.
"Today you really made me so proud, I know my wife is smart but didn't think she was this smart...", he said but she looked at him with disbelief and doubt. Though she announced it confidently, she is still not sure if it was a good move.
"You are really proud of me?? I did right??", she asked doubtfully
"You know I won't lie, That was a strategic move, you killed two birds with a stone", he said indicating how she tackled the problems of the staff there and managing workforce with a single solution.
"I was scared at first but then I decided to try, I wanted to give my best Rana sa, you trusted me, I will try my level best to never fail you, I know there are a lot of shortcomings in the plan I proposed, I am still learning, will you help me get better??", she asked, he cupped her face rubbing her cheeks with her thumbs softly.
"You did very well, don't doubt yourself, I thought there were shortcomings in your plan but you surprised me with your final move, I know you didn't want such a talent like Ashley Parker go waste, hence the new roles to both of them, I am impressed, but don't pressure yourself much, I don't want you take any kind of stress, learn at your pace, and I am always here to help you", he said
"But I want to put all the effort into becoming a good queen, I am afraid of disappointing you", Isha poured her worries...
"You can never disappoint me, Isha... And after today's move, I feel like you are born to be a queen, my queen", he said and she smiled...
"So cheesy Rana sa", she said looking away and he chuckled at her embarrassment
"Okay, finish your work here and reach the palace on time, I'll be waiting for you", he said, she nodded with a smile.
He walked away, and she went to Avyan to look after the needed things. Avyan dealt with other issues while Isha detailed the contractor regarding the facility room, taking inputs from the female employees there.
Exactly after 3 hours, Isha and Avyan sat on the respective chairs in the cabin there, while Ashley presented her action plan all the time cursing herself in the head on how the tables turned. Ashley expected Isha to take revenge on her by putting her on the spot like she did with Isha during her presentation but nothing happened. Isha calmly listened to Ashley, Avyan asked a few questions in between but Isha listened carefully without interrupting anything, sometimes helping her answering Avyan's questions. That's when Ashley realized Isha was a queen in all senses, she wasn't petty to avenge her insults the same way, in fact, she didn't have that time Or the energy, instead, she put that time in understanding other useful things that made Ashley slowly realize many things but she knew it's too late for realization now.
After sorting the implementation into phases and instructing the top staff there regarding the same, Avyan and Isha are done for the day.
Abhyansh asked Bhairav to pick Isha and Avyan from the CD which he did. All the while, Bhairav felt guilty for underestimating Isha's ability, though he hadn't said it aloud, he did doubt his King's decision for the first time but Isha proved her husband's decision right making Bhairav ashamed of his thoughts. She may not be exceptional, and everyone knows that it comes with practice but what Isha did today wasn't any normal achievement either. Bhairav couldn't meet Isha in the eye but Isha thought it was because of what he did to Avyan's car.
After they reached home, Avyan detailed what all happened at CD. Amruta hugged Isha and Devyani gave a proud smile to Isha, one a proud teacher gives to her student.
"I'll freshen up and make coffee for everyone", Isha said and about to walk in when Rajmata stopped her.
"Amruta, remove the evil eyes off your daughter-in-law before letting her in", Devyani said and left making Isha smile. Amruta did so and then Isha went to freshen up and made snacks and coffee for everyone. She went to offer it to her husband, but he was on a call seriously discussing something, he gave a quick nod at her and she returned it with a smile, before pouring coffee to him, and putting the snacks in front of him, she was about to leave when he held her wrist...
"John...", Abhyansh said indicating to John to stop iterating whatever he is saying and he got the message, Abhyansh muted the call and looked at his wife...
"Aapne liya?? (You had it ??)", Abhyansh asked
"No, I will now... Continue with your call, I will go down", she said
"Hm... Eat as soon as you go down, you look tired", He said, and she nodded with a smile before walking away... He takes too much stress regarding her well-being, she thought.
She returned to the main hall with her snacks and tea when she was engulfed in a tight hug by none other than her brother... Isha glared at her brother-in-law for blowing the news to her brother right away, but her brother's words soon brought a wide smile on her face.
"Bacha... You don't know how proud I am of you... You made your bhayyu's day, I am so so so happy", Ranveer said kissing her forehead and cheek...
"Bhayyu...", Isha giggled... "Trim this beard, it doesn't look good", Isha said
"Yes boss, I am so happy to argue, will do everything you ask", Ranveer said making Isha giggle...
"Bhai... It's not that big of an achievement too", she said with a blush, she was feeling shy hearing everyone's praises...
"Arre it is... You surpassed the BEAST, you did things he couldn't even think of", Ranveer said and at the very same moment, Abhyansh walked there but none noticed him.
"No bhai, they were all his plans which were already implemented in R Empire, I got inspired from him, I just tweaked them a little to suit the work environment at CD, all I did was a few minor changes", Isha said, Abhyansh just shook his head at his wife's inability to handle praises.
He knew she was being truthful when she said she took inspiration from him, but it was much more than that, but like the hell would his wife take the credit.
"Ishu, what problem do you have with my happiness bacha", Ranveer asked seriously, Abhyansh rolled his eyes at his brother-in-law's drama while Isha stood confused
"What did I do bhai??", Isha asked frowning
"Why do you praise your BEAST of a husband when you know it irks me??", he said, Abhyansh walked towards them before Isha could reprimand her brother for calling her husband BEAST.
"Then why do you come to my palace ??", Abhyansh asked calmly, settling there.
"For my sister, it's my sister's palace as well", Ranveer said
"Bhai... It's not...", Isha started but her husband glared at her...
"It belongs to you more than it belongs to me, I thought giving you the responsibility of the palace and family made it clear but it didn't", Abhyansh said in his steely tone that scared everyone, Isha is no exception but the words that left her mouth next surprised everyone.
"The moment I take the responsibility of the palace and family, you won't hear me saying that again, I give you my word", Isha said, after recovering from the initial fear her husband's tone caused her.
No one expected her to answer back to her husband with respect but at the same time making her point clear. But, looks like everything has its first and they expected to see more such firsts in the coming days.
Abhyansh nodded, Isha sat beside her brother and had her snacks, asking one of the female servants to heat her tea which is now cold.
Ranveer stayed back for dinner as per his sister's request and after dinner, Isha quickly guided the staff to settle the things and left to her chamber.
She smiled seeing her husband working on his laptop, sitting on the couch.
"How much time will you take to get done with the work??", Isha asked Abhyansh...
"Depends on what you want to do now", Abhyansh chose to flirt with his wife and she chose to tease him back...
"Nothing much, just wanted some help in changing... You continue with your work, I'll do it myself", she said, Abhyansh smirked at his bold wife, before closing his Mac, and taking steps towards her and that startled her, she didn't expect him to do that considering how important the work he is doing now is.
"Rana sa... I... I was kidding, get back to work", she fumbled taking deep breaths, he pulled her swiftly into his arms, holding her tightly by her waist.
"Should have thought before provoking me", Abhyansh said, he purposely pulled her closer rubbing his hard length on her making her eyes wide...
"Rana sa... Not today... I am tired", she gasped
"You said the same last night, and I let you go since you were really tired, but not today... Lying is bad Rani sa, and tonight, you will receive your punishment for it", he said nibbling the skin on her neck so softly while his hands traveled back and forth on her spine...
"Rana sa...", she took deep breaths to control her moans...
"Um...", he said continuing his sweet torture on her neck, his hands went beneath her saree and started caressing the skin on her waist... His base tone sent shivers through her spine... She started ruffling his hair with her fingers and that's his cue to take her lips in his and he just did that.
He kissed her hard making her forget the world... He slowly took her to the bed and made love to her slowly and passionately making her crave for him with every inch of her body. And her every sigh, moan, and gasp boosted him... He lay beside her after making love, pulling her into his arms...
She kissed his chest, and he thought it was just one kiss but soon she started peppering kisses on his naked chest...
" Isha... ", he groaned sighing deeply... "You are tired...", he said, he was holding himself with difficulty, making sweet love never satisfied him, but something is better than nothing, he knew she was a bit tired of co-ordinating with the staff at CD and then training with his grandmother, and dinner preparations added to her fatigue, so he didn't want to drain her energy...
"No... I can't let you sleep like this", she said softly, her eyes displaying the passion, love, and desire for him making him smirk...
"So only rough love would satisfy my queen huh ??", he teased her while she glared at him...
"No... It's all your fault, you got me used to it", she said shyly nuzzling her face in his neck, her nak*d body on his causing him pain... He chuckled at her words...
"I got you used to what ??", he teased her making her slap his chest... he turned their positions hovering her, and thrust into her deeply without a warning, causing her to shriek in pain and pleasure... "This ?? Hm ??", he asked increasing the pace, her moans got louder, no words came out of her... even her moans were shut by his mouth, taking her into a deep kiss...
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"Aren't you sleepy ??", he asked after cleaning her and himself...
"I am, but don't want to sleep... lying beside you like this is bliss... You make me so happy Ansh, I'm afraid of this happiness...", Isha whispered, snuggling into her husband's warmth...
"Wat are you scared of hm ?? I'm here and I'll always be here... and We'll always be like this... This is my promise to you... You do know I keep all my promises right ??", he asked kissing her forehead...
"Yes", she said tiredly...
"Sleep now... I'm right here...", he said ruffling her hair...
"You too... close your eyes and sleep for a couple of hours... you need it", she said cupping his cheek...
"Hm... I will", he said, kissed her forehead, and continued ruffling her hair and she is out in minutes but he kept staring at her...
The thoughts and her questions didn't let him even blink his eyes, he is scared she would disappear if he did... Isha became his life and even the thought of something happening to her gripped his heart... and those thoughts appeared in his head frequently these days, there are only a few days left before she takes up a queen's responsibility in all senses... After that, he couldn't conceal her identity for a long time even if he wanted to.
He did want to reveal her identity and announce her as the queen to the whole world but his enemies are too many. Though he eliminated all the possible threats, some things still scared him.
He dialed Bhairav who picked up in a second, he like his king isn't used to a senseless sleep...
"Maharaj...", he said greeting Abhyansh...
"Bhairav... Look carefully into Rizzo's allies, even a single clue, end them", Abhyansh said, asking Bhairav to end their lives, if they displayed a single trait to avenge Rizzo or wanted to act against him(Abhyansh) or his family.
"Yes Maharaj", Bhairav said in agreement...
"Monitor everyone closely Bhairav, any suspicious activity, don't hesitate to take action", Abhyansh instructed, indicating Bhairav to keep an eye on not just Rizzo's allies or family, but all of their other enemies' families or friends, or even the potential foes... Bhairav responded in affirmation and Abhyansh hung up...
"That leaves me with Kailash Rajput and his wife", Abhyansh whispered to himself before turning to look at his wife... "I won't let anything happen to you... I wouldn't take any chance", Abhyansh said ruffling her hair, kissing her forehead...
"Ansh...", she whined in sleep with a frown...
"Sorry... sleep now", he said softly, smiling at how his small voice could disturb her sleep. It's surprising how her ears block all other noises when she is asleep except for his voice...
"Hmm...", she said hugging his chest, half laying on him feeling extremely cold... He adjusted the blanket pulling her closer hiding her in his arms with the thick blanket covering both of them...
"This is why I told you to wear your clothes back, you'll fall sick Isha", he said sternly before she slapped his bare chest harshly asking him to shut up making him sigh deeply... this keeps happening to him, his wife loves to slap him if he dares to disturb her sleep especially when she is tired...
He cursed himself, every day it's he who makes her wear her night clothes, but today she didn't want to and he got tempted by the idea of sleeping with his na*ed wife in his arms. He tried to get away to bring her clothes but she wasn't letting him out of her arms so he had to stay back...
The next morning, he stayed back in bed after attempting a couple of times to leave the bed as his wife was hissing at the loss of his warmth, this winter is one of the coldest in Rajasthan's history. Isha woke up at her usual time and smiled widely looking at her husband who is staring at her...
"Good Morning... This is one of the best mornings I had...", Isha said running her fingers in his hair while he pushed a few tendrils of hers in place. "I want to sleep more...", she said snuggling into his warmth...
"Okay, but let me go, I'm getting late for my morning puja(prayer)", he said but she held him close to her...
"I can't sleep if you go", she whined
"What happened to you today ??", Abhyansh asked stroking her cheeks with his thumbs softly...
"I want my husband to pamper me, Is it so wrong ??", she said and he kissed her forehead with a smile...
"No, it isn't... Okay... get up... Your husband will pamper you to the fullest", he said turning towards her, and she gasped feeling him on her... He cursed his morning wood, and his wife's naked body wasn't making it any better... Abhyansh chuckled at her shocked expression...
"Don't worry, I won't take you now... Well, this is common in men, happens almost every morning to me, not necessarily due to what you are thinking... but yeah that could be one of the reasons too... Maybe you can help me in other ways ??", he asked, the last part huskily...
"Ansh... You have started early in the morning huh...", she said pushing him away making him chuckle at her shyness, she slipped into his t-shirt and went to the washroom to freshen up, after she returned, he freshened up, and went to the temple.
Soon, it's breakfast time, and after that, Abhyansh, Avyan, and Isha left for the office together, Isha apologized to Ragini for not being able to make it to work the previous day, Ragini shook her head at her friend's politeness even though she knew she (Ragini) wouldn't say a word as Isha was always excellent with her work and in-time delivery so Ragini never had a problem with the number of leaves Isha took...
Days passed and D-Day arrived, Isha was a bundle of nerves, She didn't quite understand why, as her husband already said that there won't be any formal ceremony as such, it was just a small announcement in front of the family and the staff, and she would continue performing her duties as it is... but still, she couldn't shake away the nervous feeling, maybe the fact that her husband trusted her so much to actually put the whole family's responsibility in her hands is overwhelming her.
Abhyansh didn't say a word, just silently helped her get ready. She took out a Royal Pink heavy saree with a heavy border shawl but he grabbed it from her hands and put it away, he instead picked a dark green saree which is not light but not heavy either, the golden border and the zari embroidery giving it a rich look, the full-sleeved designer blouse giving it a rich look. He helped her wear it... He knew she is already nervous, and the heavy saree would only make her more nervous, instead, he tried acting casual to keep her calm and it actually helped, she felt as if it wasn't a huge event and just another normal day though she knew it wasn't the case.
Abhyansh and Isha prayed in the temple and offered Aarti to Lord Shiva like any other Monday and the temple weather, the cool breeze, Mahadev, the prayer and last but not least her husband calmed her nerves to a greater extent. In times like these Isha is left surprised at how her husband managed to calm her without uttering a single word.
Everyone completed their breakfast and followed Abhyansh to the Royal hall where most of the announcements in the family or regarding the realm take place.
"Rani sa will be taking up the responsibilities of the family and the palace from now on...", Abhyansh announced and Isha sighed inwardly as they are done with it but what her husband did shocked her... "This key is the access to the darkest and deepest passages of the back palace, I'm sure you learned how to open it", he asked and she nodded... "I hope you never need to use this", he said and she wished the same too...
The key has access to the blueprints of all the secret passages in the palace especially secret passages involving the back palace. None in the family knew all the passages except for Abhyansh. Even Devyani didn't, she only knew those which her husband told her, but after his death, crucially after that fatal attack on the palace Abhyansh made a lot of changes but thankfully he still followed his grandfather's advice of documenting all the secret passages safely for the family at times of crisis, and Devyani did know how to open the secret safe though she doesn't have the key, she detailed the process to Isha as well though she very well knew Abhyansh wouldn't hand over the key to Isha ever, but when he did, he left the whole family shocked including Isha.
"Rana sa...", Isha said forwarding the key to her husband back, she was afraid of taking such a huge responsibility, but he cut her off...
"I trust you...", Those three words from his mouth held a lot of weight than anything and Isha understood it now better, maybe because now she understood how difficult it was for her husband to trust her completely with such crucial information that too when his own mother betrayed him using the same.
Abhyansh's one statement made it clear to everyone about the amount of power, authority, respect, and responsibility he gave to the queen. After this, everyone gave their respects to the queen who took over the palace officially, later, Abhyansh, Avyan, and Isha left for their office, Abhyansh hated letting his wife go to the office like that, he knew men would ogle at his wife as she looked too gorgeous to ignore. He even asked her to change but she shook her head with a smile... She loved herself adorned in the saree her husband picked, and she wanted to keep wearing it the whole day. Abhyansh groaned inward but didn't say anything to her.
"Arre wah... You look so gorgeous today... What's the occasion", Reetu asked whistling at Isha making her embarrassed at her friend's statement...
"She is a queen in all senses now... Look at how she is shining", Ragini said surprising Isha...
"How do you know?? I didn't tell you I guess", Isha asked Ragini, who realized her blunder but immediately covered up... Ranveer told her...
"I had a meeting with Yuvraj Avyan last evening, we were talking casually and I asked him the reason you left early, and he told me it's a big day for you, and all the details as well", Ragini said, and Isha nodded in understanding. Isha didn't mind her friends knowing about it, Reetu and Ragini are like her family, and she forgot to tell them.
They got back to their work after a little chit chat and Ragini texted Ranveer asking him to talk to Avyan and inform him about it if at all Isha asked him. Ranveer cursed her for putting him in such a situation, but he did it nonetheless as he didn't want his sister to know about it yet, not when Ragini was still unsure about their relationship.
He was still feeling bad for not going to Ranawat palace in the morning, for not being there with his sister on one of her big days. He knew she is nervous, he talked to her on phone, but he couldn't go, as Ragini needed help, her car wasn't starting and she couldn't get a cab, she called in the morning when he is on his way to Ranawat palace to ask if he could drop her at R Empire as she had a very important meeting and this was the first time she was seeking his help, Ragini is slowly accepting him, he could feel it, and at this time he didn't want to push her back, it was a tough choice but he made it, he would have gone to his sister if she needed him but he knew his brother-in-law is there to manage her. But he couldn't remove the guilt. Her understanding pushed him into more guilt...
"It's okay bhayyu... I know there must be something very important work otherwise, you wouldn't have missed it, I understand, and don't you worry, I am completely fine, Rana sa was there with me, now don't think about it much", she assured him when he called her to ask how all of it went and to apologize for not being there...
He didn't like keeping her in the dark that too when he was dating her best friend. He just hoped Ragini would accept him soon and they could reveal their relationship to his sister.
In the evening, Isha came home, she asked her husband, father-in-law, and his grandmother to assemble in the hall. Amruta and Avyan are already present there... Seeing the whole family in the hall, Isha passed a small smile before serving them coffee, tea, and snacks.
"Bhairav...", Isha called and he walked towards them, Abhyansh knew what his wife wanted to do, he just enjoyed the show as seeing Bhairav following the queen's order intrigued him...
He had seen many capable, able, and strong men but Bhairav was toughest and strongest of all, he didn't obey anyone if they were wrong, and that's what made Abhyansh choose him as his right man. And only the BEAST could achieve the feat of making Bhairav do anything. For Bhairav, Abhyansh's order meant the world, he went to any lengths to obey them. It would be amusing to see how his soft yet strong wife would achieve that feat.
"Yes, Rani sa...", Bhairav said bowing down in respect of Isha...
"It was your duty to follow Rana sa's orders, but it was every individual's responsibility to show empathy, you could have waited till Rana sa arrived, Avyan requested you for it but his request wasn't accommodated, I think you owe an apology to Yuvraj", Isha said, her tone polite open for any counter arguments from Bhairav, everyone there knew Isha left no statement for Bhairav, the only point he has in his defense is Abhyansh's order but Isha pointed it out already.
Abhyansh thought she would make him do something troubling him and thought to enjoy but he didn't like Bhairav asking sorry from his brother, he is very protective of Bhairav, and the whole family knows about it, they expected Abhyansh to stop his wife, he would have but he didn't want to disrespect her words, it's his choice and a conscious decision to handover the power to his wife, and now it's his responsibility to respect her decisions.
He knew there was a lot of difference between his governance and his wife's. She believed in accepting and apologizing for her shortcomings as well as maintaining her respect and dignity as a queen, but he had different opinions on this, he tried to never commit mistakes in the first place but there were a few times when his decisions were proven wrong, but he didn't apologize instead tried to rectify the damage and made the situation better.
Despite the difference in their thought process, he believed in his wife to do the right thing.
"Yuvraj, I know it caused distress to see your favorite car set on fire, irrespective of the reasons behind my deed, I was the cause of it, I am sorry", Bhairav said, he didn't apologize to anyone except for the king and the queen but he genuinely felt there is a need for an apology to Avyan and he mentally thanked the queen for providing this opportunity to get the guilt off his head.
Avyan gave a small smile, got up, and hugged Bhairav tightly, making Isha smile widely. Avyan feared Bhairav right from childhood for his stern personality and cold demeanor. And that fear turned into hesitation and avoidance after he grew up, as Bhairav gave him the same vibes as his brother, maybe less scary but nonetheless the same so he made some distance from him, but seeing the same man apologize to him didn't sit well with him. And for some reason, he felt the urge to slowly remove the distance now. So, he hugged Bhairav making the old man slightly smile as well.
Abhyansh raised his brows in amusement seeing that small creak on Bhairav's lips... He knew Bhairav loved Avyan... There were times when he carried Avyan on his back, when he decided to take his brother with him to wherever he went for a few weeks after his sister's death, as he feared losing his brother too. That time he was in his Beast Mode and it's Bhairav who used to look after Avyan.
"It's okay Bhairav... I was not upset anymore", Avyan said with a smile, pulling away from the hug, Bhairav gave a quick nod.
Isha got up, poured the coffee into a cup for Bhairav and walked to him...
"Rani sa... Thank you", Bhairav said bowing down, taking the cup, Isha surprised him with her every move these days, she managed to be the queen who is authoritative when required, and a queen who is like a mother to her people, always kind and caring. He didn't see any queen serving coffee to the servants.
Abhyansh hated when Bhairav called himself their servant, so he no longer called himself that but, in his heart, he believed the same. He was, is, and will be a servant to the family, always.
Isha knew his thank you is more for lessening his burden, than for the coffee. Isha gave a smile, like the one she used to give Bhairav before the car incident happened, and that smile eased all his worries, it indicated that Isha too forgave him.
At night, after dinner, Isha and Avyan sat on either side of Amruta, talking about all the things. And just like every other time, Avyan's marriage topic was initiated making him frustrated.
"Bhabhi sa... I still have a lot of time, but what about your brother, it's been years he crossed that 30 mark... Have you decided something on that??", Avyan cleverly diverted the topic to save himself but he didn't know he would be cursing himself in a few days for even bringing up the topic.
"Yes, Avyan... I was thinking the same... I even tried to talk to bhai multiple times but he shuts me up every time, I know he did not have anyone in his life, so I had to search a good person for him myself...", Isha said, worried about her brother who is so aversive of marriage. At least that's what she thought.
Avyan's smile dimmed hearing her words, will it hurt his sister-in-law when she knows about the truth?? He just hoped Ranveer told the news himself before she found out herself.
"Okay leave about this whole marriage thing, it's a traumatizing topic for people like me, let's talk about something else...", Avyan said making his favorite ladies laugh...
"Okay tell me, now will you accept the car your brother bought for you?? Since you forgave him", Amruta asked, and Avyan looked at Isha to see what his sister-in-law thought about it...
"Don't look at me, tell your opinion first, maybe I'll give advice later if I have one", Isha said knowing very well what his brother-in-law wanted her to do... She felt guilty of asking him not to accept the car last time as he had to struggle all these days without a vehicle... She doesn't understand why her husband didn’t let any of them use all those cars that were in the garage, at first she thought maybe they weren't in good condition but she got to know later that all were in excellent condition.
"Ma... if it was in my hands, I would have asked bhai sa to let me drive all his cars instead, I still don't understand, if he wanted, he could have gifted any car in his collection instead of buying one for me...", Avyan said dreamily...
"Why do you prefer used cars instead of a brand new one", Isha asked confused
"Bhabhi ma... Those cars are luxury ones, every model is a limited edition, a few cars in bhai sa's collection were such that only 2-3 were made by the company and one among those are with bhai sa... and there are customized as well, bhai sa has a degree in automobile engineering, he gave inputs in the customized ones, I would love to drive them then any other car in the world", Avyan said, Isha's eyes widened in surprise
"Abhyansh is an automobile engineer ??", Isha asked shocked, Amruta and Avyan cupped their mouths seeing her taking her husband's name instead of Rana sa... Isha realized what she did but giggled looking at their expressions...
"Sorry, it just came out...", Isha said biting her tongue...
"You call him by his name ??", Amruta asked with wide eyes, she knew Isha's tongue slipped, and that could only happen if she addressed him by his name when they were alone...
"Yes ma... Sometimes I do", Isha said not revealing too many details as she liked to keep things private, moreover, she didn't know how her husband felt about letting people know about this.
Amruta got that her daughter-in-law didn't want to say anything further so she shifted that topic...
"So, Avyan what were you saying ?? Your brother is an automobile engineer ?", Isha asked
"Yes bhabhi ma, didn't you know ?", Avyan asked and Isha shook her head.
"I never asked about his education... Looks like there are many things I don't know about him, anyway coming back, what do you want to do about the car ??", Isha asked
"I will accept it bhabhi ma... it's the first gift bhai sa gave me in decades...", Avyan said, his eyes dreamy, Isha is sure they were filled with memories of the past...
"What was the first gift your bhai sa gave you ??", Isha asked
"Pencil Box of pink color", Avyan said with a fond smile...
"Pink color ??", Isha asked with surprise, Avyan nodded, suddenly she saw Amruta's face go pale, she understood this was something related to Advaita so Isha diverted the topic... Avyan didn't know she knew, nor did she want him to know yet.
"Okay, leave all this, I think I know what to do...", Isha told Avyan with a soft smile 'I know how to make your brother compensate for your loss' Isha told herself...
"about what ?? bhabhi sa, what are you...", Avyan started but Isha's phone rang displaying her husband's name...
Isha picked up the call to only hear his frustrated tone which made her sigh deeply...
"You have plans to spend the whole night in the hall huh ?? Don't want to come to the chamber ?? kahe toh aapke kambal wahi le aate hai hum ??(if you say, I'll bring your blanket there only)", Abhyansh taunted his wife in his frustrated yet sharp tone...
Amruta and Avyan could hear his sharp tone from a distance, they wondered how the hell did Isha manage not to wince at that tone but her response surprised them...
"Why would you bring it ?? You are the king, send it with someone Rana sa", Isha teased
" Isha... ", she heard her husband's warning tone which made her giggle...
"I'll be there soon...", she said softly hoping that calm her husband.
"Okay, ask your brother-in-law to check his mail", Abhyansh said and hung up without hearing his wife's reply which made her frown...
"Avyan... Check your mail...", Isha said, Avyan opened his mail in the phone and stood up with a jerk...
"Oh Sh*t... bhabhi sa... I'll make sure you reach your chamber on time at night from now on", Avyan said checking his mail with a horror-stricken face and looking at his inbox which is now filled with mail trails...
"What happened ??", Amruta asked
"Bhai sa cc me in about 30 project mail trails and asked me to prepare a summary for each of them, as I'll be handling them from now, so that I don't get time to chit chat with bhabhi sa", Avyan whined and walked away making the two women giggle at him...
Isha decided to talk to her husband regarding it but for now, she enjoyed her brother-in-law's childishness...
"When Avyan was very young, his grandfather brought two pencil boxes for Avyan and Advaita... my daughter as you now know...", Amruta started, Isha gently nodded holding her mother-in-law's palm to give her the needed support... "Pink one for Advaita and blue one for Avyan, but Avyan liked the pink one better, Advaita wasn't ready to share, so Abhyansh got another pink one for Avyan, that was his first gift to Avyan, he cherished it a lot, I think he still does", Amruta completed...
Isha hugged her mother-in-law seeing the tears in her eyes... Losing your child is a pain you would never recover from... Isha helped Amruta to reach her chamber, the walk was silent but comforting, both of them wished good night to each other and Isha reached hers where her husband was waiting for her...
"The queen is here finally", Abhyansh said, sarcasm and frustration evident in his tone...
"Queen ?? Where ??", Isha said looking here and there... "I'm just a cute, very sweet, loving and haan, jealous husband's wife", she added with a teasing smile on her face that brought a small smile on his face as well... "Sorry Ansh ... haven't realized time talking to Avyan and ma...", Isha apologized snuggling into his arms...
"I hate how you forget me when you are with them or your brother", Abhyansh said, she kissed his cheek tightly cupping his other cheek, at how cute he looked complaining... 'cute', maybe that adjective can be used for the king only by the queen, he couldn't look 'cute' to anyone except for her.
"I didn't, in fact, I was there talking about you only... I mean something related to you", she said with a naughty smile that rang warning bells in his head, that smile isn't good, he knew his wife better...
"Bhairav got his punishment, now it's Bhairav's king's turn", she added
"Don't tell me you want me to ask forgiveness from your brother-in-law", Abhyansh stated angrily...
"I won't, I know you didn't believe in asking forgiveness or accepting your fault, instead you believed in setting things right, I want you to do the same now", she said
"And how would I do that ??", Abhyansh asked
"You don't have to do anything... just say yes to whatever I say tomorrow", Isha said, Abhyansh raised his brows...
"I think I'm doing it a lot lately", he teased running his nose in her neck dropping slow kisses...
"Rana sa... first answer me", Isha asked
"We decided to leave the things that happen in the palace outside this room, remember ?", he asked and she nodded...
"Hm, you are right, sorry", she said kissing him softly...
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The next morning, after breakfast, Isha, Abhyansh, and Avyan walked to the hall to the hall to leave for the office while the other family members were walking to their chambers when Isha did the unimagined...
"Avyan... this is the key for the keys chamber in the garage... From today, you'll have access to it... it's your bhai sa's gift to you", Isha said, Avyan's eyes widened, he looked at his brother, who is staring at his wife with emotions only she could understand... "Come on, accept it... your bhai sa gifts or I gift you, it's the same thing, accept it", Isha said lovingly... Avyan slowly accepted the key, but he thought not to use it until his brother would approve of it.
"Your bhabhi sa is right... It's the same thing... you can use it, but be careful, one scratch and you are done", Abhyansh warned
"Yes, bhai sa... I'...I'll be careful", Avyan fumbled, unable to contain the happiness... "Thank you bhai sa...", Avyan hugged his brother and rushed away to the garage, even before Abhyansh realized what had just happened... Isha so wanted to laugh at the brothers, especially her husband who had very strange expressions on his face. Isha cleared her throat making him turn to her...
"Rana sa... Shall we leave ??", she asked softly...
"Hm...", he said and walked away...
"Ma... We are leaving for office", Isha informed her mother-in-law who is still standing there contemplating what had just transpired between her two children.
"Ha... Okay Isha", she responded and Isha left behind her husband with a smile...
Isha and Abhyansh settled in the back seat, and as soon as they did, Isha shut the partition and looked at her husband...
"I know you are very upset and angry with me, but trust me, you could only make it right by giving Avyan so much happiness that could make him forget the hurt the incident caused, and what better could be than giving him the collection you cherish so dearly ??", she said hurriedly and to her shock, her husband just smiled kissing her cheek...
"Who told you I'm angry ?? Maybe I'm a bit upset because that car collection is one of my prized possessions, I wouldn't let anyone touch it except the designated personnel who are responsible for maintaining them... You won't believe me but I personally took interview of them to maintain those cars but, when you rightfully gave what's mine made my day and your that statement, 'it's the same thing I gift or you do' got me extremely happy, I thought it would take me a decade to get you to accept what's rightfully yours", Abhyansh said and Isha smiled at her husband...
"I saw the money bundle you threw at me, the watch you burnt my hand with, the remains of the glass pieces I got my palms hurt with, and every other thing related to our past in the drawer in the back palace, why did you keep all those safely Rana sa ?? Even the saree I made you buy for ma is there, I thought you would have already burnt it", Isha said, Abhyansh looked to the other side trying to control the fury he felt for himself... She knew he was hurting every second for giving her immense pain at one point of time... His regrets and guilt are eating him from within and she didn't like it one bit...
"Why did you go to the back palace and when ??", Abhyansh asked instead
"A few days ago", she said answering his second question... "Now answer me", she asked, "Why would you keep all those ??", she added
"You know why", he said
"Forget it Rana sa, don't hurt yourself because of the past, what happened has happened, try forgiving yourself, I'm trying too", she said
"I can't... You might forgive me one day, but I can't, I won't, neither do I want to try... now don't think much, all this isn't affecting me in any way... even if it is, nothing your one smile can't cure", Abhyansh said looking into his eyes... and she knew he is being truthful... her one smile made his world and she is aware of it... She knew talking to him on this matter is futile, she noted to do it after a few days...
"Hm... by the way... I need to discuss another thing with you... I was thinking about going to Rajput palace and staying there for a day or two... I need to talk to bhai about his marriage, I think its high time he gets married", Isha told her husband, she already talked to Abhyansh about it a few times now, but every time, he convinced her to give her brother some time but looks like this time she is very adamant... He tried to help his brother-in-law and give him some time to figure out things with Ragini but now things are getting out of hand, he doesn't want his wife to get hurt in all this fiasco, if that happens, he wouldn't hesitate to kill his brother-in-law, no doubt in it, determined Abhyansh.
"Let me talk to him ?? You are his sister, he can't be very frank with you, there are things he couldn't openly share with you, maybe he would open up to me ??", he said shocking her
"You would do that ??", She asked not trying to conceal the shock...
"I would... for you, I would", Abhyansh said, "and moreover, your brother has only us in the name of family, he is our responsibility now", he added, making Isha smile widely...
"I love you Rana sa, so very much, you are the best", she said tucking his arm kissing his cloth-clad chest, and he ruffled her hair softly, deciding to talk to his brother-in-law...
"But it's not just us, bhai has his parents as well, Kaku sa and kaki sa might have done wrong with me, but they love bhayyu a lot... I'm sure they want the best for him", Isha said and for now, Abhyansh decided to stay calm, recollecting how he took Sheela Rajput in his custody and shifted Kailash Rajput along with his medical support and doctors to one of his godowns. He wanted everyone who probably can hurt his wife, at his mercy before she took the responsibility of the palace and so he had to do it.
"Give me a week, I'll talk to him, okay ?", he asked and she nodded.
They reached the office, they traveled in the common elevator while he held her hand supporting her
"Rana sa... how long will this go ?? People aren't stupid to buy that the king's private elevator is under maintenance for so long", Isha said
"I know they aren't but who would dare to question me ?? or you for that matter ??", he asked and she sighed deeply... He is right, no one would question him, at the same time, none would dare to question her regarding him, as they can't talk sh*t about the king. "Just a few days, we'll reveal it to everyone when my private elevator gets repaired...", he teased, making her smile shaking her head, she got down at 1st floor bidding bye to her husband.
A few days passed, Isha completely forgot about her brother's surprise on her birthday, or maybe it was in the back of her head always but she didn't let it take the front seat as she didn't want to keep her hopes high and then get disappointed but her aunt and her family actually cared enough to visit her.
On a Sunday, when the Ranawat palace is calm as everyone was taking some rest after a heavy lunch, Isha's phone rang with her brother's number, she picked up the call before her husband could silence it, and the news she heard jerked up from her half-sleep. Abhyansh who is working sitting beside her looked at her with a questioning gaze...
"My mother's family is here", she said, she tried to maintain her strength but her nervousness was clearly visible...
"And do you want to meet them ??", Abhyansh asked
"I will", Isha said getting up, freshening up, and walking down along with her husband.
Isha is neutral about the meeting, she thought she didn't miss them, she thought she didn't love them as much as she did in he childhood but she realized how wrong she was when she saw them in front of her eyes.
Abhyansh found a man and woman in their late fifties and early fifties respectively, beside them was a young boy who might be just a couple of years older to Isha... Abhyansh instantly frowned looking at the guy. Ranveer smirked looking at the change in his brother-in-law's face, well, it's not like there were a lot of expressions on his face, but Ranveer lauded his observation skills in his head, they were so great that he observed his brother-in-law 's usual cold and brooding face turning colder looking at Isha's cousin.
" Isha... ", the lady came forward to take Isha into her arms but seeing Isha flinch, she refrained from hugging her, she just cupped her face, controlling her tears. Isha resembled a lot like her dead sister.
Ranveer came forward and held his sister by her shoulders to give support to her.
Isha controlled her emotions and dispersed all the servants, some were serving coffee, tea for the guests, and some were working in the hall, she didn't want to fall weak in front of the staff, that's the first lesson she got from Rajmata Devyani Devi, to be emotionally stable in front of their people and staff... To always stay strong in front of them, if you can't then should at least act to be strong.
"Maasi...", Isha called, two traitorous tears leaving her eyes, the lady hugged Isha tightly sobbing...
"Ishu... I missed you so much... you look a lot like your mother... I'm so sorry Isha... I failed you, I failed my sister... I'm so sorry", the lady said after recovering from her emotional burst out...
"bhai told me what happened with you maasi, don't blame yourself", Isha said softly wiping her aunt's tears...
"Isha... beta, how are you ??", her aunt's husband softly asked, he changed a lot in the past 17-18 years, he gained weight, the wrinkles were evident now, but his voice was the same, soft and affectionate... he used to be her favorite uncle, Isha thought, maybe he still is, she realized...
"Paasi...", Isha slightly, walking towards him, making the elderly couple chuckle followed by Ranveer...
"You still remember it ??", he asked and Isha nodded
"How are you beta ??", he asked and Isha nodded with a smile, as no words came out, it's been years since someone had shown this fatherly affection to her, at that point she realized how much she missed her mama papa, her maasi-paasi, her dadi, and her cousin Anuj who is standing there looking at his parents interacting with Isha.
"Isha used to say, if Ma's sister is Maasi, Papa's brother is Paasi, so she used to call uncle that... Well, he was more of a brother to my bhabhosa, than my father ever was, he loved and respected bhabhosa a lot like a brother though they weren't related by blood, so Isha used to think he was her father's brother", Ranveer whisper-detailed his brother-in-law. Though Abhyansh hated Amar Rajput, lately he showed patience in listening about him, as he started observing how much his wife loved her father, though she never expressed it for his sake.
"Ishu...", Anuj, her cousin called, and Isha smiled widely at him...
"Anuj... How are you ??", Isha asked, with a wide grin on her face, and that wide smile on her face for the first time brought anger to Abhyansh. He didn't like his wife smiling at another man like that, he burned in jealousy...
"Ranawat... he is her brother, put a brake to your jealousy, it's quiet evident", Ranveer teased, whispering so that only Abhyansh could hear him...
"He isn't her brother, not blood-related, he was adopted", Abhyansh said in his low tone shocking Ranveer, no one knew this detail, even Ranveer didn't, he thought Anuj was their own son...
"How did you know ??", Ranveer asked
"You have grown up into a beautiful lady now huh... I miss that chotu Ishu who used to cry for ice cream in the middle of the night", Anuj said ruffling her hair...
"Rani sa...", Abhyansh called suddenly unable to see that man's hands on her hair, he so wanted to warn him to stay the hell away from his wife, like he did to Vikram but seeing the happiness on his wife's face he couldn't... his shout scared the elderly couple and Anuj who took off his hand from her hair instantly, Isha and Ranveer are startled as well... "You didn't introduce them ?", he asked in his steely tone
"Sorry Rana sa... I forgot...", Isha said with a sheepish smile making the family smile... Isha started with the introductions... the lady's face paled when she looked at Abhyansh, till now she avoided his presence there, but she couldn't help but look at him when her niece introduced her to him directly...
"You guys keep talking, I'll just be back", Isha said and left to the kitchen to arrange some snacks for them...
"Nandini Rana... Long time no see", Abhyansh said in his usual cold tone, Ranveer frowned while the lady's face paled even more hearing Abhyansh...
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