58| My love isnt gentle.
I love how she said the fact without abusing or using any degrading word, so I wouldn't give my personal life shit here.
After the completion of targets, you do deserve a quick update.
The book is on its main track, like there is so much in these chapters which needs to be written perfectly so that you can connect.
Those who were expecting trauma in this one, guys trust me, end Tak aate aate trauma hi trauma hai, and I'll make the end of this book unforgettable for y'all (I'll try my best). So abhi, enjoy these happy chapters.
And I've seen a few people hating on aashika's character because according to them- she has superiority complex. A woman seducing men around to bring them to their knees, abusing shits, hoe behaviour- oh how bold she is, mommy, such a strong fl, fierce woman.
But a woman who can shatter men's ego with her few words, lives with dignity and prioritzes her self respect over anything, knows her exact worth-she has superiority complex. Um, then my definition of a strong female lead is so different I guess.
No targets because you all waited so long even after completing the last one. Still, if you enjoyed the chapter, do vote and comment is all I can say.
Love you all
"Safar khoobsurat hai manzil se bhi"
A man from Aayansh's side quickly moves to open the door, he exits, then gets me out of the car. My eyes stayed on him, the black shades masking his eyes, his expressions unreadable and dark aura exuding an authority. As much as I've understood him, something's definitely going on in his head.
His dark-blue orbs shift to the front.
The forecourt ahead stretches wide, endless like a playfield. Slow and rhythmic winds lashing against my face as I take in the sight, when three cars other than ours rolled into the forecourt. The quiet hum of engines fades, the sound of doors clicking open fills and Aayansh's lips curl, slightly.
I turn my eyes ahead and about to question him when my eyes meet them, an immediate smile blooms my face.
Aariv Bhai and Luca uncle. My cousin brother and bro's left hand, standing near their cars with a smile mirroring my own.
How are they here, in India?
I ignore the question for now.
I don't pause, just rush near them.
"Princess-"
They address, their voice filled with pure love and warmth.
"Boss, doesn't our princess seem too married to remember us?" Luca uncle chuckles, only to get snapped by aariv bhai "You're dying single doesn't give you the right to be jealous of others, Luca."
My giggle shifts their attention back to me and just as Aariv bhai moves to hug me, they both freeze mid-air. Their posture stiffens, hesitant eyes shifting from past me and they even retreat a few steps away from where I stand.
I give them a confused gesture before my head snaps back, only to find Aayansh approaching toward me from there. His steps slow and composed, icy-cold eyes returning from them to me.
He halts near me, calm.
"è un piacere vederla, signore."
Luca uncle greets Aayansh in Italian, I couldn't understand what he said, then Aariv bhai greets. They both exchange a glance, hesitant as if they've seen a ghost. Well, my husband is no less than a ghost.
Right when the other two cars' door hangs open, catching my attention to aashika and a woman dressed in a peach bodycon. Aashika is in a blood red tailored suit, her shoulder length hair slightly curled, eyes sharp like a woman born to command. And the other woman, I don't know her.
Aashika steps near us, The first time I see her smiling like a normal human carrying a perfect touch of emotions. She looks so peaceful and pure when she allows her feelings to surface instead of burying them inside.
A flick of hesitance-then she hugs Aayansh-as if she can't prevent herself anymore.
He wraps a secure arm around her, his eyes softening as he surrounds his sister in his warmth.
Oh god! Epic moment.
First time these both are behaving like actual siblings.
After a moment, aashika detaches, turning toward me as she questions "Where were you both since last night?"
My cheeks burn as the memory of us in the lighthouse last night hit me like an alarm, me being naked all night, on his chest and then lap, our moments. I still haven't forgiven him for that.
"Actually-" I hesitate, at the moment when Aayansh cuts in, "That's not your concern." His tone as usual cold as he presses a cigar between his lips, lights it up without sparing a glance at aashika. Her eyes narrow at him, but he doesn't really give a shit to her changed expressions.
The kind of attitude these both carry is same, but the way of carrying certainly differs.
"Princess, met everyone but what about me?"
The voice makes me look at the direction where he stands, my brother.
My heart slows down, seeing him after months feels like an eternity.
Me and bro, we couldn't stay apart even for a single day that he even chose to graduate from New York instead of Germany, just because my nine-year-old stubborn self couldn't bear the thought of him going away.
I push every thought aside and move to him who's already approaching me. My eyes sweeping over him, the white tailored suit fitting his muscular frame, his charming face lightning up as he smiles.
I don't wait, don't pause. Just throw my arms around him like a wandering soul finding its solace after years of yearning.
This is home.
My eyes get teary, he surrounds me in his embrace while I remain clinging to him. Still not able to believe he's in front of me, with me.
He rubs my back, "Stop crying princess, I'm not here to see tears in your eyes-" He kisses my hair, I hiss "You can't stop me either."
He sighs, I pull away once I'm satisfied.
I stare back into his eyes with tears in my own "I missed you so much."
"And you think we don't, me and dad? you know, our heart beats on you. But now, you have your own life to deal with. We're just a part of it-" He caresses my hair gently.
"No" I decline, "You're not just a part-"
"She's your business partner here," Aayansh's voice cuts in and my head snaps back to him who stands leaning against the bonnet of his car, dragging slow hits of his cigar, head slightly tilted and face unaffected by everything.
Crushing the cigar aside, he walks to us, to me. His eyes shift from bro to me "Tara Aayansh Oberoi, highest share holder of this empire."
Business partner?
Confusion flicks through my gaze when aashika explains "Tara, we're here for the inauguration of the empire- A new legacy.
An incomplete dream of your mother-in-law, Mrs. Aaina Oberoi-it's a medicinal subsidiary.
Me, Aayansh, you and your brother Mr. Jindal are the leads of this empire. "
Mom's dream, and Aayansh never told me anything about it. Ugh, he's giving me every reason to get mad at him.
Bro's chuckle breaks the silence, "Never imagined the one who can't respect others' sisters would have one of his own, amusing."
"And as always" Aayansh tugs hands in his pockets, his tone sarcastic "Your imagination is useless, Brother-in-law."
How dare he-
Bro's soft expressions stiffens, but he doesn't argue. Of course, he's not like this asshole man standing beside me.
"Well-" with a smile, he forwards a hand toward aashika "Nice to meet you, Ms. Oberoi."
Aashika gestures respectfully.
"Hand back-" Aayansh hinders, his voice cold and eyes shifting from bro's hand to his face "She doesn't like physical touches."
My brother doesn't flinch, his demeanor is as always calm and respectful as he takes his hand back and tugs it in his pocket "I see."
"Even I don't like physical touches." I deliberately step away from Aayansh, forcing a smile. His arm clamps around my waist, pulling me flush against him as he leans in, murmuring in a deep possessive voice "You do like every touch of mine, everywhere."
I cough, trying to be normal. While bro's cold eyes are on Aayansh, as if he wants to stab him right away. Aashika stands as if she's watching a show of clowns.
She shakes her head, then introduces the other woman approaching us "She's Ada Moretti, finest pharmaceutical specialist of Italy and she's assisting Mr. Jindal in this subsidiary."
"Piacere di vedervi tutti, " Ada greets us with a smile.
· · -- ? ? ? -- · ·
A PRIVATE RESORT|03:32
The event was led by me and aashika, and it was one of the most memorable moments of my life, like this project is itself a hope to many poor lives who end every day due to the expense of medicines, unbalanced exports.
Mrs. Aaina was truly an angel, she was working for the betterment of millions of lives and lost her own to the worse.
Here, her son? Who takes innocent lives like crushing insects beneath the feet. I wonder how a pure angel like her can give birth to this demon.
I shake my head a little, the only thing in my head right now is hunger, I'm so damn hungry. I and Aashika sit in the elite area of this colossal building, she's going through the company's structure file. Media wasn't allowed here throughout the event, so everything went smooth.
"This project means so much to you and Aayansh, right?" I ask, shifting my eyes to her focused face. Of course, a mother's dream means everything to their child.
Her focus stays on the file, "More than 'so much'."
"But-" I hesitate, "Why couldn't she achieve it?"
My question makes her look at me, her gaze holding a heaviness this time, as if a surge of memories crashes through her mind.
"Aashi, say sorry before I use my ways on you" Aaina's voice snaps sharp as she glares at eleven-year-old Aashika, who sits carelessly on the table, legs swinging in the air.
Aashika shifts her gaze slightly toward Aayansh, who sits beside her and a sly grimace tugs at her lips.
"Sorry?" She scoffs, "To this pumpkin?" Her eyes flick back to aaina, bold and unyielding "This is against my self-respect, mom."
"Oh is it?" Aaina's eyes narrowed and she folded her arms, "That's not self-respect, ma'am. That's a full fledged 'ego' issue. Saying sorry when we did something wrong never makes us small."
"Okay wait," She sighs, her eyes flicking to Aayansh who's eating aashika's chocolates intentionally to infuriate her. "Ansh, pehle aap sorry boliye, then she will, okay?"
"She doesn't deserve it mom" He says, devouring the chocolate, unaffected "And you only said, we say that word when we've done something wrong."
Aaina lets out a shaky breath, "I don't understand, where on earth did you both get this attitude from?"
Aashika's irritation peaks, she tries to snatch the chocolate from Aayansh's hand in between, the melted caramel gets on some files kept on the table.
"You both menace-" aaina snaps, picking the top most file, stained with caramel, she immediately cleans it with a paper "See what you did."
Aashika and Aayansh get off the table.
"But it's just a file" aashika mumbles with guilt.
"It's not just a piece of paper," aaina murmurs, disappointment lacing her tone "It's a hope to many poor lives."
Aashika and Aayansh glances at each other, then hugs Aaina the other moment, making her heart melt like ice. Exhaling, she places the file aside, drops herself to her knees and cuddles them back "Mere bachhe" She kisses their cheeks "- you both will still get punished."
"Let me show you your cabin" Aashika changes the topic, standing up. Sensing her intention, I nod.
We leave the suite and step into the elevator, heading for the top floor. I don't want to pressure her into talking about this if she's not ready.
Staff and employees along the way greet us politely when my eyes land on Rivaan approaching from the front, accompanied by another man. He's in a faint orange blazer over a T-shirt and pants... undeniably handsome.
"Hii-bhabhi" Rivaan spots us, his tone low and decent as he greets aashika.
"Hope you both liked everything here, by the way" He presses with excitement, then turns to the man beside him "Meet him, Dr. Malang Deewan. He's a cardiologist and will handle the same department in this subsidiary."
A disgust takes over aashika's face as she hears the name, I noticed it.
Before any of us could continue the conversation, Dr. Deewan jumps in between "Miss Oberoi-I hope you've forgiven me for the mistake I'm not guilty of. I mean clearly, you caused a very deep loss."
Which mistake is he talking about?
Aashika doesn't reply, as if holding herself back and she hasn't even spared him a glance.
"You don't need to force yourself," He remarks, a wicked smirk playing on his lips "I know my charm can melt any girl... yet you're not looking at me, are you?"
What a self obsessed bitch.
This time, aashika meets his gaze, her blunt expressions unwavering "Your knowledge needs an immediate upgrade, Mr. Deewan. Not every girl entertains a walking shit like you, and I'm one-of-them."
Divaaa.
"Ouch-" He joins his brows together, dramatic ass "That was rude."
Aashika forces a smile on her lips, "Gross people find facts rude."
This is entertaining.
Rivaan watches them with disbelief and confusion, while I can't help but enjoy.
Dr. Deewan stares at Aashika like a man mesmerized "I never expected this tone from a beautiful woman like you."
I can't believe this asshole is a doctor.
Don't tell me his degrees and everything is just a show off, he seems more like a roadside romeo.
"Did you really expect me to blush or smile at your nonsense?" aashika interjects, her voice calm and composed.
Malang goes blank, Rivaan's lips part to question when aashika walks past them and I follow her.
· · -- ? ? ? -- · ·
The mahogany table gleams under the dark chandelier, air heavy with the scent of aged wine and exotic spices. The table is set with opulence of lavish cutleries and food. Aashika and bro are sitting already on opposite sides of the mahogany when I and Aayansh enter the dining suite.
We're having lunch here because I insisted, otherwise he and I would have been in a private suite for the lunch?- as if eating in a graveyard.
There's nothing I enjoy more than having a meal with the family, surrounded by laughter and smiles.
Noticing my presence, bro rises and as I step forward to sit beside him, Aayansh's arm coils around my waist as he makes me sit with him, before he settles on the centre chair.
I glance back at him, meeting his as calm as lethal gaze as he remarks "Eating while sitting in my lap, in front of your brother wouldn't be a respectful gesture, would it?
I try hard not to react with his warning, not here, not now and sit on the queen's chair beside him.
Meanwhile, Ada sits beside my brother.
The servers serve the delicacies and heads off, we start having the meal. I lift the chopsticks and begin with the sushi, my absolute favorite.
"Princess-" Bro exclaims, I lift my eyes to him "Besides all this business stuff, what have you thought about your music career?"
"I'm concentrating on it equally" I answer, he nods.
"Well, you're just 21 Tara. I hope you don't compromise on your life choices because of anyone, as I won't let you." That was a straight taunt to Aayansh.
I nod.
"Start making your own life choices right," Aayansh interjects, unbothered, not even sparing a glance at bro "Then people will definitely take your advice seriously."
Bro's jaw tightens-Oh god, these both.
Silence swallows the suite.
Aashika has already left as she had some work.
Then, Ada's voice cuts in, "Mr. Jindal, can you please pass me the pepper?"
"Sure!" He notes, picking the pepper's tube and forwarding it to her hand, with a smile, she grabs it-deliberately touching bro's fingers. Deliberately, though he takes his hand back right away.
My eyes narrowed.
She licks her lips, eyes drifting over my brother as she slides her chair a little closer to him.
What is this woman trying to do?
Bro ignores her when she says, "Don't you think we should get involved with each other more to strengthen the knots?"
Knots?
Bitch.
My brother isn't someone to tolerate such women, then why ain't he reacting?
I move to snap at her when Aayansh's hand suddenly grips my thigh, making me freeze. I tilt my head toward him, meeting the evil smirk on his face, his focus is on his food but he's enjoying whatever's happening.
"You didn't answer, Mr. Jindal?" She continues with her cheap tactics, her voice low and seductive as her elbow touches bro's tricep.
"Don't forget your limits, Miss Moretti-" His voice is cold, a warning as he distances himself from her. "Because I won't mind reminding you the same."
I love my brother.
"Come on, Brother-in-law" Aayansh interjects, his evil smirk deepening as he takes a sip of champagne "You respect women-don't break your own rules."
A frown of frustration tugs at bro's face, staring at Aayansh as if they both know why she is doing this shit, but the bitch doesn't stop.
She gets up, closing the distance between him and my brother and that's when I stand to pull her hair.
But before I can even utter a single word, Aayansh's hands clamp around my wrist as he rises, I look down at our hands when bro questions "Where are you both going?"
"I'm not mannerless like you" He tilts his head to me, that same slight smirk on his lips "And my wife isn't even interested in watching your shit-" He fixes his blazer with casual precision "So enjoy your privacy."
My mouth falls open.
Until I process the instance, we've already left the dining suite, stopping in front of the elevator. The glass gates sweep open, he gets me in. His expressions are unreadable as he checks something on his phone.
"Why did you do that?" I grumble, clutching the fabric of his blazer out of disbelief "She was literally trying to harass my brother." I breathe out "What if she would have done the same to you?"
"She would have ended up in pieces, right there on that table-" His expression doesn't waver, dark eyes meet mine, voice as cold as ice. "Even if she had lifted her eyes to-me-like-that."
My further words die in my throat... he literally said that thing so calmly, enough to send chills down my spine.
His eyes drop to my lips, and next thing I find is me being slammed against the moving elevator wall, with both my wrists caged on either side and his lips on mine.
· · -- ? ? ? -- · ·
Even though I'm an Indian, I grew up in New York, so I never really experienced traditional Indian functions up close. Talking about my own wedding? It was a nightmare.
I shake my head, closing the laptop's screen with an exhale. What's still frustrating the shit out of me is I've been mad at him since yesterday, and he hasn't even tried to pamper me a little.
Asshole.
I lift the screen again, my fingers fumble over the keyboard as I search "How to get my husband wrapped around my fingers?"
The results loads, I read each carefully-
Let's go.
Our room is soundproof, so I can raise my tone as much as I want.
A mischievous smirk forms on my lips as I stand, wearing my crocs as I walk near the bed to plot the whole damn thing in my head before rehearsing.
"Aayansh Oberoi-" I scream at the top of my lungs, throwing a bottle on the floor "Where the fuck are you? Show me your hands- your goddamn face."
Silence.
I sigh, then a sound from the closet side makes me turn back?-only to find him walking out-fastening the last buttons of his black shirt with his gaze on me.
Wait, when did he return from the study?
My breath dries in anticipation as he walks near me, draping a black blazer over his broad shoulders. His cold eyes remain locked to me, intimidating.
Don't melt.
Bitch, don't melt.
"Um I was missing you-" I quickly make an innocent face, my voice the softest possible as the distance between us closes, my fingers delicately adjusting his blazer.
His eyes glued to my face, doesn't waver a little.
I lift my gaze the moment his hands clamp around mine, trapping my movements over his chest.
"What happened?" I question, pretending as if it was my ghost who yelled like a mad woman a few minutes ago.
"I like you screaming beneath me," He holds my gaze, as if daring me to look away, His thumb brushing my cheek, voice deep and husky "Not in front of me."
I bite my inner cheek, processing how to react when he pecks the corner of my lips and heads off the room without sparing me another glance.
As he leaves, I exhale a shaky breath.
How the hell does he intimidate me so much? With just his eyes, a mere touch? No one has ever dominated me like this, even though I've the habit of making people do what I want.
Never mind.
I'm still left with the other trick. 'Lure him when he himself can't touch you, take his command in your hands.'
He controlled himself last night because of some reason? and he's still-I don't know-but I'm going to push him to his limits.
Because, why not?
I throw the thoughts aside and make my way to the bathroom for a relaxing bath.
He might return in an hour or two, so I have enough to prepare a mess for him.
After the bath, I take my time, half an hour as I slowly wrap the black net saree around my body. I catch my reflection in the mirror, the delicate straps of the blouse leaves my cleavage fully exposed, the curves of my waist and hips outlined perfectly.
I sit at the boudoir table, carefully applying a thin line of kajal to my eyes, making them look deeper and intense. Then I sweep on a nude shade lipstick, subtle yet flattering, completing my look for tonight.
I stare at myself, the perfect balance of elegance and allure.
My attention snaps to the time- 09. 12 at night.
He should have come by now.
No worries, I'll wait.
I get up to change the bedroom's atmosphere, dim the lights to a soft glow and light a few scented candles. Each thing is purposeful to set a seductive mood, air filling a fragrance.
Another half an hour passes, but he doesn't come. Irritation and impatience fuels me, so I step into the balcony to get some fresh air.
I gaze at the stars and dark sky silently, feeling the wind on my face when my eyes linger on Aashika sitting in the lawn, she's talking to Aaryan Oberoi. Of course not a peaceful or normal talk, he's trying to explain something to her.
One thing is for sure, no one is innocent here. Neither Aayansh's father, nor this whole damn family, even Aashika? She's so mysterious. I don't know, but it always feels like her every action is planned, deliberate as it's a part of her game.
They lost a family member just three days back, but everyone's busy in their own lives. What's still freaking me out is how couldn't I get to know anything about Aayansh's mother? She's still buried behind the lavish walls of this palace. No one even takes her name, as if they've never known her.
But I won't back off, not until I get to know the reason behind all this. A thought that never leaves my mind is why would Mrs. Aaina Oberoi commit suicide? Of course she never did this shit.
"Let him handle this-" Aayansh's voice cuts through my thoughts as he enters the room, busy in the conversation over his phone. "I don't want any unnecessary shit in between." He ends the call.
He tosses the phone on the table, cracking his knuckles as his arms stretch out, his triceps flexing under the fabric of his black shirt.
Time to become a baddie.
Before he heads to the closet to change, I walk over to the coffee table, lift the red wine bottle's lid and pour it into a glass with a seductive grace.
[PLAY TUMHE APNA BANANE KA - slowed and reverb as Bg]
I approach him with the wine, my voice low and sensual as I call out, "Aayan?"
He turns in my direction, his gaze meets mine before dropping to the wine glass in my hand. His eyes then sweep over me, tracing my bare curves, every inch of me slowly before lingering on my face.
"You must be tired?" My fingers play with the buttons of his shirt teasingly, voice and gaze seductive as I hold the wine glass, slowly making patterns on his chest.
How bad I want to see him craving for me, begging but helpless. It would be fun playing this seducing game with him, and watching him captivated by me for the first time.
He watches me calmly, his unreadable gaze holding a lethal ease as he lets me continue with my actions, as if he knows what exactly I'm trying to do.
I take a step closer, standing on his feet and rising until my breast presses against his chest.
I bite my lips, bringing the glass up to his lips, then deliberately pour the wine over my chest, the liquor drops trickling down from my cleavage to my belly as I murmur "Oops-"
Tell me how well I'm doing.
I suppress the excitement.
But his deliberate-dark gaze still locked on my face, reading every flicker of my expressions with ease.
"By the way" I bring the remaining wine close to his mouth "...How am I looking?" My intense eyes locked back to his.
Come on, just show how desperate you are.
For a heartbeat, he stares into my eyes with an unreadable-predatory gaze. Then out of nowhere, he takes off his blazer normally and throws it on the couch.
While I stand dazed, he suddenly sweeps me into his arms in a blink of an eye. The wine glass slips from my hand, shattering against the floor with a sharp, crackling sound.
"Aaaaaa- wh-what are you doing?" I yell, throwing my legs in his arms like a clueless yet scared child, my hands moving to clutch his shoulders.
He doesn't spare me a glance, doesn't listen- walking to the bathroom with me throwing my legs wildly in his arms, but nothing affects him a bit.
"Aayansh-" I cry out, he pushes the door open with his knee and we enter inside. His facial expressions don't waver, the same devilish calm.
Oh god, what is this beast going to do with me?
The thought makes me flinch.
"Aayansh-I love you-I really do" I scream but he doesn't listen.
He makes me sit on the bathroom's slab, I gawk at him, clueless of what's coming next. The corners of my saree drapes over the edges of the slab, my legs partially swinging in the air.
He undoes the buttons of his shirt, never breaking eye contact with me, his actions deliberate and unhurried.
Tossing his shirt aside and baring his chest, he turns on the shower and I shiver as the cold water begins to fall, each droplet tracing my skin. The saree I'm wearing clings to me like another layer of skin, soaked and revealing every curve beneath the thin, wet fabric.
My lashes flutter as the cold drops trail my face as I blabber "Aayans-"
Towering over my face, his lips brush against my lobe as he cuts me off in a deep voice "Let me give my wife what she desires." Water from his face drops to mine, his dark blue eyes look so beautiful.
He stands almost between my legs, his grip on my bare waist over the saree's loose end tightening as his lips brush against my cheek, I clutch his shoulders.
He kisses both my cheeks, sensually savoring my skin.
His lips and tongue graze my jawline, my nose and my eyelids. My muscles tensing with the heat he's bringing in me, my breath quickens as I feel needy for his touch.
"Aah..yahnsh" I breathe out, my fingers entangling with the wet strands of his hair as the cold water soaks our heated bodies. The rhythm of water and my quick heartbeat blends into a silent symphony.
His mouth moves to my neck, I tilt my head, surrendering to his intimidating touch, his thumb circling my navel.
"Aaah-" I whimper when he bites on my exposed cleavage, I feel the heat of his gaze on my face as he sucks on the bit spot slowly, making me feel every bit of the pain and pleasure he's giving.
It's been more than an hour since we're beneath the cold shower's unhinged downpour. The heat between my thighs is unbearable, I need him inside me and I hate admitting this.
He kisses my chest over the fabric of my blouse before his lips descend down. I gasp as his mouth finds my stomach, he sucks on my navel just enough to make me lose my mind.
My arousal glistens between my thighs, hidden beneath the fabric of the saree, my eyes remain closed, lost in the overwhelming pleasure and the desperate need of him when his lips detach from my skin.
His voice low and teasing against my lips, pulls me back to this world "Being needy, are we, wife?"
A realisation hits me- he was supposed to be needy, begging for me, and here I'm-
My eyes snap open, meeting the devilish smirk playing on his face. He turns the shower off as I stare at him with uneasiness and undeniable need.
He did all this deliberately? Pushing me until I'm dying for him to fuck me.
I sit on the slab like a mess, my soaked saree clinging to my body, make up drained, while he shamelessly takes off his pants, then boxers with his eyes on me, I turn my head with shame.
He wraps a towel around his torso, his evil smirk deepening as he takes a step closer.
Tugging a strand of wet hair behind my ear, his voice a dark whisper "Take this as a lesson, Jaan. If I never make you beg before me-" He pulls back slightly, forcing me to meet his intense gaze as he continues "Then I'm also not going to do that shit ever."
"And get one more thing inside your tiny head" He adds, his fingers brushing my cheek "You can never lure me by presenting yourself like this or any other way" He lets his words settle in my brain while I'm dazed, he leans in, biting my earlobe and I gasp "As I would still devour you the same way I did on our first time. "
Goosebumps crawl through my glistening skin as I gulp.
Should I blush?
Or should I just get mad at how he played with me?
Concluding himself, he heads off the bathroom.
Leaving me turned on.
Ugh, things were going hot, but-
I ended up taking cold showers with him instead of making him beg.
I hate him for that.
And I mean it.
For the first time, I'm feeling pity for myself.
Meanwhile, I'm half drowned in slumber, Rivaan's tensed murmur reaches my ears "Cherry, you know how I have no control on my mood shifts." He's on call, roaming here in the dark, thinking no one's here.
I stay still, listening.
"Why? Are you on 'Periods' Mr. Rivaan Oberoi?" Kainaat's voice comes through the speaker.
I press my lips together, trying not to burst into laughter.
"At least don't embarrass me now," He sighs, his footsteps resounding "Tomorrow is our sangeet, you're going to be my wife-"
"Oh right, so am I begging you to marry me?" She cuts in, "Just don't."
"And don't call me again" She snaps and disconnects the call.
Poor Rivaan.
I can feel him, but clearly he would have done some shit.
I hear his exhale, then the sound of him stepping back to his floor.
I squirm my eyes, focusing on my slumber.
Another while passes like this, my eyelids growing heavier as I'm drowsy. I curl up when suddenly I feel my body lifted into the air along with the blanket.
I pull out my face, my vision hazy with sleep as I find myself in his arms.
"Don't touch me-" I grunt, throwing my legs.
"Shut-up" He ignores my protests, stays unaffected, carrying me toward our floor when chachi's voice calls from behind, "Beta, she hasn't had dinner, let-"
"That's my concern" He cuts her off in his usual tone, without bothering to even turn or stop. Ugh, this stone hearted Bastard. At least respect your aunt.
I was about to say something when a harsh churn rose from my stomach, indicating how it's burning with hunger. I bury my face into his chest with embarrassment, he notices my reaction.
We reach near the elevator to our floor when vale?tina swiftly comes up from behind as Aayansh orders "Bring dinner to the floor."
"Yes, sir" She moves right away.
As we reach our bedroom, he puts me down in bed. His eyes drop from my face to my swollen feet, I don't know if it's some allergy or what but it's itching too much.
He takes the ointment from the night stand and sits beside me, lifting my feet into his palms as he applies it with precise motions.
I don't lift my eyes throughout, moisture burns in them as I suppress my wincing sounds within my throat.
Isn't he noticing it?
He stands, heads out to the room as the bell rings. Ugh, the worst part- no one is allowed on our floor.
After a moment, he enters the room with the dinner tray and places it on the coffee table. I watch him as he picks me up, puts me down on the couch and sits beside me.
I still don't lift my eyes when he says "Eyes up-"
Exhaling a heavy breath, I lift my teary eyes to meet him, murmuring "Now don't pretend as if you love me."
He stares deeper into my eyes, as if wants to read my soul. Then, he takes a bite in his hand and starts feeding me dinner. I flinch at first, then eat before he uses his carnal ways. I'm still mad and I'll be until he realises it, but right now, I'm just a hungry soul.
I feed him back.
Getting done with the dinner, when I move to stand, he grabs my wrist and pulls me in his lap.
My eyes widen, hands landing on his chest as he holds my gaze "I'm not done."
His nose brushes against mine, hot breath fanning against my face.
With his thumb, he cleans the curry from the corner of my lips as he exclaims in a deep, possessive voice "My love isn't gentle, amour.
It might end ruining us?-and in that ruination too," His gaze is smoldering "You'll be mine and I'll be yours, no-one-between-us. "
His words hold something deeper, I can't decipher but they certainly send chills down my spine.
"Yeah, right" I murmur, eyeing him with the same intensity as I poke a finger over his heart "But some day, I'll make your heart bleed for me the way it never did."
I didn't intend to say those words, they just slipped past my tongue before I realised.
His lips curl, like a sinner who fears nothing, absolutely nothing as he says "And after that 'some day', I might make you feel the ache of every drop from my bleeding heart."
My breath dries.
This feeling is so scary.
He leans in and kisses the corner of my lips.
We get to bed. I lie up on him, my head resting against his chest as he kisses my hair "Sleep."
"I love you so much," I murmur, cuddling him after closing my eyes.
I really do, I love him so much that it scares me. What if something happens between us? Ugh, stop overthinking.
NEXT DAY| 10.30
"Won't you be there in Rivaan's sangeet?" I ask in a sleepy voice, rising from the bed. He stands before the mirror, pulling a black blazer over his shoulders with a crisp shirt beneath as he's leaving somewhere, office maybe.
"He's your brother, Aayansh." I add, walking near him.
"I'm not denying you, do whatever you want" He says, fastening his watch around his wrist. He turns to me, cupping my cheek, his voice firm and composed "Except for the things you'll regret."
Last words don't settle well with me.
He presses a kiss to my forehead before leaving.
A notification ring on my phone pulls me out of the daze, I pick it up from the night stand. Eraya, my P.A.
I read her text.
Good morning, Ma'am
I hope I haven't disturbed you, 'Drunk on you' This album's signing has been pre-poned. So we'd be grateful if you let us know when you are comfortable in signing the album before recording.
Reacting to her message, I yawn and when I'm about to keep it back on the night stand, it rings. This time it's kia's call, The agent I've hired to get to know something about Aayansh's mother.
I pick it up and she blurts out "Ma'am, can...can you please meet me in 'Marine' cafe in an hour, I want to tell y-you something about Mrs. Aaina." She huffs, scared and suffocated.
"Is anything wrong, Kia?" I ask impatiently, "Why are you stammering?"
"Please, n-no one should know you're coming to meet me, it-it's about my life." She disconnects.
Something is terribly wrong.
I quickly move.
It takes me no time to get ready, in a white full length top and jeans, I head downstairs.
Sangeet's preparations are almost done, elites have started arriving, the whole palace has been adorned in a classic white theme. Servants and other staff doing their jobs, Riva Rhea are busy with their friends, Chachi is inspecting the preparations.
I walk ahead when my eyes spot Rivaan, In a white sherwani, following Kainaat who's looking like she'd kill him if he doesn't stop coming behind her.
"Cherry, at least listen to me" He requests, I feel pity for him.
"I'm not gonna marry you until you have your dick pierced for me" She snaps, avoiding all his efforts.
What-the-fuck!
I shift my eyes aside, pretending as if I haven't listened to what she just said.
"Bhabhi-" Rivaan's voice pulls me back to them, his eyes shift to kainaat, then to me "Are you going somewhere?"
"Yeah" I answer, "By the way, give your fiancèe proper attention, she won't ask for anything else."
My phone buzzes, I pull it out, scrolling through the screen when my vision starts blurring, my head spinning as darkness engulf my vision... Before I realise it, my steps stumble-
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Hope you enjoyed the chapter, thank you for reading!