53| The oberois
Apologies for the delay and thank you for the taunts!
Happy Reading 3
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The car halted in front of a grand estate. I roll the window of my side down, staring at the palace in front with curiosity. It has been adorned with a classic elegance-surrounded by fountains-not clearly in sight from here-but regal.
As the car moves forward, so does the anticipation in me. I am going to meet my in laws for the first time and this feeling is so fucked up.
I haven't prepared myself for this.
I had met Aayansh's father in New York back then, and all I understood about him is-he's not what he pretends to be, he carries a mask on his face like his other personality. Whatever he told me about Aayansh's childhood, his mother and sister still scares the soul out of me.
Although I never trusted him.
The mere imagination of my aayansh going through all this is truly a nightmare for me.
I turn my head toward him, he's doing something on his phone, unbothered like it's just another casual moment of his life. Doesn't he have a bit of attachment to his home? Where he grew up. To the family he's going to meet after years, his own family.
Here, I am so overwhelmed to meet them.
I shake my head, swallowing the turmoil of emotions inside me. The colossal gates sweep open, our car stops in front of the palace.
One of the men cloaked in grey opens the door of his side, his eyes still glued to the ground. Aayansh exits, then he gets me out of the car like the gentleman he's definitely not.
Staring ahead, his lips stretched into a knowing smirk, I noticed it. It was not warm, not kind-the one reaches our face when we're overwhelmed.
I shift my eyes from him to the front, and my gaze lingers at the sight.
The palace looks so modern with an Indian elegance, encircled by lush gardens, glass fa?ade, and a brownish theme.
I glance at the words encrusted at the nameplate- Oberoi Palace.
I stare back at Aayansh, his face is devoid of any emotions and indifferent as always. There's a limit of grumpiness, but this man is just ugh. I know he has no attachment to his family, well, why am I even expecting this from the man who didn't shed a single tear after losing his own children.
Before I can mouth my insight, he takes my hand in his, making our way ahead. The men in the way bowed their heads the same way, acknowledging our presence.
He stops in front of the colossal gates with metallic accents- the grand foyer-the other moment, gates hang open.
Everything feels so deliberate.
No media. No unnecessary people.
We walk in, I hold his tricep with both my hands and I am not sure if it's nervousness or... I don't know.
We enter the dimly lit ballroom, it's magnificent, regal like a dream-Like a dark fairytale. There are not many people here, and others are carrying themselves with decency, like they know where they're standing. Some, sipping on their glasses of champagne, wine or other beverages.
I am not someone to observe people, rather I have a habit of being treated as a priority, with all the attention solely on me. Well, I need to keep my shit aside and focus here.
As people here notice our presence, slow muffled murmurs fill the ball.
A waiter reaches us, his eyes glued to the marble floor as he offers the drinks but I shake my head and he acknowledges before leaving.
I turn to him when he says, "Stay here, I am coming."
"Where are you going?" I question, and for some reason, I am feeling awkward.
He kisses my hand "I'll be back, relax"
I nod and he walks in one direction, I keep staring at him until he fades from my vision.
God, where the hell have I entered?
I adjust my gown, engrossed in my own thoughts as I make my way to the area Aayansh left when my feet stumble a little and I hear a voice from behind, "Careful."
I look back at the woman, dressed elegantly in a white bodycon. Standing a few steps away, she's already staring at me with an unreadable face. And to outline, she's beautiful.
"Thanks," I smile, "I didn't realise."
"Of course, many times people don't realise what's happening around them" She says, her voice calm. "Especially innocent people like you."
"Excuse me?" A slight frown forms on my face "How do you know I am innocent?"
"You look like one" She presses, stepping toward me. "By the way, your good name?"
"Tara" I pause, holding back the hesitation "May I ask the same?"
"Aashika Oberoi" She answers, and something instantly clicks in my mind. I've heard this name. "Your husband's elder sister."
She adds and my eyes slightly widen at her words, a realisation settling.
Aayansh's father told me about his sister- aashi, aashi oberoi. But isn't she dea-
No.
Why the hell am I even recollecting his lies?
"Don't be so confused, tara" Her words grab my attention again. "At times you should trust your eyes too, rather than people's words."
"By the way, welcome" She murmurs, a small smile curling her lips, her eyes shifting from me to the other side where some more people are standing, I follow her gaze "To the family."
I instantly recognise Aayansh's father from between them, his face is blank, hands tugging into the pockets.
The middle aged woman with him, in a white regal saree. "Your father-in-law, mother-in-law." Aashika's voice reached my ears, "Oops, step mother-in-law, Mrs. Anika oberoi."
Anika Oberoi's expressions flips, as if holding something back?-A mix of disbelief and bewilderment.
"Younger mother-in-law and father-in-law" She introduces the second couple amongst them. I know their names, Rithvik Oberoi Meera Oberoi. They smile at me, a smile filled with love and warmth.
"I'm Riva, and I'm your maddest fan, can I get your autograph on my cheeks? I need to post it on my social media, please?"
My attention shifts to the two girls, giggling "I'm Rhea, we're your younger sister-in-laws, don't mind, she's a little psychotic" The other girl says and Riva gives her a mad look. They're cute. Too cute, actually.
"By the way, you're more gorgeous than you look on the screen, and your voice is worth dying for" Rhea compliments me and I smile at her.
"Buttering much?" Rivaan, who has just arrived here, he chuckles-I am seeing him after months, after he disappeared from New York.
I notice the girl with him, dolled up in white, she's pretty.
"Stating facts is not buttering, everyone is not like you Rivaan bhai, who can't compliment anyone other than his girlfriend" Rhea grimaces at him and he shakes his head.
But then I realise, a gaze on me. I lift my head, only to find aayansh staring at me. Standing a distance away, his one hand tucked into the pocket, face void of any emotions, but the way his lips are curled evilly, a knot forms in my stomach.
Since when is he staring at me?
Everyone gets quiet, noticing his presence.
I notice their demeanors, Anika and Aaryan Oberoi's face go pale, they're hiding it. Others are a bit hesitant while aashika, her eyes are glued to Aayansh. Not with love or any softness, but something opposite to this.
"Finally my son realised he has a family" I hear a slow murmur, my eyes not shifting anywhere from aayansh. I press my inner cheek between my teeth, staring at him walking towards us.
"How was the meet and greet?" He questions me, his tone tinged with sarcasm.
But before I can answer, his father interrupts "Aayansh, can't you see your whole family is present here?"
His face remains unbothered, tone bored as he looks back at him, "Can't 'you' see I am not interested in anyone here?"
Though I don't want to call him that, but yeah, Father-in-law's mouth snaps shut.
"You can't-" His step mom mouths when he cuts her off "Aapki alag se beizzati karni padegi?" His voice is cold, and she gulps, words dying in her throat.
"You all are aware" He adds, "No one has any say here" He turns to aashika, his evil smirk deepening "No one."
A silence lingers, then his father says, "Of course, you married with your own wish, without even considering us. So we never really mattered in your life."
"Finally you used your brain" Aayansh replies with the same tone, without sparing a glance at him and typing something on his phone.
"Can I have your attention, Ladies and gentlemen?" The voice echoes within the hall, and my attention snaps to it "To make the evening mesmerizing, we're going to have a beautiful dance."
Just when a formally dressed woman reaches me and Aayansh orders her, motioning toward me "Take her to the floor."
No- I want to dance.
"Ma'am, please come" She requests, and seeing the situation, I choose not to argue.
Lifting my gown up a little, I follow her, giving a slight glance to the family who are standing like cursed statues in their places. I am not feeling good, seeing them like this. I mean, I am not a saint myself, still no one deserves this.
The woman stops near one of the glass walled elevators, so do I, "What happened?"
"Ma'am, you'll have to go alone from here" I twist my brows.
"There are eleven floors" She explains, her voice low and timid "The first one belongs to you and sir, and no one is allowed there, no servants, not even family members.
This lift will drop you to the first floor directly, Thank you. " She leaves.
I stand frozen for a moment, not even family members are allowed on our floor? Weird.
I step into the elevator.
I reach the first floor, a strange fragrance is mixed in the air. And it's wholly different from the other palace, as if I've entered some other place. The theme here is black and grey, everything is dark and quiet.
I take my time, scanning the whole floor-our home. The gym, study room, master bedroom, a private lawn, pool... elegantly luxurious.
I make my way to our bedroom, following the same dark theme?-a walk-in closet, glass walled balcony, a lavish bed and everything.
But then a thought crosses my mind, except Riva and Rhea- all others felt like they were hiding something. Especially aashika, the way she's staring at Aayansh. I didn't get a good feeling, or maybe I'm just overusing my mind.
A sound from the door pulls me out of my thoughts and I glance back at him who has just entered the room.
While I am still fascinated, staring at the unique interior as I mutter in my breath, "This place is so different."
I turn to aayansh, he takes off his blazer and tosses it on the couch. Letting out a small crack on his neck, he's thinking something, severity dripping from his face.
"Come here, amour." He calls for me out of nowhere, without turning in my direction as he folds his shirt's sleeves up to his elbows.
I reach him with slow steps, he pulls me close the next moment and I blink, my lashes fluttering with the suddenness, hands landing on his chest.
He leans slightly on my face, maybe noticing the dullness on my face, he asks "How are you feeling?"
"Huh?" I flinch, confused.
"Tired? Anything?" He adds, his voice dropping to a whisper.
I shake my head and his lips find my forehead, my eyes shut close with the warmth of his intimate touch as I clutch his shirt in my hands.
He pulls away after a moment and that's when I grumble, "Why were you so rude with them? They're our fami-"
He cuts me off coldly, "They're not your family."
I stare at him with disbelief, but don't retort. I don't know what made him hate his own people to this extent, and maybe it will take time to fix.
"I want to dance with you" I whisper, glaring into his eyes with depth, a slight pout forming on my lips.
"Please" I make puppy eyes at him.
He eyes me for a moment, then presses a button on the remote kept on the coffee table.
Darkness consumes the room, leaving a peaceful soft glow behind and it looks so beautiful. Sinful.
The moment he forwards his hand to take my hand in his, I step back deliberately, expecting him to ask for it with gentleness.
But before I can even blink, he grabs my wrist and pulls me against his chest, making my heart skip a beat as my back collides against him abruptly.
"Never do that again" He husks in my ear, his lips brush against my earlobe before moving to my neck and I tilt my head.
Meri kismat ke, Har ek panne pe
Mere jeete ji, Baad Marne ke
Goosebumps crawl through my skin with the raw intensity of his touch.
Mere har ek pal, har ek lamhe mein
Tu likh de mera use
I squeeze my eyes shut and clutch the gown I'm wearing, his hot breath flowing against my collarbone he kisses my neck as if he's hungry for every inch of me.
Har kahani ke, saare kisson mein
Dil ki duniya ke, sachhe rishton mein
Zindagani ke saare hisson mein
Tu likh de mera use
His one hand is on my stomach and with the other, he opens my clenched fist, his actions so dominant that makes my heart race.
Ae khud Ae khuda
Jab bana uska hi bana X 2
He twirls me, making me face him. I feel as if he's reading my eyes, my mind, owning it, corrupting in his ways.
He pulls me back to him, my breasts pressing against his chest. I tighten my hold on his shoulders as he devours me with his eyes.
Uska hun usme hun
usse hun usi ka rehne de
Main toh pyasa hun hai dariya
zariya wo jeene ka mere
I lift my eyes until I meet his intense ones, staring at me like he craves my existence to death, to eternity.
Mujhe ghar de gali de sheher de
Usi ke naam ke
Kadam ye chale ya ruke
ab usi ke vaaste
He makes me hold his shoulder and wraps his arm around my waist as he dips me down.
My hand slips to his chest, over his heart and I feel his heartbeats against my palm.
Dil mujhe de agar, dard de uska par
Uski ho wo hasi, gunje jo mera ghar
Ae khuda ae khuda
Jab bana uska hi banana x2
His eyes shifting from my eyes to my lips and a slow smirk curls his lips, his hands sliding from my bare shoulders to my fists as he entangles his fingers with mine.
Mere hisse ki khushi ko hasi ko
tu chaahe aadhar kar
Chahe lele tu meri zindagi
par ye mujhse wada kar
He leans on my face just enough to make me lose my mind, his lips brush against mine, not kissing, just making me crave him more than ever.
Uske ashkon pe ghamon pe dukhon pe har uske zakhm par
Hak mera hi rahe
Har jagah har ghadi haa umrr bhar
He pushes me back to his chest, his head resting on my shoulder as kisses my earlobe, his arms encircling my curves as if I'm his home, his comfort.
Ab fakat ho yahi
Wo rahe mujhme hi
Ho juda kehne ko
Bichhde na par kabhi
He turns me in his direction as I struggle to control my breathing just by his gaze.
Ae khuda ae khuda
Jab bana uska hi banana x 2
My hands are still on his chest and his over my waist, he's leaning on my face.
"Take off my shirt, Amour" He says, his nose touching mine as he devours my flushed face with his beastly gaze.
I look up at him, slowly, as I start undoing the buttons of his shirt. Taking my time, his addictive scent lingers in my breath, making my knees weak.
I remove his shirt from his body, baring his broad chest as I bite my inner cheek in anticipation when he commands "Now wear it."
I unzip my gown, letting it slide down my bosom, then thighs while his eyes are still glued to my face, not even blinking, and I can feel my cheeks and ears heating up with the way his eyes are scanning me.
I take my gown off and keep it aside, leaving myself in shapewear, then I pick his shirt from the glass table and drape it around me before looking back at him.
"So fucking perfect" He whispers, his ocean blue orbs drowning into mine.
I glare into his eyes for a moment, then lift myself on my tiptoes and press my lips against his, wrapping my arms around his neck, he pulls me closer.
He deepens the kiss, devouring me with hunger and I let him. He presses my bottom lip between his teeth and suckles on it wildly, I gasp but don't stop him. He sucks on my tongue, making my eyes roll with his proximity.
I tug his hair in my hands, sucking on his lips slowly and tasting every bit of him while his teeth are working on mine.
He lifts me in his arms, our lips still joined as he carries me to the bed, I moan his name. He lays me in bed, devouring the life out of me.
He tastes so addictive, so sinful.
The moment I'm completely out of breath, I tap on his chest and he bites on my bottom lip as usual, he pulls away slightly as I struggle to fetch each breath, my lungs squirming with the lack of oxygen.
His arms rest on either side of mine.
"Sleep" He says, detaching from me and I stare at him.
He knows I'm not ready, so he won't do anything.
The crimson glow and warmth touches my face, pulling me out of my slumber and I curl myself in bed, not willing to get up and drowning back to sleep.
Fuck you tara-
This is your first day here.
I keep my lazy self aside and get up, and it's more like fighting a war for me. I rub my eyes, then run a glance through the room. I look at the alarm?- 06.04 A.M.
How on earth did I get up this early?
I am literally someone who spends most of my time in bed, especially after becoming the victim of my horny husband's never ending hunger, well that's a different case.
I throw all these thoughts aside, convincing myself to stand just when aayansh enters the room, after getting done with his morning workout.
My eyes shift to him.
He's just in a pair black shorts, sweat drenched hair messed up on his forehead, a bluetooth is connected to his ear as he's on call, face as always cold.
I stare at his bare body without even blinking.
"Stop drooling, amour," He keeps the bluetooth on the night stand, without sparing a glance at me.
I get back into my senses, with a mischievous smirk as I murmur "Don't you like when I drool over you, Husband?"
"I do, of course" He turns his head slightly to me, his lips curling into a devilish smirk as he scans my body "But only when you're in the condition to handle the consequences of it."
My eyes flick wide, understanding what he said. I shake my head, standing up from the bed.
"I should get ready" I mutter in my breath, pulling up my footwear when he suddenly grabs my wrist, pushing me to the bed as he comes up on me.
"aayansh-" I wince as he presses my body to the mattress, pining both my hands above my head in his one.
The fragrance of his body with his sweat mixes in my breath as he buries his face in the curve of my neck and I snap "ewww, stay away, you're sweating."
He doesn't answer, inhaling my scent like it's oxygen for him.
His other hand moves inside my shirt. I'm almost naked beneath him, just wearing his black shirt, not even shapewear. His palm traces the skin of my belly and my breath quickens, I squirm my eyes shut.
"You won't wear my shirts from now on" He husks in my ear and I frown.
"Why?" I ask, biting my inner cheek.
He takes a deep breath in my neck and pulls away, without answering me, he makes his way to the bathroom.
I stare at him, still confused.
?
I stand in front of the grand mirror, draped in an underskirt and sleeveless blouse, opening the length of the pink saree I'm going to wear.
In New York, I used to roam everywhere in the villa, wearing nothing but his shirts or hoodies.
I still remember the fourth day of our marriage, when I stepped into the lawn outside the same way where two of his business associates were sitting, while I was sleepy.
And my soul almost left my body when I realised it.
I thought Aayansh would get mad at me for coming out like this, but to my surprise, none of them dared to raise their eyes in my direction, instead they greeted him and left the place right away, as if they were aware how they're supposed to behave.
And I? I stood frozen at my place, literally shivering and scared of Aayansh who was staring at me with that usual monstrous gaze of his.
He leaned on the sofa and motioned me to come near and I went to him like a scared child, lowering my head with hesitation and fear.
When I arrived near him, he pulled into his lap the next moment and I can't tell you guys what happened afterwards.
I mean, come on.
He was and he's still a Monster. The difference is, now I'm madly in love with him.
The ring on my phone rumbles and I pick it up from the side table, a bright smile curls my lips as it's bro's call. I put the phone on speaker.
"Princess?"
"Hello, Bro. How are you, and Dad?"
"What do you expect when you're miles away from us?" His voice is gentle, but I can sense the agony.
"Our heart beats on you, princess, if you're happy, so we are." He adds.
"Excuse me, young man, are you emotionally black mailing me?" I murmur, hiding the heaviness in me.
He chuckles, "if i say yes?"
"Then I'll leave everything and come back to New York."
"Does this 'Everything' include your Bastard husband too?"
"Bro please, don't call him that"
He curses something in his breath and then answers, "As you say."
"I'll call you later, actually I'm a little busy" I tell him and he adds, "Take care, princess."
"I will," I hang up, tossing it aside as I shift my focus to the saree. I open its length in my arms, this-is-again-fucked-up.
I tuck the edge in my underskirt and start wrapping it around me slowly, aayansh has left for somewhere already. We had breakfast in the room only, as he has no interest in doing the same with his family, according to him.
Well, once I'm done, I give myself a final check. Pink net saree cloaked around my curves with a sleeveless blouse. My hair falling free on my back, slight kajal in my eyes and nude shade lipstick. Mangalsutra around my neck, light bangles and earrings complete my look.
I am looking pretty.
A smile blooms on my face on its own.
I leave the room and head out to the elevator to reach downstairs. Arriving at the ground floor, I let my eyes rove around. The servant staff is working everywhere, and some preparations are going on.
"Good morning, ma'am" A voice from behind catches my attention and I turn, the same woman who got me to the first floor is standing a few steps away from me. "My name is Vale?tina, I'm the head servant." She adds.
"Oh" I press a smile, "well, is there anything special?" I ask, looking around.
"Yeah, Rivaan sir, his engagement preparations are going on" She answers with decency and my eyes narrow.
What the hell?
My eyes shift to Rivaan who's coming from the other side, draped in a business suit. I approach him and he wishes, "Good morning, bhabhi."
"Shut up, you didn't even bother telling me about your engagement, huh?" I complain.
"No no, you're getting it wrong" He murmurs, "Actually it wasn't planned, I'm going to give her a surprise."
"Her who?" I join my brows together, "Wait, is she the same girl with you at the party last night?"
He blushes and I stare at his face carefully as I add, "Her name?"
"Kainaat" He answers, without meeting eyes with me and still blushing.
"Beautiful" I murmur, "Okay, now you can go."
"Thanks" He presses and I make my way to the living room.
Riva-Rhea are busy in themselves, My not so dear step mother-in-law and chachi are sitting on the sofas.
"Omggg, you look so beautiful" Riva compliments, lifting her eyes up to me just when others realise my presence.
"Thanks," I replied, "By the way, where is aashika?"
"Where are your manners, Tara?" Anika Oberoi stares at me, her voice timid though "You're the youngest here, even Riva and Rhea are older than you, you should learn to give respect."
She's not wrong though, I give her an agreeing look when chachi says with a smile, "Come beta, join us."
I smile back, sitting with them as we talk. Riva Rhea starts showing me their favorite music notes and I guide them with the correct ones.
"It's been six months to your and aayansh's marriage, if I am not wrong?" Anika Oberoi questions, her lips curling into a smile.
"Yes" I say, "almost seven, actually."
"Oh I see" She chuckles, "Well, six months are enough for you to give us good news, and I expect no less than twins."
My smile fades.
"Bhabhi, she's too young for this also" Chachi adds.
"Six months might be the deadline in your time, Mrs. Oberoi," I force a fake smile at her "and it's our decision when we're ready to become parents."
I stand up, ache coiling within me but I act normal. I walk to the elevator to reach the first floor without turning toward them.
My eyes are getting teary as some words mufflle in my ears...
Both your babies were overwhelmingly growing, but your uterus is too weak to carry a baby for now. Above this you were carrying healthy twins, and that's the reason they couldn't survive in your womb. You should avoid pregnancy for at least a year.
I wipe my tears, rushing straight to the room. As much as I try to act or stay normal, I can't. My babies couldn't survive because I was not strong enough to carry them, and this feeling kills me more than death could ever.
I lay in bed on my stomach, hiding my face in the pillow as I try to breathe normally but nothing helps.
_?_?_?_?_?_?_?_?_
O.R CO.
EXECUTIVE SUITE
Aayansh is sitting on his C.E.O's chair, staring at the people sitting in front of him with boredom?- Aaryan Rithvik Oberoi, their faces tensed. Rivaan is also present here.
"Aashika is your sister, aayansh, you can't snatch her rights like this" Aaryan says, his voice convincing.
"Exactly, son" Rithvik adds, "This might create differences between you and her."
Aayansh's face stays unbothered with their words, when Aaryan adds, "you can't ignore your father-"
"Correction" Aayansh cuts him off, his tone bored "useless father."
Aaryan's jaw clenches and mouth snaps shut.
"By the way," Aayansh tilts his head slightly, his voice dripping sarcasm "Aashika or Mannat? Too confusing."
Their faces pale with the realisation, Aayansh notices the sweat drops tickling down their foreheads.
"Aashi left us long ago, we all know, and I did this to save O.R, my father's lifetime earnings. I couldn't lose this estate no matter what." aaryan stutters.
"You can never lose it" Aayansh asserts, his voice dangerously calm as he stands up and walks to the glass wall, staring outside as he completes "Because you never earned it."
"Aayansh?!" Aaryan's tone slightly raised this time.
Aayansh closes his eyes, rubbing his left brow with his thumb for a moment as he turns his head slightly to them, "Aawaz neeche" His tone is more like a warning and his eyes has turned little red "Kahi gusse mein mai aapki Jaan hi na le lun."
Their breath gets stuck in their throats.
E V E N I N G
7.42 A.M
Tara who was in their room all day, as she didn't feel like doing anything or talking to anyone, she arrives downstairs, wearing a casual black middie, hair open. Aayansh hasn't returned and she's waiting for him.
Engagement preparations are still going on, she ignores everything and goes to the garden outside, urging to get some fresh air when her eyes fall on Aayansh who's standing near the lawn, doing something on his phone and his back is towards her.
A smile tugs at her lips as she walks to him, unaware of the third person's presence, she holds his hand with both her hands from behind.
The same moment, she feels someone's presence behind her and turns-only to find aashika pointing gun at Aayansh.
Tara's eyes flick wide with fear and grip tightens on Aayansh's hand.
Aayansh, who's still standing the same way, his eyes glued to Aashika's reflection in the glass table near him.
"Put the gun down" He warns, his voice lethally calm.
Aashika stays unaffected, she presses her fingers to the trigger with precision. Tara comes at her target and a gun shot echoes there the same moment.