Chapter 28

Chapter 27

“Every Woman Deserves 

To Have A Man Who Is 

Proudly Willing to Say

To the Whole World,

Yeah, She's My One 

And Only.

She Is Beautiful And

She Is Mine”

He knocked on her door and then without waiting for a reply entered her room. He was disappointed to see Ragini there.

"Hi Aangre" she smiled at him.

"Where is Ishani?" He asked her with a serious face.

"She..."

As if on the cue washroom door opened. He saw Ishani wiping her mouth to a towel. She looked a little pale.

"You okay?" He asked her concerned

"Yes," she gave him a strained smile "do you need something?"

"Yes, I wanted to speak with you, but it seems you are busy" he subtly gazed at Ragini

"Wait. She is leaving anyways" Ishani looked at Ragini pointedly

"Yes. I am leaving." Ragini left the room half-heartedly

As soon as the door closed behind him Aangre strode over to her and kissed her.

"I want you to wear this for tonight's party." He whispered in her ear and kept the bag on the bed

Looping her arms around his neck Ishani whispered back "did you buy me a dress? Then you are going to be very disappointed. Because you know Ishani Raisinghania already has everything selected for her. And anyway no offense to you but you suck at anything related to fashion"

"I know. You are the best when it comes to fashion. Still, I hope you will wear this tonight. I must leave now. Bye," he pecked her lips and left.

Ishani smiled looking at his retreating back and giddily opened the bag. She opened the gift wrap to find a pair of erotic black color lingerie. The same color dress she chose to wear for today's party.

The last few days had been the best days of her life. Since Vansh Bhai and Aangre returned from their trip. She was not sure what to expect from Aangre. She had spent the past few days thinking only about him. Would it lead to something meaningful or it was just a one-time thing. All her doubts cleared the next day when he pulled her in a corner and kissed her. Since then they were stealing kisses with heavy make-out sessions sometimes whenever they would be alone. 

Ishani clutched the package close to her heart. Everything was falling back to normal. Now she will not let anyone destroy this for her. Nothing can go wrong now and if something goes wrong, she will make it right Ishani thought with determination

*****

"That's it, please don't apply too much mascara. It looks dark" Riddhima complained to her makeup artist who shook her head at her assistant feeling annoyed. 

Sejal moved away from her door. She was jealous. Riddhima was getting all the attention and pampering which she deserved and why because Vansh Raisinghania likes her...She slammed her bedroom door shut and leaned back against it. She wiped an angry tear. She wanted that place. She wanted to fight with Riddhima, to blame her, to cause her the same pain which she was feeling right now. But she could not. 

She shuddered to think what will happen if VRS gets to know about it. She still could not forget her last meeting with him. She was feeling embarrassed to face Aaryan that day after she mistook him to be interested in her and when he rejected her advances. She felt he enjoyed her discomfort. He called her to the office. She was surprised when they told her that her meeting is in the board room with VRS himself and not Aaryan.

She immediately went to the washroom. She touched up her lipstick and brushed her hair and opened the first two buttons of her top. This is her chance she will show VRS that she is better than her sister.

When she reached the board room, she saw three people. Vansh and two bodyguards. One of them was female. 

When he did not ask her to have a seat, she asked for his permission to which he just nodded. 

"Did you hurt Riddhima?"

"What? No" she was baffled. He called her for this

"I saw your nail marks on her wrist. Don't lie" he was angry

"I...yeah I think it must have happened when we had this silly fight. I grabbed her hand a little tight. Riddhima exaggerates all the time." She gave a nervous laugh trying to maintain her composure

Vansh nodded at someone behind her and the next thing she knew. The female guard took hold of her hair from the back. 

"Ahh..." Sejal stood up and screamed as the lady banged the back of her head into the wall.

Sejal rubbed the back of her head as she looked at them through the tears of humiliation and pain

"I am going to file a complaint against you..." Her voice wavered as she looked at Vansh’s furious face. 

The female guard twisted her hand behind her back as Vansh walked towards her.

"This is just a demo. Hurt her again and you will be facing dire consequences. And file a complaint against me but then be ready to beg on road. One more thing Riddhima is going to be my wife by hook or by crook. She should not know about this. If she does..." He left his threat unfinished.

Today they have a party at one of the VR Hotels. VR Industries have secured a deal with well-known German healthcare service. They are going to build a high-tech hospital in collaboration with Life beat hospital. All the life beat hospital doctors and their families were invited to this party. Other than that, from what she knew there will be few top management people from her office, politicians, few international clients, and the press will be present to report this party.

She was invited being Riddhima's family. She looked at her dress with disgust. In any other circumstances, she would have gladly admired it. She brought this dress as soon as Riddhima told her about the party. But today after a set of designers, the make-up artist entered their home stating VRS has sent them to help Riddhima. They brought a beautiful golden-colored gown with them. Since then she could not appreciate her own dress, this was nothing compared to Riddhima's dress...

*****

"Sunny, I saw Aangre and Ishani together. Something is going on between them. Ishani who usually insulted Aangre was happy to see him. We have to do something or else it won't take long before we are removed from VR Mansion once and for all" Ragini told him worriedly.

"I know. Ishani is not even answering my calls" 

"What are we going to do now?"

"Well, even I was worried till sometime back. But now I have got some news for you. And that is going to be my permanent ticket to enter VR Mansion" Sunny gave a wicked smile.

"What is it?" She was super excited

"I will tell you on the way. We are getting late for the party and I want to meet my Ishani" he winked at her

*****

Riddhima once again muttered under her breath. She knew these people were annoyed with her cause she kept interrupting their process but what she can do about it. She was not comfortable with so much attention. This was all because of Vansh. He sent a designer shop and a Beauty parlor to her place. They gave her a spa, and whatnot then styled her hair. 

Not that she did not like a day of pampering. She visits her parlor once a quarter to give herself a day of relaxation and it was always with Nia. And that session ended in a max of 2-3 hours. It's been five hours now and still, it was not over. On top of that makeup...

She would have denied this invitation if it were not for Sahil's enthusiasm and she knew for a fact that Vansh will not take it lightly if she did not show up. He had warned her about this yesterday. 

After Kabir's fiasco, she had decided that she will not fight with him. Only her Bappa can help her now. She could not see anyone getting hurt because of her...

*****

Kabir slammed his hand on the table. No CCTV footage, no proof? He was still looking for people who kidnapped him and then dropped him off at the municipality hospital. He got discharged yesterday. Whoever thought that they can mess with Kabir Sharma will be very sorry when gets to know about the person.

His phone rang, grinding his teeth he answered the call. 

"Yes Ahana" 

"My my why do you sound angry?"

"I am working at present, tell me if it's important. I am busy." he snapped

"I just called you to tell you that I will pick you up after an hour. I hope you are ready." Ahana was irritated with his behavior. She was on cloud nine when he agreed to accompany her to a party at VR Mansion. What's up with this attitude? 

"And I told you I will be ready by then. You don't have to call me each hour"

"Fine. Sorry I disturbed you" Ahana disconnected the call

Kabir sighed this girl was a nuisance. The only reason he agreed to attend that party was that he knew Riddhima will be there. He had not spoken with Riddhima after their last meeting. He was busy with finding the person who attacked him, and another reason was he was afraid she will confirm what he feared. 

That does not mean he left the subject. Aside from looking for the culprit who attacked him, he was also looking for clues that will let him know if Riddhima was involved with anyone. He met Sahil yesterday, pretending to have work in his area. He got to know about the party they will be attending. He called back Ahahna to tell her he will be her date for tomorrow's party. Initially, she had already asked him about it, and he declined. 

If there was someone in Riddhima’s life, that person will surely attend this party. He was not sure if anyone was there in Riddhima's life. But she did not inform him about this party was proof enough. The Riddhima that he knew would immediately call him or invite him...

*****

Vansh once again glanced at Riddhima. It will be almost two hours now since the party started. She was ignoring him. He sent a car for them. Nia was coming with her father and Sahil with his parents, so she agreed to come in his car without any fight. Not that she fought with him. Nowadays she mutely agreed to his every whim and demand. He did not like that. He liked her spirit. To think that he had scared her enough to stop her from voicing her thoughts did not settle well with him.

He thought she will shout at him finding a team of professionals at her home to get her ready, but he did not receive a single call. She looked divine. He was glad that she did not wear much makeup. She was a natural beauty. She did not need these cosmetics. He wanted to take her in his arms. And what he wants he always gets.

He lost his cool when he saw Kabir at the party. He was about to move towards him when he saw Ahana with Kabir. He looked at Aangre who nodded and left. The official part of this party was over.

His clients from German, Life beat hospital owner had given their speech and thanked VR for giving them the opportunity for such a fabulous deal. Now only his beat was pending.

Aangre returned with the information which satisfied him. Kabir was Ahana's date. He didn't know how they knew each other. Whatever it was he was pleased. He saw Kabir approach Riddhima once or twice before the Ahana dragged him to the dance floor.

As for Riddhima, she was sticking with her friends or Dr. Batra or with Sia or Dadi. Ishani was dancing with Aangre. He saw Nia and Sahil join Riddhima. Sahil asking her for a dance. Riddhima placing her hand in his...

*****

Ishani was gazing at Aangre lovingly. He was busy with some of the business associates. She was excited for tonight. 

"Ishani. I missed you. Is it over between us now?" Interrupting her thoughts Sunny asked her

"There is no us. It was just a time pass." Ishani scowled at him

"Even after what happened between us?"

"Shut up" Ishani hissed "I will pay you a hefty amount just keep your trap shut"

"Ishani... I love you" 

"Sunny, forget what happened between us. If you breathe a word of that night. I will kill you. Remember how I stabbed that man's hand a few days back just because he was annoying me." Ishani menaced 

"I know how to kill. I am VRS's blood sister. Keep that in mind"

*****

"May I cut in?" Vansh asked Sahil

"Of course, bye Riddz." Though Sahil was shocked to see Vansh there he recovered quickly. Of course, Vansh knew her. She is his sisters’ doctor. Sahil shrugged and went ahead to join Nia.

A new song started as he took her in his arms.

"Riddz?" Vansh raised his eyebrows

"My friends call me that. Why did you ask me to dance everyone is looking at us" 

"Get used to it. You are going to be Mrs. VR..."

"Shh..." she stopped him. Other couples were dancing on the floor. One of them was Kabir and Ahana. Sahil and Nia joined them on the dance floor. Sejal was dancing with someone. Aangre with Ishani. Aaryan with some other girl. Ishani' friends and few more couples

It felt as if almost everyone was looking at them. "Why did you ask me for dance. Everyone is looking at us. What will they think?"

"I don't care" he shrugged his shoulders before twirling her and once again pulling her in his arms.

Suddenly her eyes clashed with Kabir's. He looked...she did not know what he looked like, but he was not happy that was for sure.

"Look at me" Vansh demanded

Glancing up, she found herself staring into the eyes of Vansh. They danced for a few minutes in silence. 

"You are not angry?" She questioned him

"Should I be?" Vansh countered her

"I mean" she hesitated "Kabir"

"Oh that. No. I am not. On the contrary, I thought you might be angry"

"Why?" She looked confused

"He is here with a date" he stated "I thought you will be jealous. Don't you love him?" 

"I won't say anything. You act like a mad man whenever I say something."

"That won't happen today. I promise. Tell me are you not jealous. You love him right"

Riddhima looked at him contemplating if she should speak her mind or not "like not love" she told him finally

"I believe you can only love someone once you spend quality time with them. You know their scars and dark secrets. Their good as well as bad part. And yet you want to be with that person. I believe falling in love is a long process. I don't believe in love at first sight. Anything other than that is plainly obsession or attraction you feel for that person" she finished looking at him pointedly

He knew she was speaking about him; he pulled her close "Leave love at first sight. I never even believed in love Riddhima. Till you came. But then I saw you. I held you in my arms and heard your complaint about myself. And I knew it's you. I know you don't feel the same way. But I am ready to wait as long as it takes for you to fall in love. I have only one condition. Don't leave me"

Riddhima was speechless. What should she say to this? She was trying to make him understand that what he feels for her is only an infatuation. She still could not understand how can he say he loves her. What did he know about her?

Song came to an end 

"Riddhima, wish me. My speech is pending. I will be going on stage now."

Softly smiling Riddhima wished him "All the best"

*****

"Why would Vansh dance with that doctor?" Rudra questioned his wife

"So, what he danced with other two ladies as well" Chanchal shrugged

"They are his business associates. Did you see the way he was looking at her"

"Seriously Rudra, you called me aside for this? I was showing off my new bangles..."

*****

Everybody clapped, his speech was crisp and down to the point. He added a few things which they plan to enhance. What are his future plans, etc...

"He is brilliant" Nia told them "Dad was telling me his recent Dubai deal was also a huge success"

*****

"Thank you for all your wishes" Vansh smiled at them all "I have very good news; I would like to share with you today" Everyone looked at him expectantly

"This is about my personal life. I have often been questioned in many of my interviews, when do I plan to settle down. Do I love someone? When will I get married? Till now the answer to your question had always been not yet. No. But today I would like to announce that I have decided to get married to the love of life" he took a pause. 

Whispers broke out and finally, all the reporters had only one question for him

"Who is she? Is she here?"

Riddhima stood there frozen "no" she took a step back

"Hey Riddhz, you okay?" Nia looked at her friend concerned. Her face had turned ashen.

Vansh stared at her for a moment. He saw her shake her head in negation slowly.

"Yes. As a matter of fact. She is here. Her name is Riddhima Shastri." He gestured at her "Come here, Sweetheart" Vansh called her.

Some people were still confused, looking here and there to find the girl. She could hear her friends' shocked responses to this announcement "what?" "Rubbish"

"Riddhima go, Bhai is waiting for you" she felt someone push her from behind. She realized it was Sia

She saw Vansh step down. He was walking towards her now. He took her hand in his. People started clicking pictures madly. Four guards covered them. They reached the stage. Vansh held her by the waist.

Reporters started asking questions. Vansh answered all of them. She was too shocked to act. She stood there like a statute feeling a wait of thousands of stares. 

That time she understood how burdened Harry Potter must have felt when his name came out of that goblet of fire...

She felt Vansh kiss her forehead...

*****

Ishani fumed as she left the hall. He is going to marry that trash. Aangre knew and he did not tell her. She was angry at him. And what was the need to announce this? Gosh, that girl did not have any status. She ignored Aangre's calls and took a drink and entered the garden area near the exit. 

She sat on a bench, took a sip of her drink, and opened her purse to pull out a small mirror. An envelope fell from her purse. This was from the city hospital. Her pregnancy reports. It arrived just when she was leaving for the party. Aangre was nearby so she stuffed it into her purse in a hurry. 

Aangre can't know about it. She had not checked the reports yet, but she was sure they would be negative. She had already taken a pregnancy test at home. This was just for her confirmation.

She opened the report "no... no…no" 

*****

It had been a few minutes since Vansh introduced her as his fiancée. People were coming to congratulate them one by one.

Finally, the face she was looking for "Hello Mr. Raisinghania. That's such good news" Mr. Srivastava shook his hand and then turned to her. 

"You girls kept such a big thing secret from me. I was asking Nia. Why hide this? Look she is still not ready to say anything"

Riddhima looked at Nia, hoping she was not mad. She glared at Vansh before plastering a fake smile on her face 

"Dad, I didn't know he would announce it today. Riddhima wanted to keep this as a secret till the time was right. Correct Riddhz?" Nia asked her sarcastically

Vansh pulled her close "Actually, even she was not aware of this. Right Sweetheart?"

Nia grabbed her hand "Riddhima, I want to talk to you somewhere privately. Let's go"

Vansh pulled her back "she can't leave now. There are some people who I would like to introduce her to"

"I don't care. Riddhz?"

"Nia? Is this the way to speak..." Her father sounded shocked

"Then maybe you should leave" Vansh glared at her

She gazed at Riddhima who looked back at her helplessly.

"I am leaving" Nia stormed off

"I am sorry Mr. Raisinghania. I don't know what's wrong with her" her father left apologizing on her behalf.

"Let me go Vansh. This is not fair. You broke your promise"

"Do you really want to speak about breaking promises right now?" he questioned back

Some more business associates moved ahead. Riddhima quickly excused herself and left.

Vansh looked at Angre. "I will bring her back" he left

*****

Riddhima ran outside. Crossing the garden, she saw Nia's car leaving. Dejectedly she turned to go back. Sejal was still there...

She entered the hotel lobby. Staring blankly at the floor she did not see where she was going and bumped into someone.

"The hell, can't you see where you are going? Use your eyes loser" it was Ishani. Her purse ripped open and spilled its contents on the floor.

"Sorry" Riddhima bent down to help her.

"Don't touch my stuff" Ishani snatched her things back, stuffed them in her purse and started walking away. 

Riddhima saw the paper laying on the floor. "I think you forgot something" Riddhima called out

Ishani turned around and looked at her horrified. Riddhima held her pregnancy report in her hand.

She checked her purse to realize she has an empty envelope. Before she could react, she heard Aangre's voice

"Mam, Boss is calling you in" 

Riddhima turned to him confused "Mam? Me?" 

He nodded and saw Ishani hurrying towards them "What's going on?" He looked at Ishani hoping she was not once again insulting Riddhima. He saw Ishani staring at the paper in Riddhima's hands.

"What's that?" he gestured towards the paper

"I don't know. I think it's Ishani's"

"Yes, it's mine" Ishani confirmed

"Give it to me," both said at the same time 

and because she held that paper in her right hand and Aangre was standing there her hand involuntary moved towards him. 

In a split second, she saw Ishani shaking her head at her and the world pregnancy positive. But Aangre had already taken that paper from her and was reading it.

"You are pregnant" He stated. His face was blank. 

Riddhima never would have known that he was angry if she had not seen him crumpling the paper. She knew she revealed something which was supposed to be secret for Ishani.

"Aangre I sent you to bring her back. Why are you standing here?" Vansh moved towards them

He looked at the tensed faces of all of them. "What's wrong?"

Wordlessly Aangre handed him the paper. Vansh read the report, exhaled a breath, and returned the paper to Aangre. 

"I will take her back. You can leave if you want to"

Ishani looked at her brother feeling hurt. He did not even look at her. He did not scold her for such a huge mistake.

*****

Vansh guided Riddhima back into the party by holding her waist.

"Your sister is going to kill me" Riddhima spoke silently.

He looked amused "She can't touch a single hair on your head. I will make sure of it"

*****

Note:

1. Riddhima's golden dress - I am imaging it to be the same one from new year party of IMMJ

2. The song which Riansh danced on Sadka Kiya from I hate love stories 

3. For all who are asking me about wattpad. Yes. I have account there Vampgirl06. But I am not much active on that. I will try to update it there as well